Thea C. Perales was raised in British Columbia, Canada where she would get in trouble for wanting to read a book, instead of playing soccer during recess. She found her love of writing from her sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Stephanie Nielsen, and her love of literature from her twelfth grade teacher, Mr. Tim Shoveller.
Thea intends to one day become the kind of teacher she had growing up—kind, inspiring, and supportive. Her first published short story “Tabi Tabi Po!” seeks to deconstruct colonial influences in Philippine mythology, while navigating a maternal relationship of adoration and understanding.
Keep the ones that love you close to your heart, and do not lose sight of your goals.
Thea Perales
DILIM: What are your earliest memories of writing or creating?
TP: My mother told me that I always loved reading. I remember writing mini novels in notebooks that I received as gifts when I was a kid. My second grade teacher, Ms. Kudla, would give us creative writing assignments and would pick her favourites to read out during “carpet time.” She told my parents to encourage me to continue writing, since she always picked my stories to share.
DILIM: Do you have a favorite place to feel productive?
TP: I love going to cafes to write. I would try to go to a new one every once in a while because the change of environment and people you meet helps with finding that inspiration.
DILIM: Which advice would you give to yourself from five years ago?
TP: I would tell myself to breathe. You will figure it out and no matter what, keep pushing forward. Slow down and enjoy the present moment. You will make mistakes and lose some people, but you will grow from all the pain and hurt. Keep the ones that love you close to your heart, and do not lose sight of your goals.
DILIM: What would you want the reader to remember, long after they’ve left the page?
TP: Take with you what helps—the parts that do not apply, then leave it behind. Sometimes if a good story sticks with you, try reading it again at different times of your life. You’ll be surprised how a story will feel like the first time you’ve read it all over again.
DILIM: What’s next for you in your creative process?
TP: Currently I am finishing conference papers and working on my PhD application. In terms of creative writing, I am workshopping a magical realism book, heavily inspired by Carmen Maria Machado and the historical mythicality of Silvia Moreno Garcia.
Find Thea Perales at https://medium.com/@tays.tea
Instagram: @tays.reads