NEWS
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE AND GOOD BYE 2010
December 25, 2010
This year compared to all the other years has flown by like no other. It only feels like
yesterday I was telling all my family and friends about being published in 2009 and now,
I’ve just celebrated Christmas and about to enter 2011.
It has been a roller coaster year for me both professionally as a writer promoting my book, Purged by Darkness at the Book Expo America (New York, May) and in the various seminar/lectures I’ve held; and in my actual job as a medical nurse. I’ve met a range of amazing people this year in my travels and made so many new friends along the way.
Another roller coaster also happened in my personal life. With the closing of one chapter in my life, I took a chance and started another. This is due to one particular gorgeous and beautiful woman, whom my life has never been the same. You’ve made me so incredibly happy and there aren’t enough words to tell you how I truly feel. I love you so much Ai Linh and thank you for your endless love, support and belief in me. Thank you for coming into my life mahal. I look forward to what each day will bring! :o)
To my family, friends (both new and old) and everyone else I want to thank you for an amazing year and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year!!!
Peace out :o)
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER
December 2, 2010
Giving this talk to the entire year 10 grade (all 180 of you) was not only my largest
audience to date, it also brought back cheerful memories of my final days of being a year
10 student.
To me it reminded me of what it was like to watch guys you have been friends with since kindergarten and embark upon a new chapter in their lives outside of high school and in the job world… the real world. While for others like me choosing to stay on until year 12, it was another chance to define ourselves in our final years and to which path we took after high school.
As I went through my power point presentation, I was able to show the pictures of my time back in high school with my old buddies. This brought back very fond memories of that time in my life. For some of those guys, I still kept in touch with up until now and for others I see sporadically or not at all. Alas such is life.
I enjoyed being able to share with you my experiences in high school as well as my life after it. It was great that I was able to speak to some of you afterwards! You’re all very bright and I know you’ll have a strong future long after you have left school.
Thank you again for having me! :o)
PURGED BY DARKNESS PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
November 6, 2010
This is the promotional video that my publisher created for me. It can be viewed on
youtube. I have never had a promotional video made of my book and I am honestly
excited at the job they have done.
Take care and I hope you enjoy it!
SURVIVING THE HSC
September 14, 2010
Straight after giving my drugs and gangs seminar, I was invited back the very next day
to talk to their year 11 students about helpful hints I know they can use in tackling their
final year of high school and maneuvering thru their HSC next year.
I hope you found my talk helpful! It was a pleasure talking to you guys and I wish you all
the best!!! :o)
YOU BETTER CHECK YO SELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YO SELF! LOL
September 13, 2010
I haven’t given a Gangs and Drugs Seminar in over 5 years and I have to admit talking
to young teenagers about this topic causes a tough bravado that you wouldn’t normally
see unless you were among friends.
It was quite funny to see this side to them as it brought memories of my teenage years when I was with my boys!
The part I found very interesting during this talk was discussing the various illegal drugs sold by gangs as well as the short/long term side effects that come with consuming such substances. Not only was the topic able to captivate their interest, but I actually overheard through their excited chatter one person say to his friend, “Hey bro… you gotta stop smokin’ all that weed or your balls won’t go up like this guys says!” When I heard that I tried as best as I could not to laugh but it was all in vain (ha ha)!
The vibe of those in the audience was great and I fed off their energy. It was really good that I had the chance to talk to some of you afterwards. I’ve been invited back to the school to give another talk on the same issue, so I look forward to seeing you again in the near future!
Thanks again for having me Pats Fairfield :o)
THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME CHESTER HILL LIBRARY!!!
July 21, 2010
Assisting my long time friend/manager – Anthony Chidiac at the HSC
English “Belonging” Seminar at Chester Hill Library on July 19 was by far the largest
student audience I have ever spoken to, under 20 people were in attendance.
I handled the creative writing section, while Anthony talked about the themes of Belonging and examination tips.
The vibe of those attending was great and I had a really good time getting to know some of them after the seminar. There were even a few students who were quite keen to use my book, Purged by Darkness as their related text for English. As promised, if you need me to help you in any way then please don’t hesitate to email me!
Thank you for having me Chester Hill library!!! :o)
FIRST CLASS YET AGAIN
July 14, 2010
I have once again been invited by First Class Tutoring to assist their HSC students
at their centre. I will be covering a range of things from my book, their HSC theme
of “Belonging”, creative writing, using/choosing a related text and so forth. The details
are as follow:
BOOK EXPO AMERICA (NEW YORK) ROCKED!!!!!!
