Read to Write Noureddine Boutahar

 My friend Khalid Nkhaili recently told me about his admiration for my writing and expressed curiosity about my journey in developing this skill. Well, let me take you back to the roots of my love for writing—a passion that sprouted in the fertile soil of my childhood, nurtured by my deep affection for reading.

Growing up in a serene Moroccan countryside, I attended a school with no books at home and no library to quench my literary thirst. However, my love for reading knew no bounds. As soon as I could decipher words, I eagerly devoured the Souk’s* offerings, which wrapped our groceries, vegetables, and fruit in old newspaper pieces. Those crumpled sheets became my literary treasures. I would meticulously straighten them, immersing myself in the articles within. Though I didn't fully grasp the content, occasionally stumbling upon news from my father's old transistor radio added a layer of familiarity.

Another unexpected source of reading material was the medicine boxes brought home by a sick family member. The drug information sheet became my favorite, captivating me with its dual language presentation in Arabic and French. Little did I know that this would be the starting point for my journey to becoming proficient in French, a skill that would prove valuable from my junior school days onward.

Upon moving from the countryside to the bustling city of Meknes after primary school, I discovered a true treasure—the city library. My newfound haven, the “Librairie Municipale” library, became a sanctuary where I not only read voraciously but also borrowed books to continue my literary exploration at home.

This dedicated reading routine bore fruit, significantly influencing my writing style. I began crafting compelling paragraphs and essays that garnered praise from my teachers. In junior school, my instructors, including Madame Massardier, Madame Boulanger, and Monsieur Dupont, alongside an unnamed Arabic teacher, actively encouraged my writing endeavors. Their support fueled my passion.

Transitioning to university life, influential professors like Mr. Ezzroura and Mr. Jamari continued to champion my writing in English. Their mentorship, among many others, played a pivotal role in shaping my literary journey. In one memorable instance, Mr. Jamari took the initiative to share a snippet of one of my essays with our classmates. His discerning comment echoed in my ears — a prophecy, it seemed — as he boldly declared that I was destined to be a writer. This pivotal moment not only bolstered my confidence but also ignited a flame of ambition within me.

Once I found a comfortable rhythm in expressing myself, I took the plunge into the world of “journalism”. I began submitting articles to a few Moroccan newspapers, composing them in both Arabic and French. While not a regular occurrence, the moments when my work graced the pages and captured the attention of the general public were truly gratifying. Witnessing my words in print was a source of pride, fueling my passion for sharing stories and ideas with a broader audience.

Today, acknowledging the profound impact of reading, I eagerly took steps to ensure that my children could savor its delightful rewards. The enchanting tunes of bedtime tales continue to resonate as cherished chapters in the hearts of my little ones, especially my beloved daughters. They joyfully reminisce about those bedtime adventures, considering them among the finest moments of their early years. It truly warms my heart to see that the love for reading and books has taken root in each of them.

Remarkably, one of my daughters, Rime, has emerged as a budding wordsmith, crafting exceptional articles that find a home in prestigious global publications. Witnessing her talent bloom is not just a source of parental pride but a testament to the enduring power of reading and storytelling within our family.

The bottom line, the axiom "Nemo Dat" holds true in the symbiotic relationship between reading and writing. A profound truth underscores my writing journey: one cannot master the art of writing without immersing oneself in the vast ocean of literature. Reading provides writers with ideas for structure, language, literary techniques, and effective ways to convey a writer's purpose, replenishing the creative energy needed for continued writing.

* Moroccan outdoor weekly market.