Last August 14, 2024, we gathered at the Sari-Sari Stories: Romance Edition Book Nook event, filled with anticipation and excitement. As everyone took their seats, we could feel the collective eagerness for what was to come. It took a little time for everyone to get settled, but the wait only built up the anticipation for the program ahead.
Once the program started, the atmosphere shifted to one of inspiration and engagement. Miss Monette and Miss Porsha took the stage, leading an insightful interview with the talented writers who contributed to the Sari Sari Stories Romance Edition. Their conversation with the authors was the highlight of the event, offering deep dives into the creative processes and inspirations behind the stories in the collection.
The Sari-Sari Stories Romance Edition event was an eye-opening experience for me. Each of the four writers shared their unique approaches to crafting love stories, offering insights into what fuels their creativity. What struck me most was their perspective on the nature of writing itself. They emphasized that writing doesn't always have to be rooted in personal experiences instead, it can be a powerful form of expression and freedom. This idea resonated deeply with me, challenging the common notion that all great writing must come from personal life events.
One of the authors used a memorable analogy that stuck with me. They compared writing to an old faucet, when you first turn it on, the water that comes out is dirty, but as you let it flow, it gradually becomes clear. This comparison perfectly encapsulates the writing process. It reminded me that writing is often a journey of refinement, where initial drafts may be rough, but persistence and continued effort lead to clarity and depth in our ideas.
Personally, I felt truly enlightened by this. Reading and writing are two of the most powerful things we can do. It’s like breathing in and out—"inhaling" through reading and "exhaling" through writing. These acts are essential to who we are as human beings, and this event reignited my passion for both.
Another valuable lesson I took away from the event is the idea that a single story can be interpreted in countless ways, depending on how it’s told. This aspect of storytelling mirrors our individuality as human beings. We all have different experiences, and the way we choose to express those experiences through writing is what makes each of us special. It was a powerful reminder that our unique perspectives are what breathe life into the stories we tell.
The impact of this realization extended beyond my identity as a reader or a writer, it struck me on a personal level. The event highlighted the importance of embracing our differences and using writing as a tool to explore and express our distinctiveness. It reinforced the idea that in writing, just as in life, we are free to be as unique and imaginative as we wish, and that this freedom is what makes our voices truly powerful.
In writing, we possess the incredible freedom to be as wild and imaginative as we desire, unshackled by limitations or constraints. This creative liberty allows us to explore ideas, emotions, and worlds that might not exist anywhere else but in our minds. The ability to think, create, and express without boundaries is what makes writing such a powerful and fulfilling art form. It’s truly amazing to realize that within the realm of writing, we can construct entire universes, delve into the deepest corners of our thoughts, and bring to life stories that connect with others. This boundless freedom is what makes the act of writing not just a craft, but an extraordinary journey of discovery and expression.
As a closing take away from the authors, I was inspired to never stop reading and to always seek out literature in the wild. This advice emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with diverse and unconventional sources of literary inspiration, reminding us that great stories and profound insights can be found everywhere, not just in traditional settings.
Blog by Jessica Ty