Fangirl: A Review

You know the magical feeling when you found the shoes for you after searching around, even if it isn't the most gorgeous pair of shoes in the store, and then you fit it and it's just right? That's exactly how I felt when I devoured in Cather's world. Fangirl is my bookmate. Totally relatable and funny. Being a fangirl-slash-writer weird nerd college freshman who have a (twin)sister for a best friend. All of Cather are was how I were two years ago. 

All the things that I've learned (from reading, experience, high school, romance class) about being a frustrated writer where there and I couldn't help say 'I know right?!' Plus the book puts a light to fanfiction writing and it wasn't your typical cliche, superficial story about fandom (which I thought it was at first).

The scenes are real and totally captivating. Now I truly appreciate Rowell's works (in fact I couldn't wait to read 'Attachments'). She wants to let the whole world knows that not only the pretty, sophisticated girls gets the opportunity to be a main character in a love story and will become the apple of they eye of a cute, charming love interest. You too can. Everyone can. Each one of us has a story to tell and that, in a way, can inspire others. Like how Cather proved that she was more than an antisocial girl with a dream world around Simon Snow. That someone like Cather could be accepted by someone like Levi and Reagan. And that there was more to her and Levi (oh Levi, cute Levi) actually loved her because of that. 

The Simon Snow excerpts (both from the original fiction and Cather's fanfic) made the story interesting. I actually didn't squeamish at the thought of Simon-Baz love team. Although I'd hope that the author elaborate how Cather came up with the idea. Not that I'm against it, but I'm not quite open-minded to homosexual relationships to the point that I am willing to read a whole book about it.

The longevity of the story is out of the question if you will enjoy it from page one. Everything about the book is unconventional. Not your typical young/new adult novel. 

Eleanor & Park: A Review

3.5/5 stars actually.

When I first heard about this book, I was so excited it was already in my Christmas wishlist. Who wouldn't love the innocent, catching cover plus the promising premise? Incidentally, I got this book just last week as a gift out of monito/monita in our school's Christmas party. 

All I could think about the whole time I was reading this: Ahhh, the feels.

I couldn't remember how many times I giggled and smiled to Eleanor and Park most-of-the-time-awkward-sometimes-sweet interactions.

But then again some things had me bugging and prevented me to rate this book a perfect 5 stars.

First thing I noticed was the third POV which to say I was fairly disappointed. Why? If you were going to write a she-said-he-said novel why talk in third person? Because of that I wasn't able to fully know the main characters more. Yup, I felt related to their stories but I didn't felt that Eleanor or Park could be a friend of mine (like all the books must achieved).

Next was the blatant curse after curse after curse. Which perhaps I wouldn't mind if I didn't see it almost every page. Yeah, I think cursing is generally usual but the author didn't have to depend on it just to convey a very strong emotion.

The racist statements. Really? Minus points to that.

The setting, 1986, Omaha, Nebraska. While I didn't know where this place is, obviously, I didn't exactly know too how that year went but this book was a revelation to that. The music, bullying, pain-in-the-ass stepdad and the fashion getup. Thumbs up to that!

The characters:
Eleanor--- red-haired, plus-sized (look at the picture of the author at the back of the book. *sigh* Couldn't she think of other MC besides herself?), always-bullied girl with a weird fashion taste and weirder family. Yeah, I could put up with that. Tho her sometimes immaturity and shallowness made her less reliable as the main character. One example was the little, she-started-it, where-it-came-from fight with Park. Totally Mary Sue.

Park--- a cute Asian kid with a good taste in music and a wealthy family. When Eleanor first describe him, I thought "Finally a change in the YA novel." We have to admit that he and Eleanor were one of the oddest (and not just because of their physical flaws) characters ever written. But I really like Park and I wouldn't mind if I'll meet someone like him. Park is so cute I wished he was near me when I was reading this book so I could pinch his cheek.

Their love story:
This was the winning point. I love their two-against-the-world story. Although I think their from-strangers-to-lovers relationship was a bit abrupt, I loved that the author shows what it was reallylike to be in love for the first time. The bliss. The giggles. The fights. Even the risks of it. The school bus definitely represents their love story.

