 So I haven’t really written about the book launch at all, and that is due to two things; I had been crazy occupied and I also wanted to get some feedback from others who were there as to how they thought it went. For all I know I could be the only one who thought it went okay whereas everyone else had a snoozefest! There were in general three groups of people present – family, friends, and other avid readers/writers. We cleared the center of the MPH bookstore in One Utama, and created a little cosy area for everyone to settle in. Most of the guests had never been to a book reading event before, so we wanted to make it as nice as possible so more people would go to more book readings! For this purpose, I decided to interview M, a good friend of mine, who was there for the whole event. That way, you can get the feel of what it was like to be present! What was the first thing you noticed when you arrived at the book launch? The poster! The large poster where all guests can sign or give any well wishes. *We also had a big world map, with pictures of the book being all over the world. They are from readers who travel with the book. Alright the one with the pile of books is obviously mine. #narcissistic   How did I appear? Nervous? Uneasy? You looked so happy! I also thought you were a really good host. You greeted everyone and you made sure you talked to everyone. *The truth is I was dead nervous. I didn’t even sleep well the night before. I was anxious about everything that might go wrong – what if the mic doesn’t work? What if no one shows up? What if I have diarrhea?  Is this your first book-reading event? Yes. Haha. What did you think about my book reading? Since I’ve never actually been to a book reading session before, I kind of expected it to be boring and dull. Instead I thought it was really funny! It was interactive, and everyone was in a good mood and responded well. And did you see Yu He and Ruzzana reading the book as you went on?   Did you like the game we played? What was your general observation of the crowd? I did! The part where everyone has a chance to read an excerpt of the book was quite fun. It was good to see everyone’s different reactions while reading it. And you elaborated the back story of each excerpt, so that it becomes relatable. Did I think it went too long? Maybe a little bit. But overall it was okay. *Everyone who volunteered got a gift voucher. We also had a game where you submit the best breakup story you’ve ever heard, and the top three winners get a mystery gift! Were there a lot of people during the book signing? Did you have fun mingling? There was a line to get the book signed. I definitely had fun, but that’s probably because I know you, so it meant something a little extra. Did you like the book? Why? I did, but I actually haven’t even finished reading it hahaha. But so far I like it because I thought it offered a different perspective on things, and I thought it was extremely intimate the way you wrote it.   Did you talk to my family? What did they say? Your Mom said she read it twice and your Dad said he hasn’t finished reading it. *My cousins showed up as well! It was awesome. And aside from my friends, my friends’ parents came too! What was your main takeaway from the whole event? A lot of people came, more than I expected. It was obvious that you have an amazing support system. I was also impressed to see other readers show up as well!   Have you ever been to a book reading before?
If you haven't, here's your chance! As mentioned before, we are having a book launch for Dumped: A Journey Of Lessons Through Breakups, Mishaps and Misadventures, on Saturday, 30th September, 2-4 pm, at MPH Bookstore, One Utama Mall, KL. The book launch will be really casual and fun - we're talking mixers, fun games and prizes, gifts for all guests, books on a discount and of course, a book reading! During the book reading, I will read aloud some parts of the book to everyone, and we could have a Q&A about it too. If you would like to dedicate the book to your loved ones (or yourself), I would be happy to sign them as well during this event! It's a free and open event, and I hope you'll come by and say hi! You can RSVP at the link below https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-dumped-lessons-through-breakups-mishaps-and-misadventures-tickets-37720555196 See you there!! Amal  Update: My new book, DUMPED: A JOURNEY OF LESSONS THROUGH BREAKUPS, MISHAPS AND MISADVENTURES will be launched on Saturday, 2-4 pm, 30th September 2017, at MPH BOOKSTORE, ONE UTAMA Mall, KL. Of course everyone is invited, and I’ll let you know about the specifics soon!! Now, for the details of the book. I began writing this book in late 2015. At the time, I had no intentions of publishing it. It is certainly not my first manuscript either. I had begun writing since college and have had various “stories” or “books” that I wrote out of my love for literature, all kept just as personal archives. Eventually this book expanded itself, and with time it revealed to become a rather amazing story, in my personal opinion, to be published and shared. The first draft was completed in mid-2016, but since then I had re-written it thrice more because it just did not feel right enough (yes, I re-wrote the whole manuscript three times like a crazy person). Here are some need-to-know information about this book. What is this book about? Here’s a summary of it (the back cover of the book)  What is this book NOT? It’s NOT a compilation of my blog entries, and it’s NOT a collection of my NST/other essays. It’s a story with a plot, and all texts are first-hand and original. Who is this book for? If you have ever had to grow up, past tense or current, this book is for you. And also if you like a good laugh! When can you get this book? It should be available in bookstores beginning 16 September 2017!! Changes will be updated. Where can you get this book? It is available in bookstores around Malaysia, and it’s also available in Singapore!! Bookstores: - ALL MPH Bookstores - ALL Borders Bookstores - ALL Kinokuniya Bookstores - Selected Popular Bookstores Can you get this book online? Yes! Try mphonline.com Can you get an eBook version? Not yet, but if there are a lot of demands we might figure something out! Will there be any future book readings? The first book reading will take place on Saturday, 2 pm, 30th September 2017, at ONE UTAMA Shopping Mall. It'll be a fun one where there will be gifts, prizes, games and a mixer! I’ll read some chapters of my book for you and let’s say hi to each other! Other book readings: I certainly hope so! I hope to do some readings in select locations, but so far have no solid schedules to share. I will keep you posted!  I am so excited to share my first book with everyone, and so honoured to be part of our local Malaysian literary community! Words have power, and I hope mine will, in some ways, spread a little laugh, a little light and a little love around! Don’t forget to grab a copy, and see you at the book launch!  The books are currently being distributed to bookstores from the warehouse!
(I think this is what it feels like to watch your kids go off to college) |
