Week In, Week Out

One week down. Three to go.

Ramadan Kareem to you all.

Ramadan always seems to go as quick as it comes. The first week went on pleasantly, apart from the three day's that I've been sick. I was bed-bound for a while and since getting back on my feet I've been running between my new job and all things Elham-related. More on that soon. I'll be posting about our 7th monthly gathering - which will be next Tuesday - in the next day or two. Although you've likely already heard about it. It was all over the magazines and newspapers and magazines (Ohlala, Bahrain This Month, Bahrain Traveler, Gulf Weekly, GDN, Bahrain Confidential etc).

My bro is back from the UK after complete his Masters program. It's cool to have him back. That was the longest he's been away from home. So we've been hanging out since his return. I've also been watching a few DVDs including a brilliant film called Dead Man's Shoes and I also re-watched A History of Violence, one of the best films you're likely to see, gripping in its sutble violence and intense drama.

Oh and just as a side note, I've recieve yet another rejection from Succour

Illustrating Musk for Publication

I have always had a fascinating with art and illustrations, and have always wanted to have the opportunity to publish an illustrated story. My short story, Musk, will be serialized over three issues in Ohlala Arabia magazine from September and will feature illustrations by French young artist Meriem Bennani.

I am getting excited about the concept. The story is about a "giant" boy who is abandoned in the desert where he grows up believing that he was a god and encounters a "wizard" midget!

I've seen some of Meriem's work and was impressed by some of her illustrations. After I sent her the story and some of my notes, she began working on developing the illustrations that will go with the story in the magazine.

I got the very first drawings from her yesterday. These are the rough first drafts so to speak. I give you a sneak peak of Kabeer, the giant boy/god, here. I will posting the developments of the story and the illustrations over the next few weeks and take you through the process until the actual publication of Musk.