Not only is the summer season turning out to be scorching, but so is our recently concluded national elections. Let me just take a break from the political hoopla to relive my amazing weekend when I attended the book launch for the Philippine Speculative Fiction X last May 7th at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Edsa Shangri-La.
The event was also cause for celebrating a decade (!!!) of the literature of the fantastic with this latest installment. Each year there are calls for submission and each year we have amazing anthologies showcasing the best of the best stories of the fantastic. I’m grateful I was able to attend this year’s launch and what fun it was!
I already bought a copy of PSF X on Amazon prior to the launch and read a few stories at random. Now usually it’s a challenge for me to finish reading an anthology, but this time I think I’m not going to have this setback. Some of the stories I’ve read made me wish they weren’t short stories because they were soooo good! Much thanks to the editors, Dean and Nikki Alfar, for choosing a great mix of tales that not only made me appreciate spec fic, but also gave me all the feels.
Anyway, the launch, like I said, was super fun. Dean Alfar was a lively host, treating guests and attendees to funny and memorable anecdotes. Authors who were part of the anthology were honored, along with an enthusiastic Hamilton musical performance. There was also a book swap where attendees were asked to bring books they want to exchange, but most of the stuff brought to the event were given away for free. I managed to score previous PSF titles which were already out of print.
All in all, it was a smashing experience and it inspired me to continue writing in this genre. And speaking of writing, there’s already a call for submission for the Philippine Speculative Fiction vol. 11! Spread the word and submit your stories!
Get your copies of PSF X at the following channels:
Amazon | Flipside | Kobo | Google Play | iTunes | Weightless Books
