Interviewer: Anabela, you were born in the historic city of Braga and had a long career in banking. How did you make the leap from numbers to fiction?

Anabela: It may seem like a drastic change, but in many ways, writing has always been part of my essence; it has always accompanied me and brought me peace of mind, even during my 21 years in the banking sector.

Numbers offered security, but words gave me freedom.

In 2020, I finally heard that inner voice calling me back to my true self. I plucked up the courage, left the banking world to fully embrace the world of storytelling, and haven’t looked back since.

Interviewer: Do you remember when your love for writing began?

Anabela: Of course. It all started in childhood. I filled blank pages with little adventures from my imagination.

I remember the thrill of seeing a story take shape, characters coming to life, landscapes revealing themselves.

Still, I knew that writing was more than a hobby; it was part of who I was.

Interviewer: You have written on a variety of genres and topics. Tell us a little about your literary evolution.

Anabela: My first published work was Neblina, a novel in 2006, which talks about important themes such as love and emotional vulnerability.

In 2021, I released Conto Benedita, a children’s story inspired by my beloved granddaughter Benedita.

That book is closest to my heart, full of warmth and magic that only the presence of a child can inspire.

Interviewer: And after that, did you venture back into fairy tales?

Anabela: Yes, in 2022. The world was going through a difficult time; I felt the collective need for something timeless, serene and comforting. Fairy tales have this power: they transport us to other worlds while reflecting the truths of our current world.

Writing them was a healing and emotional experience for both me and, I hope, my readers.

Interviewer: You returned to adult fiction in 2023 with What Do You Want to Be After Midnight? This title is intriguing. Can you tell us more?

Anabela: This book is about identity, transformation, and letting go of masks.

The questions we dare to ask in the stillness of the night.

It addresses desires that we often repress in the rush of everyday life.

Midnight is symbolic; it is the turning point, a moment suspended between what was and what could be.

Interviewer: And now, in 2024, you’ve started fantasising about Maria do Mar again, the mermaid you dreamed of flying with.What inspired this new project?

Anabela: The sea has always fascinated and inspired me.

It is vast and mysterious and symbolises the depths of life.

Maria do Mar is a literal and metaphorical journey about resilience, dreams, femininity and our relationship with the unknown. Writing it was like diving into unknown waters; I revelled in every moment.

Interviewer: What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

Anabela: I hope you never lose your ability to be enchanted.May they always know what their magical powers are: love, unity and solidarity.

May you find a moment of reflection, inspiration or comfort from my words.

Whether through romance, fantasy, or introspective fiction, my goal is always to connect with the human experience. Stories have the power to heal, guide and remind us that we are not alone.

Interviewer: Any advice for those who dream of writing but are stuck in a different career path?

Anabela: Never stop dreaming and pursuing what you dream of; it’s never too late.Your path is yours; make your way with resilience and hope.Even if the writing lives silently within each of you for years, its echo and its call will never cease to rescue you. Trust in that, “One word, one page at a time, and you’ve already started your written story.”