Must read: Boredom can be a perfect moment for great ideas

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Stefanie Opitz, Children’s book author and illustrator
Stefanie Opitz, Children's book author and illustrator

I've read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho several times and am always amazed by its pure wisdom. Here's one such gem: Focus on your own journey, be inquisitive about your life goals and take action to achieve them.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Thu 13 Oct 2016, 9:25 PM

Last updated: Thu 13 Oct 2016, 11:27 PM

What book(s) are you reading at the moment?
Right now, I am reading Seven Pillars of Wisdom by TE Lawrence, because I want to learn more about the history of Arabia. Reading about this region's past is amazing, as it makes me appreciate its incredible transformation over the last 100 years.
The book(s) that changed your life and shaped your outlook, and why?
I've read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho several times and am always amazed by its pure wisdom. Here's one such gem: Focus on your own journey, be inquisitive about your life goals and take action to achieve them.
Which titles or authors can you pick up and read any time, and why?
Paulo Coelho and Khaled Hosseini can make me read their captivating stories any time. The characters they create let me connect emotionally with them. The conflicts in their stories are diverse and always leave me with philosophical questions when the last page has been turned. These are among the greatest books for me.
Which books would you love to pass on to your children (or any young person) to read and treasure, and why?
Due to its universality, I'd say Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr Seuss is a superb book to help children who are growing up and facing new situations in their life. At times, I also read The Lorax (by the same author) to my kids, in order to teach them the importance of respecting our planet. When my children become older, I hope they will be as captured by The Lord of the Rings and the vastly detailed fantasy world of JRR Tolkien, as I was. And last, but not the least, I would always be happy to pass on my own book, Friendship is About Dubai, to my boys - so that they can treasure their memories and the photographs of their friends in the ever-changing city of Dubai.
Any advice for aspiring writers?
Always watch out for interesting things to write about. At breakfast, in the car, while waiting in a queue - weird situations, interesting people or funny objects that could inspire you are everywhere all the time.
Create your own ideas, instead of simply consuming existing ones. You can read more books and allow other authors to inspire you in the process. Try to figure out the author's story plot as you go along, in order to pick up cues on how to structure your own story.
Boredom can be a perfect moment for great ideas. Let your thoughts swirl around and your imagination come up with wild stories. Take your time and try it out - because it works!
 
 


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