NaNoWriMo 2015 Finished.

I was motivated to get my 50K words out for NaNoWriMo in 20 days. Did it in 24 because, life. I was extra motivated because of Tae Kwon Do. Namely, the exam that awaits me on December 5th. I was additionally motivated to complete before Thanksgiving so I could watch Mockingjay 2. Whatever pushes you, right?

Wonder Fall, first draft, completed at 50,013 words. Thank you, NaNoWriMo. Can't wait for my winner's shirt!

Drops mic.

ChaNoWriMo about NaNoWriMo-Full Interview Here

Hello.
My Name is Tanya.
I love NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month.
I love ChaNoWriMo. They gave me an opportunity to share my strategies to surviving 30 days of writing to reach the goal of 50K words.

They've been sharing bits of the interview on their wonderful Facebook page. Be sure to like them by clicking here. In case you missed those tidbits, here's the full meal.

Thank you and good luck if you're taking on NaNoWriMo. Click here for more information about this wonderful writing challenge.


1. What first got you interested in NaNoWriMo / ChaNoWriMo?

With NaNoWriMo, I can’t pinpoint how it came to my attention, but I believe it was via Facebook, perhaps a post from an author I follow. We were new to Washington State, making a long journey up the Pacific Coast for about a week in October. Once we settled in the area, but before we found our home, I remember being at our lodge and deciding to go for it. I needed a distraction from the stress of our long journey. I liked the idea of challenging myself to write 50K words in 30 days. That was 2012, and I’ve participated ever since. For ChaNoWriMo, I learned about it in 2014 and love the idea.


2. What keeps you going through a whole month, day by day?

Most days, it’s the story that unfolds in my mind—the characters, the events, the dialogue. But, for less motivated days, I love that NaNoWriMo keeps tabs on your daily word average. I also keep up with other writers in my city as well as those on Guam.


3. How much time do you try to spend writing every day in November? What does an average November writing day look like, for you?

I try to carve out time in the morning, before the family rush, and in the evening after the home is tucked in and sleeping. If I get a solid hour or two a day, I can meet my goal.

4. What (if anything) do you do in advance to prepare for actually writing the novel during November (drafting, outlining, lists of scenes, etc.)?

I’m a girl scout in that I’m honest. Sometimes I wonder if other NaNoWriMo participants start writing long before the November start date. For now, I’m debating in my head about two story lines. I don’t actually start writing (again, because of my innate honesty), but I may begin an outline and I love having my character names settled. It helps propel the story and my writing efficiency.


5. Any tips and secrets you would like to share on building plot, character, etc.?

I love sharing. It helps get writers motivated and stories born.

I keep files on my computer for each book I write. I include drafts, outlines, scenes, and character profiles. In my profiles, I may have “journal” entries of the main characters, lists of my character’s likes, dislikes, quirks, and personality. I even go so far as finding celebrities I envision as my character (as if in a movie) and using their pictures as a visual guide. Some people like music when they write, and I’m in that group. I make a ‘soundtrack’ for my book and it helps with feeling and tone as I write. In addition, I print out my drafts and use index cards and stuff them into a journal or folder. If I find time away from home, I have things in front of me that I can work on in my car, or the library, or a coffee shop. As much as I love computers, I keep printed copies of everything I have, so the progression doesn’t need to be dependent on my accessibility to my laptop.


6. Who are the Chamorro or Micronesian, Oceanic, writers that you consider role models?

There are so many. I love that Craig Santos Perez is making waves as a poet. I’m a fan of Sieni A.M. and Lani Wendt Young. I’ve been able to bounce off ideas and information with Young. I’ve met the wonderful author, Kristiana Kahakauwila and her short story collection, ‘This is Paradise: Stories’ is read worthy. And, I appreciate the art and writings of Dr. Judy Selk Flores. She continues to be an inspiration to me.


7. Any Pacific novels in particular that really inspire you in terms of what literature can do?

I feel like my last novel, Secret Shopper was a blend of Guam meets Bridget Jones’s Diary. I like what Lani Wendt Young has done with her YA Telesa Series, and I’m pretty fervent about her dive into Contemporary Romance/Comedy with her Scarlet Series now. For Guam, I am not aware of any novels that are in my genre specifically, which is women’s literature/romantic comedy. I have a number of projects in the Young Adult genre, and again, would love to see a rise in Chamorro titles out there.


8. What inspired you to use Chamorro motifs and language in various pieces of writing (especially in your wonderful short-story collection Attitude 13)? What do you think that adds to your work?

