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INTERVIEW: Filipina American Author Trish Caragan Says Write What You Love
- Christina Boyd
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
CHRISTINA: It's been so long, but I am pretty sure that Trish Caragan and I first connected on Twitter. The details are hazy. Was it a pitch event? Twitter Pitch? I just know that I was interested because she is a Filipina American author, as am I, and I was curious about what she wrote. (Seriously. I still have not met many Filipina authors.) Years later, I am over the moon that her debut book, Smile for the Camera, is being published through Evernight Teen and will also be released on audio by Tantor Media on October 16, 2026.
What comes first: plot or characters?
TRISH: Characters always come first for me. I’m a very visual person, so I always envision my characters before I come up with an idea. My characters make the plot, and I don’t really know what the story is about until I start writing and getting to know them. For example, with my upcoming debut book Smile for the Camera, I had this vision of a shy Filipina girl watching a blond boy playing guitar. I knew nothing about them until I began writing. I noticed Emilyn, the main character, focused a lot on visuals and was afraid to tell her family how she felt. I also noticed that Jase, the love interest, focused a lot on listening and was confident except when it came to school. The more I got to know them, the more the plot developed.
CHRISTINA: That feels very organic, getting to know the characters more deeply as you write and as we read your pages.
Is there one of your characters you most identify with and why?
TRISH: Definitely Emilyn from Smile for the Camera! Like me, she overthinks everything and is afraid to speak up because she cares too much about what others think. She’s especially terrified of public speaking, which is something that also makes me particularly anxious. She also cares deeply about her family, and I love my family the way she loves her family. Plus, she’s a K-Pop fan who stans BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (also known as TXT), and her favorite members are also Jungkook and Soobin, respectively. I feel like I learned a lot about myself while writing Emilyn because I could relate to all her thoughts and feelings.
CHRISTINA: It's awesome how personal Emilyn feels to you, and the K-Pop connection makes it even more authentic.
How did writing your first book change your writing process?
TRISH: In the many drafts it took to write this book, especially during the pandemic and LA fires, I learned that I write better when I only listen to the song that corresponds with the chapter that I’m writing. I will listen to that song on loop until I’m finished writing that chapter. I know it sounds crazy, but I can only focus if I listen to the lyrics and melody so many times that they eventually stop distracting me. It also helps me get in the mood for writing the chapter. In addition, I learned that whenever I’m stuck or need to rewrite a line or scene, I have to handwrite it first. When I had a Zoom Q&A with a very talented author, I noticed our writing processes were similar. So, when she suggested I handwrite passages before typing them into the doc, I knew I had to try it. And it’s super helpful for me! I can rewrite by hand over and over until I get something I’m happy to put into the manuscript.
CHRISTINA: Wow. Wow. Wow. Music on repeat. This is a great reminder that every writer has their own unique ways of finding inspiration. (I must have it quiet. No distractions. My family knows that if I am reading or writing and they are talking to me, it's not likely I'll hear them.)
If you could tell your 21-year-old-self anything, what would you share?
TRISH: YA Romance books and tropes have just as much value as other genres. Those fluffy, sweet stories are important to not only you but an entire audience. Love stories got you through those difficult high school years and even the tough times in undergrad. YA Romance isn’t some silly, meaningless genre. It’s a genre that makes people like you happy, cheering you up whenever you need it. And you can do the same thing with your books, especially for other Filipina girls. Also, those tropes you see in all your favorite romances? They’re great! They’re fun, entertaining, and comforting, and that’s meaningful to you and so many other people. And predictability can be a good thing too. When readers are feeling worried or afraid, they can read your books feeling safe and cozy. With romance books, you’re promising the reader that they can read your book and feel happy by the last page. And that’s powerful. Also, you can write books with Filipino main characters. We deserve love stories and happily-ever-afters, too!
CHRISTINA: As a reader, I think there’s something so comforting about knowing you can pick up a romance and escape into a story that makes you feel happy and hopeful. And seeing more Filipina characters get their own love stories and happily-ever-afters makes it even more meaningful to me. (Someday, I hope you'll get to read mine.)
Best advice for new writers:
TRISH: Write what you love! Think back to the book that made you want to be a writer. How did it inspire you? Think back to the time you first fell in love with writing. What made you want to be a writer? The publishing world is tough, so it’s always important to remember why you started and to be your authentic self. Also, you will need to promote your book and yourself a lot once you get that first book deal. I’ve heard many editors and agents say they run on enthusiasm, and it’s important that you do the same for your books since self-promotion requires lots of energy and effort.
The Ripped Bodice in LA. Photo courtesy of the the the author.
Village Wells Books & Coffee. Photo courtesy of author.
Annabelle’s Book Club. Photo courtesy of author.
It’s much easier to promote a book that you genuinely love. As someone who was initially terrified of self-marketing, I now find myself stepping out of my comfort zone and even having fun because I wrote a book that I genuinely love, with characters I want the whole world to know. I now have the confidence to pitch my book to bookstore owners and booksellers and even start my own newsletter. Write a book you’re so passionate about you just want to tell everyone about it.
Trish Caragan's debut is a YA Contemporary Romance with all the tropes she loves!
Children's Book Work. Photo courtesy of author.
Book Soup. Photo courtesy of author.
CHRISTINA: I think you can feel when an author genuinely loves what they’re writing, and that passion makes the story even more enjoyable. I also love the reminder to stay true to yourself and remember why you started, especially when the publishing process gets difficult.
Thank you, Trish, for your time. I am super excited for you, especially having followed your writing journey. Best wishes on the release!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Trish Caragan writes YA books about Filipinos falling in love, chasing after their dreams, and finding their voices. As a child, she made books out of paper and drew the covers but didn’t write any words. Eventually, she stopped drawing but made books out of her words instead. She earned her BA in Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside, and her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at The New School. She’s passionate about books, romance, and music, especially K-Pop, boy bands, and 2000s emo/pop punk. A proud Filipina American and fangirl, she resides in her dream city, Los Angeles, where you can find her eating something that’s probably cookies-and-cream. Smile for the Camera is her debut novel.
You can connect with Trish via her website and social media platforms: Publisher, Audio Producer, Author Website, Instagram, X, Threads,
Enjoyed the Q&A.