Kuwaiti youth writers overcome hardships to publish their books

KUWAIT, Nov 28 (KUNA) -- The 40th Kuwait book fair witnessed this year the publication of books by young authors who had overcome obstacles and many hardships to get their books out to the public.
In a number of interviews with KUNA, the authors spoke about their journey and how they had faced several challenges to publish their books.
Ali Khalfan, 14, said that he faced various hardships in order to publish his book Halet Fuqdan (missing case), focusing on the loss of friendship.
He noted that some publishing companies had set some bizarre conditions to allow young writers to issue their books, affirming that some writers had to use some questionable methods to get their books published.
Khalfan stressed that in order to protect the rights of youth authors, a union should be established.
He affirmed that such union will reinforce cooperation among young writers and enable them to coordinate more effectively.
In a similar view, author of the book (Benjamin), a tale of a youth struggling with faith, Abulwahab Al-Qatari, 17, criticized some publication houses for not taking risks with young writers.
The lack of belief in young writers is a major issue that prevents many from putting out their original content, said Al-Qatari, who attributed the publication of his book to the unyielding support by his family and friends.
He hoped that one day a club for young writers will be established to meet the need of creative youth.
Reflecting a different experience, Author Jumana Ashkanani, 17, said that she currently focused on writing romantic-themed and drama books, noting that partaking in the fair had enabled her to get exposed to other styles of writing and authors.
The young writer said that she was glad to have been supported by her family and publishing houses through her short career which thus far had produced the book (Layali), story of a teenager girl forced to take responsibility and decisions at a young age.
Ashkanani added that she had received a considerable amount of constructive criticism and pointers which she will use to improve herself in the future.(end) na.gta