tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65130711241860712302024-03-05T16:45:55.300+08:00Camryn MorrellRomance, Happy Endings, and Life in GeneralCamrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-39545358893287542302014-08-26T19:07:00.003+08:002014-08-27T13:36:10.252+08:00The Writing Life: First Approved Manuscript After Four YearsI've always loved writing.<br />
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But, after I graduated from college and started working, I forgot about it.<br />
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I became too focused on climbing the corporate ladder and getting enough sleep (graveyard shifts can do that to a person) that I forgot about the things that actually made me happy. Like writing and escaping real life through a really good romance novel.<br />
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I decided to start writing again a few months ago. I thought I had a decent enough story to tell, so I submitted that manuscript that I had been working off and on for almost two years. After three weeks, I sent an e-mail to follow up on the status of the manuscript... and guess what?<br />
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It was rejected.<br />
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That was a first for me, and I have to say it was a very humbling experience. It taught me to respect writing even more. You can't just jump into it and expect success without paying your dues.<br />
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Fortunately, I had been working on another manuscript while the first one I submitted was under evaluation. I submitted it two days after Manuscript #5 was rejected. When I got the e-mail saying Manuscript #6 had been approved, success tasted so much sweeter after a bitter rejection.<br />
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<i>Gisingin ang Puso</i> ang tentative title ng manuscript.<br />
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<h3>
The Idea</h3>
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I got the idea for the book when I heard the song<i> Don't Cry Joni</i> on the radio. If you're not familiar with the song, it's about a fifteen-year-old girl named Joni who's in love with the boy-next-door who happens to be happen seven years older than her.<br />
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She obviously gets rejected. However, the boy-next-door changes his mind several years later and realizes that Joni is the girl for him after all.</div>
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Medyo pang-matanda na ang kanta, pero na-inspire talaga ako sa kuwento ni Joni at ng the boy-next-door. Hindi maganda ang ending nila, and I wanted to give them their own happily-ever-after.<br />
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Hindi nagtagal ay narinig ko rin ulit ang kantang <i>Gisingin ang Puso</i>--yung original at hindi yung revived version na ginamit nila sa Pinoy version ng <i>Pure Love</i>. Napaka-heartbreaking talagang pakinggan at gusto kong i-capture 'yung emotions sa kanta sa isang libro.<br />
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I started getting ideas for the book, and I couldn't wait to get everything on the page.<br />
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<h3>
The Cast</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7dw2HRgwA50JzUfUNTO1wh6GOrNwzyXhWSgn0Hdb4dDmviYO-8wM5jsednLOn0Xx2LmmakfKtLAsADtFx4fZq1XZd-DPfibdhdv1iaYr8TAFHV_8Nh95TtF3KdBQTX7HS8bZzx9v0yE/s1600/Paolo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7dw2HRgwA50JzUfUNTO1wh6GOrNwzyXhWSgn0Hdb4dDmviYO-8wM5jsednLOn0Xx2LmmakfKtLAsADtFx4fZq1XZd-DPfibdhdv1iaYr8TAFHV_8Nh95TtF3KdBQTX7HS8bZzx9v0yE/s1600/Paolo3.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>JC de Vera as Paolo Belmonte</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KPJetMsa1Jy00VG0Xj-YT33EfenGNjpW5O2dUxqJqnwS7rkWUlykLfPz69IybsyvhGh1ylAjemf5BiIBa3bQjc3qDOL0V8kjZqKVhW_4iEd0WlVT8O0YDc75SwW6f7Eo4X0e_s_JVUM/s1600/Diane2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KPJetMsa1Jy00VG0Xj-YT33EfenGNjpW5O2dUxqJqnwS7rkWUlykLfPz69IybsyvhGh1ylAjemf5BiIBa3bQjc3qDOL0V8kjZqKVhW_4iEd0WlVT8O0YDc75SwW6f7Eo4X0e_s_JVUM/s1600/Diane2.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
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<b>Shay Mitchell as Diane Enriquez</b><br />
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<h3>
The Summary</h3>
<i>Ten years ago, niyaya ni Diane na maging prom date si Paolo, ang best friend ng kuya niya na first love rin niya. Nagmakaawa siya na hintayin siya nito, pero isang napakalaking rejection lang ang inabot niya. Mabuti na lang at umalis ito pagkalipas ng ilang buwan para mag-aral sa Amerika kaya naging mas madali para sa kanya ang kalimutan ito.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Tuwing ini-imagine niya ang muli nilang pagkikita ng lalaki, lagi siyang may kasama na napaka-guwapong boyfriend. Hindi maalis ng nasabing boyfriend ang mga mata nito sa kanya at may napakalaking engagement ring sa isang daliri niya. Masaya na siya, mature, at completely in control.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Si Paolo naman? Ayon sa imagination niya, pangit na ito at unti-unting nakakalbo.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Ngunit kabaligtaran ng imagination niya ang totoong nangyari. Si Paolo ang bago niyang boss, and he was more handsome than ever. </i><br />
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Gawa-gaya ko lang ang summary. Hindi po 'yan ang official summary ng Bookware. Hindi rin ako sigurado kung papalitan nila ang title o hindi. Sana hindi kasi medyo attached na ako sa 'Gisingin ang Puso.' LOL. I can't wait for this book to come out. Ang saya kasi magkakalibro na ulit ako after four years. :D</div>
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Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-38826492329663574802014-08-18T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-18T19:00:01.050+08:00Thoughts: How to Write a Tagalog Romance Novel by Apple Masallo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTVe2OexokWC_3RN-2goQBGzE0DlpHgsKn3HVQjX-OdDkYrGN1EmNYXwhn8eVFjcZZQ0RXysCEnusMVVQ4iScidxxnmtuu0oy2XZmXJKI2dw_UkgCq4gko7AoxtqsnVRd9CO0XG9dL3o/s1600/IMG_2234a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTVe2OexokWC_3RN-2goQBGzE0DlpHgsKn3HVQjX-OdDkYrGN1EmNYXwhn8eVFjcZZQ0RXysCEnusMVVQ4iScidxxnmtuu0oy2XZmXJKI2dw_UkgCq4gko7AoxtqsnVRd9CO0XG9dL3o/s1600/IMG_2234a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
If you want to be a tagalog romance writer, add this book to your to-be-read list. Immediately.<br />
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<i>How to Write a Tagalog Romance Novel</i> by Apple Masallo discusses all the things an aspiring romance writer should know--from creating characters to dealing with rejection. It's a very short book that's brimming with information.<br />
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I especially liked the part where Ms. Apple Masallo discussed writing love scenes. Every time I write a love scene, I stop and tend to get embarrassed because I always think that might mother might read what I've just written...<br />
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This book, however, made me realize that you're not just writing a love scene for the sake of, well, writing a love scene. Your story--the journey of your characters--requires it. I think that's a good enough reason.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-55276714213571907112014-08-11T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-11T19:00:08.249+08:00I'm Now on Wattpad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClleMmhG4Upcb_ItmGyo1EXDrtJDRotwIICrscF-NBUTy-M6eQCzCss0kC9CPVLefupqWP2ByUJ8jSq5OU_ZMV-xK15XprIac9Xdp8zKYOt60RZaAyjlNHy8eREk-z7tNhpeRtLfctPU/s1600/coverb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClleMmhG4Upcb_ItmGyo1EXDrtJDRotwIICrscF-NBUTy-M6eQCzCss0kC9CPVLefupqWP2ByUJ8jSq5OU_ZMV-xK15XprIac9Xdp8zKYOt60RZaAyjlNHy8eREk-z7tNhpeRtLfctPU/s1600/coverb.jpg" height="400" width="255" /></a></div>
