I have gotten used to writing stories for products or brands. But for once here I am, writing my own story.
I knew I was going to be a writer when I was about ten years old.
I was always an avid reader and when I wasn’t busy catching birds, stealing fruits from our neighbor’s garden, or playing football with a ball made of socks, my mother would find me curled up reading a book for a few hours every day.
I’ve always had the desire to move people with words the way other writers moved me. I wrote love letters for my friends’ girlfriends on their behalf.
But you know how it goes, you grow up and become practical. However, ‘practical’ for me never meant studying business, commerce, or medicine. Knowing that, I decided to pursue my dreams in writing. I moved to the city from the tiny village I grew up in, Tiaret, Algeria, to try and achieve what I’ve always dreamt of. A lifetime and career in writing.
At first, I majored in Translation studies. Then for my master’s degree, I chose to study Economics but never strayed far from languages, since my emphasis was in business writing. During that period, I worked across different industries and even taught at the university I was studying in.
One thing led to another and I decided to continue my studies by pursuing a PHD in cultural interactions within advertising. Then one day, I made the leap and moved to Dubai to embrace a career in writing. A journey that I started about 12 years ago and which I’m still enjoying till now.
Fast forward several years later, and here I am pursuing my passion in writing with a PHD in Linguistics and the ability to write in 4 languages, or let’s say 3 languages and a half, and more than 6 dialects Saudi, Egyptian and Lebanese among others.
Even though, I’ve always been immersed in the work I take on, I now find myself entering a professional period where I see myself driven by ambition and passion for my work.
I have finally reached my Zen, both professionally and personally. I am blessed with a wonderful wife and two little girls who are the loves of my life.
By HB
