Ali Al Saeed is a writer from Bahrain, born in 1978. For almost six
years, starting in 1998, he was a journalist writing for two of the leading
English-speaking newspapers in the country. He then began his writing career,
contributing regularly to a number of publications and magazines in the Gulf region.
In 2004, Ali published his debut novel, "QuixotiQ", the very first to
be written by a Bahraini (and a GCC national) directly in English. "QuixotiQ"
was a national best-seller and was given the Bahrain 2004 Outstanding Book of
the Year Award.
He also writes short fiction with several of his stories
appearing in various e-zines, journals and literary websites and is a
filmmaker, co-producing his first documentary film this year. Ali is currently
working on two new novels, a screenplay, and a non-fiction book.
To learn more about Ali’s work visit www.alialsaeed.com or www.quixotiq-writings.blogspot.com Read our Ali Al Saeed
interview
"QuixotiQ": FACTS SHEET
Winner of the Bahraini Outstanding Book of the Year Award 2004
announced in July by the directorate of Culture & Heritage, for being the
first novel written in English by a Bahraini.
"QuixotiQ" entered straight into the Top Ten
Bestselling fiction titles in Bahrain in the first week of its local release,
at number three.
Novel first introduced to the public at the opening of the
12th Alayam Cultural Festival in Bahrain (Oct 20 to 29), after the author
received an invitation from the organizers.
The very first novel written by a Bahraini author directly in
the English language and one of the very first voices of mainstream fiction to
emerge from the Gulf region.
The launch of "QuixotiQ" was named by Gulf Weekly as
one of the ten most “memorable and influential” events of 2004 in Bahrain.
Sponsored by the British Council to attend the 29th Cambridge
Seminar on Contemporary Literature, July, 2005, at Downing College.
Praise for "QuixtioQ":
“An important achievement.” – Nabeel Al Hamer, former Minister
of Information.
“Genre-bending… a refreshingly original story,” – Cavan
Terrill, author of "Blurred Line".
“A landmark in Bahraini literature,” – Neil Marr, co-author of
"Bullycide".
“An impressive debut,” – David Kelly, manager of Booksplus.
“By far the best book I’ve read this year!” – Reem Ebrahim,
editor of "COEDS" magazine.
“Exceptionally gentle in style,” – Renee Ballerini, poet,
editor and publisher.
“Highly entertaining, fast-paced thriller.” – Susie Hawes,
"Coffee Cramp Reviews".
“Captivating… a page-turner.” – Beatrix Berczi, journalist
(United International Press).
“Insightful and thought provoking,” – "Literati
Magazine".
“A talented and challenging writer,” – Ahdeya Ahmed, TV
presenter and journalist.
“A spooky and otherworldly story. QuixotiQ is a surreal,
dreamy and edgy piece,” – "Fallen Angel Reviews".
Published:
"QuixotiQ: A Novel" – iUniverse (August, 04)
"Uncle Monkey & the Tree of My Life" – Writers
Stories (August, 04)
"Moments" – Fictionline (September, 04)
"Empty Spaces" – New England Rouge Journal
(September, 04)
"That Will Be The Day and The End Death of Spirit" –
Fugitive Author (October, 04)
"Bow" – "Coffee Cramp Reviews" (October,
04)
"The Purple Rose" – Glimmer Train Press “Very Short
Fiction Award” finalist (November 04)
"Ezrael’s Leaf" – "Gold Dust Magazine"
"Newton’s Hope" – RSPublishing (December, 05)
"How The Ant Became Man" – RSPublishing (December,
05)
"Models of Success: The Journey" – Al Maseerah
Publishing (April, 06)
"Writer’s Block" ("Goodbye, Darwin"
Anthology) – Apodis Publishing (later
this year)
Awards:
Outstanding Book of the Year – Arts & Culture Dir.
(October, 05)
‘Short Not Sweet’ competition winner - RSPublishing (January,
06)
