Missing Looklet + Bookish News

You know Facebook’s On This Day feature? Yeah, I’m such a sucker for that, and this week, it spewed out a lot of photos from my Looklet album and I just experienced such a wave of nostalgia (UGH), and I just MISS LOOKLET SO MUCH. Are you familiar with the site? Not the one they have NOW but how it was YEEEEARS AGO where you could style models and join contests and what-nots. I know there are a couple of sites that offer the same things now but none of them are as good as Looklet😦

Anyway…I just thought of sharing some of my favorite looks that I have styled on the site…

Ah, I remember this one vividly! haha I was so obsessed with Gossip Girl (still am, mind you) and at that time, I was also reading the books, and there was this passage about Serena loving the animals at the zoo…and I think this look was inspired by that episode where she was late for the Mixer announcement.

 

Do you realize who my inspiration is for those three images above? No? Well…

Blair Waldorf, of course!

You know what the funny thing is, though? Yesterday, I unearthed some old files and found old manuscripts of this story of mine called Concrete Jungle, which is pretty much inspired by Gossip Girl lol. Anyway, I decided to start posting chapters on Wattpad, so if you want to read, please do so–and leave me comments, too! xx

Every Version of You

One, you were full of daydreams; nothing you can remember anymore

Two, you opened up your eyes to harsh realities; some you blinded yourself from

Three and four, you found hope

Five, you started to be confused; about life, about the world

Six, you were a big sister

Seven, you were a little lady

Eight, nine, ten, you were meek; you were shy

Eleven, twelve, you were painfully awkward; the world was harsh;

Thirteen, fourteen, you lost one of the people you loved most

Fifteen, you were full of dreams; had your head in the clouds; only going up, up, up

Sixteen, you fell back to earth; had to stop; didn’t know where to go next

Seventeen, you had a breakdown; tried to pick yourself back up

Eighteen, you had the world in your hands

Nineteen, your world came crashing down

Twenty, you were full of grace

Twenty One, you didn’t know where you were headed

Twenty Two, you tried; oh how much you tried

Twenty Three, you were full of lies

Twenty Four, you went away; left that world; built something new

Twenty Five, you were back with your fairy tales; you know they never left; they never will

Twenty Six, you were good; you were alright

Twenty Seven, you’re fine; and then you’re not

 

I still see every version of you;

Every version of me;

There’ll be more

So much more

There’d be hope

Hopefully more

 

Life, Lately… (aka dealing with this and that, and #WriteBreakUpSongsAbout)

So…it’s been a few days since I’ve been here and I wish it was just because I was busy but aside from that…depression and anxiety have been pretty bad, too. The thing with them is that when they attack you bad, they attack you real bad.

And it’s hard. There really were days the past few weeks when I felt like I’ve reached the end of my rope. You have no idea how hard it is to remind myself to keep going; just keep going. Sometimes, life just feels too constricting; like it’s just full of losses and you have no idea how to win. This isn’t about being dramatic; it’s just the truth.

But, anyway, I’ve also been writing and the latest I’ve worked on was my #WriteBreakupSongsAbout (You can still write along! Details HERE) manuscript and though I cannot talk much about it, I could say it’s one of the most challenging things I’ve done simply because…well, this one involved lots of real emotions (my choice! Ha!) and it’s like looking back at a different time in your life (at least, in mine).

It’s just something I have not written about for sooooo long, and this time, it’s like I got to feel all the emotions (haha) just because you know, you’re looking back, seeing another version of you, and putting yourself in your old shoes (whatever the hell that means), and yeah, it’s also kind of therapeutic.

See, I guess what I’ve learned is that sometimes…it’s harder to write about things that are close to you because…you have to work on blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and you have to give it your best.

But here’s another thing: this manuscript is something I’m proud of. It’s something that cheesy as it sounds, really came from the heart. ;)

What I can say is that we had to choose a One Direction song for this project, and what I chose was You and I. You can listen to it below.

I figured it out
I figured it out from black and white
Seconds and hours
Maybe they had to take some time

I know how it goes
I know how it goes for wrong and right
Silence and sound
Did they ever hold each other
Tight like us
Did they ever fight like us

[Harry:]
You & I
We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between
You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us
No nothing can come between
You & I
Oohh You & I

I figured it out
Saw the mistakes of up and down
Meet in the middle
There’s always room for common ground

I see what it’s like
I see what it’s like for day and night
Never together
Cause they see things in a different light
Like us
They never tried like us

[Harry:]
You & I
We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between
You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us

‘Cause You & I

We don’t want to be like them
We can make it till the end
Nothing can come between You & I
Not even the gods above
Could separate the two of us
No nothing can come between
You & I

You & I

Oohh You & I [x2]

We can make it if we try
You & I

Oohh you & I
You & I

Have a good week, everyone!

Unseen Moon -- Book Review

Eliza Victoria - "Unseen Moon"

Get the book on Smashwords or Amazon

Ghosts in a mansion. A home invasion. A group of friends haunted by a murder. An unlikely friendship, a dead body in an abandoned house. A girl falling to her death, and another falling into the viewless darkness.

