Featured Author: Samantha Sotto sharing her first debut novel

I am pleased to introduce another Filipino achiever, no other than SAMANTHA SOTTO. She is the author of Before Ever After who happened to be the first Pinoy writer to publish a book by Crown Publishers/Random House (New York, USA).

I had the chance to chat with the author during her online radio station interview with PinoyRadioUK. Samantha's debut story was inspired by her travel experiences in Europe. Of course, I asked her to be featured in my blogsite and she answered some of the questions. She also maintains a blog for her fans to get more updates of her writings and travels, including promotional tours and signing engagements for her book.

Last month, I finally met her during the International Book Fair in Manila which I will also write a journal about the event very soon.

Samantha perfectly answered my top 10 questions!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? When I typed "The End" after I wrote Before Ever After. I had written the book for fun, but the dream of publishing the book began only when I had finished it.

2. How long does it take you to write a book? About a year for writing and three months for editing. Time went by fast since I enjoyed the process.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? I try to write for two to three hours every morning on weekdays.I'm on mommy duty the rest of the day.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I cannot read other books while I'm writing. I don't want to inadvertently copy someone else's style.

5. What does your family think of your writing? They're very supportive, but they also give it to me straight. I really appreciate their honest feedback.

6. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? Before Ever After is my first book. I'm working on my next book now.

7. Do you hear from your readers much? Wha kind of things do they say? Yes! They send me notes of appreciation about the book and share how they were able to relate to the story.

8. What do you think makes a good story? As a reader, I appreciate stories with intriguing mystery boxes, fascinating characters, and good pacing.

9. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? I wanted to be Tina Monzon Palma. (note: Tina is one of the respected and excellent tv broadcasters in the Philippines).

10. Who is your favourite author(s)? Neil Gaiman. I love his humor and the way he weaves magic into his stories.

THANK YOU SAM and I am glad that I met you in person! Im bit busy at the moment, but I will write my review of the book soon! To find more about her debut novel and updates, visit her blogsite: SamanthaSotto.

The first bite isnt good enough to follow Nessy's coven

THIS IS MY FIRST FREE SOFTCOPY from GoodReads giveaways. This is also my first read about vampire lives. Initially, I got excited about having it for free with the condition of writing a review for it. I dont expect a grandeur plot considering this is a sequel of Bowler's novel, Moon Rising. But I am still hoping that Sunrise to Sunset will stand as its own merit to provide us the continuing saga of Nessy's new life: half-Gulon-half-vampire adventures.

After awaken from unconsciousness, Nessy realizes that she could not remember anything about herself. With the help of her cousin, Hera and boyfriend Charles, she managed to regain her strength and memory, consequently discovered her identity. Her past life is recurring and blends with her present life as recounted by herself. With the new role in the communities of covens and Gulons, she confides that taking responsibilities in the protection of these different conflicting groups of the underworld is causing chaos and even brings bewilderment about her future. Then again, she also enjoying this acquired “dual” identity - exploring what her DNA is leading to, even it will risk her own life.

The story is different from the normal vampire love story. It deviated from the traditional type of the underworld battles between blooding-sucking vampires and werewolves. And for me, this is something original, however, there are few things that I am bit disappointed as the way the story was written.

Firstly, even though this is a stand-alone novel, a “prologue” seems necessary to allow readers (who haven’t read Moon Rising) understand the premise of Nessy’s adventures – highlighting some of the significant events that lead to the Sunrise to Sunset’s plot. Secondly, having it in a “first-person” narration/dialogue, the author deprived her readers to fully acquaint with other main characters like Hera and Charles. It is like I am reading a ”autobiography” of Nessy or a "memoir" of a vampire! Finally, there are few typo/grammatical errors that need editing/proofreading, including repetitive descriptions and dialogues as well as inconsistencies in time setting towards the end of the book. For instance, one chapter describes the sun is rising and suddenly the next/succeeding chapter is already night time.

DESPITE THESE minor discrepancies, the author brings very relevant and important lessons to be learned that we could relate to our real lives. Some of them are something to do with companionship, leadership, friendship, love, trust, loyalty, confidence and risk-taking. Being a leader does not only mean taking authority and power, but it also allowing ourselves to listen from our peers and act not for our own glory/gratification but for the welfare of the many. Building relationships and connections requires personal commitment and hardworks, and not an overnight affair.

"Our ways were beyond the marital boundaries that existed for humans. Our love for the chosen mate was like an elastic band, no matter how much it stretched, or was twisted, it would always remain" - Nessy