I've already been plagiarized a few times on Wattpad, so I was never really interested in joining it. However, the Wattpad craze soon started, and local publishers started publishing books that were first posted on the site.<br />
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I've come to see that as a great thing.<br />
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The Wattpad craze renewed the interest of Filipino readers in... Filipino writers. The books are flying off the shelves, and practically every publisher has started publishing their own so-called Wattpad imprint.<br />
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A lot of writers whose work I respect and admire have already joined Wattpad. As a very small fish in a gigantic pond, who am I to disagree, right? In fact, I've even created my own account, and started posting a story. My story isn't anything spectacular, to be honest, but writing it was fun.<br />
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Here's the summary:<br />
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<i>As far as she could remember, alam ni Jessica kung ano’ng klase ng lalaki ang gusto niyang makasama habang buhay. Dapat ay maginoo ito, simple at, higit sa lahat, isang tapat na katipan tulad ng tatay niya. Nakita niya ang lahat ng qualities na hinahanap sa katauhan ni Jacob. Kumbinsido siya na ito na ang lalaking matagal na niyang hinihintay.</i><br />
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<i>Pero bakit ang nakakalokong ngiti ni Dominic ang laging laman ng isip niya? Bakit ang mga halik nito ang nagpapalakas sa tibok ng puso niya? Soon enough, she found herself falling for him, pero may sikreto pala si Dominic na makakasira sa kanilang dalawa…</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><i>You can view my profile <a href="http://www.wattpad.com/user/CamrynMorrell" target="_blank">here</a> and read my free story Me and Mr. Right Now <a href="http://www.wattpad.com/story/20627548-me-and-mr-right-now" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b>Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-1587913666147001682014-07-28T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:38:03.792+08:003 Reasons Why Blogging is Essential for Tagalog Romance Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcMTzCMztVKQT0s8czucGHYmT84ermGfJr6ukcxh0ACtBBlW9oKBI1glHRYVutItVmKvoeoK682JTcRvw-BtsP5jtPSDuZFGC6omzeZoGZEUbFgVOzclcDjJpkspk1adCozZ7cDhkooI/s1600/test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQcMTzCMztVKQT0s8czucGHYmT84ermGfJr6ukcxh0ACtBBlW9oKBI1glHRYVutItVmKvoeoK682JTcRvw-BtsP5jtPSDuZFGC6omzeZoGZEUbFgVOzclcDjJpkspk1adCozZ7cDhkooI/s1600/test.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
If you're a tagalog romance writer and you're not convinced that you should start blogging, this post is for you. I want to change your mind, and convince you that, hey, blogging can actually help your writing career.<br />
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I'm hoping these three reasons will make you create a Wordpress or Blogspot account right away:<br />
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<h3>
1. Blogging is great way to connect with your readers.</h3>
Don't you want your readers to fall in love with your books and your winning personality?<br />
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When I read Rebel Heart by Elise Estrella a couple of years ago, I loved it so much that I simply had to get more information about her other books. I googled 'Elise Estrella' and stumbled across her blog Elisean Plains.<br />
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She had a lot of posts about writing and her life in general. Reading her blog, I saw how much work and thought she put into her books. I even saw that she had an Excel file for her Sentinels series!<br />
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Also, I had no idea that Rebel Heart was actually the second book in a trilogy, and I ended up hunting down the other two books. This can happen to YOU too.<br />
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I have no idea why, but, most of the time, it's difficult to find information on tagalog romance writers on the Internet. Only a handful have blogs or websites, making finding information about them or their books close to impossible<br />
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<h3>
2. Blogging lets you help other writers.</h3>
I still have a long way to go in terms of my writing career, but I've received a lot of emails asking for writing advice.<br />
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<i>Where do you get your ideas?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How do you get published?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How do you format a manuscript?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I've tried to reply to every single one of those emails, because replying feels a lot like paying it forward. And you know how they found my email address?<br />
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They found it by clicking the Contact page on this blog.<br />
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When I first started working on my first book, His Secondhand Heart, I sent a lot of emails to Elise Estrella and a bunch of other writers from our publisher, My Special Valentine. They all replied and gave me a lot of great advice about writing and getting published.<br />
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The tagalog romance writing community is vast and magnaminous, and blogging is a great way to be a part of it.<br />
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<h3>
3. Blogging forces you to write on a regular basis.</h3>
If you're one of those organized people who write a set number of words everyday, congratulations. You can skip this part.<br />
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However, if you're like me and tend to write in sporadic bursts, blogging will force you to write on a regular basis.<br />
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I've come to believe that maintaining a blog is a lot like keeping a pet alive. You have to write posts on regular basis, which is a lot like feeding a pet on a daily basis. You have to update your layout once in a while, which can be compared to bathing your pet when it starts to stink.<br />
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In fact, blogging can help you improve the one thing that you need in order to become a successful tagalog romance writer. Your writing skills.<br />
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These are only some of the reasons why you should start a blog right away. There are probably more, and I won't be able to discuss all of them in one blog post. If you have more questions about blogging, feel free to let me know in the comments or you can shoot me an email at camrynmorrell@gmail.com.<br />
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So, what are you waiting for?<br />
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<b>Think of a spiffy blog title right now.</b>Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-53537584036629529052014-07-21T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:07:40.366+08:00Where the Magic Happens… <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or the place commonly known as my home office.</div>
