Racquel Sarah A. Castro's Blog, page 16
July 2, 2016
#HeistClub Collection of Online Articles
In behalf of the authors 0f #HEISTCLUB and #HeistClub The Launch organizers , we would like to thank the people who help us to promote and make the launch a successful one.
#HEISTCLUB
http://minavesguerra.com/news/heistclub-crime-stories-by-filipino-authors-out-now/
http://www.bronzeage.ph/events/heist-club-crime-fiction-online-writing-workshop/
#HEISTCLUB: The Launch Promo
http://panitikan.com.ph/content/heistclub-launch
https://taratriestowrite.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/heistclub-the-launch/
https://gpicks.wordpress.com/2016/06/06/heistclub-the-launch/
http://www.willreadforfeels.com/events/heistclub-book-launch-event/
http://www.blogarama.com/My-Life-Blogs/186517-ALICE-Kamatis-Blog/4669346-heistclub-the-launch
http://thebooktales.com/heistclub-launch-filipino-authors-write-crime/
http://pinaynobelista.com/2016/06/06/ready-for-heistclub/
https://unlimitedgrubgrabs.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/episode-90-heistclub-the-launch/
https://unlimitedgrubgrabs.wordpress.com/2016/06/18/episode-91-countdown-to-heistclub-the-launch/
Launch Party
http://www.anneplaza.com/events/heistclub-book-launch/
https://unlimitedgrubgrabs.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/episode-92-heistclub-the-launch-extro/
BOOKBED
https://bookbed.org/2016/06/10/the-heistclub-on-uncovering-crime-fiction-part-1-of-3/
https://bookbed.org/2016/06/17/the-heistclub-on-uncovering-crime-fiction-part-2-of-3/
https://bookbed.org/2016/06/24/the-heistclub-on-uncovering-crime-fiction-part-3-of-3/
Racqs’ Blog
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/05/30/heistclub-the-launch/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/08/heistclub-launch-my-personal-invite/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/18/are-you-ready-for-heistclub/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/28/heistclub-standalone-batch-1/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/29/heistclub-standalone-batch-2/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/heistclub-the-launch-a-surreal-reality/
https://racquelsarah.wordpress.com/2016/06/30/why-do-i-write-crime/
Yeyet’s Blog
http://ysrealm.com/853-2/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-the-countdown-begins-our-sponsors-part-1/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-the-countdown-begins-our-sponsors-part-2/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-the-countdown-begins-our-video-teaser/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-meet-the-authors-of-why-we-run/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-meet-the-authors-of-what-we-hide/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-meet-the-authors-of-what-we-fear/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-a-message-from-f-h-batacan/
http://ysrealm.com/heistclub-launch-closing-remarks/
July 1, 2016
Racquel Sarah’s Print-on-demand soon
Do you want to be inspired with my life? Get The Real Me: An Autobiography
Want my books in print? Do you want me to sign it? Do you want a freebie from me?
If yes . . . kindly bookmark my blog for updates. . .
racquelsarah.wordpress.com
Help me in my quest of spreading CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS . . . Help my Green Ribbon Campaign . . .
Buy my books!
Thank you in advance and God bless you!
June 30, 2016
Why Do I Write CRIME?
A Born Again Christian . . . to write crime fiction? Why? I know some of you has that question in mind. Why does Racquel write those things? Is she crazy? Is it too compromising?
Dealing with our everyday life, we faced criminals . . . That criminals have problems . . . problems they solve the wrong way. But we need to understand their side of the story. Some of them faced poverty . . . Others faced injustice. . .
My story, Chasing an ATM Schemer, is based on that two core problems of society nowadays, POVERTY AND INJUSTICE. Read the book and be the judge whether it is too compromising for me or not.
I was challenged to write something that is beyond my comfort zone.
ATM FRAUD was so rampant that I wanted to warn those people that crimes using ATM Cards do exist. Why not warn those people before they even be victimized by lawless thefts.
