Yay! We were able to finally catch up with
new author of inspirational book Amazed and
co-author of children’s lit Brightest
Joanne Crisner Alcayaga to have this interview…
Tell us about your younger self. When did
you find out that you wanted to be a writer?
When I was younger, I really didn’t know what
I wanted to be. All I remember was my first attempt at writing a piece as I was
about to graduate from grade school. I wanted to write about embarking on a new
chapter as I enter High School. But that written work was purely for my own
enjoyment. It was written at the back of an empty notebook which I wasn’t able
to keep. During High SchooI, I tried out for the school newspaper but failed
and joined an elective class in writing. I started to love reading pocketbooks
and novels which I think propelled me to discover my own writing style and what
genre I would enjoy writing. I guess, it was during college when I realized I wanted
to be a writer which is why I took up Journalism. But after that, I found out
that creative writing was really my passion.
Do
you remember some Eureka moments when you wanted to leave everything undone, go
to your laptop and write something?
Eureka
moments for me mostly come when I am by myself, usually when I am traveling or
commuting to wherever I am going. Those quiet moments when I just sit at the
jeepney and realize something out of the blue. When I observe something at the
street or just outside, some kind of enlightenment comes which I try to write
about.
In what genre do you want to write more?
Who are the writers who inspire you the most? What are your favorite books?
I just
love writing about the essence of life. How to make a meaning out of it. How
humanity struggles and triumphs. Mostly, I write inspirational essays, short
stories and poems to touch other people’s lives. But I would love to venture
into writing love stories or romance novellas since I grew up reading them and
feeling “kilig” all over. Mitch Albom is my greatest inspiration in writing
especially his theme and writing style as reflected in Tuesdays with Morrie. I
guess Nicholas Sparks also made an impression, since A Walk to Remember is
really the first novel I read, it brought me to tears. I also admire his
writing style with a silent, flowing rhythm. Though I haven’t read their books,
I have come across some works/quotes by these incredible writers, Marianne
Williamson and Henry David Thoreau. I am also a big fan of J.K Rowling’s Harry
Potter series. I am truly amazed by her insane imagination, creativity and her
clever and impeccable writing. Every word had a purpose. Every word had a
timing. Every word fit into her plot.
What and where is your dream place where
you would sit and write to your heart’s content?
In my
mind, I have already kept a dream place where I could just look out the window,
breathe in the fresh air, feel the rich culture around and write to my heart’s
content. It’s in Italy. I can see myself there. If you have already seen the
movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, there is a scene there where Dianne Lane just sits
at her chair and types on her laptop, facing outside, with windows wide open.
That’s me, hopefully, in a few years.
Tell us about your books and how you came
about to writing them. Do you have anything new in the drawer?
I have
already co-authored a children’s book with Josephine Litonjua and artist Johann
De Venecia, entitled Brightest. It is filled with beautiful images but its
content can also be targeted to adults. I also have a related essay inside the
book which supports the overall message of the story. Just recently, my first
ever solo book, Amazed, has also been published and released with the help of
crowdsourcing. It is a collection of personal and inspirational essays and
short stories which I have written since way back. Most of my life experiences
and learnings can be found here including works of fiction. It tackles the
complexities of love, work, family, and life in detail.
What advice would you give to aspiring
writers?
My advice to aspiring authors is to read.
Never stop reading because that will be your foundation in writing. Always
observe, practice your imagination, be curious enough, engage in meaningful
conversations, listen to people’s stories, watch more movies with great
content, expand your perspective, and just simply take in everything, every
information, every snapshot and every idea that would cross your path. These
can help you better understand yourself, what you want to write about and who
you want to write for. It will lead you to your purpose on why you want to
write. Make sure also that you don’t give up, there are so many outlets and
venues out there for you, the perfect opportunity will come along when the time
is right.
How can readers discover more about you and you work?
Facebook: JoanneCrisner.Author, Amazed Page,
Brightest Page, joanne_alcayaga@yahoo.com
Twitter:
iamcrisner, Amazed020614
Goodreads: Joanne_Crisner, Amazed, Brightest
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