The ending:
The twist of all the twists in the story. Couldn't it be more heartbreaking? I have to say that was totally unexpected but remarkably enough to close this novel.

All in all:
Fine. Could have been in my favorite-books shelf tho their are a lot of buts.It would have been a very beautiful novel if not for the author's lack of grasp and more-tell-than-show style and unstable plot. So I think it deserves 3 stars from me (it's still a 'i liked it' rate, right?:)).

Queen of the Clueless: A Review

Cliffhanger! Couldn't wait to find out who will Hannah choose Quin (is she the one for him? Or is he really toying with that young teacher?), the Son of God (and wet blankets)? Robbie (he totally deserve Hannah. She need someone like him!), the super cute, romantic human? Or maybe Diego (what the hell was the kiss supposed to mean? That was a surprise!), the God of Sea (and fistfight) has a chance. I don't know with the rest but I'm 100% Team Robbie, woohoo! Plus what will happen about her being an Interim Goddess of Love (and where the hell is the original goddess?). I couldn't wait to grab a paperback of Icon of the Indecisive eeep.

3.5 stars actually. The chess code in the end was very clever(although I didn't 'totally' get how it works.haha). Tho there were parts in the story that I thought weren't necessary to the main plot. Plus I only got excited on the last part. And still, I don't get the meaning of Hannah's dreams (or dreams were not suppose to be discern?)

Nevertheless, I think this is one of the best books of Ms. Mina. A break through for her as a fantasy-paranormal writer. *clap clap*

Where She Went: A Review

As soon as I finished 'If I Stay', I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book. Although nothing like this was the sequel that I was expecting for it. If you haven't read the book then you should definitely stop reading any reviews or this mere book. It would definitely spoil the fun of reading 'If I Stay' (which is one of the few YA novels that I really enjoyed).

<spoiler> Yes, it was refreshing to read Adam's POV this time but I have to admit that the first-half was as slow and cliche as it could get. The story, for the most part, was about the reality of being well known (well in the case of Adam, of being a rock star). A gloomy reality of loneliness, panic attacks and invasive paparazzi. I kept having this question in my mind, 'What happened?'. I was getting frustrated until finally Mia showed up in the story. It was disappointing that they broke up (Why???) because I really thought they had a connection in the first book so strong, even Mia's family was closed to Adam. Did the connection ceases when her family died? I couldn't seem to understand why they have to separate just because Mia was going to pursue her dreams in Julliard while Adam was left behind. Then Mia dropped the bomb by saying he hated Adam because he made him stay and that he made a promise he didn't live. That seems unfair for Adam.

They they finally talked about it. About the past they left behind I knew how hard it is to left something behind without a proper good bye then opened it again like some unhealed wound.

As Adam said it 'Closure. I loathe that word.' Yup Adam, I loathe that word too. For what it seem something easy for most to say good bye to a relationship, it turns out that sometimes it is not. Especially if you were left behind clueless. If you were still clutching to some frail thread of hope that someday she/he would come back. That's how I understood Adam's grief.

The last-half of the story gave Mia and Adam the opportunity to explain their sides. It was the most frustrating part of the book. I mean, from their words, I knew that the connection was still there but they kept on cutting it with all the excuses they could get to defend their own side. Then finally, rekindle romance and all, they kept their guard down and practically ran back to each other's arms. 

So it was all about pride! They started to adjust their time for each other and do everything they could even if it means flying halfway across the globe just to made up for the lost time. Why didn't realize it in the first place? Why did they had to sunk in the otherworldly of fame before realizing what was really important? 

Oh right, this book was written with 'reality' all over it. And I praised the author for putting up with it without losing the creativity of the story. Gayle Forman is such a good storyteller and I couldn't wait to read her other works. 

As much as I'd wanted to pull my hair in frustration, I still bitterly realized and admitted a lot of things. Thanks to the bittersweet love story of Adam and Mia.</spoiler>

Flipped: A Review

Eeep, this book is just soooo adorable in a good-giggly-teenager way. I should have read this earlier when I was still *ahem* teenager, not that I enjoyed it less. The story is just cute, really cute is all I could say. And I couldn't help reminisce my own sappy high school memories. It was a 'he-said-she-said' kind of story which made it more interesting and again, cute.

