Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in the Philippines, but I’ve always been curious about a little bit of everything, so I travel quite a lot. If I’m not writing, you’ll see me painting, playing a musical instrument or piecing a jigsaw puzzle. The first book I wrote is called Frustrated by the Stars. The second one is Beautifully Burned, which was published in May 2016.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beautifully Burned is my first published book, although it’s not the first story I wrote. After my internship in New York few years ago, I found my old notebook sitting at home and started to scan the pages, only to find “stuff” I wrote way back then. I had no idea those words would turn into something more. It’s kind of crazy but once I started writing, it’s as if situations got connected and words found where they truly belonged.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I would wake up in the middle of the night just to write something random, and then go back to sleep. So when I wake up, I would check at what I have written. It could be a thought, a phrase or a quote. It’s kind of funny, but in all honesty, it works most of the time. Music helps a lot too.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My curiosity doesn’t pertain solely to books that catch my attention. It could be just a single sentence I read somewhere. But as far as totality of impact is the basis for this question, then I’d say… I’m a fan of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
What are you working on now?
I’m pretty secretive when it comes to unfinished work, but I could tell you that there’s a new novel I’m currently working on right now. Is it a love story? Yes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As much as people tell me to use Twitter, I’m more active on Facebook and Instagram. It’s always good to connect to your readers, especially if you don’t know them. That’s when things become interesting after all.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The only way to overcome fear is to have courage to fight it with. Writing, as engrossing as it could be, is also as dangerous, but always effective. Expect that not everyone will like your story, but it’s your call to use that as a form of constructive criticism. Don’t compare yourself to other writers, but hone your skills in accordance of your perspective.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write more.” I think this is more of a comment than an advice. But this is what truly motivates me personally. Because people appreciating your work is one thing, but people asking more from you is another story.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I write romance novels, but I’m also very open to other genres.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A new novel is definitely brewing, but more than that, I’m also planning on taking writing classes in order to develop my skills. Once everything is set, I’ll spill it through my page.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Wisdom and Teachings of Stephen R. Covey and my own book(Beautifully Burned).
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