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Write Here Write Now: Standing at Attention Before My Imaginary Style Dictator
In "Write Here Write Now (WHWN): Standing at Attention Before My Imaginary Style Dictator," published by National Book Store, Filipino writer, editor, speaker, teacher AA Patawaran shares with all writers—aspiring and established, amateurs and professionals—profound and practical tips on the craft of writing, from construction and punctuation to sentence length and variety, from rhythm and cadence to idioms and figures of speech, even how to tackle the blank page.
Recognized by industry insiders in the Philippines as “the man perfect to write this book,” the author has been at the helm of various publications, from Manila Standard’s The Good Life, for which he was lifestyle editor for seven years, to Manila Bulletin’s Sense&Style, in which he is the current editor-in-chief. He began practically as the “other editor” of Lifestyle Asia back when it was blazing the trail for glossy magazines in the early nineties.
Blurring the distinction between instruction and inspiration, WHWN boldly takes the reader along the author’s adventures and misadventures in the publishing world. With a foreword by ruthless editor and bestselling author Jullie Yap Daza and with vignettes from the country’s top editors and writers, never has any book on writing in the Philippines been such a pleasure to read that it makes you want to “write here write now.”
Recognized by industry insiders in the Philippines as “the man perfect to write this book,” the author has been at the helm of various publications, from Manila Standard’s The Good Life, for which he was lifestyle editor for seven years, to Manila Bulletin’s Sense&Style, in which he is the current editor-in-chief. He began practically as the “other editor” of Lifestyle Asia back when it was blazing the trail for glossy magazines in the early nineties.
Blurring the distinction between instruction and inspiration, WHWN boldly takes the reader along the author’s adventures and misadventures in the publishing world. With a foreword by ruthless editor and bestselling author Jullie Yap Daza and with vignettes from the country’s top editors and writers, never has any book on writing in the Philippines been such a pleasure to read that it makes you want to “write here write now.”
178 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2012
28 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2013
"And you read your Emily Dickinson
And I my Robert Frost
And we note our place with bookmarkers
That measure up what we've lost..."
(The Dangling Conversation, Simon & Garfunkel)
I've never read a Filipino author who's so deeply and passionately in love with words.
I think I'm being challenged to update my vocabulary. I'm also a fan of words but I think I'm bad at words, sometimes I think I'm not even that deep when expressing my feelings. So I just kind of explain them in simple words.
I'm a frustrated writer though. I honestly think it's the noblest profession because writers are writers not because they have to but because they want to and love to write. I don't know, I respect writers, no matter how vague or deep some writers are. For me, they're great human beings. AA Patawaran is one of them.
He's used plenty of words to express himself in this book and I'm honestly in love at how he shares about how he writes. Like most of the self-help books I've read, he narrates about his expriences while writing the book.
P.S. I think Imma post some of my favorite quotes from this book later.
P.P.S. And btw, this book is not to be read in one sitting. You should allow every chapter to sink in and take over you. It's like changing yourself one step at a time, like quitting smoking, and that I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, does not happen overnight. ;)
And I my Robert Frost
And we note our place with bookmarkers
That measure up what we've lost..."
(The Dangling Conversation, Simon & Garfunkel)
I've never read a Filipino author who's so deeply and passionately in love with words.
I think I'm being challenged to update my vocabulary. I'm also a fan of words but I think I'm bad at words, sometimes I think I'm not even that deep when expressing my feelings. So I just kind of explain them in simple words.
I'm a frustrated writer though. I honestly think it's the noblest profession because writers are writers not because they have to but because they want to and love to write. I don't know, I respect writers, no matter how vague or deep some writers are. For me, they're great human beings. AA Patawaran is one of them.
He's used plenty of words to express himself in this book and I'm honestly in love at how he shares about how he writes. Like most of the self-help books I've read, he narrates about his expriences while writing the book.
P.S. I think Imma post some of my favorite quotes from this book later.
P.P.S. And btw, this book is not to be read in one sitting. You should allow every chapter to sink in and take over you. It's like changing yourself one step at a time, like quitting smoking, and that I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, does not happen overnight. ;)
January 14, 2013
If you're expecting a mechanical drone of an instructor similar to a high school grammar book, you will be quite surprised. Not only is 'Write Here Write Now' a how-to-write-well book, it is a character in itself: inspiring, witty, and eloquent. Even if you're not a writer, read this for a realistic kind of poetry.
Truly,'Write Here Write Now' is a gem in Filipino publication.
Truly,'Write Here Write Now' is a gem in Filipino publication.
February 24, 2013
"Let's go Narj, time to take our vitamins break!"
"What vitamins?"
"Vitamin U."
"What vitamin U?"
"Yusi!"