June 6, 2010
Where do I even begin? I had an idea of what to expect because of my time at the Frankfurt Book fair, but New York was a completely different experience altogether. Even before I could finish setting up to talk about my book I was being overwhelmed with people of all kinds (general book lovers, photographers, librarians and other publishers) all wanting to know what inspired me to write my book, what I am doing now and so forth. Librarians and high school educators were the people I encountered the most, which was fantastic given this is the area where I believe teenagers (of all reading levels) will have the best chance of being exposed to my book that I believe will help them stay clear of the path I almost ventured onto permanently.
I was even invited to do a book signing in Washington, however, the only problem was I would be back in Australia. I also made really good contacts during my time at the expo and very positive interest was expressed regarding my book. I’ll leave it in the hands of my wonderful publicist to sort out and hopefully time will tell. *fingers crossed :o)
It was also great talking and mingling with other authors under the same publisher I am with. What an experience and I will never forget them!
A special shout out to Nancie, Rob & Kait for making me feel so welcome during my time at the expo! :o)
THANKS FOR HAVING ME AUBURN LIBRARY!!!
May 7, 2010
My talk at Auburn Library two days ago (May 5) was fantastic! The students who came were fun and interactive, which I believed helped make the night an enjoyable one. I enjoyed my talk very much!
A special shout out to Annetta for organizing the event and for welcoming me into her library. It was a pleasure meeting you!
OH YEAH…NEW YORK HERE I COME!!!
May 4, 2010
My scheduled time to appear at the New York Book Expo has been confirmed. I’ll be at the event to sign autographs, talk about my book and mingle with those in attendance. Below are the following details:
You can go to www.bookexpoamerica.com for additional info on the event, where it is, how to get there etc.
HSC ENGLISH SEMINAR @ AUBURN LIBRARY April 28, 2010
I’ve been invited to give a HSC English seminar to the year 12 students at Auburn Library. I will be covering a range of things from my book, how you can use my book as a related text for their HSC theme of “Belonging”, tips on writing and creative writing for HSC English Exam Paper 1. Below are the following details:
Purged by Darkness as a related text for Yr. 12 English HSC theme – “Belonging”
May 5, 5:30 – 7:30pm @ Auburn Library
I look forward to meeting you all at the seminar! :o)
Refer to my events section for further details.
WEST COAST BOOK TOUR CANCELLED April 19, 2010
Due to unforeseen circumstances my West Coast book tour has been cancelled. While I am disappointed I know there will be another time. It’s all good; my time in LA will be more of a holiday… sweet! :o)
POSSIBLE WEST COAST BOOK TOUR March 12, 2010
I have received news that there is a good chance that my book tour may include the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco etc) while I’m in the US before flying over to New York to promote my book at the New York Book Expo. How cool is that? Not only do I get to spend time with my relatives in LA but I also get the chance to promote my book at the same time! Fingers crossed :o)
PLANNING BEGINS FOR MY US BOOK TOUR
February 5, 2010
The Public Relations department has begun organizing my US book tour to coincide with my appearance at the New York Book Expo in May of this year. I look forward to promoting my book and building my name in the US. I will keep you updated the very minute I find out. What an exciting way to start the year!GOODBYE 2009… HELLO 2010
January 1, 2010
With the end of a another year and the start of a new decade, I wish to thank an endless list of people who have been there with me from the very beginning of my writing career. After countless rejections, edits and five years later, my dream was finally realised. What an amazing year 2009 was, and I look forward to what awaits me in 2010. With the Frankfurt Book Fair now behind me, I look towards the future and continue to spread the word of my book both here in Australia, US and if everything goes well other countries as well. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your kind words and support in 2009. I will make 2010 an even bigger year to remember!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
December 23, 2009
With Christmas just around the corner, I want to take this opportunity to wish my family, friends, my beautiful girlfriend, and everyone I have met or yet to meet a wonderful and joyful Christmas!!! I pray this festive season brings to you and your family an abundance of blessings. God Bless :o)
SBS FILIPINO RADIO INTERVIEW
November 25, 2009
SBS Filipino radio (based in Sydney) will be airing live this Saturday November 28, 2009, 9pm on 97.7 FM radio frequency a pre-recorded interview that took place two weeks before. This interview will be broadcast nationally. I was told that the host will be narrating the interview in Filipino; however, when I answer it will be in English. Despite being pre-recorded, I enjoyed being interviewed and I want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Krissie Vitasa for taking the time out of her busy schedule to set up this interview. You’re the best!
NOTHING BUT FIRST CLASS
November 15, 2009
First Class Tutoring are a Western Sydney (Fairfield) based tutoring service with talented and experienced teachers/educators employed to help school students in various subjects and skill level from kindergarten to grade 12.
