Friends offered me genuine support and I never thought I’d
hear so many people say they were proud of me. Honestly, the thought of the
kind words so many people have shared makes me choke up a bit because it means
the world to know that people read, enjoy, appreciate and support.
I saw my mom gushing and I was able to finally inspire in
her at least something that nears the pride I feel for her. I had my wife with
me, presenting me and moderating the Q&A. Both of my brothers were there
and they asked wonderful questions that made me think on the spot and gave me
ideas for my writing. I had friends from all chapters of my life there,
countless others sending blessings via text message or online and even got to
meet a few new ones (Hi Madeline, Alexis and Yelitza).
It was a wonderful experience and I am very thankful to Luis
Ángel Oyla and his team at The BookMark. They were super easy going and
accommodating to the point where they invited me to their booth during the
weekend at a local book festival called El Festival de la Palabra. Although
scorchingly hot, it was another lovely experience from which I learned so much.
People keep asking me how everything was and now that I’ve
settled down a bit, I can process the events and truly talk about various
aspects.
Talking about what I
do and why I do it
While some people specialize in one genre, I’m in love with
the written word and all its forms. Being fixated on what makes us human and
the roots of humanity, Only Human was definitely the perfect way to begin my career
because it is the perfect vehicle to explore multiple topics and weave it all
into one tale. Reading the Prologue and first Chapter out loud though.... that
was a very rewarding experience because it was then I rediscovered the story
and saw it in a whole new light. So in a nutshell, let’s just say I might test
myself in regards to how much of a Do it yourself artist I am. And yes, that
does mean me trying a few chapters in audiobook version.
Living the poetry
Although it may not seem so, part of me is pretty shy to
share my work and reading my poetry was fascinating because I’d never done this
so in detail and for the first time reading poetry, I didn’t hold anything
back. I used inflection, emphasis and all I could to color the poem. Plus, how
often can you grant a request from your mom? (She asked me to read the last
poem in the book called Jane Genie).
Seeing my book up on
a shelf
This seems silly, but seeing my books on a shelf have me a
huge sense of satisfaction a further confirmed that this is my path and I will
walk it.
Book Signing
I enjoy being able to give a personal dedication to my
readers. I don’t repeat messages and everyone seems to enjoy this (even if my
handwriting borders on chicken scratches – hey, at least it’s legible). Does it
take more time? Sure and so do the better things in life.
Q&A
I had a few prepped questions and was luckily greeted with
various that I actually hadn’t scripted. More than half the questions came from
the audience and I think it was a great opportunity to be put on the spot and
speak my mind. Oh, and one of my nephews asked me why I began writing poetry in the first place... the answer? To impress girls I had a crush on. :D
In the end, I think that was the best part of all of this. I
presented my work how best I understood I should present it and this is work
solely made by me. To have friends and fans there was wonderful and all I can
say is that this is just the beginning.
So thanks for reading and joining me on this chapter and
this wave.
Cheers
