When we were young, you looked liked Paraluman. You danced so gracefully, be it boogie or cha-cha. However my favorite would always be you dancing El Bimbo. It move me, pulsates me, gives me shivers.
After school, I'd always go directly to your place,
And all afternoon, you'd teach me how to dance.
Our hands touched
And without knowing
You also taught my heart
what true love is.
My body stiffens whenever the record would play.
It's dead to the move of your hips and your lovely stare.
I can then see the light in my life
whenever we dance, I have my arms on your shoulder
And my hands slowly move towards the smooth skin of your arm.
I wish it was back then that I professed what I felt.
Even as times passed, this dance is all I know.
Our hands touched
And without knowing
You also taught my heart
what true love is.
Many years have passed,
And I haven't seen you since.
I heard that you already have a child,
but with a husband.
You're also a dishwasher in Ermita,
and one night was run over in a dark alley.
All of my dreams have been shattered.
Now, it's only in my dreams that I can dance with you.
I remember our hands touching
And without knowing
You also taught my heart
what true love is.
*****
What I like about this song is that not only is it an OPM classic, but that it has a story to tell. That's why I'd like to share my English translation of the lyrics to the rest of the world.
Please note that the translation is not done word per word. Example bata is kids.
Some of the #HeistClub authors launched their book 2 early this year. One of these authors is Yeyet Soriano. If you have already read her book The Retreat, then you would know what the plot of the stories for her sequel would be. I talked to Yeyet and asked her more about her sequel, The Crime Circle.
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The stories started with #HeistClub's The Retreat, how did the idea for this came about?
I had to think about the plot and outcome of the stories already in order to write The Retreat and after that novella was done, I knew I owed it to the characters I created to explore each of the stories in more detail..the last part of The Retreat was the announcement of the future release of the 4 stories collection entitled The Crime Circle or TCC... so I knew my book 2 would be the 4 novella collection.
How long did you finish writing the stories?
It took me around 2 years to complete everything. I needed to do a lot of research, interviews and consultations because of the nature of the crimes. Plus I was not always "ready" to write continuously. Sometimes the stories became too dark that I had to take a break and do something "light" to recover. During the period I wrote other short stories in other genres--mostly romance. I needed to do those so I could go back to writing TCC and not go full dark!
What was the first story from the Crime Circle that you had first finished? Why is this so? Did you find it more relatable (as opposed to being easy, as well know)?
Believe it or not, I wrote a version of 3B4U back in the late 90s to early 2000s. I was the same age as the protagonists. Although I had to rewrite it completely to include in TCC, the bare bones of the story remained the same. The music of the '90s is very close to my heart and I've lived through the era's angst.
The story that really was the easiest to write with minimal rewrites is CLIMB. It was also the most fun as it was quite light compared to the others with a high heat level! It was also very relatable because I live in a gated subdivision and these kinds of heists happen all the time. I also see everything being shared on social media by the residents and by experience see the kinds of people we let in our homes--tutors, massage therapists, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, delivery guys, our maids, our family members' friends and acquaintances, etc. It was not too much of a stretch for me to concoct that story of an information broker. I also loved the thought of using the subdivision sari sari stores and convenience stores as settings for some key scenes.
What about the last story?
The last story BREATHE was inspired by an idea from my nephew about a massacre survivor who was actually not as innocent as initially thought. He gave me the visual cue of an 11-year-old girl holding a pillow over her 4-year-old brother's face. And it started there. The story is close to my heart because I wrote my late father into it as a key character.
Another interesting fact: most of the poems /songs used in the book, specifically for 3B4U and BREATHE, were written by me during my angst-filled youth. So you could say I felt those emotions, enough to write those words, so I could definitely empathize with the characters. Looking at them now (the poems) in the context of the stories, i am glad I survived through that time. Some of my characters didn't. But I hope I placed enough hope in the stories to at least alleviate the darkness.
What about Lost?
This one you already know, but LOST was based on the experience of our common friend GMB. This was the hardest story to write not only because of the difficult topic but also because this
...as far from my own knowledge and experience as it could get. I needed to do tons of research, interviews and the like. It helped that GMB was very open about her experience and she even shared her journals so I can get insights into how she was coping. I had a lawyer friend who helped me with the legalese including the laws, the way the courts worked, and the like. But it took meeting another woman with a similar experience, MF, for me to get this novel completed. She shared with me what happened to her and she even beta read the story. While for GMB the perpetrator was a neighbor, for MF it was her father. So it helped with writing Breathe as well. But it was MF's advocacy to help other victims and to not let her past define her that inspired me towards the ending of Lost. It also inspired me to help out the institution that she was advocating by donating a percentage of the profits to benefit young girls who went through similar circumstances. So let's just say neeting these women and writimg these stories made me a better person as well.
Any other things you'd like to share?
Someone pointed out to me that my stories had one thing in common: Adults who failed their children by (1) putting unrealistic expectations on them, (2) inflicting physical, mental, emotional and psychological abuse, (3) withholding love and acceptance, and (4) not listening and believing.
It was not intentional on my part. So when he pointed it out, I was intrigued. He did say that for every adult who failed a child, there was another adult or surrogate parent who provided the needed support or love. As mentioned, not all the characters survive... but those who do survive did so because they had the necessary support system.