The biggest inspiration is being Chamorro. It’s what I know and what I am. My father passed away in 2007 and that’s when the short stories started to build in me and burst onto paper. I feel like writing stories that reflect my island and upbringing brings a mirror up to those readers from the same heritage and a light to those not familiar with us. I wrote Attitude 13 with a conscious effort to include Chamorro themes and ideals. I’m working on a volume 2 of short stories that I want to be more wide ranged and organic. I have many influences that I would like to seep into the writing.


9. What does the Chamorro canon of literature look like, to you? What do you dream of it looking like in the future?

It’s misleading to say it’s burgeoning, because, it’s always been there, a constant, but gentle flow. With the rise of indie publishing, there is more out there than we realize. Sometimes, and I invite others to try it, I type in ‘Guam’ or ‘Chamorro’ in the search bar of Amazon, under books. You’ll be surprised by what’s being published. Some of them come from a genuine place and from Chamorro writers. My hope is that Chamorro writers, whether on Guam or other places in our great big world, continue to write, to hone the craft, and be bold and publish.

10. What advice might you give about publishing, promotion, etc.?

I’ve been doing self promotion since 2010. I’ve attended Chamorro Festivals up and down the west coast—selling my books, speaking on writing and publishing. Social media is a big help to authors, so as introverted as I may be, I utilize Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and my blog, Guam Goddess in Training, to my advantage. I used to carry business cards, but found them, at least for me, an uncomfortable tool.

In terms of publishing, indie publishing is great. I used Authorhouse in 2010 to publish Sirena and Attitude 13. I didn’t in 2013 when I self-published Secret Shopper. The difference, money. Amazon’s Createspace offers a free self-publishing program. I’ve done the traditional publishing route too and hold my numerous rejection letters as trophies of honor. I would travel that route again, once I’ve polished a manuscript I deem worthy enough to submit. Find yourself a publishing company, large or ‘boutique’ and follow their submission guidelines. Brace yourself for the sound of crickets, i.e. ‘no response’, or a cookie cutter rejection letter, but don’t stop, because what one publisher might turn their nose up to, another might love.


11. Are there any historical or current events that inspire you in terms of writing?

I can’t say that there are any specific events. I’m very inspired by people who are underdogs or wallflowers who rise to an occasion, even if it’s just discovering their own power. I’m inspired by other writers who keep trying. And, that’s why I love NaNoWriMo, because it gets me to wring that story out of my brain, which would otherwise not happen.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TanyaTaimanglo
Twitter https://twitter.com/TanyaCTaimanglo

Guam Goddess in Training Does a Book Review! 'Scarlet Lies' By Lani Young

“Scarlet, are you a cynic?”
“No, I’m a realist. I think you’ll find many romance writers are.”

*SPOILERS.

This is a book review of Lani Young’s ‘Scarlet Lies’ (Book One of the Scarlet Series). I was excited to receive this book from Lani herself in April. There are so many reasons I love anything Lani does and so many ways I loved ‘Scarlet Lies’ even before reading it. For one, Lani has become one of the strongest female voices for Pasifika writers. Her ‘Telesa’ series (YA) is a force upon itself. Young’s work is important because it offers islanders of all backgrounds a connection to characters who reflect their culture. We need more stories about US in this sea of literature, and she is a pioneer. Photo:jennphotog.com

I nibbled at ‘Scarlet Lies’ at first, getting to know Scar, the heroine of this story. Sometimes I devoured entire sections of the book; much like Scar would when faced with a tasty dessert. I had many LOL moments and many moments of cultural connectedness. I’ve discovered so much of the Samoan life reflects my life as a Chamorro from Guam. As I jumped from chapter to chapter, I highlighted sections in blue that hinted at Scar’s tortured past, pink for cultural observations, and brown for progression in her connection with love interest, Jackson.

Jackson=perfection. I’ll leave it there and let you discover more about him. #JasonMomoa

Young does an excellent job of giving you glimpses of the true pain that Scar has lived with. The Scarlet Letter A, so to speak that she’s been branded with controls her life in so many ways. And aren’t we all tortured by something in our past? Being from an island, they don’t let you forget it, do they?

The writing, every delicious layer, kept me eager to find out more about Scar. The broken Goddess that she is, Scar begins an evolution in this story. Scar is such a real person in my mind that I want to be her friend and bask in her unknowing awesomeness. I love that she is a dessert fiend and also blogs. Big Brown Beeetch.com, I wish it existed, trust me I checked. But Scar’s blog exists in this book and Young folds it into the story expertly. And Lani's blog link is here.