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Technically, it's not even an office, more like the only neat corner of my room. I would love to have an entire room where I can talk to myself while pretending to be one of my characters, but that's just not possible right now.</div>
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Not that I'm complaining or anything. In fact, I'm pretty proud of my little corner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk_KFSa7FZCeDSVVLK4vH0hK6T-Q0ryhKoaIPQh3LddjuWFn6ydjSbOnn6Maotoq8NbIc9jebZfU8fiLhpFsCBLLprgsOd4GiNHSyiEb9twhdA6mQb4IaxPJ6mi0R68TM5hRfKgVP3gU/s1600/IMG_2198a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUk_KFSa7FZCeDSVVLK4vH0hK6T-Q0ryhKoaIPQh3LddjuWFn6ydjSbOnn6Maotoq8NbIc9jebZfU8fiLhpFsCBLLprgsOd4GiNHSyiEb9twhdA6mQb4IaxPJ6mi0R68TM5hRfKgVP3gU/s1600/IMG_2198a.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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This is how it looks in its entirety. Nothing fancy--just my desk with all my necessities on it. My uncle who is kind of a jack-of-all-trades made my desk, and I love it. It's really long, but it's attached to the wall so it doesn't take up too much space.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMf924koeSohH7AbCyHm-gFFGdYwATeJMDswBsVgq2u30CVA4UboKPMp2VtPlPfBG1UpgJYEXdbPPxSPrXg6BHnbQKUvMFZpETflc79pvIwfTPFVHO65uiOBW4mdrOHlmfZBtwOT4UXk/s1600/IMG_2206a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMf924koeSohH7AbCyHm-gFFGdYwATeJMDswBsVgq2u30CVA4UboKPMp2VtPlPfBG1UpgJYEXdbPPxSPrXg6BHnbQKUvMFZpETflc79pvIwfTPFVHO65uiOBW4mdrOHlmfZBtwOT4UXk/s1600/IMG_2206a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Colorful pens and my notepad where I jot down all my brilliant ideas. I'm kidding. I mostly doodle on it when I should be working.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw1xmSjHLmfIr1h5CuWwvO6OwsEJmfr2-CGGSQnccsniOWKT-BIu7m8M8m82PDDCfSKN8CWZB2QKFAlssEQzuX8dxemybF7iC8DydtbJ8TrTJqymHxy0dxk5uU1VJIeMH9zy6aLmlma8/s1600/IMG_2211a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXw1xmSjHLmfIr1h5CuWwvO6OwsEJmfr2-CGGSQnccsniOWKT-BIu7m8M8m82PDDCfSKN8CWZB2QKFAlssEQzuX8dxemybF7iC8DydtbJ8TrTJqymHxy0dxk5uU1VJIeMH9zy6aLmlma8/s1600/IMG_2211a.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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My bulletin board. I need this, because I have tendency to be really, really lazy. I like seeing the deadlines I set for myself right in front of me, so I can avoid procrastinating... more than usual.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ7YKcNlRRo2Do-CmjDtezJM6amkFv8ZBLicjW2zJ_DyXJQk-QsVaAz0jlPFREEgdOvuqop-gvpl4Q8kp8GZTab2PoPaa2hPy5iP0te0X5-m43i9ZJdb-1KVN1LWpBhqEyeYAj6ivPSk/s1600/IMG_2213a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJ7YKcNlRRo2Do-CmjDtezJM6amkFv8ZBLicjW2zJ_DyXJQk-QsVaAz0jlPFREEgdOvuqop-gvpl4Q8kp8GZTab2PoPaa2hPy5iP0te0X5-m43i9ZJdb-1KVN1LWpBhqEyeYAj6ivPSk/s1600/IMG_2213a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">These are figures of She</span>ldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory, my favorite show of all time. My boyfriend gave them to me, and they give my rather boring desk a huge dose of personality.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this little tour. If you have any suggestions or questions, please let me know through the comments. Have a great day! :DCamrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-76903949927954580302014-07-14T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:38:30.626+08:00Five Essentials for Tagalog Romance Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee_S1uA20-HjLCfr2LOGjKFcmQcWJ4km2brv8DonRJR1vy06Osa-xYaMFCqpPj-QgkKTH9xllrOmSSIew-rl9Q3xhTot2Yb_uV3FFzSjg9AJvgcEgN593uRl3V448Rjxk9iYOwUX-xM8/s1600/computer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee_S1uA20-HjLCfr2LOGjKFcmQcWJ4km2brv8DonRJR1vy06Osa-xYaMFCqpPj-QgkKTH9xllrOmSSIew-rl9Q3xhTot2Yb_uV3FFzSjg9AJvgcEgN593uRl3V448Rjxk9iYOwUX-xM8/s1600/computer.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.focusincgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/writer.jpg">source</a></div>
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<h3>
1. A laptop or desktop computer</h3>
If you’re going to take this whole writing seriously, you’re going to need your own computer.<br />
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What if inspiration suddenly strikes and someone else is using the computer?<br />
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What if you have to meet a deadline and only have two hours to write every day?<br />
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It’s pretty obvious that sharing is not an option here.<br />
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<h3>
2. A decent Internet connection</h3>
The days where you have to print out and photocopy your manuscript are long gone. In fact, submitting a manuscript has never been easier.<br />
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When I first submitted my manuscript to Bookware Publishing in 2009, I didn’t even have to print a single page. I typed up the entire manuscript in a Microsoft Word file and saved it.<br />
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I attached the file to an email and sent it to Bookware Publishing. Three to four weeks later, I got a response from one of their editors stating that my manuscript had been approved.<br />
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The internet is also a great way to network and connect with your readers and fellow writers. When I first started out, I was too afraid to send in my manuscript.<br />
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To gain more confidence, I sent a ton of annoying emails to several published writers, asking them questions about how to get a manuscript accepted and how to handle rejection. It was pretty great.<br />
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<h3>
3. A Tagalog-English Dictionary</h3>
You might not need this if you speak Tagalog on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
However, I personally find this very useful. I grew up in Visayas where we speak a completely different dialect, and I sometimes struggle when it comes to finding the right words in Tagalog.<br />
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<h3>
4. Inspiration</h3>
Unlike the other things in this list, inspiration isn’t a tangible thing. It can be found in the books you read when you’re stuck on a particular passage or the people you talk to when you’re looking for ideas.<br />
<br />
These are basically the things that give you ideas and fuel your writing.<br />
<br />
When I write, I get most of my inspiration from music. I have to find a “theme song” for my book, and I listen to it over and over while writing. It can’t just be any song, because it has to completely encompass how my characters feel about each other.<br />
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<h3>
5. Confidence</h3>
Do you hear a voice inside your head telling you that your writing isn’t good enough to be published/read/used as tissue paper?<br />
<br />
That’s great, because you’re not alone. All writers struggle with confidence and question their writing at some point or another.<br />
<br />
In my opinion, questioning if your writing is good enough or not is actually a good thing. It means you’re open to feedback, and you’re already a step ahead of other writers who stuff cotton in their ears every time someone criticizes their work.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-712546765811574692014-07-08T18:44:00.000+08:002014-07-08T18:44:00.250+08:00Submitting Manuscript # 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlU4Hu4g_VETQafOQ433NYr9fGA_a_SMXkt_4dGQRh5L6ZPpFZ66rE8lnnC8MKUrM2SggdERxpGKhxyXmWmRt8whkzlmPA1Ds9hFm8rCFhNcukx6mgpowA_ewaDbgOh3ohxWL33nycgs/s1600/Riter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlU4Hu4g_VETQafOQ433NYr9fGA_a_SMXkt_4dGQRh5L6ZPpFZ66rE8lnnC8MKUrM2SggdERxpGKhxyXmWmRt8whkzlmPA1Ds9hFm8rCFhNcukx6mgpowA_ewaDbgOh3ohxWL33nycgs/s1600/Riter.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Things haven't changed that much, after all.<br />
