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.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Saturday, June 25, 2005
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!
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!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
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!
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!
Monday, June 20, 2005
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?
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?
Friday, June 17, 2005
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, June 05, 2005
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.
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.
Friday, May 27, 2005
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.
This link here will take you straight to the appropriate page.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
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!
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!
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