Pages and parenthood: A mom's self-publishing journey

"Pages and parenthood: A mom’s self-publishing journey"
SunStar Davao, April 27, 2024

Amidst the pandemic, entrepreneur Debbie Uy-Rodolfo embraced her passion project.

“I signed up for online story writing workshops where I tried my hand at writing fiction, especially children’s books, as I had story ideas. Staying at home, my husband Willy, two daughters, and I also bonded by playing games, watching movies, reading books, and telling stories at bedtime,” shares the BS Computer Science De La Salle University graduate.

“I have always enjoyed reading and writing since I was young. From Time Life books about the world, news magazines, and Filipino women’s magazines, newspapers, I would read them all. I read fiction, mysteries, history, biographies, businesses, travels, inspiring stories, and anything that interests me,” Debbie says.

“My kids, ages 10 and 7, have picked up the habit of reading too and enjoy reading stories and books about the world, people, and history – much like my husband and I when we were their age too,” she shares.

Everyday moments

In time, Debbie wrote several stories for children and made them into books as a personal project. So, the hands-on mom had the stories illustrated, did the layout, and published the books herself on Amazon.com, which she describes as “the easiest way to self-publish because the tools are free and easy to use”.

In her stories, Debbie imparts the values of love for family, curiosity, creativity, and love for telling stories and reading books.

                              

                             

“My stories are inspired by everyday moments, and I would like to show that everyday moments can become sources of inspiration. It may be because we spend them with the people we love, or it may be because it sparks an idea in us. Inspiration can come from anywhere,” she stresses. 

Self-publishing journey

After attending a writing retreat for women in Baguio called WriteAway, she was encouraged to sell her books “Grandma’s Special Cabinet”, “The Moon’s Favorite”, “The Sweet and Sassy Sisters” series, and “The Slime That Wanted to Matter”.

                           

But first, Debbie had to work up some courage. “I had to overcome my shyness to promote my books, and I had to be ready to spend for them. In self-publishing, one shoulders the entire project including printing, distribution, and marketing, without the backing of a traditional publisher,” reveals Debbie who finished her MA Journalism at the Ateneo de Manila University as a fellow of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Asian Center for Journalism.

“I reminded myself of my fellow writer’s words: “Bet on yourself!” So, I did,” she enthuses.

Lit Days, Lit Nights

Recently, Debbie became a part of “Lit Days, Lit Nights”, a two-day literature festival held at La Herencia Davao.

One of the festival’s highlights was the Storytelling Contest that featured Debbie’s books. “All the participants read my books beautifully, each with their own renditions of the emotions in the stories,” she proudly shares.

                    

                    

Beyond promoting her books, Debbie is happy and thankful for the opportunity to meet people, collaborate, and be part of the creative community.

                    

This weekend, she joined the Philippine Book Festival in Manila with the Tambayang Pambata Books, a group of independent children’s book authors.

Step by step

For parents like her who have always dreamed of publishing their own books, Debbie has this advice: “Start writing and keep on writing. Write what interests you. Write for yourself and your family. Don’t think about what other people will say.”

Debbie says that there are a lot of resources online on self-publishing. “Ebooks are the cheapest because one does not print any hard copy. The author can upload their books on Amazon, Google Books, and other sites for free. If one decides to print copies, there are digital printers that can print with only a minimum number. To promote the books, you can use social media, join events, and connect with people.”

“To hold your own book in your hand - it truly feels special and fulfilling! Take it step by step. Enjoy the journey. My current mindset is really learning and exploring. I want to meet people, learn more about the book publishing industry, and see where the journey goes. I feel very blessed to have family and friends who have been so supportive and encouraging of my books. Their support really fills my heart and inspires me,” Debbie ends gratefully.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com/.