For the health-conscious urban worker, the cigarette break can never be considered as health supplement. But if you've been part of a construction project, a cigarette break is the best break you can always exploit. If I compare that kind of vitamins in the construction site with this non-fiction by AA Patawaran, the latter is more healthy and essential and never sarcastic.
I'm sure students of the English language will see this worthy on their shelves, on the pedestal with Strunk & White's The Elements of Style and Stephen King's On Writing. If you're looking for reasons and procedures on the "why" and "how" of writing and if you are looking for the right dose of inspiration and references across the media, the lifestyle journalist has plenty to share. Even by knowing his first encounter with the printed word is enough to reassert you, apprentice of the craft--are not alone.
Falling in love with the printed word is just a first step. To make it alive, you have to feed it with discipline and commitment--even to the extent (and more importantly) of sacrifice. On a lighter note, his take on punctuation, the usage of the serial comma (Oxford/Harvard comma) is agreeable. It may vary on each user, but I can see his point.
This vitamins of a book never lacks encouragement, even for the language that "has been murdered many times over and every generation bemoans its death among the succeeding youth." For he assures us that "language survives every massacre and will always do…"
I think it's also true for the writer. Because he's the one in charge for the survival of language and it is his duty and privilege to create something that will outlive himself. This one I stole from Chuck Palahniuk.
http://booktripper.blogspot.com/
"What vitamins?"
"Vitamin U."
"What vitamin U?"
"Yusi!"
For the health-conscious urban worker, the cigarette break can never be considered as health supplement. But if you've been part of a construction project, a cigarette break is the best break you can always exploit. If I compare that kind of vitamins in the construction site with this non-fiction by AA Patawaran, the latter is more healthy and essential and never sarcastic.
I'm sure students of the English language will see this worthy on their shelves, on the pedestal with Strunk & White's The Elements of Style and Stephen King's On Writing. If you're looking for reasons and procedures on the "why" and "how" of writing and if you are looking for the right dose of inspiration and references across the media, the lifestyle journalist has plenty to share. Even by knowing his first encounter with the printed word is enough to reassert you, apprentice of the craft--are not alone.
Falling in love with the printed word is just a first step. To make it alive, you have to feed it with discipline and commitment--even to the extent (and more importantly) of sacrifice. On a lighter note, his take on punctuation, the usage of the serial comma (Oxford/Harvard comma) is agreeable. It may vary on each user, but I can see his point.
This vitamins of a book never lacks encouragement, even for the language that "has been murdered many times over and every generation bemoans its death among the succeeding youth." For he assures us that "language survives every massacre and will always do…"
I think it's also true for the writer. Because he's the one in charge for the survival of language and it is his duty and privilege to create something that will outlive himself. This one I stole from Chuck Palahniuk.
http://booktripper.blogspot.com/
March 19, 2021
More like a 2.75 than a 3.
April 9, 2013
My sister gave me this book as a Christmas gift for 2012.
It took me almost a month to finish this because I kept on rereading the chapters, making sure I didn't miss any lesson on writing or any fruitful food for the thought I might get. This book has helped me desire to discover more beautiful words and combine them to make a huge impact on the readers. It has made remember all the teeny-tiny rules of writing that we, along the way, as we are exposed to different styles of writing, forget.
It took me almost a month to finish this because I kept on rereading the chapters, making sure I didn't miss any lesson on writing or any fruitful food for the thought I might get. This book has helped me desire to discover more beautiful words and combine them to make a huge impact on the readers. It has made remember all the teeny-tiny rules of writing that we, along the way, as we are exposed to different styles of writing, forget.
February 16, 2013
AA Patawaran justified the superlatives and praises he gathered for this book. At the back cover, you will read about how good of an editor and writer he is. Inside the book, however, he will instruct you to gather courage, shame you into studying grammar and inspire you to be a real writer.
http://marizponti.blogspot.com/2013/0...
http://marizponti.blogspot.com/2013/0...
January 2, 2013
Very helpful for budding and even established writers. :)
January 6, 2013
Definitely a book for writers and aspiring writers.
April 12, 2019
Now I'm inspired not only to write here and write now but also to read here right now. This book is for writers of every kind. It doesn't matter if it is your job, if you made a career out of it, or it simply is your hobby. Love for words alone would be enough reason for you to read this book. It is full of advices on how to write well. Above all of which, the cliché "keep reading to improve your writing" was emphasized. Moreover, you need not worry about what books to read for you to become a better writer because it is generously given by this very read. Book recommendations are all over the pages and Patawaran wrote these must-reads along with the writing advices, like he somehow managed to sneak some reading assignments for you without you noticing it all the while you're reading his book. And when you recognize the classic references he dropped here and there, you would be happy as if you get the inside joke, even proud if you've read them yourself. If not, you would still be happy saying, "Hello there, my new friend, another addition to my classic reading list."
