Dilmun Resurrected

I was delighted today when, during a visit to the 2nd Bahrain International Sculpture Symposium exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum, I discovered a gem of a show on the side!

A special exhibit celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the discovery of the Dilmun Civilization and the first Danish excavation expedition is erected at the entrance hall of the museum.

I don’t know how many people out there know about it (I didn’t) but this is an event that everyone should attend. The exhibition is a marvel and I was surprisingly impressed with a) the exhibits, b) how they are displayed, and c) the information accompanying them. There were even multi-media sources with documentaries, television interviews and sound clips, complementing the various rare and fascinating items collected from the excavation team and the expedition.

We Bahrainis forget that our country has such rich and deep history. All we know about it is whatever little we are taught at school, and let’s face it, most of us never paid attention during history class did we?

I urge you all to go see it before it’s too late. I couldn’t find out how long it will be on for. But it’s a pleasant treat, no doubt about it. I also got plenty of good information which I could be using for one of my future projects.

I spent many adays under the scorching sun out in the desert as a reporter, covering the latest discoveries on the burial mounds of Hamad Town. I found the whole process intriguing. I remember my conversations with one Bahrain excavator called Khalil, who almost wet himself in excitement every time they found a new piece!

Khalil, if you’re still out there, keep it up. The Danes started the job, but we Bahrainis can carry on with it!

On the other hand, the contemporary wooden sculpture expo also provided some excellent art pieces from artists from around the world. This years event, being organized I was specifically impressed with the pieces from Georgia and Poland.

To learn more about the event, read this article.

Brilliant is Good is Quite Intriguing!

As you can see, there are slight changes on the sidebar.

I've finally submitted to featuring my own Word Meters for works currently in progress. This will give you some sort of idea on how far I am in which project, and hopefully will make me keep proper track of my progress rate.

The two on the table right now are Buried and Against, both novels. I've only started on the latter as recently as August/September. Taking in mind that QuixotiQ took me five years to complete, it's a whole lot of improvement. As for Buried, well, I think I've started on it almost two years ago already now. But hopefully, I'll manage to wrap it up soon.

The 'Moments' cover artwork mini-poll has been pulled down. Thanks to everybody that have taken part and voted. Your feedback is greatly valued and support much appreciated (and needed).

Here are the final results:

37% of you thought the cover was brilliant! Which is incredible. Cheers.
21% felt that it was quite intriguing.
32% reckoned it was just good.
5% thought it was mediocre.
And the rest 5% slammed it as rubbish!

So all in all, a positive reception.

The Year In Review: Music

Generally speaking, 2005 has been a good year for music. I’ve discovered plenty of new and upcoming artists who have made the past 12 months worthwhile. But notably, we’ve seen a sudden influx in singer/songwriter’s success.

From the more obscure but talented – such as Stephen Fretwell and David Ford, to the more commercial and mainstream, the likes of James Blunt (enough already!) and Daniel Powter, an element that has contributed in witnessing a surge in acoustic and piano driven hits. There were also a few pleasant surprises; KT Tunstall delivered perhaps one of the most accessible records of the year.

As for bands, well, I’ve been a little disappointed with some of the bands that the media has labeled at the next big thing (Maximo Park, Kaiser Chiefs). On the other hand, several of my all-time fave groups released new and brilliant records, as you would see in the list below, including THREE, yes, THREE, records from the one and only musical genius, Ryan Adams.

Here are my tops picks of the year.

Best Albums of 2005

1) Warnings/Promises – Idlewild
2) On The Outside – Starsailor
3) Cold Roses – Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
4) 29 – Ryan Adams
5) Jacksonville City Nights – Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
6) All Maps Welcome – Tom McRae
7) X&Y – Coldplay
8) Pushing The Senses – Feeder
9) Howl – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
10) Magpie – Stephen Fretwell

**other noteworthy artists include Athlete, Elbow, My Morning Jacket and Thirteen Senses.

ps. Season's Greetings to all of you lot out there. Happy Holidays. (bit late, sorry!)

This 'n' That

A couple of readings are coming up early next week, which I might be involved with. The readings are part of the activities held during the Second Literary Meet for Arab Youths which started today.

The first one will be held at the Bahrain Writer’s Association on Saturday, Dec 24, from 7pm to 9pm and the second the following day at Al Riwaq Gallery in Adliya, at the same time.

I will most defiantly be there at the event, whether I will do a reading or if it’s going to be open for the public, is still not confirmed. I will keep you posted soon as I get word on that.

Efforts to create a proper .com are picking up again. I’m currently doing my research on domain/hosting websites and companies. So far, I’ve been most impressed with the hosting plans and packages offered through godaddy.com and compila.com.

Plans are to launch alialsaeed.com with the start of the New Year. Fingers crossed.

Ps for those who’ve taken a ‘moment’ to vote in the mini-poll, thanks a lot. The poll is still on so if you’ve not voted yet, please do so. Your feedback is needed.

Contemporary Curves

Last night I finally visited the “Contemporary Curves” art exhibition held at Al Riwaq Art Gallery in Adliya. The exhibition is the third in a series of art exhibitions focusing on innovation and contemporary creation in art by a bunch of local artists.

The art pieces on display are nothing less than impressive. The artists have transformed the entire gallery into breathing, living artwork, with images, scriptures, video displays and sculptures. It also introduced four new faces to the local art scene, all university students.

I take my hat off to all of the participating artists and I must also praise the role of Bayan Kanoo, the owner of Al Riwaq Gallery, into bringing such a feat of innovation and creativity to life. It is rare to find a place where the number one priority is creativity

The open discussion that followed that evening was, personally, an eye-opener. I gathered that many of the challenges are problems facing artists are similar to those facing writers. One of these was the question of whether the creator is present a message or a statement through their work, an element linked directly to the value of the publics’ understanding of the piece in question.

