SHIRLEY SIATON'S BOOK LAUNCH AT BOOK LATTE, ILOILO CITY

Shirley Siaton is an accomplished Ilonggo author known for her works in English, Filipino, and Hiligaynon. Her blog and author platforms provide insights into her creative process, with updates about her books, poetry, and various literary projects. Her official author blog is a hub where she discusses her writing journey, upcoming releases, and offers resources for readers and aspiring writers. Her website also connects to her online store, where readers can purchase her books in different formats, and her various social media profiles where she engages with her audience.

Her recent book, A Girl And Her Monster is an urban fantasy that monsters made out of cardboard come to life. It tells the story of an eight-year-old, Rana and her mother came back to their hometown after her father's death, hoping for a fresh start however, something magical happens. I was so engaged with her during the book launch, and as a self-published author, I was so inspired on how she creates these stories that set in our hometown, Iloilo.

During the Q&A session, Shirley spoke about the challenges they faced when starting their career and how persistence led to their first big break. Their honesty about rejection and self-doubt was both comforting and inspiring. It’s a reminder that even best-selling authors face struggles but push through to share their stories with the world.

The Moment I’ll Never Forget

After the event, I got the chance to speak with Shirley Siaton one-on-one during the book signing. It was a brief interaction, but it felt monumental. I thanked them for writing stories that inspired me, and they smiled, saying, "Keep writing your own story." Those words have stuck with me ever since. Takeaways from Meeting a Best-Selling Author

1. Perseverance Pays Off – Hearing Shirley Siaton talk about their early struggles was a reminder that success in writing takes time and persistence.

2. The Importance of Authenticity – Shirley Siaton emphasized the importance of staying true to your voice as a writer. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but readers connect with authenticity.

3. Inspiration is Everywhere – From their personal experiences to the people around them, Shirley Siaton draws inspiration from everyday life. It’s a good reminder that stories are everywhere if you’re open to them. This is my first time to go on a Book Launch and meet a best selling author. Meeting Shirley Siaton was an unforgettable experience and a reminder that even the most successful writers started exactly where I am now. Their journey is proof that with passion and persistence, anything is possible.