Dan Merais is a Cavite-based fiction writer. In 2020, he graduated with the degree of MA in Psychology Major in Clinical Psychology in De La Salle University- Dasmariñas. He worked as a writing consultant for 8 years, but he is now working as a psychology professor in De La Salle University – Dasmariñas. He has published two science-fiction short stories (“The Teleporting Man” and “A Nightmare on RPS Obsidian”) in Pinoy Sci-Fi anthologies. He aims to make science fiction more popular in the Philippines. Dan is also a mental health advocate, which is why he wrote the novel entitled Lana that was launched during the last Manila International Book Fair. He has another, “The Hummingbird Paradox“, due out at this year’s MIBF.

Hi, Dan! How does it feel to be published in Philippine Genre Stories?

I feel great because I know that my stories will reach more people now. In addition, I know that Philippine Genre Stories has a good reputation, which will let possible readers know that my work is at least a decent piece of literature. 

And we are happy to have received your story! How did the idea for “We Offer a Body-Back Guarantee!” come about?

The story’s theme is about existentialism, and when I was taking my master’s degree in clinical psychology, I learned about the theory of Existential Psychology by Rollo May. That’s how I became interested in existentialism. Then, I got a problem with my insurance a few years ago. That’s how I came up with a story about a man whose problems with his life insurance policy pushes him to go on a journey that will help him learn more about his existence and its meaning. 

Quite the interesting exploration of that. And what’s the next writing project that you’re working on?

I’m currently writing a sci-fi novel that also incorporates psychological concepts. This time, it’s about dreams, and it will cover concepts from the Psychoanalytic Theory of Sigmund Freud. 

We look forward to reading that. 🙂 And what are you currently reading? It’s for what kind of readers? Please tell us more about it. 

I’m currently reading Scythe by Neal Shusterman. It’s a sci-fi young-adult novel about a world where natural death does not happen anymore, and people who are called “Scythes” do the necessary killing (referred to in the book as “gleaning”) to help regulate the population. So far, I’m enjoying it because it poses good questions about the nature and meaning of life and death. It’s for young adults and sci-fi fans, but with its deep themes, I know even those beyond the young adult age range can appreciate it. 

And in Philippine Genre Stories, which among the published stories do you like the most so far? Why?

My favorite is Bad Dreams by Jay E. Tria. I liked the characterization of the narrator/main character and her beloved, and the way it presents its conflict about her dreams was just so engaging because the story was unpredictable. Its ending is also superb. It’s so unique and impactful that I don’t think I will forget the story. 

We hope to read another story from Jay Tria too. 🙂 Onto writing then: what tips can you share for the aspiring storytellers out there?

My tip for aspiring storytellers would be to always consume media that contains stories. It can be in the form of TV shows, films, or novels. This way, aspiring storytellers can learn more not only about the rules and conventions in formulating stories but also how some stories have broken these rules and conventions to their benefit. 

In addition, aspiring storytellers should look for critics/editors/mentors. An objective perspective on one’s work will help aspiring storytellers to spot problems in their writing styles. For instance, my editor at PGS pointed out that I tend to tell what happens instead of showing what happens in many parts of the story. Once a writer is able to spot these problems, they can further improve their writing style. 

Thank you again so much, Dan, and we are really happy to have your story in 2024!