Our monthly 'Meet the Haymaker' series shares stories of the change-makers at the heart of Hay Festival Global and the impact it has had on their lives. This month, hear from Martín Murillo Gómez, the man behind La carreta Literaria in Colombia.
What does Hay Festival Global mean to you?
For me, as a campaigner for the joy of reading, Hay Festival is great because it creates a space where writers and readers can meet – it's the possibility of knowing more about their work. Hay Festival is everything a reading promoter needs to begin their year.
What’s your favourite Festival memory?
My favourite memories are around the days before the Hay Festival begins: waiting for those for days is something that brings me joy. Then, the day after the end of the event, with all my new signed books, and remembering how I enjoyed those four days.
Have you ever changed your mind on something having been to a Hay Festival event?
Yes, especially when the writers talk about what they read and the books they re-read many times for pleasure or many different reasons. When I heard Mario Vargas Llosa talking about
Madame Bovary I hadn't read that book and as soon as the talk was over I went looking for that novel.
Who was the best speaker or performer you saw on a Hay Festival stage?
For me, the best guest ever was Yuri Buenaventura. His participation was so inspiring, I will never forget it.
What advice do you have for a first-timer at the Festival?
Make sure to be very well organised if you want to make the best out of the festival!
Sum up Hay Festival Global in five words or less…
Consistency, patience, quality, words, joy.