Another multi-genre writer who understands that her Muse knows best, with a variety of many more books than represented here.

Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.

I’m Lucy Lombos, sometimes Filipino, sometimes Canadian. I’m the author of children’s books, novels, short stories, flash fiction, and other multiple genres. Each letter of my name has a meaning: L- is for Light (Lucy means Light); U- stands for Understanding (I understand my craft very well); C- means Children (They are the subject of my craft. My books are dedicated to my three sweethopes who are now all grown-ups and married, an adorable sweet joy, and all Lombosco Academy children), and Y- appears for Young at heart (I am fond of children. I always think and feel like them).

Having completed my college degree and my master’s academic program in the Philippines and further studied in Canada, I became the strong persona behind the existence of Lombosco Academy. In 2000, I co-founded the school with my husband and other incorporators. Since then, I chaired the position of Academy Directress, including teaching Language and Reading, till I became a staunch Literacy advocate. Eventually, I evolved as Lombosco Publications- Canada’s primary author who defines my unstoppable voice in multiple literary genres that enchant and capture all young and old readers. On March 26, 2023, I marked my tenth year of authorship. In the span of ten years, I already published thirty-three books. Additionally, I developed and edited other books. Heeding a certain call, I have become a prolific author, and more books are coming out in the future.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I like gardening and taking photos and I have tried painting abstract art. Moreover, I love traveling to places with low crime rates. When at home, I also enjoy cleaning the house and organizing family gatherings.

When Not Writing….

If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.

I’m active in the academe. The future has become bleak and uncertain, especially with the advent of the shocking exponential problems we experienced during the pandemic. Fortunately, our school did not close down amidst other private schools that had already decided not to operate. Still, there’s a bright hope in the education business, as children are like caterpillars which are hungry for academic brilliance, socialization and growth in many aspects of life. I’m a busy School Directress who manages the school online with blended or modular learning and goes home when needed.

Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?

Reading is my first love to do. Before I entered formal elementary schooling, I already knew how to read, and it was enhanced through the help of my mom and grandma.

If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?

Yes, I am, especially when I was young. My favorite place in school is the library, and when I go to the malls, I visit the bookstore. I founded a Book Lovers’ Club in College, run by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Priests.

What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?

I write because I’d like to teach the kids to learn to read, and the older ones to read to learn. Further, I’d like to share my stories with children, parents, educators, young adults, new adults, and others. This is my significant way to contribute to the world.

What inspired you to write your first book?

It was raining when I saw a peso coin on the floor. It prompted me to write something out of my imagination. My first published book in my home country was Ang Tinago Kong Piso/The Peso Coin I Kept. It’s a bilingual children’s book, printed and launched in 2013. In 2015, a year after I immigrated to Canada, my first published book was The Class Lady Bug. It’s a children’s book about bullying. I wrote it when I remembered the days I was bullied in grade school.

How do you decide on the title of a book?

Oh well, I used the McGuffin and the theme of the story. Then, I tried to play on the words. I also consider the interest of the readers.

Have you developed a specific writing style and why?

As the saying goes, “Different folks, different strokes.” There are different ways or things of doing something. But in all my stories, I use simple English language. I think my writing style is different, depending on the genre. By the way, I love flashbacks.

How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?

Some of my books are based on my experiences and cultural background. Some are glimpses of me. Often, I promote the beauty of my home country. Nevertheless, most of them are borne out of my creativity.

A Favorite Author

Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

First, I love Eric Carle who wrote The Hungry Caterpillar. I love his concept of colors, the insect’s metamorphosis, and stages of growth. I emailed him and he replied to me. For horror and paranormal books, my favourite author is Ms. Theresa Jacobs. She is very creative. I had already met her. She is kind, generous, and very supportive of a beginning author.

Do you remember the first book you read?

The first book I read was the old Filipino tale Pepe and Pilar and anecdotes of Jose Rizal when I was six. I practiced reading them, which taught me how to read fast and with comprehension. And so many books were read to me by my mother and grandmother.

Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

I would love to meet Eric Carle. He is rich in imagination, images and language that attract kids and adults, especially an elementary teacher like me.

If you could not write, how would you express what you wish to convey through any stories?

Through storytelling or reading aloud books in our school. We have a Good Morning Talk. Moreover, I could write a beautiful review and recommend others to read the author’s story. Most of the time, I share the published books of other authors on my social media account. I’d like to promote them.

When you see new authors struggling, what single piece of advice could you give them on a moment’s notice?

Never give up. Their stories may resonate with others who need motivation and inspiration, or just an amusement so, they should keep on writing. Writing is a skill that needs practice in order to make it perfect.

How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?

I’d like to be remembered as a Language, Reading and Writing teacher and author of more than 33 published books. It will be my joy and inspiration when the children and adults read my books. It is important to me to be remembered that way because I wish my books would be known and read by the public at large primarily in my silent heart, I have this philanthropic aim and mission that all proceeds of the book sales would go to the reading and scholarship programs of the school. It is the practical source and means to help other people and communities in need.

Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers? Include links to any and all of your sites.

I have a blog but not updated yet: https://luzenlom.blogspot.com

My website at the moment is under construction.

My Instagram account is: https://www.instagram.com/lucylombos/?hl=en

FB account is: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009926567846&mibextid=LQQJ4d

My Amazon Link is: https://tinyurl.com/2nd549jz