Though it was not only about first love and the immaturity of it, there were also subtle hints about the importance of family (The Bakers are definitely the loveliest fictional family ever) and respect for others who are not our own.

And who wouldn't love Juli Baker? She was the most stubborn yet cheerful girl with a strong will even at her young age. And yes the love interest, Bryce Loski was the dumbest LI I ever read but who didn't sigh the most girly gush and fell in love with him in the end? The ending was just magical. I'm also a weenie when it comes to tree climbing but it was definitely one of my favorite ending ever.

I think this book was definitely more than the sum of its parts. It was not only a love story of two ordinary teenage girl and boy but also holds a lot of lessons about life that will make you realize that there's more to the surface of everyone than your bare eyes could see.

If I Stay: A Review

Before I read any book, I tried for the most part to avoid reading any reviews for the fear of getting spoiled or losing any will to even bother out of someone's negative view. But there were also times when I scrolled down the page after reading the premise just to see what other readers think about it. Thank goodness most of the goodreads people gave this book thumbs ups. So I gave it a chance.

And I didn't regret it.

I've been reading a lot of YA novels but this one is special. Why? Put music and medical in one book then you surely got my attention. It's been months since I read a book so good, I didn't care if I would go to school, sleepless. I was almost done with it by morning but then I had to fix some papers, go to my dentist blah blah. By the time I had a free time, I was so restless. I finished it the next day, reading the half-end in a salon while my hair was being snipped and rebonded. Which was a bit bad idea because I nearly cry there. Nearly.

Anyway, I love the book. From start to end. I totally enjoyed it.

It was a story about love and grief, set between life and death, but it was miraculously not burden with a lot of heavy emotions and cliches. Yes, it was tearjerky but it was lite, too easy to read, just enough details to take in.

And the characters? Given the brevity of it, the author managed to put the limelight not just to the main characters but also to the secondary ones, one at a time. And I think Mia's parents were the coolest fictional parents ever.

Mia and Adam's love story was ordinary which made it more achievable for those who wish to have their own rockstar for a boyfriend, founded around the magic of music. And oh, was there any sexier than their sole love scene in the story? I nearly melt you know.

The author wisely interchange the story between present happenings and flashbacks which made it less slow and more interesting.

I don't have anything left to say that was not told by anyone who read it but all I can say is it's YA novel for a change. Just read the book to see for yourself.

If You Could See Me Now: A Review

I love it! Love the magic, almost children's-book-like twist. Love all the characters (except Saoirse and Grainne). Love every moment shared between Ivan and Elizabeth. Love every word of it. I.Just.Love.It!

I was lucky to got the hard bound edition of this in book sale. The cover got my attention and it wasn't the typical pink-violet color of chic-lit so I thought this was something different.

They story was about a woman name Elizabeth--- who was a control freak, has a miserable past and a more miserable family--- and an invisible, Mr.Optimistic guy name Ivan--- whose job was to gave hope and happiness to children in need. Yup as in he was an imaginary friend. Cool right? I mean yes the story was a bit childish but i absolutely learned a lot from it. The words were just raw and straight-forward honest that would prick directly into your heart.

One of the writer's challenge in this kind of story was how to manage humor out of a sensitive situation. Ahern truly knows how to captivate readers with her choice of words and the characters she made. She had manage to make me laugh and cry at the same story and that makes this one into my 'favorite shelf'.

The main character, Elizabeth Egan, was really relatable. And oh my God! I know Ivan was a work of fiction but gees you gotta fall in love with this guy by his humor and character. He was a total ideal guy!

And I don't care if the story was a make believe (or if Ivan's place as it is; the words spelled backward was hilarious btw) but heck I had so fun reading the book. Plus the POV wasn't a one-sided and that made the story even fair and reliable.

The ending was satisfying even if Ivan and Elizabeth didn't get together (that's reality for you). It wasn't just a happy ending coined to love stories but an ending that would make you sigh and nod gravely. Twas like facing reality with a big, new hope in your heart. And I couldn't help myself but to say 'I believe' in the end.

