Book Feature: From Where I Stand: A Collection of Poems on Travel + Exclusive Interview with Author Odyssa Rivera Abille

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller." - Ibn Battuta

This is exactly what our featured book today is all about. Through this book, we get to read through the author's travel stories. We listen to her as a storyteller and embark on this unique journey with her. "From Where I Stand: A Collection of Poems on Travel" is a compilation of travel poems, with each piece beautifully capturing the essence of a unique place visited by the author in the past. 

This is written by Odyssa Rivera Abille, a teacher and writer based in Hanoi, Vietnam. She is also the writer of two poetry books entitled "Like A New Sun Rising" and "From Where I Stand" Her articles and poetry are featured in foreign online magazines such as Amendo, The Good Men Project, GirlTellMe, and The Fairy Tale Magazine. As a mentee and scholar, she is currently enrolled in the Write program at Middle Tennessee State University.

And today, we're grateful to have this opportunity to have this exclusive interview with her.

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

The book is a compilation of poems based on my travel experiences from previous years, with each piece intricately woven around a specific place and time. This book marks the second installment in my series titled 'Rhymes and Recollections', following the first book, "Like A New Sun Rising: A Collection of Poems on Love".

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

The concept of travel, how it changes us, and how our perspective of travel changes through time.

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

The travel poems were written during my mid-twenties to early thirties. It took me approximately six months to gather, refine, and edit them to their current form.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

Crafting the introduction for my book was a little difficult as I tried to recall a compelling angle. Eventually, I settled on recounting a personal experience when I was forbidden to travel - a more interesting way to kickstart a book on the topic.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

My desire for readers of the book is to walk away with the realization that life is a continual journey of change and to follow the path that the heart is leading them to.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or writing the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

Yes! This year, I am releasing the third book from the "Rhymes and Recollections" series. That book is a collection of poems about family. I'm excited about it!

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you?

You can order my books via Shopee or via Amazon.  

I also share regular updates regarding my books and personal life on my website, www.odyssawrites.com

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Thank you, Author Odyssa for agreeing to this interview. We are happy to know more about your book and we are excited for the upcoming one. 

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We love supporting authors! Do you want your book to be featured? 

Here's how: https://www.mymetrolifestyle.com/p/do-you-want-to-promote-your-book.html

10 Things You Can Expect at the Philippine Book Festival

We are happy to share that the 2nd leg of the Philippine Book Festival is happening on August 18-20, 2023 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City. 

This exciting event is the largest traveling book festival in the Philippines where you can meet your favorite authors, join a workshop, explore an exhibit, and shop Filipino books. It is definitely more than just a book fair, it's actually a complete book experience that every bookworm shouldn't miss. 

Here are 10 things you can expect at the Philippine Book Festival

1. MEET AND GREET - Connect with your favorite writers and creators. Attend book readings and book signing events. 

2. DISCOVER NEW TITLES, EXPLORE RARE BOOKS AND OTHER CURATED BOOK COLLECTION - Explore new and diverse titles across all genres. With hundreds of publishers participating, you'll be sure to find something that suits your taste. You can also explore and view rare books from the National Library of the Philippines. 

3. ATTEND TALKS AND WORKSHOPS - We offer a range of workshops that cover various topics such as decolonizing reading, Filipino publishing, cross-media adaptation, and much more. 

4. READ AT THE BOOK NOOK - Enjoy the special place where you can do your favorite thing to do. The organizers will prepare a special place for you to browse and read books for free! Talk about bringing a mini library to the event. :)  

5. ENJOY LIVE PERFORMANCES - Enjoy live performances by actors and storytellers who will entertain and captivate you with their tales. 

6. PARTICIPATE IN WRITING WORKSHOPS - If you are an inspiring writer, here is your chance to learn from experts and start honing your craft. 

7. ENGAGE IN LITERARY DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES - If you enjoy books and literature, the event provides ample opportunities to engage in lively debates and discussions with fellow book lovers. 

8. EXPLORE DIGITAL PUBLISHING AND E-BOOKS - Discover the latest technology in digital publishing and explore the world of e-books. 

9. BOND WITH YOUR FAMILY - You can expect programs for the whole family. Join in on storytelling sessions, create your own family book, and enjoy special tours. 

10. SHOP FILIPINO BOOKS AND MERCHANDISE - Find exclusive deals on Pinoy tiles and curate your own home library.  

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The best part? The entrance is free. 

For more details, you may visit National Book Development Board's FB page for more details.