Novel challenge ready for gifted Emirati writers
Emirates Novel Award launches creative writing programme for future novelists
Abu Dhabi: Some gifted Emirati novelists will get a chance to spur their imagination, creativity and improve their writing techniques in a training programme, which was unveiled by the Emirates Novel Award on Monday.
The creative writing programme will enable 20 Emiratis to be trained by well-known Arab authors in novel writing techniques to help them write high-quality, creative novels that appeal to Arab audiences.
The training programme, scheduled to start this month, will take place in Arabic over eight months at twofour54 creative lab.
“The programme is open to Emiratis of all ages and it is a golden opportunity for them to develop their writing and publishing skills to new levels and expose their talents to the world,” said Jamal Al Shehi, the secretary general of the award.
“I invite all talented Emirati writers to take up the challenge and show Arabic readers what they can do,” he added.
Candidates can apply to info@emiratesnovelaward.com and the course will be delivered on minimal fees of just Dh500
Trainees will have produced novels for publishing and entry into next year’s Emirates Novel Awards by the end of the programme.
The twenty Emiratis will be selected by committee based on their previous experience, writing ability, commitment and availability.
“This initiative came to support emerging creative talents in the UAE. Creative lab is looking forward to learning about gifted writers through their involvement in the selection committee,” said Fatima Al Yousuf, community management associate at creative lab.
The award has three categories: best novel, best short novel and special writer. All work should be submitted in Arabic.
Novels submitted should be minimum of 40,000 words; short novels should be between 17,000 and 40,000 words.
The shortlisted novels will be announced online, allowing the public to vote. All winners will be announced during a ceremony held later this year.
More information is available online at www.emiratesnovelaward.com