***The novellas are available on Amazon and Bookbed.
At 31, Kris’s dating life is starting to resemble a reality show. So when she strikes up a conversation with a nerdy but gorgeous stranger on the train, getting serious is the last thing on her mind. Been there, done that, and she has the emotional baggage to prove it.
At 24, Ringo knows what he wants—and when a train flirtation turns into a night he can’t forget, he knows he wants Kris. But it’s clear she has other plans, and they don’t include him. So when they find themselves on the same flight to Seoul, it’s Ringo’s chance to turn up the heat, and convince Kris to take a risk.
In a new city, with someone new—the right someone—what could change? Maybe nothing. But also, maybe everything.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 4, 2017
Photography: Chi Yu Rodriguez
Cover Design: Miles Tan
Models: Bibo Reyes & Celine Bengzon
Olivia Nadal is an almost perfect girl with an almost perfect life. She has stunning good looks, an exciting job that pays well, men lining up to date her, and a homey little condo she calls her own. The only thing keeping her from perfection is her utter inability to cook.
Enter Nate Olivarez, a hotshot chef who's filling in for Olivia's cooking instructor. Sparks fly when they meet, but a fling with the visiting hottie is the last thing Olivia needs. But as things keep heating up in the kitchen, she can't help but wonder. Can things work out between her and Nate? Or is the sizzle all set to fizzle?
My copy is this edition
My review:
Hot, hot Nate as well as gorgeous Liv, their relationship was more of the physical. Proof, was they couldn't get their hands off each other, which lead to them not talking or planning things out .
Not a fan, but this is how I imagined Liv and Nate
Spoilers below
But, why didn't Nate tell Liv about Billy, that he treats her like a sister. Even more, why didn't Nate tel Liv that Billy was there in Singapore. Even more, why didn't Nate tell Liv about the restaurant that's soon to open. Even a hint or two, he could have told Liv about Foster's plan to open in Asia, even perhaps in Singapore. Naku! This is the problem when Liv starts falling in love with Nate, their problem was the lack of communication, plus Liv jumping to conclusions. But, as I said before their love started on the physical, and then boom!
If life were fair, Jam Gallahue would still be at home in New Jersey with her sweet British boyfriend, Reeve Maxfield. She’d be watching old comedy sketches with him. She’d be kissing him in the library stacks.
She certainly wouldn’t be at The Wooden Barn, a therapeutic boarding school in rural Vermont, living with a weird roommate, and signed up for an exclusive, mysterious class called Special Topics in English.
But life isn’t fair, and Reeve Maxfield is dead.
Until a journal-writing assignment leads Jam to Belzhar, where the untainted past is restored, and Jam can feel Reeve’s arms around her once again. But there are hidden truths on Jam’s path to reclaim her loss.
From New York Times bestselling author Meg Wolitzer comes a breathtaking and surprising story about first love, deep sorrow, and the power of acceptance.
It was my roommate's copy, when I suddenly had the urge to read this book. I'm glad I did. As Jam's problems that were truly unraveled in the end, made me recall my own Reeve.
It was in the middle, when her friends started sharing their stories, that the book got me hook. As I was about a hundred pages to finish (am a slow reader) I regret not bringing it to the office.
I would recommend this book, though I still like The Interestings and The Uncoupling better.
We stayed at Marfel Lodge (airport transfers included). However, since there are more than one Marfel Lodge in Basco, please note which branch you will be at, as people who you will ask for directions and tricycle drivers will tell you, madaming Marfel Lodge.
We stayed at Marfel Lodge Main, which was very near the airport (isang tumbling lang). The Main Branch has two houses, and me and my friends actually stayed in the back house. It has two rooms (room 6 and 7). Lucky for us, we were the only ones staying there.
Even luckier was that it felt like our house for the days to follow. There was a stove and gas, with pots, pans, cooking utensils, plates, silverware and more. There was also a water dispenser, so no need to worry about getting a bottle of mineral water.
Tour:
At the airport, you will be asked to pay PhP350 as environmental fee. You will be given a ticket and a map of Batanes, which I really found helpful. The map also has a grid map of Basco with street names. Don't worry it's not as big as it looks, you can walk or bike around, if it pleases you.
The owner of Marfel Lodge, Ma'am Fe is also the owner of Chanpan Tours.
Regular rate for North Batan Tour is Php1,200 per person.
Regular rate for Sabang Tour is Php2,000 per person.
Regular rate for South Batan Tour is Php1,800 per person.
So, if you are going for that three day tour of Batanes, better prepare PhP5,000. You can try to haggle for that three day tour of Batanes, she gave us the tour for Php4,500. But, we only paid Php3,000 as we only took the the North Batan tour and Sabang tour. We had the option to take the South Batan tour or not na.
North Batan Tour
If you want to go biking, I suggest that you take this trail. Unfortunately for us, I don't know how to bike, plus it was a rainy Sunday.
Tour begins at around 12noon, so I still had time to wander around Basco (use that trusty map if you don't want to go running around in circles).
Chanpan tour first took us to have lunch (which is included). Then after to Fundacion de Pacita (it is also a resort with a resto, Cafe de Tukon). Then after we went to the Japanese Tunnel then Boulder Beach. We weren't able to go to the Rolling Hills and Lighthouse as it was raining. We went here the next day, after the Sabtang Tour.
