Shutting up seems to work

I came up with scenes for a story I'm trying to write during an hour-long boat ride. That's also happened to me on a treadmill and in the MRT. Something about staying quiet while moving.

Character creation

Was just asked last night how I came up with the characters for My Imaginary Ex, and had a somewhat clunky response. ("I thought of it in college and just expanded on it.") Not really an answer to the question.

So here, via Rocket Kapre: Carlo Vergara (he of the fabulous Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah) on Character Creation.

More news

So apparently I spoke too soon -- my husband Michael A.R. Co is a finalist again at the Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards. His story "The Sweet Stranger" is up for viewing, and you can help it win People's Choice by voting for it. (No pressure though, heehee.)

The household was a happy, geeky one last night when we found out. :)

Neil's back

Several things are happening all at once here. Neil Gaiman's visiting Manila again. They're announcing the winners of the 3rd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards. There will be some sort of raffle to attend a book-signing. They're launching an anthology featuring past winners and finalists.

This time of year (when it actually happens in a year) is fun because it gets the lovers of books and writing all giddy. It's a special time for us personally too: My husband Mike shared first place honors the first time the contest was held, and was a finalist on the second year. His story ("In the Eyes of Many," which I consider my favorite of the stuff he's done) is in the anthology they're launching.

I don't know if I'm getting involved in the meet-and-greet festivities again, but I'm going to be there to watch and enjoy the geekiness that'll ensue. And I mean that in the best way.

Bagong Idol

Just finished my second Melissa Dela Cruz book, this time the first novel from her Blue Bloods series. (The first one I read was from Au Pairs.)

I'm going to read as much as I can of her work, if only because I like that she's becoming her own brand, and gets to cross genres while writing for the same audience. It's something I'd like to learn how to do, if I end up giving more time to writing.

Weddings and traveling books

Summit Books has a new title out: Vince's Life - The Wedding. I'm considering starting with this volume (even though I haven't yet read the previous Vince stories) because I just got married (yay!) and maybe it's a good time to read about it.

That's one thing about going through wedding prep -- suddenly I relate to those stories of people going through it. It wasn't as stressful as romantic comedies make it seem, but there's a bit of truth in everything.

Also, I got to meet (thanks Internet) Vanessa, who will soon be the only person in Trinidad & Tobago to have a copy of My Imaginary Ex. I'll post an update on that when she actually gets the book, it sure is traveling a long way to reach her!