Raymond Anthony Fernando - Published Poet and former Poet of the Month on Aspiring
Writers.
Educated in St. Andrews School, Raymond Anthony Fernando, who was born on Valentine’s
Day, is the author of two books; “Poems from the heart” & “ Feelings- A collection of heartfelt
poems”. As a freelance writer, Raymond hopes to touch readers’ hearts through his poems
and short stories. The caring genes which is inborn in Raymond inspires him to focus his
attention and care on the less fortunate members of society. Raymond who is married
attributes his success to his wife of 30 years, Doris, who undoubtedly is his greatest
inspiration.
Writers.
Educated in St. Andrews School, Raymond Anthony Fernando, who was born on Valentine’s
Day, is the author of two books; “Poems from the heart” & “ Feelings- A collection of heartfelt
poems”. As a freelance writer, Raymond hopes to touch readers’ hearts through his poems
and short stories. The caring genes which is inborn in Raymond inspires him to focus his
attention and care on the less fortunate members of society. Raymond who is married
attributes his success to his wife of 30 years, Doris, who undoubtedly is his greatest
inspiration.
An Interview With The Poet
1. When did you first know you wanted to write? (LAC)
Poetry has always interested me. In my school days, I did pretty well in literature so you could say the foundation
was already there. Initially, I started writing poetry as a hobby, but later, people who read my poems encouraged
me to write more. In 1996, I had my 1st break when a Valentine’s Day poem that I dedicated to my wife was very
well received by many readers. I was highly motivated. It was the turning point in my life!.
2. What did you write first and did you keep it or
throw it away? (LAC)
It was simple 3 - 4 liners (Poems), which I never kept. Yes I did throw it away so I cannot recollect which ones I
wrote.
3. Did you always write poetry or did you start with
short stories or something else? (LAC)
Most of the time I write poetry. Following the success of my two poetry books, “Poems from the Heart” and
“Feelings- A Collection of Heartfelt Poems”, I have been encouraged by friends and readers to try my hand at
writing stories. “Loving a Schizophrenic” is my response to that.
4. When was your poetry first published? How did it
make you feel? Was the struggle worth it? (LAC)
My 1st poem, “PS. I love you, Doris” was published in October 1996 in the New Paper. This poem was placed 2nd
in a Valentine’s Day contest, which was jointly organized by the Social Development Service and a local station.
The poem was dedicated to my wife. Of course I was in cloud nine when I won the prize of a holiday trip for 2 to
Pangkor Island in Malaysia. I was also thrilled that my poem was so well received by many Singaporeans and
that the local newspaper had given me full-page publicity.
I resigned from my job in August 2001 to take care of my wife who is under long term psychiatric care and to
concentrate full-time on publishing my poetry and short stories, which many people opined should go into print.
This included Mr. Niam Chiang Ming, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and the Arts.
However, as the months got by, I began to feel disillusioned when I could not afford the costs of publishing my
works, which would come up to around $5,000. My hard earned savings too are running low and a part-time job
is hard to come by, given my age of 53 years. It is also not possible for me to go out and work as my wife, given
her mental state needs my emotional support for the most part of the day. Because of our financial instability, my
wife had a few relapses and had to be warded in the Institute of Mental Health on more than 9 occasions.
A golden opportunity came by when Central Singapore Community Development Council initiated the arts grant;
the 1st ever CDC, to recognize local talent. I was so delighted when the grant of $5,000 to print 500 copies of my
1st book was approved. The Central Singapore CDC has also supported a 2nd arts grant of $4,500 for me in
October 2003 to publish my 2nd book of poems, “ Feelings- A collection of heartfelt poems.” This recognition has
given me a new lease of life. I guess when “God closes a door, He will open a window- A window of opportunity.
My poetry has received favourable responses both within and outside our shores. The Singapore Medical
Journal has published my poem, “SARS STARS” in its May 2003 issue. The Poetry Institute of Africa has
awarded me 3rd prize in their 2002 National poetry competition. “Aspiring Writers”, a website in America that
promotes creative writings has chosen me as “June 2002 Poet of the Month”. Dvercity.com awarded me 2nd
prize in the “1st Annual Greatest Mom in the World contest”.
The royalties that I have earned from the sale of my 2 books has helped me to tide over for a few months and put
food on my table following my unemployment for 2 years now. Many Singaporeans are talented, but lack of
financial assistance is the stumbling block to their success. With the support of the government and her
agencies, unemployed Singaporeans who have talent can find opportunities and be gainfully employed through
an arts grant. When I was feeling down after my resignation, I found “a rainbow after the storm” and retrenched
workers or people out of work can be inspired, like me to do the things that they never had a chance to do- and
still find a useful source of income at the same time.