I personally think that, for both artist and writers, the audiences’ comprehension of your work is not as significant when you are presenting a statement, than it is a message. And here lay the issue of the artist’s own ambition and objective. An art piece such as Anas Al Shaikh’s, one of Bahrain’s most reputable and talented young contemporary artist (who was with us at the discussion last night), which is introduced at Contemporary Curves, has raised many questions, some even expressed their disapproval of his piece which had a political and patriotic agenda, something that is very rarely touched upon by our local artists.

If you have a chance, I do urge you to go and see it. You can catch “Contemporary Curves” from 10am to 8pm everyday until Dec 22. I’m sure it will give your some food for thought.

They Came In Two

RSP Publishing, a new Austuralian online publisher, has accepted two of my short stories for publication.

Newton's Hope, a sci-fi that I could only describe as "Cast Away" in space, and How The Ant Became Man (or the other way 'round, depending how you see it), were both lableled as "original" by RSP Publishing manager, Lutz Braz. He said: "The Newton story, I thought was a great philosophical-existential exposition. Almost like the Schrodigers' Cat Problem except inside out."

The stories are now available through the publisher's online bookstore (scroll down to find my stories) and you can purchase your copy electronically for a nominal fee. They are only $A2 (568 fils) a piece!

So what are you waiting for? Hurry on to the RSP website now!

Reveald

Last year, prior to publishing QuixotiQ, I conducted a poll for the blog visitors to sound their opinions of the cover artwork. So this might be becoming something of a tradition now.

Here, for the first time, is the (almost) final version of the cover artwork for my upcoming book, the collection of short stories, Moments. As it stands, I am most likely to go with Lulu this time ‘round. This gives me total control of the whole publishing process, from design, to layout, to content and even price and royalties. But that might change as no final plans have been, well, finalised!

What you see here is a cover design created entirely by myself. The photo I used, which I took quite some time ago, has a somewhat fascinating story behind it. But I won’t be sharing that with you just yet… hey, I gotta keep making you come back don’t I?

Copies of the manuscript have also gone out to people with expertise and background in the field for critique and feedback. This will all hopefully contirbute to producing a much more pure, flaw-free final book which in turn better your reading experince.

Go on, vote and voice your opinion on what you make of the cover. Feel free to drop me any further comments if you so wish. (You will find the mini-poll on the sidebar to the right of the screen. Right there!)

What's Not to Like?

I haven’t been feeling well these past few days. It’s the flu you see. Human flu, not to confuse it with bird flu. I wouldn’t want to start a global panic about yet another outbreak!

In any case, I’m sitting on my desk in front of my laptop surrounded by bundles of snot-soaked tissues (you didn’t need to know that did you?) and trying to get some oomph to get some work done. I’ve very disappointed with myself. Not much achieved this past month.

Though, I did get turned down by a literary agent. We met in Cambridge during the seminar, and she seemed interested in my work. This agent is involved with one of the top agencies in the UK. Took a while for me to pluck up the courage to send her some of my stuff, which were a couple of, what I felt, my strongest short stories.

Her response was that there was “a lot to like” in them but that she didn’t feel “confident” enough to place them in journals and such. I was also referred to a couple of publications, including Banipal, which I’ve known about for a while now. I’ve even attempted contacting them (submitting a story) but yet to hear back.

Last night I watched a Korean film; Old Boy. It comes highly recommended. But it’s not for the weak hearted or those who might get offended. The film does deal with a very sensitive, and at times, sickening theme. Rest assured though, you are in for a shock and a treat. I found not one single flaw in it; it’s brilliantly shot, well structured and fabulously performed. You can always count on Asian cinema for originality.

Which brings us to a topic I’d very much like to tackle; the decline and imminent fall of Hollywood, the most un-original source of film in the world... Watch this space!

The More The Merrier

Just over a year ago, no Bahraini has published any literature in English.

When I published my novel, QuioxtiQ, last summer, becoming the very first Bahraini to do so, it was, I had hoped, the beginning of something beautiful, the birth of a new cultural and literary movement here in Bahrain and around the Gulf.

Today, two other young and ambitious Bahraini authors have had their books published. Sarah Al Shafei, through Athena Press, published her novel, Yummah. And more recently, a friend and an ex-colleague of mine, Hisham Al Sakin (pictured), published his first book of poetry. All in English!

I've spoke of Hisham before, that's why the name perhaps rings a bell. I met him a couple of days ago over coffee and doughnuts and it was such a pleasure. This is a guy who is passionate and enthusiastic about his work and the whole literary movement, part of - what I call - the next generation of local literature.

(On a regional level, there was also Nimah Ismail Nawwab, of Saudi Arabia, whom I've also met several months ago, and whose book of poem, The Unfurling, has earned wide, international acclaim.)

Hisham's book of poetry, titled ECHOES: From the Dune of Bahrain, was published by a local publisher called Al Maseerah. Hisham told me of his plans and hopes for his book and I was just as excited. I was also given a signed copy from the author and I will post my comments as soon as I have finished reading it.

I truly believe that what all of us are doing is unique and important, coming from the background we come from. And I believe that I speak on behalf of the rest when I say that what we're doing is reaching out a hand to the world, to other cultures, and communicating with them through the language of life... Literature.

What's On Your Head?!

Since my return, I've been mostly preoccupied with matters other than writing, which is rather disappointing, to me at least. Over the past 3 months or so, I've made significant progress on my newest novel, Against. But that came to a halt for a few weeks. Having said that, I did write a little over 400 words the other day. That means that I've hit the 29k mark, which is two thirds of the book.

