Author interview

by Maan Geronimo

Please give the gist of "Have Baby, Will Date" for our readers.

Shutterbabe Denise becomes a single mom from living-it-up single babe when one evening of fun changes her life. She struggles with this new role, new body, and new baby, determined to do it all! Life is made more complicated by Coby, the father of the child, who volunteers to be "yayo", and Martin, hunky lawyer dude who is just too nice and too hot for comfort. Do these guys really like her? Denise is unsure. Once confident and sure of herself, Denise now has self-esteem problems. Can single moms date? Do men go out with single moms because they think single moms are clingy, needy and an easy lay? Just read the book to find out (he, he).

Is the story autobiographical?

There are parts of the story that are "autobiographical". The part about the lactation consultant, for example, is real. When I gave birth, I had very little breast milk and I wanted to breastfeed so much. Then a friend from law school, who is a breastfeeding advocate told me about... . I also

Is Denise based on your own character?

Denise is based on a lifestyle I want to lead. I've always admired people who lead a carefree lifestyle while doing something they love. I also think it's brave to be sustained by Art. I guess I'm a frustrated photographer/artist.

I work in a law firm in Ortigas, which has a very corporate environment. Although I like the work I'm doing and I am learning a lot from practice, it doesn't have the freedom something a profession like a photographer's or a painter's would have. I admire people who just get up and go to wherever they want to. So when I dreamed Denise up, I didn't want her to have to file for maternity leave when she gives birth - even if that wasn't part of the story. I thought to be constrained by things like that would be corny. Although, it is a reality that mothers now do have to work, that they do want to work and a lot of them excel in what they do. In fact, a lot of moms work and still lead exciting lives.

How about Coby and Martin, the men in Denise's life, are they real and based from your past? Did they really meet? Or are they a collage/combination of different men you've met through the years?

I think Coby and Martin are the ideal. I guess I tried to put into these two characters traits I admire in guys. Though they might be rare, I think there are single guys out there who would date single moms, and are serious about them whether they are the fathers of the kids or not.

What truly gave you the inspiration to write "Have Baby, Will Date"?

Tara FT Sering, the editor of Summit Books, suggested writing about a single mother during a party we both attended. I thought it was a great idea and I could thoroughly relate as I had just given birth myself when she suggested the topic.

When I was writing the story, I wanted the reader to think that after a woman has given birth she doesn't stop being what she was before - she still has fun, still fixes herself, and if she happens to be single, still dates. Also, I was very conscious of the fact that giving birth changes you, you become more responsible, maybe a little less giggly but you don't stop being who you are, you just grow up. Ha!

Aside from Denise, which character in the book were you able to relate to the most and why?

When I was writing the story I could imagine myself as Denise's best friend, ____. I love matchmaking although none of my matches have clicked so far. Aside from the obsession with matchmaking, I'm also a new mom so, like her, I've learned to run a household, do some cooking, plan family outings, and all those things mommies and ates do.

What do you love most about Pinoy men?

I like it that Pinoy men know how to make "ligaw" and are "cariñoso". They also understand the Pinays' need to make "pakipot" unlike foreign guys who, when you say "no", will not ask you a second time. And, although we're into women's lib, they still think women have to taken care of. I think that's sweet.

What would you change about Pinoy men when it comes to love, sex, courtship and marriage?

If it's possible to get rid of the Pinoy machismo, I think that would be fantastic. Imagine a Pinoy who doesn't think that having affairs or mistresses is something to brag about. In courtship, it would be great if Pinoys were flattered instead of turned off when Pinays make the first move or are a little more aggressive than they are.

Are Pinoys still into having virgin wives while it's okay for them to play around?

That double standard should be banished. The worst thing is if Pinoy women agree with this double standard. If a guy thinks that you're the best thing that ever happened to him even if you're not a virgin is a guy for keeps, especially if he has a sense of humor. But if the guy starts out as a typical Pinoy with all the hang ups of Pinoy men but is open, not judgmental, and is receptive to new ideas, he might not be such a bad alternative.

What can readers learn from "Have Baby, Will Date"?

It's important to practice safe sex (is it okay to say that in cyberspace?). Also, I think having a baby out of wedlock is not the end of the world. One must still pursue her passion. Neither does it mean that you're stuck with the guy who got you pregnant. If the guy isn't for you, then do not marry him even if you're carrying his child. You have options. Lastly, at whatever age, shape or status it's important to...

If ever a movie version of your book was done, who would portray the main characters and why?

Maybe Claudine Baretto can play Denise because I hear she's a good actress and has a tremendous following. For the guys, maybe Piolo Pascual for Coby and Dominic Ochoa for Martin. Piolo because he can act, Dominic because he always plays the perfect guy (who doesn't get the girl).

Are you doing a new book or a sequel to "Have Baby, Will Date? Wedding bells soon for Denise and Coby?

I'd like to do another Chick Lit book. I need a compelling topic/subject though. I'm also trying to work on my short stories to try and put together a collection. All this while I work and be a mom and wife, so it's a slow going.

When did you start writing? Is writing a passion for you?

I started writing seriously when I joined the UP Writers' Workshop in Baguio in 1996 I think. That workshop made me want to get into the M.A. Creative Writing Program of UP, where the Institute of Creative Writing (then known as the Creative Writing Center) is, where all these wonderful fictionists and poets like Butch Dalisay, Gemino Abad and Cristina Pantoja Hidalgo taught. You guys must get a hold of their stuff. It was while I was in the M.A. Program that I thought my writing really improved. It was as if before then, I didn't know how to write.

What books are you currently reading? Who are your literary influences?

I just read a lot of new Filipino fiction in English, short stories in particular. A friend of mine gave me a whole bunch published in a local magazine. I think I read more than thirty stories. It was a really pleasurable experience.

As for my influences, aside from the Filipino writers I mentioned above, I like Kerima Polotan, Charlson Ong, Rosario Lucero, Alice Munro, the Latin American writers and Gabriel Garcia Marquez especially (his short stories are fantastic), Jhumpa Lahiri, Joyce Carol Oates, and so many others.

How do you see yourself carving a niche in Philippine Literature?

A lot of great storywriters tell only "one" story or have only one theme told in different ways and make their niche that way. I'm not sure I've found that one story I'd like to echo in all of my stories. Although, I've noticed that I tell better women's stories than when I try to tell a guy's story. I guess that's obviously because I know about women more. So I guess I'm looking for the Pinay's story, the Pinay of this generation's story. Is that vague enough? (He, he.)

Are you part of the "Chick Lit" Genre?

Yup, I think that can't be denied since I have a Chick Lit book. I think it's something to be proud of. In fact, I love it that Summit came out with Chick Lit and brought fiction to so many - an unimaginable feat in Philippine Literature. They deserve an award for that. Maybe sometime soon a body will recognize this accomplishment.

I think that most, if not all, of the chick lit writers so far are good literary writers as well. Check out the short stories of Tara FT Sering, for example, they're wonderful. Look out for Mabi David's and Melissa Salva's poetry and fiction, too.

What are your tips to aspiring writers?

Reading everything you get your hands on. Write and re-write. Join writers' workshops and get great tips from veteran writers. 

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