Daawy advises young authors to follow their dreams

Picture used for illustrative purposes alone

The UAE's Year of Reading is crucial in developing future generations of talented Arab authors, according to Emirati writer Daawy.

Daawy, who is among the Emirati artists participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2016 (SIBF), began writing as a child, and soon began earning top honours in writing competitions. Among thousands of contestants, her short stories were chosen to be published in a number of international anthologies in the United States and Germany.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, 28-year-old Daawy praised the initiatives being taken by her country to instil a love of books among young Emiratis and Arabs.
"I feel it is a huge positive step that will hopefully build generations of talented authors, inquirers and motivators," she said. "Reading at home from a young age is essential, especially if one wishes to excel in the field of writing.
"However, it is never too late if you have the correct mindset and constantly devise time to read and write," she added.
"The SIBF is an excellent example of how far we have reached," she noted. "On my part, I am visiting schools and universities throughout the country on a weekly basis and share with the students my advice and experiences as an author, in order to inspire them to chase their dreams as well.
"I wished I was able to meet with authors when I was still in school, because I would have been less hesitant to accomplish my own dream as an author," she added. "Reminding children constantly that they could be authors too and follow their own passion is vital."
Daawy is also the author of a novel, entitled From the Capital with Love.
Looking back on her own body of work, she noted that much of it is inspired by her experiences of life in the emirates.
"My writing tends to be deep and reflective. I like to search for optimism in the cold coves of despair. This ray of light motivates all my writings," she said. "The short stories are all non-fiction, while my novel is fiction, but deeply inspired from the modern life in the UAE."
From the Capital with Love, she noted, "explores love, education, tradition, culture, friendship, marriage and life in general."
"It is a social story of modern United Arab Emirates. Although it is fiction, it explores realistic situations we face today. The settings and history are real," she remarked. "The love I carry towards my country and the pride I feel towards Dubai being the home of Expo 2020 is visible in my narration."
Another work of hers - Family Matters - portrays her own family, going back to the days of her grandparents.
"I highlight the significance between 'old' and 'new' Dubai and the connection we still have with our past, despite all the technological advancements," she said. "It speaks fondly about my country, the UAE, as does all my writings, while still maintaining the balance to gather thoughts and implement questions that will only help us modernise ourselves intellectually in line with our beautiful country."
Daawy advised young writers - whether they be Emirati or expats - to work hard to follow their dreams.
"Every dream is obtainable, if you set your heart and mind into it. Devise a plan by turning the huge, frightening dream into baby steps," she said. "Concentrate on fulfilling these steps on a daily basis, even if it takes as little as 15 minutes. The dream will soon transform to goals achieved."
bernd@khaleejtimes.com