Che De Leon on Writing, Inspiration, and Breaking Boundaries
Che De Leon discusses Silence, her award-winning debut novel, exploring themes of identity, neurodivergence, and societal norms. She reflects on her writing process, inspirations, and the emotional depth woven into her storytelling.
Che De Leon is a name that resonates with depth, originality, and unflinching creativity. An award-winning Filipino writer, she has carved a distinctive space in speculative fiction, blending elements of dark fantasy, dystopia, and weird fiction with a voice that is as haunting as it is profound. Her debut novel, Silence, introduced readers to a world both eerie and intimate, where the boundaries of identity, memory, and self-perception blur in unsettling yet deeply human ways.
A voracious consumer of storytelling across mediums—literature, film, comics, video games, and theatre—De Leon brings a rich, multi-layered perspective to her work. Armed with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from De La Salle University Manila, she wields her craft with precision, weaving narratives that challenge conventions and provoke introspection. Silence, which launched at the 2024 Manila International Book Fair, is more than a dystopian tale—it is a testament to her ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universal truths, striking a chord with readers who have ever felt lost, unheard, or yearning for connection.
In this insightful interview, De Leon delves into the inspirations behind Silence, the challenges of crafting a dystopian world, and the intricate ways in which neurodivergence, identity, and societal norms shape her storytelling. Her reflections are as compelling as her fiction—thoughtful, raw, and unwaveringly honest.
Reader’s House is honoured to feature Che De Leon in this issue, and we invite you to step into her world—one where the lines between the surreal and the familiar are drawn with exquisite precision, and where silence speaks louder than words.
Che De Leon is a fearless storyteller, crafting evocative, thought-provoking narratives that challenge perceptions and immerse readers in hauntingly beautiful worlds.
How did your experiences as a neurodivergent individual influence the development of Lily’s character in “Silence”?
While I was writing “Silence”, my brain had succeeded in isolating me. I wanted to put what I was feeling into words in an attempt to connect with people. Lily reflected what it felt like to be me: unable to communicate the depth of her feelings and emotions to anyone. Another part of my daily experience as a neurodivergent is the relativity of time: I don’t remember what day it is today, but I do remember what a stranger told me at a party five years ago. I might not remember my own birthday, but the smell of chocolate suddenly reminds me of that one time when my grandfather and I had breakfast when I was seven. My ‘time-hopping’ heavily inspired the narrative structure of “Silence”. I knew I wasn’t alone–a lot of people are going through it, some even worse than my experience. I want to reach those people.
What challenges did you face while writing a dystopian novel that explores themes of identity and societal norms?
A major hurdle that I had to go through was second-guessing myself, afraid that I wouldn’t succeed. It did not help that I was at the peak of my depression during the time I wrote ‘Silence’, as I had to constantly put myself under scrutiny, and saw a lot of myself in many of the characters. This was also the time when I struggled with my own sense of identity in a world that I perceived as hopeless, in the middle of a society that did not perceive me as ‘normal’. It was harrowing–but I got through all that by thinking ‘maybe someone will find this helpful’, and ‘maybe people who read this will feel less alone’.
Can you elaborate on the significance of the setting—a village by the sea and the City on the mountains—in your narrative?
The village by the sea denotes the idyllic, warm, refreshing, and vibrant colors of childhood. It’s meant to evoke happy memories, the luxury of slowness, and comfort and a sense of safety and familiarity within the reader. Locations by the sea are often associated with relaxation, and are familiar like a lullaby. In contrast, the City by the mountains is meant to inspire emotions that are bred from cold unfamiliarity: fear, the sensation of drowning amongst strangers, loneliness, isolation, life that is devoid of color. Yet I also wanted the City to be dreadfully familiar at the same time. The narrative jumps between these two places, providing a stark contrast between Lily’s happy past and the present nightmare that she has found herself in.
How did your Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing shape your approach to storytelling in “Silence”?
Without spoiling too much, the novel was my thesis for my MFA. I could never have written this novel if I didn’t go through the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Program in De La Salle University Manila. I was encouraged to read all genres, consume all forms of storytelling, and it planted in me the drive to always challenge my limits. One such challenge I imposed on myself was to write the novel both in a linear and non-linear style, while being able to thread everything neatly. It was where I found the “weird fiction” subgenre, and helped me realize that I worked best with that genre.
What inspired you to create a world where body parts can be interchanged, and how does this concept reflect human nature?
I found myself in a cafe one rainy afternoon, surrounded by peers whom I thought were my betters. My eyes darted to each occupant of the chairs that made a circle around a table, the brilliance of ideas and words flying, flying so fast my hands couldn’t grasp them. That afternoon, I felt my tongue disappear, as if I had cut it out myself. I was afraid they’d find out I wasn’t as smart as they thought. I obsessively repeated the scene in my mind, wishing I had a different brain.
It is human to regret, to want to be better, do better, be their best selves according to their own inner standards. It is also human to be influenced to base those standards on what society perceives as “perfect’ or “beautiful.” To want what we don’t have, to want love, and believe that the only way someone can love us is if we are ‘perfect”. Perfect in body. Perfect in mind. Perfect in words.
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors aiming to craft compelling narratives that challenge societal perceptions?
Read everything, even if it’s not your genre. Experience everything, get out of your comfort zone. Inspiration comes from the most unlikely of places. Research and familiarize yourself with the nuances of the story that you want to write. Technique will only get you so far–what will make your story shine is its heart, and a heart is born from memories and experiences.
