Publicist George Roca interviews Anișoara Laura Mustețiu about romanian cultural identity
Interview published in the Anthology vol. 4, “De vorba cu stelele” (Speaking with the Stars) by George Roca.
Growing up in a creative environment, Anișoara Laura Mustețiu developed a deep passion for reading and writing from an early age. Her work captures the purest essence of emotions, thoughts, and feelings, beautifully expressed in both verse and prose. Many readers have fallen in love with her books, and Professor Florica R. Cândea describes her as “A modern writer on the rise, who transforms reality into refined and original literary themes.”
George Roca: Where did you spend most of your childhood? What literary paths did you follow?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: I grew up in Timișoara, immersed in the artistic creativity of my father, poet and sculptor Romulus Mustețiu. My childhood and teenage years were filled not only with harmony but also with profound life challenges. Over time, I discovered the magic of writing—a free expression of the soul that ventures into new realms, evoking deep emotions and reflections. However, I wasn’t able to fully embrace this passion until later in life.
George Roca: What is the greatest challenge in writing poetry or prose?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: I don’t see writing as a challenge—quite the opposite. When I write poetry, I feel happy and relaxed. Poetry, like life itself, follows an unpredictable and adventurous path. In recent years, though, I’ve fallen in love with prose. I adore it! Through prose, I feel free to wander timeless spaces, painting vivid images, life scenes, and raw emotions with words. I reflect people and events on the canvas of time, giving words a pulse, a meaning—a spark of the spirit that emerges from the depths of the inner world. Some thoughts, once shaped into words, disappear into the unknown. Others journey across the world, resting under the reader’s gaze. And sometimes, they awaken the spirit, touching the soul with a mixture of wonder and warmth.
George Roca: How do you hope your writings will inspire readers to travel into a new world—a world of imagery?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: My books unveil true stories about people and life. I have always sought to infuse depth into my work—to leave behind freshness, beauty, enchantment, and wisdom born from life’s experiences. Though my works are literary, they also carry elements of personal growth.
George Roca: Since 2022, you have been a cultural editor with your own show at Radio ProDiaspora. Could you share your impressions about this new cultural endeavor?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: My work and experience at Radio ProDiaspora have undoubtedly been a journey of personal growth, enriching my understanding of human values and artistic creations. The time spent researching and preparing programs that feature poetry, prose, and philosophical reflections allows me to nurture my potential while discovering new collaborators—artists and cultural figures gifted with remarkable talent—whom I promote in my shows. Their work impresses and inspires me to infuse depth and meaning into everything I do.
Through my broadcasts, I have brought emotions and love into the homes of listeners, and in return, I have felt an outpouring of kindness and appreciation. But what fulfills me the most is having the opportunity to contribute to the promotion and preservation of Romanian culture. I remain inspired and motivated to continue my journey at Radio ProDiaspora—a magical space where those who share a love for culture, traditions, authenticity, and the true values of the Romanian people come together.
George Roca: In 2023, you founded the cultural magazine Emoții și Lumină. Could you share your thoughts about this project?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: I believe life becomes deeper, more beautiful, and more exhilarating when we create something meaningful—not only for our own fulfillment but also for others. This truth has resonated more intensely with me in recent years, weaving through my being like a strengthening spring breeze. The founding of Emoții și Lumină (https://emotiisilumina.com) has opened new cultural collaborations and strengthened my confidence in the richness of contemporary Romanian culture.
My collaborations with writers, professors, artists, musicians, and journalists from various countries, along with my participation in Romanian cultural events in Sydney, have revealed to me a thriving Romanian diaspora that continues to grow each day. I believe we need both our community and our culture, no matter where we are in the world. Through these values, we remain true to our essence. It was from this deeply rooted belief that the idea of establishing a Romanian cultural magazine here in Sydney was born.
George Roca: A few words about the present… And what is your dream regarding writing?
Anișoara Laura Mustețiu: I have lived abroad for thirty-four years, and yet, this endless journey away from home has never diminished the essence of my being—the soul of a Romanian. When I acknowledge this truth, I feel closer to myself, to the young woman who, in 1990, set out alone to navigate the Western world.
Looking back, I feel a profound peace—like a gentle prayer settling warmly upon me. I feel fulfilled. My thoughts rest in a pure and nourishing light. I remain at the foothills of existence, eager to absorb new lessons. I will continue to write, guided by a passion that is pure and unrestrained.
My wish, dear reader, is that you smile, dream, and find solace within the flames of emotions—the quiet currents flowing through these words. I hope my lines, intentionally written with serenity and simplicity, become like a stream of crystal-clear water, where the wandering soul may bathe and be renewed.
Signet by,
George Roca
July 5, 2024
Sydney, Australia
