My 2016 In Retrospect: Writing Life

So I begin my inventory of 2016.

It was a tough year, generally speaking. But after looking closely at the events and experiences I had since the year started I realized how grace filled the year has been for me. For the next few days, I will post in the blog my 2016 stories of joy, love and life. World events and the nation's current political climate are very frustrating. There are days when I feel afraid and insecure of my safety and my family's too. The economy is looking glum, from where I am but, as what I learned from Ignatius, God is in all things. There are graces to be had.

In 2016, I was able to work with a team of proactive young writers. Under the efficient leadership of YGOAL, we were able to finish a teacher training manual on Personal Development for the DepEd's Senior High School Program and Curriculum. I blogged about our BPI-YGOAL Teachers' Manual and the wonderful people I worked with.

I did not launch any children's book this year, but Big Sister was a finalist in the Kids Choice Award of the NBDB and PBBY. My story for children, The Little Sparrow was included in CCP's Literary Journal, Ani. I have a contribution in Bumasa at Lumaya vol. 2 A Source Book on Philippine Children's Literature (Anvil, 2016) about setting up libraries and reading centers for children. With the help of MJ Tumamac, we ran a blog tour that had the participation of influential Pinoy book bloggers and industry observers.

Needless to say, 2016 was a productive year. On to 2017!

This year, my book projects include the final production of grades 1 and 2 STARS, my early reading series for Lampara Books. There is also the book project I inked a contract with one of the leading foundations in the country. Here is a preview of the illustration by Tinsley Garanchon. And, if things pan out, I might do a bi-monhly column for a new magazine for Library and Information Professionals.

There is only grace. Only grace.