What was the first thing you wrote? 

I can't exactly remember the first thing I wrote, but I guess it was my autobiography.







What got you into writing?

Writing wasn't really my passion. I hate writing back then. When I was in my second year of high school, my Filipino teacher taught us how to express our emotions through writing. I got curious about the idea, so I did write. Then the next thing I knew, I started to love writing.

What are your writing necessities?

I just need a place where I can be alone. Somewhere quite and peaceful. I usually write during midnight.

What form and genre do you write?

I do write poems about my own experiences. Most of them are about love. I also write essays, but for requirement purposes only. (haha)

Any inspirations?

INSPIRATIONS? Well, I do have, a lot. My crushes, friends, and enemies. They're good source of inspiration.

What genre would you like to dive into next?

I really want to write tragic poetry.

What do you do when you're not writing?

When I'm not writing, I read stories from Wattpad. That's all!

What’s your writing process like?

I think about the idea first, and then I start writing the body. After I finish my composition, I reread it and finally give it a title.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Writing habit? Well, I usually cry while I'm writing (haha). I get carried away by the memory of what I'm writing about. I even got caught once by my mom. (AWKWARD)

What book do you wish you could have written?

I wish i could have written the book "The Revelation". It has so many twist that you'll surely love.

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I'm like NOBODY at school. I'm not involved in any writing organizations or whatever. Not even in our school paper.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, I have. I usually end my poems with the title.

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

That Summer by Sarah Dessen

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What was the first thing you wrote? 

Literally, letters were the first thing I wrote in my life. 'Letter E' because my name happens to be Eduardo. But if you were referring to articles or essays, as far as I can remember I think about Karapatan ng Tao or Human Rights.




What got you into writing?

My filipino teacher got me into writing. During grade 6, essay for me wasn't really my passion so I didn't took essays seriously. When my filipino teacher asked the whole class to write something about her given topic (I can't remmeber what was that topic, sorry).So I made an essay, and I was shocked as she chose my essay to be presented to the whole class. She wasn't impressed so my teacher provoked all  mistakes I have taken in the essay. I was downhearted, of course. And that, until now, is my driving-force in pursuing to write with all my thoughts.

What are your writing necessities?

Huge writing table space. That's my writing necessity. I easily get into mood at times I am sitting on a chair with a wide table. 

What form and genre do you write?

I usually write features and editorials in our school newspaper. In genre, I am a serious writer and I love writing with regards to mass and politics.

Any inspirations?

I don't have a particular inspiration in writing. But, every time I read my brother's school newspaper, I quickly get inspired to write well.

What genre would you like to dive into next?

I would love to learn writing news.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I am reading magazines (Philippine Panorama), and newspaper columns.

What’s your writing process like?

 I get used to think of a title first before I think of the body. I slice the parts into three: intro, body, conclusion. Then, I'll proofread it myself and I lend it to my brother for him to read.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I gradually bite the tip of the ballpen. yes, it's eewy.

What book do you wish you could have written?

A Walk to Remember book. I am really upset toward it. Nicholas Sparks put-up a great time to think of that good story. I wish I could have thought of it, before him.

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I am a feature writer in our school's newspaper. But, I am wishing for this year's promotion as the Editor-in-chief.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yes, I usually end up my article with (A) question (B) quotes and (C) the title.

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

Glee:  The Beginning Novel. I just finished "Please accept my kids application form" novel last week.

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What was the first thing you wrote?

In retrospect, I think entries in my Kim Possible diary take the first slots of the list. They were written in pencil with love and a first grader’s penmanship.

What got you into writing?

I think the ‘craving’ to write actually got me into writing. If that makes sense. You see, writing fills in the blanks of what I’d like to say to the world. It stands to be therapeutic in more ways than one and for as long as I can remember, it has been a part of my routine.

What are your writing necessities?

Frixion ink refills and a Moleskine journal are my prerequisites when it comes to writing. Without either of the two, I don’t think much of what I’d write would radiate the intended essence. I’ve considered the Moleskine app on my phone as a good enough alternative, though.

