Author Interview: Marissa Atienza

As posted in the blog on April 7, 2024, my interview of my ARMY friend, writer and life coach, Mars Atienza, is finally here. I love her book recommendations for our Bangtan Guys. Read on!

1. Tell us what made you say yes to co-author and contribute your story to the book, Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women To be honest, I said yes in a heartbeat. Being part of Becoming Sheroes is such a privilege that I’m very grateful for. When Monica Maralit - the heart and brain behind Becoming Sheroes - spoke to me about this project, I believed right away in its purpose and vision. I knew it’s going to be a good avenue to share my stories in hopes of inspiring someone, and at the same time contribute to the education of young girls at the Victoria Heartstrong Foundation. 2. How did you craft your story? “Luha at kape ang puhunan!” - this was how I described the entire writing process. I had to scour my brain for memories, and replay events and scenarios in my head that I’ve worked hard on burying - because they were just too painful. Before I started working on the book, I was suffering from a massive writer’s block, and a friend of mine had to bring me to Antipolo to overcome that. In ARMY’s language, I had to do Namjooning, but not an ordinary one. That Namjooning was intense and intentional, which really gave me a good head start. It started as an agonizing experience but ended as something euphoric when I finally submitted my draft. It was all worth it.

3. Who are your role models and “sheroes”? Definitely the women in my family - my mother and grandmother who already passed, and my Tiya who has always been my favorite tita since I was a little girl. I admire how they are feminine and soft, yet strong and independent. When it comes to fictional characters, Wonder Woman has always been my shero. Most of my trainees and my colleagues who worked with me for a significant amount of time call me Wonder Woman, which is of course flattering but at the same time agitating because it is a huge responsibility. I admire her for believing in love despite all the wars and heartaches she faced. Another character is Barbie because of how she inspires me that I can be anything. There’s no limit on what she can do. For me a shero is someone who loves herself so much that she has a lot to give to other people. And I guess that’s why I see these women as my sheroes. 4. Where do you go from here? After Becoming Sheroes, what’s next? I really would like to publish my own book which remain to be a draft for decades now. I hope to publish it by December. At Make Space PH, on the other hand, we are working on some digital products which we aim to launch in the coming months. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we’ll definitely have several campaigns on that at Make Space PH. As for Becoming Sheroes, it’s a continuous project. I have upcoming engagements with my co-authors that range from simple catch-ups to skill-building. Please keep supporting the book and help the education fund at Victoria Heartstrong Foundation.

5. Recommend a book to each of member of BTS and why RM: Eleven Minutes" by Paulo Coelho. Namjoon may resonate to the protagonist’s journey in understanding intimacy and finding fulfillment beyond societal norms. It’s a sexy, sensual, profound book... which all he is to me. Sexy. Sensual. Profound. LOL Jin: Little Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery. It’s an easy read, and I think the story will resonate to Jin with his caring nature and tendency to look after the other members. Suga: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - This classic novel would be a great fit for Yoongi’s quiet intelligence and appreciation for artistry. His way of thinking could also likely align well with Austen's sharp wit and social commentary. J-Hope: Becoming by Michelle Obama. Like a ray of sunshine that he is, Hobi exudes positivity and resilience much like how Michelle recounted her life from her early childhood to post-White House. Jimin: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. Just because when I was new to the fandom, Jimin and Tae really looked like Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in that movie hahah! I’m not sure if he’ll like the book as much as I did though lol. V: The God of Spring by Arabella Edge. The novel is about obsession on art and love, as well as intersection of history, mythology, and personal expression which I think Tae – as Vante - will enjoy. JK: The Timekeeper by Mitch Albom. I’m hoping that the book's reflections on the importance of cherishing every moment will remind JK to take it slow.

Becoming Sheroes: Stories of Heartstrong Women" is now available on Filipina Sheroes' official website, filipinasheroes.com, and e-commerce platforms Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart. This is the link to the order form.