SIBF 2025 writing activity inspires future authors

A creative space for all ages

Separated by large faux blocks featuring the SIBF logo, the writing area welcomes participants of all ages. While originally designed for children, many adults with a passion for writing have also joined in. Instead of formal trainers, facilitators guide visitors through choosing prompts, completing activities, and binding their pages into a personal booklet.

An activity designed for future authors

Open to participants aged 10 and above, the paid activity has become especially popular with adults who find motivation in the thoughtful prompts. The workshop aims not to teach writing techniques but to inspire participants to explore their creativity and discover new story ideas.

“Start Your Story” activity stations

The first section, “Start Your Story,” offers a range of book-inspired worksheets neatly arranged in table compartments. Prompts include writing a letter to a stranger who loves books, drawing or describing a favourite character, and crafting a note to an author—living or gone—such as a letter beginning with: “Dear Orwell, Thank you for warning us before it was too late.”

Encouraging reflection and self-discovery

Other sheets encourage participants to track their reading progress, draw a “mind map” of how a book made them feel, list books that challenged or healed them, or reflect on their reading journey from childhood to adulthood. Additional materials include plot twist generators, bookmark templates, shelf confession cards, and quotes from Dr Seuss, C.S. Lewis, and Hemingway.

Binding Your Own Book

Once the worksheets are completed, participants head to the “Bind Your Book” corner. Pages are bound with orange plastic combs and placed between shiny silver or amber covers printed with the SIBF theme, creating a personalised keepsake for each aspiring author.

Inspiring the writers of tomorrow

“This isn’t a traditional workshop but an activity designed to encourage prospective authors to write their own book in the future,” explained facilitator Haneen Anaya. “It helps participants organise their thoughts, reflect on their goals, and discover inspiration for their own stories.”

SIBF 2025 overview

SIBF 2025, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “Between You and a Book,” runs until November 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah, welcoming writers, publishers, and readers from 118 countries.