INTERVIEW WITH NORIS ROBERTS
By Robert Rodríguez, Licensed in Social Communication
Robert Rodríguez (RR): Hello, Miss Noris Roberts! How are you? How are you feeling right now?
Noris Roberts (NR): I’m feeling great!
RR: Perfect! It’s a great pleasure for me to conduct this special interview with you. Welcome to Venezuela and to your digital magazine “Alquimia.” Miss Noris Roberts, you mentioned that you are a Venezuelan lawyer, poet, and writer. This interview focuses on your literary works. Let’s start the conversation. First, tell us a bit about yourself: how do you define yourself, where you’re from, what you do, and so on.
Now, let’s talk more about your book Divagando. How did the idea come about? What is the work about? What motivated you to write this book? In what languages is it translated? When was it published? Who is it aimed at? What genre is it, and on which platforms is it available?
NR: I am Venezuelan at heart and by roots. I was born in Lechería, Anzoátegui state, and although life has given me the opportunity to live in other countries, I have chosen to stay here in my beloved Venezuela. I practice law; it is my profession, my vocation, and the passion that fills my days.
As for how I would define myself, that’s a question I sincerely prefer to leave to those who read me. Each reader perceives something unique—a different reflection of the other’s soul.
Now, about my book Divagando: It is a free and personal way of narrating stories, experiences, reflections, and interpretations of the current world’s reality. Through an organic and coherent sequence of events, ideas, and experiences, the book invites the reader on a journey of introspection and discovery. The work is originally written in Spanish and immediately offered in English as well, with the aim of reaching all kinds of audiences and making it accessible to as many readers as possible. It is available on all major digital platforms. Divagando was published just two months ago and is aimed at those who enjoy reflective reading, poetic prose, personal essays, and non-linear narratives that wander—pardon the redundancy—between memory, everyday philosophy, and observation of the present.
RR: Noris Roberts, in addition to Divagando, you have written and published other books such as Palabras en relieve, Mi poesía es, Celebración de poesía, Las pieles de mis palabras, Transitoriamente eterno, Entre vocales y consonantes, Silencio sobre silencio, and Under the Shadow of Words. Tell us, what are these books about? In what languages have they been translated? When were they published, and on which platforms can we find them?
NR: Yes, indeed, I am also the author of the books you mention. To date, I have published nine books. Eight of them are poetry collections that convey human fragility, contained strength, nostalgia as a persistent echo, and an inexhaustible flowing love. The ninth, titled Divagando, is a different volume: an open space dedicated exclusively to those who find pleasure and refuge in reading.
Like Divagando, all are originally written in Spanish and subsequently in English (bilingual Spanish-English editions).Although I haven’t kept an exact count for some time now (because I prefer to focus on writing rather than tallying where my texts have been published), I can tell you that my articles and poems have appeared across much of Europe—especially in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Croatia—as well as in the United States, in both national media and international magazines.
RR: Noris Roberts, what was your first published book? Have you already thought about writing a new work? And if so, what title would you give your next book?
NR: My first book was a very special limited edition, with all proceeds going entirely to a charitable institution. As for the next title, I have named it En Dios confiamos, a narrative work that spans from the end of the Cold War to the present day, exploring the profound political, social, and spiritual transformations that have shaped the contemporary world.
RR: At what age did you start writing? What motivated you?
NR: From the age of five. My father would sit me on his lap and recite poems to me. When he came home from work, he would always ask with a smile: “Did you write something for me, daughter?”
RR: Noris Roberts, you mentioned that you have been recognized for your commitment to literature and peace. You were named Peace Ambassador by the Cercle Universel des Ambassadeurs de la Paix representing Venezuela, you received the prestigious Naji Naaman Literary Prize, and the distinction of Honorary Member of the Maison Naaman pour la Culture. You currently hold the position of Consul for the Association of Writers and Artists of the Orb (ASEALDO). Tell us more about these recognitions.
NR: Receiving an award is certainly an honor and a recognition of the work done, but with all due respect, I must say that official recognitions are not my primary interest. For me, it’s more gratifying to know that my words are reaching someone somewhere in the world, generating a positive impact—offering companionship, emotion, or reflecting life situations.
RR: Tell us about the musical adaptations featured on your YouTube channel.
