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Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

author and editor

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Herminia Meñez Coben Reviews The Newspaper Widow by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

August 26, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Book Review by Herminia Meñez Coben, Ph.D. Professor Emerita from California State University of Sonoma Title: The Newspaper Widow Author: Cecilia Manguerrra Brainard Publisher: University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, 2017, Beato Angelico Bldg., Espana, Manila, Philippines; Available from Amazon in hard copy and in Kindle format Number of pages: 234 pages Softcover, $18.95 in the … [Read more...] about Herminia Meñez Coben Reviews The Newspaper Widow by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cebu, crime, Filipino, literary mystery, literature, mystery, Philippine literature, Philippines, Ubec

Fundamentals of Creative Writing by Cecilia Brainard, now on Wattpad

August 25, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

  For educational purposes, I've decided to make my book, Fundamentals of Creative Writing, available for free in Wattpad. It is available in Kindle format and I believe Anvil still has some hard copies, but this free digital form will help students. Here's the link: https://www.wattpad.com/943227652-fundamentals-of-creative-writing-by-cecilia Tags: writing, how to write, creative … [Read more...] about Fundamentals of Creative Writing by Cecilia Brainard, now on Wattpad

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: creative nonfiction, fiction writing, how to write, literature, writing

Cecilia Brainard’s Popular Books

August 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Cecilia Manguerra Brainard is the author and editor of over twenty books. Cecilia grew up in the port city of Cebu in Central Philippines, a place that retains its Spanish-Colonial influences, inspiring Cecilia to create her mythical setting called “Ubec” which echoes the Santo Niño Church, triangular Spanish fort, and old buildings and streets of the real Cebu. Her three novels — When the … [Read more...] about Cecilia Brainard’s Popular Books

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cebu, Filipino, literature, Philippine literature

Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — Linda Ty-Casper, Massachusetts USA

June 18, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

  The following is part of my series, Filipinos Coping with Covid. Linda Ty-Casper is a multi-award Filipina novelist noted for her historical fiction set in the Philippines. She is the author of over 16 books and has been awarded the SEA WRITE Award, Rockefeller (Bellagio), Radcliffe Fellowship, among others. Responding to my interview questions, Linda describes life for her in … [Read more...] about Filipinos #CopingWithCovid — Linda Ty-Casper, Massachusetts USA

Filed Under: Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: #CopignwithCovid, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Filipina, literature, novelis, pandemica, Philippine

ParisLitUp Literary Reading in 2018

April 24, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

It's hard to imagine that in April 2018 I did a literary reading at #ParisLitUp .  As their featured reader, I shared excerpts from my novels. I'm remembering Matt Jones and the young people who run ParisLitUp.  I hope they are all fine. Matt Jones listening to my reading. Cecilia with Matt Jones and others before the ParisLitUp reading. Mike Head and Cecilia Brainard. … [Read more...] about ParisLitUp Literary Reading in 2018

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: author, Filipino, literary, literature, novel, ParisLitup, performance, poetry, reading, writer

Guest Blogger: Diona Filipino Poetry by Ralph Semino Galán

March 25, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

I am happy to feature Ralph Semino Galán as my Guest Blogger. He shares with us his work on a unique form of Filipino poetry called "diona" which has been labeled as Pinoy Haiku. The poems are in Tagalog and are about coronavirus.  This is part of his larger writing project on the subject matter.  ~ Cecilia Brainard Ralph Semino Galán, poet, literary and cultural critic, translator and editor, … [Read more...] about Guest Blogger: Diona Filipino Poetry by Ralph Semino Galán

Filed Under: Nonfiction, poetry, Uncategorized Tagged With: diona, Filipino, Guest Blogger, literature, poetry

Takuya Matsuda Interviews Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

March 15, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Interview of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard by Takuya Matsuda Focusing on her novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept Takuya Matsuda is a PhD Candidate, Teaching Fellow at the English Department of the University of North Texas This Interview was done in March 2020 by email TM (Takuya Matsuda): My name is Tak Matsuda, and I’m a PhD candidate in English at the University of North Texas. I’m … [Read more...] about Takuya Matsuda Interviews Cecilia Manguerra Brainard

Filed Under: Fiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: literature, Philippine literature, Philippines, World War II

Honoring Lina Espina Moore, Fiction Writer from Cebu, Philippines

February 15, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

One of Cebu's noted fiction writers was Lina Espina Moore (1919-2000). I met Lina in my publisher's (Gloria Rodriguez) office when I was an emerging writer and she was an established one. She greeted me and my mother (whom she knew) warmly, and Lina went on to mentor me. When I met her she was already a widow but she enjoyed talking about her married days with Kip Moore when they lived up in Mr. … [Read more...] about Honoring Lina Espina Moore, Fiction Writer from Cebu, Philippines