What form and genre do you write?

I dominantly write in Prose but I’ve had my fair share of novel writing. I recently tried to take on the challenge of NaNoWriMo and I have oh so recently failed. When it comes to the genre in which I write, I don’t think I can put my finger on anything specific.

Any inspirations?

Inspiration would be anything distinct from routine that I manage to grasp with any of my senses;  hearing an old favorite song while on shuffle, seeing something new in the neighborhood, or a retched scent that can be an analogy to whatever disgust I have toward something of interest. Anything that can manage to fuel a spark, I guess.

What genre would you like to dive into next?

If I were to dip my toes in something new, the CSI fanatic in me is screaming Mystery Fiction. I think I still lack the skill and the critical-mindedness to pull it off, though.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I wait in the hope of finding something else great enough to write about. (In other words, I spend my days catering to the demands of school until the weekend comes around.)

What’s your writing process like?

Most of the time, I settle with an idea and work with what I have until it manages to evolve into a piece that can stand on its own. Once I’ve paved my way through the foundation, I reread until I find myself in perfect harmony with how the words are weaved together. After working that out, I’ll try my best to make sure that I haven’t strayed from the ideals that keep me intact with what I write. Again, I reread until the piece manages to reason out how different it is from the rest. A piece is never really finished as I sometimes find myself adding lines to what I’ve written months back. As far as writing processes go, I think mine is still pretty vague and all.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

Strange writing habits? The orange light in my room has to be on, no matter the necessity. No mom, I will not turn the light off. I don’t care if the sun is at its highest point. SHHHH, I’ll eat lunch later. Plus, a glass of water that I will not drink until I’m done or until I think it’s good enough.

What book do you wish you could have written?

On a whim, The Iliad by Homer. But if it counts, 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die. Don’t ask me why, haha.

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I guess I can say that I’ve tried to use my interest as an advantage when it comes to writing for school. English has always been my favorite subject and that has been well-reflected by my grades. Taking part in the school magazine and other related activities have certainly worked out well so far.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I’m quite particular with my play on words. Reading a piece with a rich vocabulary develops my liking towards it so I strive to do the same with my own. Moreover, I remain faithful to the ideal “Write what you know.” As I value the flow and transition of thoughts, so do I value the truth in what I write. My writing style highlights these two factors yet remains arbitrary at most.

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

Other than Mark Irving’s 1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die (if it counts), I finally found the time to read Paper Towns by John Green.

Read Micah's works "I am" and "Vague Memory" over here at YWPH. Want to be the next writer featured? Click here for the guidelines.


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What was the first thing you wrote?

If I remember correctly, the first thing I wrote (non school related) was a poem called “Loving You” (no matter how cliché the title sounds). It was dedicated to my “first love” when I was about 14 years old.

What got you into writing?

The poem above really started everything for me. After writing “Loving You”, I just wrote more poems, then reflections, essays, short stories, to chapter stories. So I suppose what got me into writing is that “first love” and how therapeutic writing became because I had no one to express my feelings with.

What are your writing necessities?

A great idea! A worthy one at least. My laptop. Coffee. Serene ambiance. Free time. Maybe some low music on the background while I’m writing. Mostly instrumentals, but if I’m writing fantasy, then some Future World Music or Adrian von Ziegler would do.

What form and genre do you write?

I still write occasional poems and short stories. But every now and then I find myself working on a chapter story. My poems are usually free verse. As for chapter stories, I write mostly high fantasy fiction. Or anything Young Adult really. Same goes with my short stories. I don’t usually focus on romance as the main plot. I’d rather go for romance as a sub plot... then have mystery or science fiction or fantasy for the spotlight.  

Any inspirations?

As a writer? Believe it or not, Michael Jackson inspired me to write. I know he’s not your usual author, but give him a chance. Try reading “Mark of the Ancients” or “The Boy and the Pillow” from his book Dancing the Dream. You’ll find yourself spending hours figuring out their meanings. It’s just so deep and mysterious. My inspirations go in sync with the current story I'm working on. Say when I wrote a story about Dragons, several movies about Dragons inspired me to pursue it and even K-dramas occasionally inspire me. Sometimes there are certain persons/events/experiences/songs that inspire a story in me and I go with that.

What genre would you like to dive into next?

My next goal is to write something in Filipino. I haven’t figure out the genre though. But I’ve also wanted to try writing Dystopian just because.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I live my life, as typical as any other girl. Sometimes I paint, I draw, I read YA books, I watch disaster films, I search for unknown bands, and most especially, I figure out what to write next.

What’s your writing process like?

I imagine a lot. My mind just can’t stop. I always have stories in head locked away in a cabinet called “Reserved”. I try to go around it and if it feels right, that’s when I know its worth to write. From there, I try to summarize the general direction of the raw story (through my mind). I don’t write it down! It kills the momentum. I imagine the prospective ending. The characters. The setting. I decide whether I end it tragically or give it a happy ending. And then I usually find character inspirations. I go for the appearances I see in my head and try to find actors that may suit the characters’ personality. Like casting a movie! That helps me envision. Most of it comes from my head as you see. After that, that’s when I begin the actual writing. The best part of it though is the magic that happens while I was writing. Most of the amazing twists happen in a blink of an eye. It just comes when it comes, when you’re not looking, when you don’t expect it. Almost as if letting the story write itself.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I talk to myself, lol. I try to act out the scenes sometimes if I get stuck. It’s like having a conversation with myself as I try to utter dialogues between two characters in conversation. That’s pretty strange, right?

What book do you wish you could have written?

The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling, lol.

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I’m that cool geek. I don’t know really. My grades are pretty average or maybe slightly above but I’m definitely not in the top 10 smartest students in my class. I also hate PE because I hate sports.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Style? Well, since English is not my mother language and also because I suck at it, I use very simple vocabulary. I also don’t want to deal with a lot of descriptions because they bore me. I use hyperboles a lot too!

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

The sequel to The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, The Infinite Sea.

Read Lilah's works "Empty Jar", "What Do You Really Want to Know?" and "A 124-Day Journal" over here at YWPH.
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What was the first thing you wrote?

I’ve imagined stories from as far as I can remember, and they would usually be comic strips and storyboards about butt-kicking female spies. But it was at the age of eight when I started “getting serious” (see: grabbing my dad’s laptop) and wrote horror novella inspired by a place during vacation, which I did end up posting in on a now defunct forum. Still wondering if I could continue to develop that.

What got you into writing?

One word to really describe me is “quiet”, so what’s a quiet girl got to do growing up? Read. Immerse yourself in books, and maybe that desire to create your own impossible world comes to you, you write. It was in lieu of my non-outspokenness, and it was a great channel for my voice. As they say, the rest is history.

What are your writing necessities?

My laptop and my phone (if you’re one of those who consider jotting down random notes on the road writing). If no internet connection is accessible, I go old school and consult a thesaurus and some travel books.

What form and genre do you write?

Nowadays, I focus on short stories. If I’ve got a big idea in my head, I’d try novellas and novels. They would mostly be realistic fiction, but now I’m focusing on historical fiction and literature inspired by art (ekphrasis).

Any inspirations?

Being around books alone inspires me to start, or at least, think about an idea. 

What genre would you like to dive into next?

I love crime fiction, whodunits and just general mystery. Maybe it’s just my roots on spy stories calling me again, but I’d still love to try that out.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I like photography a lot in the same vein as writing, although now I’m just sticking to mobile photography. It’s fun, and it’s telling stories in another medium. But really, I watch TV shows and am part of the Doctor Who and Sherlock-loving side of the internet and am the occasional fangirl. Right now, I like stumbling into a lot of comedy sketches.

What’s your writing process like?

