Letters to the Universe @letterstotheuniversepage - Tumblr Blog

2024, Happy National Author's Day!

I’ve always been a lover of books, captivated by stories told from the wondrous perspectives of human souls. I started with children’s books, then stumbled upon eBooks (Wattpad), PDFs, and—best of all, to me—physical books. I’m not much of an outgoing person; I prefer staying at home during my free time. Through books, or even just a piece of literature, I’m able to roam diverse realms, uncover the many facets of life’s realities, and delve into the creative domain of fiction.

I am deeply grateful to be blessed with the ability to read and the opportunity to discover the works of brilliant authors from around the world. Today, I’d like to give myself a small pat on the back, as I have also become an author. I’m still a novice, but Jesus paved the way for me, unlocking doors that led to sharing my words with the world.

Thank you to all the individuals who have helped and joined me on this journey as a writer and author. I believe this isn’t mere coincidence; our fates are bound to coincide and I’m truly honored to learn and grow with each of you.

This is just the beginning. May my heart continue to recognize and follow God’s will for me each day and in the future. To God be all the glory.

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

Letters to the Universe First Publication: 2024/05/07

#authorblog #milestone #authorsday #update

2024, my first-ever collaborative book with Filipino writers.

I still remember when author Myca Paga slid into my direct messages, inviting me to participate in the largest book collaboration she would ever lead with Filipino writers. I was truly surprised because that was our first interaction, and I’m grateful she noticed my writing page and extended the invitation. Honored by the opportunity, I gladly accepted and became a contributor. Thank you so much, Miss Myca, for trusting my skills and for your generosity in bringing us all together to make this project a success! This book is particularly special to me because I wasn’t just taking a step in my writing journey alone—I also had the chance to bring two of my friends and classmates, Ylisle and Kirck, to be co-authors as well. It’s truly been an incredible experience.

The best part of this project, Whispers of the Heart, is the immense support from each contributor. Though we each contributed only a few literary pieces, we all valued the book deeply and worked hard to promote it. Special mention to our talented co-authors, Kyang and Frenchshield, who also served as the book cover artist and layout designer, respectively. It was a real team effort, all 48 of us contributing in our own ways.

God is truly great. He used my fellow writers, especially Marix Luna, as instruments to bring our book to the 2024 Manila International Book Fair, where it was displayed and sold out! It’s a blessing beyond words. Hopefully, next time, in God’s will, I can attend the book fair and meet my co-authors in person.

It’s a success, and I’m hopeful it will continue to soar higher! I’m so proud to be a part of this beautiful book. To God be all the glory!

Book Title: Whispers of the Heart A Poetry and Prose Collaboration Tags: Poetry, Poem, Literary, Collaboration Book Cover Artist: Kyang Layout Designer: Frenchshield Shayne

Listen to the whispers of exceptional writers in your heart! This collection takes you on an emotional journey, weaving themes of love, longing, and heartache. We hope it touches your soul as deeply as it did ours while writing it.

The Authors: Aerasyne – mistyplenilune – Rose R. Sales – Andrea Nicole Isiderio – Anneyiie – Almira Maruhom – Aubrey Raymundo – Cat Lean – Simplyamorous – Clypeusthetic – elixnebleu – Hannah Redspring – Hiraya Tinatangi – Stranger’s Poetry – Marisstella – Precious Magdaleno – Jenny Grace Patilano – John Mark Gutang – Josa Pimentel – Juli Sandoval – J.Z. Romeo – Kirck Datuin – Kia Jane Pama – Lea Jane Salud – Lolita Rose Petalver – all4faith – Marix Luna – Mark Edison Camacho – Mary Jean Garcia – Jhemar Lagata – Michelle Samson – Myca Paga – Nerel Jean Calunod – Perf Silvestre – Regmesu – SLOWNSTURDY – Rosanna Daep – akarayue – Sandara Antonette Morales – Sharlaine Orines – SleepingSinger – Strangerxd29 – Weirdygurl – EmpressMaire – Windee – Wiz Morrison – Ylisle – seeyouinspain

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

Letters to the Universe First Publication: 2024/05/07

#authorblog #milestone #poetry #update #letterstotheuniversepage #collaboration #book

2024, my first-ever international collaborative book.

