"IN BETWEEN:
Aileen Suquila-Santos"
(c)1999 Samantha Coggins

Ink has been in Aileen's blood for the longest time now. Surrounded by books and readers in her family all her life, she was naturally drawn to reading. And not for long, she decided that she, too - would like to know what it feels like to be on the other end of books and magazines.

As Aileen Suquila, she publised her first short story in highschool - selling it to "Mr. and Ms," a commercial women's magazine in Manila. She was even asked by the editors to go to the office, to check whether she really was just a teenager. As soon as they saw her, they knew she was genuine. And it wasn't too long when she actually published another short story. And again, and again.

As she grew older, she started freelancing in essays and article-writing as well. Her works published in Language Update, Woman Today, Philippines Free Press, among others.

But instead of going into journalism, creative writing, or some other similar courses, Aileen actually took up BS Nursing - passed it with the same bravado as she does with anything - and became a Certified Nurse.

She did not take care of sick people in hospitals though. She wrote about them. And continued to take care of sick manuscripts - especially when she became editor of Today's Child. And later, entering the TV scriptwriting field and becoming headwriter of a Science show for kids, "Sine'skwela".

And now, as Aileen Suquila-Santos, she rests for the meantime as she takes care of her first baby, Yvonne Fudge. But she's in the midst of finishing a children's story book, and getting ready to go back to TV scriptwriting. And perhaps, to pursue more dreams in publishing and writing.

You can get to know her better via her website, Kitty's Scrapbook or send her an Email.

Copyright 1999, Samantha Coggins