Fierce defender of friendship, prescriber of trends and firm guardian of spelling, La Vecina Rubia is an influencer who has remained anonymous for years. In addition to having millions of followers on social networks - between Twitter, Facebook and Instagram it totals more than five million -, the author has also written two novels, La cuenta atrás para el verano and Contando atardeceres ( Libros Cúpula), which have already been read by more than 400,000 people. Now, the first is already in audiobook format on Audible, distributor of digital audio entertainment content. To get to know her a little better, she agreed to an interview; yes, through a written questionnaire so as not to reveal their face or their voice.
When and why was La Vecina Rubia born?
La Vecina Rubia was born ten years ago on Twitter. I have always had, from a very young age, the need to write, because I have also always been a great reader. Until social media came along, I would pitch my stories to newspapers and blogs.
how old is he
Ten years, the ones he's been using on social networks under that pseudonym.
She is a great defender of true friendship. But many friendships are broken, distanced, poisoned... Don't you think?
Certainly, I do not think that life can be understood without disappointments, which are part of the learning that is maturing. Like everyone, I've had some disappointments, but I can certainly proudly say that the percentage of people you can trust for life far outweighs the little disappointments you pick up along the way. My novels are a tribute to friendship and companionship, to almost fraternal bonds, to unconditional and sincere relationships.
How many people know who is behind La Vecina Rubia?
This is something we may find out in my next novel…
It must be getting harder and harder to keep the secret.
I don't see anonymity as a secret, but as a personal choice. People who read me have always respected and valued my anonymity.
Now that she's published two novels, wouldn't she like to be recognized by name?
Currently, I don't feel that need. I think that in the end it has been understood that the woman behind the screen matters little and the message she conveys matters a lot. The important thing is that anyone could be La Vecina Rubia, so it's better to stick with the message that goes with it, which is definitely the most important to me. Being anonymous is a personal decision that I made a long time ago because I consider that we are all La Vecina Rubia, and it is what I would like to see continue to happen. Nowadays I realize that none of the people who read me care at all about my private life or what my face looks like, and that's wonderful.
Don't you think that your followers or readers might think that you are hiding or that it is a marketing product?
It's funny that those who doubt my identity almost always tend to think that I'm at least three men or a whole team of men. Regarding the intrinsic masculinity in these statements, we don't even need to comment on how absurd it is. An overwhelming majority of the people who read me every day enjoy the mystery that surrounds my anonymity, without in any way perceiving that I am hiding from absolutely nothing.
Would you trust someone who hides behind a fake name and can't look you in the eye?
It depends. If it is a surgeon who will operate on me by sight, it would be difficult to trust her without looking into her eyes. However, I wouldn't mind if she prefers to be called María or Esther. In my case, to enjoy the stories I write in my novels, you don't need to look me in the eye or give yourself a name other than "la Veïna Rossa". I am fully convinced that the trust that people have in me is not based on a face or a name, but on a consistency and honesty that is perceived through my writings and, above all, how my words and stories make them hear them You may not remember a person's face or name, but you will never forget how you felt when you were next to them.
What is your opinion that Carmen Mola are three male child writers?
In my case, when his identity became known at last year's Planeta awards ceremony, which coincided in time with the release of my first novel, it caused several people to debate the my identity, comparing myself to it. He assumed that the use of a female pseudonym would automatically be associated with that of three men, but, at least in my case, it is a theory that is easily dismantled and I barely notice those comparisons anymore.
Wouldn't you like to participate in a day as special as Sant Jordi as a writer and sit down to sign books?
I love being able to enjoy Sant Jordi as a writer and as a reader at the same time, walking around Barcelona with books and roses. Last year I supplemented my presence by launching a special limited hardcover edition and this year there will also be a surprise that I am preparing with great excitement. There are many ways to participate fully actively in the great literary citations of our country. Obviously, I'm aware that with anonymity you lose the warmth of direct contact, but I think I've managed to more than compensate for it and transmit the affection and love on a daily basis through my networks.
Are your novels autobiographical or are they part of autofiction?
The novels I have published so far fall within fiction with an autobiographical point. Distinguishing reality from fiction is something that is left to each person's imagination.
When is the third one?
Very soon, this same year. It will close the Verano saga, and I'm really excited.
How about having your first novel on Audible?
Audiobooks have become a key complement for any book lover, as well as being an ideal format to enjoy literature in a different way. They're also an inclusion tool for people with visual impairments or, say, learning disabilities, so it will definitely, as you say, make this book accessible to more people and that's always great news. .
What does La Vecina Rubia like to read?
I love reading all kinds of books. They all bring you something. I have been passionate about the romantic novel of Marian Keyes or Sophie Kinsella, I have enjoyed the historical fiction of The Doctor, I love immersing myself in the rawness of the novels of Almudena Grandes and reflecting with the essays by Saramago, and yet I could tell you that my favorite title is probably The Shadow of the Wind.
And what series do you like?
I am very eclectic. From Gossip girl to Mindhunter, through Fargo or The O.C., a series from the early 2000s that marked my youth and that I recently watched again in its entirety.
How does a day in the life of La Vecina Rubia go?
Maybe this would lead to writing another book... It's a normal day, like any other person's, with the particularity that, when I turn on my mobile phone and write something, millions of people read it instantly...
How is your relationship with Miguel Ángel Silvestre? And with Jon Kortajarena?
I don't tend to distinguish famous friends from non-famous friends, since when I get to know a person I do so in their most personal facet.
Do you have a partner? Have you considered having children?
This is also something we may discover in my next novel…
Will we ever know who is behind La Vecina Rubia?
I just looked behind me and there is no one. And less bad, because what a fright it would have brought me.
Delighted, Elena, thank you very much for your i
