tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37612752012-02-01T00:05:26.932+08:00my life as a husband, father, writer and businessmanDeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.comBlogger21471100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-70662902367599528492010-12-19T21:54:00.002+08:002010-12-19T21:58:12.799+08:00

One of my stories, "Ghosts of Wan Chai", is in the December issue of Our Own Voice.It was first published in "Connecting Flights", an antho edited by Ruey de Vera.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-27471551189722879922010-12-16T19:08:00.004+08:002010-12-16T19:40:17.463+08:00

Whoa. I haven't been around here for some time.And now, the obligatory preamble before I ramble on.There was a time when I could barely restrain myself from blogging. But as time went on, the need for self-confessionals and such was gored to death by Facebook's status messages and even (to a smaller degree for me) Twitter. Without being fully aware of it, I was Borged into micro-blogging (if I

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-81891610954329736562010-07-12T13:43:00.001+08:002010-07-12T13:44:59.201+08:00

Editors Nikki Alfar and Kate Aton-Osias invite you to submit short fiction for consideration for Philippine Speculative Fiction volume 6. Philippine Speculative Fiction is a yearly anthology series, which collects a wide range of stories that define, explore, and sometimes blur the boundaries of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and all things in between. The anthology has been shortlisted for

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-72209302629391563552010-07-11T20:53:00.000+08:002010-07-11T20:55:08.215+08:00

Hey LitCritters!Our next sessions is on July 17, 2010 at 2PM over at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria. The stories we'll discuss are the following (take note that the navigation for the MacDonald story is a little tricky):"The Queen of Spades" by Alexander Pushkinhttp://home.freeuk.net/russica2/books/pushk/spads/spads.html"The Light Princess" by George Macdonaldhttp://

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-91026204153133230732010-06-17T12:00:00.000+08:002010-06-17T12:01:20.355+08:00

LitCritters! After a long hiatus, we are back! Read the stories below and meet up with us on Saturday, June 26, 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria. Here are the stories we'll discuss - just follow the links: Hooves and the Hovel of Abdel Jameela by Saladin Ahmed http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2009/09/special-online-story-from-clockwork.html Spar by Kij Johnson

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-17901870608882072692010-04-14T13:26:00.004+08:002010-04-14T13:34:57.416+08:00

Philippine Speculative Fiction has become one of the country’s most consistent and highly-anticipated yearly anthology series, showcasing the continuing development of the exciting field of speculative fiction writing. This fifth volume, edited by Nikki Alfar and Vincent Michael Simbulan, collects a broad spectrum of short stories that define, explore, and sometimes blur the boundaries of

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-30653610678874673392010-03-25T08:33:00.004+08:002010-03-25T08:55:58.431+08:00

Sadly, I can't go "health schmealth" anymore. As I grow older, parts of me are just getting tired. This year, my litany of woes continued to grow, and so I finally finally decided to do something about the things I could do something about - bridgework for my teeth (yes, I honestly prefer to chew instead of gumming my food to death) despite my fear of the dentist (I take on the multiple

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-27973803551148610152010-03-25T08:28:00.002+08:002010-03-25T08:32:55.938+08:00

1st - "A Kind of Flotsam" - Christelle Rhodamae Mariano 2nd - "Filipina: The Super Maid" - Irene Carolina Sarmiento3rd (tie) - "Cherry Clubbing" - Kenneth Yu3rd (tie) - "Remembrance" - me :)Video from Tania.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-90805181564772045322009-12-07T11:04:00.003+08:002009-12-07T11:27:50.030+08:00

...is what has swallowed my writing time. Yup, I'm blaming Facebook for not blogging haha.But not all of my time is spent at the trading forums looking for new furniture for my pet - I'm actually working on a couple of stories for the new collection (he says, defensively).On the publishing front, I have a number of stories available in anthologies:I have 3 stories in Growing Up Filipino II,

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-67028172813560640882009-10-09T08:46:00.003+08:002009-12-07T11:33:09.882+08:00

For Benjie I first met Benjie years ago, in Manila. He had recently arrived from the States and had gangsta swagger around him that was immediately interesting – because beneath the tough guy was a heart so vast in its capacity to give, a mind so powerful in its ability to learn, and a spirit so enormous in ability to share. We shared stories, he and I. He, about his difficult life and how

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-16117492940967512702009-10-08T11:19:00.002+08:002009-10-08T11:21:32.964+08:00

With all the floods, power outages and rain, the usual LitCritters sessions are suspended until further notice (I just realized that I sounded like the Department of Education right there).Better to stay safe and read indoors for now.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-36052548516873564622009-10-08T11:15:00.003+08:002009-10-08T11:24:44.034+08:00

Just a quick note to remind you that you have one week to go before the deadline for submissions for Philippine Speculative Fiction V.Here's the original call for submissions: http://deanalfar.blogspot.com/2009/05/call-for-submissions-philippine.htmlYour editors, Nikki Alfar and Vin Simbulan, wait for your stories with bated breath :)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-27371751164416339052009-10-08T09:18:00.001+08:002009-10-08T11:19:24.126+08:00

We're in the second of week of having no running water.And last night, we had no power.I hold fervently on to the hope that this too will pass.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75196599966199229672009-10-06T15:40:00.003+08:002009-10-06T15:45:25.098+08:00

