1. Maaari mo bang ibahagi sa amin ang kuwento sa likod ng iyong Wattpad username?

Soraemie came from two words: sora and emie. "Emie" came from the first three letters of my birthstone, the emerald. Meanwhile, "sora" translates to "sky" in Japanese, and "conch shell" in Korean—representing the sky and the sea. The sky and the sea (sora) are two of the only constants in this finite world. The way I see it, we will always have the sky and the sea. This is similar to how I feel about writing, in a way that it is definitely a constant passion of mine! I knew from the start that I will always be writing, whether or not I put it out for the world to read. It's really true and certain—a constant, set in stone.

2. Gaano kahalaga sa iyo ang pagsusulat at bakit?

It's so important to me. I just feel happier when I write! Matik, my day's 80% better if I end up writing something. It's been an irreplaceable part of my life for as long as I can remember. From the moment I started, I knew that somehow I will probably always be writing. I've always loved words because I grew up being a bookworm—reading and admiring the way stories were written. I never approached writing as a form of escape, so it's more of a way for me to emulate the feeling I get when I finish a book I loved so much. And that really is my main goal, to make readers feel the same way I do when I read my favorite books.

3. Mayroon ka bang sariling akda na nais mong irekomenda sa mga hindi pa nakapagbabasa ng iyong gawa?

Medyo mahirap mag-recommend ng work kasi iba-iba naman taste ng bawat reader! But a quick read that I believe introduces my style fair enough is the epistolary novel entitled "Big Shoes To Fill". It's about an athlete and a girl who loves to cook. The two get wrapped up in a deal that meant she had to cook meals for him in his apartment. It's a cute university romance and it houses one of my favorite couples I've written to this date!

4. Sa pagpasok ng taong 2023, ano-ano ang mga dapat abangan ng iyong mambabasa sa iyo?

I'm definitely continuing my ongoing stories/series! I do believe that I grow as I write. I learn so much from every work that I start, so expect more refined works and even more stories to tell this 2023. I am a university student so do expect a lot of new/young adult centered content!

5. Ano ang iyong ginagawa kapag nakararanas ka ng writer's block?

I usually take a step back from what I'm writing, indulge in other hobbies like reading or watching films. Just find inspiration elsewhere! Ayokong ipilit na magsulat kapag wala talagang creative juices. It's almost like making bread, and stay with me here, you just really have to wait a bit, leave it alone, and let the dough rest enough for it to finally rise. Writing simply takes time, pressuring yourself to write something down might make things worse.

6. Para sa iyo, ano ang pinakamahirap na aspeto ng pagiging manunulat?

For me, it has to be doubting yourself. You are your biggest critic. And I think I can speak for majority of writers out there but it gets so hard to believe in yourself sometimes. I can't count how many times I felt as if I lacked what every great writer has—the very ability to make readers feel. I don't think I'm in a position where I can be completely proud of myself and my writing just yet, but I'm getting there!

7. Ano o sino naman ang iyong nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa pagsusulat?

A number of things fuel my passion to write, like making other people feel the same bliss I get after finishing a really good book. But, Jane Austen is truly my biggest inspiration, she made me love romance! Who wouldn't want to be written by Jane Austen?

8. Bukod sa pagsusulat, ano pa ang pinagkakaabalahan mo sa iyong libreng oras?

I'm active in a few organizations in my university, and I hold leadership positions as well! In terms of hobbies, apart from reading, kikay talaga ako. I like bags, jewelry, makeup, and shoes! If I'm not writing, I'm either studying, doing org work, hanging out with friends, or shopping.

9. Ano ang iyong pinakahindi makalilimutan na karanasan bilang isang manunulat?

I will never forget the first few times someone made a Twitter account dedicated to my stories and characters. To this day, I still can't wrap my head around it. Iyakin ako, so I did (still do) cry for a good solid minute whenever someone shows their love and appreciation for my works. Soft talaga ako sa mga ganiyan. Maybe it's because it feels nice knowing that someone's proud of what you do when you couldn't exactly be proud of yourself. So, thank you. Kaunti lang readers ko but I cherish them completely! I feel close to them though we haven't actually met yet.To these people, thank you so much for the love, I bring it with me all the time.

10. Saan mo nakikita ang sarili mo pagkalipas ng limang taon?

In the next five years, I still see myself writing. I'll be a graduate and might be in law school by then, or not, who knows. I really don't like putting a timeline on achievements because it feels like a deadline that implies avenues for disappointment. So, let's just say I hope that I'll be a better writer. And I hope that by then, I can truly say with my whole heart that I'm proud of myself and the words I write.

11. Ano ang iyong maipapayo o mensahe sa mga bagong manunulat?

I'm still new to all this so my advice may not have much weight and I probably need some advice myself, but there are a few things that I've really learned and began to internalize. Gasgas na 'to, and you've definitely heard of it before, but just write! You learn so many things as you write, so try and push through the doubts and just pick up a pen or type away. You grow as you write! Each new writing experience teaches and molds you. Know that you cannot become what you want by remaining what you are and the only way to change as a writer is if you write.

Also, remember that comparison is the thief of joy, so just preserve your own sanity by running your own race. What makes writing such an interesting form of art is that each writer has their own voice that speaks through their words! Don't try to change what makes you you. Best of luck!

FIVE FUN FACTS / TRIVIA ABOUT YOU OR YOUR STORIES:

1. "Big Shoes To Fill" was my first ever epistolary, and "The Furthest Clouds" was my first novel. Those are the only completed stories I've written. (I'm still new to all this!)

2. I've fallen in love with writing even more 'cause it feels like I've materialized my college experiences and memories into these works.

3. My dream writing WIP is a romantic suspense or legal fiction novel.

4. My birthday is on May 14th!

5. I made all of my current book covers myself, most of them being hand-drawn (excluding the cover of the poetry book)!

THEME: Magsulat ng kuwento na may tatlong elemento na babanggitin: Affair. Mafia. Jollibee.

Mara can't pinpoint exactly when it all started—the casual greetings that turned into walks home, the glances turned into stares, how simple conversations led to him knowing (remembering) everything about her down to her favorite meals—so indulgent of Mara's Jollibee addiction. She can't even tell when he started having pieces of her that he shouldn't, or when she started willingly handing them over. Hindi niya masabi kung kailan nag-iba.

Maybe she's always been a little in love with her sister's boyfriend.

What she knows was that there's no coming back from this moment.

"Don't do this," Mara whispered, no courage to speak any louder.

Putang ina. Gagawin niya talaga.

"Don't... marry my sister." Her breath got caught as she said those words. Ayaw niya sanang ulitin. Ayaw niya sanang maalalang nagmamakaawa siyang masaktan kapatid niya. Nakakasuka. She wished she didn't fall. She tried so hard not to. Gusto niyang magpapako sa krus sa laki ng kasalanan niya. Mara would let her sister cut all her fingers off like they do in mafia movies for repentance. Hindi niya 'to ginusto. Who would?

"Mara..." The silence between his reply was enough to crush her, but his tone dealt more damage. She heard confusion in his voice, as if he can't believe Mara is hung up on that one night a few months ago.

Alam ni Mara na masama siyang tao for falling for him, pero iba 'to. It felt mean. She felt like a little kid standing alone in the playground. But any pain he gave her can only feel familiar...

Because Mara's always been in love with him.

If only she spoke up before he decided to marry her sister.