Capturing the Magic
Interview with Featured PH
Read through my interview with Philippine magazine Featured PH below.
How I Capture Moments with Words
Keep the Ideas Authentic
Tell us about yourself and your work/business. How did you start and end up doing what you do today?
Hello! First of all, I’d like to thank you for having me on your magazine. I really appreciate it. I am an emerging Filipino author from Perth, Western Australia. I started writing at a very young age, making up stories and poems when I was a little kid, and I would read those to my parents and siblings at the dinner table. I also kept a diary, which helped me jot down emotions I couldn’t really express any way else. I have now published my first book, Conversations (I Never Had) With Luna, a collection of poems and short stories. It is an homage to my family maiden name, and is a compilation of works I’ve written over the years, especially when I was going through depression at one point. It became like my therapy. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone, so I started a conversation with myself, and God, and the moon.
Your purpose for creating your brand/business? Why do you do what you do? (Your why)
Basically, I wanted to put something out there that would inspire people and change lives. I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings with the world, to let my readers know they are not alone, and that their experiences are both valid and valued, that they can come to me (or my book) anytime they want to have a conversation about what they think and how they feel, even those that others consider taboo. I want to be my readers’ secret best friend, one they can run to and not feel embarrassed.
What sets your brand apart from the rest?
I get that the book is not for everyone. Like human beings, we are all different and we all appeal to different types of people. The book is the same. And if you relate to it, I think that my book is different from the rest out there, because it gives the person reading it an assurance that I am with them, that I understand them, and that I, most of all, won’t judge them. It is different because it’s just there like a diary, or journal that they can read back to, and feel that they are not alone in thinking or feeling those multitude of things. It’s different because I am different. And I am offering a part of myself with my book.
Conversations (I Never Had) With Luna and Other Stories on Amazon
A Study of Subjects
Therapy for Capturing Thoughts, Emotions, and Experiences
Who is your brand for? (your audience)
I wrote Conversations for mainly middle-aged women my age who are in their 30s to 40s, who, like me – want and need a best friend they can talk to anytime. They can be professional career women trying to navigate their way in the world and have big dreams. These women have the same loves – love for books, coffee, the occasional cocktail, catching up with other friends in cafes or restos or running into other friends at the shops or grocery, which may include a couple of gay friends too. They may have kids of their own, or not necessarily, but are “Titas” to their family and friends’ kids. They like going out now and again, but like alone time too. Their clubs now include a jogging and working out club, parent-teacher club, and pastry and cake-making club, craft club, among others, instead of hanging out at bars and dance clubs. They most likely keep a calendar for all their family and social events, and a journal too, giving them a sense or semblance of an organised life This book is for someone who loves life, but is confused sometimes by it, and need validation and direction. They may be in or looking for a relationship, or looking for a change. These are women trying to either find or stay true to their identity, have a child-like way of seeing the world (can be naïve and vulnerable like a child), but always takes it all in and does what needs to be done. The women may have a colourful past, and their fears include: not being accepted, isolation, losing self or a loved one, ending up alone, feeling of being stuck or not having a choice/s. Their dreams include: self-confidence, security in doing something she loves, having a fulfilled family life, balanced relationships and career. What’s common for them is that they all are looking for that someone to have a meaningful conversation with about life.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered at work or business and how did you overcome it?
I guess my biggest challenge is now trying to find my specific niche in the market and selling the book concept to them. I know they are out there, but it’s just finding and getting that connection with them and capturing their attention. I overcame my fears of failure by believing in myself. I first approached family and friends, and my audience grew from there. I managed marketing by putting out free promotions, establishing a strong online presence on social media, and then it was just spread through word of mouth. Of course, I also enlisted help from other people like coach Valerie Peramide-Fischer, consultants and subject matter experts, and marketing firms, who have shared some useful insights on how I can market my book best. Sometimes, it takes a whole village, really! And I guess putting up with my husband is always a big challenge. Haha.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I pray a lot, I am Catholic but by no means perfect, so I need a lot of guidance from God. Also, I read and listen to a lot of motivational books and speakers. This gives me the boost I need to tackle whatever I need to do, especially if it’s a difficult situation I am in. It also brings me ideas and inspiration to write more. Weird, I also get into housework to get motivated. I guess it’s hard starting something first, but once I get into it, I feel like doing more.
Tell us about your life right now. What are you most proud of?
I am proud of the person I am today, because I am now doing what I love most – writing. Not everybody, I guess, has the opportunity to do this. I am lucky – no, blessed – because I come from and live in a very multi-cultural country where there’s freedom of expression, where everyone is acknowledged and accepted, whoever you are or whatever it is that you do.
What essential skills do you think a woman needs to acquire in order to succeed?
First of all, a woman needs to be resilient in order to succeed. Secondly, and this is important – she needs to believe in herself. Who else would believe you if you don’t believe in yourself first of all? Third, but not the least, a woman needs to do what she loves doing.
What other details would you like us to include in your feature? (events, new product launch, projects, wins, etc.)
Please watch out for the main launch of my book soon. Watch this space! In the meantime, you can also check out my new revamped website – www.conversationsineverhadwithluna.com – it has all the information on my book, links to my Facebook and Instagram pages as well as to Amazon where you can buy it, and you can also find interesting reads like my blogs, plus you can listen to my podcasts, where we discuss a whole variety of subjects – basically, anything and everything.
Your message for women who wants to succeed in life, work/business?
Keep at it! If you don’t feel like you are getting anywhere yet, just keep going. As they say, it is always darkest before the dawn. You will go through difficult days, but you will overcome them if you believe in yourself and your capacity and capability to get things done. One day, you will thank yourself for not giving up. You’ll never know if you never go, and you’ve got to risk it to get the biscuit!
Read the full article here!
Anna Leah Luna- Raven: A Story of Confidence, Resilience, and Passion