The Farthest Shore: An Anthology of Secondary World Fantasy from the Philippines is live and free for reading. Edited by Joseph Nacino and myself, the antho collects stories set in places other than the world we know.Go and check it :)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-16717259705292032202009-09-02T11:53:00.000+08:002009-09-02T11:54:13.660+08:00

Here's the reading list and links for our next meeting (Saturday, Sept 5, 2009 - Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria):The Wedding Gift by Jacqueline West (Ideomancer June 2009 issue)Pearl in Shadow by Darja Malcolm-Clarke (Ideomancer June 2008 issue)Hot by Haddayr Copley-Woods (Ideomancer September 2006)This time, we check out the stories from Ideomancer, presented by publisher Leah Bobet

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2326564961591558262009-09-02T09:46:00.003+08:002009-09-02T09:57:27.054+08:00

The 59th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature was held last night at the Manila Pen. Great food, great company (I especially loved National Artist Bien's speech)- kudos to all the winners (especially to Kate, Eliza, Paolo, Luis, Anne, Ferdinand Balino and the 'winningest' Ed Maranan!)Kabataan DivisionSanaysay1st – Axcel L. Trinidad (Si Ate Elsa, Si Aling Carmen, at Ako Laban sa mga

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75971591256962216162009-09-02T09:40:00.002+08:002009-09-02T09:46:24.511+08:00

On August 28, 2009, the 101st Philippines Free Press Awards were held at Carpaccio, Makati City.Short Story1st Place - Epic Life by Rhea Politado2nd Place- Marita Pangan by Mechu Aquino Sarmiento3rd Place (tie) - Catherine Theory by Sasha Martinez & Bad Heart by John BenganPoetry1st Place - Textbook Statistics by Arkaye Kierulf2nd Place - Poet Talks to an Old Movie by Sid Gomez Hildawa3rd Place -

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-80375521238425404142009-08-18T12:23:00.001+08:002009-08-18T13:21:13.358+08:00

LitCritters!Here are the links to the readings for Aug 22, 2PM, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria:Palm Tree Bandit by Nnedi OkoraforCrossroads by Catherine Dybiec HolmRed Hands, Black Hands by Chris RobersonSee you soon!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-46742947404670696962009-07-27T14:33:00.002+08:002009-07-27T14:35:33.867+08:00

Readings for Saturday, Aug 1:Edward Bear and the Very Long Walk by Ken Scholes (from Revolutions SF) Diving Light by Ted Kosmatka (from Asimov's; author's website) Chenting, in the Land of the Dead by Kij Johnson (from Realms of Fantasy; author's website) See you at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria, 2PM.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-69927222365851983312009-07-15T16:32:00.003+08:002009-07-15T16:59:57.791+08:00

I'm happy to note that in the July issue of Locus, critic and editor Rich Horton gave both "Philippine Speculative Fiction IV" and "A Time for Dragons" thumbs up.This is fantastic news and a tremendous boost to the local spec fic community, as multiple authors from both anthos were cited. Congratulations to all the contributors (remember that the strength of an antho is derived from the quality

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-48213125715083080502009-07-07T16:29:00.003+08:002009-07-07T16:37:40.290+08:00

Here's the TOC for "The Farthest Shore", the secondary world-themed digital anthology that Joseph Nacino and I are editing. Thanks to everyone who submitted a story for consideration. Balancing Darkness by Rodelle SantosHindsight by Paolo ChikiamcoRite of Passage by Dominique CimafrancaThe Just World of Helena Jimenez by Eliza VictoriaSpelling Normal by Mia TijamEmberwilde by Nikki AlfarLight

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-76517315300134437602009-07-03T10:10:00.002+08:002009-07-03T10:14:14.335+08:00

Yes, it's a happy day!Here's what one of the authors I admire and look up to has to say on Philippine Speculative Fiction IV:I don't know how many US readers and writers are aware of it, but there is a vital and growing SF/F community in the Philippines these days. Good evidence exists for it in this latest volume of the anthology, Philippine Speculative Fiction IV. This volume is edited by

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-76238729283844523402009-06-22T10:07:00.002+08:002009-06-22T10:09:59.080+08:00

Hey, LitCriiters!Here's our reading list for Saturday:From the Lost Diary of TreeFrog7 by Nnedi Okorafor (Clarkesworld) Cockatrice Girl Meets Statue Boy by Willow Fagan (Fantasy Magazine) The Plagiarist by Alex Rose (Fantasy Magazine) See you 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.And a big shout out to LitCritters Dumaguete!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-87438463104368171092009-06-15T13:40:00.002+08:002009-06-15T13:41:32.326+08:00

The best game I've played this year!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-75334173405047591712009-06-09T09:29:00.002+08:002009-06-09T09:33:35.953+08:00

Readings:Last Son of Tomorrow by Greg Van Eekhout (from Tor.com)The Secret Lives of Cats by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (from Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine)A Weeping Czar Beholds the Fallen Moon by Ken Scholes (from Tor.com)Join us on June 13, 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-19991699003547246702009-06-04T23:01:00.002+08:002009-06-04T23:05:03.259+08:00

With the rainy season here for real, Nikki and I experienced how fragile our umbrellas were.  Walking home from the office in the rain, powerful winds surged around us, flipping our umbrellas the wrong way.  We laughed as we attempted to shift our upturned brellies against the wind, all the while getting drenched.  In a matter of seconds, our attempts succeeded and we were once again in quest

