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 →
Writing, per se, is scary. Writing to be read is horrifying. Imagine that risk you put yourself in when you expose your choice of words, your thoughts, and a precious piece of yourself to - who knows how many - people. You throw a sentence or two onto their table and give them the permission... Continue Reading →
My sister was chomping on mushroom balls for breakfast on the day of my surgery. My mouth that was dry minutes ago began to be filled with saliva. "Is it good?" I asked. "Yes," she chuckled, "Stop torturing yourself. You know you're not allowed to eat yet." "Right, 8 hours of fasting. Can't wait to... Continue Reading →
One day, I found a pile of Newspaper Activity Sheets in the classroom shelf. These were cartolina-sized papers with a layout akin to a newspaper, only that it got boxes and lines to fill in, such as The _______ Times. It also asked interesting questions like What is Your Happiest Experience? My 7-year-old student, Ben, loved reading... Continue Reading →
This story is about a little girl who drops by a music store every day, after school. She, at first, would feel shy to be there, since she knew she wasn't there to buy anything. She was there to look, merely look, for her money wasn't ample. The shop owner, however, accepted her amicably, perhaps,... Continue Reading →
"Now comes the big question: What are you going to write about? And the equally big answer: Anything you damn well want. Anything at all...as long as you tell the truth." - Stephen King, On Writing I've not been writing as much lately. I want to. No, I desire it. But each time I try,... Continue Reading →
I could feel pressure in my ears. Looking out, the airplane's wing stretched splinting every cloud into two. I could hear and feel the jet engine's whirring from my seat. It was nice to be literally above everything. Lately I was feeling so low, so unworthy to be for anything and have anything. I was... Continue Reading →
I think wisdom does not only take the form of words. It can also be in silence and in composure. It can be in choosing this and not choosing that. Or in doing this and not doing that. Wisdom is in maintaining joy even when there's no reason to. Or in sustaining peace when things... Continue Reading →
Elaine Marie Factor 