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I thought I would be cool and oh-so-grown-up about this--ready to sit back, relax and deal with whatever's ahead.<br />
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Instead, after three years and four published books, I'm still nervous about submitting my latest manuscript. The fear of being rejected still hasn't gone away.<br />
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I finished writing and revising the whole thing last week. It's tentatively titled Me and Mr. Right Now, and I hope to God it gets accepted.<br />
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Right now, however, I just keep telling myself that at least I finally finished something. After four long years. No matter what happens, that's something to be proud of. I like the characters, and I completely enjoyed making their lives hell.<br />
<br />
Cross your fingers for me, okay?Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-60552483029984426182014-07-07T19:00:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:08:06.634+08:00Welcome Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-57flobkwypA9VhpgYw_OQTY0Yfnd71LguRX3KxoITfw0igd_ZMxJzKWv36IGs8QTSvHLqdrUkQg5qX5gyVZiWfacjsE-VrDaeZZcm70PFr2a12Uf5MjfdcKXDCKAegmjKnsHtINIamE/s1600/profilephoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-57flobkwypA9VhpgYw_OQTY0Yfnd71LguRX3KxoITfw0igd_ZMxJzKWv36IGs8QTSvHLqdrUkQg5qX5gyVZiWfacjsE-VrDaeZZcm70PFr2a12Uf5MjfdcKXDCKAegmjKnsHtINIamE/s1600/profilephoto.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
Hi.<br />
<br />
It’s been a while.<br />
<br />
There’s a huge chance that you don’t remember me or never even knew I existed. Well, let me introduce myself. I’m Camryn Morrell, and I am a romance novelist (or, at least, used to be) for Bookware Publishing.<br />
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I wrote His Secondhand Heart (2010), Save Forever for Me (2010), Reel Love (2011), and The Accidental Bride (2011).
It’s pretty obvious that I haven’t finished a book in almost three years.<br />
<br />
When my first manuscript got accepted in 2009, I was a heartbroken eighteen-year-old who was pretty clueless about life. I graduated from college, got a job, the usual stuff. Now, I’m a twenty-three-year-old who hopefully knows a little more about life. I’d like to think that I finally have my priorities straight, and I want to give writing another shot.<br />
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My heart has always belonged to the written word. I love getting ideas while I’m simply making coffee or sitting through another mind-numbing meeting about statistics. I procrastinate a lot when it comes to putting the actual words on paper, but, once they start coming, I feel like I’m on top of the world.<br />
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So, I’m reviving this blog to chronicle this brand-new writing journey. This time, I hope to be more professional and sound less like a naïve kid high on caffeine. There will be a lot of navel-gazing about writing, updates about my life (not that anyone’s interested), helpful tips, and more.<br />
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Welcome to my little blog, and I hope you like your stay.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-12898140841157863382011-10-17T09:23:00.012+08:002014-06-23T04:34:04.034+08:00The Accidental Bride (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeTNnWDG9thSCIDgpAUJtYjFeMiY0lo5h1Mm9WuM-GXYeTd6SIfOEx-nwOM8JDRc7qszxCZYwF8lZnQQt77opt7FKJUdoNTOzc3dNZwHHGMdlHSUG-LnU2653V96-X9QxBj8KAG1IKlU/s1600/theaccidentalbride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeTNnWDG9thSCIDgpAUJtYjFeMiY0lo5h1Mm9WuM-GXYeTd6SIfOEx-nwOM8JDRc7qszxCZYwF8lZnQQt77opt7FKJUdoNTOzc3dNZwHHGMdlHSUG-LnU2653V96-X9QxBj8KAG1IKlU/s320/theaccidentalbride.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<h3>
The Accidental Bride</h3>
By Camryn Morrell<br />
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<i>It was the worst kind of torture. Inaalok si Ella ni Xavier Alejandro, ang lalaking minamahal niya mula pa sa pagkabata, ng kasal—pero sa papel lang.</i><br />
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<i>Pinag-isipan niya for the millionth time ang pros and cons ng magiging desisyon. Kung papayag siyang magpakasal dito, mabibigyan siya ng pagkakataong makasama ito nang matagal at baka mahulog ang loob nito sa kanya. Unfortunately, ang operative word sa sentence na iyon ay ‘baka’. Ngunit hindi maalis sa isip niya na iyon na ang tsansa niya para mapaibig ang binata.</i><br />
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<i>So she grabbed the opportunity. Di bale nang hindi pa ito madly in love sa kanya. Darating din sila sa puntong iyon....</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<h3>
Acknowledgment</h3>
To Danielle Parian who has never left my side through all the crap I've gone through and who has even offered to help me find a job. Thanks for everything, <i>Manang</i>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Extra Info</h3>
<ul>
<li>I mentioned in a previous post that I choose a theme song for every novel I start, and I listen to that theme song over and over again while writing. My theme song for this book is <i>I Never Dreamed Someone Like You Could Love Someone Like Me</i> by Kate Irving<b>.</b> The song is too literal for my taste, but I think it perfectly captures the relationship between Ella and Xander. She's been in love with him as long as she can remember, and, well, he's always been a bit oblivious.</li>
<li>This is the most serious and 'dramatic' novel I've ever written, so far. I had a hard time holding back on all the silly moments. </li>
</ul>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-74805235311556480602011-06-07T23:37:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:38:38.541+08:00I give writing advice... Yes, really, I do.I was recently invited to post on a Facebook group for tagalog romance writers/readers/lovers in general. Here's what I said:<br />
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<em>There are so many veteran writers in this group who have really made a huge impact on the romance writing industry, and I'm technically still a newbie, so I'm a little shy about posting tips or advice. At the moment, though, my only advice is to be yourself. I think we've all gone through phases where we tried to imitate writers we loved, and that’s awesome practice for beginners. For me, however, the best way to truly make a name in the writing industry, aside from persevering, is to hone your own writing voice, to create your own “brand.” When you sound original on paper and a reader falls in love with your words, you’re the only one who can provide that special flavor. That’s all I can think of for now.</em><br />
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I just can't believe someone asked for writing advice. FROM ME. *Starts jumping up and down.* This feeling almost beats the first time I saw His Secondhand Heart at National Bookstore. Cripes, I feel like a real writer now.<br />