Filed Under: Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: author, Cebu, Cebuana, Filipina, literature, novelist, Visayan, writer

Desks of Filipino Writers, by Eileen Tabios

January 14, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Carlos Bulosan Writer and publisher Eileen Tabios has put together photos of the work spaces of Filipino and Filipino American writers.  This blog allows  you a peek into that magical space where writers do their creations. She is lookng for other Filipino writers to participate, all genres. Please contact her … [Read more...] about Desks of Filipino Writers, by Eileen Tabios

Filed Under: Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: Filipino, literature

Recap of Hot Off the Press Readings at #FilAmBookFest

October 15, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

12/21 Statement from Cecilia Manguerra Brainard regarding PAWA and Hot Off the Press Literary Readings: Please be informed that I will no longer be working on future Hot Off the Press Literary Readings (HOTP) and other programs with the San Francisco group PAWA (also known as PAWA, Inc.).  This group is also known as Philippine American Writers and Artists, Filipino American International Book … [Read more...] about Recap of Hot Off the Press Readings at #FilAmBookFest

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: academics, authors, Filam, Filipino, literature, Philippines

Cecilia Brainard’s October Literary Events — HOTP & Book Talks

October 9, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

  Cecilia Brainard will be in two literary events this October.   12/21 Statement from Cecilia Manguerra Brainard regarding PAWA and Hot Off the Press Literary Readings: Please be informed that I will no longer be working on future Hot Off the Press Literary Readings (HOTP) and other programs with the San Francisco group PAWA (also known as PAWA, Inc.).  This group is … [Read more...] about Cecilia Brainard’s October Literary Events — HOTP & Book Talks

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction Tagged With: authors, books, Filipino, literary events, literature, Novelists, novels, Philippine, readings, writers

Hot Off the Press Literary Readings, #FilAmBookFest SF, CA Oct. 12, 2019

October 2, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

12/21 Statement from Cecilia Manguerra Brainard regarding PAWA and Hot Off the Press Literary Readings: Please be informed that I will no longer be working on future Hot Off the Press Literary Readings (HOTP) and other programs with the San Francisco group PAWA (also known as PAWA, Inc.).  This group is also known as Philippine American Writers and Artists, Filipino American International Book … [Read more...] about Hot Off the Press Literary Readings, #FilAmBookFest SF, CA Oct. 12, 2019

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction Tagged With: #FilAmLitFest, academic, authors, books, Filam, Filipino, food, history, literature, Pinoy, writers

September Reading by Asian American Women Writers

September 6, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

  I'll be reading with some members of that awesome women's group, PAAWWW (Pacific Asian American Women Writers-West) on September 21, 2019, from 2-4 p.m. at 1952 W. 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247. Thanks to Timothy Toyota for organizing this event. Please join us. I'm sharing a- 1980s Photo taken after a reading that included Wanda Coleman Front L-R: Amy Uyematsu, Akemi … [Read more...] about September Reading by Asian American Women Writers

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: Asian, books, literature, reading, theater, women, writers

HOT OFF THE PRESS Literary Readings, FilAm Book Festival, October 12–13, 2019

August 28, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

12/21 Statement from Cecilia Manguerra Brainard regarding PAWA and Hot Off the Press Literary Readings: Please be informed that I will no longer be working on future Hot Off the Press Literary Readings (HOTP) and other programs with the San Francisco group PAWA (also known as PAWA, Inc.).  This group is also known as Philippine American Writers and Artists, Filipino American International Book … [Read more...] about HOT OFF THE PRESS Literary Readings, FilAm Book Festival, October 12–13, 2019

Filed Under: Fiction, Nonfiction Tagged With: authors, books, Filam, Filipino, literature, writers

Philippines Graphic Review Brainard’s Novel ‘Magdalena’

June 21, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

PHILIPPINES GRAPHIC BOOK REVIEW OF CECILIA BRAINARD’S NOVEL “MAGDALENA” Philippines Graphic Literary Editor and Associate Editor of the Philippines Graphic, Alma Anonas-Carpio, reviews the novel MAGDALENA by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard. Brainard will be at the #CebuLitFest on June 29 and 30, 2019, Ayala Terraces, Cebu City, Philippines, to talk about her works and sign copies of her … [Read more...] about Philippines Graphic Review Brainard’s Novel ‘Magdalena’

