Here we go again. I watch the fan stir the curtains hanging behind it. It seems I have sleepwalked to the controller and turned off the aircon at three in the morning. From the windows, the morning sunlight tries to cut through the thick yellow fabric but barely could, leaving my room dim enough for... Continue Reading →
It's been a while since I last "embarked on some creative pas de deux" (borrowed that phrase from Julia Cameron). I feel excited to be here, finding words and thoughts that are my own. I've been working on a biography, hoping to finish it sooner so I could start writing the other one in queue.... Continue Reading →
Last month, we went to London and Ireland to witness my eldest sister's marriage into an Irish family. Honestly, Papa and I, as well as my older sister's family, wanted to be there but, at one point, decided not to go due to lack of funds. Pounds and Euro’s values are way higher than Peso... Continue Reading →
My stomach lurches at the thought of Melbourne. Last August, I spent 20 fantastic days in Australia. Before I went there, I thought I’d never recover from chronic burnout, but of course, I was wrong. Jason Silva was right: “Beauty can heal.” My sister and brother-in-law did a good job touring me and Papa around... Continue Reading →
Most of the helpful comments I've received on my writing were from Wendy Dale, my writing mentor. Wendy is both an effective encourager and a constructive critic. She boosted my esteem as a writer like no one did to me before and taught me things I didn't learn from other writing mentors. A few years... Continue Reading →
It's been satisfying to stare into space. The slow tree leaves swaying with the slow wind outside my window tell me I've burned myself out this year again. I have become more efficient this year, though, and my 'work threshold' has increased ridiculously, but apparently, I haven't improved in the aspect of 'rest' yet. I... Continue Reading →
I got a few minutes of window time today, so I decided to write teaching notes. I teach five different age groups every week, and I find myself having to do quick mind-shifts to remind myself of how to effectively approach them. Apparently, this isn't easy, but it's fun alright. I guess I'm into this... Continue Reading →
We all know it by head: 'success' creates an illusion. From a spectator's point of view, successful people seem to be different from the rest of us. Perhaps, they are genius, rich, or just very, very lucky, and we, who see everyday survival as a struggle in itself, think life is unfair. We think we... 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 →
This has been my routine when entering a bookstore: I walk straight to the Biography section, linger there for less than an hour or two. I then amble along the Fiction Section and allow myself to be awed by Stephen King, Agatha Christie, John Grisham, and other authors whose books occupy big spaces in the... Continue Reading →
Elaine Marie Factor 