Ritaj Al-Hazmi, an 11-year-old Saudi girl, exemplifies children's creativity with her nack for writing stories. The youngest novelist candidate, who has already published two novels and is working on a children's book, is a candidate to become the youngest novelist in the Guinness Book of Records.
Retaj talked to Asharq Al-Awsat about her writing experience, which she explains has passed through several stages. It started after her parents discovered her talent for writing early on, at a time when she had been writing short stories. With their encouragement, she moved on to write a novel. She explained that it was a massive challenge and that she worked on her first novel for over a year. Her family strongly supported her, taking her to workshops and buying her novel-writing books. She eventually went on to give her own workshop, in which more than 20 trainees participated.
Speaking about her work, Hazmi begins by discussing her upcoming novel Treasure of the Lost Sea. "It tells the story of two brothers who lived on a deserted island with a poor family. Their lives were full of challenges, hardships, and perseverance. Something happens, and their lives take an unexpected turn towards a new world in which they embark on an adventure and become its heroes."
As to why she has chosen to write novels, Hazmi explains: "In the beginning, reading allowed me to discover my passion for writing. The limited number of novels for children of my age group compelled me to write my own. I decided to give this my attention and leave a mark on this field. My goal is to discover different areas of knowledge, such as science and technology. All I want to do is to expand my knowledge and then write. I think there is a lot to discover."
Asked about writers who left their mark on her, she mentions J.K. Rowling, whose style and prose Hazmi says taught her a lot. She also mentions Jessica Brody, whose workshops helped her enhance her skills.
As being Guinness Book of Records candidate, she says: "It has strongly encouraged me to continue to write. Being named the Youngest Writer of a Novel Series would encourage me to achieve other feats and break other world records. I want to obtain the title to motivate others of my age and show them they are capable of doing a lot."
She concludes by discussing the best and most frustrating features of writing. "The best thing about writing is its ability to open the door into a world of imagination, and that has made me see the world differently. The worst thing about it is that some ideas don't always stick with you, so you might have to jot new ideas down when they come to you quickly."
