Author Interview: Rowena L. Suarez
Getting to Know Pinoy Indie Authors
I truly feel Pinoy (Filipino) Indie Authors are underrated and, most times, underappreciated. In support, I am featuring interviews with Pinoy Indie Authors here on my Blog.
In addition, I have also created a Facebook Page and a Facebook Group specifically dedicated to empowering and equipping Pinoy writers to write, publish, and promote their books.
If you’re a Filipino indie author or writer, come join us! You’re welcome — whether you write in English, Taglish, or Tagalog. We’re all in this together!
Author Interview: Rowena L. Suarez
About Rowena L. Suarez
Rowena L. Suarez is a multi-genre writer who published her standalone solo poetry book, “Sweetbriar,” at the age of 53. Her unfiltered verses capture the emotional essence of being a human. She is an advocate for those who struggle to find their voice and individuality. Prior to this, she was already making a mark in the literary world, co-authoring bestselling international and global poetry anthologies.
She grew up surrounded by books about fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and tales from the other side, eventually moving to mystery, thriller, and crime fiction novels. With these interests, she started writing short stories.
The first manuscript she wrote was a YA fantasy novel which is waiting to be published. Recently, she completed a crime fiction manuscript which is set to be published this November 2025.
Rowena L. Suarez
Rowena L. Suarez is a published author with Central Books Philippines and has also co-authored international poetry anthologies.
Q & A with Cris Mari
1. In three words, describe yourself as an author.
Poetic. Imaginative. Versatile.
2. Could you talk about the significance of titles in your works? How do you usually come up with them?
My writing has been greatly influenced by numerous authors through their works. They have been my inspiration when writing mine.
With poetry, it helps me express my emotions which can help readers connect to what I write. It also helps me convey anything beautiful in the world.
With fantasy genres, they opened my eyes to world-building which involves detailed and often complex fictional worlds.
With crime fiction, I have learned it is all about character development. This genre relies on creating compelling characters like a protagonist possessing traits of a normal human being, and creating a believable and formidable antagonist to explore motives and inner conflicts.
3. Have you ever experienced a moment of surprise or unpredictability while writing, where the story took an unexpected turn?
Yes. Oftentimes, my protagonist wants to evolve.
4. In what ways do you think your writing has evolved or changed since your first published work?
I believe my writing style has improved. I have been more confident in my writing. Joining writing groups also contributed to this improvement.
I have also gained great knowledge ever since I joined the group Pinoy Indie Authors Collab (PIAC). I have learned so many things from all the feedback and criticisms given. It has taught me how to complete a remarkable manuscript in such a short time.
5. Do you have a preferred genre to write in, or do you enjoy exploring various genres?
I love to challenge myself, so I explore different genres. But I prefer to write crime fiction, poetry, mystery, horror, and fantasy.
6. What role do beta readers or editors play in your writing process, and how do you handle feedback and criticism?
I welcome any feedback and criticism because I need fresh pairs of eyes to check my work for grammar mistakes and to check the cohesiveness of my story. Oftentimes, there are some spellings and punctuations you will even miss. That is where the proofreaders, beta readers, or editors come in.
7. Can you share any sneak peeks or hints about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?
Snippets of information about the crime fiction I recently completed:
“In a world filled with lies, and nothing is what it seems, 48-year-old Chase struggles with whom to trust. As the lines between truth and deception blur, she must uncover the truth to survive. Is she losing her edge as an assassin, or is someone playing a sinister game?”
Connect with Rowena L. Suarez and purchase her books here:
BOOK BY ROWENA L. SUAREZ
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Did you know I wrote a Dystopian Dark Fantasy Horror?
I hope you can check it out – it might just be worth your time!
THE INQUSITOR
In the year 2132, there are only three hundred men left on Earth. Each of us old, diseased, damaged beyond healing. There are no women. Out of nowhere, a young, virile, perfect male arrives—the Inquisitor. He demands the truth behind the Purge which massacred females in a global scale to enforce the long-delayed justice by killing the guilty. And though it pains me to no end, I am forced to remember the horror and the lunacy of the past. . . and the part he unknowingly played in it. I am Ambrose. I am Herald.