Social responsibility as a writer. Every writer has a message to impart. My message for Chasing an ATM Schemer would be people has to be very vigilant in everyday life. There are predators out there that is observing you whether you are a weak target or not.
Call it compromise if it looks like compromise. But I have the means to spread the goodness of God through that book. How? and Why? Read it for you to find out why.
Every Christian knows this. Jesus Christ died for sinners. And who is his beloved 12 . . . they were sinners. So, call me a compromising Christian. But I have to make it for the glory of God.
In my story, there is forgiveness which is the core of my faith.
Writing dark minds and misdemeanor need guidance.
#HeistClub The Launch: A Surreal Reality
I couldn’t believe that I sign my own books!
Being with those talented people was enough for me to praise God for giving me wisdom as I reminisced writing for #HeistClub last October. I was so blessed meeting Yeyet, Mark, Michael and Magsi for they were the core group of #HeistClub The Launch. We consulted Mina about it before pushing it through. I will have to take you to the planning stage on my next blog. For the mean time, let me take you to the day itself.
June 25, 2016. I woke up at 8am with a smile on my face. THIS IS IT! Our big day!
We have a Facebook meeting that day for the instructions and other final stuff.
We left Laguna at 3PM. I sent a text message to Mark before leaving the house. After enduring the traffic, we arrived in Megamall at exactly 5:00 PM. We have to walk from Megamall to the Podium with 60 cupcakes and 20 books. EXERCISE! Oh yes!
We arrived at The Study. Pach saw us. I hugged her (Yata). I spotted A. HAHA! At the back of my mind, I asked, “Is that Aeus?” HAHA. I wanted to approach him agad but I have to register. Haha!
I registered, took a mug-shot (My first and last time ahaha) and saw #romanceclaas authors, I hugged them all. Thanks Anne, Carla, Tara, Pach and MILES. I saw Caryn too!
I saw the stunning authors of #heistclub: Georgette, Arlene, Justine, Ana (Chris Nava), Irene, Mark, Yeyet, Bianca Mori!
I have the privilege to have a photo op with two of my most favorite friends, A and Yeyet.
I had to go to a secret room to sign some stuff. The production staff has been superb on establishing a #Heist ambiance . . . Very blessed with Magsi and GPicks!
I have to say that we have organized a very successful book launch. The program started with the trailer made by Chi and Gette!
Although we didn’t follow the program as it is, I am very blessed to be with talented people.
Here is the program.
Introduction by Giselle “Magsi” Bacalla of GPicks
Opening Remarks by Mina V. Esguerra
Film Trailer: CRIMANIMAL BY Direk Aris Cuevas (It was move somewhere.)
Message from FH Batacan, Author of Smaller and Smaller Circles
Q & A with Why We Run Authors:
Mental block kept me from answering well. Let me redeem myself soon. (Haha)
Who could forget ANNE PLAZA’S Hash tag ABS! (It haunted me for days) ahahha Instead of cheese, the heistclub attendees were familiar in “SAY ABS” on every photo op
Michael arrived at the middle of the Q&A! Finally! We were grilled and I think, they did well. Haha as for me, with so much people in front of me, i have to be relax muna i guess.
Jacq from The Study was supposed to speak but we cannot find her so we have to move on with the Q&A of the What We Hide Authors.
Maita took the center stage to explain Talecraft. She also have a trivia game about archetypes.
What We Fear Authors were next on the grilling high chairs.
We, the organizers, have made a SPONSOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT by thanking the people who help us pull #HeistClub The Launch a very successful and unforgettable experience.
Open Q&A was next and somewhat I regained my composure and answer the questions with flying colors and warm applause.
While they were doing the raffle, we, authors mingled with the guests. I couldn’t even believe that Mina was actually requesting me to sign my book! She also advised me to have a ballpen. I will keep that in mind, Mina. I love you!
I met the people of bookbed (Finally!) Thanks KB and Allana! Nice meeting you finally!
