Hello API Romance Authors!

This month, we have picked "What's For Breakfast?" by chroniclesoftatiana for Book of the Month. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out in our My Heart Beats For You reading list.

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Logline:

Samantha Sandoval, a successful interior designer with a perfect life except for her non-existent dating history, finds her world turned upside down when her brother's charming best friend, Derek Crisanto, moves in. As Samantha navigates their new living arrangement, she finds herself drawn to the one man who seems to know that the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach.

Excerpt from the Book:

Lost in our banter, we hadn't noticed that the song had ended, transitioning into a livelier tune. 

That short moment also came to an end. I pulled myself away from Derek, and he removed his hands from my waist. 

His warm touch lingered. At the back of my mind, I hated that it was over. 

"Sam..." he mumbled as he scratched his nape, then he inserted his hands into his back pockets.

That dance was probably the best three minutes I had ever shared with Derek. And it made me feel something. As if he was a different person who could be... Mine. 

About the Author:

Tatiana Mendoza, a first-generation Filipino immigrant to Canada, has been writing contemporary romance novels since she was 11. When she's not crafting love stories, she enjoys reading, binge-watching Western and Asian TV shows, and indulging in sweets, often ignoring her husband's reminders to cut back on sugar.

Interview:

1. What influenced your story? What inspired you to write it?

I started to work on this novel in March 2020 as a way to escape the real-world chaos. I was writing two novels at the same time, the other being a new adult romance. The reality then was bleak, so I wanted this work to be lighthearted. Just a feel good, Chicklit love story you can't put down! Aside from that, I tend to see myself as a strong, career-driven woman who is unafraid to be dramatic at times. I wanted to write a character exactly like that. So, I created Sam.

2. What were some challenges you faced while writing your story?

Like every other writer, I've encountered issues like writer's block, choosing the right POV—first person or third person—and the tenses! I was torn about whether to show Derek's thoughts but ultimately decided that Chicklits typically focus on the female main character. I can't even count how many times I switched from past tense to present tense. And then plot-wise, I had to think about the 'twist' at the end and how to write well-rounded characters through their dialogue. I strive to write green-flag-but-flawed characters to make them relatable and realistic, so I had to carefully consider many, many things!

3. What message do you hope to convey with your story?

That's a good question! There's a lot, actually. Sam, aside from her romantic struggles, is constrained by the deeply ingrained sexism in the workplace. Without giving away too much deets, I hope the work sheds light on this unfortunate social issue and how women STILL strive to break the glass ceiling. Second, I want to show that people cope with hardships differently. I'd hate to spoil anything, but WFB?, despite its lighter tone, emphasizes that seeking professional help to deal with trauma is not something to be ashamed of.

4. Do you have any advice for other authors who are interested in writing Asian & Pacific Islander Fiction?

Writing API romance might come more naturally to those who belong to API ethnic groups, like myself, as we can draw from personal experiences. Regardless, I encourage you to write your truth unapologetically. Don't hesitate to do research when you're uncertain. Ask yourself: Is this accurate? Is this a stereotype or prejudice? If it is and you choose to include it, consider whether it adds value to the narrative.

5. If you could write another story to be featured on the profile, which of our reading lists would you write it for?

Ooh, let me see. I've published several novels that could be featured on your reading lists. However, if I were to write a new one, I'd step out of my comfort zone and write for 'Never Forgotten.' It will require extensive research, but have you ever come across historical fiction set in ancient Philippines on Wattpad? Me neither!

6. If you are an author of Asian and/or Pacific Islander descent, what's one cool fact about your culture you can share with us?

Okay, this is a difficult one. The Philippines is heavily Westernized, making it challenging to think of unique cultural traits. However, here's an interesting fact: Unlike our Southeast Asian neighbors, Filipinos rarely use chopsticks. We prefer spoons and forks, even when eating noodles. In fact, we love our spoons so much that we use them for slicing meat, both beef and pork! You'll rarely find knives on the dinner table.

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Thank you chroniclesoftatiana for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next Book of the Month.