Welcome to my blog! As a passionate tour guide, writer, and translator, I’ve embarked on a unique journey that intertwines the realms of storytelling and exploration. In this post, I’ll take you through my writing journey, from the humble beginnings of teenage diaries to the creation of a novel that delves into the mysterious history of Petra.
Table of Contents
High School Musings
My writing journey kicked off during my high school days. In the solitude of my thoughts, I began penning down the random musings of a teenager, choosing English as my canvas, even though it wasn’t my first language. Little did I know that these early writings would sow the seeds for a literary adventure that awaited me in the future.
Lockdown Collaborations
Fast forward to the COVID-19 lockdown in Jordan _ 14 years later, where the absence of tourists paved the way for a serendipitous encounter with an unpublished writer. My writing journey revived and I took a big step towards it. This friend – Brian – not only sought my feedback but also encouraged me to co-write a novel. Though our collaborative effort remained unpublished, it opened a door to a world of creative possibilities and ignited my passion for storytelling.
The Official Start to my Writing Journey
Fuelled by this newfound passion, I was encouraged by Brian to take a leap and joined an MA course at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. The academic journey was a transformative experience, providing me with writing prompts, techniques, and insights into the world of storytelling. I discovered a love for scriptwriting and even shared ideas for films that resonated with my insightful tutor.
Uncovering Hidden Passages – How my Petra novel came to life
While volunteering for the university’s magazine, I had the opportunity to prepare questions for an interview with a historical fiction expert. Although the interview never took place, a lingering question about writing a novel on Petra’s mysterious history stayed with me. This curiosity sparked the creation of my ongoing fictional novel about Petra, where the narratives of a contemporary tour guide and a Nabatean stonecutter intertwine.
The Tale Unfolds
In this novel, the contemporary tour guide, initially disenchanted with his job, undergoes a transformation as he discovers the hidden library of the Nabateans. Simultaneously, the historical narrative follows a Nabatean stonecutter, tasked with carving the Treasury, whose journey becomes intertwined with the modern-day guide’s discoveries.
The Road Ahead _ when will the novel be finished?
As I navigate the dual narratives, the novel stands at the halfway mark, with the promise of completion within a year. The journey from tour guide to storyteller has been a thrilling one, and I can’t wait to share the final tale with the world.
Merging Traveling with Writing in a First-Ever Retreat
In alignment with my passion for connecting writing and traveling, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be hosting a unique writing and traveling retreat this coming January. This retreat is a manifestation of my vision to create a space where the art of storytelling intertwines seamlessly with the exploration of historical wonders. Imagine walking amidst the ruins of the past, taking the time to absorb the essence of each site, and allowing these ancient landscapes to fuel inspiration for writing or journaling. This retreat aims to slow down the pace of travel, providing participants with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the history that surrounds them.
Together, we’ll delve into the narratives of the places we visit, fostering a deep connection between our experiences and the stories waiting to be told. I believe that the synergy between writing and traveling has the power to transform not just the way we tell stories, but also how we perceive and appreciate the world around us. I invite fellow enthusiasts of both the written word and travel to join me on this enriching retreat, where the echoes of the past beckon us to create stories that transcend time.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed exploring my writing journey. Join me on this literary adventure as I continue to explore the depths of Petra’s history, weaving together the threads of past and present. Whether you’re a fellow writer, a travel enthusiast, or someone seeking a captivating story, I invite you to follow along as I bring the mysteries of Petra to life through my words. Stay tuned for updates on my novel’s progress and more insights into the intersection of my roles as a tour guide, writer, and translator.