Philippine contemporary romance author Mina V. Esguerra and her writer friends launched the first Luna East Arts Academy short story collection titled Kids These Days at Ayala Museum last February 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This event, with more than 90 attendees, also doubled as the first year anniversary of Mina's Romance Class.
Luna East front cover
Kids These Days is a collection of 14 stories written and self-published by 14 Filipino writers. Together, they created the world of Luna East, a fictional high school where young adult and coming-of-age stories abound.
As stated in the book's back cover, all stories are set in an arts academy because the writers wanted everyone to have a talent, and know why. Because no one is ordinary, if you know them well enough. I love it!
The writers of Luna East pose for photographs
In addition to Mina, the other 13 writers are: Chrissie Peria, Mina V. Esguerra, Ronald S. Lim, Miles Tan, Athena Claire Dueñas, M. Protacio-De Guzman, Kristel S. Villar, Alyssa Ashley Lucas, Addie Lynn Co, Anne Plaza, Jen C. Suguitan, D. R. Lee, Jayen San Diego, and Stella Eve Torres.
Their stories cover a variety of topics, with the common theme being love. Speaking of love, the Romance Class anniversary was also held during the event.
Romance Class writers give Mina a bouquet of flowers before having photos taken.
In Romance Class, Mina taught a group of budding writers how to write and self-publish their own contemporary romance novella in English. Among those who attended her class there were a few standouts whose passion and skill for writing enabled them to self-publish their novellas, under Mina's guidance.
Mina's Romance Class writers include Chris Mariano, Chrissie Perria, Stella Torres, Agay Llanera, Kesh Tanglao, Anne Plaza, Jayen San Diego, Miles Tan, and Ami Granada. Yes, many of them are Luna East writers too.
You can buy all their books a together--at a huge discount--through Mina's blog Publishing in Pajamas. I bought the bundle of e-books for only P360, and really enjoyed the first e-novella I read: Chris Mariano's Cover (Story) Girl.
It's truly wonderful that Filipino writers are now able to publish their works and share these with the world, through self-publishing and web-based selling platforms like Amazon and Smashwords.
Guests lining up for goodies and sweets
Mina and her friends also served plenty of delectable sweets during the event. The goodies were so good that many guests came back for seconds, even thirds!
The highlight of the night, was the book signing. That was when I realized that only those who had reserved and paid for the book in advance could get their copies that day. It was my mistake, and I was so sad. But lo and behond, Mina comes up to me and my friend Paula, and gives us a free copy of the book.
Me with Mina V. Esguerra
I was so happy! I ran around getting as many authors and graphic designers to sign our copy of Kids These Days. I also got Mina to sign three of her novellas that I own: Queen of the Clueless, Interim Goddess of Love, and My Imaginary Ex. Her other books, including Love Your Frenemies, I have in e-book format.
Last Friday was super fun! The highlight of my 2014, so far.
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