Perhaps this is a new trend. I was at my birthday dinner tonight with a group of friends. One of them who bought a copy of my book told me that he prefers to “read” audio books and he finds it more effective for retaining the information. Actually this is the second person who bought my printed book but would prefer an audio version.

Well, I hope it is not a tactic to “brush me off” :>

In a more serious note, I reckon in this modern society, everyone is so busy and may not have time to sit down and read a book (even for a book of 70 pages like mine). In addition, different people learn in different ways, a point that I touch upon briefly in my book, and listening to the materials may be the best way for some of us. As interesting as the audio book idea may be, I still need to put it on hold for now until I gain a better handle of the printed and e-book versions first.

It is most appropriate to use a British expression “over the moon” to express my feeling. Apologies that I have picked up a few linguistic “vices” living in London for over 10 years. Among them: “How are you faring?”, “I reckon that..”, “lovely” & “cheers”.

Anyway, I had coffee today with a friend of mine who bought a copy of my book a few weeks ago. She told me that the mother of her boyfriend read my book. The mother is her 70s who had trouble studying when she was younger and was later diagnosed with dyslexia. She was encouraged and inspired by my book. As a result, she went to a local community center to look for evening courses that she can take.

To me, that is absolutely the BEST feedback I can receive. Bringing changes and making impacts (big or small) in other people’s lives.  Cheers.

My first online interview on my book at ExpatFocus.com!

The questions are listed below.
Please click on the link to read -> Book Interview at ExpatFocus.com

1) Raymond, please tell us about yourself.
2) What do you like/dislike about expat life?
3) You recently published From Latecomers to Late-bloomers. What is the book about?
4) What type of audience do you feel your book would appeal to?
5) How did you come up with the title?
6) What was the hardest part of writing your book?
7) Do you have any advice to give to aspiring expat writers?
8) What are your current projects?
9) What book are you reading now?
10) What are your plans for the future?

A few days ago I found out that an ex-colleague of mine had left her copy of my autographed book behind (meaning she did not take the book with her).

How did I find out? Actually the new colleague who replaced her told me that she had found my book at the desk and started reading my book. I told her that she could have the book since it was “abandoned” and she enjoyed it.

I am happy that my book found a new owner that appreciates it.

This is the last M of my initial marketing review.

Some brilliant marketing ideas from friends that I am compelled to share:
1) Add my website link to LinkedIn – An oversight on my part. Now completed.
2) Add post to WeChat (a popular Chinese Social Network) – Suggested and carried out by my friend Jane. Thanks Jane.
3) Market my book to Management Consultants that may find it useful – Will explore.

In the course of marketing my book, I sometimes feel very blessed by people that have given me a hand even though I don’t know them well. There are two restaurant mangers in particular that I would like to mention with gratitude.

The first one is the manager of La Divina where I often go for Saturday lunch. Not only did she purchase a copy of my book and allow me put my promotional flyer and postcards at the restaurant, she volunteered to ask her friends at 4 other restaurants to do the same.

The second one is the manager of Floris Café, a café where I usually go for Sunday brunch. He allowed me to put my promotional flyer at the BEST spot on the window 2 weeks ago. When I returned yesterday for brunch, I found, to my surprise, he even put my postcard next to the flyer showing the book summary and my picture without me requesting it.

Thank you very much indeed :>

Today a friend of mine asked me if I would take a book order from her friend in Hong Kong as I will be there in 2 weeks to see my parents. Yes – it happened that her friend’s office is not far from my parents’ residence. I told her I would drop it off in person and introduce myself to her friend who I have not met yet.

First come first serve with autograph and the rest will have to go Amazon :>

During this week of Halloween, I got 2 requests to be a GHOST writer. How appropriate!
Perhaps it is one of those Halloween trick-or-treat jokes :>

Earlier this week, a friend, who is passionate about child foster care, said my next book should be on the lives of fostered children. I responded that as interesting as the subject may be, I don’t have much experience in it. He said I could interview different people including himself. I picked up a subtle hint of asking me to be a ghost writer.

Later during the week, my “Executive Assistant” friend Gary insisted that I should start another blog to write about his new career and experience in retail which will embark tomorrow.

Well, I am still alive and kicking (close to screaming though!), so NO. I am not ready to be a ghost writer yet. Please ask me again next Halloween!

I am very happy (and a bit nervous) to announce that I have accepted my very first lunch-time book talk to members of another department in my company in 2 weeks’ time. I told them that there is no obligation to purchase my book after (or before) the talk but I will bring some copies along, just in case they want to buy some :>

I am truly excited about the opportunity to share my experience with others which is the main purpose of writing my book. I will be content with or without book sales.

I presented my book in French in my French cinema class tonight. It was very kind of my teacher Karin to let me have a 5-minute presentation and distributed my promotional postcards. It went well and my classmates were very encouraging and supportive.

By sheer coincidence, today’s featured film was Irma Vep directed by Olivier Assayas. The leading lady in the film is Maggie Cheung who in certain ways similar to me. She was born in Hong Kong and lived in the U.K. She also speaks Chinese, English and French. I am a big fan of hers. Her best is In the Mood for Love.