Focusing then Forgetting

Focus, which is missing among the young who grew up on gadgets, is the theme of my latest book, Ready, Set, Focus!  

Not to brag, but focus possesses me when writing. I tune off the world and zero in on my current work. I double-check the accuracy of all data and conduct research to know what resonates with my target readers. Where focus cometh . . .  

For one, I grew up in a little town in an era when gadgets were still an unborn idea. Distraction is a modern enemy. For another, I trained in an ad agency where I shared a noisy room with 12 others, frequently visited by 12 more to debate ideas, with strict yesterday deadly deadlines. I ate pressure for breakfast.  

Writing also requires critically studying characters close to my heart. Their names and traits I borrow when creating real-life fiction. 

The irony is, after a book has been published. I focus on the next one and forget the details of the previous one.   

Ooops. I totally forgot using our Barangay Captain’s name and his character in a pivotal role to solve the problem of focus in the Barangay.  

I mentioned it to son #3, a lawyer, and he was appalled, “Mom, you need to give Kap Roni a copy! Explain what his role in the book is! Request Edward [an officer in church and a village street chair] to go with you.” 

I did as told, and was not surprised at how gracious Kap Roni was. Many people speak well of him—how seriously he takes his job through people-oriented projects. Looking back, that was why I chose his name to represent a community leader. 

What I thought would be a five-minute courtesy call stretched to an hour and a half. He shared his vision/mission for the community.  Ooops turned to awe.  

One of the blessings of an author is meeting people at the helm whose name I borrow because they  inspire.   

“For from his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” (John 1:16 ESV)