Something I learned during a recent business trip: when it's a business gathering, it must mean really doing business. I have been to a national entrepreneurship convention for the past few days. As any convention goes, there was a lot of talking, lots of ideas conceived, and the future looked so promising. But going there, I was bound for something else. I wanted to meet new people, learn something to drive my organization forward- and do business. I backpacked a few copies of my book. Who knew? What if I got lucky? I would never have the slightest idea if my product would sell to strangers unless I gave it a try. If people believed in my product, so much the better. And if they don't, what is there to lose? Luckily, interested people came pouring in when I announced that there was an available culinary fiction in the room, for anyone interested in food, fairy tales, or simply in reading a love story. And they could get it at a very low price.
I sold around sixteen copies that day. Not so bad for a three-hour selling :)
*********************************
Writing for me started out just as a hobby. I never meant to be a professional writer. But writing got me into a college scholarship. And writing helped me keep my sanity intact during the most depressing events of life. I write because I love to. I may not be perfect at it, and people may not like or believe in what I write, but I always write from the heart.
As for selling, well... I've experienced selling cupcakes, make-up, pili candy, yema, stories for reading, a few writing services, tried to open a gypsy booth in a college open house and was surprised to see people lining up outside it. Sold anything. Wrote anything.
Hobbies are said to be expressions of inner passions, right? So when I was writing my very first book, even with a very tiny child, I had to work it. Not surprising if I dragged Julienne at the National Library when I applied for my copyright. I wanted to get a book done at least once in this little lifetime.
![]() |
Lining up at the cashier of the National Library. |
And of course, enjoy everything as I go. :)
![]() |
Lunch break. |