We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Navajas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
My opinion about writer’s block may surprise everyone in the creative world because I can proudly say that I’ve never experienced it. I started writing professionally 20 years ago and it has been a wonderful 20 years of writing. Looking back, I think what keeps me motivated is the simple fact that writing is my passion and I always find something to write about anywhere, anytime. I could write a poem even as I wait for my coffee in a coffee shop. I am not afraid to try new poetry forms and different writing genres. I’ve written 10 books in five years, 9 of which are poetry books and I just ventured into fiction writing with my 10th book “Locker” which became the #1 Amazon Bestseller in three categories and 3 countries.
I graduated with a degree in Journalism from the Philippines and that equipped me with writing skills. It also helped that I went on to pursue further studies after graduation. I have a second degree in Education and a Masters Degree.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a poet, a fiction writer, and an educator. I’ve published 10 books in five years five of which became #1 Amazon Best-Sellers. I run a poetry blog for 15 years now. I am an advocate of women’s empowerment creating more awareness on the eradication of the culture of abuse and violence against women.
I am currently the editor of Hotel Masticadores, a member of Team Masticadores, and the co-founder and co-editor of Masticadores Philippines. Both are online literary magazines that feature the works of writers, poets, and authors around the globe. For Masticadores Philippines, however, it is curated for Filipino writers alone with the vision of providing a global space for Filipino Writers and Poets.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three best qualities that helped me get to where I am now are resilience, determination, and versatility. The timing did not hinder me from pushing through with my dream of publishing a book. and even at 41, when some women are thinking of their retirement, I am just starting with my career. Not because I started late doesn’t mean I will not pursue my dream. It was my determination that led me to achieve my Multinational Best Selling Author Status. In a short period, I conquered the world of poetry and now I just penetrated too the world of fiction with my 10th book “Locker”. With my versatility, I am open to new opportunities and learnings I did not focus on poetry alone. As I mentioned, I also started writing fiction and currently, as the Editor of two Literary Magazines, I started mentoring young and budding writers to achieve their full potential as writers.
My advice to young writers around the world is to be resilient, determined, and always be versatile. Always allow yourself to grow and learn as a creative person.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My father was my biggest fan. When I was young he introduced me to the wonderful world of words. We would play word games such as Scrabble and crossword puzzles. It was through these games that he discovered my gift of words. When I was 10 years old I told him “one day you will see my name in the newspaper and magazines”. From then on he supported me with my writing journey. As a student, I joined writing competitions and my father would always be with me. I eventually became part of the Editorial Board of our school paper. And when I told him I wanted to study Journalism, he didn’t hesitate at all. He was with me when I was looking for schools to enroll. Sadly, he passed away years ago. He never gets to see me publish my books, but I know in my heart that wherever he is right now, he is truly happy for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michnavs.wordpress.com
- Instagram: @poetrybymich
- Facebook: Poetry by Mich
- Twitter: @poetrybymich
- Youtube: Poetry by Mich
- Other: Amazon Author Page: Michelle-Ayon-Navajas
