Justine Camacho-Tajonera was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. Though she started her professional journey in the corporate world, working in telecommunications and marketing, her love for literature remained constant. To stay connected to her creative roots, she pursued a master’s degree in Literature and Cultural Studies, cementing her commitment to writing.

She has published poetry in local anthologies and publications and has authored works across various genres. Her self-published titles include Just for the Summer (a contemporary romance novella), A Portrait of Jade (a young adult romance novelette), Bayawak’s Trail (a crime novelette), The Mermaid from Siquijor (a fantasy romance novella), Snuggle Wuggle Wee (a children’s book co-authored with Buding Aquino-Dee and Jenny Ong), and her poetry collection, Gift: Poems. Her first traditionally published romance novel, Steady Sarah, was released by Penguin Random House SEA in 2024.

Justine maintains a Substack blog, Claiming Alexandria, where she shares her poetry and thoughts on creativity and life. She is a marketing professional in the Philippines, is married, and has two children.  

Welcome to Philippine Genre Stories, Justine! What made you decide to answer the call for submission? 

I am a reader of fantasy, science fiction, and speculative fiction. I have always admired the line-up of writers and editors from Philippine Genre Stories, like Dean Alfar and Kenneth Yu. I wrote this story for another publication, but it fell through. Having this story in my baul without finding a home for it was a waste. When I saw the call for submission, I immediately thought of Daughter of the Sea and submitted it. 

PGS is always happy to make a home for stories, and thanks for sending it our way!  What specifically inspired you to write DAUGHTER OF THE SEA?

I have always wanted to write a Lovecraftian tale. So, when there was a call for a Lovecraftian story, I started writing Daughter of the Sea, inspired by Dagon (I was disappointed that the collection fell through). 

This was also partly inspired by my husband, who spent two summers in grade school on his grandparents’ farm in Mindoro Occidental. There was no electricity then, and he had to entertain himself by going around the farm and the nearby forest and beaches. 

What was easy and what was challenging when it came to writing this story?

It was easy to write the horror part because I’ve read enough Lovecraft to imagine all kinds of monsters. Even the description of bullying wasn’t hard to write. Cruelty doesn’t need much imagination. What was harder was researching Barahan. My husband helped me with the latter. Hearing all his stories about his family’s farm in Mindoro was fun. 

How did you start exploring writing genre stories? Were there genre books or writers that have inspired you?

One of my first discoveries in my grade school library was Ursula LeGuin’s The EarthSea Trilogy. I read this series even before I read The Lord of the Rings. I continued to read LeGuin throughout my life. 

Another genre writer I enjoy is Stephen King. I particularly loved his Dark Tower series. I was glad that I discovered it late because I didn’t have to wait the many years other readers took to finish the series. I devoured all eight books in several months. 

I (also) have H.P. Lovecraft’s entire collection in my Kindle app. 

Locally, I also love the stories of Keneth Yu, Eliza Victoria, and Yvette Tan. All these writers and books inspired me. 

And in Philippine Genre Stories, which among the published works do you like the most so far and why?

I loved Twilight of the Magi by Dominique Cimafranca. Christmas has always been a special time of year for me, and this swashbuckling fantasy story added a new layer of depth to the familiar nativity narrative. It had the wonder and poignancy of Arthur C. Clarke’s The Star blended with the high-energy adventure of Aladdin, making it both thought-provoking and thrilling.

We miss reading stories from Dom, too.  

And among Filipino-authored works, which ones that you’ve recently read have influenced you the most and why?  

This would be Mouths to Speak, Voices to Sing by Kenneth Yu. I recently did a review here. His collection of stories masterfully blends science fiction, horror, and fantasy with deeply human themes, from AI-driven warmth to Lovecraftian dread. Sampaguita Breeze stood out for its poignant portrayal of climate change in the Philippines, showing how hope persists even in the bleakest moments.

Ah yes, that’s one of the lingering stories in Kyu’s collection. 

How about your profession, in what way does it influence or affect your storytelling? 