Most of my attention was focused on trying to push quixotic a little more locally, putting together the collection, as well as work on sorting things out on a personal level. There are a couple of things on the stove as we speak, but these will take some time to cook! I will keep you updated.

Funniest thing though, is the fact that just about every single person I met since I got back, first and foremost, commented on my head! Or what's on it to be exact. It seems that my latest hair-do is becoming the stuff of legend here in Bahrain already. One person in particular looked at me as if I had just come out of a burning wreckage unscathed!!! Many others felt obliged to give unwarrnted complements...

Seriously, people, it's just hair!

The Survival of the Short Story!

I felt I had to tackle the subject after reading Cavan's recent post on the 'Death of the Short Story'. This is a very tricky and fascinating topic and one which is certainly multi-layered. The short fiction market is, no doubt, struggling, on numerous fronts, but I for one believe in this medium and am quite fond of it. I enjoy reading it and enjoy writing it more so.

When it comes to, I think the issue lies in the fact that there aren't many widely available and easy-accessed journals/mags, and people mostly have to subscribe to get their hands on a copy! And then again, the majority of these publications are in the higher-end of the market.

But as I am preparing a collection of short stories for publication, such matters directly affect me, whether I like it or not.

Like I said, I love short stories and feel strongly about them. That's why I've put Moments together. And I'm hoping that it will find many readers. I do believe that short fiction can be more effective, to a degree, than the novel form, in that it can be more instantaneous, powerful and intriguing.

I enjoy reading collections by a single author. It can be a lot of fun and I think there are many people who feel the same. It's just a matter of getting the right combination of stories and, as with everything else, targeting it at the right audience. I know a lot of people dismiss short stories and collections, but sometimes they can offer a different reading experince.

Look at what David Mitchell had achieved with Cloud Atlas. This was a very smart way of incorporating a multi-layered short story collection into one body and present it as a novel.

Perhaps that's where the survival of the short story lies. I'm hoping to find out when Moments comes out!

The Delayed Cambridge Post

Alright, so I suppose you're all wondering: what the hell happened? This guy is flown to Cambridge to attend this literature seminar yet, more than four months later, he never even mentions it?

Apologies. Here, I present you thee, a complete post (article) on my thoughts of that very matter in question. This is a piece I wrote for the British Council and was published in their most recent newsletter. I've cut chunks out of it here. (if you go to my flickr account you will find a group photo from the event).


Writer’s Paradise

The prospect of spending eight days in the company of some of Britain’s finest established authors as well as an international group of writers, publishers, translators and editors might have been daunting at first, but once I stepped into the Downing College campus in Cambridge, I realized that I was in for an extraordinary experience.

I was invited by the British Council Bahrain to take part in the 29th Cambridge Seminar on contemporary literature, following the publication of my debut novel QuixotiQ last year, which is the very first to be written by a Bahraini in the English language. The novel became a national best-seller and went on to win the Bahraini Outstanding Book of the Year Award.

A wonderful and exciting line-up of some of the most influential and talented authors of British contemporary literature – from different backgrounds and genres – gave talks, readings and recitals over the week, from established veterans such as the infectiously funny Paul Bailey, the truly British Alan Bennett and the wonderfully genteel Terry Eagleton (whose reading of Oscar Wilde was one of the many highlights of the seminar) to some of today’s most inspiring and promising authors like the witty Hari Kunzru, the easy-going Toby Litt and the serious entertainer Nadeem Aslam.

As much as these talks and readings, and the chance of meeting such formidable authors and writers in person, was both inspirational and educational, it was also the interaction with my fellow participants that made the whole event an even more pleasurable experience. With about 50 men and women from the five corners of the world – writers, authors, publishers, editors, academics and translators – the seminar was truly a melting pot of talents, experiences and cultures and an extraordinary opportunity to build relations and establish contact with people from within the literature and publishing industry.

The seminar also gave me the chance to perform my first public reading, as part of the various activities scheduled on the programme. On a personal level, this was undoubtedly the most significant experience. I read two of my short stories and to my delight they both received resounding acceptance and confidence-boosting praise.

Those lovely summer afternoons, sipping tea and dipping biscuits at the steps of the Howard Building, engaging in cultural, political and literal debates and discussing everything from modern music to the impact of cultural fusion on the state of international contemporary literature, will remain forever with me as some of my fondest memories.

By bringing us all together, and by offering us a rare close-encounter with some of today’s finest authors, the British Council created what must be one of the most creative and inspirational gatherings. For me, as an upcoming and aspiring writer, it was everything I was expecting and hoping for.

The Pasta Strain

I think I've done a lot better this time around with revision and editing and, with the help of my beloved Karen, I reckon we got ourselves a decent collection of short stories. Moments is about 95% ready for publication, the next step being, where to take it from there.

With QuixotiQ, there was some sort of communication breakdown which resulted in allowing some mistakes and bad grammar to slip through, but having the chance to work on things together in person, is a lot better. The process - thanks a great deal to Karen, I must confess - gained me some more insight and made me a little more (gasp) patient! Having said that, I still believe there is more room for improvement.

I was surprised at how a story could read so much better by simply taking a word or two out, moving sentences around, and tweaking things here and there. The important thing is to keep the story flowing and to maintain consistency. I used to shrug off suggestions or comments on revision and 'more' editing, but I understand now.

It's a question of sifting through it all, like draining pasta in a colander! Let's face it, you wouldn't want the starchy water with that do you?

Didn't think so.

Meeting a God

Last Saturday, I had an encounter with a god!

Well, actually, his name was Neil Gaiman. Anyone who's visited this blog before will find the name familiar. I had mentioned him once or twice you see, he only happens to be my hero. I can easily say that he is one of my biggest inspirations and idols in the world of literature.

