Abdulwahab Al-Sayed and Abdulaziz Al-Hashash Talk at AUK

As part of its annual cultural season, the AUK Library hosted a lecture and book signing by the prominent Kuwaiti writers, Abdulwahab Al-Sayed and Abdulaziz Al-Hashash. The two young writers spoke to AUK students and visitors about their experiences in the world of literature.

Both writers stressed the importance of reading and knowledge as essential foundations of any good writer. They both described the talent of writing as accumulated ideas that evolve spontaneously regardless of one's field of work or education "I was surprised, if not shocked, when I saw my first book in 2009 among the best sellers," Al Sayed said of his first publication.

The young writers advised students interested in pursuing the literary career to start by reading both Arabic and foreign literary works that enrich their thinking and develop their linguistic abilities. They can also start visiting the Forum of Creative Writers of the Writers Association in Kuwait, where renowned Kuwaiti writers have dedicated their time to teach beginners and review their work.

About the writers who inspired him the most, Al-Sayed said that he was influenced by the styles of the science fiction novelists, Dr. Nabil Farouk and Dr. Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. From the western novelists, Al-Sayed mentioned Herbert George Wells, the author of "The Time Machine", who also had great influence on his writing. As for Al-Hashash, he referred to Tawfik Al Hakim and Stephen King.

Concluding their talks, the writers delivered a message to every young writer to fight for their dream, in Al-Sayed's point of view "Heroes only become heroes because they strive to reach their goals". Al-Hashash, in turn, supported this point of view, saying, "Dreaming is your legitimate right. To pursue your dreams, take advice from your elders, invest in your talents, and never get pulled back by frustration."

Responding to students' questions about the writers' aspirations to receive national and international awards, both writers confirmed that they aspire at the current stage to increase the number of readers and writers in Kuwait "The biggest reward for me is to stand between my books at the book fair and the readers have crowded around me asking for my books," Al-Sayed said.

Abdulwahab Al-Sayed, is a novelist and a member of the Association of Writers in Kuwait. He is the first Kuwaiti author to write metaphysics and horror stories through his book "Unknown Dimensions" in 2004. Since then, Al Sayed published 13 books. His most recent publications in 2012 were "Rare Cases", "The Mystery", and "After Midnight" in 2012.

Abdulaziz Al Hashash is the son of the renowned Kuwaiti writer Mubarak Al- Hashash. He authored a number of plays and short stories winning awards inside and outside Kuwait. Al- Hashash has a BA in psychology and sociology, which had significant impact on his stories. His first TV show titled (The Eyes of Love) earned fame and success in Gulf drama.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 5th April 2012

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012