Q and A with Dr. Isabel D. Sebullen

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

“I really did not intend to become a writer.  I just love to read, even before I started   formal schooling. I spent a lot of time reading when I was in the elementary, and my teachers said, I have the talent for writing.  I was good at writing formal themes.  When I was in high school, one of my teachers affirmed this talent  when I got  a very high grade in Literature.  But I began writing seriously in College.  The first fiction I wrote was published in Liwayway in 1980.”

How long does it take you to write a book?

“It depends.  If I have to finish it (and if there is a need) then I can finish it in 4 months. But as a business person usually, writing is sometimes put aside.”

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

“I am more comfortable writing at night, if ever I have a deadline.” 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

“I always let my mind think of just anything, especially when I am traveling. When an idea strikes, I write it in a booklet I always carry with me.  Then when I am home, I read what I have written and continue writing about that idea. I can separate myself from the world, in order   for me to think.  It seems (when I am too engrossed) nobody exists except me.  I think it’s my writing quirk.”  

How do books get published?

“You simply submit your manuscripts.  The publisher then sends it to 3 referees who will evaluate your work.  If they say it is worth publishing, then the publisher will contact you.”  

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

“I love to observe people, or listen to their conversations. I got ideas from real people or through reading books.  In some instances, I do make some research, especially when I am writing fictions.  I must know what is real and what is not.”  

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

“I wrote my first book of poems when I was nearly 20, I had two copies  and I lost  my own copy,  the other copy  I gave it to someone, a schoolmate  who edited  my work.” 

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

“I love watching movies.  My greatest obsession is to write a classic script, which will turnout to be a classic film.  I have written several scripts   but no takers yet.  In showbiz,  you need to know somebody  first before your script  can be produced. I love reading too.  My life will not be complete without reading.”

What does your family think of your writing?

“I don’t know what they think about my writings.  What I remembered, when   my mother was still alive, she used to show my published work to folks in the neighborhood. Nobody among my nephews and nieces has a penchant for writing, except my only brother who did not also hone his talent for writing.” 

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books/novels?

“When I was young, I was very conservative, but you will be surprised to read some of my stories. The characters I have created are the exact opposite of me.

I have several collections of what I have written (poems and fictions), but the only published one was a textbook in NSTP.  Somebody in DLSU   (under  Dr. Cruz) once told me they will publish my collection of stories, but until now, nothing happens.  May be I need to follow it up.”

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

“I have several unpublished collection of stories and poems, but I simple can’t find time to negotiate with a publisher.” 

Do you have any suggestions to help people become better writers? If so, what are they?

“A writer should write and read a lot. One should be a voracious reader to become a good writer.  If you don’t read, how can you appreciate other authors’ work?  How can you compare your own work?”

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

“So many said I have a superb imagination.  OThers said how they wish they have written what I have written, and this came from a very well-known writer himself.”  

What do you think makes a good story?

“A story should be unique.  No one else has written about it. Every peace should work together, from the first sentence to the ending.  You need craftsmanship also. You must know what a good poem is, or what a good story is.”  

What kind of stories do you usually write?

“Any kind.  I have tried writing different things.  I love to mix myths with realities.” 

On your own opinion, what is writing for you?

“For me, writing is part of my life..  If you will take it away from me, I can  never be whole  as a person.”

Which comes first? The character's story or the idea for the novel?

“What comes first is the idea.  Although character-driven stories are very good, it takes talent to be successful  using characters  alone, or making your  characters  tell the story.”

How did you get the ideas and did you experience any of the things?

“Some ideas come from what is happening in real life, you just add some pieces  of fiction (Imagination) to it, then it can be a story."