Anyhow, Mr Gaiman had a book signing in Norwich and Karen and I traveled the few miles especially for the occasion. I wasn't going to let this opportunity go to waste. And I'm glad I didn't.

The event was held at Ottakar's bookstore and quite a few people turned up for it. The queue zigzagged like a snake around the stork's ailse! I must admit, I did get a bit nervous. Hell, this guy was my idol. I've read almost all of his work - both novels and graphic ones too - and I worship his creations. His Sandman books simply changed my life.

I took my hardback Anansi Boys copy and the paperback Marvel 1602 comic book with me for him to sign. Gaiman was exactly how I expected him to be, genuinely nice, friendly and - er - a bit scruffy! We spoke briefly, but I'll never forget it. Unfortunately, I had taken a photo on a digital camera but it was mistakingly wiped out, something that was as close as a catastrophic-traumatic disaster to me as they could get.

Lastly, if you've not read anything for Gaiman yet, I urge you to do. You are more than likely to enjoy it. And I'm a happy bunny for actually meeting the man in person.

Now That's Poetry

Big congratulations to Hisham Alawi Al Sakin on the publication of his very first book of poetry a few days ago. His book includes a lovely collection of 30 poems written in English. This is great news not only for Hisham, but for the literary scene in general in Bahrain.

I've known Hisham for a long time as I had the pleasure of working with him during my time at the Bahrain Tribune. I remember last year, not long after I launched my novel, we met at a doughnut shop, discussing various matter of literature, poetry and publishing. And I am glad that Hisham went ahead with his work and produced this collection, which I am raring to read. Unfortunately, I missed his launch ceremony, but you can read all about it and about the book as well, in this GDN article.

Once again, congrats Hisham on this achievement and let's hope to see more of you in the future.

(PS. I still owe you a cup of coffee)

A Year Last Week!

Last week marked the 1st anniversary of the launch of my debut novel QuixotiQ. It was on October 21, 2004, at around 8pm in the Booksplus of Seef Mall, that scores of people turned up for the event. It was a glorious night that I will never forget for the rest of my life.

It was thanks to those people and everyone who was involved and supportive, that QuixotiQ went on to become what it is today. A national award-winning, best-selling novel. And that is why, in due time, I am hoping to release a new special edition of the novel. I am currently in the process of redesigning and revising.

But I have also been busy with the collection of short stories that I've been yearning to publish for a very long time. Now titled Moments, the collection will feature about 22 stories. You might be interested to know that I was planning on publishing the collection before QuixotiQ, as it wasn't even finished back then.

Anyhow, my dear partner Karen has been doing a great job in editing and proofreading the stories and I am very happy with the progress. I am hoping that it will all be ready shortly. Cover design and concept have also been created.

On other news, Apodis Publishing, Cavan Terrill's new exciting venture, have rejected two of my short stories (both sci-fi), Writers Block and Newton's Hope, for their future anthology. But I would like to leave you on a happier note! I had failed to mention earlier that, at long last, the new issue of Gold Dust Magazine has been published, featuring my short story Ezrael's Leaf and an author interview with yours truly. Make sure you get your hands on a copy right away!

The Noble Way

If you think that it is not physically possible to actually laugh till you explode, then you haven't heard or seen Ross Noble yet!

Noble is simply and undoubtedly one of the funniest 'blokes' on the planet Erath today. I had the pleasure of finally seeing him perform live in the flesh at the Corn Exchange a week or so ago. Me and my partner were laughing so hard we thought we're going to have a heart attack any minute now. I had seen Noble on telly before, but the live experience is certainly unforgettable.

He is now my favorite comedian. His witt and absolute recklessness with his jokes are hard to be matched by any other stand up comedian of his generation. Nothing is sacred, his random approach to comedy is one that is sure to knock anyone down with tear-jerking laughter. With no script or rehearsed sketches, he creates situations that are certainly out of this world.

If you've never heard or seen him, I urge you to do so. God you will laugh, trust me do. I for one find myself at the verge of physically exploding from the inside whenever he is on.

Oh It Feels So Good!

It is finally here. Right there in my hands...

Neil Gaiman latest nove, Anansi Boys. The one I've been waiting for for quite a while. And I can't wait to read it. The first few pages sound promising and I know mr Gaiman wouldn't disappoint. This is the man, after all, who inspired me to become a writer.

I'll try and post a full review of the novel once I had read it.

Progress on my third (or second?!) novel is right on track. Just a couple of days ago, I had passed the 21k mark. So, only two months into writing it, I am almost halfway there, which is, to say the least, both surprising and somewhat of a relief. Taking in mind that QuixotiQ took almost 5 years to complete and that I have already spend just around two years working on Buried, this is quite remarkable! Mind you, this will be the shortest novel I attempt, with a target of about 45k.

It's funny though, why I'm feeling more confident writing Against, even though it perhaps contains some of the most daring and controversial stuff I have come up with yet. The flow of writing it is very satisfying and I am finding that I am in full control of it, contrary to my debut novel. Having said that, I always found it the hardest when it comes to writing the second half of the novel. So I must be in for the tough part now. It's uphill from here on!

Stay tuned my darlings!

Lack of Updates

Apologies once again for lack of updates recently. But thanks for those who keep coming by!

More progress on my latest project, what is to be my third novel, now under the working title of Against. I have reached 14k mark and I'd liek to think that I am progressing steadily on this one.

I have also been considering a issuing a new edition of my debut, award-winning novel, QuixotiQ, and plans and work on this are currecnly underway. I am hoping to launch the new edition in time with the first anniversary of its publication.

