JZ Romeo

1. Tell me about yourself.

Thank you for this great opportunity to be part of your journey, Ms. Mitos!

I am known as J. Z. Romeo in the literary industry. I am an inspirational poet and a romance novelist. I am also a dedicated housewife and a mother to four children. I am a degree holder of Commerce majoring in Management Accounting. I discovered my passion for writing poems way back when I was fourteen years old — when my Filipino teacher required her to compose a tula as a project.

However, I took a long hiatus after I graduated from college. In 2020, during the pandemic, my fire to write has been ignited again. At that time, I also started to explore composing novels.

Currently, I continue to share my talent to the world with these top three goals: to motivate others, to let Jesus be known, and to be a co-worker of God’s kingdom.

2. Synopsis of your latest book in one sentence.

These forty-seven inspirational poems are like luscious honey that will provide healing to broken souls. I refer this synopsis of my collection of poems entitled Words for the Soul, which will be released next month.

3. What’s driving you to write?

The people around me drive me to write . I want to share my experiences and lessons I have learned in life with them.

4. Why do you choose to write in Filipino?

I chose the Filipino medium because this is our national language. And from the reading materials I used to read when I was a teenager, which are the Tagalog pocketbooks. But I also want to explore writing English novels soon. As of now, I am writing English crafts, only in poetry.

5. What got you into wattpad? Is it the same as being an Indie writer?

I learned Wattpad through my previous buyer when I was selling online then, that was in 2020, in the middle of a COVID pandemic. I told her that I wanted to go back to writing, and so she introduced Wattpad to me as a starting point to publish my works via online.

6.What message or lessons did you want your readers to take from your books?

There is a variety of lessons I want my readers to take from my books. This includes how to remain humble, not to revenge, to be thankful, to avoid worry, to trust the Lord in every situation, and a lot more.

7. Do you have more books?

Yes. Actually I have four books planned to finish this year. The one that I am currently writing is the collection of motivational writing quotes intended for fellow writers. I am also continuing to fill my inspirational poems collection, and a Filipino romance novel.

8. How many hours do you write in a day?

Usually, when I am writing novels, it takes two to three hours a day. For poems, one to three hours but not straight. I tend to work household chores in between.

9. Are you currently working on a book at the moment?

Yes. It’s entitled Selfless Pursuit Book II. This is a compilation of thirty-one motivational writing quotes. God willing, I will publish this to be combined with its first book which has thirty-one quotes also. The other one that I am currently working on is Promdi’s Love. It’s a Filipino romance novel set in Davao and Cebu. The other one which I write occasionally is the Payo at Papuri, a collection of Filipino inspirational poems dedicated to my writer friends.

10. If you are not writing, what are you doing when you are not writing?

I am looking after my four kids. The three of them are elementary pupils and the youngest is only four years old. So basically, doing motherly and wifely duties.

11. What would you advise emerging Indie authors?

I would advise the emerging Indie authors to grab the opportunity if you have to. Learn more about the Indie writing industry. It is necessary as well to look for publishing houses that cater your needs, guide you and help you as a beginner. Build connections as well, because as what you’ve said, Ms. Mitos, it takes a community to publish a single book.

12. What are you reading right now?

Currently, I am rereading a Tagalog pocketbook entitled Key to My Heart. After this, I will continue to read The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

13. If you were a fruit or a vegetable, what would you want to be and why?

If I were a fruit, I would want to become a banana. It is accessible to different levels of humanity. I want to pour my nutrients to everybody. As a banana that grows and produces fruits even unattended in the farm or jungle, I also want to be fruitful even with the least nurture from people. Yet, I will provide the sweetest and nutritious food for them when becomes ripe.

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