Elisabetta Bagli is an appreciated author of short stories, fairy tales and poems. The verses, in particular, occupy a prominent place in his life, which has always been oriented towards culture, to introspection, in search of the "nuances" that only poetic art is capable of grasping. Passionate about literature, Elisabetta is a true "book eater", as she herself likes to define herself. He was only 13 when he started reading Tolstoy and Proust. Famous throughout the world for her rhymes, many of which have been translated into twelve languages, she has successfully participated in international literary competitions, obtaining important awards. Among all, the prestigious "Creativity Prize" at the "Naji Naanam Literary Prize 2020", in Lebanon, which saw the participation of over 3 competitors.
Elisabetta Bagli: failed accountant, established poet
Elisabetta was born in Rome 50 years ago. She lives in Madrid, where she moved in 2002 for the love of her husband Fernando Val Garijo, professor of public international law at Uned (Universidad nacional de educación a distancia). She is the mother of two boys: Francesca Romana, 16, and Stefano, 14, who attend the Italian school in Madrid. Daughter of an accountant, she graduated in Economics and Commerce from “Sapienza” and began working with her father and brother in the family firm. But that is not his true calling. In Rome he meets Fernando, who has chosen Italy to complete his studies. They fall in love and get married. She, who has always dreamed of going abroad, moves with her husband to Madrid. In the Spanish capital, he plans his new life. She is a translator (she knows four languages), gives free rein to her innate passion for writing, becomes an organizer of literary events.
The publications
In 2011 he published, in Spanish, his first book of poems, “Voce” (“Voz”), which in the 2015 edition was also published in Italian. Three other poetic collections follow: “Behind the gaze”, in 2013; “Our two souls”, in 2017; “From the Mediterranean”, in 2019. This latest work, created together with the Greek poetess Sofia Skleida, is included in the books of the year 2019, at the tenth world literary competition held in Cyprus. Also from 2019 is the collection of short stories "Reflections in the mirror". Elisabetta is also the author of the fairy tale "Mina, the fairy of the crystal lake", from 2013.
With Aim she is a popularizer of Italian culture in the world
Elisabetta is the secretary of AIM for Spain (Association for Italy in the world), which aims to spread the Italian culture at 360 degrees. For his commitment to associations, in 2019, he received the "Award for Italianness for culture". To deliver it to him is the former ambassador of Italy to Spain, Stefano Sannino. To these activities, Elisabetta also combines a passion for communication. In fact, he collaborates with various newspapers and, recently, with the Italian radio ICN in New York, intervening every Monday afternoon in the “Ciao Tony” program, conducted by Anthony Pasquale. Member of the jury in numerous cultural competitions, on 21 December 2019 he participates in Italy in the International Literary Prize "From the Tyrrhenian to the Ionian", which is framed by the wonderful city of Matera. In this interview, Elisabetta talks about herself, and she does it with her heart.
Elisabetta, when was your passion for writing born?
“In fact, I've always written, but I didn't know that what I wrote could also be of interest to others. Writing, as well as reading, are innate activities in my way of being. I just had to realize that what I wrote could be read. One day, a friend of mine who knew me well and, above all, knew my writing, advised me to launch into this world. Thus was born my first collection "Voice" and now, after a long time, I am still here ».
Who are your favorite authors?
“Emily Dickinson and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, two truly extraordinary poets. Reading their poems gave me the opportunity to explore other worlds and other eras. I also really like Borges, Salinas and Alberti, incredible poets, each with their own passions, illusions and visions of life. The writers I love the most are Pirandello and Oscar Wilde, for their way of representing reality through the masks that human beings are inclined to wear to resolve and live life. With all these authors, and with many others, I have learned to read myself and we all know that introspection is essential for writing, especially poetry ».
How do you define the poem?
«It is difficult to give a univocal definition of poetry. Poetry is word, verse, it is often silent, however, above all, this intimate and powerful voice with which one sings to life, to its colors to listen to the sound of the soul, to travel among emotions, among one's own ghosts; it is that voice that frees human fears, fears, smiles, love, beauty and hope. All this and much more is poetry: we are poetry in our every breath».
Of the many verses you wrote, which one do you feel most yours?
«I am attached to many lines and many of my poems. But one of my most representative lines is: “Not writing anymore is dying inside / and you can't” (“Writing”, from “Voice”). A writer cannot help but write, because writing is life, it is life! I am quite a positive person and happy with what he has, but if I don't write a few lines a day, even just for me, I don't feel fulfilled ».
What is his "world" like?
«It is not a different world from the one that many people experience, in the sense that I live my day as it appears, with work and family commitments, I see friends, I walk in the park, I go to the museum. Writing is within me and everything arises from the observation of my surroundings and from what my soul feels while I observe. My verses are born everywhere, on the bus, while I shop, while I walk, while I cook. I always have a piece of paper and a pen with me to keep inspiration from escaping. Sometimes, that inspiration I have to revise, other times it stays exactly as it was written in the first draft. The writer's world is not a particular one, it is just a question of attitude with which the world is filtered through her own personal feelings ».
Is there a place that particularly inspires you?
“The Parque del Retiro, in Madrid, one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Walking in its greenery, between lakes and impressive buildings where you can breathe art, culture and history is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for me. Not only some of my poems were born there, but the whole story of “Mina, the fairy of the crystal lake” is set in the park and, in particular, in the area of the Palacio de Cristal, a magical place par excellence ».
Rome and Madrid, two cities that belong to it, albeit in a different way. How is it related to both?
«Rome is my city, because I was born there, there are my loved ones, my family of origin, my friends, those you know will always remain by your side, at a distance from space and time. Madrid is my adopted city, which welcomed me like a daughter, which made me discover other aspects of myself and my personality, which gave me the input to be able to dig into my soul and open it to this new world of literature that has always played a fundamental role for me, but that I didn't know I loved so much. Rome gave me life, Madrid gave me a different opportunity to live it ».