That's all folks, for now!

Good Flow

The past couple of weeks have been somewhat productive, writing wise.

I have written over 6000 in what well could be my third novel, with the working title ''Terrified Souls''. Actually, this will probably be more a novella than a novel with a set target of around 40k to 45k. I'm not saying much more about it for now! Except that I've been enjoying a good flow of writing. I had also completed chapter 18 and began chapter 19 on Buried.

Following the Book of the Year Award and the recent Cambrige Seminar, there's not been any more news of late... I am also yet to hear the finaly word from the editors of Gold Dust Magazine on when the fourth issue - with my short story and interview - is going to be out. They hope soon! So do I.

Two More

Over the past week or so, I completed two short stories. Newton's Hope can be described as a ''The Castaway'' in space! While Yellow is a tragic account of a dying young man suffering from a chronic blood disease, one that is affecting thousands of young people in Bahrain. Not decided what to do with these two yet, but Newton's Hope might be submitted to a sci-fi anthology run by the Cavan Terrill's newly launched Apodis Publishing.

Some Sort of Update

Apologies for the lack of updates and posts. I am still in the UK and I do not have instant access to the internet.

Besides, I've just recovered from a fab, busy eight days at the Cambridge Seminar on contemporary literature. Which was by all means a wonderful, insightful experince. I met many great people and several amazong established authors (such as Toby Litt, Jim Crace, Paul Baiely and Nadeem Aslam).

I would like to think that this seminar will eventually pave the way for me to break into the publishing/literary scene in due time. And it has encouraged me to get back to my writing.

During the past couple of days I had managed to write over 1300 words on the latest chapter of Buried, my second novel. I am planning on submitting this novel to several publishers and agents in the UK when it's ready.

Ah, and this may be irrelvant, but my eldest sister Hana, had her second baby just a few days ago. A baby girl named Rana. Congrats once again sis and wish you all the best.

Signing off for now.

In The News

Apparently, I've been in the news these past couple of days for very different reasosns.

The Bahrain Tribune ran an article about my recent book award and the Cambridge seminar I am currently attending.

The Gulf Daily News however, ran a piece concerning my travel through London in time with the horrible events of 7-7.

Apart from that, things are going extremely well at Cambridge and I've met a lot of very interesting and nice people. I also did a reading for two of my short stories (The Purple Rose and The Bullshitter) both of which recieved applause and praise. This must be the highlight of the event, at least for me, because reading for such an experinced and qualified group of people and earning their praise and recognition says a lot.

I was a bit nervous, but the more I read the more confident I grew, as I felt the positive response from my listeners. and in time with reading the quirky Bullshitter, I was pleased to hear them giggle and laugh at the right places.

In fact, people are still talking about that reading and keep referring to the two stories, which is wonderful.

Moments Like These

Saying that I was lucky wouldn’t be appropriate. Saying that I came close to dying, wouldn’t really be true. If you go into too many what ifs we’ll be left with a heavy heart and a defeated soul.

Today, on the morning of July 7, I was at King’s Cross station in London. I left the station, only several minutes before a series of explosions occurred at that very same area I was at.

Yes, I could’ve died today, or something. If I had gone with my intention of spending more time in London in that same area, I might not have been writing this now. Instead, I just opted to take the 8.45 train to Cambridge. And thus escaped the carrange.

Does this make me feel lucky, or more alive? No, it does not. On the contrary. It depresses me and angers me.

While I was in the station, waiting for the train and trying to make up my mind what to do next, I kept watching the many people around. I saw middle aged businessmen and I saw young lovers. I saw wild teenagers and aging mothers. Some were smiling, others had anxious looks on their face, perhaps worried about their mortgage, or their marriage. I saw moments of life. Some made me smile, some made me reflect.

Why would anyone want to harm these people? All they are doing is living their life. Nothing more, nothing less.

Once I got to the Cambridge station, I heard an announcement that there would be no more trips to London due to security reasons. I had not paid heed to this. Maybe just another bomb threat, or some railway malfunction.

It was only several hours later that I heard the details of what had happened. I was frightened, angry and very much disturbed.

Life is beautiful. Why destroy it? Why?!

It’s moments like these that should bring us all human beings closer together. We are one and the same. We are beautiful. We are life. We are love. They cannot take that away from us. We won’t let them.

Cutting it Close

I'm flying tonight at 11 to London via Abu Dhabi. It's gonna be a long flight.

The awards ceremony starts at 8.30pm. This is the sort of situation where you wish you had a twin brother! Or even better, a clone!

I'm not sure if I'll make it to the ceremony of the Oustanding Book of the Year Awards tonight at the Bahrain National Museum and that's a big bummer, because I am supposed to be given a special award for my novel QuixotiQ, the first ever novel written in English by a Bahraini.

If I am lucky, I will be one of the first on the list to be honored. If not, then I'll be stuck and end up having to leave the ceremony without my award so that I can catch my flight. The ceremony might take between one and a half to two hours. That's cutting it real close, don't you agree?

In any case I'll make an appearance and see how it goes.

Perhaps I should say a few words in case I don't make it (indulge me will you? I'll probably won't get a second chance at this… you can only have a "first" once!): Thanks for the people at the Cultural Directorate for considering me and including me in their list of honors and for going as far as creating a new special award for my novel. It feels great earning such recognition. And I hope I can from now on meet the level of expectations regarding my future work.

And I also hope that this award will bring more attention to the book and that more and more people will want to read it. Remember, QuixotiQ is available through all major and leading online stores internationally and is stocked at Booksplus in Seef Mall and Al Riwaq Gallery in Adliya.

I should be wrapping up my packing now! See ya later.

Check it Out

It's finally officially on!

