Author: Linda Natacha Perestrelo
Linda Natacha Perestrelo is the author of the novel 'Fatherless'. “I became an author through self-discovery and reflection. I felt a strong desire to share my story and experience with others,” she said.There is no degree to specifically become an author, but the 26-year-old has a master's in English and applied linguistics. Commonly, authors will study languages where they are familiarised with creative writing, literature and language skills. “I did not receive any formal training specifically geared towards writing,” she explained. “However, my academic background in English has been instrumental in developing my writing skills.”
Perestrelo had the idea for her novel for a long time, but only started writing it in June 2023. The life of an author is often very erratic, she said. “I would write a few pages, then take a break for a month, and then come back to it.” She stressed that patience and determination are some of the most important skills an author can have.
These skills also come in handy when facing challenges such as writer’s block. “The flow of ideas can halt and finding the right word becomes a struggle.” Taking a break from writing can ease these challenges and allows one to come back with a unique perspective, she noted.
While writing her novel, 'Fatherless', she also struggled with reliving the experiences she was writing about. “The writing was deeply personal and emotionally challenging at times,” she admitted. “However, these challenges ultimately contribute to the authenticity and impact of the book.”
Her advice for aspiring writers is to start writing and to keep writing. Since one’s success is not dependent on qualifications, but rather on the quality of work and how well it resonates with the audience, it is important to keep the story authentic, she said. “Explore topics that resonate with you personally.”