Latest news with #youngwriters
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Young Saudi authors reshape Kingdom's literary landscape
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia undergoes a cultural transformation under Vision 2030, a new generation of writers is reshaping the country's literary scene. One of the most notable developments has been the rise of Saudi authors under the age of 35, many of whom are finding new pathways. These writers are contributing to a literary landscape that increasingly embraces genres such as science, fiction, and fantasy. Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, Linah Alshaalan, a Saudi author, said the Kingdom's literary scene today offers a ripe environment full of opportunities for emerging voices. • One of the most notable developments has been the rise of Saudi authors under the age of 35, many of whom are finding new pathways. • Raad Aleid, founder of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, underscored the need for stronger structural support, particularly when it comes to international recognition, translation efforts, and adapting to emerging technologies such as AI. 'This is a golden age for authors and creatives to come about and to try to find their way and find their path in this field, because it's full of opportunities for newcomers and also older people,' she told Arab News. Alshaalan published her first novel in 2024 through a Ministry of Culture initiative focused on supporting literary genres, such as science fiction. Her book was later nominated for cinematic adaptation. She described this moment as encouraging for new writers seeking to establish themselves in a rapidly evolving scene. Linah Alshaalan, Saudi author Alshaalan said the broader transformation underway in the Kingdom is changing how Saudi literature is perceived and consumed. 'Today, authors have the ability to produce stories that are placing Saudi cultural symbols in the future. So we're saying we don't only exist in the past, next to a camel and a palm tree. No, our camel and our palm tree exist in the future as well. And we are thriving in that future,' she said. Alshaalan also pointed to Gen Z as a key force shaping literary trends in Saudi Arabia, particularly through their rejection of elitism, and embrace of direct, honest storytelling. Today, authors have the ability to produce stories that are placing Saudi cultural symbols in the future. So we're saying we don't only exist in the past, next to a camel and a palm tree. No, our camel and our palm tree exist in the future as well. And we are thriving in that future. Linah Alshaalan, Saudi author 'One thing that I really appreciate about Gen Z is that they are kind of undermining this idea that a literary critic or a literary person is somebody who lives in an ivory tower, very high up,' she said. She noted that younger readers have become powerful tastemakers in the digital age. 'They have a very strong online presence, which means that they have a very loud voice and very strong influence,' she added. 'Gen Zers resonate the most with authentic voices,' Alshaalan said. 'People who are speaking from the heart, people who are not trying to hide behind or whatever it is. They are trying to be authentic, and I think authenticity is the number one tool for authors.' Despite the progress, Alshaalan said there is a need for legal protections and clearer regulations in the publishing industry to support new authors and protect their rights. 'I think maybe regulating the industry a little bit more to make and implement some rules and some regulation to protect the individual … because (for) an individual writer, an individual author, the biggest challenge is not having legal literacy when it comes to the contracts that you sign with a publisher or whoever,' she said. 'We need to outline the responsibility of the publisher that justifies their percentage of the book,' she added. Artificial intelligence is another factor shaping the creative landscape. Alshaalan, whose novel centers on a rogue AI, said the technology can be helpful, but not in replacing the human core of storytelling. 'Now, to write anything, if you just have a concept or an idea, you can just feed it into the AI and see it more fleshed out. It helps people. But a good author that cares about their own integrity would probably not rely on it too much,' she said. 'I don't think it's ready yet to offer something with meaningful substance.' Raad Aleid, founder of the Saudi Young Writers Forum, underscored the need for stronger structural support, particularly when it comes to international recognition, translation efforts, and adapting to emerging technologies such as AI. 'I believe promoting Saudi Arabia's presence through writing still requires significant effort. There is still a need for more empowerment,' Aleid told Arab News. He said translation initiatives are a positive step, but more needs to be done. 'The Literature Commission is currently working through the translation initiative to translate Saudi works into other languages, but I think there are additional options, such as encouraging foreign authors to write about Saudi Arabia and publishing new Saudi books in other languages, not just translating older titles,' he added. Aleid also called for greater representation of young Saudi writers at global forums and highlighted the need for legislation to regulate AI in creative fields.
