Tweet Sering launches Astigirl
Best-selling author Tweet Sering launched her new book Astigirl: A Grown Girl Living On Her Own Terms at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4 last Tuesday, March 8.
The Palanca-winning writer’s first book Wander Girl was a novel. Astigirl is non-fiction, a collection of essays she originally published in her blog of the same name. They were written over a span of three years, and chronicled her own journey to becoming an “astigirl.”
The book and book launch themselves reflect Sering’s “on her own terms” sensibility. A self-published work, the author pre-sold copies to family and friends to help raise the funds for the printing cost. Thanks to a large network that also included acquaintances, friends of friends, and fans of her previous writing work, her initial print run is double that of most books published by local publishing houses.
Both hard- and softcover versions are available. It’s a lovely little bit of micropublishing or print-on-demand, except it exceeded expectations as well as industry standards.
As for the launch itself, Sering wanted it to be different and more than just the celebration of her new book. The launch date fell on the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, which also fell within Women’s Month.
Tweet began a series of “Astigirl Talks” where she invited six “Astigirls” she admired to impart their wisdom and share their journeys.
Though she had met some of them only in the weeks leading up to the event, she was familiar with their work from afar.
Some of the speakers included Krie Lopez of Messy Bessy, Neva Talladen of Leyende, and sexual health advocate Ana Santos.
They began their talks after Sering read an excerpt from her book. Some prepared slideshows to discuss the social projects they were involved in, which captured Sering’s attention. The variety of interests and causes was broad, from social entrepreneurship to children with special needs, yoga and more.
The publication of Astigirl marked the closure of the blog but opened up other new opportunities and projects for Sering as she continues to conduct writing workshops. Go to http://www.dothewritething.ph for more info.
