Dubai author success story
A Dubai-based author has become an inspiring figure in the regional literary scene. Annabel Kantaria made a courageous decision to pursue her lifelong dream of writing a novel. She describes this move as a “leap of faith,” undertaken with the mindset that she had “nothing to lose.” That initial leap did not just result in a single book. It blossomed into multiple, successful three-book deals with major international publishers. Kantaria’s journey from a corporate professional to a published novelist demonstrates the power of perseverance and self-belief. Her success story is particularly resonant as she prepares to share her insights as a featured speaker at the prestigious annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, inspiring others to chase their own creative ambitions.
The Corporate Leap: From Magazine Editor to Aspiring Novelist
Annabel Kantaria’s path was not a straight line from childhood scribbler to bestselling author. She built a successful corporate career first, working as a managing editor for a major magazine in Dubai. This role honed her professional writing and editing skills. However, the dream of writing her own novel persisted. The “leap of faith” came when she decided to carve out time from her demanding job and family life to write fiction. She committed to treating writing like a second job, dedicating early mornings, late nights, and weekends to developing her craft and completing her first manuscript, proving that a professional career can be the foundation for, not a barrier to, creative success.
The Power of ‘Nothing to Lose’: Overcoming Fear and Doubt
A key element of Kantaria’s philosophy was silencing her inner critic. She embraced the liberating idea that she had “nothing to lose” by trying. This mindset removed the paralyzing fear of failure. It allowed her to write without the immense pressure of needing to secure a publishing deal immediately. She focused on the process of writing itself—completing a story she was passionate about. This approach kept her motivated through challenging drafts and rejections. It transformed writing from a high-stakes gamble into a personal project of fulfillment, which ultimately made her work more authentic and appealing to agents and publishers.
Securing the Coveted Three-Book Deal
The breakthrough moment arrived when an international literary agent recognized the potential in Kantaria’s debut manuscript. This agent helped her refine the novel and presented it to publishing houses. The quality of her writing and the commercial appeal of her story—often exploring family secrets and expatriate life—led to a tremendous offer. She secured a three-book deal, a significant commitment from a publisher that believes in an author’s long-term potential. This deal provided financial security and the creative confidence to plan a series of interconnected stories, turning a one-time project into a sustainable writing career.
Crafting Stories from the Heart of Expatriate Life
Annabel Kantaria’s novels are deeply influenced by her surroundings. Living in Dubai for over two decades, she skillfully uses the vibrant, transient, and sometimes isolating expatriate experience as a rich backdrop for her psychological dramas and family sagas. Her books, such as The One She Left Behind and The Disappearance, explore universal themes of identity, belonging, secrets, and relationships. They resonate with readers globally because they tap into the emotional complexities of modern life, all set against the intriguing landscape of the UAE. This authentic voice, born from real experience, gives her fiction a compelling and relatable edge.
Balancing Writing with Family and Life in Dubai
A major challenge for any author, especially a mother, is finding time to write. Kantaria mastered the art of disciplined time management. She established a strict writing routine, often working in focused blocks of time when her family was at school or asleep. She learned to be productive in short bursts and to protect her writing time from other commitments. Her ability to balance a full family life in a busy city like Dubai with the solitary demands of writing a novel is a testament to her dedication and organizational skills, offering a practical blueprint for other aspiring writers with busy lives.
Sharing Wisdom at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Annabel Kantaria’s journey has come full circle with her invitation to speak at the Emirates Lit Fest. This festival is one of the largest literary celebrations in the Middle East. As a speaker, she will share her personal story of taking the leap, the realities of the publishing process, and her tips for aspiring authors. Her presence on the stage validates the growing community of writers in the UAE. It shows that world-class literary success can be launched from the region. For attendees, her talks offer a rare chance to learn from someone who has successfully navigated the path from dream to bookshelf, providing both inspiration and actionable advice.
An Inspiration for Dreamers Everywhere
Annabel Kantaria’s story is more than a publishing success. It is a powerful lesson in courage and commitment. She proves that a creative dream does not have to remain a fantasy. With a “leap of faith,” disciplined work, and resilience, it is possible to build a new identity and career. Her journey from a Dubai magazine office to international book deals and the stage of the Lit Fest encourages everyone with a hidden manuscript or a quiet dream to take that first step. She embodies the idea that you truly have nothing to lose by trying and everything to gain by believing in your own story, reminding us that the most compelling narratives are often the ones we choose to live ourselves.
