Interview with Roc Casagran, Sant Jordi Prize 2025

1. What motivated you to start your literary career?

I have been writing for pleasure since I was very young and, little by little, I have been fortunate enough to get published. The motivation came later, seeing the readers’ response.

2. What obstacles did you have to face?

At the beginning, it is very difficult to get published. You have to put in the hard work, work hard, and be lucky. Currently, the main obstacle is finding time.

3. Is it viable to make a living from literature today?

In Catalan, there are very few writers who live solely from publishing books. Most combine it with other types of writing, such as articles or scripts. Or directly, with other jobs that have nothing to do with literature.

4. How do you balance your work as a writer with your work as an educator?

It is important to stay organized and find time for everything. There are periods when it is impossible for me to write, and other times when I do find gaps for literature.

5. What synergies and tensions exist between both activities?

The most obvious tensions are related to time availability. But there are also very positive synergies. Ultimately, I talk about literature in class. And there is another quite important one: being in contact with teenagers keeps my feet on the ground and allows me to be close to the intense experience of adolescence. And that is energy for writing.

6. How did it feel to win the Sant Jordi Prize with the novel ‘Somiàvem una illa’?

Like a dream I had never dreamed. It’s a big deal! And like a wonderful opportunity to reach new readers. Those of us who write want to be read, and a prize like the Sant Jordi is allowing me to be widely read.

7. Our motto is “I am what I want to be.” And you, are you?

Yes, absolutely. There is always room for improvement, but in general, I am satisfied with the path I have taken and the places I am reaching.