"Let us become readers of the word and the Word" - Joshene Bersales

As part of our Buwan Ng Mga Akdang Pinoy celebration, we asked Joshene Bersales, author of Sakto Lang, about some words of wisdom she can impart to readers and writers.

What are some of the best things about being an author?

• You can build and destroy worlds with the stroke of a pen.

• You can share a piece of yourself with others without ever having to meet them.

• You have a chance to leave a legacy. Whether it's the good or bad kind is completely up to you.

What advice can you give for aspiring writers?

• Write about strange and impossible things.

• Write about things you love. You’ll have to read your work over and over again.

• No work is so perfect that it doesn’t need an editor. Work with one.

What's your dream for Filipino readers?

• That we read more books by Filipino writers. There are lots of good ones!

• That by reading more, we learn to be brave and kind and never run out of hope.

• That we become readers of the word and the Word.

Joshene Bersales has a BA degree in Literature (English) from the Ateneo de Manila University. She is a writer and editor of children’s books. Her first children’s book, Bianca's Big Secret was published in 2018. She also writes plays. She likes cats and teas.