MEET AND GREET: INTERVIEW WITH PIERCE BROWN.

After years of wishing, screaming, flailing, praying and dreaming, it finally came true. THE dream of meeting Pierce Brown finally happened. And as of this writing, my heart is so so full of joy and I am still on cloud 9 so I might be incoherent again. My knees are still shaking and there's this weird thing in my stomach that I couldn't get rid of. It was just the best day ever I was sooooo hungover by it that it took me 3 weeks to get this recap up!

Wouldn't it be awesome to have #PierceBrowninPH signing!? Oh, God. Someone make this happen! @Pierce_Brown <3

— Kate au Barca (@BookishBlurber) August 31, 2014

I was invited by National Bookstore for a 30-minute Meet and Greet with Pierce last August 27 in Raffles. Together with Kai of Amaterasu Reads and JM of The Book Freak Revelations, we went there with so much anticipation. Of course there would be so much anticipation, imagine waiting for this thing to happen since 2014. Pierce was actually at the lobby (I AM FUCKING SHAKING BY JUST REMEMBERING THE ENCOUNTER) and he came and greeted us AND WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK, HE'S TALL, VERY GOOD LOOKING AND ABSOLUTELY DREAMY! He's wearing a simple white shirt, denim jeans, white sneakers and a leather jacket like he just came out of an action movie shoot. We then proceeded to one of the corners in the lobby and started the interview.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I introduced myself as the head of his Twitter Street Team, @PBRownPH (which I couldn't remember the password for, damn), and I said we're his PH Gang and I believe he remembered. I couldn't keep my eyes off of him because IS THIS EVEN REAL LIFE?? His eyes are the lightest shade of blue I have ever seen and it's actually bordering to light gray? I was just there, shocked, mezmerized, and wishing hard that that moment won't end.

It wasn't really a formal interview but more like we were there to talk to a friend. He made us feel so comfortable and he made us laugh so much, OMG HE IS HILARIOUS I TELL YA. We did ask questions and he did too so here are some of the bits and pieces from our 23-minute convo:

- He loves Adobo.
- He thought LA traiffic is the worst but I said, welcome to Manila!
- There will be no spoilers for Morning Star during our convo because Kai and I haven't finished reading it yet (thank you, Pierce) and that we have to finish it because Iron Gold is coming out soon.
- Pierce is a huge fan of Game of Thrones. He didn't have more to read after A Feast For Crows so he wrote books while waiting for A Dance with Dragons.
- He hopes he could top RR series with Iron Gold.
- There are 4 more characters he explored in Iron Gold and since we couldn't really get into it without spoiling MS, he only exclaimed: THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
- His favorite character is definitely Sevro (yaaaay) but their only similarity is the swear words because he has way better hygiene haha
- Character deaths he kinda regret: Lorn, Nero, Fitchner, Tactus
- The characters he would bring to life are: Viktra so he could date her wahaha, Tactus because he loved his character and Lorn because it's fun to see how he would respond to Darrow
*talks about GoT S7 EP 06* (yep, we did)
- Golden Son's ending wasn't planned at all. He initially ended it with a happy wedding but then his editor said it doesn't feel right. So Pierce went the complete opposite direction and his editor said *in Pierce's deep voice*: WHAT. THE. FUCK.
- We told him how heartbreaking the ending was and he said: "I am delighted to be able to invoke any emotion in you whatsoever." that's verbatim I mind you.
- We asked him what was going on in his head because Morning Star's initial chapters were so brutal already and he said he was in a deprivation tank for 3 hours so he could get in to Darrow's head for those scenes. Aaaahhh creepy.
- The gravboots weren't inspired by Starwars but his vision of Nero landing in front of EO in Book 1
- If given a chance to change the endings, he wouldn't change anything but perhaps add a little bit more, like more of the Jackal and Darrow in Luna and he would explore the underworld of the said planet.
- He is also open to writing novellas - Lorn's and then Servo's POV on his Pluto Journey
- When asked how does it feel to be a published author at 24 (he was 24 when RR was published), he said he doesn't stop thinking about it, he's aggressive about it, that it's wonderful finishing MS, it's a big validation for sure and the best feeling is sharing the experience with readers who get to imagine the world he built.
- The movie is developing, he will share more in the coming months. It was bought by Universal and he wrote the scripts.
- Casting for Darrow - someone unknown, it's really about finding someone who can show the emotion and has to have the presence, should also be terrifying for the part
- He is also writing a fantasy series called LampLight (wooohoooo!)
- We taught him SALAMAT
- We showed him our Golden Son ARCs and he loved it!
- I told him it was a dream come true to meet him and he said we were very pretty persistent on Twitter (which confirms he noticed HAHAHA)

HE IS SO AMAZING, ISN'T HE??

After the short interview ( I SWEAR I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END), we asked if he could sign our books and take photos with him. You see, I wasn't really myself in the course of this interview because ughhhh I forgot to:
- ask for a short video for his message to fans and
- take a #KaiSelfie (Kaiiiiiii!!!)
I mean, I dunno man but I was just simply on cloud nine floating and unbelievably grateful for this wonderful chance~~~~~

I will never ever ever ever forget this day to be honest. I waited a long time for this to actually happen - wait no... I actually gave up! I wasn't expecting this anymore. So THANK YOU SO EVER MUCH PIERCE FOR COMING TO MANILA!!!! It truly means so so much to me, to all your fans here!!

Thank you @Pierce_Brown for today ❤️ I will never forget it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! ❤️ #PierceBrowninPH pic.twitter.com/PEewc8dsSJ

— Kate au Barca (@BookishBlurber) August 27, 2017

BEST! DAY!!!! EVEEEERRRRR!!

QUESTION: WHAT WOULD YOU ASK PIERCE BROWN IN PERSON?

THANK YOU NATIONAL BOOKSTOREEEEEEEEEE!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOUUUUUU!

THE BREAKER OF CHAINS IS COMING.

How to even start this without getting too excited? I don't know really. There's no intro beautiful enough that could do justice to how much joy I am feeling right now. *shakes head* No, there isn't. Words will never be enough for something as huge as this.

Wouldn't it be awesome to have #PierceBrowninPH signing!? Oh, God. Someone make this happen! @Pierce_Brown <3

— Kate 🍟 (@BookishBlurber) August 31, 2014

If you have been following me on Twitter for quite some time now, you would know how much I loved Red Rising and Golden Son. *starts getting nervous* There was so much shouting and pleading for help in the course of the my reading. Both books were insanely good. *starts crying* Right then, all I ever wished for was to meet him.

As if the heavens heard me (us, I know heehee), here I am now, typing this blog post. The stars have aligned for this to happen, not just to me but to his Filipino fans.

AND IT IS FINALLY GOING TO FUCKING HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!! (!!!!!!!!!!!!)

I wish I could post the video of me stealthily taken by my brother. This video contains tears, squeals, flails and some more inhuman noise I wasn't expecting I was capable of creating. It was when I was told that he will be visiting. Just to give you an idea, you may want to check out my ridiculously loud thread: Click Me

Grabbed from NBS' Facebook Page

OH-MY-GODDDDDD!!!!!!!!

Pierce will have a signing event here in Manila this August. It is for The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival on the 25th to 27th! I don't have the full details yet but watch his and National Bookstore's pages for more info. Schedules should be announced soon! You can also check the events' FB Page!

I have been pushing this book to people since 2014 and if you aren't convinced enough, here are my reviews:

4 stars for Red Rising

"Red Rising is absolutely heart-racing, hair-raising and mind-blowing take on a very cruel sci-fi world. It speaks a language so uniquely and tells a story so admirably. Holding distinct characters as its strength, it doesn't stop there. Love, revenge, and freedom are cooking in such impeccable way that tasting Red Rising would have you begging for more."

8 stars for Golden Son

"Intoxicating and nerve-wracking, Golden Son brings full blast of action and suspense that will leave you grasping for air. With a remarkable plot and shocking ending, Book 3 couldn't be here fast enough. It holds love, loss and vengeance in its center that if this incredibly phenomenal sequel will not break you, I don't know what else will."

SEE YOU SOON, PIERCE BROWN!!! AND THANK YOU NATIONAL BOOKSTORE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!!! AAAAAHHHHH!

 

MEETING THE AUTHOR: LAUREN KATE IN MANILA 2016.

So 16 hours after the event, my legs are still noodles and my shoulders still hurt but my heart is happy. I missed my blogger friends so much I wish I had seen them all yesterday but most of them are busy they couldn't attend. Thankfully, Louisse, Hazel and Lyra attended the event and it was all I could hope for. It has been a while since I went to a public signing and true, it was legit tiring but you know, nothing could top off the screaming and enthusiasm of fans! Just worth all the blood and pain haha

Just like what I told Hazel, Fallen series is one of the first novels that introduced me to Young Adult that's why my love for it just never dwindles. Imagine meeting the love of your life but when you kiss her, she dies? Then you meet each other again after seventeen years? Then this time, when she dies, that's it? LIKE WTAF? My faves are Fallen and Rapture because I think the essense of the entire series are in there. I have been trying to find hardbounds of these but the only ones I saw are in a boxed sets. I want them all in hardbound, you guys.

I arrived in Greenbelt 5 around 12 noon and I was 228 in line. So we went around first, ate lunch then waited. I wasn't there when Lauren and Harrison arrived but the Q and A was happening. Harrison Gilbertson looked short from afar but when I stood next to him, I think he's around 5'9"! Oh and he's soooo good looking you guys! HAHA! I never heard of him actually but when he was waving hello, I couldn't help but giggle! He's sooooo nice! (AND SOFT)

I was only able to get three of my books signed: Fallen in Love, Torment and Unforgiven because I don't have Fallen, Passion and Rapture in hardbound (also because only three books are allowed). So yeah, I have no issues waiting for like, three or four hours to get to meet Lauren but I was legit disheartened when it was my moment, right there, in front of her. She was absolutely tired AF and didn't have the energy to talk. She sounded condescending in a way, like, she didn't wanna talk at all? I DUNNO MAN AM SORRY BUT SHE SOUNDED SARCASTIC LOL. I didn't ask her what I've been wanting to anymore because I felt like she just wanted to get the signing over with. (Now I am actually wondering how Victoria Aveyard did it for 1k fans). I waited for this moment, to meet Lauren, since that time I fell in love with Fallen which was around 2012. I am thankful forever to National Bookstore for bringing her here. But it wasn't what I hoped it would be. It felt like Colleen Hoover Encounter again but worst.

I'm still grateful though that I was able to have the opportunity to meet her and I will forever treasure the experience. I cannot wait to re-read Fallen series! Fallen and Rapture are my top faves! (I said that, right?)

"What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?" - Fallen

"I want you to know that I would do it all again. I will choose you every time." - Rapture

Thank you National Bookstore, Lauren, Harrison, Pioneer Films, Greenbelt and Penguin!

MEETING THE AUTHOR: MORGAN MATSON.

Where I relive the experience and share all the feels before, during and after meeting these fantastic authors WHO ARE BASICALLY LIFE.

Back in September (17 to be exact), National Bookstore once again filled my bookish heart with such warm love. They brought one of the authors I wanted to meet. I honestly haven't read any books from this author (I did DNF one though) but Second Chance Summer has been on my radar for a long time now. I guess I was just waiting for the right time with good enough reasons to hoard her books because I bought them all without batting an eyelash and thank you, Morgan, for signing them.

Morgan Matson is definitely tall and pretty! She also has a Canadian accent! Sorry if I am obviously clueless! Anyway, my blogger friends asked questions and 3 lovely ladies flew in all the way from Cebu for this event! Talk about dedication! I haven't read any of her books but I am so ready to marathon them especially now that I needed a comtemporary fix.

Her answers are found here:

Oops, I Read a Book Again!

Tomebound

Bibliophile Kid

I didn't record the Q and A so hehe I don't remember much of what was discussed. But I distinctly remember this very awkward thing when I was in front of Morgan. I was just literally quiet the whole time she was signing. I couldn't come up with any questions because I haven't read any of her books plus my neurons are dead that time so the moment of silence just fucking dragged haha! You wouldn't know how long 20 seconds is until you are in that exact situation. Anyway, I saw her nailart and a little convo started from there. Gaaad how embarrassing! But she asked me questions about nailart (which thankfully I have knowledge of, ha!) but she practically initiated the convo. She's so nice, guys. Thanks for saving me, Morgan, from completely falling into a puddle of my own embarrassment.

She has a very touching message for us, Filipino readers and I will upload it later tonight so make sure you watch this page up for the video.

"A thousand moments that I had just taken for granted- mostly because I had assumed that there would be a thousand more." - Second Chance Summer

"I'd always loved the chance to become someone else for a few hours. Someone for whom the words had been written, every gesture and emotion plotted, and the ending figured out. Almost like life. Just without the surprises." - Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

Thank you so much, National Bookstore for this wonderful chance!

MEETING THE AUTHORS: AMY ZHANG AND ANDREA PORTES.

Where I relive the experience and share all the feels before, during and after meeting these fantastic authors WHO ARE BASICALLY LIFE.

I still have double major book signing hangover from Sarah's Event last March and Jennifer Niven's last June so I honest don't know how to properly fangirl. I've read Falling into Place by Amy Zhang early last year and quite enjoyed it! Falling into Place is one of the two books (All the Bright Places is the other one in case you are wondering) that practically had been there for me during my low points in this life. So I am quite possessive of this copy of mine and I just can't sell or give it away. Every time I look at those two books, I am reminded of how my life has changed and that I will give my might just not to go back to that awful place.

Okay, so I haven't read any Portes books and I don't really understand why I couldn't find a hardcover of Anatomy of a Misfit from the date I learned about the signing until the signing day itself. Like, the hell with marketing strategies I needed my freaking book now I couldn't even come up with story-related questions for the author. But I am so glad Amy and Andrea were THAT cool to entertain questions out of this world.

You would understand if there's really  no bookish connection between me and Andrea, right? I've been meaning to get a copy of Anatomy of a Misfit even before all this but for some reason, I kept stalling. I said it a lot of times that I knew I should have gotten THAT HC copy but meh I didn't and there's no do overs in this life so I need to move on. I just feel a little upset with myself because there's the chance of talking to an NYT Bestselling Author, that chance that just went out the window.

Amy on the other hand is so OPEN, like she's all smiles and chitchats and she really does communicate as if we're her close friends. I've ask a lot of questions (for the proper Q&A, I ask on behalf of Precious), silly ones and personal ones. Without even blinking, she goes in this story-teller mode and I love it. Dianne even suggested Jolibee to her and she's game! She also told us how's college life going and that she doesn't really write write, but just does it during breaks. And I can't get over how "sunny" her smile is. (if there's such a thing!) She's so approachable!

"You get one chance. You get to do this and that and you don't even know when it goes from swirling forward and around and around in circles to just a plain cold stop and nothing more." - Anatomy of a Misfit

"Please," he whispers, "Remember the sky." - Falling into Place

Thank you once again to National Bookstore, Epic Reads, HarperCollins, Bloggers, Andrea and Amy! I had a blast!

MEETING THE AUTHOR: JENNIFER NIVEN.

Where I relive the experience and share all the feels before, during and after meeting these fantastic authors WHO ARE BASICALLY LIFE.

I read All the Bright Places January of last year and I loved it, I loved Finch so much. If I can only grab him from the book and hug him, I would. I started following Jennifer Niven on Twitter and guys, she's just the sweetest because not only she follows back, she also talks to her readers and even turns to be a friend. She's the sweetest. All you could see on her timeline are hearts and hearts and hearts.

Meeting her last weekend was one bucket list I could tick off. She's so pretty in person, soft-spoken (I feel like she never gets mad), very sincere and my goodness, the kindness in her just exploded in the room. She's the kind of person you want to keep in your life. I mean, I instantly want to become a better version of me because of her. Her influence didn't just end in her books but you can literally feel it when you are in the same room with her.

Her love for her fans online is just the same love she has for them in person. I am so happy I loved All the Bright Places because it would be so hard not to like this person. I wasn't surprised with the number of her following because if you know her in real life first before reading her book or read her book first before meeting her, you'd still adore her. She is legit one of the nicest authors I have ever met and I am so proud that I get to talk to her on Twitter and that of course, I HUGGED HER IN PERSON. I am totes babbling.

I was so lucky to be given a chance to meet her up close. I didn't ask her any questions for the Q and A but I did tell her a few important things, in my opinion. I thanked her for being so loving, sweet and caring to her readers and that it means the world to me that she's so appreciative and giving. I kept going back to her to sign my extra things and then she gave me a little signed ATBP sticky pad. It was also humbling that she asked all of us to sign her book. That's how special she made me feel in a span of ten minutes. Everything that she said sure did pinch my heart.

Before you watch her message to her Filipino fans, go grab some tissues please because GUYS, JUST~~~

"You are all the colors in one, at full brightness." - Finch

Thank you so much to National Bookstore for this opportunity and Jen, you made me lovely!

MEETING THE AUTHOR: SARAH J. MAAS IN MANILA 2016.

Where I relive the experience and share all the feels before, during and after meeting these fantastic authors WHO ARE BASICALLY LIFE.

Yesterday, March 13 of Twenty Freaking Sixteen, was the day when one of my ultimate bookish dreams came true. I've been wishing for years for this author to grace the Philippines shores with her presence but all I could only do was wish and be envious of those people who met her. While I was writing THIS POST, my heart was swelling with joy because SARAH J. MAAS is coming.

The Bookaholic Blurbs, The Soul Sisters and Stay Bookish!

Blogger, vloggers and Kate Evangelista at the forum.

After grabbing a cup of coffee from Starbucks, Greenbelt, we headed to Powerbooks and the the fan flailing began. When we saw her coming upstairs, OMG my heart just exploded from happiness that this is really happening. Sarah J. Maas was literally a few feet away from me and OMFG! SHE'S MAGESTIC! She's so elegant and funny and talkative and emotional and beautiful and amazing and humble and kind and everything I hoped she would be and more. SHE IS QUEEN AFTER ALL. This Q and A is the longest I've listened to and I drank every word that came out of her sexy mouth (I am stating to sound so creepy, I am so sorry). This was also the first time I asked a question after a long time BECAUSE I WOULDN'T PASS THIS OPPORTUNITY UP. Here goes my question:

"My question is a little bit personal. Now that you're a New York Times Bestselling Author, what are some personal changes it brought you as opposed to when you were just starting up? Have you experienced, like, being chased by fans and all that?"

QUEEN SJM: "Umm, you know it's amazing to me how the fandom has grown in the way that it has and I said this earlier this morning actually, but I feel like a lot about this is because of the Filipino readers. You guys has been so vocal, so supportive of this series. Umm, and like going online and talking about it and making like, beautiful edits and stuff, you guys have played such a big role in the way this has grown on a global level. Umm, and since becoming a New York Times Bestseller, you know, things have changed and also not changed. I mean, at the end of the day, like, I still sit at home and write my books and like, walk my dog and like pick up her poop. I have not become the glamorous-celebrity type at all. But then when we go to events, it's been like, amazing.. Like I had some events when I was first starting, what we had like, five people in the audience and now, we have to cap events. Otherwise, you know, I would be signing for 18 hours - which is amazing, there's that many people interested in the series - but its just been umm like, crazy to see this happen in just a span of a few years. From a very early age my dream is just to see my book on a shelf in a book store. That was the one thing that like ,at the end of the day, the end of my life and if I accomplished that? Like, I told myself that was all I wanted, that was the only thing I wanted, anything else will just be you know, icing on the cake. Umm so to get the call that I'd become a New York Times Bestseller, umm that was the dream I, like, quietly, secretly hoped for - is I think most writers do - but it was also something I didn't see coming. And my parents have always been really supportive of my writing. But when I was in college, I was saying, "I wanna be a full-time writer" umm you know, they saw me living in a cardboard box under a bridge. Umm and I'd get to these fights with them about you know, "you have to get a full time job" and I'd be like, "you don't understand my dream, I wanna be like a full-time writer" and my parents were absolutely right to be concerned like that but when I got the call, that I was a New York Times Bestseller, and I finally got to like, call my mom and tell her the news, uhh the first thing my mom said to me was, "I regret ever telling you to be realistic about your expectations for yourself". Which like meant, it still means the world to me uhh that my mom said that, that she admitted that. Umm so becoming a bestseller, you know, it's been amazing but it also has not changed like, like who I am uhm, you know, getting to get on tour around the world like, that blows my mind! Sometimes I'd be on a plane like, like going to somewhere and I will start crying because that's like.. everything that's happened it's just been beyond what I ever ever hoped for. And I had to set new goals for myself because once I reached that dream of seeing my book published like, what then? I had to set new expectations and you know, I like to think that I have not changed. To be honest, the publishing industry is tough. It is a really hard industry. I've known some very very talented writers who wrote brilliant books, the other one didn't get picked up by a publisher or their first book came out, you know, nothing really came of it. So I know how tremendously lucky I am to be here, to be able to write full time. There's not a day, not even an hour that goes by that I do not remember, that I am not phenomenally grateful. So being a Bestselling author, having that on the book, that is some kind of a security in a way, that is something that writers hoped for I think because it means it might get a little less hard to like, be able to do this for a living. Every moment of every day, I just can't believe that this has happened and I don't think I'll ever stop being grateful for you guys and for all of it."

Hardest Selfie v14 with SJM! Thanks for the photo, Jesselle!

True story: I was teary eyed while listening to her. I felt her sincerity. And since I was legit in front of her, I was just staring at her, memorizing her face and all that, I could sense the feels behind all her answers. Truly, Sarah J. Maas is a person you would want to be BFFs with. She's not just all face and brain -- but heart as well.

You can check out the other questions from recaps here:

- I'll add them once available mehehe -

If you listen to the recording and heard someone sneezed, that's me. I tried to hold it. Sorry.

Now on to the signing part. Since National Bookstore posted the mechanics that only three books are allowed, I didn't bother buying the rest of her books. I thought it just wouldn't make sense having multiple copies if the second set would be all signed. My Maas books are all US hardbound (first ed) copies bought from a different bookstore. As a sign of respect, I didn't bring anything. (CAN YOU HEAR MY HEART BREAKING) The only thing I got signed were the Throne of Glass paperback, a Post-It, my question and the poster. Then took a ton of photos and I told Sarah I've been waiting for this moment, I thought it would never happen, I couldn't believe she's in front me and all other awkward reader-author convos. I slightly embarrassed myself because aside from I sneezed while she was talking, I cannot stop flailing and I was so hyper and I even asked Papa Maas for a selfie! This is freaking SARAH J MAAS HOW COULD YOU BEHAVE YOURSELF LIKE THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP plus she hugged me, I think she hugged me the longest and I don't wanna ever let gooooo.

MY QUEEN. I PRAISE THE ROAD YOU WALK ON.

The public signing was packed! I was able to get a photo of the cosplayers (here) and they were all amazing! The fans just couldn't wait to meet Sarah (here's a vid, listen to the screams!) and even though the event was capped to 350 persons, I could say that this signing was one of the events I've ever went to. The stress was all worth it because this is all about SARAH so I do not regret anything. No hate, just bookish love and massive respect.

Group shot with the Maas Royalties. Thanks Jesselle for the photo!

 

I bought the frame and this one is now hanging on my wall.
Those swag are from Louisse aka Throne of Glass PH.

THE AELIN TO MY CELAENA. THE CHAOL TO MY DORIAN. THE MANON TO MY ABRAXOS.
SARAJ J MAAS IN THE FLESH.
THE REALITY TO MY DREAM.

SARAH'S MESSAGE TO FILIPINO FANS!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Just because I am feeling generous and I would like to give away the only book I got signed (it's pictured above). Oh, I'd also like to share the Sarah J. Maas love to people who weren't able to make it to the signing! This chance is for you! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We've experienced so much stress over this signing and some people just won't stop saying hateful words toward us. But at the end of the day, I met Sarah J. Maas, got to hug her and talk to her and that's all I want to think about. She's the sole focus of this event and my gratitude to Bloomsbury UK for exclusively allowing posed photos for Manila event, National Bookstore for all that you've done and to Sarah for appreciating the warmth of the Filipino readers' love. Thank you. Thank you for giving us one of the best days of lives.