Erivan Campos, a Guatemalan writer and communicator, presented her book "Guatemalidá" at FILGUA 2025. The work is described as a poetic reflection on the realities of Guatemala's working-class and marginalized communities.
Campos, who holds degrees in Communication Media and Public Image Consulting from Universidad Galileo, explained that her academic journey was closely tied to the institution. "It was the only university that allowed me to study and work at the same time. The curriculum won me over. It was an excellent choice," she said.
She recounted her experiences studying during weekends, evenings, and later pursuing a master's degree remotely while balancing personal challenges such as motherhood. Campos noted: "In every moment, in all those years, everywhere I felt welcomed and accompanied, never alone. I knew I was part of a body of professionals who supported and guided me."
Regarding her book's title, Campos stated: "It's called -Guatemalidá-, (yes, with that spelling). Although the word -guatemalidá- does not exist in the official Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), nor is it formally recognized in Spanish, I created it with stylistic use to refer to the set of characteristics, values, customs, traditions, history, identity and ways of life that define Guatemala's working-class people." She added: "It is an urban poetic work—raw and deeply human—that portrays structural violence, social exclusion and identity from the margins. A collective testimony written from the body, street and daily experience in Guatemala by any working woman with social awareness."
Campos hopes her writing will challenge readers' perceptions: "I fervently hope to make readers uncomfortable. To point out what society does not name or ignores—or what it knows so well that it becomes 'typical and normal.'"
The book has been presented at various venues including Librería Luis Cardoza y Aragón, TGW radio station, FILXELA literary festival—and upcoming presentations are planned for Cobán, Chiquimula and Amatitlán.
Reflecting on her mentors at Universidad Galileo—including Daniel Alarcón Osorio ("my mentor in writing"), Silvia Lanuza ("from whom I am still learning"), Lily Soto ("exemplary"), Rolando Barahona ("showed me excellence comes from passion")—Campos emphasized their lasting influence on her professional development.
Currently working on new publications such as "Cuentos de No Ficción," Campos encourages aspiring writers: "The world needs more communicators. Don't hesitate—go for it. We are our species' voice."
She concluded: "If a neurodivergent mother of two made it... there are no limits. With faith and love—the impossible becomes possible."
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