My new website alialsaeed.tk is now online. Took a while, but it's finally there. I hope you like it and find its contents useful and entertaining.

I am leaving late on Wednesday to attend the Cambridge Seminar, thanks to the kind people at Etihad Airways for sponsoring my flight to the UK. A press released regarding the seminar will be available within the next couple of days.

Also, today I got a call from the Cultural Directorate inviting me to attend the ceremony on – check this out! – Wednesday night (yes, the same night as my flight) to the Bahrain Outstanding Book of the Year Awards 2004.

Took'em a while, but they got there!

EDIT: seems that there's a problem with the website link, please try www.alialsaeed.bravehost.com

Unfamiliar Territory

Preparations are still underway for the upcoming Cambridge Seminar. I'm supposed to finalize my trip details on Sunday and if all goes well, I should fly to London Wednesday night.

I've been reading about the contributors who will be taking part and attending this event. These are obviously people who have worked very hard and have significant achievements under their wings, published, award-winning, critically-acclaimed authors…. This is somewhat intimidating to be honest and I am now thinking "Do I deserve to be amongst those people?!" it may sound silly, but it’s true that people like me, self-published/POD authors, are looked still looked down on, to some extent.

Thankfully so far, I've not had many negative attitudes towards me or my book because I am self-published or because my book is a POD title. And from what I sense generally, this sort of attitude is fading away and people are opening their eyes, minds and arms to print on demand. But, not really wanting to get carried away over nothing, I'll just cross my fingers and hope this seminar will be an eye-opener for myself and that I can get the most out of it.

If you're still wondering about the website, well, uploading the pages/files is proving more difficult than I first thought. It's a struggle, time-consuming affair. Plus, I am using freewebs web-hosting instead of bravenet this time around, and I'm not very familiar with it yet.

Patience my dear boys and girls, patience.

My Three Little Angels

A new review of QuixotiQ has appeared on Fallen Angel Reviews. And it’s not that bad a review I suppose… It got three “angels” out of five (phew)!

The reviewer described QuixotiQ as a “surreal, dreamy and edgy piece” and that she found it to be a “spooky and otherworldly story.” It's under suspense/mystery. To read the full review please click here.

Still working on the new website. Don’t hold your breath just yet!

New Website in the Making

I've spent most of today building up a new website for myself.

I figure it's about time. This one will actually carry my name and will be more generic than QuixotiQ.tk, which basically focuses on the novel and any related news.

I'm using Microsoft Publisher! While I realized this must not be the most sophistocated and uptodate website builder available, it's easy and simple enough for me. I'm a novice after all. My design work on the QuixotiQ website was limited to ideas and concepts and my brother Mohammed did most of the technical work.

This one is my baby!

Lost Treasures

Masked Faces

What if I had another face to put on?
Not a mask, I hate masks
Masks are made of rubber and they suffocate
I would like another face please
No, not a new soul
Souls are overrated and boring
I could live without one
But I couldn’t live without a face
Perhaps you can lend me yours
Your face is nice and fine
But then you would have to put on a mask

This was something that I cam across the other day. I don’t remember when I wrote it or why. I was rummaging through bits of paper and old notepads. I do that from time to time. And I usually end up finding some lost written treasure.

I don’t know what you can call these. It can’t be poetry. Far from it. It’s not a story. Thoughts? Reflections? Whatever they are, you are pound to find a piece like that if you go through any of my stuff. (no, this is NOT an open invitation to do so!)

It’s a nice feeling nonetheless. When you find those words, those lines, that you’ve forgotten you’ve written. And you try to remember when you wrote them and why. And then you realize it doesn’t really matter. Because you’ve found it now, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Funny, how those lost treasures I find almost always can be related to the events, mood or situation I am on the day.

I’m sure there are many people out there like that. Having their own lost treasures. They don’t have to be writings. Perhaps photographs, or tiny ornaments, or even old mixed music tapes.

Have you found one of yours lately?

Another Bahraini Author is Born

This time it's a girl!!

Almost one year following the release of my novel - the first by a Bahraini written in English - another young Bahraini author breaks into the literature scene with her debut novel Yummah. This one, however, is set in Bahrain.

I failed to make it to her book launch last night but I'm hoping to get a chance to meet her soon, and to read her book. Which, by the way, you can now purchase through amazon and the likes. You can read more about Sarah Al Shafei and her novel in today's Gulf Daily News.

Big congratulations to Sarah on her achivement. It's good to see more Bahrainis venturing into the world of writing and publishing, specifically English literature.

Well done Sarah.

Cambridge Seminar Invite

Almost two weeks ago I received an official invitation from the British Council (Bahrain) to attend the 29th Cambridge Seminar on Contemporary Literature next month.

So that’s what I’ve been working on these past few days. I’ll post on the details once they are finalized within the next few days. But this is something that I am excited about and looking forward to.

It’s an eight-day affair at the Downing College. I really don’t know what to expect, but I’ve got a feeling its going to be some experience. And I’m hoping to be able to build contacts and learn more about the craft.

Other than that, there really isn’t much else to report. I’ve not touched any of those short stories I’ve started, nor have I written more on Buried.

I’ve been noticing that more and more people are talking about POD (Print on Demand) these days and as with just about everything else in life, there is always going to be pro and anti.

Perhaps it’s time that I did the inevitable writers blog POD-post! Hmm, maybe not. Yet.

Summer Brew

Sorry for the lack of updates... but I've been busy making jugs of Iced-tea in prepration for the summer!

Serioulsy though, not a lot of news to report. Although I sense that there's something abrewing! I'll most certainly keep you posted. And yes, you've guessed it. The reading was actually postponed till further notice. Eventually. There was a lot of going forwards and backwards and now it's not likely that anything will materialize before the end of summer.