If you want to explore the Japanese Tunnel, I suggest you go with the tour, as there is a guide. He will show you other ingresses, where of course we exited. It's total darkness in here (except of course for the entrances), so best to have your phone fully charged for flashlight and pictures.
Sabtang Tour
To go here, you will need to ride a boat. I suggest that you take the tour, as there are no tricycles here (as far as I saw) plus, the tour covers the boat ride, environmental fee, plus of course lunch.
This is the island where you will get to wear a vakul, the Ivatan headdress. It was at Barrio Chavayan, where we stopped and posed for pictures. May I suggest that you buy some of your souvenirs at the Weavers Association (also at this barrio).
We choose to just DIY the South Batan tour. We didn't have to wake up early for the tour, although we did. The original plan was we go biking to the Honesty Store and other locations on South Batan. Unfortunately, my sense of balance failed me, plus the sun was so happy to be finally given some air time, that it was so freaking hot. We instead opted to take a tricycle.
From Basco to Honesty store, it's worth PhP220. However, we subcontracted our tricycle driver for a whole (or half as we began 11am and ended at around 4 to 5pm) day tour. We paid him PhP1,000. It was worth it. Not only because of the locations we wanted to go, we went, but also because most of the path was uphill (and downhill), and not flat which will make it a lot harder for a beginner biker like me, and would probably have taken us more time.
The Honesty store is good for snacks as there is coke Php20 each bottle, cookies and chips ranging from Php25 to PhP50. You can also buy some pasalubong from here, as there were many cookies that were not available in the souvenir shop where Chanpan Tours took us.
We also stopped by the Song-song ruins, a couple of churches, a hillside view of the beach with goats (which obviously I forgot what its called), and Marlboro Country. You can also go to the viewing deck, but we didn't want to tire ourselves out and the viewing deck according to the map is good for sunset.
Food
There are a few restaurants and carinderia in Basco. However, if you are on a budget and you'll be staying At Marfel's, better to bring canned goods or buy from the local stores (there are many) or from Marfel which also sells some plus rice. You can cook at Marfel's as I said earlier. We cooked our breakfast. We even bought eggs (PhP8 each), garlic, tomatoes (PhP20 for three to four pieces) on the General Merchandise store.
You can also try to buy some blue crab (I forgot what it's called, Coconut Crab?). My friend bought a small one for less than Php300. If you are going to buy some crab, best to cook and eat it at Batanes, as you will need to pay a penalty fee if you bring it to the airport.
One of the restos we tried was Cafe de Tukon (we went here two days straight). It has good food and an awesome view. Must tries include Dulce de Leche, Corned Beef Panini, Rich Chocolate Cake, plus of course local dishes (Lunis, worth about PhP330, was yummy).
Another was Casa Napoli, one of two pizzerias in Batanes. Apparently this one is older and it made good pizza. Promise! We planned on taking home some of the pizza (margherita and pepperoni), but our tastebuds wouldn't allow it, as it wanted more. Pizzas here are 16 inches big and priced quite reasonably. Our bill was less than PhP1,000 for two pizzas, nachos, and iced tea.
The food in Batanes, I have to say, was satisfying and yummy!
Overall, Batanes provided me with a different view of the country (not just beaches and mountains) but also hillside views with goats on them (hahah!). The wonderful work of nature will certainly inspire you to do more and be more than you can be. Even better, is that Breathtaking Batanes is a perfect place to find yourself, as even though the signal was very good, there was no mobile data nor even wi-fi. So, better be senti and labas na lahat ng #hugot.
The pictures here do not do justice to the scenic view that your eyes will lay upon up at Batanes. Whenever you will decide to go to Batanes, make sure to bring your sense of adventure and sense of pride for our country.
In the Tagalog romance publishing world, authors go through this process: Write the 20k-plus-word long novella, submit it, then follow up for feedback several weeks later. If approved, we got paid, and wait for the story to get published after a few months. If the story didn’t get approved . . . Ahh, that’s a tragedy many indie authors would never get to experience (although the feeling may be the same when one gets negative reviews).
The year was 2009. I submitted a manuscript that was a story loosely based on my own experience (gah). That one was memorable not for the content and inspiration (yes, please believe me) but because of the process by which I wrote it. I wrote the ending scene for that one before I even began it. Not a normal thing I usually do but I just had so much faith in that scene. Loved it, even. Only to be told the story was being returned.
I made revisions to the story and the version that eventually got approved (and subsequently published) was one that no longer ended with that scene from the original manuscript. Said original MS ended in my trashed WIPs folder. I keep all the old rejected versions (yes, there’s a number of them) in the hopes that someday, I might be able to use them, and with improvements, be able to re-submit them.
When Kate Sebastian came up with the idea for a summer-themed anthology, I immediately thought that was it! That unpublished story, or at least that particular scene, was being given a second chance. All I needed was to write a short beginning and middle, make the story happen in summer (the original one happened during the rainy season), and I’d have a short story to contribute.
And that was how Then Derrick Was Back was born. A story about a second chance at love (which I never got in real life and which made the story all the more a work of fiction. Hah), and how truth and trust triumph over odds. Naks!
I can’t very well narrate here how the story ended… err… how it went. You, dear reader, will have to get a copy of #SummerFeels to find out. *wink*
To buy a copy click here.
