CALAMANSI BLOG #2
- wjmanares
- Nov 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 14
WRITING DISASTER STORIES THAT GRIP THE READERS
by W. J. Manares
Disaster stories aren't just about chaos; they're about the human spirit tested to its limits. Storms, earthquakes - these aren't just events; they're crucibles where courage is forged and bonds are strengthened. Want to write disaster tales that leave readers breathless? Here's your survival kit:
1. Ground Zero
A. Dive Deep
Don't just skim the surface. Understand the science. What makes a super typhoon a monster? How do fault lines unleash hell? Knowing the "why" adds bone-chilling authenticity.
B. History is Your Teacher
Research real disasters. Typhoon Ursula etc. - these events offer a wealth of detail on destruction, survival, and the human response. Don't forget "Chona Mae," just try.
2. Heartbeats in the Havoc
A. Real People, Real Stakes
Forget cardboard cutouts. Create characters with flaws, dreams, and connections. Their struggles should mirror our own fears.
B. Emotional Tsunami
Disasters are emotional earthquakes. Explore the spectrum - terror, grief, defiance, and the fragile flicker of hope. Make us feel their journey.
3. Tension is the Air We Breathe
A. Whispers of Doom
Foreshadowing is your friend. A strange calm before the storm, animals acting uneasy - hint at the impending chaos.
B. Crank Up the Pressure
Each scene should raise the stakes. A bridge collapses, a loved one goes missing - make the situation feel desperate.
4. Paint the Apocalypse
A. Beyond "It Was Bad"
Engage all the senses. The shriek of the wind, the earth's violent tremor, the metallic tang of blood in the air.
B. Visual Devastation: Don't just say "destroyed." Show us the crumbled buildings, the swirling floodwaters, the sky choked with ash.
5. Light in the Darkness
A. Heroes Emerge
Disasters reveal the best in people. Acts of selflessness, strangers helping strangers - these moments are the heart of your story.
B. The Long Road Back
The aftermath is fertile ground. Focus on the community rebuilding, the emotional scars, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Example: Earthquake Story Snippet (from my story, "Ibinigay" from my book, Isa Sa Ilang Paraan, Ukiyoto Publishing, 2023)
"Nang iaabot na nila sa isa't isa ang regalo, biglang nagkalindol, Magnitude 7.
"Lindol, iligtas ninyo ang bawat isa!" sigaw ni Father Bernard.
Niyakap ni Jessie si Patricia at itinago sa kanyang makisig na braso, amoy na amoy na Patricia ang Bench sa dibdib ni Jessie, dinig na dinig niya ang tibok ng puso nito.
Unti-unting nawawala ang kaba ni Patricia nang bigla siyang binitawan ni Jessie.
Napansin kasi ni Jessie na nabaklas ang manok mula sa imahe ni Saint Peter at malalaglag ito sa kinalalagyan ni Father Bernard.
Tinakbo ito ni Jessie upang hindi mabasag ang bungo ng pari ngunit sa kasawiang palad ay siya ang tinamaan ng mismong manok ni Saint Peter.
Wasak ang gwapong mukha ng sakristan. Kitang-kita ni Patricia ang pagbaon ng pinakatuka ng manok sa kanang mata ni Jessie. Sabay tumumba sa kanya ang rebulto ni Saint Peter.
Nagkandadurog ang mga buto ni Jessie, maririnig mula sa kinasasadlakan ni Patricia ang paglagatok ng pagkabasag. Tanaw niya ang pagbagsak ni Saint Peter sa katawan ng sakristan.
Walang tinig na lumabas sa bunganga ni Patricia, tila panaginip lang ang lahat. Sumisigaw siya ngunit hangin lamang.
Gumapang siya papalapit sa katawan ni Jessie. May pagsisising hinawakan ang nakalabas nitong kaliwang kamay kung saan nandun pa ang regalong hawak-hawak para kay codename Mistletoe.
Bumulwak ang napakaraming dugo mula sa bungo ni Jessie, kasama utak. Tiyak na patay ito.
Doon pa lamang napahagulgol si Patricia."
***
BONUS:
Share Your Disaster Story with Ukiyoto Publishing
You've poured your heart and soul into crafting a disaster story that grips, moves, and leaves readers breathless. Now, it's time to unleash that narrative upon the world. At Ukiyoto Publishing, we understand the power of stories that explore the depths of human experience, especially those born from the crucible of disaster.
We're not just looking for tales of destruction; we seek stories that illuminate the resilience of the human spirit, the bonds forged in adversity, and the hope that flickers even in the darkest of times. If your manuscript captures the raw emotion, the vivid imagery, and the profound truths that emerge from storms and earthquakes, we want to hear from you.
Ukiyoto Publishing offers a platform to amplify your voice, connect with a global audience, and see your vision realized in a beautifully crafted book. Our team is dedicated to supporting authors through every step of the publishing process, from eye-catching cover design and strategic marketing.
Don't let your story gather dust. Share your unique perspective on the chaos and the calm, the fear and the fortitude. Submit your manuscript to Ukiyoto Publishing and let us help you bring your disaster story to life. Together, we can create a book that not only entertains but also inspires, reminding us of the strength we possess when faced with the unimaginable.
Ready to take the next step? Visit our submissions page today - https://www.ukiyoto.com/submission and let your story find its home. Let's turn your compelling narrative into a published masterpiece.
Writing disaster stories is a challenge, but also an opportunity.
***
NOTE:
Why "Calamansi" Blog?
I chose the name 'Calamansi Blog' because it embodies the essence of what I want my blog to be. The calamansi, that small but vibrant Philippine lime, symbolizes joy and freshness. Just as the fruit adds a burst of flavor to any dish or drink, I want my blog to bring a fresh and uplifting perspective to the readers.
Beyond its Filipino roots, the name also resonates with me on a deeper level. 'Calamansi' bears a phonetic resemblance to the Indian words 'Kalam' (कलम), meaning 'pen' or 'writing,' and 'Anshi' (अंशी), meaning 'god's gift.' This connection suggests that my writing is more than just words on a page; it's a gift, an inspiration, perhaps even divinely guided.
My 'Calamansi Blog' represents a blend of Filipino zest and a sense of inspired creativity. It's a name that is both memorable and meaningful, reflecting my commitment to sharing content that is joyful, refreshing, and purposeful.
***
W. J. Manares is the Partner/Distributor of Ukiyoto Publishing via Ukiyoto House, Philippines. He's one of Ukiyoto's prolific authors and a one-of-a-kind writer from Aklan, Philippines, authored more than 69 books and counting, a lesser-known worldbuilder and storyteller, and labelled as "the sardonic yet whimsical author of the Philippines" since 1999. You can contact him via email: wjmanares@ukiyoto.com or via SMS at +639192015217.
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