Sharjah: Well-known Indian journalist and writer Manu Joseph shared his school experiences and offered tips and advice to aspiring authors at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2017 on Tuesday.
Joseph addressed a packed hall of students from across the UAE during an audience discussion and book-signing session. He is just one of the many prominent authors who are conducting book discussions and other sessions at SIBF 2017, which runs until November 11 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Offering advice to aspiring authors, the former editor of Open magazine said; “I don’t write for a specific readership — I write what I want to share. If you keep thinking of the readership, or if you tailor your writing to specific audiences, it won’t work,” Joseph said.
Joseph also elaborated on the traits needed to become a good writer.
“A little bit of arrogance is essential. You cannot be meek and write a story. There has to be some intentional arrogance. But you should also possess a degree of humility at the same time,” Joseph said.
Author of widely acclaimed and best-selling novels, Joseph also shared how one of the characters in his novels is similar to what he was like when he was 11. He interacted with the students and talked about his books, the authors he admired, and the difference between the writing styles for journalism and novels.
Joseph has written three novels to date. His debut title ‘Serious Men’ won the PEN/Open Book Award, while his second book ‘The Illicit Happiness of Other People’ is a semi-autobiographical novel. His third book ‘Miss Laila, Armed and Dangerous’ was well received for its take on the political and social system in India.
