Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Write to be Right

Tell a story. Write a book. Done!

There are millions of books written in any topic we could possibly conceive under the sun.

Well, here’s the question: is there any audience for my book? Would someone pick to read my book when there are overwhelming titles to choose from?

First, I was skeptical whether my books have their specific audience out there.

To my dismay, I proved myself wrong. 

I have received emails and a number of positive reviews on the book I wrote about my father, Subic: A Sailor’s Memoir.  Other than those electronic communications, I have acquaintances and strangers alike who came up to me personally in some unexpected places (malls, stores, restrooms, etc.) to simply inform me that they have read my book. 

Of course the feelings inside me were a conglomeration of excitement, elation, and motivation.  Yet on top of those kind compliments, I was humbled by the experience.

I write simply because there is a story to share and not because there is a reader out there.  When we write, the first reader is ourselves, and that matters a whole lot.  If what we have written puts a smile in our heart, then our purpose for writing is complete.

Toni Morrison quotes, "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it."

We ought to love what we write about because we envelop it with our personal passion; thus, whoever reads it could feel the breath of our passion in each word that tells the story, as well as the essence why we wrote it in the first place.


A simple rule: If writing is a desire, then don’t hesitate to exercise that right!

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Touched by a “Soul-dier”


Arlington National Cemetery

My daughter Marie and I drove 17 hours to Arlington, VA for a weekend. I had been invited as one of the guest authors of military inspired topics at the Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS) on September 20-21, 2013 held at the Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA) Memorial Museum.  In the midst of those accomplished women in the military, I was honored to present my book Subic: A Sailor’s Memoir, which is about my father’s military experience of injustice and discrimination while stationed in the Philippines during the late 1960s.

My daughter, Marie

After the conference, the two of us strolled around the sacred cemetery.  Eventually, I was reminded by an acquaintance’s request prior to our trip.  She emailed, "If your trip to Arlington happens to include Arlington National Cemetery, give my Brad a kiss (Section 60, Plot 8008)."

It was an honor to walk around the Arlington National Cemetery.  My daughter and I, like we were on a special mission, intended to specifically locate her son's plot.  After all, we didn't know anybody buried there in a personal level other than those well-known historical personalities and U.S Presidents.  However, in her son's honor that weekend was a solemn and reflective experience for us.

We took several pictures and said a prayer for him and for this young female soldier—Jessica Ellis, whom we had learned of through her father, who was also visiting that weekend.  Mr. Ellis was kind enough to share with us some details about Jessica’s life as a daughter and as a medical specialist in the Army, and how her military vehicle struck an improvised explosive device while serving in Iraq in 2008.  Jessica’s uniforms, photos, email communication transcripts, and personal effects are on display at the WIMSA. 

There are many “Brad and Jessica” around us who fought for our priceless American freedom.  How many times have we truly taken the time to just commemorate them in our walks of life?  Not only on the cemetery grounds or in the sacred land of the free, but also in the simple wake of each dawn that we may enjoy freely the beauty the daylight brings—as we walk about minding our own business.

My daughter joined the Army National Guard in 2012.  She stated that the heroic exemplar of those laid in Arlington gave her the motivation to accomplish an honorable military career.

It was a long drive from home, but every minute was worth it.

After our trip, I sent my friend an email back, “Thank you for telling me about Brad.”
 
She replied, “You were so kind to visit Brad’s place of commemoration and to take photos, too. I felt very comforted.”

Certainly, I brought a smile to her heart as I read the rest of her email. 

SPC Bradley Scott Beard, Section 60, Plot 8008 
I guess I made a difference in her weekend, too.  Consequently, she made a difference for telling me about her son, and her son made a difference in all of us—as a simple soul... a fallen fighter... a soldier had touched me not only for one weekend... but till the end!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

A letter from a Reader

I was touched and encouraged to hear from this particular reader who emailed me his thoughts about the book Subic. I am grateful to share this with the other readers.  His letter appeared as is.


Dr. Brown,

I just read Subic and wanted to sincerely thank you for sharing your father's experiences from Subic Bay. I'm a 36 y.o. Filipino-American living in San Diego, CA and have always been fascinated about the history of Subic Bay and Clark AFB. It's saddens me that both Subic and Clark closed down twenty years ago. These two landmarks were the gateways for Americans to live, explore, and appreciate the beauty of the Philippines. 

My father also served in the US Navy, but we never got stationed in Subic Bay. While growing up in San Diego since the late 80's, there was abundant amount of Filipino mixed "G.I. babies" around me - in school and neighborhood. Now that Subic and Clark are closed, there are hardly any Filipino "G.I. babies" around anymore. 

I can't begin to imagine what personal hardships your Father went through while he served in the US Navy. Being that my father was Filipino and served in the US Navy also, he probably ran into similar discrimination from white sailors and superiors. I admire your father's persistence, dedication, discipline, and tolerance. It's obvious his faith pulled him through all the turmoil he endured. I can honestly say that I'll think of him when I run into a difficult situation. 

I developed a fond interest in Subic's and Clark's history. From the various books I've acquired about Subic, I can now somehow live vicariously through the authors and the experiences they've shared in those books about how it was like living in the Philippines via Subic or Clark. So thank you again for writing Subic. Please give my warm regards to your father. 

Sincerely, 
Francis Arenas

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

On Being a Guest on a TV Show

My dad and I were invited to sit in a local cable show Conversation with Carol to talk about my latest book Subic: A Sailor's Memoir.

There were only a few people during the taping; however, when the camera started rolling--I got super nervous! I could hear my own voice cracking, and I felt a little uneasy, especially when the bright spotlight was shinning on me--it did not only distract my line of thoughts but also did make me a little conscious about my looks.

I guess I'm camera shy after all.

Anyway, to give justice to this experience, I felt a bit of celebrity to be on TV.