2023-11-27 18:40:17
Monday, November 27, 2023, 1:57 p.m. | Updated 5:40 p.m.
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Having a “positive influence” in society and working on diversity, coexistence or sexual identity in a novel for young people and “offering new air” was the germ of the project that later took the form of the novel ‘Nor’ (publisher 1545). The writer Irati Goikoetxea, member of Xabi Solabarrieta publishing house and member of Aingeru Mayor Naizen association stressed that it is “collective work”.
The story has five 14-year-olds as its “axis and support”, but Goikoetxea did not want to give more details about them. In terms of structure, each episode has as its title “one or two of the protagonists” and is dedicated to them in particular, so that each character has “his moment and space”. “We think that we should be like that in society too, otherwise we have many people left invisible in the shadows, we owe it to ourselves and to those around us”, reflected Goikoetxea.
When he decided on this structure or form, he stated that writing was “pure enjoyment”, even more so with the moments created for reflection. “It has been a pleasure to transmit those ideas that we had been clear from the beginning”, he emphasized. Moreover, even if the writer’s work has been more individual, he has often returned to group work. “Even after the writing process was over, we thought a lot about how much space the illustrations needed, what we wanted them to look like, whether they should only support the word or offer something more.” In this regard, Karmel has added that he has “completely figured it out” and that he has offered the reader “breaks for reflection” by “analyzing what is behind and reading where we want to go”.
As he explained in the presentation, the creation of identity is usually a “network of eddies and knots” and he has placed the five protagonists there. “They realize that they have many unanswered questions, they need them and they feel suffocated, instead of breathing”, because they often do not “dare” to look at what is in front of them. Against this, Goikoetxea has proclaimed the importance of leaving “free spaces”, which the characters encounter in the novel. “They go back and forth, research, explore and analyze.”
This was one of the many small details that were taken care of “to bring the value of diversity to the fore”. As highlighted by Goikoetxea, they were members of a generation that did not “consciously build their identity” and doing the process “with freedom and love” is essential “to be happy”.
The energy of the work force
This energy has been very present during the work and the creative process and in the opinion of the author it will also “reach” the reader. In fact, it also has young people as protagonists, it is aimed at any audience. “We have considered young people and young people so that they can feel and feel comfortable looking at the project, the text or the story. However, it is not written only for them, it is a book that anyone can read and should, in our opinion,” he explained.
The first challenge of the working group was to decide what was wanted in terms of content and form. These reflections, studies and discussions left the path “a bit clear” for the writer from Beasain and, more importantly, having a shared base gave him “a lot of security” when looking to start writing. Later, even if the writing work is more solitary, he has had the writer, bertsolist and brother Ekaitz Goikoetxea as a member. “He has direct contact with young people in the educational space, he has experienced very different and rich experiences. For me, he has been a support and advisor in this work on identity and who I am, especially in the moments before I start writing.”
Among the materials for consultation, the writer emphasized Mayor’s ‘Transitos’ (2020), to “squeeze, juice” and have the “gist” to write what he has done. In fact, the secret of the novel lies in this, “receiving direct experiences”. Making the epilogue of the book ‘Nor’ has also suited Mayor. Of course, the relationship with the Naizen association did not end there. As explained by Salaberria, it was clear from the beginning that the project had to be carried out by them, because it was important to “have that protection or guarantee”.
Finally, the reader will find questions related to each section, but not to ensure that he has understood the content, as they are an “invitation” to deepen the core content. Solabarrieta explained that the project as a whole is a “huge question” whether it can play a big role even once it is finished, because it is an “invitation to search for answers”. Thus, the three think that it will be useful for parents or teachers to read and work with the young people in front of them, adding that it can be done individually or in groups.
The recently launched ‘Nor’ is not the first of the 1545 publishing house, which was founded in 2017 by the Solabarrieta brothers in Oiartzun. Eneko took the first step and as Xabi explained, now “we are two brothers devoting more time to this hobby”. On the way, they also wanted to emphasize the support of all the members who have accompanied them. ‘Nor’ is already available on the website of the 1545 publisher, as well as in bookshops in towns and districts. In addition to that, Goikoetxea will present Ahotsenea on December 8th at 12:00 as part of the upcoming 58th Durango Fair.
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