I also thank Aeus, my #romanceclass2016 consultant and Yeyet’s betareader. ahaha He doesn’t love to read until he met us. Yeyet and I forced him to read ahaha (sorry A but thank you for supporting me and Yeyet
I also met JOY of JMD!!! Thanks Joy for the freebies!!
Maita of Talecraft… my JustwritePH co-author, Thank you for the freebies . . .
John OF buqo. (alden, ahaha may utang ka selfie sa akin kala mo ahaha)
I was so overwhelmed to sign books haha (my own books)… Can we have more of these?
To Yeyet, Mama Lelen, and Bes Andrea, THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING! I LOVE YOU!
Lastly, i want to thank Kwisshy’s Cupcake Haven for the support you gave me. Thank you Tin! I LOOVE YOU!
Thanks Mommy Tet, Mama Lelen, Inay and Papa Bernie for being there! To Daddy, thank you for the prayers. I LOVE YOU!
To those who bought my book and sent me feedback, hope you could pray for me. Pray for another workshop for me. I want to learn more. To everyone who hugged me, that encouraged me to write more for God.
Have a #Heist Good Day Everyone!
I hope you will buy books from Filipino Authors.
Father God, I want to offer this launch to You. It is for Your Glory!
June 28, 2016
#HEISTCLUB STANDALONE BATCH 2
#HEISTCLUB AUTHORS
The Retreat By Yeyet Soriano
THE WRITERS’ RETREAT
What would you be willing to do to secure a publication deal of a lifetime from the biggest publisher in the country?
The challenge: You have to write a true-to-life crime story set in the Philippines. The case should not be completely resolved. At least 75 percent of the manuscript needs to be completed within thirty days. You have to be willing to go on a week-long writers’ retreat in an undisclosed location to discuss your manuscript and be critiqued by the other participants. Afterward, you have to be ready to revise and edit the manuscript for final publication.
The prize: Enough money to retire and just write with a guaranteed platform for release locally and internationally.
The catch: You can’t breathe a word to anyone. Post anything on social media and you are out. You will be asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement and a release that removes any responsibility from the organizers should anything untoward happens to you. You will not be allowed to bring any gadgets to the retreat. You will be completely cut off.
So . . . are you game?
Buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/2e32b1cd-f8e4-43ef-ba87-cc0de2387539
Inertia by Sette Luis
Simon de Sel’s life is running smoothly: a promising career in the police force, a new romance, and a well-knit family. When a dead woman named him emergency contact, everything changed.
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/93938412-3801-4c4c-aec1-f4b860dce068
The Gung Ho Lady by Arlene Manocot
DARKNESS is buried within the deepest part of her soul. A blurry past unceasingly haunts her passive and calm universe and her distorted mind is a burden she can’t get over with. Involved in a murder case, will she be able to prove her innocence?
Margaux Dela Cruz has always viewed the world as a place for repentance. A place to pay the debt of sins, a place where humans pay the price of being alive. The price that can never be sufficed by anyone in this world and while praying for the permanency of her everlasting solitude, men, creatures from another herd, appears and bedlam begins to ensue in her once placid life.
A story of Sins. Repentance. And Love.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H8621U0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467098610&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=the+gung+ho+lady&dpPl=1&dpID=51W3QyokXAL&ref=plSrch
Buqo: http://buqo.ph/Shop/Book/f0b91ff6-c752-48fc-8454-79e979498d45
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-gung-ho-lady
The Flame Squad: Sly Prince by Jessica E. Larsen
Blaze Romano’s life has gone exactly according to plan. He managed to get away from his miserable life on the streets of Manila. He won the heart and married Luella, a wealthy heiress of the Mondragon family from Cebu City. There’s just one thing left, kill Luella, and get all that wealth for himself.
Things were going smoothly, but Luella’s half-brother, Cidro’s unexpected return from Spain ruined years of planning. Everything went downhill for Blaze, and he soon found himself in a sticky situation. But as his life flashes before his eyes, someone he least expected appeared in his mind. Luella, the woman who changed his life and started it all.
