Writing

How long have you been writing regularly?

I started writing regularly since I started my journaling practice around 2018. So that's about seven years already.

How much do you write each week?

Now, I write at least one to three pages in my journal daily (around 500 words daily). I take notes while outdoors (around 100 words daily). I also write notes in my talahardin (around 500 words daily). On top of these, I publish one newsletter each month (1,000 words). I write probably 7,000–8,000 words per week.

Is your schedule structured or sporadic?

More structured than sporadic. The only time I break my schedule is when I work for seven to ten days each month, I travel, or when I have an important event to attend. That said, I write whenever insight or motivation arrives, so this mode is sporadic.

Are you focusing on one project or experimenting with various ideas?

Right now, I am experimenting with multiple ideas.

Reading

Do you read regularly? How many books per year?

Yes. Last year (2024), I read 23 books. Since 2015, I average 10 books a year. However, I need to be more regular, systematic, and intentional with my reading.

What are your three favorite topics or genres?

I like reading lyrical creative nonfiction books that delve into philosophical, religious, or theological matters. I also like biographical books that tell the story of someone worth emulating. I like books that experiment with walking or that are situated in a specific time and space (historical and geographical). Lastly, I like poetry books of all kinds—formalist, conceptual, or experimental.

What are the last five books you read?

1. First We Read, Then We Write by Robert D. Richardson Jr.
2. Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky
3. will you tell me what I look like? by Raphael Atienza Coronel
4. facture by Raymond de Borja
5. This is How to Mean No Harm by Martin Villanueva

Community

Do you have writer friends or colleagues?

Yes. I have more serious writer friends now, and my work is influenced by theirs.

Do you have a critique group where you can exchange feedback?

None. Although, I sometimes ask for help from my writer friends.

Have you gone to any events or conferences?

Yes. But not often. I think I need to do a better job in identifying events and attending them.

Do you read any writing blogs, magazines, or websites?

Not really on writing per se. But I do read blogs and websites of writers I admire or whose works influence mine.

Do you connect with writers on social media? If so, where?

Yes. Facebook and IG.

What is the biggest "win" you've experienced in your writing, reading, or community building this past year?

Last year, my essay won in the GBL. I read a wide variety of material that went into my own work both in content and form. And my network has grown more.

If you could improve one thing in your writing life, what would that be?

Living it as a spiritual or religious disicipline.

References

Pereira, G. (2016). DIY MFA: Write with Focus, Read with Purpose, Build Your Community. Writer’s Digest Books.