There's one quote that hit me "You don't do it because you don't need it, and you've never wanted it badly enough yet."
This was about relationships, and why the two main characters never had been in a long term relationship. Never been in a relationship myself, I can relate well to these two.
When the attraction heats up, Daphne tries to stop herself, because that was one of the reasons why Greg got her. Because he knew that she was just Aaron's type. However, circumstances and of course Aaron pursues for an eventual thing on a holiday.
So this is book is a lot steamier than most (New Year, beach, etc), but still there is still that signature fuzzy feel that I only get whenever I read a MVE sex scene, ahaha! š
Okay, so I'm actually a fan of Mina's Chic Manila Series, so when Anton and Julie guest starred here, I was ecstatic. After all, their story (That Kind of Guy) was the last MVE book that I read (early this year). So, am hoping that the next Chic Manila book, we'll get to see Daphne and Aaron, and this just won't be a happy for now.
Aaron Trinidad is new to the wedding industry but years of conference planning and loads of charm make him good at it. Really good at it. Planning the wedding of his friend Helen should be easy, and it is. To be unceremoniously fired isn’t good for his new career, but the chance to learn from the best might be the silver lining.
Aaron and Daphne have chemistry, but there’s history with Helen that at least one other person considers a threat. Who’s the planner who can fix this impending disaster?
Good girl Julie never expected her hot former-player boyfriend to propose marriage. But when he did, she turned him down for reasons even she couldn't figure out. Will she settle for a nice, safe guy instead? Or will she let him find his way back into her carefully guarded heart?
My favorite Mina Esguerra books will always have to be the ones which are of contemporary romance. Why? It's like talking to a friend.
Julie, as she admits, may not have many friends, but she has won me over with her romance with (eh-em) playboy Anton and her friendship with pudgy geek Harry.
I stumbled upon the second book the series in a sale in our local bookshop, then I luckily found this before I purchased Blessed are those who thirst. I did not know who the author was. But, just took a shot. Thankful, that I bought both (discounted!) .
Even though it says it is a Hanne Wilhemsen novel, it is not really just about her. It is not just her thoughts, in fact, the first hundred pages of the book, she seems to be missing. If it wouldn't have been for the (spoiler) accident, I wouldn't have cared about her. But then, as you read through and then read through her thoughts you wish you knew her more, like her Harley and of course Cecile.
Karen Borg and Peter Sands are another thing that though.
As for the plot... this is about drugs and murder. So, this really (really, really) interested me (ehem, I don't think I need to emphasize because of the current state of Philippine politics).
In Too Deep (Takedown, #1) Goodreads blurb:
A private island….an exclusive guest list…a hot, friendly guy who's more than willing to have that proverbial summer fling…it's the perfect getaway. Or is it?
Mary Shaw works hard and plays harder. Off a difficult project that doesn't go quite according to plan, she heads off on a solitary vacation to recharge her nerves and get things together. That there's a dimpled man-candy who wants to take things up a sexy notch? Perfect bonus. But all is not what it seems, and the things that Mary seeks to escape have a way of catching up with her.
Review:
Mary is obviously a hot ginger who's caught the eye of fellow vacationer Carson.
Part of a small group, Mary and Carson couldn't help but have a little fun of their own. Especially when they have a quickie on a lagoon. Ooh-lalala! They both wanted it, after all, Mary did say it was just a beach hook-up.
But, after the intense sex, it makes you wonder, who is Mary?
Mary has got a good head, as when the storm did land on the island she took charge. Rationing power, food, and water. And as a way to save power, she gets to room with Carson. Score again!! When storm passes, Mary's mask must also be lifted but it isn't just hers.
Not to get Liam Neeson on your asses, but the fact is that Peyton Riley has a very specific skill set. She's good at her job and has just gotten off a major project when she crosses paths with the gorgeous snake-in-the-grass calling himself Carson Varis. He's taken her against her will, but to where, and to what end? She's got days to figure this out and escape–before her boss finds out where his favorite specialist has disappeared.
Carson Varis has got an eye for art and a mania for professionalism. No one does work-life balance like he does. But a certain fiery redhead has gotten his goals in a twist. He has his employer's order to fulfill, but can't get the memory of her body (and her hair, and her deep blue eyes, and oh, that mouth) out of the way. Can he get it together and pull off a job well done?
It's in the second book when we finally learn who Mary, or rather Peyton Riley, is and boom!
Yah! It's actually a big explosion not of the romantic kind but of the action kind, as this is where the thriller part kicks off.
"Randomly choosing to sleep with the first hot guy who'd drooled over her bikini was exactly why she was in this mess. Never again" - Bianca Mori,
Peyton specializes in takedowns, or to be more precise stop things from happening, be it a wedding or an acquisition deal. Peyton's last Barcelona job cost the life of a woman, who turns out to be the sister of Carson's employer. Now, the two of them must join forces to stop the sale of a fictitious art masterpiece. Peyton has the skill set, and Carson has the art know how. Peyton is the brains of the operations. Carson serves as the moral compass.
Reading Peyton Riley asserted what I have long suspected, that I'm actually a fade to black kind of girl. However, I still need the romantic build up that In Too Deep provided, especially if it's a romantic thriller such as this.
