Interview With Author N.C. Salazar
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m N. C. Salazar — author, educator, and founder of Hispanyland, a platform that teaches Spanish through culture, humor, and meaningful conversation, specially designed for adult learners. After publishing several academic works, I decided to explore a more creative path through storytelling. My latest literary project is Tales of Greed and Ancestral Wisdom (Cuentos de codicia y sabiduría ancestral), a bilingual short story collection that blends cultural depth with spiritual reflection. It marks a new chapter in my journey as a writer — where Latin American ancestral knowledge and poetic justice come together to spark thought and human connection.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Tales of Greed and Ancestral Wisdom (Cuentos de codicia y sabiduría ancestral). It was inspired by ancestral Indigenous narratives from Latin America — rich oral traditions that carry deep spiritual and cultural teachings. I was drawn to the way these stories explore human nature, justice, and the meaning of true wealth. Through this book, I wanted to honor that legacy and reimagine it through contemporary storytelling, blending timeless wisdom with modern reflection.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What’s considered “unusual” is often just a writer’s personal rhythm. We all have our own rituals when it comes to the creative process — from outlining to final edits. In my case, I tend to write best during the late-night and early-morning hours, when the world is quiet and everyone’s asleep. That silence helps me focus. I also enjoy writing with ambient or electronic music in the background — it creates a kind of mental atmosphere that fuels concentration and creativity.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been deeply influenced by writers who blend social reflection with poetic or narrative power. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo left a lasting impression on me — not only for its storytelling, but for how it dives into justice, poverty, and redemption with such depth. Gabriel García Márquez has also shaped my vision, especially through One Hundred Years of Solitude and Chronicle of a Death Foretold, where magical realism becomes a vehicle for cultural memory and identity. Eduardo Galeano’s work — particularly The Open Veins of Latin America and Memory of Fire — challenged how I understand history, voice, and resistance. I’m also inspired by Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, which, while academic, gave me a lens to view writing and education as tools for liberation.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently developing a digital course for adult learners of Spanish, combining storytelling with language practice. At the same time, I’m outlining my next book — a humorous and culturally rich collection of Colombian idioms and expressions, told through real-life anecdotes and memes. It’s a playful way to explore language and culture, and to connect with learners in a fun, authentic way.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, AwesomeGang has been the easiest and most helpful for me! I also rely on my platform Hispanyland, where I connect with a community of Spanish learners and readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait for perfection — publish, learn, and improve as you go. Get feedback early and often. Most importantly, write with authenticity. Readers connect with truth more than polished technique.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One phrase that has always stayed with me is, “Reality always surpasses fiction.” It reminds me that the world around us — with all its contradictions, beauty, and struggles — is an endless source of inspiration. As a writer, I’ve learned that observing life closely often leads to stories more powerful and unexpected than anything we could invent.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker. It’s a fascinating exploration of the fundamental story structures that have shaped narratives across cultures and time. As a writer, I find it incredibly valuable to reflect on these recurring patterns — not as formulas, but as deep archetypes that connect human experience through storytelling.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m expanding Hispanyland with digital books and courses that mix language, humor, and culture. I want to keep creating content that bridges the gap between Spanish learners and Latin American traditions.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, first of all, I’d take How to Survive in the Wild — because let’s be honest, practical skills come first when you’re stuck with coconuts and existential thoughts. Second, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — that book never fails to remind me of the beauty, innocence, and mystery of being human (even if I’m the only human around). And lastly, I’d finally take the time to dive into the deep waters of Russian literature — probably The Brothers Karamazov or Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky. If I’m going to be isolated, might as well do it with some intense philosophical drama and moral dilemmas.
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