5. Do you write during a set time period or do you
write when a thought finally comes to fruition and you
simply must write it down? (LAC)
Most of the time I will write when an idea or thought comes to my mind. Strangely when I am at my lowest point
in my life, I will get the greatest inspiration to write.
6. How long did it take you to get the grant and what
kind of process did you have to go trough? (LAC)
First of all, the Central Singapore Community Arts Grant helps to support the artistic development of outstanding
community-based arts groups and talents in Central Singapore District (in Singapore). The grant can be used to
support the development and training of the artists and to exhibit, produce or publish their artistic works
(theatre, dance, music, literature or visual arts). Individuals with a passionate commitment to their craft and an
enthusiastic spirit of community service, particularly in making the arts scene in their housing estates more
alive, are encouraged to apply.
It takes between two weeks to a month for the CDC to process the grant. The applicant will be required to submit
an application and a paper substantiating why he needs the grant. The maximum sum awarded is $5,000.
In return for the arts grant, I have pledged to teach poetry free of charge to residents living in the Central part of
Singapore and to participate in art events. I also write poetry and submit to the CDC which they may use on their
website.
7. What would you like other writers to know about the
writing life and how can you give them hope? (LAC)
With so much information available on the internet, it is not that easy to sell one’s books. Poets are never rich- in
fact they are poor. But I believe that one should never give up hope. Never be discouraged or disheartened. At
first, it was very difficult for me to get a publisher to publish my works, because Poetry is very hard to sell in
Singapore and companies do not have good marketing people to sell poetry here. Some local publishers even
think that my work is not up to standard. But I adopt a “never say die attitude” although at times it can be very
frustrating getting recognition/help. When you are without a job, you are also without friends, even family. This is
the real world! Sometimes when I need to print a set of manuscripts before publishing, people do not want to
help- Even friends & family, because with the state of the poor economy, everyone is cutting costs. But with God’
s guidance, I somehow will find a way.
1. When did you first know you wanted to write? (LAC)
Poetry has always interested me. In my school days, I did pretty well in literature so you could say the foundation
was already there. Initially, I started writing poetry as a hobby, but later, people who read my poems encouraged
me to write more. In 1996, I had my 1st break when a Valentine’s Day poem that I dedicated to my wife was very
well received by many readers. I was highly motivated. It was the turning point in my life!.
2. What did you write first and did you keep it or
throw it away? (LAC)
It was simple 3 - 4 liners (Poems), which I never kept. Yes I did throw it away so I cannot recollect which ones I
wrote.
3. Did you always write poetry or did you start with
short stories or something else? (LAC)
Most of the time I write poetry. Following the success of my two poetry books, “Poems from the Heart” and
“Feelings- A Collection of Heartfelt Poems”, I have been encouraged by friends and readers to try my hand at
writing stories. “Loving a Schizophrenic” is my response to that.
4. When was your poetry first published? How did it
make you feel? Was the struggle worth it? (LAC)
My 1st poem, “PS. I love you, Doris” was published in October 1996 in the New Paper. This poem was placed 2nd
in a Valentine’s Day contest, which was jointly organized by the Social Development Service and a local station.
The poem was dedicated to my wife. Of course I was in cloud nine when I won the prize of a holiday trip for 2 to
Pangkor Island in Malaysia. I was also thrilled that my poem was so well received by many Singaporeans and
that the local newspaper had given me full-page publicity.
I resigned from my job in August 2001 to take care of my wife who is under long term psychiatric care and to
concentrate full-time on publishing my poetry and short stories, which many people opined should go into print.
This included Mr. Niam Chiang Ming, the former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and the Arts.
However, as the months got by, I began to feel disillusioned when I could not afford the costs of publishing my
works, which would come up to around $5,000. My hard earned savings too are running low and a part-time job
is hard to come by, given my age of 53 years. It is also not possible for me to go out and work as my wife, given
her mental state needs my emotional support for the most part of the day. Because of our financial instability, my
wife had a few relapses and had to be warded in the Institute of Mental Health on more than 9 occasions.
A golden opportunity came by when Central Singapore Community Development Council initiated the arts grant;
the 1st ever CDC, to recognize local talent. I was so delighted when the grant of $5,000 to print 500 copies of my
1st book was approved. The Central Singapore CDC has also supported a 2nd arts grant of $4,500 for me in
October 2003 to publish my 2nd book of poems, “ Feelings- A collection of heartfelt poems.” This recognition has
given me a new lease of life. I guess when “God closes a door, He will open a window- A window of opportunity.