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I feel like I'm really getting back into the swings of things writing-wise. I listened to some new songs and read a really good book. Nothing like that "just read a good book" feeling to get the creative juices flowing.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-80210387978021193742011-06-02T16:44:00.007+08:002014-06-23T04:35:35.801+08:00Reel Love (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWIZUwY1SXBj9JldyheanKGIkJflcSP3Dd_k2sTKiGkL2SbxnL_bUWakrC-LEWJyWHerHUDzn23SzjUpvEWBdDS1EshKnggSLPXww2AlXociTIVrewSH3eJvqxIr2BhJkwBm83v-cvuE/s1600/reellove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWIZUwY1SXBj9JldyheanKGIkJflcSP3Dd_k2sTKiGkL2SbxnL_bUWakrC-LEWJyWHerHUDzn23SzjUpvEWBdDS1EshKnggSLPXww2AlXociTIVrewSH3eJvqxIr2BhJkwBm83v-cvuE/s1600/reellove.jpg" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Reel Love</h3>
Camryn Morrell<br />
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<i>Si Grace Hernandez ang klase ng babae na nililigawan nang matagal at pinapakasalan. Siya naman, si Dave Silverio ay ni hindi marunong manligaw. She deserved someone normal. Isang lalaki na may ordinaryong trabaho sa isang opisina o sa kung saan; iyong simple lang. At malayo sa deskripsyong iyon ang buhay niya bilang isang sikat na matinee idol. Kaya kahit baligtarin pa niya ang mundo, hindi magiging siya ang lalaking iyon.</i><br />
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<i>Pero si Grace ang gumaganap sa role ng girlfriend niya sa harap ng publiko. At mas nahihirapan na yata si Dave dahil masyado siyang nadadala sa play-acting nila, na ayaw na niyang isipin kung ano ang tunay na sila kapag wala nang camera na nakasunod sa kanila....</i><br />
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<h3>
Acknowledgment</h3>
This novel is dedicated to my USA Publications family. I only spent a year with you guys, but it has been one of the most wonderful years of my life.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Extra Info</h3>
<ul>
<li>The original title was supposed to be His Saving Grace, but I like Reel Love more. It's more fitting for the premise.</li>
<li>I choose a "theme song" for every novel I write, and Reel Love's theme song is Smile by Uncle Kracker. I couldn't stop listening to the song while writing.</li>
</ul>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-32686242013387931452011-04-13T01:52:00.004+08:002014-08-09T00:08:16.399+08:00I'm Alive (The Millionth Edition)<div style="text-align: left;">
Wow.</div>
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I haven't touched this blog in months. I am one lazy writer.</div>
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To be honest, though, I got so busy with school that writing became a secondary priority for a while. The good news is I graduate last April 2. I am officially a college graduate. Isn't that cool? :P</div>
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Here are some photos from my graduation:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMfrq-E22-4gY13sJWCxPsCxCnt6OSlcbmtQgG9d6savCGcV7fx-MKNjKOL7bPlzfJ7AP83jaICBSyUJgpuIsL_nq3geAAQYsUAEjuSLiI01ngFRpc5ZnsgyZFnMey3qWJQnpEmuqGEM/s1600/grad1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMfrq-E22-4gY13sJWCxPsCxCnt6OSlcbmtQgG9d6savCGcV7fx-MKNjKOL7bPlzfJ7AP83jaICBSyUJgpuIsL_nq3geAAQYsUAEjuSLiI01ngFRpc5ZnsgyZFnMey3qWJQnpEmuqGEM/s400/grad1.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594759389303954482" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh0nn9hYsVva0lDzRmDVGmbgxXVwsZaFVmFuL8bYFj2KmYcwdyLILGq46dATpc5qIYt_YAI1EzbBD5Q8L9U49jOsB0TWsbKDGoiOwX2l1ST-LKQJDjFQ4qlqJeR4r4CyzHRhRXMflY70/s1600/grad2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikh0nn9hYsVva0lDzRmDVGmbgxXVwsZaFVmFuL8bYFj2KmYcwdyLILGq46dATpc5qIYt_YAI1EzbBD5Q8L9U49jOsB0TWsbKDGoiOwX2l1ST-LKQJDjFQ4qlqJeR4r4CyzHRhRXMflY70/s400/grad2.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594758630486873122" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTwGuw-2XGAMf5wxaMWnn5rx7kAspMUcrQsCHg0lVJYgWgVVEXA-axWlK9HtEezP1uuZYW-LDKSVKmkrtlYN6iqDjCKuyfHc93HpH_PV4CATiIRMFi9Hw0r68n38jQ_Ya8_ngW-bZHlY/s1600/grad3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTwGuw-2XGAMf5wxaMWnn5rx7kAspMUcrQsCHg0lVJYgWgVVEXA-axWlK9HtEezP1uuZYW-LDKSVKmkrtlYN6iqDjCKuyfHc93HpH_PV4CATiIRMFi9Hw0r68n38jQ_Ya8_ngW-bZHlY/s400/grad3.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594758630050673442" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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I'm really excited to begin this new chapter of my life, entering the workforce and all that jazz.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-23622744753174361752010-12-11T13:13:00.005+08:002014-08-09T00:08:56.348+08:00Decisions, DecisionsIt’s been almost a month since my last post. Suffice to say I’ve been super busy with school. I’m currently snacking on Pringles, and lazily breezing through Roald Dahl's short story collection entitled The Umbrella Man and Other Stories. I'm actually considering changing my thesis subject from magical realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude to Dahl's penchant for twist endings in his short stories.<br />
<br />
Decisions, decisions.<br />
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However, I should be working on the first chapter or, at the very least, the outline of my fifth novel. I'm stuck, though. Just winging it and freewriting sounds like a good way to begin, but I'm very hesitant about the method. I don't want to end up with ten pages I'll never use.<br />
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Again, decisions, decisions.<br />
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Bleh. I should stop procrastinating and start writing.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-25316776961538322422010-11-16T16:50:00.005+08:002014-08-09T00:05:27.979+08:00Kera's StoryI've been working on Tyler's story for more than eight months, and I still haven't finished it. Somehow, I think there's something wrong with the story, or maybe I'm not just ready to write it. The story is set in Tagaytay, and I'm really scared that I might get something about the setting wrong since I've only been to the place twice. Also, the characters are being really stubborn--yes, I use my characters as an excuse for my laziness. As a result, I've decided to put it away and start working on a new manuscript instead.<br />
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My friend Kera asked me to write a story using her and her crush's name, and ideas started zipping around my brain the second she mentioned "her" story. Currently, her story is still in the planning stage, but I'm really excited to get started on it. I want to finish it before the year ends.</div>
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Kera's story might just be the project I need to zap me out of my writer's block.</div>
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To get started, I need to pick a theme song for her story. I'm leaning toward Michael Buble's Haven't Met You Yet, but I just might ask Kera what her theme song for her crush is. LOL. I'm guessing it's something by Juris.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Dianne, my other friend, also asked me to write a story for her, but she doesn't have a male love interest at the moment so she'll have to wait... I have a feeling she'll hunt me down with a steak knife if I pair her up with a guy named Van. Hahahaha.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-26439768304896019912010-11-08T21:12:00.002+08:002014-08-09T00:09:09.075+08:00NANO 2010 Update #1I'm still working on my romance novel which is tentatively titled <i>Keeping the Distance</i>. I might post it on FictionPress after (if?!?) I finish it, so you guys can read it for free if you have the time.<br />
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Unfortunately, I didn't get to write even a single page today, because I'm too tired. I spent the whole day at school, trying to enroll for the second semester--it's my last year in college. I spent three hours standing in line, and I still have to go back tomorrow. *Sighs.*</div>
