My name is Mitos Suson, and I am an alumna of Listen and Be Heard. I first wrote for LBH nearly twenty years ago, back when it still had the Poetry Café in Vallejo and a print newspaper edition. Life happened, we lost touch, and time passed. Now, seeing Listen and Be Heard online once again and collaborating with Martha feels like coming home — a full-circle moment I deeply treasure.
Since then, I have become an author myself and have written four books. As an author, I’ve come to realize that the only way for creatives to truly rise is by supporting one another. Writing can often feel solitary but building a literary and artistic community reminds us that none of us creates alone. That is the spirit behind this column. Through Where Stories Begin, I hope to feature conversations with writers, artists, musicians, and creatives from different backgrounds — exploring not only their work, but also the personal stories, inspirations, struggles, and experiences that shaped them into who they are today, because behind every creative work is a human story waiting to be heard.
Today, I’m featuring award-winning and bestselling author Geraldine Solon, who has published an impressive 16 books so far. She also happens to be the editor of one of my books, Shards of Time: A Memoir. I first met Geraldine through a mutual friend, and over time, we discovered how strangely parallel our life journeys have been. While working together on my memoir, we realized that we had attended the same school — though in different years — and that she even knew some of the people I mentioned in my book. Like me, Geraldine migrated to the United States before eventually returning to Dumaguete City, now recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature, where she chose to make her home.
I first interviewed her a couple of years ago, and since then, her literary journey has continued to flourish. Beyond publishing 16 books, she remains deeply involved in the creative community and continues to inspire many writers, including those within the literary circles I am fortunate to be part of. Through her work, Geraldine continues to prove that storytelling has the power to bridge cultures, preserve memory, and connect communities across time and distance.
1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m a dreamer, a lifelong observer, a transformational communicator, and a storyteller of 16 books. I’m passionate about helping people connect through meaningful communication and powerful storytelling, whether through fiction, nonfiction, coaching, or speaking.
2. What genre(s) do you write in?
Fiction—Psychological Thriller, Romance, Suspense, Women’s Fiction, and Mystery. Non-fiction—Personal Development, Communications, Marketing.
3. Tell us about your latest book. Can you give me a summary of it in one sentence.
Talk Smarter, Live Better in Relationships teaches you how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and compassion in every type of relationship.
4. Is it part of a series?
Yes, it’s the second book in the Talk Smarter, Live Better Series
5. What inspired you to write it?
I started this series because I myself sometimes struggled to find the right words in moments that mattered most—at work, at home, and with the people that matter most.
I’ve seen how the wrong words can cause distance, and how the right ones can rebuild bridges. Over time, I’ve learned that communication isn’t just about being heard, but about being understood. It’s how we connect, how we build trust, and how we show love, even in difficult moments.
6. What do you hope readers take away from your work?
My goal is to equip readers with the skills to communicate with impact, strengthen relationships, and thrive personally and professionally.
7. Which authors or books influenced you the most?
I grew up reading Enid Blyton, whose books were a huge part of my childhood. I also love Agatha Christie and the Trixie Belden series. As I grew older, I became fond of Danielle Steel, Nicholas Sparks, Dan Brown, VC Andrews, Stephen King, Sara Gruen, and Anne Rice. In non-fiction, I admire authors like John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, Napoleon Hill, and Robert Kiyosaki.
8. What is the most challenging aspect of writing for you?
The many distractions we have today. Sometimes I wish writers could simply disappear into a quiet world and create without interruptions.
9. What is the most rewarding part of being an author?
Seeing your creations come to life and connecting with readers, writers, publishers, and fellow creatives in the community.
10. What does your writing routine look like?
I’m nocturnal and usually write at midnight when everyone is asleep and there are fewer distractions. That’s when I feel most alert, creative, and emotionally attuned to my work.
11. What does your writing workspace look like?
My writing space is simply my laptop, which I use in different areas of my room—sometimes sitting down, sometimes lying down with pillows around me. When I travel, I write in hotels, resorts, or airports. As long as I have internet access and inspiration, I’m fine.
12. What are you currently reading?
I usually read a mix of fiction and personal development books. Right now, I’m revisiting books on communication, psychology, and storytelling while also exploring suspense and psychological thrillers for inspiration.
13. What surprised you most about the publishing journey?
How much resilience and adaptability it requires. Writing the book is only one part of the journey. Publishing also teaches you: patience, marketing, networking, and the importance of continuously evolving as a writer and entrepreneur.
14. What do you do for book marketing and promotion?
I actively promote my books through social media, interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, articles, networking events, and collaborations with creatives and communities. I also believe in building authentic relationships with readers rather than simply selling books.
15. What advice would you give emerging indie authors?
Always continue working on your craft. Writing may begin with raw talent, but great storytelling requires discipline, learning, and growth. It is a lifelong journey.
16. If you could speak to your younger writing self, what would you say?
Nurture that gift as much as you can because not everyone can tell stories the way you do.
17. What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?
Traveling, island hopping, trying new restaurants, watching Netflix, playing pickleball, and spending time with my family and five doggies.
18. Are you currently working on a new project?
Yes, I am writing Talk Smarter, Live Better at Work and a psychological thriller titled Nowhere to Run.
19. What keeps you motivated to continue writing?
I believe that storytelling is a gift that should be shared. When people are moved, comforted, or inspired by what you have written, it creates a lasting impact. You may never meet your readers, but through your words, you have already formed a connection. I think that is truly magical.
20. If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?
I prefer fruits over vegetables, so would probably be a mango which is my favorite fruit. It’s sweet, vibrant, and layered. From the outside it may seem simple, but inside there are many layers, depth, and richness waiting to be discovered.
Through her writing and her unwavering passion for communication and storytelling, Geraldine continues to leave a meaningful mark on readers and creatives alike. And like all unforgettable stories, hers is still being written.
You can find more information about her and her books here.
https://www.geraldinesolon.com/
https://www.talksmarterlivebetter.com/
Thank you, Geraldine.