M.A. Álvarez (Mª Auxiliadora Álvarez. Seville, Spain). Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Seville. Writer, illustrator and graphic designer. Author of the books and novels: Medianical Age: A la deriva entre las mareas del tiempo / Medianical Age: Drifting through the tides of time (Spanish-language publication by LACUHE Ediciones, 2023, New York / English version, 2025), El Rostro en el Laúd (3rd ed. LACUHE Ediciones, 2023), Casos descartados (3rd ed. Ediciones Daimon, 2024, Argentina) and El Décimo Paciente y otras historias de terror (Ediciones Pangea, 2019, Seville).

Winner of two literary contests in the year 2011: the “XVI edition of the Carmen Conde Literary Contest, in its IX edition of short stories,” organized by Grupo Aldea (Literary Association of Andalusian Writers) and the “‘Becquerian Legends’ Contest,” organized by the Public Library of Gines (Seville). Subsequently, finalist in the “I International Contest of Fantasy and Horror Novel ‘Dagon’” organized by Ediciones Rubeo in the year 2015, with her novel El Rostro en el Laúd and finalist in the “Ignotus Awards 2023 of Pórtico” (Spanish Association of Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror) in the categories Short Story and Article.

Many of her stories have been published in anthologies and magazines and narrated or adapted to sound fiction in different programs and audio fiction channels.

https://www.xilili.eu/maalvarez-books/medianical-age/

 

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you so much for this interview. I’m truly excited to be part of it!

Storytelling and creating characters have always been a part of who I am. Ever since I was a child, I’ve felt a strong urge to invent worlds and put them into words. I’d say my professional journey as a writer really began in 2011, when I won two literary contests in Seville (Spain). That gave me the push I needed to start working on my first novel, a crime comedy set in the 19th century. It was an amazing experience.

What I enjoy most about being a writer is, without a doubt, the creative process: bringing characters to life, imagining original plots, and always trying to explore something new in each story.

What can be frustrating at times is how difficult it can be to reach readers and get your work noticed. But that’s part of the journey too, and thankfully, over time, I’ve found some wonderful opportunities to connect with readers. 

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

Of course! I currently have four books published, but this year marks a very special milestone: the release of my first book translated into English, Medianical Age: Drifting Through the Tides of Time, a science fiction and fantasy novel that also features my own illustrations. It was published by LACUHE Ediciones (New York) and officially launched on February 28, 2025, the same day as the rare planetary alignment of seven planets!

Here is the plot: 

The title Medianical Age is a play on words composed of ‘medieval’, ‘age’ and ‘mechanical’. This is because the story takes place in medieval times and in a distant mechanized future as follows:

One promising day, sometime in the Middle Ages, a deceitful and charlatan surgeon goes to a castle and assures the lord that he can cure his son’s madness by removing a stone from his head. Since childhood, he has claimed to see strange beings, which only he can perceive, and this has led to his confinement by his ashamed family.

In the distant future, a renowned visionary known as K-79 receives an important award for his work in the world of science: the construction of cyborgs from people who were about to die in the past, for different purposes.

Everything seems to be going according to his plans; however, K-79 detects an anomaly in the Middle Ages and discovers that its existence is in danger …

The book is available on Amazon, and if you’re curious to know more, feel free to visit my website for all the details: https://www.xilili.eu/maalvarez-books/medianical-age/

3) What projects are you currently working on?

Actually, I’m currently working on four different books, though not all at the same time, of course!

One of the main projects I’m focusing on right now is the publication of my second novel translated into English. I can’t wait to share more about it soon! Each project is at a different stage, so I do my best to balance my time and creative energy depending on where each one stands in the process.

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

I think my greatest achievement as a writer so far has been making the journey from Spain to New York, with the publication of Medianical Age in both English and Spanish. I see it as a huge milestone in my writing career and the start of a new chapter in my literary adventure.

As for the next five years, I’m not exactly sure what the future holds, but I hope to have published my new projects and that my books will gain recognition among English-speaking audiences as well.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

I think that, to date, I’ve overcome the obstacles I’ve encountered. For example, in the beginning, I was warned that this would be very difficult. I already knew that, but I was determined to embark on this path as a writer and work hard to fight for my dreams!

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

Yes, I’m a very organized person and I like to structure my time. I usually outline my novels, paying close attention to planning the story’s structure, deciding where to place each element, how the characters will evolve, and how to maintain the pacing. It usually takes me between two and three years to write a novel, although this depends on the length and complexity of the plot. I consider it very important to make sure that every detail fits together perfectly.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I think time is very valuable, but I believe that everything comes at its own time. Some writers start early but get lost along the way, others persevere, and some start later but are favored by circumstances (or not). I think that each writer’s circumstances and mindset greatly influence how far they can go, although external factors also play a role. Every path is different, and of course, storytelling has no expiration date.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you?  Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

What an interesting question! Without a doubt, to be a writer, you have to read a lot. I think it’s essential to be familiar with different writing styles. The first book that really made an impression on me during my student years was The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King. I felt deeply immersed in the story because of its blend of fantasy and suspense.

My favorite author is Edgar Allan Poe. I’ve always been drawn to his dark, atmospheric writing and his ability to explore the human psyche. Of all his works, my favorite is The Tell-Tale Heart for its intense narrative and psychological depth.

Right now, I’m reading A Descent into Egypt and Other Disturbing Tales by Algernon Blackwood.

9) Given the recent shake-ups in publishing, what are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you? 

This is a question many writers ask themselves, and it’s certainly worth analyzing and reflecting on. I’ve always believed that editorial support is crucial. Currently, my books are published by publishing houses, although finding the right one is undoubtedly essential.

Given the volume of books being published today, many publishing houses have emerged in recent years. It’s very important to find the right one, one that can truly offer support. After publishing a book, the author enters a complex stage of promotion and dissemination, and when a publishing house stays by your side throughout this process, it’s a sign that you’re with a good one.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I like to tell stories that center around concepts or values that truly matter to me. The way my characters face challenges, and the different ways they respond to obstacles, serves as a reflection of how we, in real life, confront the circumstances that shape our paths. How far are we willing to go? With what mindset do we face adversity? All of this is explored metaphorically through fictional narratives.

I believe that’s one of the things that defines my authenticity as a writer: using fiction as a symbolic mirror of reality, where readers can see a part of themselves, reflect, or simply feel less alone in their own struggles. Writing gives me the space to express those deeper layers of meaning, while also reinforcing my purpose and voice as an author.

Thank you so much for this opportunity and for the interesting questions. It has been a real pleasure to share a little more about my journey, my books, and what writing means to me. I firmly believe in the power of stories to connect us, inspire us, and remind us that we are not alone. I am excited for what lies ahead and look forward to connecting with more readers as this journey continues.