Without giving away too much more about this lovely story, because you should really get a copy and read it for yourself, I will praise Young’s writing magic and the journey I took with Scar. I identified with lovely Scar immediately—from being more woman than the norm #curves, to her predilection for anything sweet #croquembouche, and her admiration for sculptured physiques #mancandy, ‘Scarlet Lies’ is a complex, sophisticated dessert of a story and I cannot wait for the next serving, ‘Scarlet Secrets’.

Talking NaNoWriMo with Marianas Variety Guam

Just a late post for posterity. Speaking about my third year participation in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) with Marianas Variety Guam. CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE. Just hit 20K words. 30K to go by November 30th! Been creating good writing sprints with the help of Youtube and music by Hozier, Vance Joy, Boyce Avenue, Birdy and Future Sunsets.

Good luck to all you NaNoWriMo-ers!

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Let's Meet...M.B. Dallocchio, The Desert Warrior.

"Writing can't change the world overnight, but writing may have an enormous effect over time, over the long haul." --Leslie Marmon Silko

M.B.(Wilmot) Dallocchio first came onto my radar via my cousin/business partner at Guam Books and Beads, Alison Taimanglo Cuasay (Tasi & Matina). I recall Alison showing me Dallocchio's artwork. They share the commonality of being war veterans and Chamorritas and that made us both instant admirers of Dallocchio's art and writing. I was excited and honored to meet Dallocchio this past March in San Diego at CHE'LU's 5th Annual Chamorro Cultural Fest. The beauty of our meeting is that we are united in celebrating each other's works and I'm thankful that we have connected.

*@ CHE'LU's Chamorro Fest, March 2014. (L-R) Taimanglo, M.B. Dallocchio, Judy Flores, Alison Taimanglo Cuasay.

Here's the wonderful interview!

1. Labels can be bad, but with someone as multi-faceted as you—it helps us understand the many hats you wear. If you could string a necklace with beads that represent what/who you are, what words would be on those beads? (Mine would be mother, military spouse, geek, Chamorrita, goddess in training, writer, self-doubter, dreamer, amateur drummer, karaoke diva, etc.)

Chamorrita, warrior, mother, friend, writer, itinerant artist, surrealist, diviner, globe-trekker, foodie, desert nomad, combat veteran, visionary.

2. Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?

Hopefully in Santa Fe or Taos, New Mexico with my family.

3. Tell us about The Desert Warrior. Contact information? How to purchase your art/book? Appearances?

I wrote a book under my old name, M.B. Wilmot, called “Quixote in Ramadi” and it can be purchased on Amazon (red cover edition). You can purchase my art and books at www.thedesertwarrior.com.

4. You have stunning imagery with your art. What’s your favorite medium(s) for your art?

I like combining acrylic and ink the best, but I prefer to print my finished products on metal. I think my work stands out best on metal for some odd reason.

5. Who are your influences, in writing/art?

Frida Kahlo and David Cerny (Czech artist) are my two biggest influences when it comes to art, but writing is a different story. I really enjoyed “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey as well as books by Carlos Castaneda, Leslie Marmon Silko, Paulo Coelho, Winona LaDuke, and Sherman Alexie.

6. If you could rid the world of one (or two things-or more) what would they be and why?

Indifference and bigotry. Those have been the two most evil sources I’ve seen in my life.

7. You are a native Chamorro from the Northern Marianas Islands from your maternal side. Have you visited the CNMI? What do you miss most about home, the culture?

We used to visit Saipan quite a bit as a kid, but we actually moved to Guam for a few years where I attended Piti Middle School and Oceanview High School (before they moved everyone to Southern High). The parts of Saipan Chamorro culture I miss is that there is less pretension, or there was less pretension years ago. With growing influences of US and East Asian culture, I think people are changing. However, I am seeing a lot more Chamorros waking up to how events around the globe affect them, as it has always been that way since Spain colonized us in the 1500s. I would say that I miss the cooking, but my mom taught me well, but the clear water in Saipan, the persistently calm, ambient environment is always missed.

8. Your book, Quixote in Ramadi: An Indigenous Account of Imperialism has made what kind of impact in the military community? What feedback have you received? Any memorable encounter from a reader?

I have had quite a few people I didn’t know personally who read the book and thanked me via Facebook for telling my story as they could relate to it. My story is not your typical white Anglo-Saxon protestant story of Johnny or Jane going to war or coming home from war. I didn’t glorify war in any sense of the word, and I think it’s a mistake to view death and dying as patriotic or romantic. I have had more interest on the book overseas and with other veterans of color, but after presenting it at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, I think that’s starting to change.

9. Any plans for future books?

I’m currently wrapping up a memoir about coming home called, “The Desert Warrior”. It’s narrated from the point of my return from Iraq and discloses how Chamorro culture and other Indigenous cultures and people helped me to survive after being practically abandoned by VA and other veterans groups who simply didn’t have room for a minority female combat veteran.

