JEDDAH, 15 June 2006 — The Jeddah Literary Club’s newly-established “Fiction Group” held its first meeting recently. The club was formed at the initiative of novelist Abdul Khal, a board member. It seeks to nourish young literary talent in the Kingdom.
“The group will not merely undertake workshops and readings,” said Khal. It will focus on kick-starting fiction writing by tackling “unconventional” topics and exploring ways of connecting the art of fiction with music, drama, fine arts and cinema.
The meeting was attended by a small group of writers including Hanaa Hijazi, Abdullah Al-Taezi, Kholoud Al-Harithy and Saleh Kamel. The discussions centered on various topics relating to the group’s goals and the summer activities the group intends to hold.
After some energetic discussions, the participants agreed that meetings will be held twice a month and that the first workshop will be held on June 26 and will tackle the role the media plays in creating the image of a writer.
The Jeddah literary club is currently planning new venues for writers and members of the public. There have been considerable demands for changes within the club, with many people arguing that the literary club has become static.
Only time will tell whether the Fiction Group will establish itself firmly and fulfill the Jeddah Literary Club’s role of attracting members of the public and nourishing a generation of young and new writers.