It is a book that will make writers want to keep reading. If you know what I mean.
It is a book that will make writers want to keep reading. If you know what I mean.
August 13, 2020
I completely ate this book in two hours and I'm so sad that I finished it quickly. This was so good, and it brought back my faith and enthusiasm to read non-fiction books again. I enjoyed the motivations, anecdotes, and eloquence in every chapter that I just couldn't stop. It made me want to write something in the middle of reading it for a while but I couldn't completely set it aside. It fueled my passion to read and write. And the book made me appreciate commas and periods a lot more. Sorry sir, I had to skim through the one sentence chapter that had no period. Reading it felt like running a 10km marathon.
Overall, this was such a delight. I'm so glad that my friend bought this for me.
Overall, this was such a delight. I'm so glad that my friend bought this for me.
January 28, 2022
A great book for both established and aspiring writers!
A.A. Patawaran was like the editor and mentor I never had. His voice was distinct and his writing style was easy to follow. More than just tips and advice for writers, the book chronicled A.A.'s journey from the advertising industry to publishing. The book was about his love affair with words.
Write here, write now was AA' s love letter for fellow writers. He urges his readers to improve on their craft, dig deeper and to learn how to use grammar in order to find the right words.
I am glad to have come across this book! Will definitely re-read my favorite chapters from time-to-time! 💖
A.A. Patawaran was like the editor and mentor I never had. His voice was distinct and his writing style was easy to follow. More than just tips and advice for writers, the book chronicled A.A.'s journey from the advertising industry to publishing. The book was about his love affair with words.
Write here, write now was AA' s love letter for fellow writers. He urges his readers to improve on their craft, dig deeper and to learn how to use grammar in order to find the right words.
I am glad to have come across this book! Will definitely re-read my favorite chapters from time-to-time! 💖
September 18, 2021
An autobiographical writing companion at its finest! Such an easy read. I can't believe I've had this for years but never got the chance to read it before. I really love how the recommendations (books, movies, and music) mentioned throughout the book is listed at the end. This book truly made me want to read & write all over again. The passion I once lost is back. 🤍
June 28, 2017
“Every story is a ride to some place and time other than here and now. Buried in an armchair, reclined on a couch, prostrate on your bed, or glued to your desk, you can go places and travel through time.”
April 5, 2014
Okay, so let's see if I truly understood Patawaran's novel and if I really am going to follow his instructions on how to write...
First off, I love how this book came together. Though it was heavily informative with regards to the 411 on "how to write" it wasn't a nuisance nor a bore because of the evidence of Patawaran's passion with words, a passion that extended beyond the pages of the book and into the heart of the reader. It didn't seem as if he was obligated to write a book about writing; every page and every word was more of a story that he couldn't wait to tell the readers who, in turn, are unconsciously learning what and how it is to write and to write with fire.
Second, although everything written in this book is helpful to the aspiring writer, my favorite part would have to be the experience bit, where he talks about how writers live to tell different tales from different perspectives. Patawaran's main point here is that the beauty of being a writer is that we see things differently and that we have the talent to translate these thoughts into words therefore it must be our duty to tell tales that would enrich and inspire the minds of our readers. He also reminds us to gather as much experience and knowledge as we can, whether vicariously or not, and to simply live and read because with just reading you can live so much of other people's lives and by living yours and finding something to write about it then other people can have the chance to live yours.
Lastly, the transcript of the speech he delivered for the Communication Arts students of De LaSalle College of St. Benilde showed that people who pursue a career in the field of writing don't have it easy, despite the appearance of it being "less prestigious" than doctors, businessmen, engineers, etc. Based on his experiences in the writing industry there were many days where it felt like hell and yet he plowed on not because of monetary concerns or anything but because his passion and his love for writing was greater than the challenges he faced. And ultimately this is the theme of his novel, to have a heart wholly committed into writing and creating stories because otherwise any project would be merely half-hearted and a waste of time.
So: Write here, Write now, and Write with passion.
First off, I love how this book came together. Though it was heavily informative with regards to the 411 on "how to write" it wasn't a nuisance nor a bore because of the evidence of Patawaran's passion with words, a passion that extended beyond the pages of the book and into the heart of the reader. It didn't seem as if he was obligated to write a book about writing; every page and every word was more of a story that he couldn't wait to tell the readers who, in turn, are unconsciously learning what and how it is to write and to write with fire.