10. Would you let your child join the military?

Joining the military is a personal decision and I’m not one to completely encourage or deny one’s vocation. However, I would encourage her to be as educated as possible before making any commitments.

11. What organizations or groups are you affiliated with?

I am still affiliated with “Los Veteranos de Arizona” in Phoenix, and a few veterans’ art projects on occasion. I also support indigenous activism in the Americas. I’m careful about who I align myself with and I tend to do a lot of my work and activities on my own or with my close friends and family.

12. How has life after the military been?

It was a struggle at first, but I found my way through. “The Desert Warrior” will be very detailed on how that was, but in the end and with much perseverance, I’m still standing.

13. Where can we get the latest about you?

Any updates or information is viewable on my website at www.thedesertwarrior.com or my blog www.quixoteinramadi.com.

Attitude 13 Receives a Lovely, Honest Review

"In addition to being very interesting, the book is also beautifully written. The author is a former English teacher and that can be noticed quite easily. Vivid imagery changes the words into thousands of pictures that appear in your mind, unlocking your imagination. Suddenly you are transferred to a different place, far away from home, where the youngs and olds share their stories with you."
--TalesFromPasifika.com

I never thought I could say I had a friend in Poland. But, I do.
I never thought my stories or my words would impact someone in another country. But, they do.

I'm thankful for the support of the wonderful blogger of TalesFromPasifika. Someone who loves all things Pasifika, who took the time to learn about me and my books. Someone who supports me unsolicited.

Here is TalesFromPasifika's review of my collection of short stories, Attitude 13.


LINK HERE!

You can follow this great blog on TWITTER! @PasifikaTales
Always grateful,
Tanya Taimanglo

Fliers Make Anything Official

My next Author Meet and Greet is at United Roots' Pacific Islander Arts and Crafts Showcase on April 26. I'm excited to meet people in the PacNorWest. Hope you'll be there! Thank you Reuben of Fliers Ink for the awesome flier. I feel 2legit now. Tanya Taimanglo

NaNoWriMo 2013 Complete!

In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance.--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Just a quick note about how relieved I am that my YA novel, "Little Drummer Boy" is complete. That is the messy, disjointed, ugly baby that it is. The first draft is laid down at 50,034 words in 27 days. My biggest push was getting it done before Thanksgiving. And, I did it.

Thanks to my patient family.
Whew! Let's celebrate. I'm dancing like George Takei!

NaNoWriMo Take 2.

Excited to start my second year with NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). I consider this the kick in the pants I need to get a novel first draft done. 50,000 words in 30 days. Not too late to start! Check them out too. Link HERE.

My working title is, Flies in the Vasoline. First POV of a teenage boy. Young Adult.

Writing music. Lots of Ed Sheeran, Hannah Trigwell, Boyce Avenue, covers and 90s rock.

With 2.5 Hours of 'Free Time', Comes Great Responsibility.

Two and a half hours alone…kids are in school(s).

What I feel like doing…



What might happen…




What I SHOULD do…

What my family THINKS I do…

What I really want to do…

1) Read this *I hit the Library day one to pick up this hold.

2) Enjoy that *The lovely rain and greenery, the view from my home office.

3) Edit like a beast

But, I've dwindled a third of my time on Pinterest and with this Blog....okay, dirty dishes and unfinished novels, I'll be right there!

First world problems, wish me luck!

I ♥ Boy Bands 4-Eva!

A 1980s/1990s teenage dream fulfilled with my bestie since the 10th grade this past Tuesday. We attended The Package Tour at the Tacoma Dome featuring Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees and The New Kids on the Block aka NKOTB. It was packed with women (and some men mercilessly attending with their chicks) who share the same rabid boy band obsession as me.

One thing about these now nearly middle aged men. They have all aged well, like wine, maybe a few like cheese--but I like both. And, they were punctual! Show started at 7:32 which was great. And, more impressive, no one in the audience (at least in my area) sparked it up....if you attend concerts, you know what I mean.

Boyz II Men sang gloriously and I was reminded of how much I love "Water Runs Dry."

98 Degrees were still hot. Nick Lachey, what can I say (my bestie's fave) and Jeff Timmons (my fave) still have the biceps and singing chops. Not such a fan of "Una Noche" but I was ecstatic that they ended with my favorite song, "Because of You."

