Nejoud Al-Yagout, a Kuwaiti writer, moved to China with her family when she was two months old. She spent her childhood and teenage years in Italy, UAE, and Pakistan. Al-Yagout is the founder of Co-Exist Kuwait, an initiative to bridge cultural, racial, ideological, social, and financial divides in her country where she is based. When The Haboob Sings is her second novel. Motorbikes and Camels is her first. She considers herself, and others, souls of the universe.

 

EXTRA CREDIT INTERVIEW WITH NEJOUD AL-YAGOUT:

Joining us for an author interview is Nejoud Al-Yagout, author of MOTORBIKES AND CAMELS and WHEN THE HABOOB SINGS. Both books have received the LitPick Top Choice Book Review Award. Our reviewers have described her books as “thought provoking,” “intriguing,” “engrossing,” “worthwhile,” and “moving.”

***Do you have a solid outline before writing, or do you usually get ideas as you go along?

The words command. I obey. 

***Has someone you’ve known ever appeared as a character in a book (consciously or subconsciously)?

No, but some of the characters are projections of scenarios that can occur. 

***What do you do when you get writer’s block?

If I can't write, I don't. 

***If you could live in a book’s world, which would you choose?

I think I'd choose to live in the world of Alice in Wonderland but only to prove the rabbit hole is an illusion! 

***If you could have lunch with one other author (dead or alive), who would it be?

Rumi. 

***Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Stay tuned—for what? I have no idea! 

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Nejoud, we look forward to hearing more about your next project.

Reviews of When the Haboob Sings: https://litpick.com/books/when-haboob-sings

Animated review of When the Haboob Sings: https://youtu.be/KB3H5eQ0vrQ

Reviews of Motorbikes and Camels: https://litpick.com/books/motorbikes-and-camels

Animated review of Motorbikes and Camels: https://youtu.be/doxL60o_WM0

 

 

SIX MINUTES WITH NEJOUD AL-YAGOUT:

Joining LitPick for Six Minutes with an Author is Nejoud Al-Yagout, author of Motorbikes and Camels (and many others). She is the founder of Co-Exist Kuwait, which helps to bridge many divides in her country.

Check out the animated review of Motorbike and Camels (https://youtu.be/doxL60o_WM0).

***How did you get started writing?

When I was an early teen, the dictator in my head manifested as songs, and then poetry; once it made itself known, I had no choice but to obey and write. Today, it has added essays to its curriculum vitae, and it made me write a novel this year!

***Who influenced you?

Anyone who has protected (and protects) those silenced by dogma and ideology, the ostracized, the ones denied rights, the so-called minorities. 

***Do you have a favorite book/subject/character/setting?

The subject that appeals to me the most is freedom of expression whether in writing, worship or sexuality.

***What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author? 

Get out of the way. The work needs no resistance. You can always edit later.

***Where is your favorite place to write?

In my room.

***What else would you like to tell us?

Nothing else; but if you would like to say something to me, you can reach me on my website. 
 

Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us, Nejoud. We agree that writing is a powerful force, and we hope you continue to use it for amazing things.