Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rose Mary Salum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rose Mary , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

There has been two meaningful projects in my life. First and foremost, my life as an author. I´ve published 8 books about fiction and non fiction. I´m currently working on three more. I´ve received a few nominations and recognitions like the prestigious Panamerican Carlos Montemayor Award, three International Latino Book Award and a Florida Book Award. My work has been translated into English, Italian, Portuguese and Bulgarian. Literature though I create artistic expressions through literature to reflect and analyze the world I live in as well as to create the highest artistic expression through words.

The second meaningfull project in my life has been the foundation of Literal Magazine and Literal Publishing. They were conceived with the intention of building a cultural bridge between English and Spanish-speaking communities, fostering understanding, and showcasing the excellence of both Latin American and American cultures. The story of their inception started with my move to Houston and my realization that there was a lack of overall knowledge about Mexican and Latin American culture in the local community.

As an author, translator, and editor, I founded Literal Magazine in 2004 as a response to the cultural gap I observed. Upon relocating to Houston, I discovered a significant lack of awareness and appreciation for the richness of Latin American culture. This realization prompted me to embark on a mission to bridge this gap and create connections between the diverse cultural landscapes.

The magazine became a platform for showcasing the literary and artistic productions of Latin American writers, poets, and artists, aiming to highlight the excellence and diversity of their work. Simultaneously, I sought to introduce American culture to the Latin American audience, facilitating a two-way exchange of ideas and creative expressions.

Over the years, Literal Magazine has garnered recognition for its contributions to cultural understanding and literary excellence. The publication has received four Lone Star Awards, two Council of Editors of Learned Journals Awards, St. Thomas University’s Classical Award, a recognition from the U.S. Congress, and a nomination for PEN America’s Nora Magid Award, among other accolades. These acknowledgments underscore the magazine’s impact in bridging cultural divides and promoting a deeper appreciation for the arts on both sides of the linguistic and cultural spectrum.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Mexican born with deep roots in Lebanese culture, since I´m fully blooded Lebanese. That has marked my destiny and education. Sometimes I think I´m answering to that fate I was born with. Having made the vibrant city of Houston my later home for the past 25 years, my background has brought ç a unique blend of cultural richness to my artistic endeavors.

Born into a family that celebrated the fusion of Mexican and Lebanese traditions, my childhood was a tapestry of flavors, languages, and stories. The melodic sounds of Arabic intertwined seamlessly with the lively cadence of Spanish, creating a harmonious background to my formative years. But it also raised an alertness to constantly try to find who I really was.

Twenty-five years ago, my husband and I made the decision to move to Houston, seeking new horizons and opportunities. Little did I know that this painful move would be a catalyst for my literary journey. In a city known for its diversity, I discovered a cultural mosaic, but also an absence of comprehensive knowledge about the depth of my Lebanese heritage.

Driven by a profound love for expression and a desire to bridge cultural gaps, I turned to literature as my chosen medium. Initially stumbling upon writing almost by accident, I quickly realized that words could be the brushstrokes with which I could paint my ideas on the canvas of life. To me, language wasn’t just a means of communication; it was the highest form of artistic expression, a realm where ideas could soar freely.

In the world of literature, I found a sanctuary where my thoughts could unfold with eloquence. Writing became more than a skill; it became the channel through which I could achieve a way to be understood and, above all, a way to channel my deepest ideas about the world. I now thing that each stroke of the pen has became a brushstroke of my soul, creating literary tapestries that wove together the threads of my Mexican and Lebanese heritage.

As a woman who cherishes the power of written language, I believe that ideas are the engine of my life. Through my writings, I seek to explore the complexities of the human experience. In a city that pulses with diversity, Leyla stand as a testament of a cultural fusion and the transformative power of literature to connect people across languages and borders.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Since I moved here I´ve been trying to break down stereotypes without succumbing to portrait myself as a victim, .

Rather than allowing myself to be defined by stereotypes, I´ve embraced my background as a source of inspiration for my work. I always turn to myself when I need answers and I don´t allow the negative views of people to defeat me. Instead of adopting a victim mentality, I´ve chosen to be a bridge-builder, using my creative expressions to connect people across cultural boundaries.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, that the United States is not that supportive of the humanities and that if I wanted to embark in the publishing business, it was going to be harder than normal.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rosemarysalum.com. www.literalmagazine.com
• Instagram: @literalmagazine
• Facebook: @literalmagazine
• Twitter: @literalmagazine
• Youtube: @literalmagazine

Image Credits
By Rose Mary Salum