Obsidian: A Review

What's up with the name Daemon really? Hot, bad guys with 'trouble' stamped all over them, that's what. I'm actually referring to Damon of Vampire Diaries too, btw. When I read the first part I couldn't help thinking about The Vampire Diaries. Same Daemon-character, same place (Virginia, really that makes that place double creepy with all the myths/writings around it), and the aliens, Luxen i mean, have almost the same power, though way cooler, with the vampires. Obsidian, in some ways, was like a fan fiction of TVD for me, wasn't it? Though that didn't make me hurl the book, obviously more than most of the fan fictions made me do.

And yes, aliens that are god and goddess- looking? Insane right? We all have grown up in to thinking that aliens are green, slimy creatures with large head and slender extremities. But with this novel, the author made aliens look like magical creatures from other galaxies. That made me read this novel, it's originality. And I love that it didn't bore me by second. The book was a thrilling, fast-pace, page-turner that I simply couldn't resist (in fact, I've given up reviewing for a compre exam just to finished this lol). And even after I lay down the book, despite some flaws on the writing, my curiosity over the Luxens especially *ehem* Daemon hadn't fade. 

This was the first novel that I've read that has alien protagonists in it and i couldn't help being fascinated by the idea when a friend recommended this. If I am younger, I would have gone mad, fan-girling about Daemon (though yes, I should admit he's one of the freaking hottest fiction guys I've read) and eventually would give this a rating of 5 stars but anyway, I will surely read the 2nd installment!

Anna and The French Kiss: A Review

First book to finished during the very hectic schooldays. Twas actually a miracle that I had to manage to pull off reading in between clinic works and subjects. I am finding books this time that are easy-reads. Something that would take the stress out of my system.

Anyway, I read this out of recommendation from YA and NA Romance group that's why I was confident enough that this would be a good book. And yes it is. Though I still wonder how such a chic-lit YA novel obtains a 4.20 ave.rating here. To put it bluntly, it's an overrated book. Yes, it was a fun read for me and I enjoyed a few giggles and rushes to Anna and Etiene's love story (not to mention that Etienne St.Clair is such a perfect guy and I am so going to name my future baby Etienne) but it wasn't that the story holds an unique characteristic at all. It's a typical chic-lit that any college student will enjoy. I actually thought that their attractiveness towards each other is purely physical. They are both good-looking and they are almost always their for each other. Maybe it is the fact that the setting was held in the most romantic city in the world that made the readers sigh and fall in love with their story.

Still. I love it like a guilty pleasure book for its shallowness and straight-forward style.

Something Borrowed: A Review

I'm torn on how i am going to rate or even review this book. First, i was fairly disappointed with Emily Giffin's writing style. There were so many unnecessary (or red herring as they called it) scenes that should have been eliminated. Then the characters. I think Rachel is one of the worst fictional characters I've ever read, second to Anastasia Steele. She's definitely a spineless woman in her age. Then Dexter. At first it was very unbelievable that Dex had fell in love with Rachel in compromise to his seven years relationship with Darcy. What kind of guy would put with a woman he's not in love for that long? Same with Darcy's and Rachel's friendship. To be honest, sometimes I wished Darcy was the main character. How did Rachel ever stick up with Darcy forever if she's envious and mad on her all along? There were just so many unreliable sides in this novel. Plus, it was only on the last part that Dex and Rachel's affair had me thrill. 

If there was one thing that made me love this book then it was its brutal honesty. The way the author narrate the story was beyond the frankness I've expected. Plus I like the originality of the theme.

I think this was one of the rare novels wherein the movie was way better than the book itself.

Testing

It's on! My first novella, 'Backstage Pass to Love', is in Figment! Read and comment ;)

http://figment.com/books/655919-Backstage-Pass-to-Love

'Backstage Pass to Love': My First Novella Now in Wattpad!

Hey people! If you're a fan girl (just like me!) and loves dreaming (and somehow making that fantasy real ;)) about the celebrity you like--- whether he is a musician, writer or actor--- then my story may appeal to you!

