Bidding Farewell to 2024, Welcoming 2025
Wow. Here we are. Another year, another chapter. While I've got high hopes for what's ahead, saying goodbye to 2024 is, well, bittersweet. To put it simply, 2024 was the year for me. The kind of year you write novels about (and I just might).
2024 IN A NUTSHELL
This past year, I achieved more than I could have dreamed. I published two novels, four short stories, and even a poetry series. Honestly, as a writer, what else could I ask for? But beyond the pages, what really stood out was the people I met during my literary adventures. Connecting with fellow authors gave me a whole new perspective on this industry. Despite technically being competitors, we built a community rooted in mutual support—cheering each other on instead of tearing each other down. It's heartwarming, really.
Travel also played a huge part in my 2024 story. I found myself writing in places I never imagined I'd be, immersing myself in unfamiliar surroundings and weaving them seamlessly into my stories. This experience breathed life into my characters, making their journeys more vivid and authentic. It wasn't just about exploring new locations but about living within those worlds through my pages.
While writing took up a significant part of my time, I also balanced my role as a brand strategist –– the day job I've been with for as long as I could remember. Though I didn't step away from it, I learned an invaluable lesson in letting go and delegating tasks. Trusting my team to handle responsibilities lightened my load and brought a sense of liberation. The transition wasn't just about teamwork; it was personal growth, teaching me to rely on others and focus on where my efforts were most impactful.
Along the way, I reconnected with my sisters and restored friendships with my constant, whose absence over the past year had left a noticeable void. Together, we rebuilt bridges and moved forward, while also making room in my life for new friendships that brought fresh perspectives and joy.
A SAD GOODBYE …
However, not all connections were destined to withstand the test of time. I made the painful decision to part ways with a friend I had been collaborating with on a creative project. Our frequent clashes and differing temperaments had begun to wear on both of us, taking a toll on our mental well-being. While it was difficult to walk away, I knew it was the healthiest choice for us both. The decision to redirect the storyline of our planned sequel became a sad metaphor for our goodbye.
Despite this chapter closing, I hold onto hope that time will bring clarity and healing. Perhaps one day, when life has softened our edges and brought more peace to our stories, our paths will cross again. For now, though, we must focus on resting our minds and finding balance separately.
AND A FEW "HELLOS"
Life has a way of catching you off guard, doesn't it? While working on my fourth novel, "I Love You Sunday Sunset"—a sequel to "Gnight, Sara / 'Night, Heck"—I found myself walking at a crossroads of creativity. For weeks, Ben Harper's "Burn One Down" played on a constant loop, setting the tone as I navigated a sudden and challenging redirection of the storyline.
My editor, Frances Amper-Sales, and I were debating how to gracefully write out a beloved character—one who swoons the readers. The challenge? Introducing a new male protagonist who could live up to, or even surpass, the emotional connection readers had with Heck. It often felt like competing with the ghost of a character, which, as we know, is no easy feat. The goal was crystal clear—the readers should champion this new character, even if the female protagonist needed time (and maybe a few plot twists) to catch up.
Then, as if by fate, inspiration came as an accidental connection –– dang, the usual theme of my novels! While navigating a new social app, I stumbled upon a musician whose cover of "Burn One Down" completely floored me—dare I say, even better than Ben's original. What began as an unplanned link led to random, lighthearted exchanges about nothing in particular. Yet, somehow, those casual interactions sparked the beginnings of a new character, one who began to take shape in my manuscript. He emerged as the perfect foil—bringing energy, contrast, and complexity to the story.
Like many writers, I often find that real people serve as muses for fictional characters, seamlessly blending reality with imagination. And so, this seemingly incidental interaction, born out of an unexpected connection, became the creative thread that tied my new protagonist to life.
MAJOR WRITING MILESTONES
Oh, and how could I forget? 2024 marked a milestone I'll treasure forever. I had the remarkable opportunity to pitch one of my novels to a producer—a moment that led to signing a contract for screen adaptation exploration. Yes, you read that right. There's a chance my story might one day make its way onto the screen! While the timeline remains uncertain—it's very much a waiting game—I'm savoring every step of the process.
Part of this exciting process involved crafting a film treatment and a sample for the pilot episode. Along the way, I found myself asking for screenwriting tips from people whose names I'd only seen rolling across film credits. To say it was surreal would be an understatement—it was a true pinch-me moment. Beyond the thrill, it became an educational experience, offering me valuable insights into the world of story pitching and production. Understanding the intricacies of how stories transition from page to screen felt like a victory in itself, regardless of the outcome.
UNEXPECTED BONDS AND TEENAGE FLASHBACKS
Before the year came to a close, something entirely unexpected happened—a sudden rush of teenage memories resurfaced after decades. Those years weren't exactly the brightest chapter of my life, and I'd happily left them buried in the past. Yet, for 30 years, I had often thought about a dear friend Neriza from that time—a kindred spirit who made those awkward, formative years bearable. We were like odd twins, bonded not by the usual teenage obsessions but by our shared love of books and endless episodes of Bruce Willis' "Moonlighting" and every peso we had seemed to end up at the National Bookstore in SM North Edsa.
Given today's social media landscape, I assumed reconnecting with her would've been a breeze. But I couldn't have been more wrong—she had perfected the art of staying invisible online. For years, even decades, there wasn't a single trace of her presence.
Then, just a few weeks before the year ended, while casually scrolling through my pile of unnoticed message requests, I stumbled upon a message from her. It had been sitting there for three years! My heart raced as I typed a reply, hoping she was still active on the app. A few minutes later, my phone buzzed—it was her.
What followed was an hours-long conversation that felt like we were stepping into a time machine. Despite the time zone difference, we dove headfirst into nostalgia. I was even midway through a meeting, pretending to look invested, all while typing furiously. She was all, “Do you remember what happened to ***?” and I was over here like, “Wait… who the fuck is that again?” It was our old dance. It was as though no time had passed. We laughed about the quirks of our teenage selves, swapped updates about our lives, and rediscovered the same book-loving solidarity that once defined our friendship. Sure, we had a few more wrinkles, some grey hairs, a fond appreciation for wine, and a host of new plot twists to share—but at our core, we were the same.
When she learned I had published novels, she remembered our old childhood dreams and told me she was proud of me. To hear that from her meant something entirely different. I've heard similar words from friends and family before, but hers carried the warmth of a hug I didn't realize I needed.
As luck would have it, she was scheduled to visit Manila during the holidays. However, my holiday plans were already set with family in California. Despite our conflicting schedules, we found a narrow window to meet—a single day before she returned to Stockholm and right after I landed from Cali. Together, alongside two other old friends, Daisy and Mykee, we spent an entire day reminiscing and catching up. It was a rare and precious moment, one that left me deeply fulfilled.
BRINGING IN 2025 WITH OPEN ARMS
While I wish I could hold onto 2024 forever, I'm also really excited for what's to come. I've got two new novels in the works, and just thinking about where the stories will take me gives me butterflies.
2025, I'm ready for you—ready for new adventures, new connections, and maybe even a few unexpected surprises. Here's to growth, learning, and dreams coming true. 🥂
#HappyNewYear! May we all create stories worth telling this year.
Kommentare