bethgstories

I used to dread that question. Not because it wasn’t sincere, but because I felt like I had nothing good to answer. Most of the time, no one really asks me about my weekend, and when they do, I can’t help but feel like there’s nothing exciting to share. I hated it. Hated the fact that my weekends were often spent in solitary confinement, with nothing but Japanese novels and Asian dramas heavy on the romance. I didn’t mind those things, but the emptiness of it all—the lack of anything else—weighed on me. It made me feel like there were better ways I could be spending my time. Better ways to fill the silence. But there was something about you asking. Something about you taking the time to ask. I realized, through your simple question, that it wasn’t about the details of how I spent my time. It was about the fact that I had something to share, and someone to share it with. It wasn’t the what, but the connection that mattered. And suddenly, it made me realize: it wasn’t the weekend that ne...

So you want to write? You’re thinking of a story but you can’t just get it out of your head. Or maybe, you’ve been already been writing but it’s been a long time now and you haven’t even finished your story’s first act. Kinda frustrating, yes. Because the truth is, goals in writing can be a tricky thing. One minute you’re inspired and typing furiously, and the next, you’re staring at the blinking cursor wondering where the hell all your motivation went.  I should know. I’ve been there.  Setting realistic goals in writing is the key. And when I say realistic, I mean goals that are actually achievable based on your lifestyle, energy levels, and available time. Gone were the days when I believed in “ shoot for the moon; you will land among the stars ” (well, at least in writing), because when my target feels overwhelming, I tend to get frustrated and just give up altogether.  Why is setting realistic goals in writing important? Believe it or not, writing isn’t always about w...

I do not believe that writer’s block exists… at least until I attended a writing workshop where the respectable speakers said there is no such thing and it all comes down to self-discipline… and maybe a couple of routines. But for the sake of this post, and of those who’ve been asking how to deal with writer’s block, let’s pretend it exists. And if it really does, how do we overcome it. As I write this, I am on a break from editing a fifty-thousand word draft I finished writing in three months. This is the second book I’ve written this year (and a first in this genre so that’s saying a lot), proof that writer’s block can indeed be combatted. A change in environment Sometimes, a change in environment is necessary. Not just in writing but I guess in other life aspects that give us insurmountable (insurmountable???) amount of stress. For example, I went to this cafe in the nearby mountains just to be in the mood to write the final battle scene in my book. It wasn’t spectacular by any ...

I discovered Joi Barrios'  works when Kim showed me Muli, sa Tag-Araw. It was a little poetry book, almost looking like the prayer books my mom stashed at home. I am not a fan of poetry book—girl knew this and showed me the book anyway. I randomly opened the pages, a couple of lines caught me eyes, and then I was sold! Poetry is sacred to me, not in the religious kind of way, but figures of speech should be there. I want it to play with my thoughts. I want it to show me to discover the secret it holds. There are many poetry books out there, but only a few made me feel something. Joi Barrios’ poetry was one of them. A dive to the novels The novels were short—I finished them in one sitting. They carefully reminded me of the 2 PMs when I was way younger, when my auntie would play the AM radio and Tiya Dely would read mails about life experiences of her listeners and voice actors would dramaticize it. The smoke of my auntie's unfiltered cigarettes packed in a printed paper, li...

It has been six days and the feeling of being in the whirlwind of excitement hasn’t left me. The Manila International Book Fair has been a part of my yearly tradition ever since I joined the literary scene as an author. I just can’t imagine missing the chance to fangirl with the artists I look up to, as their works continue to inspire and fuel my passion for writing. Last year’s fair was lit—it could have been easily my favorite MIBF year—but who would have thought that MIBF 2024 would surpass the excitement and exhilarating experience that 2023 fair brought me? Like, I was there for two days! Obviously, not even me! 🤩 Day 1 (Fair’s Day 3): Reconnecting and discovering Overspending has always been an issue in these events (god, I even posted reminders on my social media page to don’t overspend!) but who overspends when it came to books? But I tried not to—I really did. Believe me when I say I even had a List of Books to Buy from MIBF 2024. I also took note of the booths to visi...

I long ago stopped watching dramas for escapism - most of the time, I binge-watch to remind myself that there is more to life than articles and ads and endless social media scrolling. But I am in constant search of light, toe-curling romance because this spicy piece of property hasn’t been cuffed yet and maybe it’s gonna be that way for a very long time. That’s how I discovered this jdrama - Momoiro Anzurio Sakurairo (Colors of Romance) is only six episodes and it quenched my thirst for romance. Most comments would say that the premise is good but it lacks in execution. I would say maybe I enjoyed this drama because its execution is unusual and something I haven’t seen in the romance stories I encountered in the past.  Kuroda Tetsuya (Kizu Takami) looks like a dream - and maybe that’s one of the reasons why Kawakami Anzu (Okunaka Makoto) felt an instant connection to him when they saw each other the first time. That and the fact that he saw her in her raw, unfiltered version. It ...

This post may be too late but I had to remove the carousel I uploaded on Instagram for aesthetic purposes. So here I am, sharing with you (once again) my June reads, and this time, this post is going to be here for good or for as long as this domain is alive .  1. The Premonition, Banana Yoshimoto This book has a magnificent prose. I love the way the words were weaved they sound almost lyrical. I wonder if it was the translator or the author, but it doesn't matter. The siblings gave me some Autumn In My Heart vibe it weirded me out in the beginning, but overall, I was entertained. Maybe I am Yukino in some life aspects. In that case, I desperately want my Masahiko! 😂 2. Idol Burning, Rin Usami Fandoms feel like a sensitive topic - they are so powerful and scary that they can make or break my internet existence. When Goodreads recommended this to me and discovered it was about fangirling, I didn't hesitate to read it.  Because I, too, am a fangirl.  Read my full review of...