Marta Barroso, a seasoned journalist at ABC specializing in health, beauty, and lifestyle. In 2015, she took a creative leap by publishing her debut novel, “A la madura Dios no la ayuda”. Ever genuine, she reconnects with her audience by sharing her wisdom rediscovering her own voice and the bond she maintains with her readers.
She now works at the CEU FOUNDATION and is a beloved figure with a large following on social media platforms such as Instagram.
“A la madura Dios no la ayuda” offers a fresh, humorous look at the life of a mature woman.
What inspired you to write on this theme?
“Life. My life. The life of any woman who works, has children, a husband my ‘Him’. It’s a book full of humor, but there are also more sensitive, reflective parts.”
In an interview you mentioned that humor is essential for facing life’s challenges. How do you incorporate this approach in your day‑to‑day life?
“Constantly. I think a sense of humor is essential for everything. Even in the worst moments, a burst of humor can change things and make you smile. I love people with a sense of humor.”
Your career has spanned various media and platforms. Which moment do you consider to be the most significant in your career?
“Without a doubt, my 35 years at the newspaper ABC and above all, when I began writing as a columnist. Another incredibly important moment, now, is my work with the CEU Foundation. We’re just starting the fourth season of CEUTalks ‘The Value of Values’ the most beautiful job I’ve ever done in my life.”
What aspects of classic journalism do you miss, and what do you value in today’s digital environment?
“I miss almost everything. It was authentic journalism you had to go out onto the street to find the story, type at full speed or you'd get locked out. It was wonderful. The newsroom buzzed with life, with news, with tension in tough moments. I’d go back to that era a thousand times over. We truly wrote back then.
As for the strengths of the digital environment I’ll assume you mean the good ones undoubtedly it has made it easier to connect with people, to access news instantly, and I think it forces you to be more creative to stand out. Teleworking during difficult times well, now with the YouTube videos and podcasts we’re doing with CEU interviews, I feel closer to people and they get to know me better.”
What role does craftsmanship play in your life?
“That’s an interesting question. I’m not a craftsperson, though I'm passionate about making things with my hands. I find it incredibly therapeutic. But craftsmanship at the level of ordinary women I don’t know if I explain myself I’m fascinated by it. And I envy people who can turn their hands into art. To console myself, I think of myself as a word‑craftsperson, using a tool my computer to shape the words I want to create.”
What is your favorite hotel, and the last book you read?
“Oh, without a doubt, the Hurricane Hotel in Tarifa that’s where the love story with my ‘Him’ began, with whom I’ve been in this ‘martrimony’ for 33 years.”
What place in the world would you like to explore with your Friulans on?
“Anywhere, as long as I’m with my family.”
What would your perfect Cayumas look like?
“With the Atlético de Madrid crest my beloved team? Just kidding! Though that wouldn’t be so bad… I don’t know, maybe with the cross I’ve tattooed, embroidered on your wonderful Cayumas. It’s beautiful, and for me it means everything that’s important in my life.”
