“Meet the World” book inspires people around the globe to be adventurous like kids

“Meet the World” book inspires people around the globe to be adventurous like kids

Saturday, April 30

31-year-old entrepreneur Angely Dub - the CEO and owner of Access Travel, Happi Lab, Bulilit Kitchen, 7-Continents Store, and Cheri Collective - has achieved yet another milestone as she launched her new self-published book Meet the World. The children’s story was created to inspire people of all ages to be curious and courageous in seeking out new things. It shares how the protagonist’s curiosity allows her to embrace unfamiliar circumstances, giving her a greater opportunity to discover the world beyond her own lenses.

Angely started Meet the World during the pandemic when she got to spend more time with her four-year-old cousin. Their bonding moments together sparked the inspiration to write a book that shares the importance of staying a kid at heart no matter what your age is.

“I want to help and inspire other people through my journey. So many people ask me why I chose to write a children's book and I always tell them that a person will always be a kid at heart. I didn’t really want to make a serious book about my journey and the lessons I learned from traveling the 7 continents. I think everybody has done that already. I took a different route and aspired to bring back everyone to being a kid,” said Angely. 

True enough, childhood plays a big part in shaping our adult life. “Childhood was the best part of my life because that’s when I realized that I’m really an adventurous person. I think the reason why I am still motivated up to this day is that I’m always going to be a kid at heart - always curious and trying out new things,” she added.

Among her circle of empowering women, several have already given their own reviews and messages after reading the book.

Certified Courageous Living life and career coach, writer, and speaker Aurora Suarez applauded how Angely was able to create something meaningful during the pandemic: “It’s been such a gift to witness what she’s done over the pandemic. I know it really changed and overturned her life, but she has overcome as we all have. I’m just so proud to have been a witness to Angely’s continuing journey.”

Digital creator, confidence coach, and an author of her own book Myrza Sison also shared how she has been inspired by Angely: “Every time you overthink life, you look at all the impossibilities of it. If you’ll think about all the limitations, you’re not going to move. Angely showed us an example of how she just goes ahead and even when she makes a mistake, she just learns from it. Whenever I see her, I get reminded that it’s a big world full of possibilities and if we don’t follow our dreams and just act upon them, we are denying ourselves of the kind of wonderful life we can have.”

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 contestant and Morena the Label founder Ayn Bernos, who was one of the first people to get a copy of the book, also shared how she was moved by the story of the protagonist and the author herself: “You’re not just one thing. You can be anything you want to be and that’s something that I constantly learn from Angely. Life is always in progress. We are always a work in progress and the things that seem to hold us back make the best of stories.”

All proceeds of Meet the World will go to Child Hope, a non-profit organization workings towards promoting children’s rights that Angely Dub has been supporting since it was established. To date, it has helped send 17 kids to school.

Meet the World book comes in White and Kraft. It is available online at the 7-Continent Store website, Lazada and Shopee, and in all Wanderskye branches for only Php 699 for softbound and Php 1099 for hardbound.

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The Last Tree Lists How Kids Can Care for the Environment

The Last Tree Lists How Kids Can Care for the Environment

Thursday, October 31

Award-winning author and commercial voice actor Gutch Gutierrez highlights the importance of caring for the environment in his latest picture book, The Last Tree. Published by Hiyas, OMF Literature’s imprint for children’s books, this post-apocalyptic story uses catchy rhymes and striking illustrations to list the many roles of trees.

As a bonus, the book also features a fun infographic that suggests simple ways to be a good steward of God’s creation. The infographic is doodled by Gutch’s wife, Rory Gutierrez, and lists seven simple ways children (and even adults!) can be a good steward of creation.

Here are some tips listed in the infographic:

Plant a tree once a year. As the book shows, a world with no trees is a desolate place. Aside from teaching kids the importance of trees, adults must also encourage children to plant them. This way, kids will learn how to be responsible for the environment at an early age. Not only that, planting trees can be a great bonding activity between parents and their children, too!