Sex wise things between Carson and Peyton are nil but that doesn't mean things aren't heating up. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Take this chapter ender for example:
No, this scene did not have any sex in it, but the chemistry with the characters that Mori has carefully crafted were so human, that I wanted but how could that I start treating them as friends. vIf they were to meet at different circumstances, could they still have that same attraction, probably, but, but, but. Argh!
While reading the second book, I stumbled upon a quote in social media that books talk to you and this one does. I wanted to tell Peyton to swallow your damn pride woman, there's a perfectly good catch you have there and he's in love with you, but of course I couldn't blame Peyton.
If I was her real friend, I'd tell her to just go with what makes her happy, damn it, even if it goes against my conscience, (ehem, thank you Bianca for Carson).
The second book ended just like the first, with a cliff hanger. So before we go into the third book, there are a lot of questions going into my head.
Some of the questions that I hope will be answered by book three (which I am currently reading:
How did anja come into Roi's employment? What is the connection?
How did Roi know about Amsterdam and why cant he just save Peyton after all Peyton did say she could just call Roi?
What made Roi so mad? Couldnt she just explain it to him?
Side note: There are some chapters wherein the voice in my head has a British accent, I don't know why.
JK Rowling's world building is enough to pull a fan and use his or her imagination to recreate Hogwarts, Harry Potter, and all the other elements of the wizarding world.
With that, even though the book says story by JK Rowling, and this is something I will continue on telling people, even though I don't believe it myself, I feel like the story just didn't come from Rowling. Maybe bits of it did. parts of it did, but the time turner and alternate reality thing just didn't come off to me as something that would exist in the same universe as the story of the Prisoner of Azkaban. and, and, and ---Ron, come on Ron Weasley! He felt like a stand in for the twins!
Still, like what I do with everything else that I read, I take it in as fact (even though it may be contradictory or even fallacious) and just get on with it.
Surprisingly, it made me laugh and there were moments that made me cry.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.
It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
What were the hurdles that you had to overcome when you were writing the retreat?
Initially, the hurdle was that there were four story ideas in my head and I couldn’t make up my mind which one to focus on. I wanted to do a 90’s inspired murder mystery where the lead singers of popular local rock bands were getting killed off one by one (the title is 3B4U). I also wanted to do a family massacre story where the sole survivor is an eleven-year-old girl and the prime suspect is her twelve-year-old guy best friend (the title is Breathe). Then there is the modern akyat-bahay story (the title is Climb) that I wanted to write because it was happening in our village. And lastly, there was the story of a woman who was raped as a five-year-old child by a neighbor (the title is Lost).
And the way I overcame the hurdle? I told myself, I will cover ALL four, so I had to think of a premise where that would be possible. So I basically fictionalized the #HeistClub writing workshop into something a bit more mysterious, sinister, and provocative. A challenge from one of the biggest publishers in the country, for authors to write a true-to-life crime story set in the Philippines, not fully resolved. The authors should be willing to go on a writers’ retreat in an undisclosed place, cut-off from the real world, without telling anyone. And the prize would be enough money to retire and just write with a guaranteed platform for release.
And with that, I had the stories of my four writers retreat participants.
What made you take a chance to write crime fiction?
I love crime fiction. I love reading and watching it (TV series or movies) and am really just interested in anything related to crime, mystery and suspense. I also am interested in police work and the workings of court cases. I used to want to be either a detective or a lawyer, then I said maybe I would be better as a psychologist and focus on abnormal psychology and be a profiler, but I ended up as an Accountant who went into IT and Project Management. Reality bites, huh? So I guess, the next best thing for me was to write about crime and crime solving, since I couldn’t live it.
How was it different from your other books: genres you write in?
I always said that I could write in any genre. It all depends on what story is stuck in my head and needs to come out. Having said that, I’ve written speculative fiction (time travel and alternate realities), paranormal romance, children’s literature, romance and now crime. What’s different is that crime fiction needed more research and more believability. I had to ensure that I had all my facts straight. A lot of my crimes had to be psychologically sound, so I use a lot of resource persons to validate my character portrayals.
Have you always wanted to write crime fic? Why so?
My earliest writings when I was a child could be filed under crime fiction, because I was a Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys fan – the books and the TV series way back. So yes, crime fiction has always been something I wanted to write and the #HeistClub writing workshop was a welcome surprise and suddenly, I was back to my first love in terms of writing.
The retreat is not your first book right? There's turning points and in my dreams, right? So this is your third book?
Yes, The Retreat is my third book released. Turning Points was the first. This is the speculative fiction book about time travel and alternate realities. It is also a product of a writing workshop-#JustWritePH. In My Dreams is the paranormal romance which was written as part of Mina V. Esguerra’s #StrangeLit workshop. So you could say that I write mostly well under pressure and on a deadline, as those three books would be proof of. I am working on a romance book right now, again for Mina’s #romanceclass workshop, and let me tell you, out of all the genres, romance is probably the most difficult for me to write. And it’s because of the dark part of my brain which lets me write crime fiction well. I always want something dark and sinister to happen, and in romance, everything needs to be done based on a structure, with of course a happy ending. My initial draft actually had elements of crime that I was not aware of, and I have to clean it up so it becomes a real contemporary romance story. So yes, crime fiction is in my blood.