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-80296561228976905982009-05-25T15:21:00.003+08:002009-05-25T15:23:54.300+08:00

After multiple, extended gaming sessions lasting into the wee hours of the morning...(Image from http:/msp101.photobucket.com/albums/m46/XSpaz_CatX/lolcats/HappyCat.jpg)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-71807931019812468682009-05-25T12:50:00.001+08:002009-05-25T12:53:08.504+08:00

LitCritters!Our next LitCrit session is on May 30th, Saturday, 2PM at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Robinsons Galleria.Here are the readings:The Red Shoes by Genevieve Valentine (from Journal of Mythic Arts, http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/rrRedShoes.html )Death on the Crosstime Express by Chris Roberson (from Sideways in Crime, http://www.chrisroberson.net/2009/01/

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-30156370930454390932009-05-18T11:33:00.002+08:002009-05-18T11:35:42.032+08:00

Nine dream laptops are up for grabs for the people with the most sign ups in www.eyp.ph/userfriendly by July 20, 2009.  All you need to do to get a free laptop is to sign up and get your friends to sign up.  Go and check it out!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-57640230234539248392009-05-15T10:22:00.002+08:002009-05-15T10:25:30.421+08:00

Editors Nikki Alfar and Vin Simbulan are now accepting submissions of short fiction pieces for consideration for the anthology "PHILIPPINE SPECULATIVE FICTION V".Speculative fiction is the literature of wonder that spans the genres of fantasy, science fiction, horror and magic realism or falls into the cracks in-between.1. Only works of speculative fiction will be considered for publication. As

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-32968311664531122442009-05-12T09:39:00.003+08:002009-05-12T09:44:56.857+08:00

Everyone is invited to join us for an afternoon of stories on Saturday, May 16, 2PM at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.  Here are the readings - just follow the links and read up.A Buyers Guide to the Maps of Antarctica by Catherynne Valente(Clarkesworld Magazine)Boojum by Elizabeth Bear and Sarah Monette(from the anthology "Fast Ships, Black Sails" edited by Ann & Jeff

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-35959744340782137642009-04-28T13:07:00.001+08:002009-04-28T13:12:54.209+08:00

Sino ang tunay na lalake?Tumungo dito.Wasak na wasak!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-38209772889555949362009-04-27T15:11:00.004+08:002009-04-28T11:17:48.061+08:00

LitCritters!After a somewhat unexpected break (brought about by summer, schedulings, book launches, workshops, Holy Week at iba-iba pa), we resume our regular schedule beginning this Saturday, May 2.  Follow the story links below, read up and meet us at The Coffee Beane & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria at 2PM."Exhalation" by Ted Chiang (download it from NightShade Books)"Evil Robot Monkey" by Mary

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-14572808170487319772009-04-18T06:14:00.004+08:002009-04-18T06:45:31.147+08:00

On Thursday, we began with Alvin's poetics, characterized by an elevated magical realism and "bagabag". I think this is a form of literary horror and feel that, while it may have other concerns in terms of its problematics, it's spec fic - which is really cool (his text, alternate history, has beautiful stuff like mice adopting a human). During his workshop session, an undue amount of time was

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2749601185142210602009-04-17T06:27:00.002+08:002009-04-17T06:34:49.825+08:00

No, not me (though I wish I had the time and money to visit again), but shout outs to Mo Francisco, Keith Cortez, Stanley Geronimo and Philip Kimpo - who will be at the 48th Dumaguete National Writers Workshop. Kudos to all the fellows - you'll have a blast!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-11397970225199668852009-04-17T06:22:00.003+08:002009-04-17T06:27:24.078+08:00

(Top: Gelo Suarez, me, Carlomar Daoana, Vlad Gonzales, Mikael Co; Bottom: Alvin Yapan, Carljoe Javier, Jing Panganiban, FH Batacan, Cris Yabes, Ayer Arguelles) Thanks to Philip Kimpo for the pictures!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-67962308955862214922009-04-16T06:54:00.003+08:002009-04-16T21:34:41.526+08:00

Yesterday morning, we took up Gelo's poetics and had his workshop session back to back (oddly enough, the sessions are structured such that the poetics presentation and the workshop session for each fellow is, by default, not taken in sequence - I think mas mabuti na tuhugin nalang ito, with generous ciggie breaks, of course).Gelo's conceptual writing truly challenged my notions on what poetry is

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-89000118735541043782009-04-15T06:49:00.002+08:002009-04-15T07:35:08.629+08:00

It's only this morning that I finally really began to enjoy Baguio. For the past couple of days, I've been anxious about my poetics presentation, trying to follow Rio Alma's instruction to be honest and open, Ricky de Ungria's desire to see where I am and what I've got in the pipeline, my feeling that my poetics are less complicated or sophisticated than everyone else's, and my skepticism about

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-70854650102791816572009-04-12T18:25:00.004+08:002009-04-12T18:48:37.157+08:00

I utterly loathe long bus rides. The sheer tedium, the cramped leg space, the same recycled air going around, the faulty airconditioning, the fact that I can't stop for a smoke whenever I please, my vertiginous reactions to attempts to read while in motion - I avoid it if I can. And today, irksome films make my list.I actually like Sarah Geronimo as a singer. But this film, the "inflight"

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-66333489243849419982009-04-11T22:15:00.002+08:002009-04-11T22:31:12.949+08:00