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Here's my current word count:</div>
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<a href="http://www.languageisavirus.com/nanowrimo/word-meter.html" target="_blank" title="NaNoWriMo writing toys games & gadgets"></a><br />
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18877 / 50000 words. 38% done!Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-722086627464930012010-11-07T20:30:00.003+08:002014-08-09T00:09:29.762+08:00NANO 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1cV-BhHZmlKktk2eP_FrYvz74udRGPKOM71LB5Dh-9xNMJYhh4hNMJTmKX4mCpR0f8-AklQlT4IIfddcCd3VgZ67e2FEJSiOmxy1JqyHmXQc4AEprEcKWyZ2Wnd-76fcVcvAyLwrfY/s1600/nano.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1cV-BhHZmlKktk2eP_FrYvz74udRGPKOM71LB5Dh-9xNMJYhh4hNMJTmKX4mCpR0f8-AklQlT4IIfddcCd3VgZ67e2FEJSiOmxy1JqyHmXQc4AEprEcKWyZ2Wnd-76fcVcvAyLwrfY/s1600/nano.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyy1cV-BhHZmlKktk2eP_FrYvz74udRGPKOM71LB5Dh-9xNMJYhh4hNMJTmKX4mCpR0f8-AklQlT4IIfddcCd3VgZ67e2FEJSiOmxy1JqyHmXQc4AEprEcKWyZ2Wnd-76fcVcvAyLwrfY/s400/nano.png" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536784792357346242" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 120px;" /></a></div>
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No, I haven't disappeared from the face of the earth. I merely joined NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) where crazy individuals like myself try to write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days.</div>
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So, yes, my fingers have been busily tapping away.</div>
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Sayonara, and I'll update whether I succeed or fail.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-70011044254845503122010-10-20T16:16:00.000+08:002014-08-09T00:09:47.111+08:00How Meteor Garden Ruined My LifeMeteor Garden ruined my life.<br />
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When I was a high school freshman, I became addicted to the Taiwanese television series Meteor Garden. It’s about a poor girl named Shan Cai who goes to an exclusive school attended by scions and heirs from all over the country. She can only attend the school because her parents work their asses off to send her there, and she simply can’t wait to get the whole thing over with.<br />
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But then she stumbles upon F4, four of the richest and most good-looking boys in school. At first, she falls for Hua Ze Lei—the silent well-read one—but then Dao Ming Shi is the one who truly captures her heart. He’s brash, arrogant, and completely lovable.<br />
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Basically, MeteorGarden is like Cinderella with four Prince Charmings instead of one.<br />
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My twelve-year-old self ate it all up. I dreamed about finding someone who’d run after a goddamn bus just because I’m on it and he can’t live without me. Well, yeah, he can, but he doesn’t want to. I dreamed about finding someone who would jump in the way of a moving vehicle just because I don’t want to be with him anymore, who would fight for me despite his elitist mother’s threats.<br />
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The scene that cemented my love for Dao Ming Shi was the one where he begged Shan Cai to get back together with him after she made out with Hua Ze Lei, his best friend. Or when he asked her to stay when they were standing in the rain and her bags were all packed. Or the time he gave her a shooting star necklace. Jesus, that scene got me every time.<br />
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I was a stupid twelve-year-old, and I’m still stupid at nineteen. No one has ever measured up to Dao Ming Shi, and I doubt anyone ever will. He had his flaws, but they made him even more amazing. They made him seem real. And he beat people up for Shan Cai and he was played by Jerry Yan, damn it. No girl can resist that.<br />
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Now, seven years later, I still watch scenes from MeteorGarden on Youtube, and dream about finding someone even a little like Dao Ming Shi. I’m not holding my breath, but I can’t help it.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-32328829850050709462010-10-16T20:03:00.003+08:002014-08-09T00:10:27.058+08:00Euphoria #2<i>Save Forever for Me</i> has finally arrived at local bookstores!<br />
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Yippee!<br />
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I went to the mall last Friday with my friend Dianne, and, surprisingly, the book was already in the shelves. She immediately bought a copy and made me sign it in the middle of the bookstore. Slightly embarrassing, but completely heartwarming at the same time. So, thanks, Dianne, for your unbridled support!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68DTUJRg4ZTiWuVSEe6IjrmsZ1lRR-BljT_nOEjvwDJ1nouOGCxesiIeH_C5jCT-MEx6sCLZPkx3liGyrsVA0rZtIW9Voe6GODmpMe-hAgnz1v2clLDh7amKEtrQbyx8byyNgafWFTsA/s1600/151010-1806.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68DTUJRg4ZTiWuVSEe6IjrmsZ1lRR-BljT_nOEjvwDJ1nouOGCxesiIeH_C5jCT-MEx6sCLZPkx3liGyrsVA0rZtIW9Voe6GODmpMe-hAgnz1v2clLDh7amKEtrQbyx8byyNgafWFTsA/s400/151010-1806.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528614126239731090" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Also, I found out today that Taylor Song has a rendition of my all-time favorite Christmas song Last Christmas (originally by Wham!). I don’t know why, but listening to Taylor Swift never fails to lift me out of a horrific mood.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-9631401454881675032010-10-03T12:33:00.004+08:002014-08-09T00:38:45.880+08:00Male Feelings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF9N_HH6dd7IYRwT-AXouGC1Ineb6Zys8iIBcxxooes1Pv-JuxO0w3k6oVkG1p8cab759pCWcMec8wG1NyeqNs9Mep8TSEnTwfIYZjIjPvsnacL0o0iID5jt63BClR-Y0nmKWLlOPjK0/s1600/alexpettyfer.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF9N_HH6dd7IYRwT-AXouGC1Ineb6Zys8iIBcxxooes1Pv-JuxO0w3k6oVkG1p8cab759pCWcMec8wG1NyeqNs9Mep8TSEnTwfIYZjIjPvsnacL0o0iID5jt63BClR-Y0nmKWLlOPjK0/s400/alexpettyfer.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523676213199233714" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 314px;" /></a><br />
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<i>(technically Alex Pettyfer has nothing to do with this post, but...)</i></div>
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I was blog hopping last night, and I came across a guest post on Fiction Groupie’s blog about writing from a male point-of-view. The post was mainly about tackling a teenage boy’s point-of-view, but a lot of the points it made could be applied to adult male points-of-view as well.</div>
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Here’s the link to the post entitled <a href="http://fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/2010/09/creating-authentic-teen-guys-voice.html">Creating an Authentic Teen Guy’s Voice</a>.<br />
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The post made me think of a lot of things. In my published novels, His Secondhand Heart and Save Forever for Me, and the other two lined up for publication, the story was told from the points-of-view of both the hero and the heroine. I’ve come to realize that my male main characters tend to overanalyze things, and actually talked about their feelings. *Insert shudder here.*<br />
