Wrimos Around the World: Of Cemeteries, Life, and Writing for Fame

One of the best parts of NaNoWriMo? The incredible community of writers that gathers every November. Today, we spotlight Chiqui Perez, who’s writing from an… unconventional cemetery :

On the first day of NaNoWriMo, I found myself writing from the family mausoleum in the town’s cemetery in Gasan, Marindique, Philippines. The bustle of the All Saints’ Day celebration, which happens every year on November 1, can be both distracting and stimulating. Since I was little, I was endeared to the tradition of devoting an entire day to visiting the family’s dearly departed despite the heat and noise; I was amidst the still lively chatter of family and friends, colorful flower bouquets, and candles which adorn each tomb.

This November 1, I brought my trusty notebook. I was spending time with my grandfather, who had loved stories. To begin my novel at his tomb-side would do him an honor…

The thought of setting a story in a cemetery can conjure spine-tingling encounters: lunatic gravediggers who know little about the living, or a bereaved relative who visits a fresh gravesite everyday, forgetting everything else. But the All Saints’ Day atmosphere I encounter every year can bring about entirely different stories: slices of life, including odd family reunions. That’s the strange thing about the cemetery I’m writing from—it doesn’t evoke a sense of desolation at all! It’s too vivacious for that.

There’s always something about each place we visit, every encounter with a person that can trigger a tale in one’s mind. Contrary to popular belief, writers shouldn’t stay reclusive to brood over their next masterpiece. They should experience the world for all it’s worth—even when it’s among the tombs on All Saints’ Day!

The nooks and crannies of the world all have stories tucked inside them. But don’t observe everything in order to take perfunctory notes. Don’t forget to sit back, relax, and feel alive.

I write mostly at night, when there are fewer distractions. I’ve always been nocturnal ever since I began writing at ten years old. I’ve been berated many times for staying up late, but I persisted, because a finished chapter is always worth it. I can also say that I am a planner, though I still leave some room to be surprised at what I can come up with when I don’t strictly follow my outline!

Now, I want to leave you with some food for thought as you write your novel: Is writing for fame always a bad thing, or can it be a great motivating factor?