So I'm done with packing, stuffing everything I think I'll need (mostly clothes) plus my laptop, my camera and my readings. The call time is 5AM tomorrow (Easter Sunday) which kind of sucks, not because of the time, but because I don't get to spend Easter with my girls.Since Sage was three years old, Easter has become a mini-Christmas for us. We indulge the pagan side of the celebration by

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-51383494221863938802009-03-30T10:49:00.004+08:002009-03-30T11:07:54.653+08:00

We had a fun launch over at Shangri-la for Vin's "A Time for Dragons". Wonderful seeing new and old friends (remember that these stories were collected by Vin four years ago - which, in itself, makes for a future blogpost about "you are only as good as your latest published work" vs. "but the editor took forever *sob* *choke*"). Sage played paparazzi with her digital camera, racing the dragons

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-60141584759457251712009-03-27T06:24:00.006+08:002009-03-27T11:19:19.840+08:00

Dark Blue Southern Seas 2009, edited by F. Jordan Carnice, is scheduled for release next month. My story "Messiah" appears there - and I'm happy to be part of a publication from Silliman, dedicated to Edith Tiempo. Like many writers who had the opportunity to spend time with her at Dumaguete, I call her "Mom". Thanks Fred and Ian!The new issue features the literary works, art, and photography of.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-84290218213347349612009-03-26T12:40:00.003+08:002009-03-26T12:47:56.281+08:00

The Apex Book of World SF, edited by Lavie Tidhar is available for pre-orders. It's scheduled for release September 1, 2009. I'm very happy about this book - the fanboy in me is unabashedly delighted to be rub elbows with S.P. Somtow and Zoran Zivkovic. With Tin Mandigma, the Filipino count in the antho is two (yes, the secret plan is to take over the world one international antho at a time).

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-68341426459652923602009-03-24T16:03:00.006+08:002009-03-24T16:23:26.790+08:00

Carl Zeno Manalo, an extremely talented young artist, illustrated my story, "The Middle Prince". His watercolors are just beautiful, capturing the flavor of the tale very well (and remind me of Carlo Vergara's artwork for "Ruin" - which I think we should republish soon). For that matter, now I'm thinking of releasing "Middle Prince" as a digital chapbook Here are some of Carl's pieces:Seeing

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-76541043903243776792009-03-17T09:43:00.002+08:002009-03-17T09:52:25.927+08:00

Join the book launch of A Time for Dragons (Anvil Publishing), edited by Vincent Simbulan, March 29, 2009 (Sunday), 3:00 pm, Shangri-la Mall Grand Atrium. And yes, there will be a parade of dragons.Accodring to Vin, this book is a collection of new dragon stories by Filipino authors to present the dragon in new and inventive ways, and renew and refresh the dragon for a more sophisticated and

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-64226018665198572502009-03-06T09:02:00.002+08:002009-03-06T09:06:30.114+08:00

Just last night, in the midst of writing, my laptop blacks outs, then comes back to life with the display split into 6 small grainy screens, with the almost impossible to read "display driver nvlddmkm stopped responding and has successfully recovered". "Successfully", my ass.Now I am plagued with random, intermittent blackouts and issues. Searching the web, I find that I am not alone.I'm off to

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-31673770823472438462009-03-04T13:18:00.002+08:002009-03-04T13:22:01.378+08:00

A video of the Philippine Speculative Fiction IV launch can be found over at the Inquirer.net. Thanks to Leo and Alex!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-25241291559493879262009-03-04T11:45:00.001+08:002009-03-04T11:48:13.507+08:00

From plays to comics to spec fic - the Bibliophile Stalker interviews me here.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-84763833008308504262009-03-03T16:32:00.002+08:002009-03-03T16:37:36.313+08:00

In the Dim Planeby Dean Francis AlfarAfter the end of the world, the hardest thing to fight is loneliness. I have never been truly sociable and eschewed the company of the few others here. With almost no power left and no way to recover any more, I managed to secretly maintain only one animated skeleton for companionship in the frenzy of escaping Forlorn’s destruction. Between the two of us, my

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-87971430532864633032009-03-02T15:03:00.003+08:002009-03-02T15:19:07.239+08:00

Here are the readings for this Saturday. As usual, we'll be at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria, 2PM. Click on the links, read up, speak up, and have a good time:The Sky that Wraps the World Round... by Jay Lake (Clarkesworld)The Button Bin by Mike Allen (Transcriptase)26 Monkeys, Also the Abyss by Kij Johnson (Asimov's Science Fiction)The Way He Does It by Jeffrey Ford (Electric

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-27565018925386403252009-02-27T11:03:00.002+08:002009-02-27T11:05:58.954+08:00

Don't forget!Philippine Speculative Fiction IV Book Launch5:30 PM U-View Theater, Fully Booked High StreetSee you there! Jai Ho!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-34811118896422588372009-02-27T09:19:00.002+08:002009-02-27T09:24:44.070+08:00

In a nutshell, then.The 59th Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is open beginning March 1.Each contestant may submit only one entry per category in the following:English Division (Short Story, Short Story for Children, Essay, Poetry, Poetry Written for Children, One-act Play, Full-length Play)Filipino Division (Maikling Kuwento, Maikling Kuwentong Pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Tulang

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-90745537226638484152009-02-24T12:34:00.003+08:002009-02-24T12:44:28.426+08:00

