Last weekend was magical, crazy, awesome, and all sorts of fun! The #StrangeLit Book Launch was held last October 24 at Recession Coffee in Eastwood Mall and by the time the program started to roll, the place was PACKED! I was pleasantly surprised to find the place teeming with familiar faces of the authors I’ve met during the #StrangeLit classes. The turnout of attendees was truly amazing! Friends, family, colleagues, and other people close to the authors were there to support everyone.
StrangeLit workshop organizer/mentor Mina V. Esguerra started the ball rolling with an intro to what the workshop was all about and what it meant to all of us who were part of it. That was followed by a one-minute excerpt reading of each author of their finished work. For most of us, it was a tall order, being that a lot of us have the jitters in speaking to a crowd, but I have to say each one did very well. I personally had my own slip-ups, but I think it wasn’t a sloppy job. 🙂
Aside from the readings, authors prepared giveaways to those who bought the ebook bundles. For my part, I had a set of keychains fashioned to look like a kampilan, an artifact in my story, Bloodline Maharlika. I commissioned Razel of Spring Marionette to work on the tokens and I’m really happy that her work was appreciated by those who were able to get a freebie. Other authors put on their artistic hats as they DIYed their giveaways—some had drawn and painted postcards, others had edible stuff, while some had really cool, functional souvenirs). I was impressed with how everyone put good thought into their giveaways to make sure their readers get the best stuff.
After the readings, authors mingled with guests, having coffee and snacks in between. I was personally ecstatic to chat with co-authors and longtime friends. The event ended with everyone in high spirits.
But of course, that’s not really the end of everything. Up next is the blog tour for the #StrangeLit bundles! Dianne of Oops! I Read A Book Again is hosting the tour, so please do sign up if you have a blog and want to spread the word around.
As always, thank you for supporting Pinoy indie authors! Thank you also to Buqo for being instrumental in getting our books out in the wild. 🙂
Check out the gallery below for photos of the event.
