Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I’m Khaile Emjey Esquivel, also known as Lady_Inkfinite. I’m a writer, poet, songwriter, and artist from Pampanga, Philippines. Ever since I was young, I’ve found comfort in creating stories, whether through words, lyrics, or art. Writing became more than just a passion for me. It became my voice, my healing, and my way of connecting with people. I write in both Tagalog and Taglish, often drawing from real emotions and everyday moments that others might overlook. My goal has always been simple: to inspire, to express, and to be heard. I believe that the truest form of success is when your work touches someone’s heart, even if you never meet them. This journey has not always been easy, but I continue to write with hope, honesty, and the belief that every word can spark something meaningful.
What inspired you to start writing, and how did you get started in the world of storytelling?
I started writing back in 2019, using just a notebook. My aunt and I had just finished reading Four Bad Boys and Me by Blue Maiden, the very first book I ever read, and it inspired us to try writing our own stories. That book was the spark that ignited our creative minds.
She wrote using the Notes app on her phone, while I wrote in a notebook since I was still too young to use a phone at the time. After we finished our drafts, we would share them with each other and give feedback. I still remember the last time I let her read something I wrote in that notebook. She told me, “Your writing has improved,” and those simple words gave me the confidence to keep going.
From there, I started learning about the writing world online, how it works, and where to publish. As an introvert, it was difficult at first to connect with readers, but I pushed through that fear because of the people who believed in me, especially my best friend, Eli. She once told me that she started writing because I became her inspiration. Hearing that made me realize that this path was worth pursuing.
That was when my real writing journey began.
I found my inspiration to publish a book when I discovered my true passion for writing. Watching other authors sign their books and seeing how their words inspired people made me realize that I wanted to do the same. That’s when I found the courage to take the leap and start my journey as a published author.
What’s the most fun part of writing—plotting a twist, creating a quirky character, or something else entirely?
For me, the most fun part of writing is creating character dynamics—especially the banter, tension, and those little moments that make readers smile, blush, or cry without realizing it. I love exploring how characters clash, connect, or slowly fall apart. Don’t get me wrong, plotting twists is thrilling too (especially when it shocks even me), and I enjoy building quirky, lovable characters. But there’s just something magical about watching two personalities bounce off each other in unexpected ways. It makes the story feel alive, like I’m just there witnessing it all unfold.
What’s the most unusual or quirky source of inspiration you’ve ever had for a story?
It is my greatest love, my first boyfriend. I actually began writing the early drafts while we were still together, but I paused after he encouraged me to focus more on my studies.
After we broke up, I found the courage to continue the story. I changed the title to The Ghost of Us, but the original title was Bruno, I Found the Man You Talked About. I felt he deserved that special recognition in my journey as a writer because he was the first person who truly inspired me to keep going and to never stop trying.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
To Aspiring Writers
Start where you are. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to write perfectly. All you need is the courage to begin. Writing is not about having the best vocabulary or flawless grammar. It’s about having something to say and daring to say it. Your voice matters. Your stories matter. Write from the heart, even if it’s messy at first. You’ll grow along the way.
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. Every writer starts somewhere, and progress doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself, and allow yourself to make mistakes. That’s how you’ll learn.
Most of all, write for yourself first. Write the stories you would want to read. The ones that make you feel something. If you can move yourself, you’ll move others too.
Believe in your voice. The world needs it. Just keep writing.
What is your favorite part of the writing process, and why?
My favorite part of the writing process is when the characters start to feel real—when they begin to speak on their own, make their own choices, and pull me into their world. It’s that moment when I’m no longer just writing, I’m living the story with them. I also love the quiet magic of drafting late at night, when everything is calm and it’s just me and the page. That’s when emotions flow the most freely and raw ideas come to life. It’s messy, unfiltered, and imperfect—but that’s what makes it beautiful.
How do you approach character development? Are there any real-life influences in your characters?
When I develop characters, I always start with emotion. I ask myself: what are they afraid of, what do they want, and what are they hiding? I want my characters to feel real, not just to the reader, but to me. I try to give each one a distinct voice, flaws, and a personal journey they need to go through. Sometimes, they’re inspired by people I know, or even parts of myself that I’m still learning to understand. Real-life experiences definitely influence how I shape them—whether it’s a quiet moment I’ve had, a heartbreak, or something someone once said. I believe the most relatable characters come from truth, even if the story itself is fiction.
What’s your favorite “oops” moment from writing—those happy accidents that turned into something wonderful?
One of my favorite “oops” moments was when I accidentally gave a side character a deeper backstory than I originally planned. At first, they were just meant to appear in one or two scenes, but while writing, they started stealing the spotlight. I didn’t expect it—but I went with the flow. That “accident” ended up adding so much heart to the story and even shifted the direction of some key moments. It reminded me that sometimes, the best parts of writing are the unplanned ones. Characters grow on their own when you give them space, and those surprises often become the scenes readers love the most.
Khaile Emjey Esquivel’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Khaile Emjey Esquivel’s Social Media Links
Facebook Page
YouTube Account
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.
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