Author interview

by Lynn Lopez

What girl hasn't ever gotten bogged down by a break-up? In Maya Calica's novel The Breakup Diaries, the second book from Summit Books, the post-breakup trials of a self-confessed nice girl are placed under the spotlight as she chronicles her pain and recovery every step of the way. Female Network takes a chunk out of Maya's busy schedule to talk about her novel as well as ask her for advice she can give to the heartbroken. (Could she be a goddess of breakup wisdom as well?)

First, give us a small overview of The Breakup Diaries.

The Breakup Diaries is about a nice girl named Monica, who begins to rethink whether Being Ms. Nice has its merits after her boyfriend breaks up with her. The rest of the book is her coping mech when her self-esteem and sanity comes apart at the seams.

Would you say your breakup coping style is similar to that of Monica's?

I guess so. I've kept a journal since I was 13, so like Monica I find comfort in writing my emotions down.

What got you started on writing?

I can't recall the motive. But I do remember my first story was called "The Talking Egg" about an egg chatting up a little girl during an Easter egg hunt. I was 9. After that, I'd write poems about anything and leave them on my mom's nightstand, anywhere.

Is there a character similar to Beach in your life right now, and was there ever one like Itos?

I'd like to pretend Beach was pure fiction, but I am a terrible liar. So I guess there was someone who inspired his character--with some tweaking here and there. His name came from a really cute guy I met in the elevator. I had just rolled out of bed with not a trace of makeup on, but he was so cute I just had to introduce myself! Itos is more make-believe though. I've never really gone out with a lawyer.

What kind of books do you read and who are your literary influences?

I love chick literature! I love this Irish author called Marian Keyes -- she wrote Sushi for Beginners and Last-Chance Saloon. She writes the way she speaks, which is my style. I'm not big on big words. I also like Helen Fielding who wrote Bridget Jones's Diary. I'm also into non-fiction. I like inspirational writers like Laurie Beth Jones, Og Mandino, Norman Vincent Peale and Paolo Coelho. They tackle stuff about dreams and positive prophecy and how you can become the best you. Oh, and Oprah. I love Oprah.

Would you say there's still a lot of girls out there who are affected by the, shall we say, Catholic guilt, the same way Monica is--running off to Confession over the smallest things and constantly worrying that they seem like loose, slutty women?

I believe so. I'm not saying I agree with it, but it's the reality. As an editor, I get guilty girls writing me about sex and the like. I'm an old-fashioned girl, but I feel that we need a more positive motivation to hold on to our values or stand for what we feel is right. Personally, I have learned to forgive myself for my occasional lapses in good judgment or stupid mistakes. I still cringe at the thought of some of those dyahe flashbacks, but I've learned that laughter is the best medicine. OK that was so baduy, but it's true. You just have to laugh it off and say, "next time, you know better." Then you move on. Of course it's never a reassurance that you don't repeat that mistake!

Of all the possible occupations out there, why'd you choose to make Monica a barista?

I love coffee, and I guess having Monica make it for a living helped me incorporate one of my life's little pleasures.

Are you hoping to reach out to the newly-brokenhearted readers and make them smile, at least?

Haha, that's my subliminal agenda. I can't help it--I'm a nurturer by heart and I know that a lot of girls are burned daily by breakups. I see it in my email, hear about among my friends. I grew up in a family of seven sisters, so we were each other's support system. When someone you love breaks up, your heart breaks a little too. Besides, when you've been there, you've got to spread the word to those hurting that it can only get better. Because, really, it does. Don't you agree? ;-)

What advice would you give those who've just gone through a horrible break-up?

Cry. Count yourself lucky for your sisters and girlfriends who'll listen and still say it was his loss, even when your nose is swollen like a kamatis and running. Eat something, even if you have to shove it down your throat. Because you won't have the energy when the breakup takes away your appetite. But hey, you'll fit into your jeans better! Keep a journal. And pray. You don't have to be religious. Just talk out loud in your room and believe someone's listening.

Any new books in the works right now?

They're all in my head. But I do have an idea for a book for teens. Kind of like an inspirational thingie.

Let's say the book caught the attention of our local filmmakers and they wanted to put it on the silver screen. Would you agree?

Sure! OK, this is embarassing but when I was writing it I kind of imagined it on the big screen. I've always dreamt of making a movie someday. In fact, my sister Pinky who took up film in California wants to make it a movie na. And she hasn't even read it! What can I say? My family rocks. 

Read synopsis
Read excerpt