TOC of "The Apex Book of World SF", edited by Lavie Tidhar (Apex), scheduled for later this year:S.P. Somtow, The Bird Catcher,ThailandJetse de Vries, Transcendence Express, The NetherlandsGuy Hasson, The Levantine Experiments, IsraelHan Song, The Wheel of Samsara, ChinaKaaron Warren, Ghost Jail, Australia/FijiYang Ping, Wizard World, ChinaDean Francis Alfar, L’Aquilone du Estrellas (The Kite of

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-52971596485233053032009-02-16T09:10:00.004+08:002009-02-23T11:46:27.236+08:00

Sage turned 7 on Valentine's Day (I keep telling her that she's her parents' love child). Her special request: a rockout party at Red Box where she belted out Katy Perry (it makes me grimace when, at the start of "Hot n Cold", she says the word for the female dog), Shontelle and others. Rowan bounced to all the singing (yet another crooner-in-the-making) while the older kids pigged out (the white

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-77792385336708793802009-02-11T23:45:00.004+08:002009-02-23T11:46:50.197+08:00

"Taboan" means "meeting place", among other things, and my first day as one of the delegates from all over the country was both pleasant and enlightening. It was great seeing old friends again, as well as people I see only on special occasions (like awards nights) - but even better was being able to meet writers I knew only through their work or reputation. As if I needed convincing before, I am

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-50423027796412223622009-02-05T10:01:00.002+08:002009-02-05T10:07:56.310+08:00

TABOAN: Philippine International Writers Festival 200911 to 13 FEBRUARY 2009University of the Philippines Diliman (Feb 11)Ateneo de Manila University (Feb 12)Cubao Expo (Feb 13)DAY 1, FEBRUARY 11, WEDNESDAYUniversity of the PhilippinesDiliman, Quezon City9:00AM OPENING PROGRAMVenue: Pulungang Claro M. Recto, Bulwagang RizalWelcome Remarks• UP Diliman Chancellor Sergio S. Cao• NCCA Chair Vilma L.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-38673954557974746422009-01-30T14:16:00.004+08:002009-01-30T14:45:35.193+08:00

A bit of happy news: I just got an invitation informing me that I was selected as a Fellow for Fiction in English of the 48th UP National Writers Workshop set in Baguio City this coming April. I happily accepted, of course.I don't know what it'll be like. The last workshops I was a Fellow in were both in 1992, when dinosaurs ruled the earth - in Siliman and UP Diliman (gah, 17 years ago). This

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-63340551018210837242009-01-15T15:07:00.004+08:002009-01-15T16:01:32.240+08:00

Philippine Speculative Fiction IVEdited by Dean Francis Alfar & Nikki AlfarBook launch: February 28, 2009 - 5:30PMU-View Theater, Fully Booked High StreetFort Bonifacio, Taguig CityYou are invited, of course :)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-70466935933129083742009-01-13T09:32:00.003+08:002009-01-30T09:05:09.059+08:00

The sad news is that after twenty one years The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror is no more.This antho meant - still means - a lot to me, and to a lot of readers, writers and editors around the world.Thank you to Ellen and Terri, Gavin and Kelly, and Jim. Every year, you gave me a wonderful book to look forward to, and every year, you delivered.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-41517950630878831772009-01-07T10:03:00.004+08:002009-01-07T10:55:40.268+08:00

Stella Kalaw is set to have her one-woman show "Family Spaces" at Silverlens Gallery. Opening reception is on Jan. 8 (I really hope to make it, so I can give Marianne Villanueva a hug - for all her lovely fiction).Edgar Samar's novel "Walong Diwata ng Pagkahulog" (Anvil) is now available over at Powerbooks, with National Bookstores to follow in a bit. John Grant gives his thoughts on "Salamanca"

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-17814448994334075992009-01-07T10:01:00.001+08:002009-01-07T10:03:08.206+08:00

Secondary fantasy worlds are well-written fantasy stories that take place in a self-contained and self-consistent fantasy world created by the writer. These can be epic fantasy, high fantasy, or even dark (horror) fantasy.“The Farthest Shore: Fantasy from the Philippines, edited by Joseph Nacino & Dean Francis Alfar” will be published electronically to make this collection of stories available to

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-28543458386123496892009-01-06T11:42:00.005+08:002009-01-07T05:58:46.459+08:00

For Sage, Age Six(To be read when your heart is first broken)*Dear Sage,As I am writing this, you are six years old – already fiercely bright, beautiful and a wonderful conversationalist. We just got back from our regular Father-Daughter Day, our special time during the weekend when we go out to raid the bookstores (you love to read, just like your mom and me), catch a movie (you’ve become

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-63135169329197925892009-01-06T11:03:00.003+08:002009-01-06T11:10:03.232+08:00

Hey, LitCritters!The next session is set - Jan 17, Saturday, 2PM, at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.Here are the three stories for discussion (just click on the link and get reading):Memento Mori by Jonathan NolanThe Cambist and Lord Iron: A Fairy Tale of Economics by Daniel Abraham The Biography of a Bouncing Boy Terror by Ysabeau Whilce (pdf)Make sure to read up and we'll see

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-87916093286150875872009-01-05T13:08:00.006+08:002009-01-05T13:20:43.008+08:00