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I hope to rectify that mistake in my next manuscript, and create an authentic guy’s voice. As much as I hate to admit it, guys don't overanalyze their feelings. They prefer action, and avoid talking about feelings as much as possible. They want to talk about what they think, not what they feel.</div>
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Now I'm off to interview unsuspecting guy friends about their relationships.</div>
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Sayonara.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-70080564200205666302010-09-30T12:28:00.004+08:002014-08-09T00:11:08.283+08:00Save Forever for Me: The InspirationI'm obviously becoming more and more forgetful. A couple of days ago, I posted that my second tagalog romance novel, <b>Save Forever for Me</b>, had been released. I babbled on about it, but somehow I forgot to mention the main inspiration for the novel.<br />
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It's a song.</div>
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To be specific, it's Nina's version of <i>Saving Forever for You</i>.</div>
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I loved it, and listened to it over and over while writing <i>Save Forever for Me</i>. I even culled the title from the song. The song, basically, captures the way Warren and Lia, my main characters, feel about each other.</div>
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Here it is:</div>
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RPN8anq_1v4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RPN8anq_1v4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<i>I've never been so sure </i></div>
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<i>About anything before </i></div>
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<i>But this loving feeling </i></div>
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<i>Gonna be a feeling I feel forever more </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Looking in your eyes </i></div>
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<i>Tomorrow's all I see </i></div>
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<i>Long as there's forever, baby </i></div>
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<i>I will always be </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i>You are the only one </i></div>
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<i>I'll ever give forever to </i></div>
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<i>Love for a lifetime won't do, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i>Wanna always stay together </i></div>
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<i>So I'm saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>You'll be my world </i></div>
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<i>As long as there's a world turning 'round </i></div>
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<i>And you'll be my heaven </i></div>
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<i>Baby, till the heavens all come falling down </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Look inside my heart [Oh, yeah] </i></div>
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<i>Love is all you'll see </i></div>
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<i>Loving you forever, </i></div>
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<i>Living just to be </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i>You are the only one </i></div>
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<i>I'll ever give forever to </i></div>
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<i>Love for a lifetime won't do, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/saving-forever-for-you-lyrics-nina.html ]</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Wanna always stay together </i></div>
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<i>So I'm saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Forever I'll be loving you </i></div>
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<i>Long as time passes by </i></div>
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<i>I'll be there beside you, ho </i></div>
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<i>Through it all, I'll be standing by you </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i>You are the only one </i></div>
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<i>I'll ever give forever to </i></div>
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<i>Love for a lifetime won't do, oh oh oh </i></div>
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<i>Wanna always stay together </i></div>
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<i>So I'm saving forever, saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you (Hoo…ooh…ooh…) </i></div>
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<i>You are the only one </i></div>
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<i>I'll ever give forever to (You are the only one) </i></div>
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<i>Love for a lifetime won't do, (oh oh oh) </i></div>
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<i>Wanna always stay together </i></div>
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<i>So I'm saving forever for you, for you </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Saving forever </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever, (Saving forever) </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever, (Saving forever) </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever, (Saving forever) </i></div>
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<i>Saving forever for you..</i></div>
</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-79544857230386410532010-09-29T11:42:00.001+08:002014-08-09T00:11:19.370+08:00...thoughts on romanceRomance has always been my first love.<br />
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Since I was little, I’ve wished for the fantasy of falling head over heels for someone, and then, magically, finding out that they feel the exact same way. I wanted the fireworks, the sweet one-liners that could make my day, and the little musings that could be shared only by two people in love. Maybe I cultivated the fantasy because of the endless stream of romantic comedies I inhaled or being raised in the generation of boybands—hot guys singing about you being their only one could turn anyone into a blabbering romantic.<br />
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Admittedly, I’ve become a bit more cynical over the years, and romance soon sank to the bottom of my list of priorities. After getting burned a couple of times, the idea of finding that perfect person for me turned more than a little sour, but a part of me has always kept hoping.<br />
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And that part, I guess, is responsible for all the romance novels I’ve been writing. Making two people fall in love is never easy, but it’s quite an amazing job.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-78064472561457050472010-09-28T10:16:00.003+08:002014-08-09T00:11:29.990+08:00Six Months to GoI'm currently working on my report for my Poetry class later. I need to report on W.H. Auden's Musee des Beaux Arts and T.S. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Poetry and I have always had a bit of a love-hate relationship. I like reading it, but I can't write a decent poem to save my life. I'm actually looking forward to Fiction, Western Visayan Literature, and English Literature next semester, especially to Fiction.<br />
