Carmen Posadas, born in Montevideo in 1953, is a renowned author with a prolific output that includes thirteen novels, fifteen children’s books, as well as film and television scripts. She has earned the Planeta Award in 1998 and recently participated in the Tanit Ibiza Congress and Awards at the Cultural Centre. There, she delivered an engaging talk at Jesús about the historical role of women in hospitality and espionage, and she received the Tanit Ibiza Spirit award for her contributions.
The author of acclaimed works such as Red Ribbon, Invitation to Murder, The Invisible Witness, and The Puppet Master discusses her newest novel, License to Spy. The conversation touches on literature in Spain, feminism, cultural investment, the impact of the internet on writing, the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, the spread of misinformation, contemporary politics, and the Netflix premiere of Invitation to Murder. The Tanit Ibiza Congress and Awards are highlighted as a noteworthy experience for those interested in these themes.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, noting that the guilds celebrate the work of women in hospitality and catering, who have long stood alongside writing. Historical examples, including female innkeepers and tavern keepers referenced in ancient texts and in Don Quixote, illustrate this enduring presence. The organizers, Alicia Reina and Eva Ballarin, are praised for their vision.
Can you describe the essence of the latest novel, License to Spy?
Posadas explains that the focus centers on the espionage narrative of men and women across history, with an emphasis on the female perspective to illuminate their roles. She recalls a spy museum in Berlin where a sign proclaims that this is the oldest profession, older even than the occupations cited. Knowledge has always equaled power, and spies have influenced events since prehistoric times. Some World War II operatives remained so secretive that their deeds were only later understood, yet their impact surpassed that of many soldiers.
The novel portrays women who influence global events and engage in governmental intrigues. Do such figures persist today?
Yes. While they change with the times, women have continually shaped history. In this era of two ongoing conflicts, espionage remains a prominent facet of world affairs. From biblical Rahab to Mata Hari, Catherine de’ Medici to Mary Stuart, and others such as Hilda Krüger, Malinche, Josephine Baker, and more, these figures are remembered for multiple reasons but are recognized as master spies. The author even mentions conversations with an active operative who offered insights into operations, the price paid by women, and the dangers involved.
Is the author a writer-novelist or a narrator by trade?
Posadas identifies as a writer, having produced thirteen novels, fifteen children’s books, along with essays, screenplays, and plays. Poetry and science fiction are not among her preferred forms.
Does today’s feminism represent a new women’s revolution or a continuing current?
Feminism is a relatively recent force, emerging over roughly a century. The author criticizes a form of militant feminism that generalizes men as villains and advocates for name changes of months or other symbolic measures that do not advance real issues. Instead, attention should focus on enduring challenges such as the glass ceiling, work-life reconciliation, and equal pay, which drive meaningful progress for women.
Is daily writing a fixed habit for Posadas, or is it more flexible?
She describes herself as the laziest person on the planet, admitting a tendency toward laziness. Yet she compensates by maintaining a rigorous personal discipline that fuels her output. She believes flaws have driven much of her work, turning weaknesses into motivation.
What is her working method?
Each morning at a quarter past eight, Posadas sits at her computer with her back to the window to avoid distraction, determined to work until lunchtime. In the afternoons, she reads and spends time with her grandchildren, sometimes accompanying them to the cinema or other activities.
How does she handle a blank page or screen?
She asserts that writing starts with writing. A blank page can feel intimidating, but persistence helps ideas emerge. The moment engagement happens, the project gains momentum, and the work comes to life through steady practice.
What is her view on the idea that one must be a literary expert to write, rather than simply a voracious reader?
Posadas argues that formal expertise is not a prerequisite. A curious mind, relentless reading, and a stubborn determination often prove more valuable than encyclopedic knowledge. Writing, she says, is like a marathon rather than a sprint.
Does cultural transformation play out differently in the age of social media?
Before the information age, thinkers like Bertrand Russell or Jean-Paul Sartre set agendas that reached broad audiences. Now, social networks often elevate the voice with the most likes, sometimes overshadowing Nobel laureates. It is a striking reality that reflects the digital landscape.
What about the internet’s impact on literature and its dissemination?
The internet has simplified documentation and access; researchers can reach vast resources with a click, such as national libraries, while remaining vigilant against misinformation. It has also opened doors for emerging writers, allowing them to reach readers even before traditional publishing pipelines respond. This shift has redefined the pathway to publication for many authors, with a balancing act between online visibility and credibility.
Will digital platforms alter how novels are published and consumed?
While e-books gained rapid traction, evidence suggests that printed books retain a strong appeal, particularly for certain genres. Tablets offer portability, yet many readers still prefer physical books. The market continues to attract a mix of formats, with detective and romance titles performing well online.
Is Spain experiencing a healthy literary period?
The current moment shows high output and broad participation, though quality varies. Publishers face different pressures than in the past, with a dynamic landscape that values a wide range of voices and genres.
Will artificial intelligence reshape writing and reading?
Posadas views this as a transformative but contested shift. The industry watches closely as AI tools emerge, with concerns about job displacement. The debate includes questions about creative integrity and the boundaries of machine-assisted storytelling, alongside hopes for new collaborative possibilities.
Is fake news a persistent feature of the digital counterculture?
Yes. Despite higher levels of education, information overload fuels misinformation. The paradox is palpable: misinformation can spread even among well-informed audiences, underscoring the need for critical thinking and reliable sources.
Are literary prizes still essential for fame and prestige today?
Prizes remain valuable for visibility in a crowded market. While not the sole measure of excellence, they can help authors stand out amid numerous offerings and draw attention to quality work.
Are you currently pursuing a new literary project?
Posadas hints at a forthcoming work, with plans to publish around this time next year, though she emphasizes she does not discuss works that have not yet been released.
Can Spain sustain its political moment in the literary arena?
The Spanish public remains powerful and culturally rich. History supports a resilient national spirit, and while political tensions intensify, the country continues to produce significant literary futures amidst challenges.
Is there still room for new dreams?
Cinema remains a captivating interest. A film adaptation of Invitation to Murder aired on Netflix, and she envisions several more titles moving to the screen. She welcomes the creative process, choosing not to intervene too much, allowing directors and producers to shape the adaptation while offering input when consulted.