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/645816
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/f83b8762-e04c-41e2-8dae-2f77064d34cf
Corpus Delicti by Porcupine Strongwill
“Aunt Emily has been crying again. Mum says it’s because of a tummy ache, but I can tell that she’s lying…” — Her mum has warned her not to meddle with other people’s business, but thirteen-year-old Miranda just can’t help it. When Aunt Emily confides that her husband has not been at the “military operations” where he said he would be, Miranda proposes to get at the bottom of things. With her witty thinking and the aid of technology and Aunt Emily, Miranda surreptitiously monitors Uncle Trevor’s whereabouts, and what she finds out might actually put the major behind bars.
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/f61b8073-ec64-44d5-bf4b-a7a002ebe079
Sampaguita by Mark Manalang
Japanese expat Keniichi Daimon has conflicting emotions for Manila, his second home. Despite his attraction to its beauty and charm, the crime and corruption seeping deeply into the city has left him nearly apathetic of its future.
When a young flower vendor is kidnapped before his eyes, he decides not to intervene. It was then that his indifference would lead to circumstances that would take away the person he holds dear.
Driven by remorse, Keniichi enters a world where the innocent fall prey to the wiles of the corrupt, privileged, and sinister few. Belittled by the police and spurned by the apathy of the people around him – the same apathy he once showed – he realizes the only way to atone and seek justice is to take matters into his own hands.
“Sampaguita” was first published as part of the #HeistClub 2015 anthology.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HIE0M4Y
Buqo:http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/02ac357d-4407-4de8-9ce9-140b1b1bb67b
Snakehead by Bianca Mori
Where do you run when blood cannot be trusted?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Snakehead-Bianca-Mori-ebook/dp/B01HNO6L30?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc
Buqo: http://buqo.ph/Shop/Book/af17793d-791e-439b-8ed2-94af627ab559
Let’s Play Murder by Farrah F. Polestico
Rafael Kahn and his sister, Ginger, are invited to a birthday celebration in a log cabin in Baguio. But just hours after arriving at the log cabin, someone was murdered. Worst of all, the killer trapped them in the cabin with no way of calling for help or escape.
Can Rafael catch the killer before they strike again? Can he save his sister before she becomes a target? Or would they all die in a remote cabin with no one the wiser?
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/9f5d2ba6-543e-42d9-80d3-3ebb58fc566b
Dressed to Kill by Cassandra Javier
5 Friends. One Dead Body. A Summer they’d rather just forget.5 years ago
Amelie, Christina, Cara, Monique, and Tamara spent one summer at Christina’s family’s ranch 5 years ago. It was a time of rest; a time for peace. It was a time when they just spent days fishing, swimming, and forgetting all the troubles of the city. One last hurrah before college, they said.
But that last hurrah ended when Monique was suddenly found dead on the last day of vacation—and their lives have never been the same since.NOW
Now is their chance to figure out the truth.
But sometimes, truths are far more complicated than they seem.
Will they find out all the answers they need?
Or are they in for something bigger…something deadlier?Tick Tock. Don’t look back. You might be next.
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/6ee59320-3f7f-4996-9e54-826f965b2f88
The Fraud Hunter Book 1: Chasing an ATM Schemer by Racquel Sarah A. Castro
Gabe Jacinto is assigned to capture a lady ATM Schemer, Teri Francisco. When Teri heard that he was dating the beautiful Carrie Rios, she plots on using her to trap the fraud hunter. Will Gabe risk his life and money to save Carrie even though he knows her true identity?
SMASHWORDS | BUQO | KOBO | ITUNES | AMAZON
June 27, 2016
#HeistClub StandAlone Batch 1
#HEISTCLUB AUTHORS
Classified [A Prologue to Les Dames des Fleurs] by Georgette S. Gonzalez
Danilo Halili was not an investigative journalist. He was simply a photographer who accompanied the news publication’s events reporter to cover the province-wide festivities. But his curiosity was piqued when he overheard something he was not supposed to hear… and we all know what they say about curiosity killing the cat.
