Intellectuals discussed issues involved in the literary creation process at the forum.

An effective mechanism should be adopted by the entities concerned to boost creative writing in the GCC region and accordingly record the development of such works, some Arab intellectuals have urged.

The Cultural Café at Katara recently hosted a discussion on the issues involved in creative writing in the GCC region. Participants included prominent personalities such as novelist and mediaperson Dr Ahmed Abdulmalik and novelist Dr Amir Tajalcer.

The speakers discussed at length “negligence” of the creative and innovative aspects of writing novels and short stories.

Dr Abdulmalik pointed out that creative writing in Qatar, especially in terms of novels and short stories, requires comprehensive research as work in this area is limited. Besides, follow-up of new writing from a literary criticism perspective is also limited.

Such studies will help improve the creative process and prevent unprofessional practices in writing and publishing things that have little or no literary value, it was observed.

Similarly, Dr Tajalcer said creative writing is a highly skilful and professional process that needs guided practice to produce something truly significant.

A number of intellectuals took part in the event, held as part of Katara’s Ramadan Festival, and further discussed the issue with the main speakers.