It was the novella I wrote the whole summer with the help of the romance class formed by Ms. Mina V. Esguerra (author of My Imaginary Ex and Interim Goddess of Love). So if you're up for it, read it here in wattpad and I promise to update the story in a regular basis. ;)

http://www.wattpad.com/story/6185973-backstage-pass-to-love

Cover photo:

Synopsis: 

Ashley was all about finding her dream job. At twenty-four, settling for a blah career wasn't even an option. She may have gotten her wish when a series of (fortunate?) events lead her to a new job -- working with The Labyrinth, hottest band in the country, and right alongside with rock demigod Red Rodrigo. How will this regular girl survive the ups and downs of life in the spotlight?

I would love to hear comments from YOU. <3

The Notebook: A Review

If you want a book that tells 'Happy Ending' in bold, capital letters then read this. Well, there were some conflicts, yes but as I read the story, I felt like Allie and Noah is the luckiest (fictional) couple I know.

The story started with them sharing a childhood, puppy love that didn't last long(well only a summer) and the inevitable happened as they separate apart. Then they met again. After 14 years. I couldn't help relating to the story on that part and twas actually hard for me to read it as I relived my own memories. Twas like swallowing a bitter medicine to me. I knew from that point that I need it. I need to read this and decide for myself.

And then during the mid part, when the story was running smoothly and quite predictable, the author suddenly shifted the steering wheel to an abrupt, hard turn, making me felt flummoxed for a moment. One chapter they were young and Allie was about to choose between Noah, her childhood love, and Lon, her lawyer fiance, and then the next they were old. A bad fast forward. twas like two standalone stories entwined into one. Sparks should have explained further the part after Ellie chose so that it didn't looked like Noah and Allie got their happy ending in a snap.

Then the last part, there were already old and sick with two different disease. Noah had arthritis and Allie had an Alzheimer's disease and she kept on forgetting Noah la la la. That made me think that there were two different stories in one. Sparks could have produce two stories out of this one if he had extended the novel. Twas both a good and a bad thing. Good because it spare the reader from boredom and let them have the happy ending they want sooner. Bad because it felt more of a summary rather than storytelling. The reason why I only give 4 instead of 5 stars.

Nevertheless, the story is beautiful as expected from Sparks. If I couldn't had relate to it, I would be so neutral. But it struck me. And I couldn't help crying and mustering a bittersweet smile as I finished it.

All White

Bought a white school shoes a while ago. I was a bit excited at first because I haven't wear white shoes before. It's a standard part of our uniform  now we reached 3rd year dental proper (hurrah!). So I went to a mall just this afternoon and was disappointed to found that I've only 4 pairs of shoes to choose from the whole department store. Gaaah! That was just a bummer. Anyway, I kind of satisfied with my 'sole' mate (or the shoes I ended up with lol) but I wished that *ahem* the designers out there will make fashionable white shoes because hell, not only the nursing students (And now with my all-white uniform, I will look more alike a nursing student. No offense, but as time goes by I kind of got exhausting with clarifying my real course.) buy those dreaded-to-smear-even-a-micro-dirt shoes.

Premier Amour

First love. Sweet, innocent, careless, even selfish. But how stupid it could be? The reason why many of us can't move on. Trapped in the past. Still holding on that flimsy memory of the bliss experience of an unadulterated feeling. Happy or sad. Twas a big part of who we are and who we will be. Emotionally. A foresight to what lies ahead. A flaw to our judgment. A rose-tinted glasses to love. Naive or cynical. Nevertheless, it made us stronger. Or even weaker.

Mockingjay: A Review

I used to love the series with [book: Hunger Games] and [book: Catching Fire] but with what came out of Mocingjay, I was just disappointed. First, there were a lot of happenings twas sometimes hard for me to catch up. The whole book wasn't memorable. Then there were a lot of sacrifices just for the utterly stubborn girl like Katniss. To think she should be at least grateful enough for all the killings that happened just for her to survived. The only character I loved was Johanna Mason. I would be happier if she was the Mockingjay.

