K. J. Howe, an acclaimed author and Executive Director of ‘ThrillerFest’, discussed her focus on creating a protagonist with relatable human traits. She mentioned her unique choice of making her lead character in her crime fiction, a top kidnap negotiator, also battle Type 1 diabetes. This approach aimed to show that people with chronic illnesses can excel in their jobs.
Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi, an author and the first female Emirati aircraft engineer, emphasized the writer's role as a voice for people. She shared an experience where a reader identified strongly with the hero of one of her books.
Kinana Issa, a UAE-based Syrian author, highlighted the importance of thorough research in developing characters with depth, like her protagonist dealing with memory loss and the disappearance of his wife.
The authors advised aspiring writers not to focus on aspects like word count but to believe in their potential, seek expert advice, read more books, and keep writing without fear of criticism. Despite their own successes and awards, they emphasized the importance of continual learning and growth in the field of writing.