We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Conchita GarSantiago. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Conchita below.

Conchita, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

As soon as I put “The End” in my first book that I finished, I jumped in pure jubilation and overwhelming satisfaction. I yelled, feeling a surge of accomplishment rush through me. Little did I know I had only just begun. Because, what is the point of writing a book if you can’t publish it?

I got in touch with a few conventional editors. I didn’t know at that moment that all they read is your name. Do you have a big name? Yes? You’re in. Nobody knows you? No? You’re out.

Then, there are the “other” editors. The ones called “vanity editors.” They want your book. …And your money. You pay them a few thousand dollars and they put you on their website with the promise that you’re going to sell lots of books. But then, I asked, ‘how are people going to know how to find my book?’ ‘Well.’ they said, ‘they just put your name and the title of your book on the website, and it appears.’ ‘Great! How are they going to key in my name or the title of my book if they don’t know I exit?’

The exhilaration you felt soaring towards the sky as you neared the end of your book has now transformed into a sinking sensation, like descending into the depths of the earth.

I guess that’s the big problem for all the emerging writers.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey didn’t start when I was young, regrettably, although I believe the idea of writing was always in the back of my mind.

During my school years, I enjoyed writing essays until I reached year 7, when a thoughtless teacher didn’t appreciate my composition and made unkind remarks in class. This unpleasant experience caused me to lose interest in writing for some time.

After a period of discouragement, I was grateful to find that my passion for writing had reignited. This happened as I started to travel and live abroad.

I would often write letters to my family and friends back home, describing my new lifestyle and surroundings in great detail. People were impressed by the level of detail in my descriptions, which brought my experiences to life on the page. They were particularly struck by how I was able to capture the essence of what I was living and experiencing, as well as the visual beauty of my surroundings. All in all, my letters left readers with a strong sense of what life was like for me at that time in that place.

Writing became my ally when I was alone in a foreign country and had not yet make friends. It all provided a sense of connection and helped me feel less isolated in a new and unfamiliar land.

When my mother passed away, there were countless things left unsaid, leaving me with overwhelming feelings of regret. My mind felt like it was inflating like a balloon, but instead of lightness, it was heavy as lead. To ease this, I wrote down all the thoughts that were weighing me down. As I wrote, it felt as though the burden was transferred onto the paper, and my head returned to its normal size, allowing me to feel much better.

Recapitulating, writing has always been a source of comfort for me during difficult times, and as I continued to write, I began to appreciate its power to soothe. The act of putting one’s thoughts and emotions down on paper can be a therapeutic experience, allowing us to process our feelings and gain a sense of clarity. In many ways, writing provides a safe space for us to explore and express ourselves, even when we may not have the words to articulate our thoughts out loud.

Soon enough, it became a hobby that I enjoyed. In order to expand my writing skills beyond personal stories, I began to develop my ability to craft imaginative stories, and delving into this type of writing sparked a greater interest in pursuing it more seriously. Rather than focusing solely on autobiographical content, I found myself drawn to the creative process of storytelling. I enrolled in writing classes, and I must admit that I did quite well.

After completing writing courses, I joined some writers’ groups to further improve my skills. I found that being a part of a good writers’ group can be even more beneficial than the lessons themselves. However, I recommend starting with the courses as a foundation.

To continue honing my craft, I began participating in writing competitions. Through my participation, I was fortunate enough to have some of my work published on their magazines and websites.

Then, I was presented with an opportunity to participate in an anthology project with twenty-three other writers. Together, we created a book called “Hope.”

This experience taught me a great deal about the editing, printing, and publishing processes involved in making a book. After gaining new knowledge, I teamed up with some friends to create a new anthology of short stories. These stories were written by women, and they were about women. Our collaboration led to the creation of a book titled, “Weaving Words.” It involved eight passionate writers who shared ideas, advice, and supported each other in overcoming obstacles that arise during the writing process. The book is a collection of unique tales, as diverse as the authors themselves. I’m so grateful for having had the opportunity to be part of this.

After having a wealth of experiences, I was finally motivated to write my first novel. I titled it “A Cry for Home” a fictional historical tale set during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. Having spent a solid year researching and rewriting until I was happy with the outcome, this book is my proudest work.

After that, I published my “solo” Anthology. It comprises forty short stories that span across various genres.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It would be of great assistance to the writers if customers at bookshops would request new titles. As a result, editors may expand their reading beyond the writer’s name.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Writing is a powerful tool of self-expression, and it’s one of the many ways that human beings have to communicate their thoughts and feelings.

When I look at a paper, or a blank page on the computer, I see a vast canvas that is waiting to be filled. The possibilities of combining the keys on a keyboard are endless, limited only by one’s imagination. Anyone can sit down at their computer and start writing about their feelings, their unique perspective, or simply let their imagination take over.

Writing your own book is an overwhelming feeling that fills you with pride. To create something from nothing is truly remarkable. You have taken your thoughts and ideas and transformed them into a tangible piece of work. The sense of accomplishment that comes with completing a book is difficult to match. The satisfaction of knowing that you have created something that can be shared with others is a feeling like no other.

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