Elena Moya - Author Life

We spoke to Elena Moya, author of The Spanish Maestra about her life and her book. Read on to find out more!

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

Yes, I only wanted to be an astronaut, until I was 6 or 7, but from then onwards I always want to write.

2. What was your first job?

Like many writers, I was a journalist, in my case, specialised in economics and finance, which comes really handy when writing books. I had the honour to work in places where other authors also found refuge, like the Guardian and the Observer.

3. How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

I write for fun, but I also write because I have a burning desire to bring up one issue to surface, let it be the effects of the Spanish Civil War, of the lack of equality in education, or the obstacles that women face to access power. I am very happy when readers write back saying that my book has alerted them of the issue.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

It was ok, but now that I can dream, because writing is dreaming, is so much better.

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

I was rejected by many literary agents, and now I have sold more than 20,000 copies of each of my three books, which have also appeared in Spanish, Catalan, Italian and Portuguese. I overcame those rejections by believing in my work, and trying and trying.

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

I feel more accomplished as I feel I contribute towards making the world a bit better. Then I get invited to places and meet really interesting people. The good thing about writers is that there’s a really good camaraderie – they all talk to you at the same level, even those who are superstars. That’s really nice to see.

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I have a (writing) day-time job to pay for my mortgage, which I enjoy very much. But the technique is the same: reading and writing. That’s what I enjoyed the most as a child, and that’s what I still the most now. Some of my favourite moments, though, are when I receive readers’ emails – I love them. Other, more personal moments, include playing football, which I love, or just watching my team, Barcelona, at home on tv.

8. What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

Probably speaking at the Hay Festival, in Hay on Wye. I had gone as a reader for years, sometimes cycling from Hereford and just camping. Going as an author, invited, and speaking and signing books was a dream come true.

The Spanish Maestra is available now, from Pegasus, Amazon and Waterstones