The last two hours of the concert were reserved for the main attraction, NKOTB. Men in their 40s, they still have it in all senses of the phrase. Donnie was still the bad boy, six pack to match. At one point, he knelt and sang to a fan off stage. Cameras zoomed in and this bold lady beckoned him. They engaged in a twenty second french kiss which had the dome raving. He even looked at the camera and mouthed, "What the F*ck?!"-but went right back to kissing her. Shocking. Jordan Knight (my bestie's fave) moved very much like Michael Jackson, and sang falsetto flawlessly. He gave us some skin too and obviously, this father still works out. Danny did some athletic break dancing moves and Joey, the baby of the group was a raunchy dancer, much to my surprise. My fave of the five is and always will be, Jonathan Knight (yes, he likes boys) but, I've always liked his face and personality. He and Danny remained clothed through the whole show. While the rest of the boys did crazy pelvic thrusts to the audience, he was lukewarm and mainly stomped his feet a lot. Call me crazy, but I don't like overt. Oh, Jon--in another life, I'll be a dude.

It was nice to experience this concert with my bestie and my 17 year old god-daughter & Co. She laughed a lot, mostly at us, but had fun too. Donnie invited a surprise guest, Seattle's own Sir MixALot-whom up until that night I didn't know he was a Seattle-lite. He brought about 10 brave women on stage to shake their healthy butts, singing "Baby Got Back!" We were all dancing in our nosebleeds seats.



During Jordan's falsetto a story line was conceived in my writer brain and it's been festering and growing non stop since Tuesday night. It's shaping up to be a YA, sci-fi, comedy thing. I'll keep you posted.



Overall, seeing this wonderful grouping of boy bands is now off my bucket list--a great night.

Here are some YOUTUBE clips of the concert I found.

Hip Hop Blog Wants to Interview Me? Time to Pump My Chest!

My friend, blogger, writer and mutual Guam Geek Nerd Herd Member, Michael Powell recently interviewed me for his BloodIsOne blog. It's a great blog that receives five times more views than mine, but its primary focus is Hip Hop music. I love me some Macklemore, but I'm known as a rock and roll enthusiasts among other genres. So, when Michael offered to interview me, I had to put on my big girl Wonder Woman underoos and dive in.

Here's a snippet. "I’m proud to be a geek, nerd, fangirl-- because, I appreciate the need to escape, the need to believe in a hero/heroine who can move mountains, because then it makes us believe that we can do the same. That belief is what fuels my writing. I love creating alternate worlds. I like creating my own heroes. Secret Shopper’s main character is Phoenix Lizama Farmer. Her first name is testament to my geekhood."

Here is the result. Click here.

Thanks for the support everyone! Hope you check out Secret Shopper on Amazon.com, my romantic comedy novel needs some friends.
Tanya

Secret Shopper, Making Headlines...

Book offers island life references, romance: Chamorro author Tanya Taimanglo's 'Secret Shopper'

My home"town"--island, rather has breaking news on my novel. Thanks to colleague and friend, Sandy Flores Uslander, my writing endeavors and new novel, Secret Shopper has reached the shores of Guam. I've done my best to make some waves from WA State, but it's nice to be in my hometown paper.

The link is here! GUAM PDN.

Sandy Flores Uslander also writes for the blog, GoIsland.net and recently blogged about the article she wrote. So thankful! Read about it here. Click!
Can't wait to receive the hardcopy from my family.

Thanks for the support everyone!

Consumed by Art...When I'm not Writing.

So, I've been having much fun and 'therapy' with using my birthday gift...watercolor pencils. I released my novel about 3 weeks ago and maybe it's because I'm feeling a bit sad that it hasn't reached triple digit sales yet that I'm finding solace in creating art.

Okay, put your mini violins of sympathy away. Just happy to be afforded some time each day to paint/draw.

Carry on and thanks for the support!

If you've read my book (and three lovely women read it in one day or less--which is good, right?), please support potential interest/sales in SECRET SHOPPER by writing a review and rating it on Amazon. I have one great review, posted below. Much appreciated!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An awesome story! May 14, 2013
By Sami
Format:Kindle Edition

I loved the story simply because it's like you can relate to it. I loved how respectful the author was in language. Probably because of her roots. And "Mufasa" had to have been the funniest for me. I laughed my head off for ever.
I would love to read a series on this.
Two thumbs up to Tanya for such an amazing book!

The Perks of Being a Writer

As a writer, I know that my passion in life will never really pay the bills. Although, there may be a perception that just because someone is published—indie or otherwise, that they are rolling in dough. I will attest to the fact that I am not. And, I’m learning to be okay with that. Right now, I’m polishing a short story for the Carve Magazine contest—due today, I might add. It’s a $17.00 entry fee with the chance to be published in their literary magazine and win some cash. I shouldn’t be blogging, but I am, because that’s what writers do. We write, then need a distraction. So, since this morning, I’ve done domestic goddess duties while needing a break from writing. I’ve joined another short story contest and should know by tonight if I made it through to Round 3 (NYC Midnight Short Story Contest).

