Where were you born? Which is your favorite childhood memory?
I'm from the Philippines. Quezon Province. My favorite childhood memory would be playing with the neighbors and my cousins. We climbed trees a lot and ran everywhere. We were very carefree. We lived in a rural place, so more nature than infrastructure. Fresh air, trees, rivers, mountains... those are the things I miss now that I live in a city.
Who introduced you to the world of books?
My mom is a teacher and there are a lot of academic books in the house. When I can't play outside, I liked reading and I would pick up any book in the house. There were a ton of short stories and poems in the journals my mom brought home. Same with the textbooks.
As a writer of romances, did you grow up reading romance books?
In everything I read, I see an element of love. For a special someone, for friends, for family, for other people... I do believe that love, the good and right kind, makes life more colorful and wonderful.
What is one common lie or misconception about the romance genre that you wish people would stop believing?
They say it's not romance if it doesn't have a happy ending. I crave reading a tragic romance once in a while, though I haven't written one yet.
How did you begin writing your first series, Remember Series?
The main characters and the premise to their story have been on my mind for quite some time. The idea came from a combination of books/stories that I've been reading at that time. It's not entirely original when you pick out one element from each book and you put them together to make one story.
I started writing it in 2019 and it's only supposed to be a trilogy of Lee and Oliver. The other characters wanted their own stories, so it became a nine-book series.
How do you stay focus on writing an idea for your book?
This is probably the longest streak that I've been writing. I've been writing since May 2020 and haven't taken a break since then.
Before that, I usually write for a month or two, then I stop. The break usually lasts six months or so. I say this time around, I'm more determined than ever and I had the time as well because of the lockdowns. It's plain determination at this point that keeps me focused on writing.
What inspired the story of your book, Willingly: Her and His Version?
I originally wrote Willingly as a reader magnet. It's only a novella. It's also my first try at writing a story on two POVs (each of the main characters' POVs). As for the story, I was reading a novel online, and there was a side story for supporting characters with this premise but I didn't like the drawn-out misunderstandings so I wrote my own and shortened it a bit. Most of my story ideas came from reading other stories and thinking how I want the story to go if I write my own.
What is the difference between reading a book in a hardcover edition and an e-book edition?
I say it's a personal preference, taking into account various factors. For convenience, I'm more of an e-book reader. Budget-wise, e-book as well. If I terribly loved a book, I would buy the printed version.
Catto is such a cutie. What is the best thing about owning a cat?
He's mostly a stress-reliever. When I get frustrated writing, I play with him. That makes me feel better. He's a source of calm and patience.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?
I haven't been very active, but it's been a good experience.
