Arantxa Hernandez

What was your favorite book as a child?

My favorite book when I was a child was “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. I found myself reading it over and over again throughout the years, not only for the story but also for the craft that I could learn and apply in my own writing.

Do you remember the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I started writing creatively when I was in 8th grade and my brother left for college. I felt like I was losing my best friend. Putting those feelings into words, combined with the harsh situation I was living in my home country became my therapeutic escape.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

I think the most thrilling experience I've ever had was protesting in Venezuela. Government officials would throw tear gas bombs up the air and I never knew if I was going to be able to dodge them all before they hit my head.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I think it depends on my mood and on the topic I'm writing about. I like listening to old songs that bring out specific details from the memories I'm writing about.