My poetry has received favourable responses both within and outside our shores. The Singapore Medical
Journal has published my poem, “SARS STARS” in its May 2003 issue. The Poetry Institute of Africa has
awarded me 3rd prize in their 2002 National poetry competition. “Aspiring Writers”, a website in America that
promotes creative writings has chosen me as “June 2002 Poet of the Month”. Dvercity.com awarded me 2nd
prize in the “1st Annual Greatest Mom in the World contest”.
The royalties that I have earned from the sale of my 2 books has helped me to tide over for a few months and put
food on my table following my unemployment for 2 years now. Many Singaporeans are talented, but lack of
financial assistance is the stumbling block to their success. With the support of the government and her
agencies, unemployed Singaporeans who have talent can find opportunities and be gainfully employed through
an arts grant. When I was feeling down after my resignation, I found “a rainbow after the storm” and retrenched
workers or people out of work can be inspired, like me to do the things that they never had a chance to do- and
still find a useful source of income at the same time.
5. Do you write during a set time period or do you
write when a thought finally comes to fruition and you
simply must write it down? (LAC)
Most of the time I will write when an idea or thought comes to my mind. Strangely when I am at my lowest point
in my life, I will get the greatest inspiration to write.
6. How long did it take you to get the grant and what
kind of process did you have to go trough? (LAC)
First of all, the Central Singapore Community Arts Grant helps to support the artistic development of outstanding
community-based arts groups and talents in Central Singapore District (in Singapore). The grant can be used to
support the development and training of the artists and to exhibit, produce or publish their artistic works
(theatre, dance, music, literature or visual arts). Individuals with a passionate commitment to their craft and an
enthusiastic spirit of community service, particularly in making the arts scene in their housing estates more
alive, are encouraged to apply.
It takes between two weeks to a month for the CDC to process the grant. The applicant will be required to submit
an application and a paper substantiating why he needs the grant. The maximum sum awarded is $5,000.
In return for the arts grant, I have pledged to teach poetry free of charge to residents living in the Central part of
Singapore and to participate in art events. I also write poetry and submit to the CDC which they may use on their
website.
7. What would you like other writers to know about the
writing life and how can you give them hope? (LAC)
With so much information available on the internet, it is not that easy to sell one’s books. Poets are never rich- in
fact they are poor. But I believe that one should never give up hope. Never be discouraged or disheartened. At
first, it was very difficult for me to get a publisher to publish my works, because Poetry is very hard to sell in
Singapore and companies do not have good marketing people to sell poetry here. Some local publishers even
think that my work is not up to standard. But I adopt a “never say die attitude” although at times it can be very
frustrating getting recognition/help. When you are without a job, you are also without friends, even family. This is
the real world! Sometimes when I need to print a set of manuscripts before publishing, people do not want to
help- Even friends & family, because with the state of the poor economy, everyone is cutting costs. But with God’
s guidance, I somehow will find a way.
You too can be a published author!
I would also like to thank you, Lavenia for encouraging me to write good poems. Your " Poet of the month" which you
awarded me some time back has also motivated me a great deal to continue writing.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
I would also like to thank you, Lavenia for encouraging me to write good poems. Your " Poet of the month" which you
awarded me some time back has also motivated me a great deal to continue writing.
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Loving a Schizophrenic Is a true story of Soo Mei and
Daniel and how their love and devotion triumphs over
her lifelong battle with schizophrenia. A heartwarming
story of the healing power of love, this book chronicles
the trials and tribulations of their courtship and 30-year
marriage and provides and insightful peek into caring
for a loved one stricken with mental illness.
About The Author
Educated in St. Andrew's School, Raymond Anthony
Fernando is the author of two books; Poems From the
Heart & Feelings -a collection of heartfelt poems. As a
freelance writer, Raymond hopes to touch readers'
hearts through his poems and short stories. The caring
genes which are inborn in Raymond inspire him to
focus his attention and care for the less fortunate
members of society. Raymond, who is born on
Valentine's Day and married, attributes his success to
his wife, Doris, who is his greatest inspiration.
Daniel and how their love and devotion triumphs over
her lifelong battle with schizophrenia. A heartwarming
story of the healing power of love, this book chronicles
the trials and tribulations of their courtship and 30-year
marriage and provides and insightful peek into caring
for a loved one stricken with mental illness.
About The Author
Educated in St. Andrew's School, Raymond Anthony
Fernando is the author of two books; Poems From the
Heart & Feelings -a collection of heartfelt poems. As a
freelance writer, Raymond hopes to touch readers'
hearts through his poems and short stories. The caring
genes which are inborn in Raymond inspire him to
focus his attention and care for the less fortunate
members of society. Raymond, who is born on
Valentine's Day and married, attributes his success to
his wife, Doris, who is his greatest inspiration.
ASPIRING WRITERS MAGAZINE
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |