From journalist to writer, former ESCS student presents her second thriller
Filipa Amorim was at the School of Communication and Media Studies (ESCS) of the Polytechnic University of Lisbon (IPL) on May 7 to present her second book, A Noite da Tempestade, published by Suma de Letras.
The author was joined by Maria João Covas, a well-known promoter of reading on social media, a Portuguese language teacher, a specialist in School Library Management, and a researcher in Comparative Literature.
This was the 5th session of the EntreLinhas Reading Club (ESCS-IPL), jointly organized by the Journalism Degree coordinators and Penguin Random House.
The gathering, which lasted about an hour and a half, took place in an informal atmosphere and saw high engagement from the more than 25 students in attendance.
The guest writer, who was a Journalism student at ESCS, is currently press and media relations officer.
When asked how her degree and professional experience contributed to her becoming a writer and to the writing of this book, Filipa Amorim recalled that the protagonist of the story is a journalist. In this sense, although the work is not autobiographical, the writer’s background was very useful in building the character and describing the contexts in which she moves. In addition, Filipa Amorim stressed that “the search for truth” is ver important for her and that this guiding principle also influences the choices she makes in her fiction.
Throughout the session, the students were very interested in learning more about the process of writing and editing a book. “When is a book finished?” asked one student.
“The book ends in the reader,” said Maria João Covas. “It doesn’t end, it continues,” replied, in its turn, Filipa Amorim.
From a practical point of view, the author added that there comes a time when you really have to hand in the book and trust the changes proposed by the person responsible for editing the work. “Editors are essential” for cutting out the superfluous, she said.
As for the national publishing market and the openness to new writers, “it’s easier to publish now than it was five years ago,” said both guests.
Eight years ago, when she started promoting literature, Maria João Covas didn’t receive any books by Portuguese authors. “Nowadays I don’t have time to read everything,” she commented. In addition, there is more openness to women writers.
Some publishers are more receptive and are adhering to the trends coming from abroad when it comes to literary styles – fantasy, romance, romantasy (romantic fantasy), dystopia, etc.
Still, Filipa Amorim admits that she finds it difficult to make a living from writing in Portugal. “Our market is very small,” she commented.
Following on from a question from a student, the guest gave some tips for those who want to send books to publishers, starting by explaining that you need to understand which publisher is best suited to the style of work you want to publish. The Lisbon Book Fair, which this year takes place between June 4 and 22, is also an excellent opportunity for a personal conversation with the people responsible for publishing.
As for reading habits, the guests agreed that what matters is reading, “reading what we feel like reading”. And “discussing books at home”, added Maria João Covas.
A Noite da Tempestade, Filipa Amorim’s second work, comes after A Corrente (Suma de Letras , 2024), also a crime novel. Although she prefers to write thrillers, the writer admitted that she might try her hand at contemporary romance one day.