Other things that you would like to share
I mentioned earlier that I included the concept of four stories in The Retreat, as these were the manuscripts brought by the authors participating in the writers’ retreat that were reviewed, critiqued and in the process, solved. These four “manuscripts” will be released as the next part of The Retreat. They may be released individually (probably in ebook format), or in tandem (maybe 2 in a book for print release), or maybe as a whole – an anthology with four stories for print release. But the four stories have more or less been written, three completed and in the process of beta reading and revisions (3B4U, Breathe, and Climb), while one is in the process of being completely written (Lost)—it is a bit more challenging, and it is because of the nature of the topic. This is the story of the woman who was raped when she was five years old. What is hard is that it is a true-to-life story and I need to be able to write it well and get it right, in fairness to the person this horrible crime happened to. That is my challenge right now.
*This is the full transcript of the author interview, parts of which came out in in an article in Manila Bulletin titled Criminal Minds last July 11, 2016.
Mother and author Irene Recio talks about juggling motherhood and a writing career. She's raising a wonderful daughter, that my best friend swear is the best kid ever. But. it's not an ordinary motherhood blog that she's engaging in, it's more of the troublesome kind, as she engages in crime fiction.
What were the hurdles that you had to overcome when you were writing Till Death Do Us Part?
Time is always a problem when I write. I usually write late at night when the whole house is asleep – when there are less distractions. But I wake up everyday at 3am so I usually pass out from exhaustion around 8 in the evening after all the chores have been done. Sadly, there goes my time to write. So I just try to write whenever I can. Like small pockets of opportunities at any given time of the day.
I also found it hard (and scary) at times when I have to dive into the dark side to write about the antagonist or even the aggrieved character and suddenly switch back to high-energy positivity that motherhood requires. It can be challenging to stay in character when your bubbly happy child calls to mommy to proudly show her artwork or an impromptu performance. It’s funny now that I look back, but it was kind of crazy switching from character to real life back and forth! J
Another thing, even though I love to watch police procedural and crime fiction, I pretty much avoid the gore and carnage that most crime stories offer. I’m not a big fan of guts and extreme violence. I found it difficult to research on violence and motivations and take on that kind of mental state while writing. And I think one of the hardest parts in writing in this genre is that it would stir up the darkest fears I have. Being a wife and mother, my fears are so much more than my own already. Writing about it was very stressful and challenging.
What made you take a chance to write crime fiction?
I’ve always loved reading mysteries. It all started in grade school when I would borrow Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys from my school’s library. It was addicting. These books would take me to thrilling adventures and be part of their crime solving activities. And my love for a good suspense thriller really motivated me to try writing crime fic. How was it different from your other written works?
This is my first attempt at writing crime fiction. My other stories are about romance and others are for children’s literature. So this is really different from the ones I’ve written before, but not so totally different because it still has a romance angle to it. Have you always wanted to write crime fic? Why so? Aside from my love of books stemming from my discovery of Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, I also love how women are now represented in tv and movies as strong, independent, and very capable – deviating from the usual damsels in distress. I’ve always wanted to be able to write about such women. I want my women characters not just to be strong, smart, clever, independent, and capable, but also show their vulnerable and human side. And it was so awesome that #HeistClub gave us this platform where we could create characters to our liking. She ends, "We have the most awesome group of #HeistClub writers where people support one another. How cool is that??! This is such a nurturing and uplifting group!"
What would you do when a crime happens before you?
When Japanese expat Keniichi Daimon witnessed a kidnapping, he failed to answer that question.
His moment of indecision would later cost a little girl her life, and endanger what he dearly holds the most.
With innocent blood now in his hands, Keniichi will aim to atone by seeking out the perpetrator, but his quest will expose a greater evil hiding in Manila's lights and shadows, a force as terrible as the crime and corruption seeping into society itself.
Thus begins a story of vengeance, love, unbreakable will, and justice.
Review (Warning: may contain spoilers)
Keniichi's love Manila is transparent as he takes walks by his lonesome in the red light district of Manila. But not to ogle at the girls mind you, but to relish (I hope, as I feel the same way) the old glory. Surely, he's not the prime target in a place full of whites, and nobody will automatically peg him as a CEO of a multimillion company. Maybe for some, he is just some random Tsinoy, but what Manila is and Keniichi's crime-conscious ways is an odd if not affable mix.
Strong female characters in the novella Sampaguita are not lacking. Maya is in control of Keniichi even of the office that she manages to run things on the day that her boyfriend cannot function, Jasmine stood as the parent for her younger sister providing for her in both physical and emotional support.
These women's weakness, however, seems to be in the sexual aspect. They both cannot seem to say no, or rather they cannot manipulate the opposite sex when it comes to physical desires, the way that they can manipulate fate in everything else.
Maya, even just a humble secretary, rose to power and can control a company but cannot ward off the hungry predators who are the Keniichi's business partners. Jasmine, who grew up in the streets and knew what GRO meant, cannot fight off her urges towards an expat even in the most crucial times.
I have to say, that I was affected with Maya's passing, but call it as a McGuffin, as if the lovely Filipina had not died, would Keniichi have acted out the way that he did?
This may seem trite and all, but I cannot wait to know what will happen to Keniichi, especially since Maya is now gone.