Being in the marketing profession has trained me to be both disciplined and insightful in my storytelling. Deadlines are non-negotiable in marketing, and that sense of urgency helps me keep my writing on track, ensuring that I push through creative blocks instead of waiting for inspiration to strike. 

At the same time, marketing has sharpened my ability to look for the most compelling angles—those small but powerful insights that can make a story resonate. Whether crafting a campaign or writing fiction, I’m always searching for that emotional hook, that unexpected detail, that will make the narrative not just engaging but unforgettable.

You already published several books: based on your experience, what were the highlights and lowlights of putting a book together to get it published both independently and with a publishing house? 

The highlights of putting a book together, whether independently or through a publishing house, come from the joy of creation and the satisfaction of holding a finished work in my hands. Self-publishing gave me autonomy and control, allowing me to share my stories without gatekeepers. At the same time, traditional publishing relieved me of the burdens of marketing and distribution, making it easier to reach readers. 

However, both paths have their challenges—self-publishing requires significant editing, design, and promotion effort, while traditional publishing demands patience, as acceptance and release timelines are beyond my control. At this stage in my life, balancing a full-time career, traditional publishing has been beneficial, but I value the lessons and freedom that self-publishing taught me

And could you share with us a little please about the next project you’re working on?

I’m writing a romance novel with a marine biologist as the main character. I can’t share much about it because I’m still a third into the writing. As part of my research, I recently visited a mangrove forest and was struck by how vital these ecosystems are—not just for marine life but for coastal communities. As I continue writing, I’m exploring themes of fighting for what one believes in, the tension between sustainability and progress, and the importance of having the flexibility and empathy to see things from another’s perspective—all wrapped in an enemies-to-lovers romance trope.

Looking forward to it! 

And given your life and writing experiences, what top 5 writing tips would you like to share with aspiring storytellers out there? 

1. Commit to the Process – Writing isn’t about waiting for inspiration; it’s about showing up consistently. Finding time to write isn’t about having the perfect opportunity but committing yourself. Carve out time, even in small pockets, and trust that your stories will take shape with persistence​

2. Follow Your Curiosity, Not the Pressure to Create a Masterpiece – You don’t need to write every story as if it’s your magnum opus. Writing with that kind of pressure can be paralyzing. Instead, let curiosity guide you—explore ideas, play with “what if” scenarios, and allow yourself to write without the weight of expectations. This low-pressure approach keeps storytelling enjoyable and sustainable​.

3. Structure Can Help, but Stay Open to Discovery – I’m an outliner, always writing with the end in mind, but I’ve learned to let spontaneity have a place in my process. Sometimes, characters will surprise you, and following where they lead is okay. Even in poetry, where I’m more of a “pantser,” I find that participating in structured workshops helps unlock creativity​.

4. Read Widely to Write Better – Reading across different genres—and just reading in general—is one of the best ways to hone your writing skills. Before I was a writer, I was an avid reader; that foundation shaped how I tell stories. Different genres teach different techniques: romance sharpens emotional depth, poetry distills language, and science fiction and fantasy expand world-building. The more you read, the more tools you have at your disposal as a storyteller​.

5. Own Your Voice and Share It – Writing isn’t just about skill; it’s about having the courage to put your work out into the world. Your stories, perspectives, and experiences are uniquely yours—no one else can tell them the way you can. As Elizabeth Gilbert puts it, “You are a vessel for genius” (and not the genius). If you have a story, be the mouthpiece to share it. Beth Kempton reminds writers, “You are a writer and the world needs your medicine.” Give yourself permission to write, explore, and share your voice because the world needs your stories​.

Finally, other than what you’ve shared in your bio, what is that one thing that you would like people to know about you?

That’s a tough one! 

But if there’s one thing I’d like people to know, it’s that I’m always looking for meaning and purpose in the things I do—whether it’s writing, marketing, or even everyday conversations. 

That’s probably why I love storytelling so much—whether in fiction or in my profession, I’m always searching for the small but powerful insights that make a message connect to people.

Thank you so much again, Justine, and we are excited to read your next works!