Mariana Serapicos

What was your favorite book as a child?

When I asked my mum about my favorite book as a child, she kept mentioning my brother’s favorites instead, which makes me think I must have read too many for her to recall just one! I do remember loving Sitio do Pica Pau Amarelo (The Yellow Woodpecker Farm), a beloved series of 23 Brazilian children’s fantasy books written by Monteiro Lobato between 1920 and 1940. These classics feature fantastical characters living on a ranch, blending magic with everyday life. My favorite character was Emilia, a doll who could speak. She was sharp-witted, wise beyond her years, and full of personality. The series’s mix of reality and magic sparked my imagination, making for a smooth transition into Latin American magical realism when I got older. While these stories hold a special place in my heart, I recognize that some elements are quite outdated and reflect the time in which they were written. It’s important to approach them critically in modern readings, addressing any problematic aspects while appreciating the creativity and cultural significance of the works. I am happy to have grown up in a home where we had books for wallpapers, in a way, and that there was always an appreciation of local and international storytelling.

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

My mum is a translator, and my dad studied journalism, so I believe writing was ingrained in my DNA somehow. They used to read to me and my brother from an early age, and as soon as I learned how to write, I started writing stories. I feel like my stories would always come to me as frames and they were dialogue heavy, which made them quite cinematic. My artistic interest gravitated towards film, and I ended up studying media and filmmaking, focusing on scriptwriting. A friend then encouraged me to take a creative writing class with her and I’ve been writing short stories and essays ever since.

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

The most adventurous thing I ever did was probably moving to London by myself when I was 24. I had never lived anywhere else; I was living still with my family back in Brazil and decided to pursue a Masters in the UK. I arrived with two suitcases, looking at the wrong side of the road and adjusting my ear to everyone’s accents (including my own!). It was a challenge, and it still is, but it is rewarding to live in this city, and I still can’t believe I made it here.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing? Why/why not?

I typically listen to classical music, techno, or anything instrumental while writing, as songs with lyrics tend to distract me. Sometimes, I also try to choose music that complements the mood of what I’m working on. While writing about my family recently, I played some bossa nova. The music took me on an emotional journey and, in doing so, helped me uncover deeper themes within my piece.