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Jay E. Tria

Writing Now

Artist Interview: Raine Sarmiento

Posted on March 20, 2016

I fell in love with Raine Sarmiento‘s work the first time I saw them on a blog post listing local artists (thank YOU social media), and then again when I found out she did the art for Mina V. Esguerra’s Gifted Little Creatures. I knew then that she would be perfect for the book cover of my paranormal/urban fantasy tale Majesty. The end product above should be enough proof that. 

I asked Raine if she’d let me get into that sweet head of hers for a short interview and I’m so happy she obliged! She talks about being inspired by dreams, books, and audio books (!), and the importance of doing work that is a reflection of who you are (heart eyes). Continue Reading

Music Dance and Lyrics Writing Now

Soundtrack to Get Over You

Posted on March 15, 2016

When I was putting this soundtrack together, I wasn’t really thinking of my writing music, because most days there really is no such thing. Sure I’d listen to a few songs when I take a break–nothing like Alex Turner‘s voice in my ears to resuscitate dying creative batteries. And sure I’d have a song playing inside my head, but that’s not the same as having one blaring out of the speakers, is it?

I guess what I’m trying to say is that these songs existed around my writing time with Miki, rather than within it (if that makes sense without sounding too New Age-y). I guess these would be some of the stuff Miki would’ve listened to in the Songs to Get Over You timeline of his life. So if by any chance you wanted to hear music that plagued the head of a friendzoned boy, by all means scroll down and hit play.

Continue Reading

Writing Now

This Leap Year Day I Released A Book

Posted on March 1, 2016

Leo finally won the Oscar today too (pompoms), but I had nothing to do with that. I know Miki very well though. And if you met him and liked him in Songs of Our Breakup, I hope you’ll consider reading his story too.

It’s harder to get over someone who was never really yours.

They say rock stars get all the girls. But Miki knows that’s not always true. He, for one, though the guitarist of popular indie band Trainman, just can’t seem to get the girl. It’s kind of his fault, really. No one told him to fall in love with Jill. No one told him to stand still and watch as she moved on from a terrible breakup into the arms of another guy—a Japanese celebrity with the face of an angel and the body of a god.

So when someone else comes along, someone who finds him cute, smart, and funny (sometimes in the haha sort of way), will Miki finally move on? Or will he continue to pine for Jill?

Songs to Get Over You is only $0.99 on Amazon for a limited time. The lovely ladies of TBD Book Blog are helping me with release week with a blog tour. And we’re giving away stuff!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Join for a chance to win a Songs to Get Over You paperback book, or a WearDPT Trainman shirt 🙂

Book Review

Author Interview: Anne Plaza

Posted on February 24, 2016
The Backlist Revival tour for Anne Plaza’s romance novella In Over Her Head. is still happening! Thanks to this project, I was able to pull the book out of my impossible TBR pile (haha) for a quick review. Also, it has given me an opportunity to interview the author herself. Read on as we discuss romance versus urban fantasy, Richard vs. Jerome, and her ultimate book boyfriend. Yep, I made her choose.
Anne-Plaza-In-Over-Her-Head
1. I know you wrote this story as part of the first ever #romanceclass. Can you tell me a few things that stuck with you about the experience? 
I learned A LOT about organizing my thoughts. Sure, I’ve outlined the stories I’ve written back when I was doing NaNoWriMo (I skipped last year though), but it’s different when you’re following something precise and already tested. The three-act outline is something that I still use to this day, and I find it so useful in my writing, even if I’m not working on a romance story. It helped me stay focused on providing logical and sensible progression in the story, as well as a better appreciation of the characters in every stage. I like that I learn something new about my characters even if I draft out character profiles before outlining the story. Although the story tends to “write itself” as you go along (outline or no outline), having a concrete direction helps get me back on track.

And beyond the technical aspect of what I learned in class, I guess one of the most important things that made an impact with me is the sense of community in this little group. I love how #romanceclass goes beyond supporting each author’s work–we also champion each other’s creative spirit.

2. A lot has happened since you’ve written this book, in terms of stuff you’ve written and even in terms of the publishing landscape. Back then, did you imagine you’d have the writing life that you’re still living now? 
I never really thought I’d still be writing up to now. I tend to procrastinate A LOT and sometimes I have to really force myself to instill the discipline that comes with being an author. I could have stopped doing this after publishing In Over Her Head. I mean, I already crossed off that one item in the bucket list, so I should move on to the next. But I’m glad I didn’t settle for just one book. When I realized that I could actually do this, I wanted more. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who continue to encourage me as I do this.

3. IOOH delves deeply into the question of second chances. Did you ever consider Erika choosing a different ending for herself? 
When I was working on the outline for this story, I initially wanted a neutral ending. Meaning Erika doesn’t choose any guy, but instead chooses herself. She has a lot of hangups, most of them stemming from issues she had not let go. But as I mentioned previously about stories wanting to write themselves, Erika wanted to choose someone. I’d been steering her back to the original idea, but she was stubborn. She talked incessantly in my head, did lots of crazy stuff as I was writing the scenes. But in the end I think she made it clear to me that she wasn’t taking no for an answer. When I wrote the beginnings of the choice she wanted to make, she started to take it easy on me haha. But seriously, I think it all worked out for the best. I’m glad I made the decision to let Erika write her story instead of fighting it. 🙂

4. Richard or Jerome? Why? Choose one only. 
Richard. Because he found a way. 🙂 Can’t say much without spoiling anything haha.

