Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Unlocking Reading Skills: Create Book Activities

Before you can write, you're going to have to learn to read. Whether it is you, your child or your student, I hope these tips could help!

From immersive storytelling experiences to inventive writing prompts, this is an enchanting portal for young minds to realize their full potential. Discover the power of reading as a voyage of awe and writing as a path of self-expression, bridging the distance between the love of stories and the pleasure of creating them. 
Let us start by finding out what tickles your or their fancy. Genres and themes would be the best place to start. When I was pre-teens, my sister and I loved horror and myth stories. We devoured books like crazy. Recess? Who cares! I have to read in the library. Maximo D. Ramos? I have to find his most obscure books in other sources. Then we progressed to RL Stein and Goosebumps. We also had a collection of Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton at home, not to mention those Time Life Encyclopedias. Dinosaurs? I'd name them like Pokemons.
Now, choose a topic or genre. Then read something along those. You know, Amazon suggests you books based on your searches and purchases.

Now, let's make things fun. After reading, let's do some fun activities.



In the age before TikTok, I did scrapbooks and collage boards for fun. The height was during my Harry Potter Phase. I also created games based on Harry Potter. Note, this was before the merch and the movies. 
For books that had a good concept but I did not enjoy the ending, I wanted to rewrite my own ending. It was an activity that my high School English teacher made us do. We were given a story and asked to change the ending however we wanted.
Now, it is the age of technology, there's so much more we can do like make a BookTok or TikTok about the book. You can make trailers. you can even redesign the covers. All this can be done with various tools, especially with AI. (Don't be afraid to experiment!)


You know what else you can do? Create challenges! Challenge other readers. Challenge your friends on Social Media! Challenge your kids! Ignite the competitive spirit!

I hope you enjoyed these tips.
I want to impart my knowledge as a writer and hope to learn from other writers as well. 
Never stop learning! I'll never be the best writer but I know I'll forever continue to improve. Reading is a way to help improve. You cannot be a writer unless you are also a reader. So, unlock those reading skills!

 

Sunday, October 22, 2023

Manananggals in the City - A Fusion of Folklore and Modernity

"Manananggals in the City" is a remarkable collaboration that not only celebrates but also reimagines Filipino folklore, revealing its relevance and depth in a modern environment. The initiative highlights the skill and originality of Filipino Indie Authors by presenting an intriguing tale that captivates, fascinates, and invites readers to discover the compelling combination of myth and urban contemporary. Prepare to enter a world where tradition collides with innovation, and the manananggal emerges as a symbol of undying myth and ageless attraction.

At the helm of this ambitious literary endeavor is Mayumi Cruz, spearheading the efforts of the Pinoy Indie Authors. Working in collaboration with esteemed authors like Maita Rue of Romance Writers of the Philippines, Jean Karl Gaverza of Philippine Spirits, and Yeyet Soriano of Heist Club, Keira Viresse, Paola Aliedo, Mia Daquial, Fred Figueroa, and Marigold Andres Uy. They form a creative powerhouse dedicated to exploring the uncharted realms of folklore and contemporary fiction.



Upcoming Titles in the Collaboration

 

1.    The Tie That Binds by Mayumi Cruz

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Horror

FB: MayumiCruzAuthorPage

IG: @mcruz501

www.mayumi-cruz.com

 

2.    Moonlight Eclipse by Maita Rue

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Urban Fantasy

FB: @authormaitarue

IG: Babymoonmaita

TikTok & YouTube: @maitarue

www.MaitaRue.com

 

3.    My Girlfriend Is a Manananggal by Keira Viresse

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Urban Fantasy

FB page: @KeiraViresse

IG: @keira_viresse

Linktree: linktr.ee/keira_viresse

 

4.    One by One by Yeyet Soriano

Genre: Crime Fiction

FB: @Yeyetsorianowrites

IG: @Yeyetsoriano

Youtube: @yeyetsoriano6242

www.yeyetsoriano.com

 

5.    Naima's War by Jean Karl Gaverza

Genre: Fantasy

FB&IG: @Phspirits

https://phspirits.com/

 

6.    My Manananggal Dream by Paola Aliedo

Genre: Urban Fantasy

FB: @paolaaliedo

 

7.    The Groovy Manananggal by Fred Figueroa

Genre: Fantasy

FB: @fred.figueroa2

 

8.    Maya, At Your Service by Marigold Andres Uy

Genre: Action, Fantasy

FB &IG: @goldenartsbymarigold

 

9.    Expansion by Mia Daquial

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy

FB: @MiaDaquial


Philippine buyers can buy these books by contacting the authors on their social media account.