I have been, however, doing my fair share of writing. I'll try and speak about my various short-story projects in-progress in the next entery, but for now you can visit the Bahrain This Month magazine website where you will find two of my latest features in the June issue.

F.A.R. Interview Posted

You can now view my latest interview with Fallen Angel Reviews, posted on their website in the "new interviews" section for the month of May.

This link here will take you straight to the appropriate page.

Enter Your Title Here

I am still waiting to hear back on my two reviews for QuixotiQ which I am expected from In the Library Reviews and Fallen Angel Reviews. Hopefully, they’ll be available soon. FAR will also be posting an interview with yours truly in the next few days or so. As for the writing, I’ve written an extra 900+ words on second novel Buried.

Two films I’ve seen over the week that has left a strong and lasting impression on me. I *heart* Huckabees - one of the most philosophically challenging, quirkiest, funniest and visually original films I’ve seen, and the magnificently sad, realistically moving The Sea Inside (Spanish) which tells the real life story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro who fought a 30-year campaign in favour of his right to die with dignity.

I’ve just finished reading Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. It’s a book that I’ve got mixed feelings about. I hated it when I first started reading, when I finished, I wished that there were more pages in it!

I won’t get into the details of the story, characters or plot, but I’ll just say that this was a book that quite literally grew on me. What really drew me to it more and more as I flipped through the pages was the relevancy I found in it not only to our modern life here in Bahrain, but also to my personal way of thinking and my own perspectives towards life and all that constitutes a modern/conservative community, even though it was written in the early 60s.

And Yates’ language is beyond belief. He was a way with words that can turn the most dull and mundane aspect of our lives into a full-blown, multi-textured portrait. This is truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word. And there is so many pathos, philosophical viewpoints as well as moral and social issues to keep your mind occupied for days.

Give Me Some Shawarma!

The reading on the 24th won’t happen anymore! It’s been decided that it would be to postponed for a later date. Details will be announced soon. Please don’t panic!

One of the main reasons I wanted to postpone is because of the little accident I had last week at home! I hurt my knee (don’t ask how!) which sort of restricted my movement. It was worse than I first thought it was, but it is healing now and I would reckon it’ll be fine in the next few days.

This however also made me sympathize with footballers who suffer knee injuries. I mean, mine was minor, yet still got me home-bound for a few days!!

In any case, I haven’t really been writing much at all lately and that’s a big shame. The 1000 words per day rule lasted less than a couple of weeks! havin said that, I did manage to write 1160 words on a feature for BTM magazine and approx 750 words in a new project today.

Also, last week, I completed a screen script I’ve been working on for some time. This is an adaptation to one of my longer short stories. It will have to go under a lot of treatment, but it’s done now and can move on to the next phase. Hopefully, I can find someone who would be interested in producing it.

On the other hand, I have yet another idea for a novel. This one started off as a script idea but just today turned into a novel prospect. I began penning down the first few lines of it. This one is going to be literal, controversial… me thinks! The working title you ask? Shawarma!! Yes, as in the popular Bahraini sandwich.

Sounding good and silly already, doesn’t it?

Ah, which reminds me… been a while since I last had one!

So it Unfurls

Not much to update you on, except that I have started work on yet another short story.

It seems I am at that dreaded place once again, where in I keep writing half stories and hit a wall! As of now I have three stories that are in-progress which have reached the halfway-or-so mark.

Some writers tend to take a story on at a time, to finish the first one up before moving on to the next. But I think there are also plenty of writers who find themselves struggling to balance and juggle between several projects at the same time.

Anyhow, the other day I had the pleasure of meeting one of Saudi’s hottest literary talents. Poet Nimah Ismail Nawwab, who earlier this year publisher her highly-acclaimed poetry book, The Unfurling.

Nimah is a tremendous talent and a very pleasant person. We chatted about her book, and mine, and our work, writing and projects. We also exchanged signed copies of our books.

From what I’ve read so far from the Unfurling, I found it very intellectual, hard-hitting and beautifully and realistically crafted. Her poems mostly reflect the day-to-day life of Arab and Saudi women and portray the cultural, religious and social impact of living in such environment. Recommended reading.

I also urge you to visit her interesting website where you can learn more about Nimah and her work.

Thought I'd Just Say...

Words Magazine will be publishing one of my short stories in a future issue of their well-established print fiction magazine.

The story in question is “Alone”. This would be my second story published in a print fiction magazine. This story is also in for consideration to be included in an online anthology produced by the publishers later this year.

Meanwhile, a date has finally been set for the reading: Tuesday, May 24, at Al Riwaq Gallery from 7pm. An official announcement by the gallery will be released in the next few days. This will be, like I said before, the first of a series of prose and poetry readings for local authors.

Sadly to say, not much writing has been done in the past couple of days, which means that the Rule of 1000 has already been broken. I know. I suck! I’ll do my best to recuperate though.

Last night, I was in a mood for a good film. And I got one. Birth. A very disturbing and intimidating film dealing with a very controversial and dark issue; reincarnation. Nicole Kidman delivers yet another stunning performance. Highly recommended viewing.

Progressive Progression

I know I know. You must be all dying to know what happened with the new Rule of 1000. Well, believe it or not, so far not too bad. With the exception of Monday – in which I had to visit a couple of bookstores to promote my novel – I think I managed to stick with that rule.

Today was an okay day. I wrote a few lines on the script, played a little with chapter 16 of Buried and, more significantly, wrote 978 words in a new short story (working title) The Burial, which was inspired by today’s awful sand storm here in little ole Bahrain.

