My Journey in Writing "Charlie Sparks: A Sorcerer's Tale"
The homepage is supposed to be about me, but instead I want it to be about the journey I took in writing my first ever novel, "Charlie Sparks: A Sorcerer's Tale". But fine, let me tell you something about myself first. I am Cyrill Tan (C.N. Tan for the book). I am currently employed in the banking industry. I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. I love reading and I love the idea of one day being read by others too.
I first finished this novel when I was 11 years old. I was full of dreams that I just wanted to let the story out. Having no computer at home, I had to everything in longhand. I used my uncle's computer to type everything I wrote-- it was twice the work, but it was work that I was willing to do. Then I set out to find a local publisher, but the truth slapped me in the face-- the Philippine market isn't a reading one. Publishers mostly published academic textbooks and those that did publish something close to what I wrote did not have the time to check what an 11-year old did. It became a dead dream.
Even when I finished college at the University of the Philippines, Diliman and started working in a bank, I still looked back on that piece of work I did. I revisited it and decided to rewrite the entire thing. My main target are young readers and so I tried to craft the novel into an easy read.
I spent countless hours writing, like in the picture below when weekends away from everyone else were devoted solely to writing.
I first finished this novel when I was 11 years old. I was full of dreams that I just wanted to let the story out. Having no computer at home, I had to everything in longhand. I used my uncle's computer to type everything I wrote-- it was twice the work, but it was work that I was willing to do. Then I set out to find a local publisher, but the truth slapped me in the face-- the Philippine market isn't a reading one. Publishers mostly published academic textbooks and those that did publish something close to what I wrote did not have the time to check what an 11-year old did. It became a dead dream.
Even when I finished college at the University of the Philippines, Diliman and started working in a bank, I still looked back on that piece of work I did. I revisited it and decided to rewrite the entire thing. My main target are young readers and so I tried to craft the novel into an easy read.
I spent countless hours writing, like in the picture below when weekends away from everyone else were devoted solely to writing.
When I finished the manuscript, I knew I had to commission an illustrator who could lure readers into the world of magic I created. I looked hard for someone who could help me with this until I met Oliver Barcelon, a talented Fine Arts graduate from UP as well.
Right now, the book is on the final stages of editing and illustrations are being given final strokes before the printing is given the green light.
I am, of course, receiving tons of help from a handful of people who really care.
Below are samples of the illustrations I have:
Right now, the book is on the final stages of editing and illustrations are being given final strokes before the printing is given the green light.
I am, of course, receiving tons of help from a handful of people who really care.
Below are samples of the illustrations I have:
Hopefully, Charlie Sparks reaches out to a large audience. I am very nervous with June 2014 getting closer and closer. I could only hope that it will be well-received. In the end, it's the magic of self-fulfillment that will prevail. :)