THE University of Guam Press, in partnership with the newly established Proa Publications, will host the “Laguas yan Gani Writing Tour” on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, beginning Saturday, Feb. 15. from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library.
On Feb. 16, Sunday, the UOG Press will conduct a writing workshop at the Tinian Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and on Rota at the mayor’s office conference hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The writing tour will feature presentations by two authors: Georgiana Tyquiengco and this reporter.
The writing tour aims to help CNMI residents gain access to publication.
“While our region is rich in artistic talent, CNMI voices remain underrepresented in literary and academic publications,” a media release stated. “This project aims to expand publishing opportunities for Micronesian writers, fostering bold, culturally rooted scholarship and writing on the global stage.”
Proa Publications is currently seeking submissions for its inaugural publication of Guma’ Remetaw, a literary journal that will highlight poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction from the CNMI. The theme of the first edition is “mesngon,” which is Chamorro for “resiliency” or “perseverance.” The deadline for submissions is April 30.
This Saturday’s workshop will begin with remarks from Northern Marianas College President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, a presentation by Lola Leon Guerrero, UOG Press’s director of publishing, and an introduction to Proa Publications and Guma’ Remataw.
This reporter’s presentation will take place on Feb. 10 and will focus on incorporating literary realism and regionalism into short fiction, with an emphasis on capturing what it means to be “authentically” from the CNMI.
For her part, Tyquiengco will offer a poetry and short story workshop on Tinian and Rota. She will teach participants how to incorporate the five senses and the environment into their poetry. She will also help participants draw from their everyday experiences to shape their short stories
Via De Fant, UOG Press’s publicist and project manager, said UOG Press will be giving away published books, art supplies, journals, and more at the workshops.
To participate in any of the workshops, email De Fant at defantv@triton.uog.edu
About the presenters
Georgiana Tyquiengco is a Chamoru-Filipina writer and artist born in Guam. She is descended from Familkian Ella (Quichchocho) and Familian Orong (Quintanilla) and was raised in the villages of Yo’na and Chalan Pago. Her artistic journey continues to be shaped by memories of her family, heritage, and work with youth nonprofits. Georgiana is the author of a young adult short story collection, “Always Never Knowing,” which will be published by UOG Press.
Andrew Roberto was born in California but spent most of his life on Saipan. From 2011 to 2018, he lived on Guam, where he earned a degree from UOG and worked for KUAM and the Guam Daily Post. His short stories were published in UOG’s undergraduate literary journal, Storyboard. He is currently writing the second volume of Chamorro legends, which will be published by UOG Press.