Like anyone, I have the big picture in my head and work my way around it. Most of the time I would just jump in and find my way around it, just “going with the flow”.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

This is not really a writing habit, but the best ideas I get are during car rides. Sentimentally looking at windows does wonders.

What book do you wish you could have written?

The book I can think of is the hidden gem Revolution by Jennifer Donelly. Probably one of my top favorite books because of its brilliant writing and a topic close to my heart on music and French history. Another candidate would The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, still from the historical fiction genre.

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I wrote fiction. I was always excited in the inside during creative writing classes since it was a reason for me to go and do this thing I like again... for a grade.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I live by Anthon Chekhov’s words on conciseness and Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg theory. I write short passages and like to leave things for the readers to decipher themselves. I love using classic tools like foreshadowing and subtle allegories and analogies. As I’ve said... I really like mystery.

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

A shame, I know, but I’m not reading anything right now. The last book I read was Waiting for Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee, and it was for my majors class.

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What was the first thing you wrote?

I remember that in kindergarten I had just learned how to write, and that was right after I watched the movie Cast Away. I didn’t understand the movie but that bloody ball interested me. So when I learned how to write words like “man” and “ball” and all those pronouns, I wrote something like a fanfic of Cast Away. It was only a couple of phrases/sentences.
BUT the first thing that I seriously and heartily wrote with all the writing 'rules' in mind was a 100-something page “novel” called Ellen for the Better. It has a terrible plot and it can make you throw up. I did. In my head.

What got you into writing?

I’ve told this story before, but hey, why not tell it again? Basically, I started loving the Internet at a young age. I played dress up games online and went on virtual worlds like Dizzywood and Fantage. My mom didn’t think it was healthy, so she jokingly said that we (my brother and I) could only use the computer if we used it to write a novel. I was sneaky and I wanted to play dress up, so I did.

What are your writing necessities?

Laptop with Internet. That’s the only thing I need. 

What form and genre do you write?

I write poetry, essays, short stories, and on long breaks, novels.

Any inspirations?

Just reading something beautiful can inspire me to write. 

What genre would you like to dive into next?

I want to try writing Historical Fiction. I think it’s going to be a challenge to write something that already has a background. I’m used to making stuff up, and having to stick to a set of facts will be hard. I’m willing to try, though.

What do you do when you're not writing?

What other people do. I watch TV shows, spend hours on YouTube, go on Tumblr, all that crazy teenage stuff. 

What’s your writing process like?

For short stories and novels, I go backwards. I come up with an idea and keep asking myself, “Why?” Why is he sad? Why did the girl break up with him? Why was he not faithful? It’s kind of like deconstructing a snowball. For essays and poems, I just find something that ignites a fire in me, or something that provokes me, and start there.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

This is going to sound so disgusting but I get most of my ideas while I’m on the toilet. Maybe it’s the quietness of the bathroom? I also try to get as imaginative as possible before bed. I read books, watch short clips, and fill my head with images of a certain idea which I’d like to dream about. Sometimes it works and I get the most horrifyingly beautiful dreams.

What book do you wish you could have written?

I feel like I should answer with a classic, but nope. I’m going to go with Harry Potter. 

In relation to writing, what were you like at school?

I wrote a lot of poetry about being invisible and shy with all the self-pity that I had. I came up with some pretty good rhymes back then, but with the subject? I think I could’ve done better.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Kat says that my writing focuses a lot of specifics, and that it is “filled” like a cake with fillings. I read some of my works before answering this, and yes, I do agree that I am very specific. I give a lot of descriptions using the five senses. I make my characters bleed onto the pages so their souls enter the reader when they start to read. My writing is also very driven by the current state of characters.

And lastly, what book are you reading now?

City of Heavenly Fire and Dreams of Gods and Monsters have been on my to-read list for centuries. I’m now on page 20 of CoHF and I don’t think I’ll finish reading it until October… unless college goes, “Yeah, go ahead, no work for a month. Just read CoHF!”

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