Exploring Genre, Inspiration, and Craft with the Versatile Author
Marina Pacheco, a prolific writer based in Lisbon, shares insights into her diverse storytelling, balancing productivity, sensitivity, research, and inspiration
Marina Pacheco, a prolific author with a penchant for transporting readers across genres and eras, embodies the essence of versatile storytelling. Hailing from the picturesque coastal outskirts of Lisbon, her journey as a writer has been as diverse as the settings she masterfully portrays in her works. From historical fiction to contemporary romance, and even delving into the realms of sci-fi and fantasy, Pacheco’s literary repertoire offers readers a smorgasbord of narratives tailored for every palate.
With an ambitious goal of publishing 100 books, Pacheco’s dedication to her craft is palpable. In a recent interview with Reader’s House Magazine, she candidly shares insights into her writing process, unveiling the delicate balance between moments of intense productivity and the gentle ebb of inspiration. Her approach to storytelling is not merely about churning out tales but about curating experiences that resonate deeply with her readers.
Pacheco’s sensitivity to overstimulation is reflected in her preference for crafting narratives that exude a gentle, feel-good essence. In a literary landscape often marred by gratuitous violence or sensationalism, she artfully maintains a consistent tone and atmosphere throughout her works, ensuring that her stories remain a sanctuary for those seeking solace within the pages of a book.
What sets Pacheco apart is her ability to seamlessly weave diverse themes and genres into her storytelling tapestry. From the cobbled streets of medieval Europe to the bustling metropolises of contemporary times, each setting serves as a vibrant backdrop that enhances the narrative tapestry, inviting readers to embark on immersive journeys across time and space.
In her latest release, “Eternal City,” the eighth installment in the Life of Galen series, Pacheco explores profound questions about life, morality, and the pursuit of goodness. Through the eyes of a young monk grappling with his own sense of identity, she delves into themes of belonging, friendship, and duty, offering readers a thought-provoking yet thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.
Pacheco’s meticulous approach to research is evident in her writing, yet she deftly avoids the pitfalls of excessive exposition. Rather than inundating readers with a deluge of historical facts, she expertly integrates research into the narrative fabric, enriching the storytelling experience without overshadowing it.
As readers delve into Marina Pacheco’s literary universe, they are not merely spectators but active participants in a journey of exploration and discovery. With each turn of the page, they are transported to distant lands and bygone eras, where they can lose themselves in the magic of storytelling. Marina Pacheco’s writing is not just a form of escapism; it’s an invitation to embark on a transformative odyssey—one that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.is to publish 100 books. This is taking considerably longer than she’d anticipated!
How do you manage to balance your bursts of intense writing productivity with periods of lower output, especially considering your goal of publishing 100 books?
I’ve been writing for over twenty-five years, and I have a large back catalogue of first drafts that I am slowly working through. So when I set the goal, I could already see what I’d achieved so far, and it looked doable. I’m also always working on multiple works in progress, so when I get stuck on one, I move onto another. That way I don’t fall victim to writer’s block.
Given your sensitivity to overstimulation and preference for gentler, feel-good stories, how do you maintain a consistent tone and atmosphere throughout your writing process?
If I find myself getting stressed over a scene, I tone it down to something I can cope with. This doesn’t mean that I don’t cover difficult situations or have my characters live conflict free lives that would veer into boring. But, for example, I find most historical fiction too gory. They’ll often go into detail over torture or an execution. I never write scenes like that. I’ll just refer to something having happened “of screen” so readers know it happened — it might be related by someone who was there, but who glosses over the details.
Your books seem to span across various genres, from historical fiction to contemporary romance and even children’s books. What inspires you to explore such diverse themes and genres in your writing?
I am an omnivorous reader and enjoy many genres. Then I’m tempted to create my perfect little story in each of the genres I like. I don’t tend to plan what I’m going to write next or which genre. Ideas sleet into my brain all the time. Some turn into stories, others fizzle out after a trial run of a couple of scenes.
Many of your stories are set in specific locations, such as Lisbon, Rome, and medieval settings. How do you approach incorporating these settings into your narratives, and what significance do these locations hold for your storytelling?
I’m heavily influenced by where I live. I feel like I can channel the place when I’m in it, but struggle to get the inspiration when I’m not there. I grew up in South Africa and at the time couldn’t write anything historical. When I got to Europe, where the middle ages happened, it felt like I could tap into the spirit of the place and write about those eras. When I lived in the UK, I set my books in the UK, now that I’ve moved to Portugal I’m inspired by Lisbon. Science fiction and fantasy, of course, give me free rein to do whatever I can dream up, but the sci-fi I read and watch influences those stories.
Can you share with us the inspiration behind your latest book and what you hope readers will take away from it?
My latest book was Eternal City, eighth in the Life of Galen series. I’m usually inspired by a what if question. For Galen it was: what does it mean to live a good life? It’s written from the point of view of a young monk who is being called a saint, because miracles happen around him, but he feels less than saintly. It also explores belonging, friendship and duty. I hope readers will come away with some things to ponder about the world, after spending an enjoyable time in the company of the characters.
How do you approach the research process for your books, and how do you ensure that the information complements the narrative without overwhelming it?
Ah yes, the dreaded info dump. It’s especially perilous for historical fiction, where there is a temptation to write an overly detailed description and risk a scene turning into a history lesson. Often called showing your research. I do a lot of background research, reading historical nonfiction, looking at paintings and reading books from the era so that I’m confident that I’ve got the details of day-to-day life in that era as close as possible to how it might have been. But then I try to be light touch. I put in descriptions of surroundings, or the type of food, or clothes and homes sprinkled in amongst the dialogue, much the same as you would for a contemporary novel. My readers say I bring an era alive and they feel like they can see it, so I hope I’m getting the balance right.
