Olalla Garcia. Photograph of your website.
Olalla Garcia She is a writer of historical novels mainly. Born in Madrid, she studied History and has traveled many times in Spain and Europe until she settled in Alcalá de Henares. Among his published titles are The Garden of Hypatia, The Workshop of Forbidden Books or People without a King, the last. Today I publish this interview with her where she talks to us from her favorite books to her latest project in hand. I really appreciate your time, kindness and dedication.
INTERVIEW - OLALLA GARCÍA
- ACTUALIDAD LITERATURA: Do you remember the first book you read? And the first story you wrote?
OLALLA GARCÍA: The truth is that I do not remember. I learned to read at the age of four, and immediately began to write small scenes and stories invented. In my memory, I have been reading and writing forever.
- AL: What was the first book that struck you and why?
MV: The Neverending Storyby Michael Ende. I read it when I was ten years old and, for a long time, it was my favorite work. Why did it impact me so much? Because it is simply a wonderful book.
- AL: Who is your favorite writer? You can choose more than one and from all eras.
OG: There are several writers that I like, sure, but I don't have a favorite. I read authors of many nationalities, with very different voices and from all eras. There is no greater wealth than diversity.
- AL: What character in a book would you have liked to meet and create?
OG: We all have readings and characters that mark us, and whom we would have liked to meet. My great advantage as an author is that I can write about formidable historical figures, whom I admire, and thus, to a certain extent, live with them. For example, the great philosopher and scientist Hypatia of Alexandria, on which one of my novels revolves.
- AL: Any mania when it comes to writing or reading?
OG: I have gotten used to writing and reading anywhere. In public transport, in the waiting room of the health center… I carry a small notebook with me to write down ideas or phrases that come to mind. You have to take advantage of the inspiration wherever it comes to you.
- AL: And your preferred place and time to do it?
OG: In property, with peace of mind and a good cup of the next to.
- AL: What do we find in your latest novel, Town without king?
MV: A story about the uprising of the commoners. It is a historical event of great importance: the first time that a people felt sovereign and rebelled against the whims of a king.
- AL: Any other genres that you like besides the historical novel?
OG: As I said before, I am very eclectic. I read everything. For me, those of the genres is a mere commercial label, which does not influence me at all. A good novel is one by itself, and it can fit into any genre. A bad one, too.
- AL: What are you reading now? And writing?
OG: Leo documentation about a historical person whose biography I am writing: Maria Pacheco, the toledan community. He is a fascinating figure, with a great story to tell, and who has not received the attention he deserves.
- AL: How do you think the publishing scene is for as many authors as there are or want to publish?
OG: Difficult. In reality, the publishing market publishes more titles than the mass of readers can absorb, and a large part remains in the shadows because it does not enjoy an adequate marketing campaign. Unfortunately, there are great authors who remain unpublished, or whose books go through the shelves of the bookstores without pain or glory because they are not media enough.
- AL: Is the moment of crisis that we are experiencing being difficult for you or will you be able to keep something positive for future novels?
OG: It is proving difficult for everyone, but you have to try to find a positive side. Life is very gray if we approach it without optimism. For me, I stay with those friends who have proven to be true, with neighbors and anonymous people who have turned to helping those in need. Yes, I am lucky to have people like that around. Good luck.