My 2013 Starbucks Planner Story

     My first attempt to have a Starbucks planner was way back 2006. It was introduced to me by a former colleague. However, I failed to get one at that time. I wasn't that tough on drinking coffee and so, I had a hard time completing the required number of stickers. My next attempt was last year (2011) and luckily it was a success. Thanks to my office mates, my hubby and friends. This year, I started off early. I've been collecting stickers since first week of November. By second week of December I redeemed my green Starbucks planner and availed of a Starbucks pen for additional cost of P195. Other available colors are white and black.

     Let me show you my 2013 Starbucks Planner Story:

     Enjoy!

     There you have it. How about you, what's your 2013 Starbucks Planner story?

Manuscript, Third Submission

This is my third time to submit a manuscript. Wish me luck. I hope I get it this time!

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     I've finished another manuscript. This time, I am not too excited to submit it anymore. I am planning to spend more time in the 'editing part', perhaps longer than what I've spent in my previous ms. Stayed away from this recently finished ms for like a week, so I guess I am ready to face it and read it as if I wasn't the one who wrote it.

     

     My plan is to submit it next week... Then, cross my fingers that things will turn out better this time. I really don't know if I am really meant to be a romance writer. Sometimes I doubt myself, yes I really do. Even if I am at times very vocal about how I go through my stories I still wonder why. Why do I wake up early in the morning finding myself itching to scribble something in my notebook? Why do I have to stop by the nearest food court or find a decent place to sit down and write words cluttering my thoughts? Why do I have this crazy imagination? I even have a feeling that I am weird and I don't belong with the workforce I am included in.

     Just a thought. I guess I have to talk less about my dream and keep most of the details to myself. I feel kinda hurt seeing the blank expression on the faces of the people I am talking to. Looking at me like I am talking about 'the impossible'. Is getting published (in my case) impossible? Maybe I am just pressuring myself too much about getting published. For now, I just have to keep on dreaming, WRITING and praying that wishes still do come true.

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Today is one of those days when I just want to turn to my quiet self. That suddenly occurs to me in certain occasions when I don’t want to hear too much noise. Noise. Yes, noise; that’s what people around me create when they talk almost at the same time. I don’t know why there are people who want to always be heard like they’re from some group of geniuses or something.

I have come to this realization that I might be sending the wrong message. These people talk about me in several instances and sort of describe me as some simple-minded, no ambition and totally weak human being. They call my name in a pathetic way like they’re calling the attention of a three year-old kid. If I were a book, I won’t be easy to read. So, why are those ‘geniuses’ out there assuming that they know me that well?

People don’t win friends by waking up in the morning and offering a sachet of instant coffee. That could be a start. Kind gestures can be a start of friendship that can last a lifetime. In the contrary, to expect too much from someone is not a wise decision. That’s a lesson I learned from being observant by how people around me talk and act. Too bad I adapted the habit of imitating and making fun of another person’s mannerism. Yes, I admit I can be really cruel when I make fun of someone behind his back. But I can be the sweetest thing next to cotton candy.

Contentment is earned in time. It’s funny how some try to break my ‘I’m satisfied wall’ bombarding me with endless lectures of the ‘technical stuff’ even when it’s not necessary to discuss it. It’s obvious to me how these guys just want to show off. They’re pathetic insecure creatures without a life of their own. Life. I’m tempted to say: Back off I’m living my life.  

Keep on Writing

     That's what I am holding on to right now -- I have to keep on writing. I have submitted a manuscript two weeks ago and was informed thru email that it is not yet good for publishing. Many parts of my work have to be changed. The problem mainly has something to do with the plot and the conflict of the story....too common as per the editor. I made a mental note that the status of my manuscript is "for overhaul" funny I know. 

     Nobody said that there is an easy way to be a writer, the world should have been full of writers by now. I have read a few stories about successful romance writers. Their journey was not easy, many of their novels have been rejected by different publications before they become published writers. One thing was common from what I have read about them -- They never gave up. They just kept on writing until they got to where they wanted to be. Dreams are made to motivate us and lead us to a specific direction. 

     After two unsuccessful submissions, I don't know why there is a part of me that doesn't want to let go of the dream to be a romance writer. I imagine scenes and dialogues I have to put into words. I should be content with my current job. At my age, I should be looking into a head start in my career but my entire being is shouting NO. I should be satisfied with what we normally talk about in the workplace but it gives me a feeling that "I'm trapped." Weaving stories gives me happiness no one I bump into everyday can fully understand. Call me weird, call my mind cluttered but for now all I know is...I have to keep on writing.

