“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once.” These are the words American fantasy novelist George R R Martin shared in his piece A Dance with Dragons.
The habit of reading has always been regarded as a very positive hobby. People try and inculcate reading habit among their kids. It is a very useful time-pass with a lot of learning.
The social distancing phenomenon, triggered by the novel coronavirus pandemic around the globe, can serve as the best opportunity to either inculcate the reading habit or read the books you have long been waiting to go through.
Kummam al-Maadeed is a young Qatari story-teller, specialising in English fantasy novels. The only female Qatari English fantasy writer holds a Master of Business Administration (2018) and a Bachelor of Public Relations and Advertising (2011) from Qatar University.
Currently the head of media and publications at Qatar University, Kummam loves to create new worlds and new cultures. She dreams about new and different worlds and then creates new characters for her stories. She has constantly been learning about ancient cultures and civilisations. The writer has so far published three books in English and one of them has been translated into Arabic.
These are unusual times as people are staying home most of the time and Kummam thinks it would be good for people to read fiction and spend quality time and be stress free. “Fiction helps us escape for a few hours to a different world and allows us to disconnect with our current worries. Being exposed to negative news 24/7 is draining, so reading can help reduce the anxiety of that exposure. It doesn’t even need to be just fiction. It can be any book with information and scenes that can take the reader’s mind off the current situation.
When asked how she spends most of her time while being at home, the fantasy novelist said: “I am head of media and publication at Qatar University so I work remotely from home. Other than that, I try to focus on stress relieving activities like baking, puzzles, video games and watching shows. I also spend a lot of my time with my family. We try to play or cook together. I try to stay connected with my friends, like I have never called this many people in my life before. But staying connected with my friends and extended family helps me stay grounded and reduce the anxiety of these days. And of course reading fiction takes away the most of my free time at home.”
The fiction and fantasy writer reiterate the significance of reading habit and not only keeps people busy but also eases the stress caused by the coronavirus outbreak and related social and economic complications.
She said: “Reading can help ease anxiety due to the current situation. It can also stimulate the mind and keep it active while staying home, so I highly recommend it. When choosing a book, make sure it has a topic you like and if you start reading a book and feel you do not like it, it is okay to stop and find another book. Do not pressure yourself. Also, try audiobooks. They are the best to listen to while you work around in the house or when you are doing your puzzle. I know a lot of people are hesitant about audiobooks, but give them a chance. They are so fun and practical.”
DRIVEN: Kummam is the head of media and publications at Qatar University and the only female Qatari English fantasy writer.