Ramon Tanchangco had no doubt in his mind and in his gut that the victim of the gruesome murder in Quezon was his brother Danilo who had been unable to get back to Manila from his assignment. Angered and aggrieved, all he wanted was to find out who the killers were and why Danilo died the way he did.
He had a vague inkling that there was more to the crime than met the eye and he was ready to expose what that conspiracy could be. If only the French nun would refrain from detaining him at the Couvent du Sacré-Coeur with her hospitality.
Classified is the prologue to a 4-book series titled Les Dames des Fleurs chronicling the story of four military-trained women and their black ops team of dedicated individuals who fight for justice for the common Filipino.
Amazon : http://bit.ly/Classified_LDF01
Buqo : http://bit.ly/Classified_Buqo
Print : email jette1013@yahoo.com for orders
Come with Me by Michael Recto
My name is Moira. I just turned 10. And I also want to turn 11, 12, and 13 too if I can. I couldn’t wish for anything more. I don’t want to meet Nanay yet. She already left us. It made Tatay and me lonely. I don’t want him to be lonely anymore. I don’t want to leave him yet. It makes him sad that I am always in pain. I don’t want him to be sad anymore. I don’t want to cry anymore. Tito Ador and Tita Mena also love me. I don’t want them to be afraid anymore whenever my chest hurts and I vomit blood. They all want to help me get well. I want to help them too so that I can get well. They help me convince my friends to come with me so that I can live. They are such nice friends. They give me their organs so that I don’t have to be sick anymore. My friends are the best.It’s ok my friends. You can go on ahead to Heaven. Say hi to Nanay for me when you see her.
Can you help me?
I’m not a bad person. I just want to live.
Come with me.
Buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/bfff0b7d-16b9-44ec-b2d4-b44d173236a7
Till Death Do Us Part by Irene Recio
They say it takes a lifetime to really really know somebody….Everything in Nikki’s life is picture perfect: her photography has taken off and is now a thriving business, she is reconnecting with old friends, and her husband is nothing but devoted. What more can she ask for? Life is good.
That is, until she discovers a shocking truth, putting her and her family in danger.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Till-Death-Do-Us-Part-ebook/dp/B01HF62HMK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1466646561&sr=83&keywords=till+death+do+us+part
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/5278ff6f-ffd8-4b5f-90eb-621efacfec03
Bayawak’s Trail by Justine Camacho-Tajonera
Marian Malabanan is an anthropology graduate student who just wants to study Manuvu folklore when she becomes embroiled in a murder, or what she considers an assassination, and with the Manuvus’ struggle with a paramilitary group in the hinterlands of Bislig, Surigao del Sur. Far away from friends and family, she can only rely on two people: Nanette Mamaril, her host and a local congresswoman; and the mysterious Gregoire Durant, a photographer and fellow anthropologist, who helps her navigate the dangerous minefield of Lumad ancestral lands and who advises her to keep quiet. Far away from friends and family, she can only rely on a few people: her host, a local congresswoman Nanette Mamaril;, and the mysterious Gregoire Durant, a photographer and fellow anthropologist, who helps her navigate the dangerous minefield of Lumad ancestral lands and who advisesing her to keep quiet. Can Marian figure out who was really behind the murder and would she live to tell her story? Or will her headstrong nature get her buried alongside the murder victims?
buqo: http://bit.ly/buqobayawak
Amazon: http://bit.ly/kindlebayawak
Soul Makers: A Golden City Mystery by J. Guibone
Set in the urban streets of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines:
Sabrina told Bart not to do it, but he had. Now Bart is missing. And there’s a corpse in his apartment. Sabrina has no other choice but to solve all the clues he left behind, without getting arrested for trespassing, while keeping her OCD under control.