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I don't understand, though, why English Literature deserves to be a subject. Of course, there are a lot of English writers who made great contributions to the world of literature, but we had European Literature last year and we just glossed over all the other European writers. We studied James Joyce, Gunter Grass, etc, but Dumas never even came up in the discussion.</div>
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And what about South American Literature? Gabriel Garcia Marquez pioneered magical realism, and we never even discussed him. I think a subject that tackles literature from South America should really be included in our curriculum.</div>
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Well, whatever, I guess I'm just sourgraping because I'm graduating soon, and I feel like I still have a ton of writers to study.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-71397694858115692462010-09-27T21:22:00.011+08:002014-06-23T04:47:04.481+08:00Save Forever for Me (2010)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI7Fe8RCR_-je85SSW_E8dfJqe6dG9XJWc-hoPGLEzQvClePbpZaJK9HvBx6Dcvlk467T1UeNf3uv_bip5iXu4OpgPE4cfmLnsTogcOnbYGqjz1z-z-efHg6GoVKMNHrjqustTBvXTxk/s1600/saveforeverforme.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI7Fe8RCR_-je85SSW_E8dfJqe6dG9XJWc-hoPGLEzQvClePbpZaJK9HvBx6Dcvlk467T1UeNf3uv_bip5iXu4OpgPE4cfmLnsTogcOnbYGqjz1z-z-efHg6GoVKMNHrjqustTBvXTxk/s400/saveforeverforme.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523290194940868466" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 232px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
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<h3>
Save Forever for Me</h3>
<div>
Camryn Morrell</div>
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<i>Hindi makapaniwala si Lia sa ginawa niya: Nilayasan niya ang ama at tinakasan ang kasal niya sa lalaking pinili nito para sa kanya. Okay na sana dahil sa wakas ay nakalaya siya mula sa manipulasyon ng papa niya, kung bakit naman si Warren Alcantara pa ang kailangang makasama niya sa bahay na pagtataguan niya gayong puwede namang ang ina na lang nito. Pero dahil wala siyang gaanong choice at siya ang nakikituloy lang sa pamamahay nito, minabuti niyang pagtiisan ang company ng lalaking reincarnation yata ni Hitler. And then he did what Lia thought was the worst—he denied falling for her, matapos niyang umamin na mahal na niya ito….</i></div>
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<h3>
Acknowledgement</h3>
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Thanks to my mother who tries to understand my obsession with writing, and why I have to be wrenched away from my computer.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I would also like to thank my various college friends, namely Kera, Dianne, Edgelyn, Jeffrey, and Elaine. Thank you for taking the time to buy my books, and actually forcing me to sign them in public.</div>
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My heartfelt thanks also go to Nang Danielle, Ma'am Arlene and Sir Elsed for promoting my work! Literature majors stick together, yeah?</div>
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Of course, I thank everyone who bought copies of my first novel, His Secondhand Heart. God bless you all.</div>
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<h3>
Extra Info:</h3>
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<ul>
<li>While writing, I imagined Alfred Vargas as Warren Alcantara and Anne Curtis as Lia Olivares.</li>
<li>As of this writing, the story of Warren's friend, Dave Silverio, has been accepted for publication. So, please stay tuned for that one.</li>
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Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-85144972298597459742010-07-31T17:53:00.001+08:002014-08-09T00:12:10.379+08:00At the Beginning<div>
Hi. It’s been a long time.</div>
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I want to say that I’ve been busy with my writing, but I’d be lying if I did. I haven’t completed a manuscript in four months, and I’m panicking. This is not good. I should grab a microphone or something and scream mayday at the top of my lungs.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the other hand, I’m learning how to write news articles, feature articles, and articles. Newswriting seems so easy when I read news articles, but it’s actually pretty goddamn hard.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Especially for fiction writers. See, in writing fiction, you start off by giving the reader tiny, unimportant details and reveal the really important stuff in the end.</div>
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Writing news is an entirely different ball game. You have to place all the important stuff at the beginning, and use as few words as possible.</div>
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So, yeah. I feel like I’m in writing kindergarten right about now.</div>
Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513071124186071230.post-45487228902806644892010-07-09T23:20:00.002+08:002014-08-09T00:12:22.510+08:00What A Day<div style="text-align: left;">
Originally, I thought today was going to be a majorly shitty day. So, to compensate, I took a picture of something beautiful (ignore the crappy quality). :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7b0FDsG_hIoRQ08Jijr4lyiVEB0l5DJ2e-QKSz8N-ELiCk-yekx1rQQy7kGX7nHLR4hzWJPJmWE6cv2SRry6WZwjKtcDL94j-JaTH3G-zXdrUZkwQVwEEx6QLgjONpgptRqAO0Q4lEM/s1600/090710-1135(001).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7b0FDsG_hIoRQ08Jijr4lyiVEB0l5DJ2e-QKSz8N-ELiCk-yekx1rQQy7kGX7nHLR4hzWJPJmWE6cv2SRry6WZwjKtcDL94j-JaTH3G-zXdrUZkwQVwEEx6QLgjONpgptRqAO0Q4lEM/s400/090710-1135(001).jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491927473540511714" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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But then…<br />
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Things looked up right after lunchtime. I received good news about something I was really nervous about. I celebrated by buying myself a Pepsi (I’m a miser, I know).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsTX-8IlBJUMlLvs80hjfQmeG_eyT93eN_YAMNco_5t4Bd4s6dBC6fPHFAgJslOaH0yQSIIzUIFaGrecKlYWPfaUafq2nlQLHpQS4jfyY5YE2TkeOmI4aabS1vGEK-MJvtEhX6xDJlzU/s1600/090710-1452.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSsTX-8IlBJUMlLvs80hjfQmeG_eyT93eN_YAMNco_5t4Bd4s6dBC6fPHFAgJslOaH0yQSIIzUIFaGrecKlYWPfaUafq2nlQLHpQS4jfyY5YE2TkeOmI4aabS1vGEK-MJvtEhX6xDJlzU/s400/090710-1452.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491927470118479074" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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Things got even better after school. I went to Robinson’s and found this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFwtLzqZSzvV6rrBg7E7lkZgFlUr2_eBsYY7GoJvKC1JbKSsRxOV9GSWHit0UNCqSFQ_r0V5PO0J9l85mW6YCZuY62_I4dRiBzc2Q0IbV7f24WuAkhososiQpq64Vx7J8emvO7ZKQsrM/s1600/090710-1747.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFwtLzqZSzvV6rrBg7E7lkZgFlUr2_eBsYY7GoJvKC1JbKSsRxOV9GSWHit0UNCqSFQ_r0V5PO0J9l85mW6YCZuY62_I4dRiBzc2Q0IbV7f24WuAkhososiQpq64Vx7J8emvO7ZKQsrM/s400/090710-1747.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491927465298564530" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div>
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See, I’m a student by day and a tagalog romance novelist by night. The picture above features my first book on a shelf at National Bookstore. Sorry if it’s a little blurry. I had to take a photo before anybody noticed. LOL.<br />
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So, yeah.Camrynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07382744192160327707noreply@blogger.com3