THE EURASIANS: Wonderful Coverage!

On 28th of October 2016, I got a message from my son that my story about THE EURASIANS was out in the STAR newspaper. Immediately, I went off to the city to get one copy. There it was on the page nation 36; EURASIAN PENS ROMANTIC THRILLER. It was a wonderful coverage indeed and I felt so happy with the nationwide exposure. I wish to thank Ruben Sario, STAR Senior Writer, who wrote this article and also STAR for such a wonderful publicity. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life.

As I had always told people, there are two main themes for my novel. The first is the usual theme that is common among romance novel; the circle of life. We might fail initially, but as we persevered, success will come; whether in love, career or business. But the second theme is more important; the environmental theme. "I wanted to express what Sabah (North Borneo) is all about, how we have been blessed with an environment that is constantly under threat." That was what I said as reported in the STAR newspaper.

Colorful sunset at Matanani Island

The pristine forest of the Crocker Range

Nature adventure at Kokol Hill

These are the background of my novel. Borneo, especially North Borneo have so much attractions to offer. The island most important assets which must be preserved at all cost are their endemic flora and fauna, unique multiracial cultures, their jungles, mountains, rivers as well as the ecological balance of the marine life. The characters are just actors in my novel. They are just figments of my imagination; and does not have any connection with real people, dead or alive. But the backdrops are real. Borneo indeed have beautiful environment which is now under threat. At the rate of destruction going on as I write now, within 50 years Borneo will have nothing beautiful left to offer to the world.   

Total destruction of the forest near the Crocker Range

Once again, coming back to the newspaper article about me and my novel, I truly appreciate what Ruben and STAR had written about me. 

 

 The first English romance-thriller from Borneo

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JESSELTON: Waterfall not far away!

Just imagine! Only 25 kilometer from the Jesselton city center, we are here; at the Kiansom Waterfall! It only takes 30 minute to reach this wonderful place. A friend told me that there are 7 waterfalls here but just those close to the entrance are already awesome. Indeed the water is chilled and refreshing. You won't mind jumping into the water over and over again. I am also fascinated by the flora around these waterfalls. Some are introduced species but most are endemic.

The source of these waterfalls is from Kokol Hill, where the highest peak is roughly 3000 feet above see level. On the other side of this hilly terrain there are numerous rivers and waterfalls that are equally interesting. However, it takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach these places. So Kiansom Waterfall is the nearest place for visitors to drop by.

Kokol Hill towering above these waterfalls

Entrance to the waterfalls

The waterfall areas is currently maintain by village cooperative. Visitors can also buy foods and drinks at the stalls located near the entrance. To enter, we only need to pay two Malaysian Ringgit. There are also few gazebos for families to enjoy their picnic. As I said before, I can't believe myself; a local from Jesselton, to see such a beautiful place close to the city.

According to Wikipedia, a waterfall is a place where water flows over a vertical drop or series of drops in the course of a stream or a river. Waterfalls are commonly formed in the upper course of a river.

The first romance-thriller from Borneo
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THE EURASIAN: Launching at The Sabah Society

At last! My novel, THE EURASIANS was launched at The Sabah Society (TSS) on October 5, 2016 at 7.30pm. I am very grateful to the President of TSS, Mr Chiwon, and his committee members especially Maria Rowan and Monica for the support of this launching.

I am also deeply appreciative to Susan Sinsua, Farida Shukor, David de la Harpe, Ron Griffin, Claudius Frederick, my honored guests from United States; Grace and Allen Miller, David Yong, SM Muthu, to those whom I failed to remember their names (deeply sorry) and my family members.

I was excited to know that Susan and Farida is also actively involved in writing activities and they have been compiling short stories from Borneo which one day they will complete it and publish them. And I am also very excited to know that Grace Miller is also an editor. Susan and Farida told me their greatest problem, even as a qualified English expert, they still find it difficult when comes to editing. They were absolutely right! I told them I completed my manuscript for The Eurasians within three months in 2006. But my greatest dilemma was; how to edit my manuscript? That was why my manuscript was never submitted until Partridge Publishing called me up in late 2015. So, just imagine; what wonderful opportunity when I can meet the editor in person.  I am looking forward to meet all of them again.

I always heard famous authors "launched" their books, and carried out author signing activities. I thought authors job are only to write books. Marketing and promotions are carried out by publishers. I was wrong. Authors need to go out there and meet people telling them about their books and what experiences they need to share with others. It is tough and challenging; but what is interesting, it compelled us to meet new people and make more friends. That is why I like to thanks Partridge Publishing for the support they gave me in term of editing, producing and marketing my books. Even though they are handling my marketing activities on the international front, they told me it is still very important for me to launch my book locally. It is indeed a rewarding experience.

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