It's an enticing idea. I had the whole scene playing in my head: I walk into a coffee shop with my laptop - or notebook and pen - queue at the counter for a cup of tea or coffee, and take a seat by the glass window. Then I earn a good sum of money... Continue Reading →
This Holy Week, I can’t help but ponder the shortness of life. After losing some of our loved ones (and dogs) during pandemic, the concept of 'shortness of life’ began to feel very real to me. The truth of it is a hard pill to swallow, but it’s inescapable—someday, you and I will also go.... Continue Reading →
March 19, Saturday. Our first book reading event was Zoom bombed. It was supposed to be a two-hour literary program with an atmosphere dramatically tuned by stories and cadences. The idea was this: five authors had to choose a portion or chapter of their published memoir and read it aloud while we were aired live... Continue Reading →
It must be the Christmas air, the ever-mutating virus, the hubbub about next year's election, the quotidian monotony, and all else personal that are making you feel burdened and demotivated to work today. But the good news is, you're not alone. Recently, I asked my writing community, Scribblory Writers Group, the used-to-be casual "how are... Continue Reading →
Being hit by the so-called "writer's block" is the worst. It tends to paralyze my writing fingers, followed by the fear that I may not be able to craft words anymore. Not ever. I realized that writing has unpredictable rhythms - muse comes and leaves as it pleases while the block often falls like a... Continue Reading →
I sit at my writing desk now, pondering on generosity in writing. Recently, my time's been tight with work and I noticed that my head's becoming difficult to set right for writing. I struggle. Specifically, it takes me innumerable deep breaths, several walks to the water dispenser, and looking nowhere and around before I can... Continue Reading →
I always approach the page afraid. I am afraid that once I begin typing the words, I'd see my walls crumble. Then my words would reveal me. This blank page always asks too much, strips me down any cover until vulnerable. But courage is a muscle, they say, and there's no other way to know... Continue Reading →
Mid-2019, I crossed a street and got hit by an overtaking jeepney. The whole vehicle--from front to back--passed over me, albeit none of its wheels ran over any part of my body. Its right front wheel, however, struck my ankle. The impact tore the tissues between my tibia and fibula and left a tiny crack... Continue Reading →
Most of my treasured memories are from childhood. As far as I remember, I was that naughty, brave, and curious child. Every day, I would be busy tinkering, creating, and making mess around the house. My parents gave me freedom to explore as much as I wanted to--as long as I would do after-care, of... Continue Reading →
What does carnal mean? By dictionary's definition, carnal means "bodily" or "corporeal." OK? So what is a "carnal writer" then? I am borrowing the term from the exquisite memoirist and author of The Art of Memoir, Mary Karr. I actually attempted to explain what she meant by "carnal writing" on Chapter 5 of my memoir... Continue Reading →
Elaine Marie Factor 