5. Who is your book boyfriend? Choose one only. 
OMG this is HARD. But okay, off the top of my head: Bowen Driscol (from Tessa Bailey‘s Risking It All).

6. You’ve written in both romance and urban fantasy. Do you intend to pursue both genres in your upcoming projects? 
#Strangelit-incredible-truthsRomance would always be my happy place, but ever since I let that urban fantasy story out of my head, it’s been calling to me. At the moment I think I will pursue speculative fiction in the next writing project/s, but there could be some romance elements there, so I’m not completely abandoning the genre.

7. Any new releases we can look forward to? 
I’m hoping to finish book 2 of my #StrangeLit piece soon! Also, an Amazon version of Bloodline Maharlika (that’s book 1!) is in the works. I’m thrilled to work on this series (and it’s my first serial WIP too), so I’m hoping I get everything done real soon.

 

 

Thank you Anne for your awesome answers! 🙂

About the book:

All she wants is to get even…

Erika Apostol’s quiet and unassuming life gets disrupted when she learns that Richard Javier, the very same person who broke her heart many years ago, is now back in the country. Her world is turned upside down as old feelings she thought were buried resurface to haunt her once more.

Determined to give Richard a dose of his own medicine, Erika finds herself involved in an outrageous plan devised by her friends. They enlist the help of Jerome Gonzales, an attractive and charismatic DJ (with a playboy reputation), to pose as her significant other.

As the plan goes in full swing, Erika discovers Richard’s jealous side, and that there’s something more to Jerome than meets the eye. Will this grand charade work out the way it should, or will she be left with nothing in the end?

About the Author

Anne Plaza writes contemporary romance, young adult, and speculative fiction novellas. She has been into writing since high school and has been actively pursuing it on a professional level despite having a totally unrelated bachelor’s degree. Her first contemporary New Adult romance novella In Over Her Head was published in 2013 and was subsequently nominated for the 2014 Filipino Reader’s Choice Awards Romance in English.

When not writing, Anne juggles time in her day job, obsessing over her TV show fandoms, and shopping for new books to add to her growing TBR pile.

Connect with her at:
Email | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sign up for her mailing list for exclusive updates and giveaways

 

 

Book Review

Review: In Over Her Head by Anne Plaza

Posted on February 23, 2016

We’re revisiting firsts! Some of our favorite authors’ first ever books, that is. Thanks to the Backlist Revival project, I got a chance to enjoy Anne Plaza‘s first ever romance novel, In Over Her Head. Read on to learn more about the book:

All she wants is to get even…

Erika Apostol’s quiet and unassuming life gets disrupted when she learns that Richard Javier, the very same person who broke her heart many years ago, is now back in the country. Her world is turned upside down as old feelings she thought were buried resurface to haunt her once more.

Determined to give Richard a dose of his own medicine, Erika finds herself involved in an outrageous plan devised by her friends. They enlist the help of Jerome Gonzales, an attractive and charismatic DJ (with a playboy reputation), to pose as her significant other.

As the plan goes in full swing, Erika discovers Richard’s jealous side, and that there’s something more to Jerome than meets the eye. Will this grand charade work out the way it should, or will she be left with nothing in the end?

Breaking up is the easy part. It’s the moving on thing that’s a complete and utter chore, because that part you have to do on your own. And that I think is Erika‘s essential debacle in this story. It’s easy to sympathize with her pain; with how horrible she felt after her boyfriend Richard dumped her like that, unceremoniously and over what seemed like a career opportunity. Her heart was left in such fragile little pieces that even after 10 years she still had not picked herself up. So I kind of understand where the push came from when she hastily agreed to the get-back-at-the-ex plan. No, it wasn’t the smartest nor was it the most mature of moves, but coming from that place of hurt, it did make sense.

I liked Jerome. I liked how he was, deep inside, a real cupcake. I liked how he called Erika out and pushed her to make decisions she wouldn’t dare face on her own. I liked how Richard tried with Erika. I’m not sure I would have accepted that Starbucks bag, but that’s just me. I liked Lorra and how much she cared about Erika, though it bothered me a little that a lot of the things happening in Lorra’s life apparently didn’t breach Erika’s radar. (Come on girls, your friendship!)

I got my feels right where I wanted them, plus an extra dose because of Gio‘s voice in my head (heh refer to the #romanceclass podcast). Reading the last few scenes, I agreed with how things turned out. But then I’d mull it over again and I’d change my mind. I think that’s just me too, this general indecision and the fallibility of my feelings. How about you read the book too and let’s discuss?

About the Author

Anne Plaza writes contemporary romance, young adult, and speculative fiction novellas. She has been into writing since high school and has been actively pursuing it on a professional level despite having a totally unrelated bachelor’s degree. Her first contemporary New Adult romance novella In Over Her Head was published in 2013 and was subsequently nominated for the 2014 Filipino Reader’s Choice Awards Romance in English.

When not writing, Anne juggles time in her day job, obsessing over her TV show fandoms, and shopping for new books to add to her growing TBR pile.

Connect with her at:
Email | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Sign up for her mailing list for exclusive updates and giveaways