My novel, Secret Shopper, debuted last week. And, I’m doing my best to see the positive. I am reaching out to media sources trying to get a spotlight on my work. I’m sending a copy to a Chamorro professor in Hawaii in hopes that he will use it in his course. I’m offering free copies to the Guam Public Library and University of Guam Library in hopes that they will offer it for lending. In one week, my novel has sold a stunning 2 paperbacks (one I ordered for myself since I couldn’t wait for my bulk order) and 8 Kindle eBooks (one of which was refunded, making it really 7). I’m happy that the novel was borrowed 3 times via the Kindle eBook lending library for Prime members. I’m thankful that one Goodreads member listed the novel as “to read” and happier that she isn’t my cousin or auntie or former colleague. Although, I know my stellar sales this first week were indeed from my wonderful relatives and former colleagues and students.

Small steps and tempered expectations are needed in my line of work. I could easily find other more lucrative ways to use my writing skills, but I’ve been there and done that. Tutoring, editing, teaching, evaluations. I’m glad my husband supports us just fine and I can flex my writing muscle.

I was reading author Alice Sebold’s Introduction to the 2009 Best American Short Stories book of which she was the editor. She made many good points about the writing world, culture and the death of literature. I feel connected to Alice’s words, most especially the idea of writing for rewards.

“I have long distrusted anything that smacked of a prize, and I still distrust them. Of course, in the end, prizes, awards, scholarships, contests, elections, appointments, best ofs and worst ofs, most hideous sex scene, most overvalued stock, best American city, highest-ranking university, most valued player, best ass, best rack, best book, are subjective measures of one person’s or a group’s taste against that of another’s. Enough of this can breed a culture, and culture, by definition, is inevitably corrupt.”

So, my pursuit of winning contests is a combination of things. First, I get to flex my writing muscle. Next, I can add another notch to my belt, showing that I’m not only saying I’m a writer, but I’m doing. And, the cash prizes always help pay the bills. I foresee my future as a writer 4-eva…but, I don’t know if I’ll make millions at this. I can only hope to produce quality work. Have my ideas and messages come across. Paint pictures in my readers’ heads. I can only hope to continue to need a literary outlet.

Sebold goes on to support writing for rewards (in a sense) by saying,

“But I think highlighting good fiction is more important now than it ever has been. Because of this, I’ve also come to feel that now, more than ever, awards are a necessary crapshoot from which, on balance, all of us benefit.” (Alice Sebold’s Introduction from The Best American Short Stories 2009, Mariner Books).

At times, and when my husband asks when will you make our first million with your books, I wish I could be that mother author who spurns books that in turn spurn movies. Then I could tour with the hot young actors starring in my books turned nice and flaky movies, but then again I think, no. I want to be respected. Ask me next week, and I can change my mind. There is a place in this world for all sorts of writing. I read everything from the deep, moving novels to the nice and flaky ones. It’s a matter of taste and a matter of what I want to be associated with.

Secret Shopper doesn’t have the stunning covers of most contemporary romance novels, and I’m okay with that. The orchid featured on the cover was a housewarming gift from my Auntie Lou. The sunglasses I bought at a swap meet in San Diego, but rarely use because I like wearing my glasses and hate contacts. The shell lei is from Guam and the woven basket the trio of islander items sits on was from my wedding. I took the photo in my bathroom, which has the best natural light. Am I doing myself a disservice by removing the smoke and mirrors of my book? No. I’m just describing the cover. I do hope that as my story spreads, my little baby starts walking, and Phoenix and Thomas’s love story takes flight, that readers will give me feedback, give it reviews on Amazon or Goodreads, tell a friend and all that great stuff. I know I do that when I’m passionate about someone’s work. I call it Synergy.

Yes, Jem had Synergy too.


Me and "Jem" Comic Con 2012 San Diego


Okay, back to my short story. If I win, I’ll share (the story, not the prize money-I’ve got bills to pay).

Esta Later!

Secret Shopper is NOW AVAILABLE!

Happy to share that a week earlier than I anticipated, my romantic comedy novel, SECRET SHOPPER is now available in paperback form $12.99 or Kindle eBook $4.99.

Link here!