Save water. It may sound obvious to many people, but some often take this tip for granted. Simple acts, like closing the faucet after using it, could help save clean water for the use of future generations.

Shop secondhand. Not only will buying pre-loved items save you money, you also help reduce the need for raw materials to make more products. This means less need to cut down trees, or mine for coal, or produce harmful chemicals that hurt the planet.

The Last Tree is one of the exciting new offers of Hiyas, OMF Literature’s imprint for children’s books, this 2019. It is available at National Book Store, OMF Lit Bookshop, Passages, and other leading bookstores nationwide for P120.00. The book can also be ordered online through omflit.com. For more information, please contact 0922-8878557.

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Paano nga ba maging isang ina?

Paano nga ba maging isang ina?

Monday, October 21

Tanggap ko na hindi ko na mararanasan kung paano maging isang biological mom. At hindi ko lubos na maiintindihan kung gaano kalalim ang pagmamahal ng isang ina sa kanyang anak. Pero ako ay isang anak na may ina. Kaya sa punto de vista ng isang anak, alam ko na ang pagiging ina ay walang katapusan. Kahit kamatayan ay hindi hadlang upang aking maramdaman ang pagmamahal ng aking ina. 

Nakatanggap ako ng sipi ng "Nanay, Nanay, Paano Maging Ina?" e-book mula sa The Filipino Homemakers. Ito ang kauna-unahang aklat na sinulat ng anim na ina upang ibahagi ang kanilang natatanging kwento mula sa puso.

Habang binabasa ko ang bawat kwento, hindi ko maiwasan na tumigil, magmuni-muni, at sariwain ang aking karanasan bilang anak sa aking ina, tumatayong ina sa aking nag-iisang pamangkin, at bilang asawa na minsan ay umasa na biyayaan ng anak.

"Parang ako ito"

"Naku, si mommy ganyan din sa aming magkakapatid"

Napapangiti ako. Ang mga reklamo ko sa buhay, kung tutuusin ay walang-wala sa mga pang-araw-araw na gawain ng mga ina ng tahanan. 

Nalulungkot ako. Ang mga pangaral ng aking ina na akala ko dati ay puro mali ko lang ang kanyang nakikita. Hindi ko nga sya napasalamatan na kung ano man ang mabuting asal ko ay dahil sa kanyang pag-gabay.

Nanghihinayang ako. Hindi ko malalaman kung ako ba ay magiging mabuting ina.

Ang Nanay, Nanay, Paano Maging Ina? ay hindi lamang sinulat para sa mga ina. Ito ay para din sa mga anak upang mas maintindihan at ma-appreciate ang sakripisyo ng kanilang ina. Ito ay para sa asawa upang higit pang mahalin at pahalagahan ang ilaw ng kanilang tahanan. Ito ay para sa mapanghusgang lipunan na ikinakahon ang mga ina sa kung ano ang tama, dapat, at katanggap-tanggap.

Ang ilan sa may akda ay personal kong kilala at marahil karamihan sa inyo ay sinusubaybayan sila sa social media. Lubos ang aking paghanga sa kanilang matapang at taos pusong na pagbabahagi ng kwento ng kanilang buhay. Mas nakilala ko pa sila. Mas naintindihan. Mas hinangaan at minahal. At dahil din sa aklat na ito, mas nakilala ko ang aking sarili. 

Ang Nanay, Nanay, Paano Maging Ina, ay opisyal na ilulunsad sa ika-22 ng Oktubre 2019, online sa BKS Moms at The Filipino Homemakers Community sa Facebook.  Mabibili ang e-book sa halagang P99. Para sa karagdagang detalye, bisitahin ang  The Filipino Homemakers Community sa https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefilipinohomemakers/.

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Moymoy Lulumboy 6 and other fantasy titles lead Lampara Publishing’s new releases

Moymoy Lulumboy 6 and other fantasy titles lead Lampara Publishing’s new releases

Wednesday, September 18

With ABS-CBN picking up the rights to develop the beloved fantasy series into a multimedia franchise, Moymoy Lulumboy 6 instantly became one of the most anticipated releases on the biggest and longest running book fair in the Philippines.