ABC News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Mt Isa teen's story published internationally thanks to outback writers' group
When teenager Jasmine Harvey received a WhatsApp message saying she would soon be an internationally published author, she thought it was a scam. "I was midway through my walk and I got a notification, my music paused … it was really just a shock." The 14-year-old from Mount Isa in Queensland's outback was one of 11 winners in an international writing competition where the prize was every writer's dream — to become a published author. "I don't think it has sunk in yet; it's still sort of a fever dream," she said. Jasmine said she has always been an enthusiastic reader but only dabbled in creative writing. So when the Mount Isa Library launched its Young Writers Group last year, she signed up. "I didn't think anyone else would be into writing," Jasmine said. The city's Young Writers Group is a fortnightly workshop for people aged 14 to 21. Facilitator Kaitlin Ryan started the program at the beginning of 2024 after noticing the library was not attracting many teenagers and young adults. "At the start, we didn't think we'd get anyone coming in [for the sessions]," Ms Ryan said. Eighteen months later, up to a dozen young people turn up at every session. Ms Ryan said it had been such a success that another group for even younger writers, aged nine to 12, had been launched. "It gives them a safe space to connect with other young people, to share the same goals and interests," she said. "And it's a skill they can take far into their lives, not just as a hobby." That has been the experience for 14-year-old Rory Jones, who joined the group last year after a friend roped him into it. He said the social aspects of the sessions had benefits beyond developing and honing writing skills. "It's kind of like therapy," Rory said. In a town centred around mining and engineering and sports-based recreational activities, the group has been a much-appreciated creative outlet for Riley Casey. At 18, she is one of the older members of the group. She said she enjoyed mentoring fellow writers in a city where the arts remained "a bit of a niche". "There's not too much out here," Ms Casey said. But as a young and hopeful writer in a remote part of the country, she was unsure what the future held for creative people her age. "I do feel slightly stuck because of the cost-of-living crisis; everything's quite expensive," she said. "How can you make a living as an artist?" Jasmine Harvey credited the support and guidance she received from the writing group with getting her short, dystopian story The Keeper published. "When I started, I wasn't ready to share anything at all that I had written, but then I could slowly share stuff with other people, I could get feedback," she said. The Once Upon In Our Minds competition was founded in 2022 by a fellow writer, 11-year-old Ridhhaan Jaiin. Jasmine, determined to get her work to a wider audience, found the competition while researching opportunities for young writers online. Aspiring writers aged five to 16 from across the globe submit their short stories according to three age categories. The winning works are published in a collection available for purchase online. Jasmine's 2,500-word story features alongside the winning collection of 11 short stories, in the competition's third iteration. Competition organisers said her story stood out for its originality and emotional resonance, securing her a well-deserved spot among the winners. Each day, the teenager eagerly awaits the delivery of a physical copy of her first published work. "I haven't had a copy in my hands yet; it's still sort of surprising," she said.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Young country diary: Staring into the big eyes of a brown hare
Each time I see a brown hare, I'm usually in a car and worried it'll get knocked down, but recently I almost stood on one. I was walking through the grass in my wellies one morning when I saw a pair of big, brown eyes peering up at me. The body didn't move, and I've since found out that hares freeze when they sense danger. Its ears were long, velvety, folded straight down behind its head, reaching its bony shoulders. I couldn't see its legs but I knew they were strong and long … Suddenly it bolted, showing me just how fast its legs could go. I tried to chase it but couldn't keep up, not in wellies. They can reach up to 45 miles per hour. The long grass parted ahead of me as her body rocked like my old hobby horse, zig-zagging through the meadow. I wish I could have touched him or her. I bet its fur would be warm and silky against my hand. It ended up on the hill, its rounded back black against the sun and those ears, alert now, pointing like fingers to the sky. I think she was a doe (a female) as they are bigger than the bucks (the males) and sometimes punch them when they're angry, especially in breeding season from spring until summer. Yes, I think she's definitely a female and my new best 11 Read today's other YCD, by Joscelyn, 10: 'An explosion of emerald butterflies' To submit an article for consideration in Young Country Diary, please fill out the form here (or, if that does not work, as has been the case recently, try the form here). The deadline for submissions is Monday 30 June
South China Morning Post
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
City Literary Awards 2024
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] The City Literary Awards 2024 – Awards Presentation Ceremony was organised by the Department of Chinese and History (CAH) of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) on 14 December 2024 to recognise the achievements of young writers. The event featured notable attendees, including Professor WAN Tze-Kin Alan, Associate Provost (Academic Affairs) at CityUHK; Professor Alfred Tat-Kei HO, Dean of CLASS; and Professor May Bo CHING, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Education and Quality Assurance) in CLASS and Head of CAH, along with event advisors, judges and secondary-school mentors. During the ceremony's opening, Ho and Ching delivered speeches and subsequently presented awards to the Tertiary Institution Category winners. Professor Ho presented certificates to the awardees of the Tertiary Institution Category. In her welcome speech, Ching expressed her gratitude to the event's advisors and judges for their contributions, which have transformed the City Literary Awards into more than just a competition. It has become a collaborative effort among universities, secondary schools and writers, aimed at fostering literary culture and raising writing standards in Hong Kong. 'I am personally honoured to be part of this meaningful event, which allows me to appreciate the impressive creativity and depth of student writing, as well as the thoughtful and dedicated feedback provided by our judges,' she said.