Ebooks and paperbacks are also available on Amazon and other digital stores on each author’s account.

 

Saturday, October 21, 2023

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 4

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Weeks 1-3 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 4. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.










Saturday, October 14, 2023

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 3

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Weeks 1 and 2 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 3. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.










Saturday, October 7, 2023

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 2

It's Oktober and you know... Inktober! I've already posted Week 1 so just read my past post.

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 2. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.










Saturday, September 30, 2023

Inktober for Art as Therapy Week 1

 It's Oktober and you know... Inktober!

I made my own Inktober sketch prompts for Therapeutic Arts or Art as Therapy. Feel free to download or share. I hope it helps you. This is week 1. If you need to schedule sessions with me, PM is the key or email teachermaita.2020@gmail.com for inquiries.












Saturday, September 9, 2023

Gumalang IP Day

 On August 23, 2023, the people of Barangay Gumalang came together to commemorate the seventh annual Indigenous People's Day (IP Day). Gumalang, a barangay in the Baguio District of Davao, is a living symbol of the rich cultural diversity that makes up the Indigenous population of the area. When compared to its adjacent barangays, Gumalang stands out due to its long tradition of acceptance and tolerance. At the turn of the century, Datu Moncay Maylan Lindasan and his people—including Obo Manobo, Bagobo Klata, and Ata—called this area home. Datu Moncay Lindasan's openness to different cultures allowed the Tagabawa, Tagakaolo, Tausug, and even the Ilocanos to settle there throughout time. These many communities have created a blend of contemporary Gumalang, creating links that represent the very definition of diversity in unity.

Traditional dances and other cultural performances stunned guests as the celebrations began. The people of Gumalang see this day as more than simply a reason to party; it is also a confirmation of their membership in the "tribu," a term that describes the community's common heritage and ideals.











Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Pen Promo Extended for MIBF!

This promotion is not connected to 8Letters, NBDB, PBF, SM or Tiktok.

To promote my books, all you have to do is make a Tiktok or Instagram Reel, share it and tag me @maitarue or @babymoonmaita and get a free 6-colored pen.




Rules:

  1. The video must be shared public and tagged.
  2. Pens are limited so first come, first serve.
  3. One person per pen only. We appreciate it if you want to make a lot of videos. We may offer you a pencil pouch if there is still stock.
  4. Videos must be substantial or have value. Min 15 seconds, no need for voice but a review is appreciated. Must contain pictures or clips of my book. Physical or Amazon. (Please purchase any, the point of this promotion is to sell more books)
  5. May only be claimed during MIBF, Sept. 14-17, SMX, at the 8Letters Booth via Maita Rue (Me). To make sure you find me (because I love running around bookfairs!) message me via facebook.com/authormaitarue or instagram.com/babymoonmaita
Good luck!

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Book Signing during Manila International Book Fair

 Look for me in the 8Letters Booth, Aisle I Booth266, during MIBF.

Freebies galore for those who say Hi, make some Reels/TikTok, or have books signed!

See ya!



Here's a free ticket!


Saturday, August 26, 2023

New Book Alert!

 

My High School Fairytale tells the tale of three couples navigating their way into high school after a school tragedy. Will they find a fairytale?

Coming Aug. 30, 2023

Thursday, August 24, 2023

How to Make BookToks

 TikTok is the hottest app out there so if you want discoverability, it's the best platform to use. Make a TikTok that's about your book, a BookTok!


Click this video and watch my short video.