The sixth installment debuted during the first day of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) last September 13 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasig City.

Following Moymoy Lulumboy’s journey as a fascinating character who continues to grapple with the complexities of adolescent life, Lampara Publishing’s latest novel succeeds in debunking the preconceived notions about aswang by going beyond its role in popular culture.

In addition to Moymoy’s adolescent issues, the book marks the boy-aswang’s return to the enchanting world of Gabun where he saves his brother Alangkaw and childhood friend Hasmin from evil forces.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya is Segundo Matias Jr.’s sixth offering from the Moymoy Lulumboy series. When asked about the novel’s transition towards a more “Young Adult” direction, the award-winning author pointed out his fascination on writing characters that navigate a flawed life. “Gusto kong gumawa ng isang YA novel na gaya ng Mga Batang Poz. Yung buhay ng isang teenager o young adult: nag-e-explore, madalas magkamali at pagkatapos ay natututo sa buhay.”

These vulnerable, colorful and inspiring creatures populate Segundo Matias Jr.’s string of young adult titles such as Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, whose heroine broke ghost rules to save a friend’s life, and Moñito, Ang Mabait na Demonyo, a kindhearted demon born without a horn and a tail. Both novels were launched on the same day as Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, leading Segundo Matias Jr.’s growing roster of fantasy titles.

Completing the publisher turned novelist’s showcase during MIBF week is Mga Batang Poz, a 2018 young adult novel whose digital series adaptation is considered to be one of the most viewed streaming titles on popular online platform, iWantv. Threading an important step forward in understanding the lives of People living with HIV-AIDS, the book garnered generally positive acclaim from various critics and publications, with Philippine Star Supreme praising the material for bringing attention to a subject that has long been derided by religious conservatives.

Moymoy Lulumboy: Ang Ugat at ang Propesiya, Angelica, Ang Multo Ng Balete Drive, Moñito, and Mga Batang Poz are available on Precious Pages retail outlets, National Book Store, Pandayan book shop and leading books stores nationwide. For inquiries you may contact, inquiry@lamparabooks.com.ph.

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Jeremy Tankard ‘Grumpy Bird’ picture book ‘soared high’ at 2019 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival

Jeremy Tankard ‘Grumpy Bird’ picture book ‘soared high’ at 2019 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival

Wednesday, August 14

Jeremy Tankard, children’s book author and illustrator, came all the way from Canada and tickled funny bones all around with his ‘Grumpy Bird Collection’ picture book series at the National Book Store’s 2019 Philippine Readers and Writers Festival. 

In a special session entitled ‘Telling A Story with Pictures’, kids were treated to a laughter-fest in a special read-aloud, followed by a live drawing demonstration by Tankard. Featuring a talk from Tankard’s own life experiences, the session also aimed to empower kids with dreams to become an author and illustrator. At the same time, the session offered a fun learning opportunity about the making a picture book and a day in a life of an author. 

Tankard is the author and illustrator of several laugh-out-loud children’s books, including ‘Grumpy Bird’, ‘Boo Hoo Bird’, ‘Hungry Bird’ and ‘Sleepy Bird’, published by Scholastic. A family-friendly occasion, Tankard also shared his inspiring life journey; from a boy who did not enjoy reading, to the author-illustrator that he is today. Initially a reluctant reader in his childhood years, as a boy, Tankard first found joy in picture books -- and hopes that young children today can discover the love of reading through his stories too. 

An instant international bestseller, Grumpy Bird tells the story of a bird who is too grumpy to fly and goes for a walk instead. Along the way, his newly-found companions eventually cheer him up and help him shake his bad mood. The hit picture book gave way to more award-winning books featuring the endearingly dramatic bird character, in Boo Hoo Bird, Hungry Bird and Sleepy Bird. Adorably illustrated with bright colors, the series also highlights bird’s helpful friends who are always there to make the day better (often in very silly, funny ways)! 

