Mohamed Qaratas 

Where does Mohammed Qaratas  put himself, in the list of poets or novelists?

In the original, where the writing is, whether in poetry or prose, remains creative writing. But personally I put myself in the list of poets more than novelists.

What do you think of the literary movement in Dhofar?

The literary movement in Dhofar is very weak. Any movement in the world is measured by results. Unfortunately, in Dhofar there is not big results. We are unfortunately one of the weakest governorate in Oman in literary production.

In your Opinion, what are the difficulties that facing the writer in Oman?

Actually there are difficulties facing any writer in the world but other  writers have an educated community, critics and an academic community. The writer or poet is standing on an island in the middle of the sea trying to extricate his island with the islands of others who are very far away. For example me as a poet I have relations with poet from Arab world ,such as Nasr Sami. Also the library in Dhofar is weak and poetic society does not exist. Also the academic community is not interacting with the writers.

Your advice to those who are afraid from publishing their writing?

The fear exist even if you are publishing your 50th book but the most important thing is that the writer should consulted another writer in his field and then a professor in his field and then a writer in another area and so on. Also he should not depends on one opinion.

Mohammad Qaratas, the reader, what is the book that you recommend for any reader?

To be honestly, there is no book that comes to my mind now, but the writer needs to read in more than one field. For example the doctors and the engineers are reading in their fields only. I think any book add to my writing. You should read novels, stories ,poetry and in any field because this will help you in your writing.