Rabbits, Sheep and Cappuccino

I had the greatest dessert in the world a few nights ago. Not the food per se but the conversations that transpired over it.

Before I went back to Manila, my sister and I went to this fantastic pizzeria and coffee shop just a walk away from our village. I had flourless chocolate cake and cappuccino. She had brewed coffee and blueberry cheesecake. That was some of the best the evenings I look forward to in my life because it is one of the few moments that make life so delicious. Coffee, conversation, desserts and even more conversations. Since my sister is a published author herself, I knew that I was with the right company when I talked about the book trade. Unlike me though, she had a publisher who had issued her checks and other stuff that most mainstream writers enjoy.

When my book was about to be completed in March, I discussed with my husband whether we'd offer the manuscript to publishers or go underground and explore the dangers, risks and rewards of self- publishing. Through conversations with colleagues who had already enjoyed book launching and signing and royalties, I learned that publishing and writing is a complex business that one must read the fine lines thoroughly. First, there is the ratio shares between the writer and the publisher. Next, the marketing. Then the intellectual property rights. And so on. Having these information, I have decided to swim in my own blue ocean- away from the probable deals with bigger publishing sharks. Not to mention that I always have difficulties reading the fine lines on contracts and agreements. (Can life be easier?) It will not be easy, I know, but I rather see it so much fun promoting and campaigning for a product that is my very own baby. And if I have to share the profits with anyone, there are only the taxes and a few charities that I have pledged myself on. No headaches. No agreements with other parties. No competition. I hate competitions in the very first place.

"It means, you will be your own publisher," my sister said.
"That's ok," I replied, thinking, "I didn't get an MBA for nothing."
"Then let's conceive the name of your publishing house."
'That's so much fun!"
"Ok. Golden Fleece Publishing," she said. "You're born year of the sheep..."
"How about... Silver Rabbit? Golden Rabbit? Green Rabbit? Because it's the year of the rabbit this year..."
The baby naming again. Fun! Fun!