For the last few years, it is becoming increasingly obvious that Saudi women are displaying their numerous talents in the field of the arts, particularly in terms of their prose and poetry. Saudi Gazette spoke to an acclaimed writer: Mervat Bukhary, a writer at Roaa magazine. A participant in the recent Riyadh Book Fair and Janadriya Festival, Bukhary has already published two books of poetry - one in classical and the other in slang Arabic - as well as three novels. She is also poised to participate in this year's Geneva Book Fair. Writing for the past twenty years, Bukhary does not consider herself to be an acclaimed writer or famous in any way but hails the progress women have made in the field recently. “I think this (progress) is the result of gradual openness in Saudi society which has allowed female journalists, writers, poets, artists, teachers etc. to showcase their creativity,” she said. Bukhary is currently working on a poem for children that she plans on unveiling on the children's channel Ajyal. Ever since Saudi novelist Abdo Khal has won the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), there's been a general acceptance of the idea that Saudi writers are starting to reap rewards for their work on an international level. “It is definitely an ambition for every creative Saudi writer to win this prize now, but I respect readers a lot, so I think I need twenty more years of writing to fully capture their confidence,” she remarked. Bukhary is also of the opinion that writers need not write about controversial or taboo issues to guarantee sales of their books. “When we were children we used to read acclaimed novels that were based on depicting the realities of life, and we learned a great many lessons and morals about how to lead our lives. Literature should discuss an issue that has content and goals but just writing about religion or sex for the sake of it will mean that readers will only read the novel or poem for that. Writers will momentarily attract readers but most other people will just hate their work.” She is full of praise for her peer and other female writers she looks up to. “Laila Al-Juhani, Alsaeg and Badriyah Al-Bisher are pioneers in the field and I greatly respect them. I should also not forget to mention Sara Al-Khathlan who also helps in nurturing new talents and supporting them,” she said.