I have been invited by First Class Tutoring to assist their kids at their centre. I will be covering a range of things from my book, their HSC theme of “Belonging”, creative writing and so forth. The details are as follow:
November 19, 5:30 – 7pm
Creative writing with Yr. 6 – 7 students
November 21, 12 – 1pm
Purged by Darkness as related text for Yr. 12 English HSC theme – “Belonging”
November 26, 5 – 6:30pm
MORE NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
November 11, 2009
I have been featured in more local and interstate newspapers in the last couple weeks. At the moment I have not been able to post up the actual article, however, here is the link to view them.
Fairfield City Champion (New South Wales)
The Philippine Times (Victoria)
The Philippine Times (Victoria)
The last article of me featured in The Philippine Times is the first of a two part interview. Stay tuned for the next installment.
MY BOOK GAINS INTERNATIONAL INTEREST
November 9, 2009
So much has happened since my time at the Frankfurt Book Fair last October and I have just received an email from my publicist – Nancie informing me that (so far) there are 11 international publishers interested in my book, Purged by Darkness. While everything is still in the beginning phase of negotiations, I am incredibly overwhelmed and happy that my work is starting to gain people’s attention.
Wish me luck (fingers crossed)!!!
A RADIO INTERVIEW WITH A LOUD TRIBE
November 5, 2009
I will be on the local Liverpool – Fairfield (Australia) city radio 2GLF 89.3 FM this Wednesday, November 11. The live interview will start 4:10pm.
I am being interviewed by LOUDtribe. LOUDtribe are proudly sponsored by Parks Community Network who are a non-profit youth organisation that organises events for young people by young people. Their aim is to get more youth active in the community. Parks Community Network have organised events such as 'bring it on', 'exhibit', 'fusion', and countless others.
If you aren’t able to tune in on the day of the interview then not to worry, I will post it on my website in the next few weeks.
ACHIEVERS DAY
October 23, 2009
I have been invited to take part in the event - "Achievers Day" organised by Whitlam Library. From what I've been told, once a year this event is hosted to promote ex - students of a particular high school (My old high school - Patrician Brothers College Fairfield) to talk to current students about their experiences in high school, what they've achieved since leaving etc. I will be one of four guest speakers that day. This event will take place next Friday (October 30, 2009) at the Whitlam Library - Cabramatta from 10am - 12 and the Deputy Mayor of Fairfield will also be attending. NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
October 22, 2009
I was also just featured in the latest newspaper edition of The Philippine Community Herald (Volume 15, No. 9, September - 2009) based here in Sydney on page 2 & 3 that talked about me, my book and the process I went through to write my book. It was a really good article!
THE FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR WAS PHENOMENAL!
October 19, 2009
Two days have passed since returning from Europe and my experiences during this time have left me lost for words. In the lead up to the Frankfurt Book Fair, I was receiving overwhelming support from my friends, workmates, family and my publisher. Visiting London, Paris and Frankfurt was amazing and I will definitely come back for a visit only this time, I’ll be bringing my beautiful girlfriend – Therese with me (hehehe).
The Frankfurt Book Fair itself really does live up to its name and it was huge! On my assigned day (October 15) I had the chance to meet other authors of the publishing group I am part of. Despite my nervousness, I introduced myself to various publishers, distributors and PR firms of all different nationalities, and received very positive feedback. There is a real possibility that the contacts I made at the fair could eventuate into my book, Purged by Darkness being published in other countries. However, I don’t want to confirm anything until everything is set in stone. Thank you Nancie (my publicist) for your guidance during my time at the fair!
PUMP, PUMP, PUMP IT UP!
September 2, 2009
I have teamed up with Pump Up Your Book Promotions under the guidance of Dorothy Thompson to promote my book, Purged by Darkness. She has been doing an incredible job helping me through the process of how a virtual book tour actually works. I will be touring the virtual web to promote my book and answer any questions during the months of November (2009) and January (2010). Another first for me and I’ll be sure to provide more details as the date draws nearer.I LOVE MY FRANKFURTS! GERMANY HERE I COME!
August 30, 2009
Great news, I have been invited by my publisher to be one of several authors to represent them at The International Frankfurt Book Fair!!! Not only is this my first ever book fair, but this is my first time ever to Europe – I am so excited!!! The Frankfurt book fair will be held from October 14 – 18 and is the largest of 3 international book fairs held every year (the other two being London and New York). My assigned day to mingle with all those at the fair will be on October 15, 2009 (9am – 1pm). I’ll be there to talk about my book, sign autographs and answer any questions you may have for me. I look forward to meeting you. :o) AVAILABLE ONLINE
July 9, 2009
So far, two major online retailers have listed my book to be purchased on their website. My book, “Purged by Darkness” can also be purchased from Amazon (www.amazon.com) and Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com).
I wish I knew what to say but I am truly overwhelmed by the whole experience!
