women during times of war. The stories, for me, are a form of protest. I went to so many protests where we stood in the streets with our fists before us, shouting, ―Laban! Laban! Laban!‖ And this is what their stories are: Laban mga lola! Every year when I see them they ask me, where is the book? Do you have any writing rituals or practices? M.G.: Only to sit my ass down and do it. It is work and it is not always inspired. At some point, one just needs to cut to the chase. It is not romantic and it is not magical. But once I am writing and I am in the zone, submerged in the work, there is no better place. The only way to get there is to sit your ass down. Who or what inspires your writing? M.G.: In the case of Lolas’ House, my life‘s work, I would have to say, it is the Lolas.
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