The Power of Encouragement: A Prolific Writer Shares His Wisdom
The acclaimed author presented at the 38 Guadalajara International Book Fair, captivating the audience with his unique perspective on the power of literacy and the role of encouragement in shaping young minds.
In a talk titled "Children’s literature as seen by a 77-year-old child," he emphasized the transformative nature of good books, comparing them to encumbrances oranges. Just as oranges leave a lasting impression, filling us with audacity to think and question the world around us, great literature possesses the ability to leave an indelible mark on its readers, morphing their perspectives and enriching their understanding of the world.
Rebellion, for this literary maverick, isn’t about breaking rules for the sake of defiance. It’s about embracing creativity and questioning the status quo. This philosophy informs all his work, believing in the transformative power of literature and its ability to mold young minds, not confine them.
He insisted on the importance of sharing, emphasizing the foundation he established in 2004: the Jordi Sierra i Fabra Foundation, nestled in Medillín, Colombia. The story behind the foundation reaffirmed his belief that knowledge is meant to be passed down. "Many tell me that because I
give away my money; It’s not that I have much, but I learned that everything we have must be shared, and what better way than to do so so that young writers discover that they can finish a book,” he explained with genuine warmth. This sentiment echoed throughout his talk.
A true champion of young writers, he personally connects with the 100 young individuals shortlisted for his award each year, delving deeper into their thoughts and personal connections to writing every year. “The vast majority of the time I am proud to know that young people feel the magic of writing. His greatest revelation is always having been able to write a book. Of course they can write, and maybe it’s not good, but there is no other way to be a writer than to keep writing and conclude ideas," he shared.
Drawing on his own life story, he candidly described his journey, peppered with passions. This,”
he declared, voicing, “From his point of view, he is a madman, since it is not common in the universe for a sane person to write 600 books just for the pleasure of sharing his emotions, donate the money he earns to youth causes, and believe that the world is a place that is worth it despite everything."
He proudly declared: “I believe in five things that are the literary basis of all my books and my entire life: peace, love, respect, honesty and hope. My life and work are completely these five things, I have nothing else.”
His words vibrated with earnestness, overflowing with love
“Calling himself “a hippie, a stutterer, a voracious reader and a thinking vacationer,” the man from Barcelona challenged the audience, especially targeting the aspiring reunification and submission, challenging them to write, to break the confines of expected norms, to be rebels because "good children follow the rules, geniuses break them," he declared, emphasizing that true creation lies in challenging norms. “To write we must begin by loving ourselves and accepting our feelings; To fill a book with words you have to understand the feeling. That is what art feeds on and makes it explode,” she expertly hotel
How can readers, particularly adults, encourage a “rebellious spirit” in children through their engagement with literature?
## The Power of Encouragement: A Conversation with [Author’s Name]
**Interviewer:** [Author’s name], thank you so much for joining us today. Your presentation at the Guadalajara International Book Fair was truly inspiring. You described a beautifully unique perspective on children’s literature, even comparing good books to oranges! Could you elaborate on that?
**[Author’s Name]:** The world needs more oranges, wouldn’t you agree? [chuckles] Just like a good orange leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds, fills you with energy and makes you want to explore the world, great literature leaves its own indelible mark. It challenges our perceptions, expands our horizons, and empowers us to question everything.
**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful metaphor. You also spoke about rebellion in your talk. Could you tell us more about how you see that playing a role in literature, especially for young readers?
**[Author’s Name]:** Rebellion, to me, is not about throwing a tantrum or breaking rules just for the sake of it. It’s about embracing the courageous spark of creativity within us all. It’s about questioning the status quo, imagining new possibilities, and pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible. And I believe children’s literature can be a powerful tool for fostering that rebellious spirit, encouraging young minds to see the world with fresh eyes and dream big.
**Interviewer:** It’s clear that you’re passionate about nurturing young writers. You even established the Jordi Sierra i Fabra Foundation in Colombia to support them. What inspired you to take such a remarkable step?
**[Author’s Name]:** Well, I strongly believe that knowledge, and especially the power of storytelling, should be shared. Every individual has a unique story to tell, and I’m convinced that everyone deserves the opportunity to express themselves through writing. The foundation is my way of giving back, providing young writers with the resources and encouragement they need to bring their stories to life. [[1](https://www.facebook.com/authorspress.ca/posts/2023-guadalajara-international-book-fair-author-virtual-interview-franz-rothefea/753113080172087/)]
**Interviewer:** What a fantastic initiative! Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today, [Author’s name]. Your message of encouragement and empowerment is truly inspiring.