(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The 10 Emirati graduates will have their books published in time for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on May 7-10.
The aspiring Emirati writers who completed the training programme run by the Emirates Novel Award initiative. — Supplied photo
Abu Dhabi - The first class of Emirati writers has graduated last weekend after a nearly one-year programme run by the Emirates Novel Award initiative teaching willing-to-learn nationals how to write a good story.
The 10 Emirati graduates will have their books published in time for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair held here on May 7-10 where they will be launched.
Announced in February last year in partnership with twofour54 the Novelists’ Programme was a series of workshops and lectures held by professional Arab writers focusing on teaching aspiring Emirati novelists professional writing techniques.
“We are proud to witness this group of enthusiastic Emiratis produce their first novels in just eight months this is very impressive” said Maryam Al Muheiri chief operating officer at twofour54.
“Now the challenge for me will be deciding which one to read first” she added.
Initially the programme was designed for 20 people but only half enrolled in the eight months’ teaching course which only charged Dh500 per person.
The classes were run by experienced Arab writers who showed their students writing techniques help them choose stories that appeal to Arab readership and guiding them in writing their first novel.
“The programme has showcased the work of a group of up-and-coming novelists who all share a promising future. I commend our graduating class for their commitment throughout the training programme” said Jamal Al Shehhi secretary-general of the Emirates Novel Award.
Set up two years ago the award crowned its first winning writers during the 2014 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair when the top three finalists out of 20 Emiratis who submitted their works were awarded alongside a Jury Prize and a Distinctive Emirati Writer title. The winner of the award received Dh60000 the second place winner Dh40000 and the third place winner Dh20000.
The graduates of the first Novelists’ Programme training will also be able to enter their published novels to compete in the Emirates Novel Award.
Furthermore twofour54’s creative lab will work with them to design attractive book covers with the help of 11 graphic designers who are members of the lab.
After the book fair the novels written in Arabic will also be available for the general public in bookshops across the UAE.