Then I hated the love triangle. Katniss should have chose between Peeta and Gale from at least the middle part of the book. But wisely the author keeps everyone hanging until the very end. Til the last three pages. A piece of trick to keep the readers turn the pages. But it didn't work for me like that. I just finished this one for the sake of the first two books. And she ended up with Peeta! I was really against it 'cause it just reminded her of the Hunger Games and she was better with Gale (but maybe not Gale  with Katniss. Come to think of it I would be happier if she did end up with neither).

The ending wasn't satisfying enough. It didn't make me think that it settles everything. It just ended the story for the sake of ending it. The words were happy but the tone wasn't, almost tragic. Did the author intended that way? Katniss sounded sad and exhausted in the epilogue.

Maybe I did expect too much from this book and my mood as I read it didn't help either. Oh well, good thing the series ends here 'cause I wouldn't bother to read another installment. 

PS I Love You: A Review

Third book that I've read from Ahern and I already feel like I know her style. Of course it's obvious that this is the young version of her that have mature in her two latest novels that I read--- Thanks for the Memories and Love Rosie. And know I should have read this first as it's already almost a decade old novel.

There were countless times that I've giggled and then sniffed. She knows how to touch a nerve. Although there were moments that I loved the book then hated it and back again. Maybe because there were times that the author herself was a bit unsure for her MC.

Whenever I read Holly's banter with her girlfriends, I kind of picture them as the girls in the Sex and the City (the movie, not yet read the book).

Then of course 'the list'. I have mixed feelings for each of the monthly 'request' from Gerry. But in general, it hadn't grip the necessary emotions for the story to be sympathetic enough. Yes, the story revolved around the list but I didn't feel much fond for it. At least not all of it.

And oh the ending quite surprised me, not really what I expected. I was sure myself that Holly would somehow end up with Daniel although when his ex returned and snatched him back, I was actually happy for Holly because Daniel's true color showed up in the last part. I thought he was this goody-goody guy who knows how to sympathized but when he 'forced' Holly to be with him and said that he's competing with 'the letter' (referring to Gerry) I thought 'oh he's an asshole. he and his beetch gf really should be together'.

Twas kind of a cliffhanger when Robbie suddenly appearing in the scene but nevertheless the ending underscored the story. With the possibility to love again, I'm very much happy for Holly.  

I put it in my favorite shelf since I'm sure that I will read this again.

Safe Haven: A Review

2nd book I've read from Sparks. I don't know how will I make a review without giving spoilers. 'Cause this book is full of surprises. It will literally make your mouth hang open in shock. So if you don't want any spoiler better stop reading now.

As I said, this is only the 2nd time I read his novels but I already found similarities between this one and Nights in Rodanthe --- letters, someone close to MC or LI  had died and/or is emotionally distress. I don't know if it also goes with the rest of his novels.

Another thing is almost all his characters are matured people which make them reliable enough to hold the story. Although sometimes they're too good to be true like for example Alex. There were times that I wondered if a father like him do exists.

Then Kevin, the villain. I couldn't remember hating a character so much, I wanted to skip the part of his story. And if the author didn't describe him as 'handsome'I actually pictured him as a waddling guy with a beer belly. ugh

I found the ending a bit of non-closure particularly the part after Katie (btw, felt like the name Katie suits her more than Erin) killed Kevin. Twas a self-defense but she should have at least been interrogate especially she killed a cop, if you know what I mean. Twas like she just killed an annoying fly and then 'haha, we can eat peacefully again'.

Nevertheless I enjoyed this novel (you see, I always try my best to read any book as a reader and then make a review as an *err* writer). This novel is a helluva of emotions. If you're up for one with romance and thriller then give this one a chance.   

Phone Creep

Just noticed for two weeks now that sometimes my phone has its own favoritism. This song actually keeps playing after every 10 songs (or so) even in shuffle mode. Bit creepy but funny too in a way. Won't disagree though. Love singing this song at the top of my lungs.

To the Best Grandpa in the Universe

Sweets for the sweetest lolo

Twas Lolo William's 82nd (or 83rd? ack mom doesn't even know how old her dad is.) yesterday and my sisters came up with an idea to make a simple decorated cupcakes from our some foods in our sari-sari store.So here.Twas fun and the look of our fave lolo in the universe as we handed it to him was priceless.