Second, although everything written in this book is helpful to the aspiring writer, my favorite part would have to be the experience bit, where he talks about how writers live to tell different tales from different perspectives. Patawaran's main point here is that the beauty of being a writer is that we see things differently and that we have the talent to translate these thoughts into words therefore it must be our duty to tell tales that would enrich and inspire the minds of our readers. He also reminds us to gather as much experience and knowledge as we can, whether vicariously or not, and to simply live and read because with just reading you can live so much of other people's lives and by living yours and finding something to write about it then other people can have the chance to live yours.
Lastly, the transcript of the speech he delivered for the Communication Arts students of De LaSalle College of St. Benilde showed that people who pursue a career in the field of writing don't have it easy, despite the appearance of it being "less prestigious" than doctors, businessmen, engineers, etc. Based on his experiences in the writing industry there were many days where it felt like hell and yet he plowed on not because of monetary concerns or anything but because his passion and his love for writing was greater than the challenges he faced. And ultimately this is the theme of his novel, to have a heart wholly committed into writing and creating stories because otherwise any project would be merely half-hearted and a waste of time.
So: Write here, Write now, and Write with passion.
April 24, 2019
This what happens when an Editor attempts to write a book.
A friend of mine let me borrowed this book about writing. But after a grueling 20+ pages of reading, I FINALLY GIVEN UP. This book is CLEAN. Yes, I’ll admit it. However, this book is so boring and monotonous.
On every paragraph, all you can read, is how AA Patawaran brags about all the fucking books he read during his entire lifetime.
OVER AND OVER, each page is filled with lines of excerpts from different books. If you tried removing all of these bullshits, the book might end up with less than 20 pages of.. guidelines!
No AHA moments.
No inspiring bullshits.
This won’t make you wanna start and do some creative stuffs.
As I read this book, it makes me feel like the author is pushing the me to stay inside a box full of rules. It’s just like going back to study my English 101.
This is no more different than a textbook. You buy textbooks because it is a requirement given to you by your teacher to pass the subject, NOT because you want to read it.
If you’re really in to writing, try reading Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” this shit really inspires me to do some.. Shits!
A friend of mine let me borrowed this book about writing. But after a grueling 20+ pages of reading, I FINALLY GIVEN UP. This book is CLEAN. Yes, I’ll admit it. However, this book is so boring and monotonous.
On every paragraph, all you can read, is how AA Patawaran brags about all the fucking books he read during his entire lifetime.
OVER AND OVER, each page is filled with lines of excerpts from different books. If you tried removing all of these bullshits, the book might end up with less than 20 pages of.. guidelines!
No AHA moments.
No inspiring bullshits.
This won’t make you wanna start and do some creative stuffs.
As I read this book, it makes me feel like the author is pushing the me to stay inside a box full of rules. It’s just like going back to study my English 101.
This is no more different than a textbook. You buy textbooks because it is a requirement given to you by your teacher to pass the subject, NOT because you want to read it.
If you’re really in to writing, try reading Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” this shit really inspires me to do some.. Shits!
November 28, 2016
For sometime, I've always been awed by international authors and read them more than local authors. But this book is an exception.
AA Patawaran inspired me to be able to satisfy my quench for words as he is (even more so) for his love for the literature world. It inspires me to go forth and read more than I should have, I didn't even get to 1/4 of his reading list. There is nothing comparable to experience the beauty of words through imagination by reading books and that's what this book taught me the most.
Indeed, learning is a continuing process and that I am so far away in reaching my dreams to be a writer someday. But I know, my journey counts if I'll never stop from pushing myself to learn each day.
Thank you, AA. I hope many people will read this book, because I am inspired by it.
AA Patawaran inspired me to be able to satisfy my quench for words as he is (even more so) for his love for the literature world. It inspires me to go forth and read more than I should have, I didn't even get to 1/4 of his reading list. There is nothing comparable to experience the beauty of words through imagination by reading books and that's what this book taught me the most.
Indeed, learning is a continuing process and that I am so far away in reaching my dreams to be a writer someday. But I know, my journey counts if I'll never stop from pushing myself to learn each day.
Thank you, AA. I hope many people will read this book, because I am inspired by it.
April 7, 2020
I'll be honest I haven't finished reading it yet, but even so I can confidently say that THIS BOOK is the B E S T book on writing ever. I definitely recommend it. Whether you're a novelist, a poet, a copywriter, a columnist, someone who loves to write their heart out, or someone who would want to explore writing this book is your perfect companion. I cannot oversell this enough!
This is the only book I've read about writing so far but I can definitely say that nothing can top this. It's 100% pure genius and passion.
This is the only book I've read about writing so far but I can definitely say that nothing can top this. It's 100% pure genius and passion.
January 26, 2014
writing is not for the fainthearted. definitely a must ready for aspiring writers and established ones.
November 4, 2015
A book very well-written. For readers and writers alike. :-)
December 10, 2015
A refreshing way to learn about writing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews