The interview with a versatile writer, journalist, musician, and cultural advocate sheds light on the early stages of the interviewee’s writing journey, pivotal moments, sources of inspiration, and the influence of education on their craft. Rooted in childhood expression through diaries, the interviewee benefited from an educated family, particularly a mother’s influence in Arabic writing. A bachelor’s degree in English Literature further shaped their professional writing skills. The interviewee draws inspiration from diverse sources—music, literature, personal interactions—believing in the limitless nature of artistic abilities. Focused on conveying meaningful messages, particularly regarding women’s rights, children, and societal issues.
Embarking on the Literary Path
We started the interview by asking, “Could you provide further insights into the early stages of your writing journey, shedding light on the pivotal moments or experiences that marked the beginning of your career as a writer?”
Aljazi replied, “My start as a writer can be traced back to when I was a child; I started expressing myself in my early school years. I’ve always tried to express myself in writing through diaries and composition classes. Although my writing journey has not been easy; the red carpet wasn’t rolled out onto my path. However, I descend from an educated family. All my family members, regardless, are highly educated. My mother was an intellectual reader. She taught me how to write properly in Arabic. My father and sisters were and will always be the supporters. So, I have the suitable environment to be who I am today.
I also have a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. So writing is part of my life morally and professionally.
I started as a journalist in 2014. When my mother and I found a falsely published article. After contacting the newspaper’s administration, they asked us to write an article with the accurate information which we did. Afterwards, I received a call with an offer to be an official columnist.”
Harmonizing Creativity
The Worlds Times: As a multi-talented individual involved in writing, dramatic texts, and music, could you share the artists or works that have inspired your creative journey?
Aljazi replied, “I always believed that there are no limits to our abilities. We get our inspiration from our environment and people who we meet or might not. It’s all about believing in ourselves and exploring ourselves especially at a young age. This will define and shape our future on a professional scale.
I believe that, music and literature are parallel. They are the translation of our inner thoughts and feelings. Both are ways of expression to make our inner voices, thoughts, and feelings visible.
Every artist, writer, musician, poet, child, book, plant, person I meet in my life is my inspiration. We are bits and pieces of everything we see and feel. For example, I get inspired by a relationship between a person and a tree, by an animal’s relationship with another or a human. By a grandmother’s or a child’s fairytale, through a piece of music that either sheds my tears or brightens my day, through a stanza from a poem in an old book, through a text message from a close friend, or through a prayer from a stranger. Life is our greatest inspiration. I was touched by a novel I read in college named ‘My name is Salma’ written by Fadia Faqir. The novel is about a story of a young unmarried Bedouin Arab woman who falls in love with a village man where she gets pregnant out of wedlock, and suffers with her brothers and family her entire life.”
Literary Transformation
The Worlds Times: How has your degree in English literature and Arts influenced your writing style and approach to storytelling?
Aljazi replied, “English literature escalated my writing skills onto a professional level. It’s is a reflection of humanity and a way for us to understand each other regardless our different cultures and backgrounds. By listening to the voice of another person we can start to figure out how that individual thinks. I believe that literature is important to me and everyone because of its purpose and various genres and wide subjects and aspects that we face and live daily. For instance, literature Explores how authors like Emily Dickinson, F.Scott Fitzgerald, Mark Twain, Earnest Hemingway and others used their experiences with history, gender, and race to create narratives and share them with the world. Studying literature, can never bring you back empty. This experience will influence us to keep fighting and leaning no matter how harsh the world is. After my graduation, my personality and way of thinking changed- in a positive way- I could see things from different angles and perspectives. I started to accept how different we are and how we should respect that and write for everyone regardless.”
Cultivating a Writing-Friendly Atmosphere
The Worlds Times: How can we foster an environment that motivates the younger generation to engage in writing and articulate their thoughts and feelings effectively?
Aljazi replied, “I always say that, if you want to be a great writer someday, simply start writing. There are various places and book clubs, book fairs, cultural events and social gatherings that can motivate young adults. We can also never underestimate the power of social media and new media in delivering one’s ideas and thoughts. Every individual can sign up, create an account in different platforms and share their writings or ideas. There are no limits. The world is more open than any time before.”
Crafting Cultural Narratives
The Worlds Times: You mentioned the importance of carrying a meaningful cultural message. Could you elaborate on the specific messages you aim to convey through your writings?
Aljazi replied, “It’s important to have an aim, a clear message, a good language, a good understanding of topics and good writing technique. By focusing on women rights, I should be able to show clearly what I want to deliver to readers. The meaningful messages I engage with are mainly humane. Focusing on women rights, children, youth, and younger generation gives the reader a wider view on the problem and or topic. Highlighting new Ideas and topics will leave the readers and people who are interested in the topic talk about it. I get people approaching for more topics and issues that needs to be highlighted and that what makes me happier because I knew that I influenced somebody and made them believe in my case or topic. So, every message is different but they are all about society, individuals, behavior, and ethics.”
Navigating the Virtual Void
The Worlds Times: In highlighting the void and orientation towards the virtual world, how do you believe writers can address these issues in their works and contribute to a more balanced engagement with social media?
Aljazi replied, “Social media is super powerful. The best thing to do is to choose the right platform because various social media apps serve different functions. I believe social media is more an interactive tool. One’s can build an enthusiastic fan base and connect with their fans or fellow authors. Using social media presence to give readers a glimpse of personal life or work, unlike old traditional media where articles and writings are paper-based with no interaction. I think that we have to be updated just like our gadgets and apps. By updating ourselves, we can understand what the society needs. I personally follow young adults and read thoroughly what they write. So I get an image about what they really want. It’s about us understanding our surrounding and society.”
Empowering Kuwaiti Youth
The Worlds Times: Considering the challenges faced by Kuwaiti youth, what initiatives or changes would you like to see in government and private sector support to empower and encourage their endeavors?
Aljazi replied, “Youth or young adults’ involvement in community is planning, decision making, and hasn’t received the needed attention. I believe the government and private sector should give them an opportunity to contribute and offer their input. They should also encourage young generation to identify their own interests. They should be part of the active and civically engaged adults in the community.”
Envisioning a Timeless Impact
The Worlds Times: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave as a writer, musician, and advocate for cultural messages? How do you envision your contributions making a lasting impact on the artistic and cultural landscape in Kuwait?
Aljazi replied, “I believe that humans are mortal, but ideas and beliefs are immortal. What I write and share today will impact millions of women and new generations in the future. What I will leave behind is the real wealth; I don’t mean tangible things, but cultural and literary wealth. Holding a pen is holding a weapon. We are stronger when we believe in our ideas and fight for them.
Writing is worth everything. It’s a responsibility that requires dedication and commitment and that what I aim to spread and share. The cycle will continue. I always fight for myself, my family, my beliefs, my own space, my freedom and my ethics. I never allow anybody to dig into my brain and try to change something I’m convinced of. I never allow that because we should have our own free voices. The inner voice is like our fingerprint; very outstanding and unique. If my voice will cause a war or a peace then let it be.”
Closing Reflections
Lastly we asked, “Would you like to say anything else to our viewers?”
“If you made it this far, then I need to say something: we all have dreams and aims. It might be pricey but the journey is worth it. Thank you for taking the time. Wishing that the interview impacted you positively.” Aljazi concluded
Connect Al-Jazi Tariq Al-Senafi on Twitter
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