With 18 novels published in the last 16 years, Blue Jeans, the pseudonym of Francisco de Paula Fernández, needs no introduction. He is currently immersed in promoting his latest novel, The Last Time I Think of You, a story that intertwines mystery and romance, set against the backdrop of the publishing world. The characters will face a series of crimes that will force them to join forces to find the culprit throughout the story.
During the Book Fair in Zaragoza, we met the author of Something So Simple and The Club of the Misunderstood, who, just before meeting his readers, shared with us the keys to his literary career.
When did you discover your love for literature?
From before I was born. My parents are avid readers, and since I was little, I was surrounded by books. I believe that for us who enjoy reading, we also like to write. Although pursuing it professionally does not depend solely on oneself, but on the readers and the publishers. I am fortunate to have been able to live off books since 2010, which is a privilege.
How did you experience the transition from starting to write on a blog to publishing with a publishing house?
I began writing Songs for Paula in 2008, and the publishing house Everest published it in 2009. At first, I didn’t think it would be published or that I would finish it. After seeing positive comments on my blog, that encouraged me to continue. With a large community on social media, I wrote to various publishers, and Everest responded. Since then, I have experienced all sorts of moments, but I feel lucky.
I imagine your view of writing has changed from that moment to now, where you live professionally from it.
I have gained confidence and experience over time, learning to write and develop characters. Ultimately, the reader is in charge. Sometimes we put down a book because it wasn’t the right moment, and later we read it and love it. Every reader is a world, and I respect any opinion about my novels.
Let’s talk about The Last Time I Think of You, in this novel you have mixed romance with thriller. How did you find the balance between these two genres?
In this book, I allowed myself to do what I wanted, editorially speaking. I can use a romantic title and an enigmatic cover, with a story that begins with disappearances and death. My editors trust me, and I am clear that this story needed to intertwine with a love story.
Throughout the story, the reader discovers that many of the characters are not what they seem at first. Was it difficult to develop such characters without falling into clichés?
Certain clichés are always present. I strive to give each character their own identity, and I want them to be contradictory, just like real people. I do not seek for the characters to connect with the readers, but I respect any reader’s opinion.
I believe one of the most powerful characters in the novel, despite not being very central, is Lola. She faces the death of her partner and the rejection of her family due to her sexual orientation, which is very present in today’s society. How was it to construct a character with such a complex reality?
I do not give Lola a secondary role. She represents those girls who are book influencers, who face problems at home and in society. It is a complex character that is difficult to write, but I wanted to be true to her feelings.
This novel takes place in the publishing world, an environment you know firsthand. Did it make you feel more shy writing about such a close reality compared to when you approach topics more foreign to your experience?
It was fun. In the publishing world, there are many dubious practices that I wanted to expose through exaggerated characters, like Regina, the editor. There are regrettable contracts and deceptive practices in the industry.
Do you believe that the publishing world has changed significantly from when you started to today?
It has changed with society and social media. Before, an author would publish a book, do a few signings, and that was it. Now, social media is a key tool for promotion. It is necessary to have role models that show that an ordinary person can achieve it.
You have also seen several of your novels adapted to the screen. What does that mean to you as a writer?
It’s a pride to see something you created come to the screen. This not only benefits the books but also allows for a more complex world to be understood and reach more people. However, I am aware that my priority is to write the best books possible.
Finally, do you have any upcoming projects in mind? Will you continue with the universe of The Last Time I Think of You?
I’m taking it step by step. The Last Time I Think of You is a standalone novel, but there are always ideas. I have one in mind, but I still don’t know if I will carry it out due to the similarity with other projects. In August, I will prepare to write, and I hope that book 19 will be ready by 2026.