Vintage Childhood Memories

Remember this?

Decluttered our room and trash most of our useless, old childhood stuff (old clothes and toys) and look what we've found! Lots of memories with this PS 1. Can't take to throw it in the bin so we keep it even though it wasn't working anymore.Remember weekends after school, doing chores then losing myself with my two sisters in Tekken or Harvest Moon or Final Fantasy for at least 6 hours during Saturdays then complaining about headaches and painful eyes after.Childhood memories.

Die-Yet

Had diet for the last two months (well, okay the whole summer) unintentionally (yup, unintentionally). Sort of just lazy to indulge myself too much than what I would need. Little tasks means small calories to me. So I was eating twice a day (lunch and dinner) and sometimes coffee in the morning. And much to my surprise I lost weight (I think. Haven't weigh myself for a while. Come of think of it, never did actually since high school) and inches in my belly (two! TWO!). Decided to continue the miracle work and do little exercise (crunches in the morning). You maybe thinking now that I'm sort of a figure conscious. Oh believe me as much as I love Mcdo I wouldn't care to have cheeseburger everyday. That goes almost during school days. But it's summer and most of the days I'm at home so no---err less--- fast foods for me. Twas a bit of crash diet (puh-leaze, don't try this at home kids.). Probably I'm preparing myself for bloating schooldays now I will be a clinician in a few days (sort of an unspoken evolution in our course which I couldn't---and I don't want to--- understand.). Oh no, don't want to think about it. 

Two Weeks Before June...

After finishing up a novella for the whole summer, I finally wake up from my senses that school days are yet to come. June 10 and it's 1st semester then again. I haven't enrolled yet (and to be frank I don't have any will to). Sister shopped in Baclaran yesterday for school stuff (not the notebooks, pencils blah--- those socks and undergarments, I mean). And then we're online shopping for a bag now (backpacks for this sem.i don't know but I feel like escaping from my hand bags first.). So you ask why I don't have any will to enroll? Well, just this morning my mom tried to bribe me by having a bigger allowance if, and only if, I will study harder (if you know me, personally this will actually make your eyebrows raised.). I mean for a start I don't how harder I need to be? I'm the top 4 in the class and to tell you the truth it was so goddarn difficult to keep up (esp.if it doesn't interest you). I actually thought it's a miracle that I'm still on top despite that I just wanted to finish this course. So yeah, when she brought up that subject again I cut her off immediately and said that I'm not interested in her deal. I don't want to get stress and all again. Thank goodness she didn't pry no more maybe because she knows that it will refuel my tendency to shift courses again (which is practically not an option anymore as I will be 5th year in college this June). I feel like a wreck and infuriates me. I was all so neutral these days and then she brought this subject (that is actually a sore spot) and now I feel like not giving a damn about school anymore. Hated it.

Anyway,breathe in breathe out. I keep telling myself that I shouldn't overreact. Things will be fine. It will if I just go with the flow then just plan out what I will do with life after I finish this course.

On the bright side, this make me itch to write and continue my 2nd novella.

Romance Class 2013 Experience

By romance class (some friends raised their eyebrows when I shared it to them,so I had to do some explanations about it), I mean 'Yes I'm Writing a Contemporary Romance Novella' group which is created by Mina V. Esguerra (author of My Imaginary Ex & That Kind of Guy) earlier this year. As in, first week (if I could remember right) of January she posted in her twitter if there would be interested to join the said group and to be honest, I didn't take a moment's hesitation to join. First, it's online and second, it's for free. So it's a win-win right?

To sum it up, the goal of the group ,or rather the members, is to finish a novella (with an ideal 30k words, though more or less is okay.) before June 9.