I was so skeptic in joining #HeistClub for it talked about dark souls and offenses. As a born again Christian, I have to show them that people was not born evil. I could make a story that would open the eyes of every man that being evil was always a decision. It has pros and cons; every evil man has his reason. It maybe envy, revengeful heart, or seeking justice. Everyone has needs; some people seek their needs in the wrong way.
I answered the challenge by Mina V. Esguerra to write crime fiction because I wanted to expand my horizon and learn from the best Filipino crime fiction authors.
The class started September 20 up to November 7, 2015. We had assignments regarding our Introduction, Concept or Story Description, First Three Pages, Last Three Pages, and the Final, Edited story.
After the schedule was given, we were blessed to start with a long inspiring message from F.H. Batacan, the author of Smaller and Smaller Circles. After that, Kevin Uy shared the topic of valuable things that we treasured. Aside from Tips on Good Pacing and the formula of a typical thriller by Jennifer Hiller, the author of Creep, Juliet Grames, who is currently with Soho Press, shared the tips for the aspiring crime fiction authors.
I personally enjoyed the lessons by R.J. Taduran, a forensic anthropologist; CSI 101, Forensic Behavioral Science and Evidence 101.
In choosing for the perfect crime fiction for me, I scraped out murder and ended up researching about theft. Aside from the fact that many crime fiction dealt with murder, I really cannot imagine myself writing a murder story.
I considered embezzlement first but after watching the news about ATM Fraud, I already have the idea to write a crime story about the schemes of ATM Fraud because everyone has an ATM Card.
The choice of a ruthless female antagonist was a right decision that I made so far. The scary part for me has to be day dreaming of a woman with a gun on one hand and stilettos on the other hand. Why is it that the main character, Gabe Jacinto, was a millionaire? It is because I wanted the readers to see a millionaire risking his life for some good reason. Other characters to watch for are Cherry and Manuel.
The subplot of Chasing an ATM Schemer is romance. What do you expect with a romance writer like me? We breathe romance and as we explore different literary genres, it will have a romance subplot. Expect romance blooming on the next book.
Lastly, I have to say that writing crime fiction is more than the love for writing because it is mainly a privilege and a responsibility. I really enjoyed it seeing every reader aware, vigilant and satisfied. Their comments and reviews are a boost to make the second book even more exciting.
Punishment is a part of justice. You will see how God works in the heart of every man; reminding them the greatest gift of all, forgiveness.
Blurb
Gabe Jacinto is assigned to capture a lady ATM Schemer, Teri Francisco. When Teri heard that he was dating the beautiful Carrie Rios, she plots on using her to trap the fraud hunter. Will Gabe risk his life and money to save Carrie even though he knows her true identity?
For print edition, contact the author: racquelcastro2884@gmail.com
About the author:
Racquel Sarah A. Castro is living with Cerebral Palsy. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology in AMA Computer College-Binan Campus. She always wanted to inspire people in all ways. She also desires to prove the goodness of God through her life. Racquel is living with her parents in Binan City, Laguna, Philippines. She is a geek, a math tutor, a food addict, a web designer, and a free lance programmer.
Her family is currently a ground volunteer of Basics Global, a non-profit organization based in Dubai, UAE. She also leads a music ministry branch in Jesus Christ Rules Bible Christian Church. She aspires to be an emissary of People with Disabilities. She started the campaign on Novel Cerebral Palsy Awareness Drive by featuring her disability on her works.
Hi everyone! Arlene Manocot here, and the generous Ana offered me to do a guest post on her blog that’s why I’m here. Thank you
This is part of the #HeistClub Blog Tour this month, and I’ll be talking about my #HeistClub story. Take it away! :)
The Gung Ho Ladywas the second book I published after the Vengeance: The Awakening from the #StrangeLit class. My first crime fiction TGHL was produced from the #HeistClub online writing workshop facilitated by Ms. Mina V. Esguerra. I didn’t intend to write any genre in particular, but the opportunity knocked and who was I to resist.
It was not easy to write in this genre, but with the help of F.H. Batacan, R.J. Taduran and Jennifer Hillier, at least I was able to get a glimpse of what was writing crime fiction like. The hardest part would naming the procedures, and the technical terms and the likes, and the World Wide Web helped a lot. It was also fun writing the book, the whole writing process per se. Also, I was able to get my very first help from a beta reader, Amae, and I realized the importance of having someone to read my manuscript.
In the Philippines, F.H. Batacan was the first crime fiction Filipino writer, I heard of, if my memory would serve me well. It would be safe to say that there’s really no comprehensive selection of in print crime fiction in our country, but don’t fret anymore because we’re here, the 16 #HeistClub Authors with your support and patience, dear readers, we would be able to write more stories in this genre.
Writing in this genre is very important because it’s a reflection of what kind of society we have in our country, and it can serve as an eye opener to some certain issues we are facing now. Hopefully, we can get solutions for these issues through writing Filipino crime fiction.
Together, let’s fight crime through writing crime fiction! Aja! Fighting!
Blurb
DARKNESS is buried within the deepest part of her soul. A blurry past unceasingly haunts her passive and calm universe and her distorted mind is a burden she can’t get over with. Involved in a murder case, will she be able to prove her innocence?
