Meeting Samantha Sotto

The first time I ever got a book signed by an author was when I interviewed the Lonely Planet founders for a Bangkok-based magazine. And ever since then, I've been hooked to book signings. Since then, I have had books signed by Meg Cabot, Nigel Barker and Jay Alexander, to name a few of my favorites.

When Nicholas Sparks came to Manila a few months ago, I was ecstatic and went out to buy his latest book to get it signed. That's when I realized I didn't really like Nicholas Sparks. I liked the movies based on his books the movie "The Notebook", but that's about it. So I ditched his book signing. I didn't even make it past page 48 of his latest novel... I tried, though. I tried.

When the hype started on "Before Ever After" by Samantha Sotto, a Filipina author I wasn't even familiar with back then, I got intrigued and looked for her book everywhere. Read my book review here.

I loved it. So, when I found out she was having a meet and greet organized by Writer's Block Philippines about a week or two after I finished reading the book, I almost fainted. I actually cleared my schedule, left my date early and got to the venue before anyone else just to make sure I was seated at the very front with my ears perked up and my eyes wide.

The pretty ladies behind Writer's Block Philippines: Nina Terol-Zialcita, Nikka Sarthou and Ana Santos

When Samantha Sotto walked into the room, I must have had the biggest smile on my face. There she was: one of my writing idols - with her ever supportive husband. :)

It is very rare for me to really fall in love with a book - let alone a semi-romantic one - but the history in it and the twists and her style of writing were just amaaaaaazing. My God. I could go on and on with how in love I am with Max and his chickens, but I won't. I just want the world to know that I met one of my top five favorite writers to date (the others are Anne Rice, Chuck Palahniuk, Bret Easton Ellis and James Franco - hahaha) and I was ecstatic!!!

Not only did I get the inside scoop on how to get a book published in the US, but I also learned a lot of other things. Did you know, for example, that she was actually inspired by Dr. Who and The Time Traveler's Wife? (I personally think Samantha Sotto is waaaaay more captivating on paper than Audrey Niffenegger, though.) Or that there is actually a real recipe for those eggs that Max cooks? And that that wasn't the original ending?

If I had my way, I totally would have stayed over for a gazillion more hours just talking to Samantha Sotto about her book and just picking at her brain bit by bit, but I had arrangements to meet the babydaddy and some high school friends at Resorts World, so away I went. But thank you so much to Writer's Block Philippines for making this meet and greet happen. :) More power!

Here are some pictures of our short drinking sesh at Resorts World - my once-second home:

We moved to Cisco's house after that for pizza and drinks coz he was sick, which was super emo coz of crap that went down with M (surprise, surprise!), but hey... water under the bridge. :) Moving on!

Who are your favorite authors? Any book recommendations pour moi? :) Hope you can send some awesome books my way! x