Sharjah - At the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair, the Thriller Festival featured a panel where three remarkable women authors delved into their distinct approaches to crafting intriguing and relatable characters.

K. J. Howe, renowned for her work and as the Executive Director of 'ThrillerFest,' highlighted her focus on creating a strong protagonist in her crime fiction, notably featuring a lead negotiator with Type 1 diabetes. Her aim was to challenge the stereotype that only healthy individuals excel in such roles, showcasing that those with chronic illnesses can be exceptionally skilled.

Dr. Suaad Al Shamsi, the first female Emirati aircraft engineer and accomplished author, emphasized the power of being a voice for the voiceless through writing. Her experience resonated deeply with readers, touching lives and evoking emotional responses from those who found their own stories reflected in her characters.

For UAE-based Syrian author Kinana Issa, character creation was a spiritual journey intertwined with extensive research. Her protagonist’s struggle with memory loss and a missing wife necessitated a deep dive into diverse perspectives and detailed exploration.

All three women advised budding authors not to worry about things like word count or how many pages they have finished writing. Al Shamsi said, “Always believe you will be famous one day and that you are a good writer, take advice from experts and most importantly read more books.” Echoing the same sentiment, Issa’s advice was simply to keep writing. “When you want to write, don't think of criticism.” Despite winning awards, Howe said she is constantly learning and hoping to grow with every single book.