‘Authorstrator’ (author and illustrator) Jeremy Tankard was born in Cape Town, South Africa, before starting a new life in the United States. A graduate of Alberta College of Art and Design, he continues create and illustrate children books until today, and now resides with his family in Vancouver, Canada. 

The Grumpy Bird Series featuring ‘Grumpy Bird’, ‘Boo Hoo Bird’, ‘Hungry Bird’ and ‘Sleepy Bird’, is available for P315 each at selected book stores nationwide. 

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Jeremy Tankard: Telling Stories with Pictures

Jeremy Tankard: Telling Stories with Pictures

Friday, August 9

Is your child into reading books?

Our dear 3-year old Choiba  loves books. He can't read yet so he looks forward to "reading time".  When a set of Jeremy Tankard's picture books arrived, he got so excited and can't seem to decide which book to choose.

Jeremy Tankard was not really a writer. He spent many years drawing pictures and one day he decided to add words to his arts. He was in the Philippines last August 4 to attend the Philippine Readers and Writers Festival 2019 held at Raffles Hotel in Makati.

Jeremy's picture books published by Scholastic are Grumpy Bird, Boo Hoo Bird, Sleepy Bird, and Hungry Bird. They are hilarious and Choiba prefers looking on the illustrations more than watching on his iPad. They appeal to  kids and grown-ups like me. The drawings even encourages my toddler nephew to take part in the storytelling. 

Oh, Choi is like Boo Hoo Bird!  (PS. He's not hurt.)

The unique art style is definitely easily recognizable as Jeremy Tankard art. The images are so convincing that kids can really relate to the emotions of the characters. 

Jeremy Tankard was nominated Outstanding Children's Book Illustration for Grumpy Bird. 

To know more about the authorstrator and his books, visit http://jeremytankard.com/

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More Than Most: The Story of Courageous Caitie Launched By OMF Lit at MIBF 2018

More Than Most: The Story of Courageous Caitie Launched By OMF Lit at MIBF 2018

Friday, September 21

Are you one of those who followed the journey of Courageous Caitie on facebook? It was so heartbreaking for me but Caitie's parents have also became my source of inspiration and strength. We all go through loss of a loved ones at some point in our life. I was still grieving that time from losing my mom to cancer.

Feliz and Jay Jay Lucas share the inspiring story of Caitie through the book More Than Most: The Story of Courageous Caitie published by OMF Lit. The book was launched at the 39th Manila International Book Fair 2018 held at the World Trade Center. 

With the theme "Turn to the Word", OMF Lit aims to highlight that the books they publish, distribute, and import have one unifying purpose: to make people look to God and His Word.

Other inspiring and moving books launched by OMF Lit are:

Lovestruck: Shanaba Edition by Ronald Molmisa

The latest addition to the popular Lovestruck series, this time around answering the Big Question: Is the person I’m with right now “The One”?

Song of the Invisible Night Bird by Janina Rivera

This is the heartfelt and beautifully written memoir of a young woman who bravely battled and survived Arterio-Venous Malformation (AVM), a rare brain disease.

Ang Allowance Na Hindi Bitin by Ardy Roberto and Philip Roa

This is the student edition of the bestselling book Ang Pera Na Hindi Bitin. The book teaches students and young people how to manage their finances.

Gone? written by Grace Chong and illustrated by Koi Carreon

This children’s book tackles the wonders of a child’s imagination and creativity

Sandosenang Sapatos Premium Edition written by Luis Gatmaitan and illustrated by Beth Parrocha.

The children’s book classic comes in a bigger edition that is good for storytelling. The edition also includes a study guide and the author’s account of the journey which the book has so far taken.

OMF Lit Bookshops are located at:

Boni, Mandaluyong City 53.143.03

Il Terrazzo, Quezon City 355.0519

Greenbelt 1, Makati City 621.67.30

Pergola, Paranaque City 403.2975

Robinsons Cybergate, Cebu City 032-253-1525

Banilad, Cebu 032-346.7142 | 032-418.1439

Tiongko, Davao City 082-227.3817

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/omflit/


*Article photo courtesy of Maricar Valenzuela

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So You Want To Be A Freelancer?

