Have you ever dreamed of a stranger? Well, this person seems to be part of your dream like every day? And you two always meet in a beautiful paradise that you both don't want to leave. Wow!
Jahric Lago and Chesca Mateo were college friends when they created Dreamland. A collaboration of two students who have always had a passion for writing. I had a chance to sit with them and delve into their thoughts, characters, and future plans.
Read the exclusive interview:
His (Jahric Lago for Rico's Point of View)
P: If Dreamland will be tap as a movie, who will be your choices for Rico?
J: Hmm... That's a good question. I created Rico who is very close to who I am. Probably, James Reed because he is my crush. But Rico is a probinsiyano. Enchong Dee for Rico because he is tall, dark, and handsome.
P: Is Rico kinda your dream boy?
J: Yes of course. Why? Creating Rico's persona is like seeing myself. He can be qualified as a dream boy. I would love Rico as a boyfriend because he loves to cook and read books.
P: Was there an instance that you dreamt of something and happened in reality?
J: Maybe not like the next day happens. Feels like Deja Vu when you meet people but you haven't seen them.
P: What would you tell your 2013 self, if you are given a chance to talk to him about writing Dreamland?
J: To keep pushing Chesca more. hahaha... Just keep writing not just Dreamland. I should have pushed myself more. Maybe I have finished a lot already. Keep on writing!
P: There are superstitious beliefs in the story. Are you a believer in superstitions too?
J: Yeah! Maybe because I am a Filipino and we do believe in superstition. I was brought up with superstitious beliefs.
P: Did you have a hard time writing about Rico?
J: I reflected on Rico a lot with myself. I actually didn't have difficulty characterizing him. I tried my best to include myself in a story because it gives me drive. 80% of Rico is me especially his writer's side.
P: Have you thought of an alternate ending?
J: Well, to be honest with you, I love our ending. You know me I like to know the ending first before writing. When we (Chesca) collaborated, first and foremost we talked about the ending. I don't feel like writing an alternate ending for Dreamland. On top of my head, I don't want a different ending.
P: Dreamland for me is...
J: Dreamland for me is... my brainchild with Chesca and it is my first baby. This is the first solo book that I published.
Her (Chesca Matteo for Point of View)
P: If Dreamland will be tap as a movie, who will be your choices for Leigh?
C: For International Artist, I'd love to see Emilia Clarke play Leigh Lucero if that's not too much to ask haha.
P: Is Leigh kinda your alter ego?
C: I would say, Leigh, is College Cheska's alter ego.
P: Was there an instance that you dreamt of something and happened in reality?
C: I can't remember exactly but I think there was an instance. What I remember was, I had a series of dreams before that felt so real and it's kind of disappointing when I wake up because the people in those dreams don't exist in real-world anymore.
P: What would you tell your 2013 self, if you are given a chance to talk to him/her about writing Dreamland?
C: I have a lot to tell my 2013 self when it comes to technicalities but I'd probably sum it up with, 'Just enjoy writing Dreamland, you never know when you'll get this kind of motivation again.'
P: There are superstitious beliefs in the story. Are you a believer in superstitions too?
C: There were superstitions that I've outgrown and some are still rooted in me.
P: Did you have struggle in creating Leigh?
C: In a sense where I wanted her to be someone that the readers could somehow look up to or get inspired by, yes I had a little bit of struggle in creating that Leigh.
P: With this pandemic, how should Dreamland look like for a person who experienced anxiety or depression? Do you think escaping to Dreamland would help a person too?
C: A depressed person either sleep a lot or can't sleep. I hope people who can't sleep may find solace in reading and I really hope Dreamland can be a little oasis for them, a refuge in this chaotic world we are in right now, and eventually lull them to sleep. And, for those who sleep a lot I hope they are also having a wonderful Dreamland in their sleep where everything's wonderful and peaceful I hope they get enough energy from it to get through the day and keep going.
P: Have you thought of an alternate ending?
C: I can't remember if there was another way we thought of ending Dreamland but, now I think if I'll have one I'd probably let Leigh and Rico get married and live a peaceful life.
C: Dreamland for me is... a dream come true.
I was very fortunate to be able to get to know these amazing authors and read Dreamland. This is a fantasy romance book that you shouldn't miss reading because you fall in love with Rico and definitely get jealous of Leigh! Sana all may dream boy!
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| Selfie with Dreamland! |
You can buy this at TBC Publications Shopee! Grab one now and let's continue to support Indie Publishing books! Congratulations to Jahric and Chesca!
