T02 E01 – ESTILO, HONESTIDAD Y LITERATURA SIN CONCESIONES con David Betancur y Gilmer Mesa

In the season premiere of Conversations at the Table, writer Gilmer Mesa welcomes one of the most awarded and unique authors in contemporary Colombian literature: David Betancur. Born in Medellín in 1982, Betancur is a journalist, philologist, and holds a doctorate in literature. His career boasts more than a dozen international awards and a body of work that navigates between humor, irony, and everyday life. Join us for a frank and friendly chat about the craft of writing, the value of authenticity in a world of mass-produced literature, and the conviction that literary success lies not in sales figures, but in the personal satisfaction of not having succumbed to market pressures. In this episode, we'll discuss: • The difference between writing and being a writer: A reflection on why many seek fame over training, and the importance of nurturing the text in the face of the pressure to publish. • From school rebellion to literary profession: How his time at Catholic schools and the creation of the anonymous pamphlet El impío awakened his vocation as a writer as an act of resistance. • The search for his own style: David recounts his transition from wanting to "tell stories" to understanding that great authors are distinguished by their voice, citing fundamental influences such as Juan Rulfo and Gabriel García Márquez. • The reality of literary prizes: The behind-the-scenes story of his success in international competitions; why the key to success is not pure talent, but the stubbornness to persist after countless defeats. • Challenging the "sacred cows": His defense of a literature that is not afraid to use humor to challenge established figures and even to poke fun at himself. • Bestiary and the Future: Details of the reissue of his favorite book, his rewriting process, and his current interest in the "anti-novel" and literature that shuns commercial gimmicks. Subscribe and turn on notifications! 🔔 Don't miss this season premiere with a conversation that champions intellectual honesty and the pleasure of unfiltered reading. Follow the University Institution of Envigado on social media: @iueoficial