In the last few days of last year, Alex and Kate treated us to a pictorial - for our kids (their son, Hector, and our daughters Sage and Rowan) of course; but we bigger kids naturally got into the act as well.(Just kill the music; something in the way I uploaded must have gone haywire, sorry.)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-25337266574411302512009-01-05T12:22:00.003+08:002009-01-05T12:47:33.105+08:00

It's the first day of the working year and I'm spending it by identifying what needs to be done for various clients and projects, devising strategies and approaches based on last year's learnings, compartmentalizing tasks so things are not so overwhelming, and allocating resources (including myself) to start getting things done. Several items on my task list are ongoing concerns, which means

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2995178314646560552009-01-03T01:30:00.004+08:002009-01-03T01:50:57.384+08:00

And here I am, forty years old.Growing up, this age seemed so infinitely distant, the domain of the elderly, and of course like all callow youth I thought I'd be young forever. But time is relentless, and with every year that breezes by I realize more and more how precious everything is. We act like everyday is a given, when in truth every day is a gift and we need to make the most of each one.Do

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-9711622992925648772009-01-01T01:42:00.002+08:002009-01-03T01:47:15.645+08:00

Jo, Nikki & Rowan, Reb Sage and NikkiMe, Nikki, Maureen, Jo, Johnny, Reb, DondiJess & Sage, Mama & RowanThe Alfars (missing the littlest one)

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-58667138897857103822008-12-27T10:08:00.002+08:002008-12-27T10:24:18.326+08:00

In retrospect, I wish I had actually managed to write another novel this year, but things being things, I was not able to. With short fiction, I did better. After being able to make time (a dicey proposition in a year graced by a new daughter) and after many false starts (believe me, my hard drive has a folder marked "Fiction 2008" that is littered with stillborn and crippled beginnings, middles

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-41395773664636828512008-12-19T14:38:00.002+08:002008-12-19T14:44:11.972+08:00

When my back pain was finally just too, too much to deal with, I caved in and booked an appointment with a chiro - and in the span of just a couple of sessions, he worked miracles with my poor, poor back. It's true - I *heart* my chiropractor.Except for the fact that the cost of each session is astonishing (P3k a pop). I'm thankful that there's a little left over from the year end bonus, after

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-54407489931098560612008-12-03T13:44:00.002+08:002008-12-03T14:19:14.309+08:00

And just like that, it's December again. It's hard to imagine where all the time has gone, considering that it was quite a year for me, especially with a new daughter and concerns about the future because of economics.Sometimes, the days slow to a crawl, and the longed-for weekend seems impossibly remote, and deadlines just keep coming.But sometimes, the days whiz by, and when I try to remember

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-30880608061927001692008-11-27T08:48:00.002+08:002008-11-27T08:56:50.210+08:00

I have a new story out in the November 29 issue of the Philippines Free Press: "Report HC-IK017785A-0097B-006 de Ocampo: Survey of artifacts found in the derelict vessel 'The Malaya'".---Notes on a fMRIS scan, attributed to Dr. Jocelyn Montemayor (vessel’s physician); extracted from Montemayor’s audio logsMONTEMAYOR: …suggest subject’s ventral tegmental areas unusually inactive. Begin note:

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-31571977380751471592008-11-25T11:34:00.002+08:002008-11-25T11:49:13.117+08:00

The last LitCritter Session for the year is on December 6, 2008 at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria at 2PM.Here are the stories we'll talk about (clicking on the title takes you straight to the story source):Gift of the Kites by Jim C. Hines (Clarkesworld Magazine)Mermaid Baby by Sara Orton (The Summerset Review)Just Like the Singing Cod by Mark Bastable (Bewildering Stories)The

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2311993486431937402008-11-17T15:07:00.003+08:002008-11-17T15:13:27.166+08:00

Due to timing, scheduling and production issues, Philippine Speculative Fiction IV's publication is moved to February 2009.For the past three years, we've managed to get the annual out in December, but this year we simply aren't able to. I'd rather we delay a bit to ensure a quality publication than put out something subpar.I'm unhappy with this, of course (the structured/scheduling especially

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-25595775723073325422008-11-14T13:06:00.002+08:002008-11-14T13:10:09.646+08:00

The next LitCritters is scheduled for 2PM on November 22, 2008 at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.We'll be discussing:Lostronaut by Jonathan LethemThe Only Known Jump Across Time by Eugene MirabelliThe Water-Poet and the Four Seasons by David J. SchwartzA Spell for Twelve Brothers by Erzebet YellowboyIf you aren't a LitCritter, just sign up here. You're more than welcome to join

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-2461141082330447222008-11-14T10:28:00.003+08:002008-11-14T10:38:23.892+08:00

Editors Charles Tan and Mia Tijam's Philippine Speculative Fiction Sampler is live! Charles and Mia read through the published output of the last 4 years and now present their selections to a broader audience via this virtual anthology (with a kickass cover by award-winning artist Andrew Drilon).I'm delighted that a number of stories come from the first three volumes of the annual that Nikki and

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-31340080258153747032008-11-06T11:43:00.003+08:002008-11-06T11:51:34.258+08:00

My first children's book has been picked up a publisher and is due to come out around the first half of next year. I'm grateful to the editor for selecting my story and am quite excited to see it illustrated (the standard layout is 14 spreads, which means something like 14 color illustrations). This is quite encouraging - I'm thinking of shopping around my other story, to see what happens. And I

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-80606743863181345542008-11-03T14:06:00.002+08:002008-11-03T14:08:29.558+08:00

Our next session is this Saturday, November 8, 2PM at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Robinsons Galleria.Here's the reading list:Phosphorescence by Tessa HadleyDeath Comes But Twice by Mary Robinette KowalImmortal Snake by Rachel PollackAnnabelle's Alphabet by Tim PrattSo read up and see you there (if you aren't a LitCritter, just sign up here).

