Regret is one of the hardest emotions to deal with. It is more difficult because of the other negative emotions connected to it such as remorse, sadness, guilt, and the feeling of helplessness. Unfortunately, this happens to many of us. It happens to people from various walks of life and for varied reasons.
These are the things we should have done or the words that we wished we said. These are the feelings that we never got to show or express. Maybe because the circumstances were not favorable or maybe we got so busy and got caught with the daily grind.
Perhaps we made unfortunate and bad decisions or many times we just don't know how to express ourselves and we simply can't find the right words to say.
Mga Sulat na Para Sana Sa'Yo (MSPSY) is a collection of letters in English and Tagalog left unsent. In this book, the author has given a voice to the people with stories of regret. She wrote letters for them that they could or would have given to their intended recipient.
Even if these letters may be forever unsent because of certain circumstances like death or lost contact, the author hopes that putting their feelings into words and being able to read them can somehow give closure.
This book can also help us process our thoughts and feelings for ourselves. It also reminds us that one is not alone. It shows us that there is someone out there who has felt exactly the same love, pain, and regret that we have. Just like how we find songs relatable.
This 144-page masterpiece is written by Vanessa Cruz-Zapanta, NBDB registered author and writer from Bulacan. She is a Psychology graduate from the University of Santo Tomas and has a certification in interior design from New Zealand.
She is a former psychometrician and a sales professional in one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Today, we are grateful for this chance to have this exclusive interview with her.
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1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?
No matter how much you have accomplished in life, there are grueling moments in one’s life that can make you quit. But during those falls, it is important to try to stand up and face life head-on. The struggles that we are going through will pass, it will pass out like a kidney stone, but it will.
Also, I am happy to share that MSPSY became LAZADA's top-selling literature and had been recognized as part of the trending and frequently bought books in literature. The book also received recognitions such as Filipino Reader's Choice Award (Top 4) and has been nominated and garnered the highest number of FB votes during the VP Choice Awards.
2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?
I wrote my book and self-published it to tick it off my bucket list initially. I didn’t realize that a lot of people will be able to relate to it. The stories in the letters were real to them and it hit the right spot.
Also, I wanted a title that will intrigue and pique the readers' interest and I think the book became as popular as it is because of the title. Many are drawn to the dramatic and the romantic, I guess.
3. How long did it take you to complete the book?
It took me a year to finish writing, MSPSY.
4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?
The most challenging part was looking for the right person to edit the book. I even experienced being rejected but it was part of the process in which I learned. Starting to publish as well as finding the right team to help you are the hardest. It is a lot of hard work.
5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
It is never too late to do something that takes your breath away. It is always imperative that we learn to be brave and say what we want before it is too late.
When I write, I am able to inspire people and instill the attitude of gratitude whatever your present circumstance is to people. This is what happened to my book, MGA SULAT NA PARA SANA SA ‘YO. The English and Filipino letters that I wrote gave closure to most people that read them and many were able to relate to the different situations.
6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
There is a clamor for BOOK 2. But we’ll see. I will always be guided by my True North. I live it up to Him. "Unsent" or "Letter You Should Have Received" - Another book of letters like MSPSY
7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?
The book is now available online via
Shopee: https://shope.ee/9KEUNGwQ3F
If you are near Manila, it is also available at the Solidaridad Bookshop located at 531 Padre Faura, Ermita.
It is also available on Google Play or you can order directly from me. You may reach me on my official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and Youtube.
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Thank you, Author Vanessa, for agreeing to this interview. We are happy to get to know you and your book and we look forward to more stories (a.k.a. letters) from you.
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