Filed Under: Fiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: book, Cebu, historical fiction, literature, novel, Philippines, review, Vietnam War

Philippine Edition of Cecilia Brainard’s War Novel at #CebuLitFest

June 8, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

When the Rainbow Goddess Cover

PHILIPPINE EDITION OF CECILIA BRAINARD’S WAR NOVEL AT THE #CEBULITFEST The Philippine edition of Cecilia Manguerra Brainard’s novel, When the Rainbow Goddess Wept, will be released by the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House. The author, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, will be at the Cebu Literary Festival (CebuLitFest) on June 29 and 30, 2019, Ayala Center, Cebu, Philippines, to celebrate … [Read more...] about Philippine Edition of Cecilia Brainard’s War Novel at #CebuLitFest

Filed Under: Fiction Tagged With: book, Cebu, literature, Mindanao, novel, Pacific War, Philippines, World War II, World War Two, WWII

Manila Times Book Review: Cecilia Brainard’s Novel The Newspaper Widow

May 16, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Book Review: The Newspaper Widow: A cut above other whodunits by Faye Valencia, May 12, 2019, The Manila Times https://www.manilatimes.net/the-newspaper-widow-a-cut-above-other-whodunits/553054/?fbclid=IwAR3-AdSGYnAD11rv0xVmFzvjO6b0SXX3jbVPpAqXFW16xbQr0_DOvUUeRtM FOR the most part, crime fiction, also called the “whodunit,” is considered escapist entertainment. After all, it follows a … [Read more...] about Manila Times Book Review: Cecilia Brainard’s Novel The Newspaper Widow

Filed Under: Fiction Tagged With: book review, Cebu, literature, mystery, novel, Philippines, Pinoy, whodunit

Noel Alumit & Cecilia Brainard Perform at Glendale Community College

April 6, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

  I'm happy to share pictures taken at the Glendale Community College's Filipino Fiesta celebration, where fellow writer Noel Alumit and I gave a talk and reading. The celebration ran for 2 days on April 2 and 3. Noel and I gave our presentation on April 2. The Mayor of Culver City, Thomas Aujero Small, also gave a talk on April 2. The room was full of very attentive students and … [Read more...] about Noel Alumit & Cecilia Brainard Perform at Glendale Community College

Filed Under: Nonfiction, Uncategorized Tagged With: Filam, literature, Novelists, Pinoy, writers

Book Review of Reine Arcache Melvin’s novel, The Betrayed

January 23, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

Here is Cecilia Brainard's book review of Reine Arcache Melvin's novel, The Betrayed (Ateneo 2018). http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/…/passion-in-the-time-of-… " Reine Arcache Melvin, who has lived in Paris for years, has created a fine Filipino novel. The work is exquisitely written; the language is elegant and unpretentious. The form of her work is straightforward – we start from the … [Read more...] about Book Review of Reine Arcache Melvin’s novel, The Betrayed

Filed Under: Nonfiction Tagged With: book review, literary, literature, review

Fiction: A Very Short Story by Cecilia Brainard

August 29, 2018 by admin

I'm sharing a flash fiction or short short of mine today. This has 125 words. "A Very Short Story" is part of my second short story collection, Acapulco at Sunset and Other Stories.      A VERY SHORT STORY  by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard Your world -- or your mind -- does not allow for an afternoon walk to the museum, nor a stop at the chapel for silent prayer, a glass of halo-halo … [Read more...] about Fiction: A Very Short Story by Cecilia Brainard

Filed Under: Fiction Tagged With: Filipino, flash fiction, literature, Philippines

Welcome!

I am a daugh­ter of the Philip­pines and an adopt­ed daugh­ter of Amer­i­ca. I have also trav­eled to many places so I am also a daugh­ter of the Earth. My expe­ri­ences have found their way into my sto­ries, which try to depict char­ac­ters caught in impor­tant moments in their lives, sit­u­a­tions that force them to act, make deci­sions, change. I try to see the world from my own point of view, not the dom­i­nant West­ern one, thus my inter­est in his­to­ry, cul­ture, and set­ting. But my char­ac­ters car­ry my sto­ries; they are the most impor­tant in my sto­ry-telling. I have to dive deep into them to under­stand their human­i­ty – their good­ness as well as their bad­ness, their beau­ty as well as their ugli­ness. Just like us. Just like each of us. I need to know where they came from, where they are now, so I under­stand where they are going. Just like us.

Please read my full biog­ra­phy here

 

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When the Rainbow Goddess Wept

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