Sharjah: Letting your mind wonder through day-dreaming is an important factor in the process of writing,Indian author Amitav Ghosh told a packed room of students at the 33 Sharjah International Book Fair.
Best known for his works in English fiction, Ghosh’s most popular books include ‘River of Smoke’, ‘Sea of Poppies, and ‘The Circle of Reason’.
The author, who spoke at the fourth biggest book fair in the world, called on teachers to be tolerant and practice patience when encouraging their students to write.
“When students are not paying attention and are day-dreaming, they are using their imagination — that is also a part of their education,” he said.
Believing in the oft-cited phrase “practice makes perfect,” the author pointed out that importance of practising how to write during childhood and its role in every profession.
He said that there is a lack of focus on writing in schools and a bigger focus on subjects such as mathematics and science.
“Learning how to write is the most important thing you will learn from school. It is essential to everything you do in life,” he said.
When asked where he gets his writing inspiration from, the author said story ideas can emerge from different moments and experience of a writer’s life, and his world of imagination. Ghosh told students to listen to stories and events that their grandparents narrate from their past.
“Try seeing the world through the eyes of your grandparents. It’ll be something new and very different.”
During the author’s discussion session with hundreds of students from across the country, Indian student Mohammad Neshath from Our Own English High School was most excited to meet one of his favourite authors.
Neshath, who had drawn a sketch of the author got it autographed and took a photograph with his favourite author.
