Plot Twists and Coffee Breaks: The Story of My Procrastination

Socially Awkward, Clumsy, Loner and a great story-teller

Katey in Wonderland

Long ago, there was a girl who grew up in a small town, without knowing she was an alien from another star.(Hay, wish ko lang.)

I grew up in Quezon, Philippines.

I was a bit weird as a kid. (Hanggang ngayon naman!)

I was the gem of the family. Yeah, yeah! Only girl. I was my dad’s darling and my mother’s nemesis (Love you mom!)

My dad’s law books was my first exposure to reading. He was freakin’ obsessed with reading!

I was a movie addict and a book-a-holic. I can’t seem to fit in with ‘normal average kids’. I like talking to my pets, insects or plants then giving them personality.

Noong ipinasok ako sa private school, hindi ako maka-fit in sa kaartehan ng mga 90's rich kids. Well off sila pero hindi sila makasakay sa mga trip ko sa pop culture.

I gave up. So, when my parents put me into public school, hindi rin ako makasakay. Ni hindi nila kilala ang New Kids on the Block!

I think that affects me... Just like Alice in Wonderland. I found fictional characters are better best friends than real life people.

Oh well, most of my peers find it strange. I just believe that this reality we were in, is just a dream.

I know I sounded like a looney. But hey, I called it artistry.

I adored Meryl Streep. Hindi pa uso ang salitang hugot, siya na ang hugot Queen.

I followed Glen Close, Anthony Hopkins, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, Kevin Costner, John Malkovich, Nicholas Cage, Kiefer Sutherland movies.

Alipin ako ng pop culture, darn... love the 80's movies!

I love mimicking Lolita Rodriguez, Charito Solis, Armida Siguion-Reyna and Nora Aunor. I remember having my mom’s curlers on my hair (yung baterya! LOL), reciting dialogues in-front of the mirror.

Growing up watching their movies opened my eyes to acting. As a child, I had big dreams of becoming an actress and becoming a movie director someday.

Had tried sporting for a supporting roles on movies during my teenage years. These dreams inspired me to become interested in music and fine arts, which leads me to join local choral groups and acting workshops.

Historical Romance Novels Collectors Edition

Then in my spare time, I read comic books, as I always did. Basta nagbabasa lang ako kung ano makita kong may letra. Kahit pinagbalutan ng bagong biniling tsinelas na Rambo pa ‘yan!

Then when I grew older, I discovered yet another interest, reading passionate novels of love. Some of my early reads would include, the paperbacks from Rachel Ryan (A.K.A. Sandra Brown) and the works of Nerissa Cabral, Martha Cecilia, and Helen Meriz, to mention a few.

I was refrained to read those by my mother. You know how oldies are. “Maaga kang nagkakamalay sa mga love, love na ‘yan!”

I was like, at least I had an imaginary perfect boyfriend. I don't know, I think it messed up my mind in a good way. At the early age, I already know what I want. I set my standards higher than average girls at my age. Maaga akong namulat sa expectations. I became obsessed with perfection.

I had some influences from school. Sila ang nagturo sa akin kung saan maring mag-rent ng pocketbooks. Even our teachers confiscated the romance novels we brought to school. Tapos nahuhuli namin silang binabasa yung sinamsam sa amin.

Since bawal, lahat ng paraan ginawa ko. I even read under the bed or under the blankets. I was hiding romance books in between school textbooks.

Barnes and Noble Classics

From that point, I grew an obsession with reading ranging from fiction to various non-fiction on subjects like archeology, history to biblical theology.

As time went on I earned my Bachelors degree in Secondary Education, with a Major in Computer Technology. I don’t know what came over me why I took teaching course.

Nangarap din maging lawyer, pero dahil babae, I have to give way to my elder brother. He will be an effective lawyer, my family would say, because he is a man.

Yep, I was a victim of prejudice too. Hard to be me, when you are in a man’s world I guess.

But hey, this no longer the 70s. I can speak my mind and don’t give a damn to those who tried to put me in place.

These obstacles won’t stop me from achieving my dreams. Bit by bit, I am earning Law units. Medyo mahirap pagsabayin ang trabaho at pag-aaral, plus family matters. But I know I can do it!

A set back won’t stop me for getting what I want!

I met people on-line that has the passion for reading and writing, including legendary authors. My gosh I was stars truck to some.

Some of them were kind enough to give me a one on one writing workshop via video calls for free.

My first draft of manuscript looked like a coloring book after my editor returns it back to me. Sobrang daming highlighted errors. Technical wise. Plot holes? daming butas.

All those times when I was just starting, I found myself in crossroads of rejection after rejection.

It was a painstaking experience for me in my early years of becoming a young author; but instead of getting discouraged, I sought and continued seeking experienced people to enlighten me as to educate me in the art of authorship!

The Writing Career Kicks-off

I had my first book published last 2007. You can read my other works for free at this link.

Starting all over was kind of tough, clueless of where to go and how to start publishing my ideas. My mind is lke a hard drive full of datas in an unsorted folders. My thoughts were all over the place.

I couldn’t tune in to what was trending. I always want to work on my own. So I gave myself time to reflect and realize many things, while dealing with personal struggles in life.

In my optimism of publishing my writings and pursuing my dreams of becoming a serious author, I came up with creating my own publishing company to some of my book club friends, that would offer digital format novels to overseas readers.

(Yes, nagsimula lang kami sa simpleng book club na walang pinag-uusapan kundi mga fictional character sa mga series. )

Once again, I faced rebuttal from my former co-workers, close friends, and even her family. Critiques called me a dreamer, but determined not to listen nor give up; I’d rather call myself a visionary!

The book launch 2018

I founded BWR Digital Publishing and launched it in January 2010. My first novel was published, a seven-episode of a series titled The Dream Catcher Saga. I was writing as Crystal Orteza.

Later on, I team up with several other young talented exceptional writers, having the same goal in mind, and ascend them to partnership status in her new publishing company where I became the C.E.O. of BWR Publishing.