Looking for more contemporary romances in English by Filipino authors? We just made some.

Source: Uploaded by user via RosanaThomasi on Pinterest

In January, pretty much on a whim, I decided to set up a free online class and teach anyone willing to write a contemporary romance novella.

100 people joined the Facebook group, where most of the discussions are taking place. Over 50 sent Assignment 1 (Premise and Ending), over 30 submitted Assignment 2 (Outline), about a dozen or so proceeded to writing their manuscripts, and some volunteered to beta-read work for others.

The class technically ends on June 9, when the complete 30,000-ish word novella manuscript is due.

As of today, eight (early bird) writers have submitted their novellas! Eight more contemporary romance novellas by Filipino authors exist now! Congratulations. Click on the links to read their thoughts on the class and how they finished their manuscripts:

• Agay
• Kessica
• Ellaine
• Jayen
• Stella
• Jonnalyn
• Danica
• Ashley

The class isn't over yet, and I know that more are likely going to make it to the end. What I'm seeing so far though?

• Yes it's possible for someone who has never written a 30,000 word anything to finish a contemporary romance novella in a matter of months.
• Apparently the method that has helped me write and finish things can help other people write and finish things too.

What happens after June 9? I will be retiring the free version of the class. (People who want to try it out will have options though!) The Facebook group will remain up for as long as the community wants to discuss things, and I will continue to give feedback and review work, but I can't promise to do it on a regular sked. 

For the people who finish writing, I will be helping them out with whatever they want to do with their manuscripts.

And we will be starting a new (and open) writing project for those who just want to keep writing. 

This was so much fun to do. More news soon!

New free short story: Extraordinary

I made a new resolution this year. Write it and post it. No waiting.

One problem I have is that once I get an idea for a story, I let it sit for too long. Usually because I'm in the middle of something, and I put off the new idea until later. And then when later comes, I'm no longer in the mood for it, or the inspiration is gone.

Well, none of that anymore. In the mood? Write it quickly, and release it into the world, Mina. And then take it back for editing and expansion later, if it's ready.

So in the spirit of that, here's a new and free short story. Extraordinary. It's a love story, in the new adult category, and is somewhat dystopian (or utopian depending on who you ask I guess).

In the future, maybe, Maria Lourdes and Andres Miguel will be their country's best and most influential leaders. But today they're just college kids who want to be together.

Read it on Wattpad or Figment.

P.S. If you liked the world Extraordinary is set in, you're welcome to come up with your own story set in the same world. :) Do share!

Getting Queen of the Clueless (IGoL 2) without a credit card

So the question I keep getting asked lately is When is Queen of the Clueless coming out in bookstores?

What people are looking for is most likely the Summit Media edition, the one available in National Bookstore, Fully Booked, and everywhere else. This edition won't be out until September 2013 (I think).

But the International Edition of Queen of the Clueless (IGoL 2) is already available right now through:

Amazon (Kindle ebook): Click on the link to order. Right now it's on sale at P85, regular price P130. Requires a credit card. You'll be able to read this on your Kindle, iPhone, Android phone, laptop or PC. If you would like a Kindle copy but don't have a credit card, email minavesguerra@gmail.com. I can help!

Smashwords (Epub and HTML ebook): Click on the link to order. Right now it's on sale at P85, regular price P130. Requires a credit card or Paypal account. You'll be able to read this on your Nook, iPhone, Android phone, laptop or PC. If you would like the epub for iPad/Nook or html version but don't have a credit card or Paypal account, email minavesguerra@gmail.com. I can help!

Philippine Print On Demand: Paperback copy with the international cover (see pic above). P350 each. Requires a bank deposit or Paypal payment. Email minavesguerra@gmail.com if you would like a copy.

Leave a comment or email me if you have a question that isn't covered by this. :) Thank you for the love! It's definitely okay to wait until September too. :)

Fan art by Kat Espalmado

Interim Goddess of Love fan art. Thank you, Kat! So so so cute.

Featured Reader: Katrina Flores

To celebrate the upcoming release of Icon of the Indecisive, I'm posting readers' thoughts on the Interim Goddess of Love series.

I received this through email from Katrina Flores (katrinalyn_erika):

Source: littlemissmomma.com via Mina on Pinterest

I was looking for a good book in National Book Store when I spotted Interim Goddess of Love. Seeing the book's interesting cover, I bought it. I started reading it on the way home. I love the unique plot about Philippine mythology and to make it more entertaining, it becomes modern. Good thing my mom listens to me every time I have stories about a new book I have read. I even read Interim Goddess of Love in school! Even my teacher checked out the book.

What makes the book interesting is Hannah. I think it's cool being able to be a matchmaker or problem solver of Love. And what I love about Hannah is her determination to make someone have their happy endings. She really does her best in everything.

I've been reading books by Mina Esguerra ever since I read "That Kind of Guy." Interim Goddess of Love is the first series that I have read that has the plot of gods and goddesses. It's gotten me hooked on mythology! And also, with Hannah (maybe) finding her own love, I want to know who she ends up with! (But I'm for Quin)

Do you have thoughts on Interim Goddess of Love that you'd like posted here? Send them to minavesguerra@gmail.com. Prizes like Kindle copies of Icon of the Indecisive and other random things are up for grabs!

Author at Once photos: Just the beginning

Writing, writing, writing.

The photos from the Author at Once High School edition we had in April are up. The free talks and writing activities from that day are just the first step that these young writers took though. We have a few more exciting things planned for them. With the help of iAcademy, Books on Demand Philippines, and our trusty interns from UP Diliman, UP Manila, St. Scholastica's College, Ateneo de Manila, Miriam College, and University of Santo Tomas (did I miss anyone?), these young writers are in for that "author experience" -- whatever that means!

No spoilers just yet. :) 

Featured Reader: Chris Mariano

To celebrate the upcoming release of Icon of the Indecisive, I'm posting readers' thoughts on the Interim Goddess of Love series.

This is from Chris Mariano of Ficsation:

I was vacationing in Boracay when Interim Goddess of Love came out. I bought it on Kindle just as I was leaving the resort for dinner, then finished it before dinner was over. Good thing I was with friends who knew about (and forgave) my tendency to be absorbed by a really good book. I think I left an Amazon review immediately after finishing the book; I enjoyed not only the kilig that came with a well-written YA romance but also what the novella tried to do in introducing Filipino culture to a younger (and maybe even international) audience. 

Towards the end of 2013, my friends and I put up an NGO that advocated Filipino mythology (among other things) and IGoL was part of our 13 books of Christmas :) See how much it's inspired me?

Do you have thoughts on Interim Goddess of Love that you'd like posted here? Send them to minavesguerra@gmail.com. Prizes like Kindle copies of Icon of the Indecisive and other random things are up for grabs!