Unseen Moon collects five suspenseful stories by award-winning author Eliza Victoria.

***

A collection of Horror Stroies from Eliza Victoria, a brilliant and undeniably good Filipina Author, Unseen Moon is something that every Horror/Mystery/Crime fan must read. 

First in the collection is Needle Rain. A story of a barkada and how they try to uncover the mysteries of a murder that happened in their hometown. One of the most mysterious stories in the pack, this is a good way to build the tension and suspense that one should feel while reading the book. However, aside from being scary, there's  bit of sadness and surprise here, too. What's good is that the author was really able to capture the old-skool Filipino neighborhood--she was able to build the feel and imagery that was needed.

And then comes my favorite story in the book: The Ghosts of Sinagtala. Oh, god, this is the perfect thing to read right now as the Holy Week is coming up soon, and aside from being "Holy", we all know that it's also the time when they say that bad spirits are all over the place. This (and I told the author about this) SERIOUSLY. CREEPED. ME. OUT. It's not about monsters or the usual white ladies or whatever, but the kind of horror depicted in this story is so psychological that it would really rack your brain. (And I'm getting goosies again while writing this). Read it and you will know what I mean. It's really something you'd have to put down and continue once the sun shines again (yeah I read it late, late at night and god my mind worked so bad) because it's so scary. Watch out for rats. 

Summer Evening, meanwhile, is brutal. You never know how twins' minds' work these days. You might be disturbed by this story and by the brutality, but all in all it was good. I like how different and creative the author can get.

A tale that will surely tug at your heartstrings without losing its mystery, December, is about an orphan named December, who makes friends with a boy named Gabriel. Together, they discover secrets and mysteries about a dead body in the lake, an abandoned mansion and the people around them. 

Finally, there is the Viewless Dark. If you're a student and are frequenting the library, you'll be afraid. Okay seriously, this was one of the best. It's about finding out about someone's death and learning what you need to learn about that person. It's scary, it's suspenseful and it's a work that's just definitely top of the line. If you're fond of trying to solve mysteries, this story is for you.

Give this book a chance because you will not regret it. And you know what? I think I'm going to re-read these stories sometime soon. They're THAT good. 

Something New

"Are you pregnant?" Karen asked Emma, her best friend since kindergarten while at one of the uber-sophisticated, air-conditioned restrooms at Luna East. This one was at the fifth floor of the Arts building though, one that not a lot of students use. Emma immediately got out of the cubicle that she was in as she heard Emma puking yet again. She straightened her skirt and grabbed Emma by the arm before asking the dreaded question.

"Are you effin' pregnant?" She said, with much more strength this time, not minding if anyone would hear.

"Can you shut up?" Emma said, turning off the faucet after splashing some water on her face.

"You're throwing up again."

"I'm not pregnant, K," Emma said, "I just had too much to eat."

"Oh," Karen said, "Okay." She said nonchalantly, as if the fact that Emma just said that she was throwing up because of eating too much is not something to be worried about. At least she's not pregnant, Karen thought, an eating disorder is better. She and Emma then left the restroom.

**

Margot hastily got out of the cubicle as soon as Karen and Emma left. She hated those moments when some girls enter the restroom and go on with their tattletales, and superficial lives.Who would not get worried knowing that her friend has been purging? Margot shook her head.

She hated those moments when she had to stop reading whatever novel she was reading just because of those noisy teenage girls who knew nothing about life. Not that she knew everything, but at least she didn't have to throw up after eating, or worry about getting pregnant before graduating from high school because there's just so much to do.

Like, being part of the arts and crafts club. Or, immersing herself in the newest Maria Semple or David Levithan read. Or listening to The Smiths on her worn out iPod mini, one that she has not given up for around eight years now. What for? It still works, and she just doesn't like those new gadgets. You buy one today and you have to change it again in a few months or so because it's no longer "new". There's a lot of better use for money than that.

She glanced at her watch. It was 2:00 in the afternoon already. She had classes in an hour, and she was getting hungry. Yep, she's one of those girls who actually eats because she likes it and she actually doesn't mind gaining weight. She doesn't though. She's also one of those girls who have very fast metabolism, and that's why people often think that she's on a diet or that she's starving herself. She HATES feeling that way. But then again, what could she do? Damned if you do, damned if you don't, anyway.


She made her way out of the restroom, heavy Polka-dotted bag and a couple of books in hand, and bumped into Ronan. He transferred to Luna East from rival school Preston High just last year, their junior year in High School. He was tall, with Blue eyes, Dark, Chestnut Brown hair and an overwhelming presence because of his Half-Brit heritage. They have never spoken before, but she knew a lot about him. How could she not, when almost every girl in school talks about him like he's a god?

"Margot," He said.

She raised an eyebrow, her defense mechanism for awkward situations like this. "Why do you know my name?" She said as she picked up her books. Ronan bent down to help her, too.

"We were classmates, weren't we? Intro to Interior Design?" Yep, they had classes such as Interior Design because Luna East was an Arts School. And that's why it's awesome.

"Yeah, but--" She said as she placed the books one by one back in her bag.