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-5636306816038381202008-10-30T09:32:00.003+08:002008-11-04T14:56:14.998+08:00

Yes, right now I keep a grim grin on my face as I wrestle with all the work requirements of various projects. Work is always good (and I'm not complaining about revenue streams) but the unavoidable confluence of deadlines, change orders, new requirements and multiple meetings tend to wear on me more as I get older. I'm thinking maybe I need more sleep or vitamins, haha.The nature of my work

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-11702723272279596082008-10-22T09:04:00.001+08:002008-10-22T09:05:19.053+08:00

Been knocked down for the past few days.Should have gotten the flu shot.Back at work, though groggy.Lots to do.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-20122737354108791182008-10-16T15:31:00.003+08:002008-10-16T15:48:15.062+08:00

I'm a big fan of Square Enix; Final Fantasy has been something I've loved (started with FF VII and onwards, then backwards with the earlier games in the series for the DS). But more than Final Fantasy, I am a devotee of Final Fantasy Tactics.Oh, the drama. And the job system. And the battles! Yes, the battles.Nikki surprised me with Final Fantasy Tactics A2, which is now firmly slotted into my

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-12248305471397313322008-10-13T15:24:00.002+08:002008-10-13T15:31:20.528+08:00

Join us this Saturday, October 18th, 2PM at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf over at Robinsons Galleria. We'll be talking about the following stories:Answers to a Questionaire by J.G. BallardThe Toymaker's Grief by Hal DuncanThe Empress Jingu Fishes by Kij JohnsonThe Mandrake Garden by Brian StablefordIf you're interested, just join the LitCritters Google Group, read the stories and jump into the fray.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-71082426746057747572008-10-13T14:12:00.003+08:002008-10-13T14:18:21.179+08:00

“Oh my God, Tasyo,” Mateo said softly. “What have you done?”At that moment, Poleng flew into the room, her face contorted in incoherent rage, held aloft by furiously beating wings, her mouth spewing unintelligible words. Her intestines trailed her grotesquely fluttering torso, polished by the rain into unwholesome whorls and knots of blue and gray.“No, no,” Mateo whispered.“Poleng!” Tasyo shouted

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-20922665070273126312008-10-10T14:36:00.003+08:002008-10-10T14:46:18.440+08:00

If you haven't had a chance to, go and grab a copy of Khavn's Ultraviolins.Refreshingly original, irreverent, even kinky - a spicy read on any humdrum day.- F. Sionil JoseNational Artist for LiteratureRemove all the consciousness you learned for reading stories and poems from elementary to college. Accept that the author in front of you is consciously being insane so you don't have to go looking

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-69387692851301163572008-10-09T16:52:00.003+08:002008-10-09T17:22:32.579+08:00

Yes, guerilla-reading style nowadays:The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot DíazThe Secret History of Moscow by Ekaterina SediaSuperpowers: A Novel by David J. SchwartzThe Starry Rift by Jonathan StrahanMaps and Legends by Michael ChabonWho Can Save Us Now?: Brand-New Superheroes and Their Amazing (Short) Stories by Owen King and John McNallyBagets by Carla Pacis and Eugene EvascoThe

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-41243341698101909592008-10-09T16:26:00.003+08:002008-10-09T16:47:26.388+08:00

Part of running a business is putting out fires - those incidents that spring up from time to time, unwanted and unbidden, that raise the difficulty level of a project or threaten the timeline or deliverables. Fires are a fact of life and dealing with them, over the course of years, is a matter of being to step back, analyze the situation, come up with solutions and implement those in a timely

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-52474173356972043472008-10-08T11:05:00.004+08:002008-10-08T11:19:27.728+08:00

There's an old cliche that goes something like "Nakakatanggal ng pagod kapag makita mo ang mga anak mo paguwi galing sa trabaho". And while not 100% true (I'm still tired and sometimes doze off - it seems love can be soporific), I'm always happy to see my girls (siyempre, pati ang asawa). When I get home from work, we all sprawl on the big bed (careful not to crush the infant) and marvel at

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-32539199643072756212008-10-08T10:15:00.003+08:002008-10-08T10:21:34.175+08:00

A new book by Arnold Arre is always something to look forward to.Martial Law Babies, published by Nautilus, is just around the corner. Preorder now and get P50 off the cover price!