Newly minted NBI Special Investigator Lyla Dixon doesn’t expect to meet her old flame, now private investigator, Hans Blanco at the crime scene. But when the crime reveals more questions than answers, they both have to put aside old hurts and work with someone they’re not even sure they should trust, the enigmatic Sabrina Eugenio, if they’re to have a shot at finding a killer they never thought they’d ever encounter.
Kindle: http://amzn.to/28Z8fJV
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/soul-makers
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1127932440
Buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/381a261c-5133-482a-bdb5-030d62ba7fa0
High Stakes by Chris Nava
Growing up to be the son of a celebrated jeweller, Jose Aguirre and his sister were used to the frivolities of the high society. But, when their mother passed away and their dad on his death bed, Jose can no longer afford the once affluent lifestyle—-more of gambling—-that he once led.Getting out on bail for an estafa case, Jose ends up beaten black and blue by Mauricio Po, a shipping magnate and crime lord, reminding him of the millions that Jose owes him.
With an impending deadline from Mauricio, Jose tries to ask for help. He sought out his sister Patricia, his mother’s most trusted assistant Cely Cruz, and most importantly his boyhood friend and Mauricio’s son, Ramon. Can Jose raise enough money and find life’s solutions before it is too late?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/High-Stakes-Chris-Nava-ebook/dp/B01H3VKF80
buqo: http://www.buqo.ph/Shop/Book/de33329a-973c-4cb9-b5b3-60c9d28b6087
For print edition: contact the author at 09178231262
June 24, 2016
#HeistClub The Launch
Happening Today . . . HeistClub The Launch!
THE STUDY, 4TH FLOOR, THE PODIUM
Registration starts at 5:30PM
Like HeistClub The Launch on Facebook
Official Hashtags: #HeistClub #HeistClubTheLaunch #TheStudyPH #TheresALotToLearn #GPicks #TheBestPicksOnline
June 18, 2016
Are you ready for #HEISTCLUB?
Trailer by: Chi Yu Rodriguez
#HeistClub The Launch FB Page| RSVP Here
Join us and meet me and my fellow authors responsible for 16 new crime fiction stories. June 25, 6 to 9 PM at The Study @ Podium. #thestudyph #theresalottolearn #GPicks #thebestpicksonline
SPONSORS:
Yeyet Soriano
GPicks
The Study by Enderun
Buqo
Kwisshy’s Cupcake Haven
Unlimited Grub Grabs by Mark Manalang
Bronze Age Media
Talecraft
JMD Copy & Prints
June 14, 2016
Can you help me?
Will be needing all the help i can get:
I will be needing beta readers for my #romanceclass2016. I plan to release it either end of this year or early next year. If you want to beta-read, comment below or send me a PM.
Please pray for my #SparkNA novella that will undergo beta-reading again. If you want to beta-read, comment below or send me a PM. My apologies because it will not be release this July.
I am open to edit my first novella, When Fate Speaks Big Time, for print editions
Print Editions of Second Sight to Forever are coming really really soon.
I will be opening the option, PRINT ON DEMAND, soon! Can someone help me?
Thank you!
June 13, 2016
The #HeistClub On Uncovering Crime Fiction (Part 1 of 3)
Bookbed’s #HeistClub Feature 1 of 3
by KB Meniado
Before I sat down to write this article, I tried out a little experiment. I asked some of my friends to recommend to me their favorite crime novels written by Filipinos. I wasn’t surprised that our exchanges were peppered with the recurring “Pero teka, crime fic ba ‘yun?”
Coming from that, I would say it’s a safe bet that crime fiction is not a popular genre among Filipino readers. Think crime rates, history textbooks, “TV Patrol,” telenovelas and animes. I wouldn’t exactly call out anyone who asks, “But do we really need more of those???”
So in effect, there is not much of it on shelf, and that’s probably why a lot of us are not entirely sure which books fall under this category and where we can find them. Thankfully, #HeistClub is out to solve this mystery.
FAST FACTS
Image from #HeistClub: The Launch Facebook
#HeistClub is made up of Filipino…
View original post 1,920 more words
