#HeistClub: The Launch

In November 2015, author and indie publisher Mina V. Esguerra facilitated an online workshop organized by Bronze Age Media and sponsored by Buqo and Enderun’s The Study.

The challenge for the Filipino author: Write tales of dark pathways and mysterious psyches, misdemeanor and trouble, dread and doubt. The story should be a Case # 1 (there’s a hint of a sequel or better yet, a series), set in the Philippines, and written in English.

#HeistClub came alive with writer-participants being guided by invaluable tips and lessons from mentors Jennifer Hillier (author of Creep and Freak), F.H. Batacan (author of Smaller and Smaller Circles), forensic anthropologist R.J. Taduran, life/non-life insurance executive Kevin Uy, Juliet Grames of Soho Press, and Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores of Jacaranda Literary Agency.

At the end of the month-long workshop, sixteen crime stories were produced. They were released in three ebook bundles on Buqo in late January this year.

#HeistClub: Why We Run

• Bayawak’s Trail by Justine Camacho-Tajonera
• The Fraud Hunter Book 1: Chasing an ATM Schemer by Racquel Sarah A. Castro
• The Retreat by Yeyet Soriano
• Come With Me by Michael Recto
• Inertia by Sette Luis

#HeistClub: What We Fear

• Till Death Do Us Apart by Irene Recio
• Soul Makers by Jee Ann Guibone
• Classified by Georgette S. Gonzales
• High Stakes by Ana Valenzuela
• Dressed to Kill by Cassandra Javier

#HeistClub: What We Hide

• Snakehead by Bianca Mori
• Sampaguita by Mark Manalang
• Let’s Play Murder by Farrah F. Polestico
• Corpus Delicti by Porcupine Strongwill
• The Flame Squad: Sly Prince by Jessica E. Larsen
• The Gung Ho Lady by Arlene Manocot

Come June 25, 2016, the sixteen stories will be officially launched to the public. Most of the #HeistClub authors will be present at The Study by Enderun, 4th Floor, The Podium, Ortigas Center, from 6 to 9 in the evening. Interviews, reading of excerpts and swag await guests.

Ten of the sixteen will also be launching the standalone versions of their crime stories on Buqo, Kindle, Smashwords, and in print.

For more details, check out our Facebook Event Page and our Facebook Fan Page.