Thiruvananthapuram: The sixth edition of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters hosted an engaging session titled "Why I Write," featuring a distinguished panel of global writers. The discussion brought together award-winning Spanish writer, curator, and academic Ana Merino; renowned Spanish author Manuel Vilas; acclaimed Greek novelist Amanda Michalopoulou; and Polish journalist, novelist, and scriptwriter Zygmunt Miloszewski. The session, moderated by Nirmala, was filled with humor, thought-provoking insights, and deep reflections on the art of writing.

The power of poetry and prose

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The discussion opened with Manuel Vilas reciting a witty yet poignant poem about a dead car. In his verses, the lifeless vehicle speaks to its owner, reminiscing about how well it was once driven—a clever metaphor for memory and the passage of time.

Amanda Michalopoulou, who transitioned from journalism to fiction writing, spoke about her purpose as a writer. “I write for others,” she said, emphasizing her desire to unravel deeper layers of the human soul. She drew inspiration from Virginia Woolf’s concept of “a room of one’s own,” stressing the importance of personal space in nurturing creativity. For her, writing is about “creating a small universe, a space free from judgment, where I can fully immerse myself.” She also views poetry as a way to engage in a timeless dialogue with deceased writers, keeping literary conversations alive across generations.

Ana Merino, reciting her poem "Rock, Paper, Scissors," reflected on how the universal childhood game mirrors life’s unpredictability. Growing up in a family of writers, she developed her literary tastes early, shaping her approach to storytelling and poetry.

Humour in literature and the weight of words

Manuel Vilas, known for his humorous writing, made a strong case for laughter in literature. “Life is not a tragedy but a comedy,” he asserted, arguing that literature should capture this perspective. His stories, centered on ordinary people and everyday experiences, resonate with readers through their relatability and warmth.

Zygmunt Miloszewski took a different approach, discussing the challenges of fantasy writing. He emphasized the need for authenticity in storytelling, warning that “readers quickly notice inconsistencies.” He also highlighted literature’s power to influence, quoting Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben: “With great power comes great responsibility.” For Miloszewski, literature is “a weapon, a force capable of creating real change.” Fiction, he said, is the only place where he feels truly safe, which naturally led him to writing as a profession. His philosophy? “Each piece of writing should surpass the last,” pushing him to constantly refine his craft.

Despite their differing approaches to storytelling, all the panelists agreed on one universal truth: a writer’s feelings can never be fully explained. “Even if we try,” they acknowledged, “others may never fully understand.”