| Interview | Susana C. Júdice | Liberum's Dream

Hello book-nerds!
How are you? I know I'm lacking on reviews, and I'm very sorry to inform you that it will get worse before it gets better. My exams are here and I have so muuuch to do. And to worsen everything I'm also negotiating the release of my second book so reading and reviews are at the bottom of a very, very long list.

Still, I promise I'll try to keep you updated as much as possible. Don't give up on us!

Information a side, I had the wonderfull oportunity to interview the talented Susana C. Júdice, you can read my thoughts on her book here. Now, there are no spoilers below so feel free to read this conversation!

Q: Liberum’s Dream (Sonho de Liberum) was your first published novel, but was it your first book you wrote?

Photo taken from the author's page

Yes, it was the first book I ever wrote. My writing started when I was eleven, but in the form of poems, letters, lyrics, or by simply writing in my journal.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for Liberum’s Dream? The world, the elements, Gweniver, the relationships… Tell us a bit about the process of writing this book.

Honestly, it was completely spontaneous! My husband and a friend were reading some of my writing and suggested for me to write a book. At first, I thought it was impossible, but the seed of challenge was planted. One night, I woke up and had an epiphany. Although very raw, it was like a vision of a possible story with just a slight idea of a beginning, middle and an end. I saw the story in my mind like a movie, so I believed in myself and started writing. Every character and moment came to me naturally, but there was a lot of research involved, allowing me more inspiration on the construction of every detail. I had to learn to trust my instinct. Sometimes I would start a chapter, not even dreaming were it would lead me!

Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing and later publishing it?

I guess my biggest challenge in both aspects, was starting from zero. I had no clue on how to write a book. My only experience with books was reading them! I like to imagine that maybe the many, many books I read, made some kind of imprint on my instinct, helping me accomplish this challenge, that later became a dream. After I ended the book, once again starting from zero, I had no contacts, no idea how the publishing process worked. So I continued to believe in myself, and in my work, sending my manuscript to several editors in Portugal. Fortunately, in less than two weeks, I had two magnificent offers to publish.

Q: We will be having a second book, and while something big has been hinted already, what can you tell us?

I don't want to hand out spoilers just yet, but I can say that I'm very thrilled and proud with the second book. There will be many new characters, with unexpected twists in their lives. While the first book was very rich in a scenic point of view, this one is greater on an emotional point of view. The chapters will be told in the different perspectives of the principal characters, allowing the readers to feel closer with each one and the way they feel. I believe if the readers loved the first book, they are definitely going to love this second one, but for now, the rest is a secret!

Q: About your characters, do you tend to base them on ‘’real’’ people or create your own?

All characters are product of my imagination, but to be fair, I believe there's a piece of me in every one of them. On the other hand, some simple moments or emotions along the story are based in some of my life's episodes.

Q: On this topic, and because it’s a topic I always like to know more about, how do you come up with your characters’ names?

The names are, for me, a very tricky process that involves hours and hours of research. I tried to match every name with its character, so that the meaning of every name leaves a trace of its character personality or element. For me, it's a matter of instinct and research.

Q: Any interesting rituals before/after or while writing? What do you do when you have writers block?

I don't really have a ritual. All I need is a good night's sleep and a free day to concentrate only on writing. I only like to write half or entire chapters at once, allowing the story to flow naturally. For me, a rested mind and time to write at a peaceful pace are essential. I've never had writers block. When I don't have time to write, I keep my mind busy on the construction of the plot. I imagine scenes and possibilities, so that when I do have the time to write, they can flow, as if I click the play button on the movie going on in my mind.

Q: About your readers, how do you deal with negative reviews? And how does it feel to see people read your book?

A writer should always write from the soul in pursuit of an individual satisfaction, but the readers are the ones who give the writer a challenging purpose. Every review is important, but we should never forget, that every review is an opinion, and that we can never expect to make the whole world happy. With that in mind, as a writer, I choose to filter all reviews and learn from them the best I can. Fortunately for me, I've had lovely reviews that motivate me to continue my journey, becoming a better writer along the way. Seeing people read my book is absolutely amazing! When my writing changes someone's life or touches them in any kind of way, even if it's just to help them get through a bad day, it's the best fulfilling feeling ever. It warms my heart and soul.

Q: Do you feel that Portuguese people tend to stay way from national literature?

Photo taken from the author's page

Not at all. We have a very strong literature culture running through our Portuguese veins, represented in many great poets, authors and even song writers! Maybe in the fantasy novel realm, we're still evolving and tend to look up to international authors, or cultures were fantasy is strongly built, but we have amazing national talent. I believe that when the art of writing is great and given the chance of visibility, readers will follow it no matter the nationality.

Q: Any advice to young writers trying to start/finish a book? Or to those trying to publish one for the first time?

My advice is to believe in yourself, trust your instinct, dream big and work hard. Have the courage to take the first step and start writing from the soul, followed by the persistence to finish it, just because it makes you happy and finally, take the risk to show it to the world. Some opportunities come to us by chance, but most of them, we have to create ourselves!

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me! It was a pleasure to read and review Liberum’s Dream as well as getting to know you. Wish you the best in the world!

Thank you, Tânia! It's an honour to share my words with you and your readers. Best of luck and lots of inspiration! Keep on writing and believing! Xox, Susana C. J.