"I paid attention," Ronan said, "here," he said, handing her Maria Semple's "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" and then getting it back, "Wait, I haven't read this one."

"Go buy one."

"Aren't you willing to lend this to me?"

She took a deep breath and rolled her eyes, "Ronan," she said, "We're not friends."

"Maybe," he said, "but we can be."

"Why would we be?"

"Aren't you willing to try something new?"

"What is it to you?"

"Nothing," he said, "Just being friendly." He smiled and then rummaged through his sling bag, "Tell you what," he said,"I'll lend you this," he handed her a copy of Don Winslow's "Savages", "I know you haven't read that."

"How do you know?"

"I stalk you on Goodreads."

She rolled her eyes again. She barely checks the friend requests on her Goodreads page. "You're insane," she said.

"Maybe," he said, "or maybe I just want to be friends with you."

For some reason, this made her smile lightly, "Fine," she said, accepting the book, "I'll return this to you in three days. Make sure you finish that book, too."

"Is that a challenge?"

"Maybe," she smiled.

He chuckled, "What's your number?"

She shook her head, took a mini notebook from her bag and wrote down her number on a page. She tore the page and gave it to Ronan.

"Thanks," he said, "See you in three days."

"Fine, fine," she said and started to walk away. She opened the first page of the book that Ronan lent her, and saw that something was written on it.

I've been wanting to lend this to you for a while now, but I have no idea how to reach you. So, yeah, I've been keeping this in my bag, in the hopes that I'd have a chance to talk to you each day. Creepy? Sorry.

Hope you're willing to try something new. 

Ronan

She glanced back at him and caught his eye. They shared a smile. Well, it was clearly the start of something new...

___________________________________________________________

Haha! Tried writing a story for Luna East, darlings.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, then check THIS out. 

And join the raffle HERE. 

Stay the Night: Sneak Peak + a little Collab surprise!

So, I told you guys last night that I'm working on something for #BuqoSteamyReads, right? Well, tonight I finally started working on it, and even came up with a title (Stay the Night)--which I'm not sure if I should stick with, but we'll see, we'll see...

Anyway, here's a little sneak peak of what I've been writing...

Okay, kids, sorry for corrupting your precious minds. HAHA!

Oh, and another fun fact: Miss Anne Plaza, author of "In Over her Head" and I decided to make our Alpha Males BFFs since they both own a resort! Tee-hee! This is going to be so much fun! 

So, there, watch out for this soon and Thank You! :)

Work in Progress

Will start working on my #BuqoSteamyReads story this week! (If you're wondering what #BuqoSteamyReads is, it's an online class headed by the awesome Miss Mina V. Esguerra. You can read more about it HERE, and check us out on Twitter and Facebook). Playlist above is something I made for inspiration... :)

So, each member of the class was assigned to write a steamy story in different story tropes. I was assigned the trope "The One that got away" and my first reaction was, "Weeee! I LOVE it!". I like the complexity of it, and I think the characters that I have in mind will work well with the plot.

We were also asked to choose the heal level that we would like to incorporate in our stories. I was torn between levels 2 and 3, and I chose 3, which means "sexy/sizzling" so yeah all the sexy Grey books that I read will finally be put to use. tee-hee.

I've actually written something a while back, and it's here: (I know, the handwriting sucks hahaha and yeah I kinda speak to myself...Why not? :))

Short progress but will work on it more later. And yeah, it's yet untitled, but it will be the story of Dianna  and Dylan, old flames who crossed paths again after Dianna ran away from her wedding day. Why did she run, and how would the fact that she saw Dylan again will affect her life right now? That's what you'll know later ;) 

So yes, I'm back to writing Fiction! After 2 months or so. Let's do this! :)

Twixt by Diane J. Reed (Review)

Let's go to the Twixt place--where sea and sky meet land. 

I don't know how Diane Reed found me, but thank the faeries, she did.

Twixt by Diane J. Reed

As a lover of anything that has something to do with faeries, fairy tales and the like, this was a book that really captured my attention. What I really liked about it is the fact that the story sucks you deep into it. You'd feel like you're a part of the story because of the genuine imagery and the great characterization. For me, a book can be considered good if it has great characterization and if the imagery is so there that you really will feel like you're part of it. 

I like books that makes me imagine. The author was really able to describe the characters and the setting and so it made it feel alive. Also, reading this book reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows: Once Upon A Time!  Also, I like the whole Irish magic thing. Just like Cecelia Ahern's "If you could see me now", this book is full of everything magical and faeriesh that it will just make you smile. 

Reading this book also made me want to try some Pansy-Walnut fritters, wish with all my heart, look for faeries and visit the Rainbow's End Cafe. In this day and age where everything is so fast-paced and modern, sometimes, we need books that will remind us of the child inside of us--the child we should always get back to; it will remind you of innocence; of good things. It's a great book to escape to and definitely one great read that you should try.

One concern I have with this book though is that the cover is not that flattering. But anyway, you guys know not to judge a book by it's cover so go ahead and try this. You won't regret it.

All together now: "I do believe in faeries! I do, I do!"