I also learnt that my interview in the Health & Style magazine (Arabic) came out today, but I’ve not seen it yet! This was only the second interview in Arabic – the first was in Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper. I should be getting my copy soon though.

For now, that’s all folks!

Just Do It!

1. Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

2. Never use a long word where a short one will do.

3. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

4. Never use the passive where you can use the active.

5. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

6. Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

I have come across these six fine pointers in an interesting article by Georgre Orwell. They say a whole lot about the craft of writing and I think that its obligatory for anyone working towards bettering their writing career and capabilities to keep them in mind.

Keep it simple. Just do it.

The Rule of 1000

I’ve been doing some writing these past couple of days, finally seeming to get back into the habit of sitting in front of my laptop, sipping a hot cup of coffee and typing away. It feels nice.

I’ve taken another drastic decision by reducing the amount of work involved in my job. I’m now going to be a regular contributor, instead of a full-time staffer. So my one and only plan for now is to write as much as I can. To focus solely on writing. The past few months have been unproductive due to the job pressure and the amount of working hours I put in.

I’m so far satisfied with what I’ve managed to write, though I know that I must double the amount of produce as I go along. I’ve gotten back to working on my screenplay and today I actually wrote about 350 words on BURIED, which comes as a big relief as I thought I reached a deadlock with that one, not very long ago.

My next step though is going to be a tough one. Starting the first of May, I am determined to write no less than 1000 words – whether on short stories, novel, scripts or articles… I must write 1000 words every day (except Friday – well I gotta get a break don’t I?) I figured I must take a very serious action if I want the rest of the world to take me as a serious writer and now that I am a published author, I ought to work harder and get those stories flowing.

I’ll stop when I make my first million.

Accepted at Gold Dust

I’m thrilled to say that a print magazine has picked up one of my latest short stories for publication. This will be my first ever piece published in a PRINT fiction magazine.

'Ezrael’s Leaf' will run in the mid-June issue of the recently re-launched Gold Dust Magazine. The kind and lovely editors have also granted me an interview to run on that very same issue. 'Ezrael's Leaf' is a nice little story about death which I have written for the Cafe Doom competition. It got some positive comments from writing peer.

I’ll announce the release of the issue here on this blog when the time comes, meanwhile you can take a look at the magazine’s website.

First QuixotiQ Translation

For the very first time, an excerpt from QuixotiQ has appeared in Arabic!

The translated chapter 22 ran in today's Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper. It was prepared and translated by Bahraini writer Mahdi Abdulla. You can access the page by cliking this link.

As much as I was hesistant about the move, I am pleased with the final result. Mahdi has done a great job in translating the excerpt from English into Arabic without really messing any of the story up or taking any of the context away. (Good job mate.)

Whether this will open the door to the possibilty of translating the whole manuscript into Arabic or not remains to be seen. Though I know for sure that even if that would be the case, it would not happen in the very near future.

Reading Planned

A reading of QuixotiQ is currently being planned for, to be held sometime during the first half of May. The event is going to be staged at Al Riwaq Gallery in Adliya as part of a new series of readnigs for authors and poets.

Details will be announced right here on this blog very shortly.

Problem? What Problem?

Yesterday, I spent no less than four hours staring at my laptop screen, attempting to work on BURIED, my second novel. As time went by, I grew more frustrated and agitated. It was simply impssible to write. Not because I didn't know where the story is going and what is going to happen next, it was just that it wouldn't come out!

I hate the term 'writer's block', because that to me is the easy way out for writers when they are stuck with a story. I'm not stuck with the story. The story is there. It's the words that are failing to come through. I feel that due to my recent job obligations, my creativity has suffered emmensly. And now I have to find a way back into it.

But that's my problem and I have do deal with it, don't I?

Japan Rocks!

I liked it. Maybe I liked it too much. Mum says I not been myself since I got back. on the last day, I just didn’t want to come back. I felt lonely but warm while I was there. I saw many things that made me smile, think n reflect. I found beauty. I came across strangers on the street that I wanted to hug, so that they know I am here, I exist and that life is ok. I was taking back in time to eras I have only known in books n movies. In the gardens I saw lovers taking pictures of each other. When the sun rose, I felt godly.

I was a familiar alien. I mostly wanted to be alone, steering off the group whenever I could. I hated the food. But now I miss it! I got extremely annoyed at how people kept taking photos of the cherry blossoms, never really taking a moment to LOOK at them. They were right there in front of their eyes, but they preferred taking colorless fake pictures of them, then touch them, smell them, feel them. I stared at the signs, how they flickered. I touched a 400 year old wood gate and I felt time traveling through my finger tips. The gate, it almost spoke to me.

I saw a monk standing in front of a temple, his eyes shut as if he were asleep, yawning. I wondered if he was thinking about sex, out of boredom. I smiled. I burned an incense stick; I drank sweet green tea at the foot of the temple. Some were praying; others were oblivious to the spiritual strength of the place. I ate sushi n was disturbed at how nice it tasted. perhaps I was too hungry to care. on the streets, no one even glanced at me. At the hotel every person bowed n smiled n greeted me as if I were royalty!

We ran like idiots across the platform to catch the 'Bullet Train' ... yeh, Japan rocks!

Monkey Sees, Monkey Does

It seems that everybody (by everybody I mean Cavan and, well, just Cavan!) is switching sides and using Blogger nowadays, apparently for good reason. They look neater and are easier to navigate. So I decided to take the plunge myself and create a new look "QuixotiQ Writings" journal.

Anyways, I've not had any chance to fill you guys in on my Japanese Adventure, but I will try to do so soon. Took me two full days to sleep off the jet lag! I'll be loading some pix later on, I hope.

You might be interested to know that QuixotiQ is pending for reviewing at two different review websites. So fingers crossed.