So You Want To Be A Freelancer?

Sunday, December 10

I often receive private messages on Facebook from some people in my network. They want to be a freelancer like me. Sino ba naman ang di maeengganyo kung madalas makita sa timeline ko eh kumakain ako sa kung saan saan na restaurant, nakikipag selfie sa artista, nagpo-post na status na "working in my pajamas" at kung anu-ano pa na nakakainggit lalo na kapag Lunes tulad ng "woke up at 10am" di ba? 

Ano ba latest freelance work-related status ko? 

Ni-post ko yan pagdating sa bahay kanina from my 4-day vacation. Yung mga bwisit na bwisit sa trabaho nila, I'm sure magme-message na naman. Remember this sutil post of mine last December 4, Monday?

Kse naman paulit-ulit yung mga status nyo eh. Baka sakali lang gusto nyo na baguhin ang takbo ng career nyo sa 2018. I've been in that situation eh.

I received the 7 Stages of…Good Grief! Freelancer na Ko?! book from my cousin Bleps kasama ng isang #petmalu na planner (another blog entry about the planner) just this morning during buffet breakfast sa Batis Aramin Resort sa Lucban, Quezon. Bakasyon grande kase kami. Onga pala, freelancer din si Bleps. Pamilya kase kami ng raketera eh. Prologue pa lang nababasa ko napabangon na agad ako at nagsulat ng blog entry. If you really know me, susme di mo ako mapapabangon after ko umuwi from vacation. Tulog galore ako for 2-3 days. Ibig sabihin, di ako makaintay para i-share sa inyo ang libro na ito.

Syempre, di ko naman isusulat dito yung laman ng book. Di ganun na share ibig ko sabihin. Ishe-share ko yung link san ka pwede bumili lalo na kung mahilig ka mag shop online kagaya ko.

https://www.anvilpublishing.com/shop/_new-releases_/7-stages-ofgood-grief-freelancer-na-ko/

Panigurado available din yan sa National Bookstore.

Kung di ka pa maka-decide kung gusto mo bumili, pagnilayan mo ito.

Has the idea of going freelance ever crossed your mind? 

Has the concept of freedom and flexibility ever tempted you?

Have you ever asked yourself, 

"Kaya ko kaya 'yun?"

Bili ka na ng 7 Stages of…Good Grief! Freelancer na Ko?! ni RacketChick. P150 lang. Ako nga na 3 years freelancer na, naniniwala na may mapupulot pa din akong kaalaman sa libro na ito eh.

BTW, di ko kilala si RacketChick. 

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Focus On What Matters

Focus On What Matters

Monday, December 5

Have you ever been in one of those moments when you feel like you've wasted a year in your life because despite all the efforts you put into achieving something, you ended up empty-handed?  I welcomed 2016 secretly crying while watching the fireworks. I felt so gypped. I had a happy life (or so I think.) What happened?

It has only been two weeks since my dad passed away when I was invited to attend the launch of Coach Pia Acevedo's second book "Focus on What Matters" at Edsa Shangri-la Hotel. Although I self-imposed that I'm taking a short leave from attending events, I felt like I need to hear what Coach Pia has to say and hoped that this book will help me find focus amidst the drama in my life. 

 

Coach Pia shared her near-death experience that has led her to putting things in perspective. It was January 1, 2004 when she woke up having difficulty in breathing. She went to sleep okay and then woke up with a severe allergic reaction that almost ended her life. It was at this moment that she asked herself, "If these were my final moments before judgement, then have I loved enough? Have I maximized my full potential here on earth? Have I lived my life's purpose?" It was through these life-changing situations, or even ordinary and neutral ones, that it is always wise to focus on what matters.

"Focus on What Matters" talks about how to live a meaningful life and the process one has to go through to be able to focus on the things that are necessary and let go of the things that are not.

