We all write in our everyday lives. We just write different things. Whether it’s enigmatic Facebook posts set to public but targeting one person in particular, a teacher’s lesson plans, a corporate girlie’s outlines for client pitches, or marketing strategies, there’s something almost magical about the transferring of abstract thought onto a blank page, whether paper or digital.
And so, even if National Bookstore / Penguin Random House SEA’s talk on June 9, 2024 was targeted to would-be writers who may have never taken a Creative Writing workshop before (yes, this audience member is talking about herself), one might argue that it can benefit anyone who appreciates the power of the written word.
NBS and Penguin SEA invited three Pinay authors to speak about the three foundations of creative writing.
It wasn’t the usual marketing strategy of Meet and Greet, with book signing. With the free lecture from experts with actual lived experience, there’s a lot more value added here, which expanded the event’s audience to include not just existing fans, but even potential new ones as well. (Not to worry, the Meet and Greet and Signing happened at the end of the talk, too, so everybody’s happy! Each author was there to promote their latest book/s with Penguin SEA.)
Claire Betita De Guzman (yes, THE Claire Betita who used to be editor of Cosmopolitan Philippines) went first and discussed Character Creation. She began by asking us, “What single word would you use to describe yourself?” and it was a delightfully existential few minutes, as most of us in the audience obviously struggled to fit our multi-hyphenate selves in one word. She ended with an encouragement: “Reach for a pen instead of your phone in the morning.” Such belief in the innate creativity in all of us!
Up next was Mica De Leon, whose talk was the meatiest of all, as she generously gave not just theoretical concepts about different kinds of plots, but also the practicalities of writing under a deadline. Her Google Calendar was a thing of beauty, as well as her intricate plotting charts for her novels.
Last came Catherine Dellosa, whose workshop was meant to be about Adjectives, but just look at the title she went with: “Add Magic to your Descriptions.” In a nutshell, that’s what she showed us. As someone who personally struggles with adjectives (Googling synonyms can only get you so far!), this was eye-opening indeed! Dellosa even gave handouts with excerpts from her books, which illustrated the tips she gave.
Reading and writing are solo activities, so events like these are wonderful in that they bring people passionate about these things in one room, fostering that sense of community and connection we all crave.
Also, the authors generously gave free bookmarks and small tokens to the audience! A lucky few even got free books as prizes for knowing the meaning of verisimilitude or the “As You Know Bob” trap.
They say part of self growth is actively seeking out rooms where you’re the beginner, where you listen to experts. Following this adage, my Sunday afternoon was very well spent indeed.
Watch the vid below for a glimpse of our book haul!
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~Images and text by Gabriela Francisco
(Gabi Francisco (@teacher.gabi.reads)
[The writer bought SUDDEN SUPERSTAR (P737.00) by Claire Betita De Guzman and FOR THE WIN by Catherine Dellosa (P695.00) in National Bookstore. These are two titles included in Penguin Random House SEA’s FICTION FRENZY promo. OF LIFE AND LIES (Book 2 of the trilogy OF MYTHS AND MEN) was a freebie, but retails for P845.00. Reviews of these books are forthcoming, after she tracks down Book 1! She previously purchased and reviewed LOVE ON THE SECOND READ by Mica De Leon.]
Ex Libris Philippines 