The impact of personal habits on creativity is often underestimated, but for Juan José Millás, it’s the details of everyday life that shape his unique perspective on the world. The writer, whose books are read by millions, openly admits that his inner balance relies on simple rituals helping him cope with anxiety and stay grounded. Family, cooking, and walks are integral parts of his life, serving as a source of inspiration for new works.
Millás was born in Valencia but has lived in Madrid since childhood, moving there with his parents in the early 1950s. His father, an inventor and technician, and his mother, a homemaker, often appear as characters in his books. The modest environment in which he grew up gave him the ability to notice details and turn them into literary images. According to Divinity, the writer was known for his keen observation and passion for reading from a young age, which laid the foundation for his future career.
Millás’s path to literature was far from straightforward. He first worked at a bank, then joined the airline Iberia, where he began writing his early texts. His debut book was published in 1975, and since then his name has been associated with an unusual style in which the line between reality and fiction is blurred. His works often feature autobiographical elements, but the author himself admits it’s sometimes difficult even for him to distinguish fact from imagination.
Family and children
In his personal life, Millás values stability. He has been married to the psychoanalyst Isabel Menéndez since the late 1980s, and the couple has two sons—the photographer Juan and the musician Alejandro. There is a ten-year age difference between the brothers, but both chose creative professions, which, according to the writer, is no coincidence. For Millás, family relationships are not only a source of support but also a constant wellspring of new ideas. Despite his public profile, he tries to shield his loved ones from excessive attention, believing that harmony at home matters more than any awards.
Interestingly, despite his wife’s profession, Millás does not attribute his anxiety issues to her influence. He speaks openly about his concerns, but does not seek deep psychological explanations for them. For him, the focus is not so much on analyzing as on finding ways to cope with internal tension.
Rituals for peace of mind
One of these methods is a culinary ritual—preparing sofrito. For Millás, chopping vegetables and sautéing them in a pan is more than just a daily routine; it is a kind of meditation. This process helps him divert his mind from anxious thoughts and stay present in the moment. According to the writer, it is in these moments that the most interesting ideas for new books are born.
Equally important to him are daily walks. Miljas especially loves strolling in Asturias during the summer, in the small town of Muros de Nalón, where his family spends their vacation. The natural surroundings, fresh air, and unhurried pace of life help him recharge and see familiar things from a new perspective. These walks are not only a way to relax, but also an opportunity to observe everyday life—something that always finds reflection in his work.
Creativity and Reality
In Miljas’ works, real-life events often intertwine with fictional stories. This approach makes his books distinctive and relatable to many readers. He does not shy away from drawing on personal experience, yet always leaves room for imagination. This enables him to craft texts in which everyone can find something of their own.
The writer is convinced that it is precisely the combination of simple pleasures and deep reflection that makes life fulfilling. His example shows that even amid constant anxiety, it is possible to find joy in the small things and draw inspiration from the everyday. Miljas does not strive for perfection, but knows how to value moments of peace and harmony, which become the foundation of his creative work.
Juan José Millás is one of the most renowned contemporary Spanish writers, author of more than fifty books and winner of prestigious literary awards. His style is distinguished by a subtle interplay between reality and fiction, and his works often explore themes of identity, memory, and everyday life. Millás is actively involved in the country’s cultural scene, appearing on radio and television, and his works have been translated into many languages. Despite his success, he remains someone who values family, simple pleasures, and the ability to find inspiration in the ordinary.
