Anna Maria Manalo, the first Filipina-born author of supernatural suspense novels, has been welcomed as a Literary Artist-in-Residence at the Chateau d’Orquevaux in France. Manalo will be spending three weeks at the historic building in 2025.
Anna has placed highly in screenwriting competitions and is a trained therapist and retired high school counselor in the U.S. Her six books on Amazon are highly rated for their pacing, suspense, and dramatic scenes.
The program receives applications from 32 countries across the world, and only a handful are chosen to join. It aims to promote the creative process and create a space and environment “for the artist in their quest for personal growth and artistic expression–while reinforcing that the end product is not necessarily the principal focus.”
Anna has also been awarded The Denis Diderot [A-i-R] Grant. From Chateau d’Orquevaux:
“Château d’Orquevaux traces its history to the Denis Diderot family which always had art in mind, and we are proud to continue that tradition with your presence as part of this legacy.
In Diderot’s words: ‘First of all, move me, surprise me, rend my heart; make me tremble, weep, shudder, outrage me! Delight my eyes, afterwards, if you can… Whatever the art form, it is better to be extravagant than cold.’ -Denis Diderot: Artist, Writer, Philosopher and frequent guest of the Château (1713 – 1784)
Diderot’s way of seeing art has influenced all art critiques to this day and led the way in the modernization of art by emphasizing the value of the artist as an individual, their passion, and creativity.
The Château d’Orquevaux Artist Residency encourages personal experience and the creative process. The residency provides an environment for the artist in their quest for artistic growth and personal expression.
Anna is the first Filipina expat to receive the Diderot grant as a literary artist.