How does getting rewarded through sharing sounds like to you? Join #phchurpchurp today and bring more friends to the community!

How does getting rewarded through sharing sounds like to you? Join #phchurpchurp today and bring more friends to the community!

Precious Pages Corporation Summer Writing Workshop Aftermath

      Not a single word in the dictionary can describe how I exactly felt on this event. The Precious Pages Corporation Summer Writing Workshop really moved me. The speakers are very helpful and patient in sharing everything a romance novelist should know. 

Ms. Edith Garcia

Mr. Boots Pastor

     I will not disclose here the reading materials shared to us during the workshop to show my genuine appreciation and respect to all of the organizers. You have to attend the next workshop (next year) to have your own copy of the slides. I took pictures of the slides and jotted in my notebook pointers shared by the speakers: Ms. Edith and Mr. Boots. You can get reading materials from other sources. Search the web or drop by the nearest bookstore and you'll surely get a book suitable for your need. But I assure you that you won't get the same experience as we workshop participants did.

     So just allow me to share the experience and as you go along I hope that next year, you will be inspired to attend the event. The two-day workshop started with the registration where we paid P400, signed the attendance sheet and were given a name tag. When we were settled, we started with a prayer and shortly introduced ourselves. I initially felt awkward and a bit old with that part. It served me well though, I somehow felt glad being around different people. Ms. Edith discussed more about romance, the heart of the romance writer, understanding romance novels. Mr. Boots shared more on the technical aspect of the job as a romance writer. He spoke with thorough experience in film and television and opened our eyes to the world of novel writing in a wider view. He has given depth in our understanding of romance novels. 

Mr. Segundo Matias Jr.

     Mr. Matias was hilarious, we went laughing almost non-stop. His topic was about Ethics of a Writer (for Precious Pages). The tips and rules he shared though, should be kept in mind by a writer working in wherever publishing company.

     On the 2nd day, afternoon part of the workshop was graced by Ms. Angel Bautista.  She shared her journey in becoming a PHR writer. She leaded a Q&A portion and answered each question with much gusto. She is so candid in sharing her experiences. It has been very inspiring listening to her. She ended her talk with book signing and picture taking session.

L-R: me, Ms. Angel and Ma'am Ging

Book Signing

L-R: My good friend Janette and Ms. Angel

     We were not yet awarded with certificates. We have to accomplish a manuscript and be able to submit on or before October. Meeting this requirement will allow us to join their Christmas party and be awarded with a certificate of participation of the held workshop. I do look forward to the chance of accomplishing a manuscript. It must be great to party and mingle with real writers. I am crossing my fingers that I can submit an acceptable manuscript. To all of the participants, good luck to all of us.

Summer Writing Workshop

     I received this text message this afternoon. I'm attending the PHR Summer Writing Workshop! I'm so glad my friend and I made it. To all of the other applicants who passed the screening, congratulations and see you on May 11 and 12.

Precious Hearts Romances Summer Writing Workshop Screening

     My friend and I went to Precious Pages Corporation Main Office at #83 Sgt. E. Rivera (along C-3 Road), Quezon City. PHR will be having a Summer Writing Workshop scheduled on May 11, 12 and 13. Prior to the workshop they are holding a screening for interested participants. 

     We had a difficult time looking for the place. From V. Mapa, Manila we took a jeepney going to Quezon Avenue. We take off at Jollibee Quezon Avenue and took another jeepney going to Sgt. E. Rivera. We made a mistake of not looking closely at the address numbers. This lead us to Sgt. E. Rivera St. corner A. Bonifacio. We walked by going back and looking at the address numbers. Wheew! 

     Our screening started by having to answer a personal information sheet. Then, we were given a short exam. The examination part was something both of us were not prepared for. However, is a great experience. It was my first time to get in a publications house and see tons of books being prepared for final binding, packing and distribution. I could still remember the smell of ink. 

     I hope my friend and I will qualify to attend the workshop. Miss Jane Constantino told us she will just inform us thru our contact numbers. 

     For interested participants deadline of screening is on April 25, 2012.

Bud Brothers by Rose Tan

Additional pocketbooks for my Bud Brothers Collection: