News about my book travels further with coverage by Bernama and Daily Express

Since my book launch early this year, I have gotten ample publicity from the local media. It shows the subject matter is interesting enough to be featured. And for me, a first time author it is a great feeling to be “recognised” for my effort and accomplishments. Getting an interview is like wind beneath my wings which gives me an opportunity to soar higher and further, as the news about my book travels far and wide. You can’t keep a light under a bushel you know. To me, this book has been a positive force in my life, and it is time the whole world hears about it. The purpose of the book is to promote hope and optimism in others. Various mainstream media have written about me – NST, Star, Harian Metro, online magazines, and other Chinese magazines. I guess a topic about a local writer writing about a Hollywood star is uncommon and will definitely attract attention, especially one that takes inspiration from Rocky and Rambo series. Who does not know Sylvester Stallone? Even Iraqian children were seen carrying a flag emblazoned with the picture of Rocky symbolizing hope for all who struggle no matter what war they are fighting. And what’s more, this is a real story, as exciting as any seat-gripping adventure movie. My book has been long in coming, and the significance of the whole journey is that with one final push I managed to get it published on the 11th hour 59th minute, to coincide with Rocky 6, the last episode in the series. And all through the journey I did not know what will happen next. I just moved forward in blind faith. To go that one more round as I have promised myself to do. The greatest honour for me was having my book launched by none other than Jackie Stallone herself (Stallone’s mom). How do you respond to that, in terms of dreams meeting reality? I remembered during my book launch on Jan 22, 2007, I was seated in between Jackie Stallone and Dr. Stephen M. Levine (Stallone’s parents). It was a proud moment indeed to be recognized for my effort, and to be acknowledged by both parents. To know that they have come a distance to meet me, even though we haven’t met before was a true miracle. And to think that I am an unknown writer in a sea of accomplished authors, to have this opportunity to fulfill this incredible dream in such a meaningful way, was a fairy-tale ending that really blew my mind. It was not about being good enough, but it was about going the distance. I have kept the faith and I finally got to see the rainbow. This is not just about a book, but the journey which is a real rocky challenge by itself. Remember Rocky doesn’t care about winning, all he wants is to go the distance, and so did I. Never did I know what the outcome of this challenge would be… but like Rocky I just stumbled my way to victory. Even from day one, when I started writing this book, the message that I really want to share with the world, is that nothing is impossible, if I can do it you can do it too. Go for it, make your dreams a reality, and be all you can be, once in your lifetime!
p/s: I was so glad to receive an sms from a dear journalist friend of mine who now lives and work in Sabah. She knew about my book way back since we started our career in journalism at the NST office in Bangsar. She now works as a sub-editor with The Daily Express, the widest circulated daily in Sabah. She sent me an sms today saying she saw my article in Bernama and she will fetch my story to be used in her entertainment pages. Wow. I can’t imagine her surprise when she read about my story on her computer screen. If she was drinking or eating, she must have spilled some food on her table, but she said it was a pleasant surprise to know that it wasn’t just words and empty promises but a dream has become a reality, and such good news will always be a welcomed surprise.