This project, envisioned by author Blair Smith, introduced me to the art of book collaboration. I hadn't initially considered publishing a book, but like an angel sent from above, Theo, our editor, invited me to join The Poetess. From there, creative magic unfolded as I connected with my fellow poetesses, whose beauty, talent, and insight inspired me to release my own poetry and prose collection—Tears Into Stars.

The Poetess embodies the voices of women in poetry, with each piece reflecting the essence of a remarkable soul. As you turn the pages, may you find a sense of home, just as I did while crafting each heartfelt poem. In reading this book, you empower us—the contributors from different parts of the world.

I was just an aspiring writer, posting my literary works online, when Mr. BN Smith and Theo noticed my poetic mind and invited me to be one of the 21 contributors to this book. I feel incredibly grateful. This project came first into my life, though its release was a bit delayed, and motivated me to publish my debut book. It acted as a catalyst for me to pursue publishing. The process was amazing, and it still feels surreal.

Thank you to every soul who helped make this milestone possible, especially to Mr. Blair Smith, Theo, and my fellow poetesses. To those who have always been there for me—my family, partner, friends, and readers—I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Most of all, thank you, God, for this blessing and this talent. To God be all the glory!

Book Title: The Poetess ISBN-13: ‎979-8325615887 Tags: Poetry, Poem, Literary, Collaboration

The Poetess is the vision of Blair Smith who also financed and promoted the project, and Theophilus Agbu Clement AKA “Theo” is credited as the editor and coordinator. It is our great hope these 21 inspire the next 21 and so on such that the positive ripples they have created are infinite.

The Poetesses: Abigirl Phiri - Blessing Adebola - Caitlin Wilcox - Claire Deakin - Comfort Japheth Ebzan - Dana Michele Sheehy - Dahlia Constant - Heather Harris - Lavin Owende - Maria Aparecida Guimaraes - Michelle Cintron - Obiora Precious - Oceana Lushay Smith - Pamela Atieno Omondi - Ranjana Rai - Rose R. Sales - Ruth Namatovu - Sali Andiamo Siyaya - Sarah Otieno - Somdatta Mitra - Ula Douglas

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

Letters to the Universe First Publication: 2024/05/07

#letterstotheuniversepage #authorblog #milestone #update #poetry #collaboration

2024, I have two published books!

God truly moves in mysterious ways. This year has taken me by surprise, igniting a burning passion to continue down the path of publishing. My debut book was released just last March, and by July, I had published my first-ever self-published book. Wow! It still feels unreal that a girl like me, who prefers to stay home and scribble her thoughts, was able to turn those into a book. This isn’t just my work alone—those I value inspired me, and the hands of Jesus carried me through it all. Thank you, Lord God.

To my family, partner, friends, and readers, you are the brightest stars that light up the sky of my writing journey. Every clap, pat on the back, and smile as you read my works are rewards I accept with heartfelt gratitude. Thank you! You’ve kept this author’s flame alive. To everyone who worked with me to make these books a success—my writing alone would not have been enough without your artistic talents. I’m so glad to have met you all.

2024 has been an incredible year. Whatever adversities lie ahead, I pray I can stay afloat. The blessings I’ve received, I hope to share with others. To God be all the glory.

First Book: Tears Into Stars Publisher: Ukiyoto Publishing ISBN-13: 9789361727818 Tags: Poetry, Prose, Literary This is for the souls whose eyes turned blurry, seeing the world like it lacked hope and beauty. For the souls sunken in the depths of affliction, may the lines written in this book turn into stars and help you on your way back to restoration. Second Book: When Spring Arrives Self-published ISBN-13: 978-6210616996 Tags: Poetry, Prose, Literary

This is for the hearts caught by winter and turned stone cold. Misty eyes, losing hope for things that can’t be controlled. For the souls whose romantic lives have been falling apart, and sunny days are fleeting, may the lines written in this book take you to the spring season, where past wounds slowly heal, making way for the inception of a blooming love expedition.

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

Letters to the Universe First Publication: 2024/05/07

#letterstotheuniversepage #milestone #update #authorblog

Celebrating Cultural Diversity: A Filipino Perspective

Culture is a perfect manifestation of the art of what it means to be a human being living in this world. It illustrates the way of life of every person in a community, tribe, or country. Culture isn’t something that can be described with just a few words; I believe that to fully grasp it, one must be a part of the flow and actively get involved. Tradition and culture are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other. But the most important element is the people themselves who shape the culture and tradition that have existed up until today.