After moving to California from the tropical island of Guam, Phoenix Farmer’s marriage to her high school sweetheart, Bradley unravels. Forced to find a job, she retreats into the world of SECRET SHOPPING and thrives. As Phoenix discovers her true self without Bradley, she becomes an unwilling goddess with the help of her best friend Rachel. She snags the attention of Thomas-the creative, handsome and persistent target she has been assigned to evaluate. Can she hold off Thomas’s charm until her divorce becomes final? What will she decide when her father falls ill unexpectedly and pulls her back to Guam?

Hope you all enjoy and thank you for the support!

Happy to see the UPS man? Why, yes, I am!

Proof copies arrived, time for last minute edits (never ending torture for writers, but a necessary evil). I ordered way too many PROOFS, but will edit happily. Then, stare lovingly at my first crop of books, which just moved into my Guam books library.

Secret Shopper shaping up for you all!

Music, Mraz, Muse for Moving My Writing

Many writers will tell you that music fuels the writing process. That is no different for me. As I put the finishing touches on my romantic comedy novel, Secret Shopper, I find that setting the musical mood is very important, even if I’m merely editing.

When I did my first draft, I was so engrossed with Jason Mraz. Two of his beautiful ballads drove the love story I was creating. Beautiful Mess and If It Kills Me. His gorgeous lyrics seemed custom fitted for my main characters, Phoenix and Thomas. That was 2010.

BEAUTIFUL MESS-Jason Mraz


IF IT KILLS ME-Jason Mraz-Lyric Video

Three years later, as these characters evolved and the redrafting of their story occurs, I find myself editing to many songs, but I am once again pulled to lovely Jason Mraz. His new song with Christina Perri, Distance perfectly describes my character, Phoenix. She puts up walls, creates distance even if LOVE is staring her right in the face. Why do we do this?

DISTANCE-Christina Perri & Jason Mraz

Also love ARMS by Perri.



*So, thank you Mr. Mraz for being a constant in my book’s evolution.

My Life as a Spy....Secret Shopper, Actually.

I was agent 213.

When I was a wee lass, at the age of 32, ahem. I was busy with a new baby and living a life in San Diego away from Guam. One day, my wonderful husband came home and said, “How would you like to eat sandwiches for free AND get paid?”

It was the most romantic thing he had ever said to me. (I kid).

So, I did a quick, over the phone interview, sounding as eloquent as I could. Guaranteeing my 1 ½ year old would behave when I would evaluate restaurants, and that I could speak and write ‘good’. (I kid).

So, I did this for almost 4 years. Secret Shopping. A shoppers dream come true, right?
Except, I wasn’t a shopper by nature. I would rather be sitting on those benches in department stores with the weary husbands, resting my feet while my spouse hunted and gathered. What I did have going for me were my powers of observation and the great skill of writing quick, dull-only the facts, ma’am write ups. I was paid between $8.00 and $12.00 a report, mileage sometimes included. I made over $800.00 one month and was over the moon. I expanded from popular sub-sandwich shops to tacos. Then as they trusted my skills more, I was given banks and credit unions. Oh, joy! So, with about a hundred bucks per institution (never my own money) I opened nearly ten bank accounts in a two week span. I asked my boss, “Are you sure I won’t get flagged by the authorities?” I used my real name at each institution, and I was nervous at first having so many bank books to juggle. But, I became better at looking like just a regular customer.

My targets then expanded to phone calls, which was a relief as I birthed my second child during my stint as a spy secret shopper.

I enjoyed these because my spy lying skills were flexed. When the representative would ask for my name, I could be anyone! So, during the height of the Twilight obsession, I was every female character, except for Renesme.

“Hi, I’m Bella.”

“Hi, I’m Alice.”

“Hi, I’m Rosalie.”

Being half-Korean, I was given all the overseas banks at military bases in Japan and Korea. The mere mortals found it hard speaking to representatives who spoke English as a second language. I, on the other hand, was raised by a beautiful Korean mom who also spoke and sometimes slaughtered the English language. (Think of Margaret Cho’s comedic imitations of her Korean mom’s accent-snippet below). I had those special powers and those calls paid well.


Last week, I decluttered my new office, making it more conducive and feng shui-ish for my writing flow. I found a huge stack of evaluations from my secret shopping days. I was glad for the experience and the opportunity to write, but I was also glad to shred and recycle this 100 pound stack of paper.

Moving forward. When I told the company I worked for that I was no longer going to do evaluations so I can pursue writing full time (this was just before Attitude 13 and Sirena were released), my handler said, “Oh, well, good luck with that. But in case that doesn’t pan out, you can always come back to us." Them fighting words! I thought to myself. So, today I announced on Facebook and here that I will be moving forward. I’m thankful for the literary guidance of other authors like Lani Wendt Young and Carlene Rae Dater. I’m thankful for the self-publishing opportunity Amazon’s Createspace provides. I’m thankful for the many beta-writers I’ve had for the first novel I’m releasing soon.




In addition, I’m thankful for the wealth of experience that espionage secret shopping gave me, since it is a highlight in the novel, aptly entitled, Secret Shopper.

I’m working on a kick ass cover, drafts actually, drawing and coloring really, with my children, but I’m excited. Doing final edits of this manuscript that is almost three years old and in it’s fourth draft. Secret Shopper by Tanya Taimanglo is ripe and about ready for the pickings. I hope the world is ready for the strong Chamorrita lead this novel offers. More to come!

Thank you for the support.
Esta Later!

Kevin Smith, McFly and Writing Constipation

When I was 19, I took my first strides to being a writer. I was a sophomore at the University of Guam on a clear path to getting my degree in English and Secondary Education. My calling was literature, the beacon that took any spare moment of my time. I was reading and appreciating poetry and literature.

So, at 19, I pulled out my yellow notebook, wire ring and all, and outlined the story I was eager to flesh out. In my head, the entire book played out, the beginning scenes solidified on paper. I still have that notebook and the story is still swimming in my head. Its relevance and marketability now are questionable since I concocted it in the 90s. Jet City Woman. That was the title (I listened to Queensryche). Lynn Crow. The main character.

Aside from domestic goddess duties, Navy wife duties and weaving through our new Washingtonian status in Pac NorWest, I wake up every morning with the intent and sometimes a plan to write. Yesterday, I edited two chapters of my 2/3 finished novel.

I am impatient and distracted and with each full moon, hormonal.

My daughter and I just feasted on s’mores, so now I’m energized and feeling guilty about being sidetracked. I’ve also spent part of my morning watching Kevin Smith’s Too Fat for Forty. I folded clothes and enjoyed the first of three hours, saving the rest for later. I also ordered his book, Tough Sh*t: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good. I’m all about him right now, trying to squeeze out wisdom from his comedic and vulgar delivery.

In addition, thanks to CNN’s coverage of hot right now on YouTube videos, I came across Tom Fletcher. He’s a singer with the British group, McFly. His wedding speech, all 14.41 minutes of it was charming, engaging, entertaining and romantic. When I stumble upon a lead, I investigate everything encompassing that subject, so I’ve watched a number of McFly’s music videos, loving some of their catchy tunes.



So, Kevin Smith and McFly factor into this whole crazy process of writing. Sure, experts tell you to treat it like a job, sit for an hour or whatever prescribed time and just write. I did that with NaNoWriMo in November and I know I can sit and crank it out, but the creative process can be complicated. My interest in Kevin Smith and McFly right now will color my writing in some way, I’m sure. The creative process for me is more than just sitting my butt down in front of my laptop and pounding away.

I am suffering from literary constipation if you must. Something is brewing and when it’s ripe, the words will flow easier. (Like the visual in your head? Yep, that's what writers do)...

My first draft of a romantic comedy flowed easily. This was 2009. I was excited to share with two women who were part of a free writing group I joined at my local library. I printed them each a copy and we even met over coffee to discuss. I felt vulnerable since these women didn’t really know me as a person, but was honored that they had taken the time to read my crap. I call it crap endearingly, because the first drafts, let alone the first book you write are just that. I voiced this to the women when they didn’t give me a solid critique like I hoped. One lady only read the first 20 pages and the other, although she wrote notes, said “I only skimmed, sorry.” In my self-deprecating ways, I remembered walking back to the library, carrying the returned manuscripts, and said, “Well, writing is like taking a big dump. Once it’s out, you have to figure out what to do with it.”

I recall the two ladies looking at each other, laughing, “Did you really say that?”

Anyone who knows me truly knows I make the weirdest, sometimes vulgar analogies. It’s how I roll.

The only thing of value I have in this life is my ability to tell a story, whether in print, orating, writing it down or having people acting it out. That's why I'm always hoping society never collapses because the first ones to go will be entertainers. --Kevin Smith

Anyway, I’m experiencing writing/literary constipation. I walk around my domestic life hoping for a sliver of time to write. Yeah, yeah, I’m blogging right now, but it’s all part of the grander creative process. I’m figuring out what project to tackle, taking in Kevin Smith and McFly’s music in the background to get my gears going again. I’m doing the warm up to the marathon writing session I know is around the corner.

Needless to say, I’ll be 39 in a few months. Twenty years after I made a conscious choice to be a writer. I am one. But, I’m hoping the cumulative effect of my life will help me produce literary nuggets I can be proud of.


ESTA LATER