Quick Author Chat: Gabriela Lee
Our writing center, Where the Write Things Are, recently invited writer and UP creative writing professor Gabriela Lee to our Flash Fiction writing class for kids.
Ms. Lee received a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore. She has been published for her poetry and fiction in the Philippines, Singapore, the United States, and Australia.
Her latest work is slated to appear in the anthologies Science Fiction: Filipino Fiction for Young Adults, and New Voices: An Anthology of Fiction.
I caught up with her after class to ask her a couple of questions about the books and authors she love.
What are the books on your bedside table now?
School books, rereading Magnus Chase by Rick Riordan, Hunger Games and series by Jeff VanderMeer, The Southern Reach Trilogy
Which do you prefer, Kindle or paperbacks? I like print as much as possible but if it’s not yet available in Manila. I buy the digital version but I still buy the print version after if I really like the book.
Which author did you fall in love with as a kid? When I was in Grade 3, I loved Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time, and Bridge to Terabithia
Which book did you read over and over as a kid? Lord of the Rings
Do you have a favorite author you follow on social media sites? John Green. I first heard about him around 2010 as a Youtube person before I learned that he is a Young Adult author. Science Fiction authors, Joe Hill and Maureen Johnson. I follow them on Youtube and Twitter. John & Hank Green (VlogBrothers), NY Books, NY Library, I follow them on Tumblr. Also, Buzzfeed books.
What writing advice can you give to our young writers? Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The first draft is never perfect.
She can be found online as @sundialgirl.
This article was first published in Manila Speak on October 31, 2015
Note: Gabriela Lee will be teaching our Young Writers' Hangout on August 19, 2017 at Fully Booked BGC. Register now!
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Where the Write Things Are is a creative writing center for kids, teens, and adults. If you love writing or need some inspiration to get to write, our writing studio is the place to be. Check out our writing classes and facebook.com/writethingsph.
Creative Writing Classes for Kids/Teens and Adults:
Young Writers' Hangout – August 5, August 19, September 9 & September 23 (1:30pm-3pm)
Adult Creative Writing Class - with Dean Francis Alfar (Speculative Fiction) – September 16 (1:30pm-4:30pm)
Venue is at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street. For more information and fee details, email writethingsph@gmail.com.
