Maan Gabriel

Maan Gabriel is a mom, wife, dreamer, writer, and advocate for women’s stories in literature. She earned her BA in communications from St. Scholastica’s College in Manila and MPS in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University. She has lived in Manila, Brussels, Dakar, and Mexico City. During the day, she works in strategic communications. She is the author of After Perfect; Twelve Hours in Manhattan is her second book. Gabriel, along with her husband and son, currently calls suburban Washington, DC, home.

Instagram: @Maan_Gabriel

Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?

I love movies. I love binge watching television shows.  Right now, I’m into Korean drama – and I spend weekends on the coach savoring every line, every scene, and every heartfelt moment like a true fangirl.  

But when I was young, movies like Notting Hill, and You’ve Got Mail, and Sleepless In Seattle, as well Love, Actually are the kinds of movies I dreamed of writing about someday.

I started writing Twelve Hours in Manhattan during the beginning of the pandemic, and right after watching Crashlanding on You, a Korean drama on Netflix, that starred one of my biggest celebrity crushes – Hyun Bin.

Some of my readers says my books are so vivid and descriptive, and I think that was the screen fan in me manifesting in the pages of my novels.

Is there a genre of music that influences your writing/thinking? Do you listen to music while you write?

Music is an enormous part of my writing. Music transports me into a scene. No specific genre, really. I usually create a playlist once an inspiration for a story hits me. It’s like a movie with musical scoring – and it helps me invoke emotions and pullout lines from the creative and very emotional part of my brain.

Also, the quick and easy go-to for inspiration for is definitely anything from YoYo Ma.

What period of history do you wish you knew more about?

I am fascinated with the Japanese American war at the moment.  I’m writing a book set during this time period in the Philippines. My grandma used to tell me stories about her life in the Philippines, and I wondered how it was like for a lot of people in that generation. This inspired me to dig into this part of history some more.

What’s your favorite comic strip or graphic novel?

I used to be a Superman fan.  I remember running to the comic store in the Philippines to get a copy of The Death of Superman. But I also like Archie. It’s very my generation, and it’s telling my age. J

What’s the oddest thing a reader has ever asked you?

My readers are amazing.  Every time I receive a message from them, it’s like hearing from a friend. So far, none yet.  I don’t think I’m far off in my writing career just yet to receive an odd ask. But to hear from readers about their lives, and how my book has somehow inspired them to be better, those are the kinds of emails and letters that push me to continue writing – no matter how hard it can be at times.