Before I introduce you to my fictional characters, let me tell you something about all of them in general. You see, each and every character I create in my mind is somewhat a part of me. Ganon naman daw di ba? Every character created by an author is actually part and parcel of who he/she is. I believe that. Kasi when I sit back and try to be objective in the stories I wrote, I know I am writing a piece of me in it.

Once upon a time, I write on a daily basis. Back in high school, in fact, I wrote 3 stories. Kasing kapal ng spiral notebook na uso noon. Si Hazel at si Christian. They were my very first characters. I remember being so attached to Hazel that time. I didn’t want my story to end right away because I loved creating scenes where Hazel shone. Na-attached talaga ako. Looking back, I know I was living in her world. Masaya eh!

I was hesitant to have others read about Hazel and Christian’s story then. But when a few of my classmates read it and actually liked the story, I started asking their opinions. They would harass me for the next chapter whenever I release a new one. It was addictive, their responses. Before I knew it, I was already saying goodbye to Hazel and Christian. It was a happy ending but deep down I was sad to part with my characters.

It was the same way for the next batches. Always the same way for me.

12.2.08