MANAMA: Bahraini national best-selling author Ali Al Saeed is presenting the first of a new series of workshops on creative writing this month (March) for budding writers on the island. The workshop will be held over four sessions, every Saturday, starting March 20.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the skills, techniques and styles of writing fiction, focusing on short stories and novels, and be encouraged to produce new writing or complete a work in progress during the workshop. They will also get an insight into the process of writing and its essential components such as plot, character, pace and tone. Al Saeed will also give tips to budding writers on the current trends in the publishing industries and the various ways of getting published.

“My approach to writing is not academic. So the workshop won’t be linear, but instead will build on the idea of honing your imagination as a skill and get you to lose your inhibitions as a writer,” explained the award-winning writer, “It should be fun, after all.”

Al Saeed is the award-winning author of three critically-acclaimed books, QuixotiQ, Moments and Sad Man Dancing. The workshop is being held in conjunction with the launch of his latest book, a creative non-fiction book titled, The Randomist. He has also conducted talks and workshops in Bahrain and abroad. His work has been published internationally in various literary journals, magazines and anthologies.

The workshop is one of several events building up to Elham’s upcoming major event, the third edition of its annual alternative arts festival held between May 5^th to 15^th. The Elham Arts Festival 2010 will feature a wide range of performative and visual arts, live music, film screenings, art exhibitions, talks and a number of workshops conducted by local and international artists.

“All our workshops, including this one, will focus on producing work, collaboration and interaction. They will be a unique experience for the participants,” said Elham event manager Sarah Sulaiman, “Participants in this workshop will also have the opportunity to take part in the festival and read their work to the public.”

The sessions for the creative writing workshop by Al Saeed will be held on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12.30pm at a venue yet to be confirmed. Registration fee is BD40 and is open until March 15. Seats are limited. To register send an email to elhambahrain@yahoo.com or contact 39416121.