Introduction and Outline Making

Okay recap time! So in the first month of the class, we have to submit our story idea, main character and love interest's description and the probable climax and ending of our story. I have two reserve (which were written since high school) stories and because of the hectic school sched. I pretty much didn't have to make a new one and just tweak a bit. Although it wasn't what exactly I wrote way back (taglish stories. I was originally more fluent in Filipino) at least it gave me ideas to what I want to write, seriously. Writing is my escape route from my dull moments and drama tendencies ever since high school but I never took it gravely. For instance, it isn't my career (or at least my course now) but I was writing stories during summers when I have nothing to do. Just out of boredom. But now, Mina inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and try doing this 'storytelling' habit into a new level. There is the possibility of getting your story published but my sole goal since I joined is just to finish a story, once and for all (and stop trashing a story idea and then starting a new one again). In the end, and out of Mina's suggestion, I chose the story which, let just say, sprouted out of my fan-girling tendencies (yes, you may take a guess ;p).

The next month, we talked about outline making. It.was.my.first.time.to.make.an.outline. because I write spontaneously! As in, whatever pops in my head that's it. It was a big help. It gives you a sense of direction and now I realized that was what I lacked and the reason why I couldn't finish anything. So if you're really serious with your story, definitely lay down an outline first before you get down into writing itself.

Act One

This is where the real writing starts. The whole manuscript is divided by 3 acts. I won't get technical about it, but in my experience this where I really groped. I have to adjust myself to the technicalities, do a lot of research (since I didn't realize, until my beta-reader said so, that the theme I chose was quite difficult for a start) and even relieved some personal experiences. One problem during that time was my laptop was broken and I had to write everything in my notebook. So double ugh. By the time I finished act 2, I practically rewrite the whole act one. The most difficult part was making the 'kilig' scenes genuine and not something that came out from 50 shades. I've learned that after laying down the kilig scene you have to put yourself in the shoes of your MC. My beta-readers (including a friend of mine) were very helpful and they made me realize the flaws of my story to help me grow as a writer. Another thing I've learned is to keep the scenes light and fun rather than shoving your MC and LI in some messy, complicated scenes. We're talking about chic-lit anyway.

Act Two

Lots of dramas! Finished act 2 in two weeks and hurray new laptop came. My beta-reader told me that my act 2 was hyped with a lot of emotions. During the editing I toned down a bit of some of the drama. Act two was easier for me to write than act one maybe because at the time I got the hang of it and knew my goal. Although I'm still concern about my plotting and if my story is approachable enough for my target market.

Act Three

Probably the easiest part (much easier than editing itself).I was surprised by my own progress. I'd just write and write and write while listening to some songs (It really did help! It brought such emotions from me that I need to insert into my story.) including the whole soundtrack of Warm Bodies. Then before I know it, I finished it for a week. Then ta-dah! I have a complete manuscript na. Anyway, this is the part where I discovered my own style and for a moment I wished I could rewrite act one and act two but resisted just in time. It will ruined the whole story if I do that. Only the quarter of my outline remained in my story though. Just explains that how much you planned about it, it will eventually change. Just let your story flows.

Editing

Hardest part, I tell you. If there's one thing I've really learned from Mina then that is to 'write write write then edit later'. Because if you keep on editing after writing, say 500 words or so, you'll just get crazy, trust me. Again just let the story flows, and give a damn about editing in the end. How I wished I didn't edit act one and two before finishing act three. And to tell you, it was hard to fight the urge to rewrite most scenes! I want to edit this one then edit that one and it took me longer (a week!) than I thought to let it go (maybe got tired of it somehow).

So after almost two months and 35,045 words I have a finished story na,hurray! Don't know what'll happen next but I just want to relish the moment and well, okay I'm hoping to be published (who doesn't?). I hope people will fall in love with Ashley and Red as I do. But if it will be rejected at least I've learned a lot---from Mina herself, from the meet-ups (I attended two so far and I was lucky to meet and talked with such talented local writers), and the group page itself. I never thought I would finish something in a short time. The group gave me another view of the local publishing scene and how talented Filipino writers are. It's just sad that there's only little opportunity here. My secret wish is everyone who will finish before June 9 will be publish. Haha! That way, the local publishing scene will bloom more than anyone expected it to be.

And to prove that it inspired me so much--- I'm actually testing a new story now.heehee. Although I won't expect this to finish before June.

P.S. Dear Ms. Mina, you're not only talented but also humble and so kind. Thank youuuu xoxo It was one of a kind experience. I had so much fun!