A peek into the chapters of the book

"Focusing on what matters begins with laying the foundation for finding clarity through the exercise of self-mastery, self-development, and self-commitment -- a process we call "Inner Work", says Coach Pia. 

The book also comes with a journal where you can write down your thoughts as you go through the chapters. This will help you gain insights and evaluate your feelings as you go deeper in your personal process.

"How do I stay focused?"

I need this book. I have vowed to devote a day every week to work on finding focus. I want to understand the gap between my personal preferences and the expectations of the world. I want to hone my skills at finding clarity and staying focused despite the uncertainties that life continues to bring me. I want a better ME.

Are you losing sleep because of overthinking about the things you did or should have done? Are the people's opinions of who you are affect you because you felt like they were not seeing the real you? Do you want to find balance in your life? Grab a copy of this book and let us together welcome 2017 with a positive outlook and a certainty that we will be better than who we were in 2016.

"Focus on What Matters" is available in Fully Booked and selected National Bookstore branches nationwide.

Follow Coach Pia's official facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CoachPia

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Virginia Close: The Murder In Desert Inn Book Launch

Virginia Close: The Murder In Desert Inn Book Launch

Wednesday, November 18

I was invited last Monday to attend the book launch of The Murder in Desert Inn written by Filipino author Virginia Close at the cozy Book and Border Cafe in Tomas Morato.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Virginia was a Mass Communication graduate of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. She moved to Australia in her 20's where she started a family and explored the world. Writing has always been her passion but was placed on the backseat while she raised her children. One of her child was even amused when she found out that Virginia loves writing. Thirty years later, her dream of publishing a book came true.

THE BOOK

Virginia's love for mystery and drama is evident in The Murder in Desert Inn. Somehow, parts and pieces of the main character Nelly reveal something about Virginia. At times I felt like I was reading about her. 

Nelly is a Filipina journalist who's fond of adventure and well-traveled. The interesting characters that were introduced in the book have played  vital roles for Nelly to find what she has been looking for -- her identity.

I don't want to give out too much and spoil the mystery. Buy the book and be prepared to spend hours reading. 

To know more about Virginia Close, check out
 https://www.facebook.com/AuthorVirginiaClose

THE EXPERIENCE 

It was surreal to meet someone face to face whose reality is my lifelong dream. Like her, I also dream of one day publishing my own book. 

One day... someday...

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Feng Shui For Writers: How To Master Your Life

Feng Shui For Writers: How To Master Your Life

Saturday, June 27

Book Details

• Title: Feng Shui For Writers
• Series: How To Master Your Life
• Author: M.C. Simon
• Genre: Non-Fiction
• Format: Paperback and Kindle
• Length: 152 pages
• Publication Date: June 16, 2015
• Publisher: IML Publishing
• Regular Price: $7.99 Kindle

 

Synopsis

DISCOVER HOW TO MASTER YOUR WRITING LIFE

FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS provides all the dots that you have to connect to control the flowing Chi for each writing category. What is harmony for a romantic novel writer is different from what is harmony for a journalist writer, and for sure very different than for the writer writing for the horror domain. To bring the Feng Shui technique into the writer's life, it is not enough to merely explain general principles and ideas; we have to dig deeper because the branches of writing are so numerous.

---

Find Out HOW TO:

• Attract productivity, successful publishing and money using Feng Shui
• Overcome writer's block with Feng Shui help
• Organize your writing place to achieve your goals
• Influence your writing life through colors
• Use crystals for creative writing
• Use lighting to Feng Shui your writing space
• Choose the plants that will boost your creativity
• Influence your "writer's zone" and the creative mind
• Boost your children's creativity (yes… children are young writers also)

And much more.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon IN
 

Excerpt

6.2 - THE WRITER'S ZONE

To understand what a writer's zone is, you must first experience the previous state called a writer's block. Then and only then will you understand how you can face it and how you can move to the writer's zone. This zone is exactly the opposite of a writer's block; it is the optimal phase in which a writer can find himself. It is the phase in which Chi flows freely on the writer's path, the creativity is boosted and the writing productivity reaches maximum level.

