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My journey as a writer began in 2002 when I attended a creative writing course at the American University of Beirut (AUB). At the time, I had recently left my undergraduate studies at Oxford. One of the pieces I wrote during that course, a surreal, second-person short story titled Benches, was heavily influenced by Kazuo Ishiguro’s The Unconsoled. My instructor, Professor Roseanne Khalaf, included it in Transit Beirut (Saqi Books, 2004), an anthology she co-edited. This marked my first published work and the beginning of my literary career as Omar Sabbagh.
Since then, I have explored various forms of writing, including short fiction, poetry, full-length novellas, literary reviews, journalism, and academic papers. My work has appeared across multiple genres, shaping my identity as a writer. Writing has been both a professional endeavor and a means of intellectual and personal exploration. The act of weaving words together allows me to examine the intricacies of identity, existence, and perception—themes that frequently recur in my work. As I progressed, my literary voice evolved with each new piece I created, reinforcing my commitment to the craft.
In October 2023, my short fiction collection, Y Knots (Liquorice Fish Books), was published. The book compiles some of my best short-form imaginative prose written between 2004 and 2022. The title, Y Knots, holds multiple layers of meaning. Many of the stories explore themes of identity. As a male writer, the reference to the ‘Y’ chromosome felt fitting. The concept of ‘knots’ represents the tensions that drive storytelling. On a deeper level, the title reflects a shift in perspective that comes with age. Over time, I have realized that life is a series of intertwined narratives, each unfolding unpredictably, much like the stories I craft.
As young adults, we often seek to understand and explain the world around us. I was once eager to answer every ‘why’ question, trying to make sense of all the phenomena I encountered. However, as I grew older, I realized that life is unpredictable and filled with complexities beyond our control. With time, my perspective shifted from Why? to Why not?—a more accepting approach to life’s uncertainties. This realization also influenced my openness toward spirituality and historical narratives. As Omar Sabbagh, I have come to appreciate the unpredictable nature of literary creation. The best stories often emerge from unanticipated turns, making writing an organic and evolving process rather than a rigidly structured endeavor.
Every writer faces rejection, especially in the early stages. Instead of seeing it as failure, I have learned to treat it as an opportunity to refine my craft. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ idea before writing is counterproductive. Writing itself is a journey. Thoughts shape words, and words generate new thoughts. A writing career is a long-term pursuit. Success in literature often comes gradually. My most significant work has emerged in recent years, proving that patience is key. As Omar Sabbagh, I have embraced the notion that writing is both an art and a discipline—one that requires persistence, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. The ability to adapt and grow has been instrumental in my development. I encourage aspiring writers to view their journey in the same way.
Writing, like storytelling, follows a natural progression. The more causes you lay down in your career, the faster the effects will unfold. Keep writing, and over time, you’ll be amazed at how much you’ve accomplished. Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the milestones I have achieved. From my first publication in 2004 to the release of Y Knots in 2023, every step has contributed to my growth as a writer. For those embarking on their own literary journey, persistence and resilience will always be your greatest allies. My journey as Omar Sabbagh continues to evolve, and I look forward to the stories that remain to be written. With each new publication, I strive to push the boundaries of storytelling, ensuring that my work remains impactful and meaningful in the ever-changing literary landscape.
