Chapter 1: The Joy of Writing

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a bright, sunny morning after a hearty breakfast, knowing the entire day is yours to create. This feeling is unparalleled for any writer!

Some authors possess a remarkable ability to harness language, touching the hearts of many. They have the power to inspire countless individuals through their written words. But what does it truly take to become a successful author?

In this interview series titled "5 Things You Need To Be A Successful Author or Writer," we engage with accomplished writers who share their wisdom. Today, we are privileged to speak with Julieta Almeida Rodrigues, a celebrated author, professor, scholar, and interpreter. Her debut novel, Eleonora and Joseph: Passion, Tragedy, and Revolution in the Age of Enlightenment, has garnered significant acclaim, winning numerous international literary awards such as the Book Excellence Award and the Grand Prize Goethe Award for Late Historical Fiction. Julieta has also penned two collections of short stories, The Rogue and Other Portuguese Stories and On the Way to Red Square, along with a narrative work titled Hora Crepuscular/Drawing Dusk/La Hora Crepuscular. An active member of the literary community, she serves on the Steering Committee of the Historical Novel Society New York City Chapter and splits her time between Portugal and the United States. Her journey can provide aspiring writers with crucial insights into achieving success.

Before we dive into the core of our discussion, could you share a little about your background and how you embarked on this writing journey?

Major obstacles can often transform into incredible opportunities. After my divorce in my early sixties, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue writing. At conferences, I often encounter individuals in their forties or fifties who feel it's too late to start writing. I share my story to inspire them.

Now, I’m a multi-award-winning novelist, having started with my debut novel, Eleonora and Joseph. Prior to that, I published two beloved collections of short stories—On the Way to Red Square and The Rogue and Other Portuguese Stories.

Age was never a barrier for me as I began this new chapter in my life. In Europe, women embrace their golden years with pride.

Chapter 2: The Craft of Writing

Do you consider yourself a "natural born writer," or did you develop your skills over time? Could you elaborate on that?

There are no true "natural born writers." While you may have an affinity for words, that is merely a starting point. Mastery of your craft requires dedication and a deep understanding of your chosen genre. It’s a journey that teaches you to embrace waiting and uncertainty. The real challenge is carving out time for what you love most—it seems contradictory, doesn’t it?

What exciting projects are you currently working on?

My upcoming novel is set in late 18th-century Constantinople. I enjoy crafting narratives about settings I know little about initially. Drawing inspiration from a particular place or atmosphere helps me create a plot and develop characters and their interactions. This process demands diligence—visiting these locations with an open mind and contextualizing the materials I gather. Beginning a new book feels akin to falling in love, and I revel in that excitement!

Now, let’s address the primary question of this interview: Based on your experiences, what are the "5 Things You Need To Be A Successful Author or Writer"? Please share a story or example for each.

1. JOY: There’s no feeling like waking up to a sunny day, having had breakfast, and knowing the whole day is free for writing. It’s truly the best!
2. PLAY: Writing often feels like play; I frequently find myself smiling or laughing at my own words. It’s a delightful surprise.
3. PERSEVERANCE: Tackle the myriad challenges writing presents, ensuring each one feels smaller than you. You are in control; challenges are merely obstacles to navigate. For instance, break a chapter into scenes, and start with those scenes before integrating them into different chapters.
4. DISCIPLINE: I meticulously plan my day, prioritizing writing above all else. However, I must use that time wisely, staying focused. I prefer writing in the morning and running errands in the afternoon. If the sun is shining when I start, even better! Light is essential for my creativity.
5. CRAFT: Many writers have walked this path before you, and while it’s impossible to read them all, I’ve spent countless hours browsing books on writing craft in charming bookstores like Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C. When I began writing, I would search those shelves obsessively, only visiting libraries when I had a specific goal in mind.

What habit do you believe has contributed most to your growth as a writer? Could you share a story or example?

Without a doubt, it’s JOY. I am passionate about what I do, despite the challenges. I made a conscious decision to embrace these challenges as puzzles I wish to solve on the page.

Creating a draft is one thing, but transforming it into a polished piece you’re proud of is another.

Joy demands courage—a quiet strength.

For example, during a recent visit to Istanbul, I sought to see an 18th-century garden that no longer exists. Isn’t it absurd to fly to another continent expecting to find a historical garden? Yet, that was my expectation.

The solution is to read about that garden—gathering what little information exists—and then imagine what it was like when it thrived. This imaginative exercise is the essence of writing fiction.

Which sources of inspiration do you draw from?

Surprisingly, I find more inspiration in films than in literature. Movies captivate me, mirroring the elements of fiction, including plot structure. They also allow me to engage with images rather than solely words—especially welcome after a day of writing and research. This might explain why readers often describe my writing as cinematic.

If you had the opportunity to initiate a movement that could benefit the most people, what would it be?

This is a challenging question. To create the most good, might I suggest focusing on small acts of kindness? If each of us approached those around us with care, attentiveness, and generosity, we could significantly reduce malice and anger in the world. This seems like a worthy goal to pursue.

How can our readers stay connected with your work online?

Thank you for this inspiring discussion!