Margaux Dela Cruz has always viewed the world as a place for repentance. A place to pay the debt of sins, a place where humans pay the price of being alive. The price that can never be sufficed by anyone in this world and while praying for the permanency of her everlasting solitude, men, creatures from another herd, appears and bedlam begins to ensue in her once placid life.
Arlene Manocot is a fantasy-suspense-romance fiction Filipino author. She also writes poems about life and love (mostly unrequited). She is an avid fan of anime and manga. Her works are available on Amazon, Kobo and Buqo, or http://bit.ly/BooksbyArleneManocot for print edition.
Georgette Gonzales (aka Edith Joaquin) has set out a four part crime series. We talk about what made her decide to make women as the main characters and what were the challenges.
How long did it take you to conceptualize the story? You said that it was a four story book right, how long was the idea in your head?
This series was meant initially for My Special Valentine (Bookware Publishing Corp.). Or at least the next four books after Classified. The concept and plot was given to me by a fellow author who believed I could give the story better justice than she ever could. She wanted it full-blown action and she said between her and me, I can do it better.
So with that, technically, I didn't spend time with the concept. What I will be spending so much time on would be researching for the details. The plots for the books are rather complicated (and I like making things difficult for myself) because the stories involve terrorist plots and such.
What made you decide to make women as the protagonists in your book?
When we speak of crime lit, usually, men take the lead. And although I love taking the male POV when I write my romance novels, I feel women kicking ass give a higher adrenaline rush. Like, I know the lead for Salt was first intended for a man. Tom Cruise, to be exact. But the producers (or director ba?) changed their minds and offered the role to Angelina Jolie. Made the role more interesting, yes?
What was the most difficult part of writing the story? Was it the research oe maybe writing the actual crime?
In any of my work, the more difficult part is writing the ideas down. Research is enjoyable even if it's difficult but to translate the details into a story that I want readers to enjoy, that's a different thing.
I can also say that writing the actual crime could be difficult, but I enjoy it because it gives me a chance to practice being evil and devious (insert wicked laughter here, with thunder and lightning). I love delving into the mind of the perpetrator, the problem solver, the victim.
Were there any character or scene that you had a problem writing about? How about you found easy? How so?
Conspiracies are easy enough to come up with but it's the tedious task of nitpicking which ones are believable but obviously fiction, and those that are fiction yet appear to be too close to the real thing. Because that last thing? That could get me into trouble with the law. I could be labeled a terrorist or conspirator. Thank God, though, I haven't encountered that kind of road block. Otherwise, I'll see you in Muntinlupa. Har har
Do you have any learnings that you would incorporate into the next books of the series?
When I come up with stories, I make it a point to outdo myself from the last. I can't specify what particular learning point to apply, but I know, and I can feel if my current WiP is something I can be prouder of than the more previous one. If not, then that only means I didn't work hard enough.
Other things you would like to share
This is not the first crime plot I came up with. In the interview by Bookbed for the #HeistClub bundles, one of the questions were about how crime fic fares in the local scene. I said there are readers who love reading crime but as a subgenre of romance. And that's what I had been writing for My Special Valentine. That being so, crime fic has become a genre I enjoy writing.
I hope to come up with more of these stories as I fulfill my dream of putting out a Tom Clancy-ish series sometime in the future. Crossing my fingers. ;)
*This is the full transcript of the author interview, parts of which came out in in an article in Manila Bulletin titled Criminal Minds last July 11, 2016.
Romance author Bianca Mori, known for Tame the Kitten tries her hand at a completely different genre, she shares her experience with us.
What were the hurdles that you had to overcome when you were writing Snakehead?
Time, mostly! We had about two months to submit the first draft, and I was really busy with work, so at one point I locked myself in one Saturday and banged out 8 chapters in order to make the deadline. In retrospect...not the best way to write a procedural. Editing was brutal.
Another hurdle is just getting into that headspace which allows a person to write about crime. Crimes are an aberration - basically an act that declares rebellion against moral and legal mores that we all agree to live with in exchange for a relatively harmonious society. So trying to understand why a person would commit such an aberration - exploring their motives, and the fallout/consequences of their act - that's not an easy place to inhabit.
What made you take a chance to write crime fiction?
It's one of my favorite genres. I love a good procedural. I had a true crime phase when I was all caught up with heinous murders and such, but in time I had to stop because it was really disturbing. So I guess I just wanted to write something that I also liked to read.
How was it different from your other books, genres you write in? Romance right?
I've mainly written romance, but since last year I shifted towards romance-suspense which shares some aspects with crime (i.e. morally compromised characters, violence, tricky procedurals). I also used to write a lot of horror so writing crime was like revisiting the same well.
There are a lot of differences especially in the genre conventions. Romance mandates a happily ever after, for example. You also have to root for the characters, which is not necessarily the case with crime.
Have you always wanted to write crime fic? Why so?
It was something I really wanted to try, since I enjoy reading it. There's a technical aspect to writing crime / mystery / thrillers that really interests me, that sleight-of-hand, misdirection thing that is so satisfying when done well. I don't think I'm at that level yet, but it's fun to figure out how it's done!
Other things that you would like to share?
I re-read Snakehead prior to adding it on Amazon and I just realized how influenced it is by Gillian Flynn. I remember reading Dark Places in preparation for #HeistClub and that book is so distasteful, but I kind of have echoes of that in my story.
