Catching Up With Alum & Debut Author Olga Gonzalez Latapi in Madrid

WHY CCA?

What attracted me the most about studying at CCA was the open concept of the school, in all terms of the word. I adored the idea of being a writer there and coming into contact with, not only other writers, but designers and painters and filmmakers all in one open space. The way that classes were organized around the campus and student exhibitions were accessible and at sight from anyone who attended or visited the school. That was highly inspiring. The school encourages this broadening of our art and thus embraces the idea that our best creativity, our best art and our best selves come from the interconnections between arts (or people) that may seem impossible to go together but in the end prove to belong in the same space. And what finally sold me was the artist's studio. What a gorgeous space to write!

ADVICE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS?

Try as many different classes as you can. Even if you don't see how it could connect to your art, it will enrich you. I took a screenwriting class, for example, not expecting how it would help with my dialogue work and also with the way I framed plot in my mind. You may think dialogue might not be present in surrealist poetry but it does

root down to communication and how human beings express themselves, how a human voice sounds authentically. Caroline Randall, my sister in words while I was there, took pottery as well. Just make sure to take advantage of the many different types of art that surround you. They may unlock something in your writing that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Also, go to all the potlucks and visits from writers and readings. Make sure you get there a little bit earlier and stay a little bit later. And final piece of the puzzle: talk with anyone who is there in the room with you. Make connections, trade stories. Even if you think that as a new writer you may not have much to add to a conversation with a visiting writer with awards under their belt, believe me, you do.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU?

In this exact moment preparing for my readings. I have two lined up so far. I always remember how our professors still got nervous before readings and that makes me feel a little bit better. I'm not gonna lie, it's tough being a new writer on the block. But it is terribly exciting to do the work (even as I am completely terrified). I am laying my trust in my work, because I love what I do. I am also continuing my daily reading of one of my poems on Instagram. I am loving the idea of my word floating out there where people can reach them. More longterm, I am working on my next collection so hopefully that dream will come true too. And I am settling more roots here in Madrid, slowly building my community.