Writers for Readers 2025

We celebrated another year of Writers for Readers at Richmond Minoru Public Library on October 07, 2025. They invited me as one of the local authors, marking my second time joining them. I felt privileged to meet other authors from our community and learn how they manage to introduce their books to the public. Being a self-published author was not easy, like selling books on your own or approaching bookstores to see if they could carry my books within their store. Most of the bookstore owners repeatedly rejected my requests to place my book on their bookshelf or in their in-store display. Except for Steveston Bookstore at Steveston Village in Richmond, which opened its door and put Fate Unshaken on its display near the check-out counter.

However, now that I joined the event, it was an honor to participate and talk to the public about how I ended up being a self-published author. Sharing my journey with others invigorated my passion for writing and reminded me of the importance of perseverance. Each conversation sparked new connections and ideas, reigniting my belief in the power of storytelling.

Table display of Revenge Mistaken and Fate Unshaken at the Writers for Readers 2025, Richmond Public Library Minoru branch, 07 October 2025.

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Someone took a chance on me

Available at Steveston Bookstore, Steveston Village, Richmond

Selling a book by an indie or self-published author is challenging. Most of the books sold were online or at webstores. I contacted local bookstores in Vancouver and Richmond for my 2022 book, “Revenge Mistaken,” but most had no room for it. On April 16, 2025, the release of my second book, “Fate Unshaken,” prompted me to revisit the bookstores in Richmond.

I visited Chapters Indigo in Richmond Centre, and the manager told me that they couldn’t accommodate me at this time. Then I visited Steveston Village with a friend and went inside Steveston Bookstore; I was so overwhelmed by how much I liked the ambience and the energy inside the store. We met the female owner who has been operating the bookstore for thirty-five years now. I asked her if she would let me sell the physical copy at her store, and she said I could bring a book or two for starters.

Today, after my appointment, I visited another bookstore in Steveston Village, but the person there declined to accept my book for a reason. After thanking her, I proceeded to my main purpose, which was to bring a copy of Revenge Mistaken and Fate Unshaken to Steveston Bookstore. I met the male owner, and he was so gracious and gave me courage to showcase my books. We talked a little bit, and I felt his sincerity and encouragement. I’m grateful he took a chance on me.

After the adrenaline rush, I treated myself to a wonderful brunch of waffles with smoked salmon and unlimited coffee from Steveston Cannery Café and met the owner. In a gesture of gratitude, I presented her with a signed copy of Fate Unshaken. It feels so nice to appreciate each other. Thank you for the sumptuous brunch.

Does someone take a chance on your accomplishment?

Home, at last!

My second book launch in the Philippines was held in Lucena City, where I grew up. I have no elder to whom I can devote my accomplishments; therefore, it was bittersweet for me. My mom and maternal grandmother were both teachers. They both enjoy reading, and if they’re still with us, I’m sure they’re quite proud of me.

I’m so lucky that even after more than thirty years, my high school friends are so generous with their time to join me on this wonderful day as a first-time author. Being around them makes me feel young again. Like yesterday, we were sixteen. #MaryhillAcademyBatch85

It was a truly memorable day for me, together with my childhood friends and their mom. It seemed strange to see them with my book. That day never crossed my mind as a possibility. A special event for special people is worth celebrating.

The presence of the head librarian, vice principal, and current school principal of my former high school was the highlight of my book launch in the Philippines. With the assistance of my high school friend, the current school dentist, it was feasible for them to attend the event. Students were present as well, and when they interviewed me, I was overcome with emotion. The fact that it happened seems unreal. I then got the opportunity to give the library a signed copy and the book poster. I’m honored and am experiencing a distinct degree of contentment.

My family is essential to the event’s success. Their efforts to ensure the celebration ran well were beyond words. The joy that this celebration brought us will always be engraved in my heart. I’m grateful that I was able to bring Revenge Mistaken home after a year of publication.

Thank you, Philippines, and until we meet again,

Please check out the link below if you wish to purchase the book.

Finally, Philippines

First book launch in the Philippines: Makati City

I have been planning to bring Revenge Mistaken to the Philippines. And finally, last month, I was fortunate to conduct my book launch. This one was held in Makati City and was a private book launch for people that hold special meaning for me. It was a small gathering, and I’m happy with how everything worked out.

Speaking to them about the book publication process makes me uncomfortable. However, I was so engrossed in talking about the joy and difficulties that publishing a book brought me that I could not stop talking. I told them, full of joy, how my struggle had paid off. Being able to share with them in person made me realize that they are my biggest support system. It took my breath away when I saw the smile and happiness on their faces while I was talking about my book. Everyone present was amazing. They gave me the courage to continue writing.

I couldn’t thank enough these amazing people for supporting me, showing up, and being with me on that special day. To everyone who came, thank you, and I wish you all the best.

You can buy a copy of Revenge Mistaken from the following online stores:

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Staff picks

As one of the eight books that Friesenpress Staff picks for the month of October 2023, I am grateful and, at the same time, surprised. I was in the Philippines when I received an email from my publisher, Friesenpress, congratulating me that my book, Revenge Mistaken, had been selected as a staff pick by a member of their publishing team. My book will be included as a featured title in the Bookstore’s Staff Picks section. And it also features a permanent badge to notify our customers of my staff pick status.

To me, this is major news. As I stated in my previous post, my initial objective when I started writing was to tell my story to my loved ones. However, life is amazing, and it led me to where I am today. I always remind myself that I have to start somewhere, even when sales aren’t going well. We can never predict what the future holds, and I might not be a known writer today. But in order to fulfill my objective of having my second book out next year, I will keep writing. To you, my audience, we can put in the effort and never give up on our self-belief, since nothing is impossible.