Arablit blog, January 14, 2013

“First of all I’d like to emphasize that I do not write as a political act. Novels do not create revolutions; they create a revolution in the hearts and minds of people. After that it’s up to them,” said Ibrahim Essa after his novel made the 2013 International Prize for Arabic Fiction shortlist.

In this interview, the bestselling Egyptian author explains, among other things, why as a prominent journalist he also writes fiction, what stories inspire him, and who his audience is.

Asmaa Abdallah: Why do you write fiction?

Ibrahim Eissa: First of all I’d like to emphasize that I do not write as a political act. Novels do not create revolutions; they create a revolution in the hearts and minds of people. After that it’s up to them.

Now why do I write? I write because I have always wanted to tell a story. Because I see what others do not see and I want them to see it. I write so I don’t have to see a therapist. It brings out things in me that would otherwise come out in dreams or the like. And I frankly write in order to entertain myself. If I don’t enjoy it, then there is no point in writing.

Read the complete interview.

Posted on 18/02/2016 in FICTION Political, tagged as Arabic fiction, ArabLit, Asmaa Abdallah, Hoopoe Fiction, Ibrahim Essa, interview, IPAF, political fiction, The Televangelist, writing

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