This week, Ainara Martín, granddaughter of Ana Cristina Herreros has interviewed her, and here it is.
Ana Cristina Herreros is famous for being a writer and founder of the publishing house Libros de las Malas Compañías (Bad Companies Books). She is also the best grandmother of all time.
How did you get into reading?
I had two older brothers, and I was the youngest, as well as a girl. I played alone. And so as not to be alone, I read. Because when you read, you are accompanied by all the characters in the novel.
How old were you when you wanted to be a writer?
As a child, when I was seven, I wrote my first story. It was called "La gaseosa envenenada" (The Poisoned Soda). I put staples in it and bound it. I wanted to be a publisher even then.
What degree did you study?
I studied Philology at the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters: Spanish and Latin American Language and Literature.
Why did you leave Siruela?
Because I had been with them for 25 years. I had learned a lot and I felt I wanted to set up my own publishing project.
Why the peculiar name Libros de las Malas Compañías (Bad Companies Books)?
Malas Compañías is a term used by people who think they are "good people" so as not to blame themselves for the things they do wrong. Bad Company are those who accompany you, your accomplices when you do what not everyone else does. We are disobedient because we do not obey the publishing market and capricious because we publish what we want.
What does the logo of your publishing house symbolise?
The little flame is the symbol of heat, of cooking, and therefore of care. That little flame of heat is above the symbol of printed paper. This means that we make books that care for people and the earth.
What would you say to all those people who want to follow your example and become writers?
I would tell them to take writing as a profession and not as a hobby. Also, before writing you have to look and listen.
What does "Griott" mean, which we can find in your name as a narrator?
It is the African narrator.
And here's the question of the century: which of the books you've written is your favourite?
I think it's Los cuentos del conejo (The Rabbit Tales) and Paporco. Books are like romances: the last ones are the best.
I won't bother you anymore, I'm sure you're very busy. Thank you very much for your attention.
Ainara Martín
