Nikki Karenina

Pen name: NIKKI KARENINA

Story behind your pen name: “Nikki” comes from my grandfather’s name “Nicholas”. Ginawa ko lang female version. Actually, it would’ve been better kung “Nikki Eusebio” na lang since the latter’s second name was my other grandfather’s. Pero okay na rin since may representation ang real name ko sa pen name ko. And, oh, Precious chose it.

Motto in life: Behind those failures lays the beginning of success.

What is love?: The most difficult question ever. Love is...my weakness. It’s distracting, it’s trouble, it’s a total pain in the head. It’s something that’s at the bottom of my “to-do list”. LOL
(Baka may mag-follow up question. Kung bakit nagsusulat ako ng romance kung gano’n ang sagot ko? I’m cynically romantic. Maybe, I write love stories to convince myself that “love” is really real. But I’m a certified daydreamer. I write what I want to happen to my love life. Sana lang, isa sa mga ‘yon ay magkatotoo. Haha!)

Your Ideal Man: A certified alpha male, someone who oozed with confidence, appeal and dominance, someone with a strong character, someone who could charm you even when he’s not at it, someone who smiles at you even when he doesn’t want to, someone who sees you as you, someone who will love your flaws, someone who will embrace your antics, someone who fights himself to be with you and lose in the end, someone who’s not afraid to show how much he loves you, someone who will risk even his own life just to save you. Siyempre, gwapo at mayaman.

Your Dream Guy: Gideon Cross/Julian Darcangelo/Travis Maddox

When did you start writing?: I started writing when I was sixteen years old. Sulat-pagong ako noon. One manuscript every three months ang average writing speed ko. But I became a certified writer when I was eighteen (2011).

Why did you pass a novel on a publication house?: When you write something, of course, you would want it to be published. Kaya nagpasa ako sa PHR. I really wanted to see my name in print. I know, cliché na pero lahat naman ng aspiring writers ‘yon ang gusto.

How does it feel that finally, you are now a writer?: Fulfilling, overwhelming and wishful.

What are the reactions of your family when they heard that you’re now a writer?: My mother was proud, then. But my sisters, disbelief. Ha-ha! They really don’t want to believe me. Not until I got my first cheque. LOL

What was your reaction when your first novel was accepted?: I stared at the computer screen wide-eyed, in awe. Nasa computer shop pa ako noon. I wanted to scream my heart out pero nahiya ako. Ang daming tao eh, kaya umiyak na lang ako. Para lang akong timang noon. Umiiyak na tumatawa at saka kinikilig. Why not? It was a dream come true. And right after I got out of the shop, I was ecstatic.

When it was released in the market?: A writer-friend texted me that my first novel was finally out in the market. Hindi na ako nag-abala pang maghilamos or mag-toothbrush. Diretsong bukas na agad ako ng computer kasi sa Facebook nakikita ang new releases ng PHR, ‘di ba? And it was really true, my first novel was finally out (November 16, 2011). I felt lightheaded, happy and pressured at the same time. I keep on praying na sana magustuhan ng mga bibili ang gawa ko.

Who/What are your inspirations in writing?: I got inspired by the books I read and the movies I watch. But my real inspirations were actually my family, my friends and my readers. They keep me going.

Any tips for the aspiring writers out there?: Don’t ask writers on how to pass a manuscript. Ha-ha. Seriously, the guidelines and procedures were on every PHR books’ second page. And, keep writing. Basta isulat n’yo kung ano ang gusto n’yong isulat. ‘Wag muna kayong ma-conscious sa kung ano ang sinusulat n’yo. Kapag tapos na, basahin n’yo muna. Kapag may nakita kayong off sa sinulat n’yo, baguhin or burahin. Sometimes, it would really help to listen to your instincts. Iwas revision or rejection din ‘yon. Basta...fighting! Tiwala lang at think positive.

Any future plans for your writing career?: Ayaw kong magpalit ng writing genre. Gusto ko light lang talaga. I don’t want to venture on writing drama dahil hindi ko talaga keri. But I wanted to try writing romantic-action stories. ‘Yong tipong assassin, mercenaries at special agents ang heroes. It’s going to be a big challenge but it’s a challenge I would gladly take. Isa pa, I have so many series in mind, sana lang mapanindigan ko. Mas mabilis kasi akong magsulat ‘pag series. So, ‘wag na kayong magtaka kung trilogy or miniseries or series ang mga future release ko. Hindi ko mapigilan eh.

Message for your readers: Thank you sooooooooooooo much! I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for you, guys. (Oha! Artista lang ang peg. XD) But, seriously. Thank you for your love and support. Sana hindi kayo magsawang bumili ng mga gawa ko. I won’t promise anything, but I’ll try writing kilig love stories pa. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.


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