When did you write She's Dating The Gangster (SDTG)? What was the inspiration behind it?
I started writing it late in 2005 until around January 2006. I only posted it on candymag.com in April that year. The story began with a lot of what ifs and as it moved along, I started including people's experiences to make it more realistic. I just wanted to express how I felt through writing.
How did it feel when you got contacted by Summit Books and they told you they want to publish your story?
It was mixed emotions. I was stunned because someone actually wanted to publish it. And not just some publisher but it's Summit Books! Excited because after 7 years, my hard work finally paid off. And of course, I also got scared. I did not know if the readers would embrace the revised version as much as the original.
Can you relate to the characters in your story? What's your take on "bad boys" and why do you think girls are attracted to them?
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Like what most readers did, I put myself in Athena's shoes. Bad boys are challenging; being with them is thrilling. Girls want to be that special girl who makes this tough guy change. Bad boys usually have two sides: tough when they're in front of other people, but sweet when he's with his special girl. That's what attracts girls to them.
If SDTG could be turned into a movie or TV show, who would you cast as the leads?
I can see a potential Athena and Kenji in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. Daniel has this bad boy aura while I get Athena vibes from Kathryn. So I'd definitely pick those two!
Are you planning on following up SDTG with a new story?
Yes, I have already started two stories, but went on hiatus since readers have been
pressuring me. I write for pleasure and not for pressure. I might start writing She's Dating the Gangster, Too again, who knows?
Have you gotten your copy of She's Dating The Gangster yet? It's available at all leading bookstores nationwide for P175.
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