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-82757875478236776522008-10-07T12:47:00.005+08:002008-10-07T13:42:29.955+08:00

belongingEveryone is invited to the launch of Belonging: Stories of Relationships, edited by Erlinda Enriquez Panlilio (Anvil Publishing) on October 29, 2008, 6PM, at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Makati . It's a book of primarily creative non-fiction (which is scarily new to me, but I gave it my best shot LOL).Here's the TOC:Care of Light by Gemino H. AbadSuddenly My Brothers’ Keeper by Myrna Almario

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-77439216299158804712008-10-06T12:09:00.005+08:002008-10-06T14:18:54.242+08:00

At the recent Manila Book Fair, Kenneth Yu, Jade Bernas and I were part of a panel and spoke about publishing (as publishers of Philippine Genre Stories, Story Philippines and PSF).I told Kenneth - and the audience - that the editorial "policy" (this is such a slippery word and is a combination of aesthetics, poetics and whathaveyous) of the antho Nikki and I edit is unabashedly literary - which

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-54148831498678681182008-10-01T23:26:00.006+08:002008-10-02T16:05:50.907+08:00

I'm glad that a lot more people are talking about speculative fiction (PGS collects the various threads here). Some reacted to one of my posts on the need for a critical framework for Philippine spec fic, others blogged after the LitCritters panel at UP, others react to the continuing publication of the anthology I co-edit, some take issue with the term "spec fic", some demand for the "movement"

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-78143749208202422122008-09-30T11:05:00.003+08:002008-09-30T11:18:55.973+08:00

Good news from my editor, Danel Olson. Exotic Gothic 2, from Ash Tree Press, is out and should be available in various bookstores (as well as Amazon.com) soon! Huzzah!For a sneak peek, here are the Table of Contents, Preface and advanced reviews. Thank you so much, Danel. I'm happy and proud to be part of the book.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-10085869022319940052008-09-29T15:25:00.004+08:002008-09-30T11:25:58.564+08:00

One of the books that Nikki and I (and the LitCritters) look forward to every year is The Year’s Best Fantasy & Horror, an annual thickie chockfull of wonderful stories from around the world.The editors (Ellen Datlow for Horror, and Kelly Link & Gavin Grant for Fantasy) scour a veritable mountain of publications from around the world (and the internet), from the New Yorker to Strange Horizons,

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-24139666113481952332008-09-28T01:11:00.004+08:002008-09-28T01:51:14.739+08:00

Nikki and I went through multiple readings of all the submissions (read everything, step away, read again after several days, discuss, read again, step away, read again, short list, wrestle with each other, finalize list - plus one last re-reading and discussion session, which resulted in two stories going by the wayside and another, whose virtues shone after rereading, coming in).And what we

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-58208664282456740902008-09-27T00:50:00.001+08:002008-09-29T12:59:57.691+08:00

Mixed links from the past and recent past:Charles Tan's essay: "The Term Speculative Fiction in Philippine Literature" and Rebecca Arcega's - A Reaction to an Essay on Philippine Speculative Fiction Kristel Autencio posts "The Melancholy of Cultural Identity in Dean Alfar's Short Fiction".David Dizon of ABS-CBN News 's article: Write A Blog, Win A Palanca (about blogging and a bit of my writing

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-13507463013272949942008-09-25T14:55:00.005+08:002008-09-28T01:11:46.356+08:00

(Alex, Kate, Dean, Andrew, Vin & Nikki - photo by Kenneth Yu)The LitCritters were invited to speak on “The New Philippine Fantastic” by the UP Writers Club yesterday, so we made our way to the Claro M. Recto Hall, joined up with PGS publisher Kenneth Yu, and parsed our talk in this way (be warned, assorted plugs for books abound!):Kenneth Yu spoke about genre and why/how he started the Digest of

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-7107590777284102802008-09-23T17:15:00.004+08:002008-09-23T17:25:12.668+08:00

Hey LitCritters !After a brief hiatus (we had children a-borning), we're back and would like to invite you to join the discussions. We resume regular LitCritter sessions on October 4, 2008 (that's a Saturday) at 2PM over at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Robinson's Galleria.Here are the stories we'll tackle (please remember that these are provided for reading purposes only):Last Contact by

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-24705047095231827712008-09-23T13:09:00.002+08:002008-09-23T13:16:35.155+08:00

For those who are planning on submitting entries to for Fully Booked's 3rd Philippine Graphic/Fiction Awards (which now includes short films - so should it be renamed then?) and are looking at the September 30 deadline with dread, fear no more. The deadline has been extended to November 3, 2008, giving you more than a month of extra writing time.So go and write up a storm.

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-59610082090810995322008-09-22T16:36:00.003+08:002008-09-22T16:58:32.191+08:00

When my O2 gave up the ghost (the demise was slow and painful and broke my heart as I loved my phone/PDA/everything very much, even when it would hang for no reason, even when it refused to make calls), I finally had a reason to go get myself an iPhone. As expected I balked at the cost, but my financial soulsearching took only seconds, since I'd been having impure thoughts about the iPhone from

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-46536594136402403592008-09-17T09:31:00.002+08:002008-09-17T09:38:35.471+08:00

It has been, still is, and I suspect will always be, my position that writers should be in the business of writing. In the context of my interest, this is to say that Filipino writers of speculative fiction should be working writers: continuously producing (writing and publishing, in print or online) texts that, eventually, in its variety of voices, approaches and authorial poetics, describe

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3761275.post-84373192937932873862008-09-16T01:46:00.003+08:002008-09-16T01:58:35.850+08:00

It's two in the morning and I've just finished downloading the last huge batch of submissions for the upcoming Philippine Speculative Fiction IV anthology. The hour before midnight was crazy, with over 20 stories coming in. You folks really love beating the deadline - but what matters to me is that your stories are in.From my initial scans (as I reformatted every submission into my and Nikki's

Deanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07664311165873518637noreply@blogger.com0