Fil-Canadian writer tackles same-sex attraction in teen fantasy novel

Describing herself as a “rebel at heart,” a Filipino-Canadian woman has written a book that will surely raise some eyebrows especially in a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines: a teen novel that tackles, among others, “the freedom to fall in love with the same sex.”

In her debut novel, “Protector of Pterygota (Book One of Pterygota Chronicles),” the author who wanted to be identified only as Matheen said she highlighted the “world of child slavery, the ugliness of corruption and the beauty of having the freedom to fall in love with the same sex.”

“I’ve been told that these issues broke the rules in children’s and teens’ books,” Matheen told GMA News Online. “I write about hope, redemption, change and acceptance but I am not afraid to write about death, losses and pain. I’ve always been a rebel at heart.”

The book, the first in a series of three, is published in Canada and is available in United States, South America, Europe, Japan, and India through Amazon.

The Philippines, Matheen said, will soon be included on the list.

“I want to share my story to the Filipino children and teenagers,” she said, adding that a University of the Philippines professor has indicated that he wants his students – numbering 100 – to read the book.

The book is available on Amazon and Kindle exclusively from February 14 until the next three months.

“Eventually, it will be available in Nook, Apple, Barnes and Noble and other retail stores.  At the moment, I have reached out to National Bookstore [in the Philippines],” Matheen said.

She noted that the fact that the book came out on Valentine’s Day is a testament that it was “a labor of love.”

Fantasy fiction

Matheen described her novel as “fantasy fiction” although she claimed she does not believe in fairy tales. “I owe it to my readers to inject a dose of reality in my books,” she said.

Matheen said the novel, which is in the same genre as the bestselling Harry Potter series, was “inspired by the beauty and grace of my Motherland, the Philippines, and my new home, Canada and its people.”

“This novel is set in a distant planet of Pterygota but it is very evident that the places and the traits of its characters were inspired by the Philippines and Canada,” Matheen explained, adding that she wanted to highlight “the beauty of both countries.”

“I wanted to write about the traits of the people: the Filipino people’s resilience, determination and sense of humor. It was also inspired by the Canadian people’s humility, generosity and kindness,” she said.

She pointed out that the novel was also inspired by butterflies because “these graceful winged creatures remind us that in life, we must go through changes and learn to flutter our wings…”

Matheen said the “colorful and shameful antagonists” in her book -- The Purple Empress, Emperor Moth and the Insecta Army – “were inspired by corrupt politicians who pocket the taxpayers’ money.”

Passion for writing

Matheen recalled that the self-published book “was conceived while walking to and from jobs; the characters were formed as I went from one job interview to the next. It took me two years to finish the whole novel.”

The first-time novelist said she has always had a passion for writing, adding she has been keeping journals since she was 15.

“In the early 90’s, I volunteered to teach children in our province in Batangas. I enjoyed reading and telling them stories, which I created impromptu. I am an accidental writer,” she said.

Getting her book published was not easy, Matheen said.

“To be honest, it was hard finding a traditional publisher. I was rejected a million times! I lost count on how many times I was turned down,” she said.

Publishers, she noted, are generally hesitant to put out books from unknown authors.

Inspiration from JK Rowling

“I drew inspiration from another writer who was at one point, a struggling single mother – the legendary [Harry Potter author] JK Rowling. She was rejected a million times before she found someone who believed in her story,” Matheen related.  

“In my case, I decided to self-publish. At first, I was against the idea of becoming an indie author. But, I was proven wrong. I learned that it takes a lot of guts and grit to go into self-publishing. It’s a one-woman show.  You are the author, the editor, the proofreader, the designer and the PR machine of your book,” she said.

She said she spent the last two years writing, editing, proofreading, designing her book’s cover and marketing it.  “It was an experience like no other, an experience that I would be happy to go through again and again.”

Before Matheen became a writer, she was an artist, dabbling in oil, watercolor and acrylic painting.”

In 2010, she took up a 3D animation course.  “Unfortunately, it became quite a challenge trying to juggle life as a single parent, a career woman, and a student,” she said.

After giving up her studies, she went through a bout of depression but managed to pull through because of her faith.

“I was lucky that I had a lot of faith.  I was lucky that I have a supportive family.  I was fortunate that I have a son to live for.  I pulled through,” Matheen said.

“With willpower and through God’s grace, I was able to pull myself up, turn my depression around and took the path toward creative pursuits.  Painting and writing helped me overcome my depression,” she added.
 
Matheen said in the beginning, she only wanted to write the three books in the Pterygota Chronicles.  

“But now that I had a lot of interest coming from different people from all over the world, I am encouraged to write more.  I also enjoy the whole process of writing and being immersed in your own imaginary world,” she said.

Matheen added: “I am passionate about the whole process of creating. I am passionate about telling and sharing fantasy stories.”

Admiration for Pinoys

Matheen shared how she has a high regard for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Filipinos overseas, especially OFWs are truly admirable.  Filipinos have a reputation for being hard workers, conscientious and kind.  As a whole, Filipino people are like butterflies – we adapt wherever the wind brings us,” she said.

For Filipinos like her who now call Canada home, Matheen said life in general has been good.

“We are truly grateful for the generosity of Canada, its people and the Government of Canada.  We are fortunate to be in a new home that provides us with a fantabulous quality of living, where equality and fairness truly exists,” she said.

“There are a lot of opportunities – you only need to persevere and be determined.  We are in a great place,” she added.

However, for OFWs who may be finding it difficult to live in a foreign land, Matheen urged them to keep their faith strong at all times.

“To quote one of my integral characters, the Nymphalidae tribe, ‘Non Desperaverit,’ which means, do not lose hope, ever. Determination and perseverance are more potent than rejections and failures,” she said. — KBK, GMA News