NR: My YouTube channel is open to anyone who wishes to collaborate, whether by reciting one of my poems or setting them to music. I have three albums released in Italy, I compose songs, but I don’t sing; to do so, I would need to dedicate myself fully to music, and my greatest passion remains writing.
RR: How do your parents, children, siblings, and friends feel? Are they proud of you? What do they think of your talent as a writer? Do they support you?
NR: My parents are no longer with us. From the beginning, my entire family has supported me unconditionally and feels deeply proud of everything I have achieved. From a very young age, I was precocious: in addition to literature, I practiced classical ballet, painting, fashion design, and studied piano. They have always celebrated my absolute dedication to culture and the practice of my profession.
RR: Noris Roberts, how do your readers describe you?
NR: Truthfully, I don’t know for certain. I prefer to let each reader perceive me in their own way and form their own image of me.
RR: Do you enjoy a good read? Who are your favorite authors and why?
NR: Of course! Nothing relaxes and fulfills me more than, after a long day, coming home and immersing myself in the pages of a good book. As a Venezuelan, I feel something special for Andrés Bello. I not only admire his monumental contributions to grammar, philology, and Hispanic American thought, but for me, he represents that rare and beautiful blend of intellectual rigor. In addition to Bello, there are others like Gabriel García Márquez, Mario Vargas Llosa, Rómulo Gallegos, and Teresa de la Parra.
RR: What do you think of the magazine?
NR: I love the entire magazine, truly! It captivates me from start to finish, every corner. It’s super varied, with something for everyone. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing—it’s perfect as it is!
RR: Noris Roberts, beyond your talent as a writer, what other passions do you have in life? Is there any other special talent you keep hidden? Also tell us about the achievements you’re most proud of or important goals you’ve conquered.
NR: As I mentioned earlier, I paint (I’m passionate about it!), design and sew my own clothes, studied piano and classical ballet… and still, when time allows, I continue dancing and playing the piano. These are parts of me that fill my soul, and I always try to keep them alive, even in small moments.
RR: What is your greatest dream? What other projects do you have in mind?
NR: My greatest dream—and the only one that truly drives me—is to live in a world where no one is judged or excluded based on their beliefs, race, or social condition. A world where freedom, respect, and equality are natural and everyday. For now, everything I do is focused on getting us a little closer to that reality.
RR: What are your hobbies or pastimes? What do you like to do in your free time?
NR: I’m passionate about running every night. It’s my moment to disconnect, breathe deeply, and feel completely alive. No matter how the day has been, going for a run under the stars always recharges my soul.
RR: Do you have pets? Which is your favorite, and what’s its name?
NR: Yes! My inseparable companion is Sasha Baguette, a little dog full of tenderness and energy. She’s my faithful shadow and my daily source of smiles.
RR: What do you believe in? Why?
NR: I believe in God with all my heart. For me, He is the one who can do everything, who gives meaning to everything we experience, and who never abandons us, even in the darkest moments. That faith is my anchor and my strength every day.
RR: About mistakes…
NR: Saying “no” in time. In short: the most expensive mistakes I’ve paid for in life have undoubtedly been my best teachers. Today, I am deeply grateful to them, even though they hurt at the time.
RR: Do you have a friend you love more than a sister? Why?
NR: No, truthfully. I love my siblings dearly; they are my best friends in the world.
RR: Who are the people you trust the most? Why?
NR: My family, without a doubt. They are the safe place I can always return to, no matter what.
RR: Do you believe you must be consistent in what you do…
NR: Yes, I believe consistency and passion are absolutely essential. When something truly passions you, no one needs to push you: you get up on your own. Passion makes you start and enjoy the journey. Consistency gets you to the goal and makes you impossible to ignore. Together, they are the difference between staying in “I wish I were”… and simply being.
RR: To conclude the interview, what recommendations or final advice could you share with our readers of the digital magazine “Alquimia”?
NR: Never stop learning, because learning is like being reborn every day—it’s that constant rebirth: like returning to the world for the first time, like trying again, greater, wiser, more yourself. Learning is the only rebirth that doesn’t need gods; it’s daring to look anew as if the world had just been invented.
RR: Additionally, if you’d like to invite them to follow you, please mention your social media, website, or other contact methods.
NR:
Instagram:@NorisRoberts
X (Twitter):@NorisRoberts
Email: NorisRoberts@proton.me
Website: https://norisroberts.wordpress.com
Bluesky:@norisroberts.bsky.social