As a Filipino, our culture comprises many wonderful aspects that amaze me every time I think about them. One cultural custom that I find fascinating is our resilience: our ability to get up after a downfall and smile in any situation or with any person we interact with. This world is not always sunny, but we Filipinos always find it in our hearts to dance in the middle of the storm, and that is truly beautiful. Another cultural value that I am most proud of is our faith in God. I don’t want to sound biased, but this is the truth. This quality is the foundation of our resilience. We survive and prosper because we never lose hope. We get up each day with the thought, “This is just a bad day but never an awful life. God will send me His divine grace to help me get by.” Once again, I am proud to be a Filipino, and living in this society while engaging in this culture gives me a unique identity worthy of being known.

As I have stated in the previous paragraph, I greatly appreciate our own culture. But just like all other traditions, nothing is perfect. There are no superior or inferior values and heritage, but if I had to alter two specific norms in our country, perhaps it would be gossiping and the crab mentality. I want to change these aspects because they can cause more negative effects than positive ones. These traits can be self-destructive and may badly affect others as well. As a concerned citizen, I suggest that changing them is the right thing to do for the betterment of the community, to keep the lifestyle of everybody in harmony.

Culture is undeniably diverse. Many kinds of ethnicities, races, and nationalities are spread out all over the globe. As I continue my journey in life, meeting individuals with different cultures and philosophies is part of it. There are no specific steps to flawlessly communicate with people who practice unfamiliar traits and values, but I can strive to be more empathetic, open-minded, and sensitive in dealing with them. I believe that our differences are not the reason we are divided, nor why there are conflicts. The true reason behind societal divergence is our lack of capacity to accept new ideas and ways of living.

Every person is a complex being, and as we live together in this world, certain issues like conflicts and misunderstandings between countries or in a community are almost impossible to avoid. But this must not always be the case, because after all, we are breathing the same air, and we are under the same sky. Our goal is to be at peace amidst diversity, not at war.

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞

#letterstotheuniversepage #culture #Filipino #Philippines

2024, I became a published author.

My first-ever book, "Tears Into Stars", marks an unexpected milestone for this year. I began writing consistently on my FB page around four years ago because, aside from God, I had no one else to talk to and be genuinely honest with. I see it as a gift from Him, granting me this talent/skill, like it came to me when I badly needed it. Additionally, I felt my creative juices craving to be poured, so I decided to spill my heart's letters without concern for how many would take the time to read my works. I just seek self-expression.

I didn't start writing poetically at a young age, but I've always loved singing, understanding song lyrics, and watching movies with beautiful stories. And I tend to remember lines that resonate with my soul. However, I never imagined I would actually publish my words and turn them into a book for anyone to read. It feels surreal every time I hold my book and skim its pages. I'm not aiming for high sales; I'm not skilled in business, if I'm being completely honest. I'm just truly grateful to have the privilege to share the thoughts and emotions I've been keeping inside. Thank you, literature and art. Thank you, writing.

Now, I have only one wish: may my book reach the soul who badly needs it. May it turn out as a gift to them too. I will be in bliss knowing it helped them somehow—even in the smallest way, like a warm spark of magic.

To my dear God, this was never part of my plan, yet here I am. You brought me here. I'm not confident enough, but I have You, and that's what pushes me. I have faith in You and Your wonderful plans for me. My only prayer is that, whatever happens, good or bad, my father God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, may You give me the strength to survive all the way through.

To my mother, sister, family, partner, and friends: you're my greatest supporters. I am truly blessed to have you all in my life. My astral souls (readers), I appreciate each one of you. You light up my universe. Also, Ukiyoto Publishing, thank you for trusting in my work and accepting it. I am deeply grateful.

Title: TEARS INTO STARS Subtitle: Navigating the Depths of Affliction to Illuminate the Sky of Restoration

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9361727818

This is for the souls whose eyes turned blurry, seeing the world like it lacked hope and beauty. For the souls sunken in the depths of affliction, may the lines written in this book turn into stars and help you on your way back to restoration.

Written by: Amaranthine Briar / Akahana

Letters to the Universe First Publication: 2024/05/07

#letterstotheuniversepage #milestone #update #authorblog

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