Al-Khamees made the comments while speaking at a weekly literature event held each Monday at the home of Abdul Maqsud Khoja. The event is a hub for distinguished writers from both the Kingdom and other Arab countries.

Speaking about the poor way Saudi novels are promoted, Al-Khamees said this was because of the excessive attention given to cultural capitals such as Cairo, Beirut and Baghdad.

She added that the excessive use of computers and television is having a negative effect on the younger generation taking up reading, and called for new programs or workshops to encourage children to read.

She also spoke about the lack of books by Saudi women writers. “There was an interest in Saudi novels in 2006. However, at that time, the novels were weak and based on scandals, which many families did not find suitable reading,” she said.

She added that Saudi books face general problems relating to publishing, distribution and marketing. “I call on the Ministry of Information to look into this. It is not sufficient for Saudi books to only be available abroad or displayed in book fairs,” she said.

Al-Khamees said that women novelists are always treated as if they are hiding behind their characters, something that might be true at times.

“Novels are artistic. They are not there to teach or to remedy social ills,” she added.

Al-Khamees, who also writes children’s books, criticized Arabic children’s books. “Arabic children's books still need to advance, not only in their style but also in terms of print and publishing techniques to win international recognition,” she said.

One of Al-Khamees’ more popular books is Al-Bahriyat in which she addresses the situation of non-Saudi women who get married to Saudis and move to the Kingdom. Her other novel is Al-Warifa, which speaks about women in the Kingdom. The novel was also nominated for the Arabic Booker prize.

Al-Khamees has also recently received offers for making a television serial based on one of her books, Al-Bahriyat. She has, however, refused saying she is “looking for a serious television rendering rather than a commercial one.”