Having knowledge about both states, a writer's block and a writer's zone, you can save the wasted time between these two phases.

There are some elements that influence your entering into this zone.

• One of these is your location. Depending on where you live, you must find a writing environment that boosts your writing mood. Find a place suitable for you that you feel relaxed in and totally prepared to let the words flow.
• Take a walk in the park or the woods, go for a drive on a long unpopulated road. Don't forget to take the camera with you and take pictures that will help you relax the next time you need to enter into the writer's zone without having to walk again. A walk in a quiet and relaxing place is a good Feng Shui method to un-clutter your mind of stress.
• Do some brainstorming for your future book; try to prepare a good plot for your novel. Do some research on the theme that you want to write about.
• Avoid emails, other online temptations, phones and any other distractions that are blocking the Chi flow of your creativity and productivity.
• Listen to some music and prepare a playlist with your favorite relaxing songs. Use this list until it becomes a habit that is helping you enter into the writer's zone.
• Breathe! Yes, breathe. Fill your lungs with fresh air until they expand to the point where they touch, take a small pause then exhale slowly. Learn to breathe again, so the good Chi also enters your body.
• Burn some incense and use aromatic lamps for fragrance.
• Find a writing retreat in your area. Make it a part of your writing process. This will always get you into the zone. There are two kinds of retreats: solo retreats (suitable for writers who prefer solitude far away from any distractions including other writers) and group retreats (provides a chance for face to face group brainstorming). The best writing retreats are those that include both solo and group retreats. When you go to a writing retreat, be sure that you are applying the Feng Shui principles in that place also (you can even take a Bagua map with you).
• If your mind feels unclear in ideas, use a yellow vase where you place orange flowers. This will boost the intensity of your writing and will give you the necessary clarity.
• Don't forget to always include the water element in your space.
• Avoid too many electronic devices in the moments when you write because they will drain your energy, and soon you'll have to face another writer's block.
• Hang a wooden chime near you so its movement will activate any stagnant Chi.

Previously Published Excerpts

Who Is A Writer?
3 Things You Should Do Before Using Feng Shui
 

About the Author

Writer, translator, engineer, researcher, project manager, blogger, eternal student... these are only a few words to describe MC Simon.

She strongly believes that energy is ours to use freely, and we need only to open our hearts to regain the lost perception of our true powers. She thinks that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. For this reason, M.C. Simon has never hunted the information but rather waited for the right moment when she would be ready for the information to find her. In the same way, she knows that when someone needs her, the Universe will proceed in such a way that the meeting will take place.

Contact The Author

Amazon Author Page
MCSimonWrites.com
FengShuiForWriters.com
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter
GooglePlus
LinkedIn
 

Giveaway

Giving away a copy of "Feng Shui For Writers" E-book to 10 lucky winners. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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A Game For Booklovers

A Game For Booklovers

Monday, May 11

I saw this posted on my friend's facebook timeline and I thought this is kinda fun. Something not so stressful to start the week. It's easy. Let's play this okay?! :)

Pick up the nearest book to you, turn to page 45. 

The first sentence explains your lovelife.

Here's mine:

"I wake up again in the middle of the night." - Adultery, Paulo Coelho

I would love to read what's yours. :) Happy Monday!!!

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Books For A Cause Inauguration of Munting Aklatan No. 1

Books For A Cause Inauguration of Munting Aklatan No. 1

Saturday, March 28

Books for a Cause celebrated its 4th year of advocacy in providing precious knowledge to every Filipino and increasing literacy through continuous learning by giving less fortunate children in the remote and depressed area access to books. 

Books for a Cause came about when Mr. Ramil Sumangil's teacher requested him to give a short inspirational talk to the 2011 graduating class of his alma mater Baloy Elementary School. He accepted the invitation and asked family members what to bring as gifts to his school books which he will be visiting after 33 long years. They exclaimed “How about the set of encyclopedia and other reference books” which they no longer use due to the abundance of the modern technologies.

