Nguyen Phan Mai inspires writers to embrace roots at SIBF 2025

November 08, 2025 / 5:28 PM

Sharjah 24: Award-winning Vietnamese novelist Dr. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai encouraged participants at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) to “find the fire inside you that keeps you sleepless and wanting to write” during the interactive workshop “Unleash Your Creative Writing Powers & Reflect on Your Heritage.” She addressed challenges such as writer’s block, lack of confidence, time constraints, and unfamiliar topics, motivating aspiring writers to explore their heritage and personal stories.

Drawing from heritage and personal experience

Nguyen, whose novels and poems reflect Vietnam’s history and her childhood memories, emphasized perseverance in writing. She shared that it took seven years to complete her bestseller The Mountains Sing, stressing that it is never too late to start a book. She advised participants to maintain routines, stick to deadlines, and minimize distractions.

Creative writing tips and techniques

Nguyen highlighted the process of writing, including researching, brainstorming, drafting, editing, sharing with early readers, and revisiting work for new perspectives. She explained that compelling stories require dynamic characters, interesting settings, engaging plots, meaningful messages, and emotional connection, urging writers to use all their senses to immerse readers.

Stories rooted in personal heritage

Participants created story ideas inspired by their roots, ranging from childhood objects like a black necklace or teddy bear to meaningful items like an Irish friendship ring, old photographs, or passports connecting them to their native lands. Some wrote poems, while others drafted memoirs or novel openings, exploring their cultural and personal identities.

SIBF 2025: A hub for creativity and learning

The 12-day Sharjah International Book Fair, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme “Between You and a Book,” features over 300 cultural events, 750+ workshops, and 85 stage performances from 12 countries, providing a rich platform for writers, readers, and creatives to engage with literature and the arts.