Writing
How long have you been writing regularly?
I starte writing regularly since I starte my journaling practice around 2018. So that’s about four years already.
How much do you write each week?
Now, I write at least two page on my journal daily. I take notes while outdoors. I also write notes on my talahardin. I published a 500–1,000-word essay every two weeks and another 1,000-word essay every month. I write probably 7,000–10,000 words per week.
Is your schedule structured or sporadic?
Structured. The only exception to my schedule is when I work during the last five days of the month or when I travel.
Are you focusing on one project or experimenting with various ideas?
Right now, I am experimenting with multiple ideas. I am feeling myself among writing practical philosophy, nature writing, place-based writing, and walking narratives. Most recently, I am attracted to the idea of writing my own style of romantic excursions in the tradition of Thoreau. I want to incorporate philosophy into writing narratives. I have several ideas for book projects (e.g., one book for each of the places I lived in: San Jacinto, Baguio, Los Baños). But I haven’t committed on one yet.
Reading
Do you read regularly? How many books per year?
Yes. Last year, was my slowest year in terms of reading, because I spent more time reading articles. However, since 2015, I average 10 books a year.
What are your three favorite topics or genres?
I like reading creative nonfiction books that illuminate something about the world (philosophical) , tells the story of a person worth emulating (biographical), and is situated in a specific time and space (historical and geographical).
What are the last five books you read?
- Kissa by Kissa by Craig Mod
- DIY MFA by Gabriela Pereira
- Transcend by Scott Barry Kaufmann
- A Philosophy of Walking by Frederic Gros
- Be the Gateway by Dan Blankaz
Community
Do you have writer friends or colleagues?
Yes. Rem, Claire, Lea, Bevs, CR, Rom, etc. But these are more of friends than colleagues, and not everyone is a serious writer like me.
Do you have a critique group where you can exchange feedback?
None.
Have you gone to any events or conferences?
Only once: Saling Panitik 2019.
Do you read any writing blogs, magazines, or websites?
Not really on writing per se. I only read blogs and websites of writers I admire.
Do you connect with writers on social media? If so, where?
I don’t deliberately interact with them. But I follow them on IG and Twitter. My writer friends are, of course, in Facebook.
What is the biggest “win” you’ve experienced in your writing, reading, or community building this past year?
I was able to increase the writing I do through the Talahardin, which I then used to complete two seasons of Lilim.
If you could improve one thing in your writing life, what would that be?
Build my writing community.
References
Pereira, G. (2016). DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, Build Your Community. Writer’s Digest Books.