Coinciding with the 4th Anniversary of Books for a Cause was the inauguration of the Munting Aklatan No. 1, a joint project of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Pateros, Goods.Ph and Books of a Cause.

We were warmly welcomed by the children who were oblivious of the scorching summer heat. 

Books for a Cause brought donated books for the Barangay Martires del 96 Community Library.

We also had a storytelling activity for the kids. We shared with them three stories: Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel, Si Langgam at Si Tipaklong and Halo-Halo Espesyal. The kids listened attentively and were able to answer the questions about the the stories.

One of the smart kids of Barangay Martires del 96, Matthew Macintosh. We gave him the book Si Langgam at Si Tipaklong to reward him for sharing to the other kids the moral of the story.

We don't only feed your mind, we also brought something  for the stomach :D

Ribbon Cutting with Brgy Captain Cesar Llagas 

and Books for a Cause Founder Mr. Ramil Sumangil

The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Pateros with Books for a Cause Founder Mr. Ramil Sumangil

Barangay Martires del 96 Captain Cesar Llagas, 

Members of the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Pateros

with Books for a Cause Founder Mr. Ramil Sumangil

Barangay Captain Cesar Llagas giving pointers to the kids and parents on how to properly care for the books. He encouraged the kids to regularly visit the community library and take advantage of the opportunity to learn. He also stressed out the role of the parents in educating their children by reading books to them. 

Turnover of books

It was a fulfilling day for me. I love reading books since I was a child and having the opportunity to participate in the advocacy of Mr. Ramil Sumangil's Books for a Cause is a dream come true. I have donated four boxes of books to the Marikina Public Library in 2013. Those are the books the I truly treasure and don't want to part with. But I believe that the books will fully serve its purpose if I share them to other people who love to read but don't have the means to buy. 

Got books you want to donate? Visit Books for a Cause to know how you can help.

Thanks also to the event partner Goods.PH Online Shopping Store

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And I Quote: Paulo Coelho's Adultery

And I Quote: Paulo Coelho's Adultery

Sunday, December 28

It was a weird experience reading Paulo Coelho's Adultery. It was like reading about myself except for the adultery part. It's like someone wrote about how I feel and the emotional drama I've been dealing with. Sometimes I wish I wrote this book.

Here's a few lines from the first chapters:

"Every morning, when I open my eyes to the so-called "new day", I feel like closing them again, staying in bed, and not getting up. But I can't do that."

"..but I just can't sleep anymore. When night comes and no one is watching, I feel afraid of everything: life, death, love or the lack of it; the fact that all novelties quickly become habits; the feeling that I'm wasting the best years of my life in a pattern that will be repeated over and over until I die." 

"And then suddenly, for no reason, I get into the shower and burst into tears. I can cry there because no one can hear my sobs or ask me the question I hate most: Are you alright?" 

"Is there anything wrong with my life? No, nothing. Only the nights that filled me with dread. The days I can't get excited about. The happy images from the past and the things that could have been but weren't. The desire for adventure never fulfilled." 

"Then they say: "I've had enough, I don't want this anymore. " Some commit suicide. Others get divorced. Some go to poor parts of Africa to try to save the world." (and me.. trying to help save dying babies to have some sort of a purpose)

"Then I realize that words like "optimism" and "hope", which appear in all those self-help books that they claim they'll make us more confident and better able to cope with life, are just that: words."

"(Depression) It's like being inside a trap. You know you're caught, but you can't escape.." 

 "Not everyone needs to feel happy all the time. Besides, no one can be happy all the time. I need to deal with the reality of life."

I could go on and on but I might end up rewriting the book.  Go get  a copy. Promise, it's a good read.

And my favorite...

"Going after a dream has a price. 

It may mean abandoning our habits, 

it may make us go through hardships, 

or it may lead us to disappointment. 

But however costly it may be, 

it is never as high as the price paid by people who didn't live. 

Because one day they will look back 

and hear their own heart say: 

I wasted my life."

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