Leav, love, life

MANILA, Philippines - The thing about being young is we get to discover a lot of things about life and love. A few might not know what to make of all these new #feels, so they turn to their friends for help. Some people write it down in their journals while some find comfort in the words of others. And with the online community, Lang Leav’s words seems to have hit the right spot. Her first published book Love and Misadventures is a hit on the local shelves and a popular source for hugot tweets. A little over a year later, she published her second poetry book, Lullabies.

The majority of Lang’s readers only know her as a poet. But before going into writing, she also explored the world of fashion design. Her gothic Lolita label Akina won the Qantas Spirit of the Youth Award. She’s also an exhibiting artist and her work gained thousands of international fans. Her other interests include making handmade books. Perhaps her most popular one is Charlie’s Widow, which was presented to iconic director Tim Burton.

But where does all the inspiration come from? Writing about love seems to come easy for Lang. Maybe that’s what happens when you have someone (her partner Michael Faudet, author of Dirty Pretty Things, in her case) to inspire you. But keeping her inspired is only a part of her process. This week, we sat down with Lang Leav to talk about her writing process, A Nightmare Before Christmas and circus art.

You are a fashion designer, an artist then you became a writer. How did you balance all that and how did you find out that you could do those things?

Well, it didn’t happen all at once. (Laughs) In my early 20s, I started a fashion label called Akina. It started getting a lot of industry awards and media attention, which was really, really exciting. But I think my heart wasn’t in fashion. I was young. I was still finding my feet and exploring what I want to do. Then I started doing art and that went really well. The writing came after that.

Was there a certain book that made you fall in love with writing?

When I was young, I read a book called Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I think at that age, it really affects you in a different way. It’s something that I’ve always carried with me.

What do you think of the movie version?

I haven’t actually seen it. I’d like to see it though. 

Why do think some people feel the need to translate their emotions into words?

I think it’s so important. In a way, art is like a salvation if you’re going through a tough time. If you can turn all that angst and heartache into art, then I think it’s so therapeutic ‘cause I think it’s satisfying to be able to do that.

What’s the best time for you to write?

I’m more of a night owl. But I write anytime when the inspiration strikes.

How do you battle writer’s block?

I’m on social media and I share my work quite a bit. I think it’s nice to share fresh material as often as I can. I do feel the pressure a bit but I just push through it. If I can’t write anything, I won’t beat myself up too much about it. I would just go back to it when I’m ready.

What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

You have to always write from your heart. When you start on the journey to writing, it takes a while to find your voice. But when you find it, you’ll just know that that’s what you want to create in. When you do, don’t give up and just keep pursuing it in any way you can. Your words will lead you there.

You presented Charlie’s Widow, a handmade book you wrote and did art for, to Tim Burton. How was that experience?

I didn’t actually personally present it. The (book) director did. He told me that Tim Burton was really impressed. That was so exciting.

What’s your favorite Tim Burton movie?

I really love Edward Scissorhands but I also love A Nightmare Before Christmas. I’ve seen it so many times. I really love Sally’s Song. It’s so heartfelt.

Do you have any plans on making a book where you do more art?

Definitely one day. I’m working on a new poetry book. It should have more illustrations, especially now that they are starting to get quite popular too.

A lot of your drawings are also reminiscent of the circus.

I’m just really fascinated by that. All those vintage pictures of circuses, they’re just so dark and beautiful.

If you’re going to be part of a circus, what would your special feature be?

I don’t know. Maybe an Afro. (Laughs) I think that would be fun.

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 Check out Lang Leav’s new book Lullabies in all National Bookstore branches nationwide.