How do you feel knowing that your novel has won against the other 273 that were submitted? I still can't believe it. I'm still on cloud nine!
Why did you decide to enter? Four years ago, I stumbled upon the first winning novel of the contest, Los días que nos separan, by Laia Soler. And I liked it very, very much. I read it and told myself: "These are the things I would like to convey." And I set out to win the contest someday.
Where did the idea come from to write a book that gives so much prominence to the stars? Are you an astronomy enthusiast? No, not at all. I had to do my research. I like things that are a bit mystical, and I thought: "How can I link the theme of destiny and make sure there's some magic in the book?" And then I thought of the stars because I've always found it interesting, the constellations and all that. My mother believes a lot in horoscopes…
Your mother believes in horoscopes, and you, in destiny. Yes. Totally. I've always believed, since I was very young, that destiny is there.
So, you were meant to win this contest. Exactly! Ha, ha, ha.
The book is about family, friendship, and love, in that order. Family is important, yes. I wanted to write one of those tender books where you feel embraced by your family.
Well, you've succeeded. And are you that tender in your daily life or only in your writing? I am very sensitive, but I wouldn't say tender. Although it's true that I perceive everything with great intensity.
Is there any autobiographical part of the story? For example, have you lost or fought with a close friend? More than fights with friends, I've had breakups, friends who I later saw weren't worth it. But no, it's not autobiographical.
But in the book, you describe a kiss between the protagonists as "two united constellations." Is that not autobiographical either? If I've felt it? Yes! And I wish everyone would feel it sometime.
At the beginning of each chapter, we find a phrase that the narrator says to herself. That is autobiographical. The advice Gala gives herself is what I want to give myself in my life. The first one is something like "Stop wanting to control the future or the past because they are beyond your jurisdiction," which is something I should do, because I always think ahead and never enjoy the moment.
What did you want to convey to the reader? The importance of second chances. That sometimes we have to forgive ourselves and others.
Do we all have a right to second chances? It depends on what we're talking about, but… yes, second chances, yes. Third chances, no longer.
Speaking of opportunities, why do you think you won? I think the story fits quite well with the publisher's line: it's tender, but with dark parts. Like the path of life, where there's a bit of everything and sometimes the bad is good.
Jordi Nadal, the director of Plataforma, assures that all the girls who have won the award have made a career as writers. How do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? Not as a lawyer. I've been very clear about that since my second year of university. I wanted to finish it, but no, I don't have the temperament for that. I'd like to be a writer, although I don't know if it will work out. I hope so!
What advice would you give to boys and girls who want to write their first book? To take their time to decide when they want to do it. They have to find their moment. And then there's the next step: when you're afraid of being judged, that people won't like your book. If I took so long to write it, it was precisely because of that. But it's something you have to live with. You have to assess whether it's worth it to write despite the criticism or not to write and not be happy.
Do you already know what you'll do with the 3,000 euros from the prize? I'm considering doing a master's in legal translation and judicial interpretation. But it's just an option, I don't know yet.
Have you found your North Star? Yes. Four years ago, and we've been together ever since.
Interview: Ana Portolés Photography: Rita Puig-Serra
You can read more stories like these in ALMA, the social network, a digital space dedicated to the social sphere that offers a new perspective on the present and future of society, from an optimistic and diverse voice, and all the initiatives promoted by the "la Caixa" Social Project.
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