MY BOOK IS OFFICIALLY FOR SALE
July 2, 2009
After months and months spent rewriting, editing, and proof reading, my book is officially for sale! For now, “Purged by Darkness” can be bought on the publishers website:
SECOND CONTRACT
June 25, 2009
I am so happy to announce that my publishers have offered me a second contract to write a second book. The great part about this is that I can write about anything I want. I am keeping it under wraps as to what exactly it is I’ll be writing. You’ll just have to be patient and wait until it comes out.
MY BOOK ARRIVED IN THE MAIL TODAY
June 16, 2009
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I received my book in its hard cover finished form. It looks too unreal to be true. I’ve waited a long time to finally have my dream realised. Once I’ve spent about a week going over it, I will most likely approve the finished product. Words will never be enough to show just how happy I am. What’s next is the start of my marketing campaign for my book. America here I come!!!
FINAL STAGES OF BOOK APPROVAL
May 25, 2009
After being signed by Eloquent Books last November, I have spent the last six months rewriting my whole manuscript ensuring it is more than worthy for the American market. In that time, I have proof read countless times my own rewrites, the changes the editor made, and then double and sometimes triple checking my manuscript for any unforeseen errors. What a completely tedious but necessary process. I honestly never knew the whole process would take this long. But as of today, I have approved everything. I will now wait for the finished product to be shipped off to home for me to approval the finished product. I am so excited!!!
A SEASON’S GREETINGS
December 19, 2008
Spending time away from writing allowed me to do two things. It allowed me to focus solely on my nursing career and second, it allowed me to realise just how much I missed writing. Slowly, I’ve been able to get back into what I really enjoy and unexpectedly one of my dreams had come true. Being published is something I cannot describe it’s just so surreal. Words will never do it justice just how much emotion I am feeling right now!
If there is ever a lesson learnt from the last four years it’s to never give up and always keep persevering. If you believe that your dream (whatever that may be) is worth it then don’t ever take no for an answer and never let anyone take your dreams away from you!!!
Many times I wanted to give up but luckily I didn’t and for those of you who never stopped believing in me I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart and I hope that your Christmas and New Years is filled with nothing but joy and happiness!!!
YEHLEN ESTEPA ADDED INTO THE DESIGN PROCESS
December 12, 2008
I am very proud and happy to know that my publishers have decided to use the current book cover design that my sister-Yehlen Estepa designed when I first put my manuscript to press. Might I add my sister has designed at least two of my brother’s album covers and that includes his latest Pop Boomerang Records album, Bryan Estepa: Sunday Best.
I never asked my publisher to use it; in fact I didn’t even tell them who designed it when I first sent it to them. I was so happy when my publishers told me they wanted to use it. Thank you Yel for designing my book cover!!!
CHANGE OF THEME-BACK TO PATS
November 10, 2008
More than two years has passed since I last gave a lecture regarding my book. In part because I wanted to take a step back and focus on my nursing degree and career. So after much time spent away from giving lectures to young teenagers, my friend and manager Anthony Chidiac asked me if I could hold two lectures at my old high school of Patrician Brothers College Fairfield. The details are as follows:
Morning tea with year 8 & 9 students on the process of writing and self belief November 18, 10:30am-12pm
MY PERSISTENCE HAS PAID OFF-AMERICA HERE I COME!!!
November 8, 2008
Four years after I first self published my work, two years after obtaining a literary agent and two failed campaigns later, I will now be officially an author!!! As of today it has become official that I am now under contract with Eloquent Books. Words cannot express just how thankful, blessed and ecstatic I am about hearing this news. I’ve been waiting for this ever since I put my manuscript to press in 2004. It seems so surreal that this opportunity, another great milestone has finally happened. I am humbled by the news but at the same time grateful to you all (in particular my family, my girlfriend Therese and my closest friends) for all your encouraging words to keep me going. I love you all very much!!! I would also like to thank God for giving me the self belief and confidence to keep going especially when I felt like giving up.
SCRIPT WRITING COMPETITION
October 31, 2008
A very good friend of mine and talented writer-Troy Van Dyk invited me back in early September if I wanted to work with him on a script that we would enter into a writing competition for the Australian Writers Guild. It wasn’t so much the prizes I was interested in, it was more so the chance to try my hand at something different and of course to work on something with my dear friend. After a month of working on the script Fish in the Sea we sent it by post. We won’t find out until most likely early next year the results of our script.
The script we worked on wasn’t on gangs but something different. Our script was more of a drama that focused on the lives of three couples all at different stages in their lives emotionally as a couple and as individuals. I enjoyed the whole process of working on the script and I would like to work on more scripts with my friend Troy or on my own, however, writing novels will always be my preference. WISH US LUCK!!! :o)
