Author Liz Fenwick on mentoring Emirati women writers

Author Liz Fenwick on why being part of the literary mentoring programme for Emirati women writers is important to her.

AWARD-WINNING FICTION WRITER Liz Fenwick, who has penned novels like A Cornish Stranger and Under a Cornish Sky, recently spoke to City Times about a mentorship programme spearheaded by the Emirates Literature Foundation, which will offer emerging Emirati women writers a chance to have their work mentored by her. While Fenwick's books are based in Cornwall, England, she hopes to help an Emirati produce an authentic story based in the region with the help of this programme.
Why did you decide to come on board this literary mentoring programme? Why is it specifically for Emirati women? Do you feel they are under-represented in literature?
I have been helped along on my path to becoming a published writer and I wanted do the same for others. The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature has been an important part of my writing journey and through the Festival I have met many aspiring Emirati women writers. Their energy and enthusiasm has impressed me. I have also looked around and not seen stories written about the UAE by Emiratis that have been published globally and received the recognition they deserve. The outside world has written the story, if you will, and I would love for an Emirati woman to write a novel specific to the UAE because it will open a different world to many people and it will show that we are all the same. Human experience is universal. We all experience love, fear, anger and so forth but what it unique is where and how it happens. I think it would be wonderful for an Emirati woman's voice to reach a large audience.
As for the question are Emirati women under-represented in literature. yes, and we need to hear their voices. Too often we hear only what other people think of them and quite frankly we are missing out.
All your books so far have been based in Cornwall. Do you plan to write a book based on Dubai, since you've lived here for a while?
Cornwall is my 'muse' so I can't see any books in the near future set in Dubai but never say never!
Your books have women protagonists. Why do you feel it's important to tell a story from a woman's point of view?
Historically women's voices have been very hard to 'hear' and although this has improved it still isn't where it should be. But more than anything I tell my stories through female characters because I am interested in how the female mind works and how she shapes her world. Women form their opinions using their hearts and their minds and I find this more interesting to write about.

What are your favourite books with women as the lead characters? Who are your favourite authors?
Gosh, this is always such a difficult question. I love Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice and all the characters from The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It is one of my all time favourite books. Kate Atkinson's work is at the top of my list.
The UAE has witnessed the closure of many popular bookshops. Can this be attributed to the increasing popularity of e-reading devices or a decline in the reading habit in general?
I wonder if part of it was too many arrived on the scene at the same time.But in answer to your general question has e-reading cut into bookshops sales - a bit. I think the convenience of e-reading is attractive to many especially for commuting and travelling.
Do you have any personal preferences as far as reading is concerned - a Kindle or a physical copy?
I always prefer a physical book but I do read many books on my iPad or phone. The latter means I always have a book with me!
What are your thoughts on the development of the writing/publishing scene in the UAE? Do you read many books coming out of the UAE?
I think it is an exciting time for writers in the UAE. The literary festival has connected a community which, with the help of the Dubai International Writers' Centre, now has a home. By bringing these wonderful authors to the region, it gives aspiring writers here a chance to learn from those who have become successful. Years ago I heard Kate Mosse speak at the festival and her words helped me along my way. At each festival I learn from listening to other writers and come away refreshed creatively although physically exhausted. I hope that by developing the writing community we will encourage more readers. To be a writer you have to be a reader.
I have read several books written by writers based in the UAE and I look forward to reading more!
For details on the programme visit: diwc.ae/the-liz-fenwick-mentorship-programme