L-R -Natalie Wood, Jackie Brathwaite, Rev. Buddy Larrier, Robert Gibson, Genevieve Arisen, Gayle Marshall, Shondrell Meredith, Michelle Margaret Marques and Mario Holder.
Passionate Words Editing Services (PWES) recently hosted a successful Mega Book Launch & Showcase at the Radisson Aquatica Resort, a vibrant event that brought together local authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts to celebrate the power of books. Set against the stunning backdrop of Pebbles Beach, the venue proved to be the perfect location, offering both convenience and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The event featured two PWES authors—Rev. Buddy Larrier and Genevieve Arisen—who launched their latest works. Rev Buddy Larrier presented “Historic Oistinstown & Its Fishing Community: A Tribute to Fisherfolk”, a heartfelt tribute to the people of Oistins, while Genevieve Arisen shared “Seoda 1359: Eg’ni – The Regeneration”, a thrilling fusion of history and science fiction, showcasing Barbados in an entirely new light. Both authors captivated the audience with their compelling stories, making for a memorable evening. In addition to the featured authors, several local and regional writers displayed and sold their books. These included Mario Holder with “Undeniable Resistance” , Shondrell Meredith with “These Fields and Hills”, and Gayle Marshall with “Surviving a Man’s World”, among others. There was also a shared table featuring works from authors who were unable to attend the event, such as Jamaican author Rek Trebor’s “Two Roads” and “Love, Friendship & Betrayal”, written by six Antiguan teenagers. The diverse selection of genres included everything from children’s books and memoirs to self-help and Christian literature, offering something for every reader.
L-R – DJ Simmons (MC), Jackie Brathwaite, Michelle Margaret Marques, Natalie Wood
Adding to the excitement of the event were panel discussions with the authors, providing attendees with the opportunity to delve deeper into the stories behind the books. The lively discussions fostered an engaging atmosphere where readers and authors could connect, share ideas, and explore new perspectives. Additionally, guest readings from authors like Stokley Murray, Rosita Pinder, and May Hinds further enriched the experience, bringing their books to life in an intimate, interactive setting. Additionally, some of the guest authors had their books on sale on the shared table as well.
To make the event even more special, PWES introduced the “Book Basket” concept, which allowed patrons to pre-order bundles of four or six books at a reduced cost. This initiative not only encouraged book purchases but also offered attendees the chance to win exciting prizes, including a breakfast for two at the Radisson and a voucher for QP Bistro. Complementary Bajan Bites boxes, filled with local delicacies like fishcakes and conkies, were a huge hit, further enhancing the unique cultural experience.
The Mega Book Launch & Showcase proved to be a resounding success, with positive feedback from authors and attendees alike. Many authors expressed their gratitude, noting how the event provided them with a high-quality platform to showcase their work. Some authors even sold out of their books, marking the event as a major milestone in their literary careers.
As the evening unfolded, the energy in the room was palpable, with attendees making new connections and engaging in meaningful conversations about literature, culture, and community. The event also featured a beautiful art exhibition by Mario Holder and Nikao Gibson, adding another layer of creativity to the already vibrant atmosphere.
Looking ahead, the PWES team is excited about the future of the Mega Book Launch & Showcase, with plans to make it an annual event. The success of this inaugural showcase has set the stage for continued growth, and Passionate Words Editing Services is eager to provide an even bigger and better platform for authors in the years to come. With their vision to encourage literacy and foster a love for reading, PWES remains committed to supporting authors and promoting Barbadian literature on both a local and global stage.
For more information on upcoming events or to learn more about Passionate Words Editing Services, visit their social media page @passionate.words.editing246 on Instagram or reach out via email at info@passionatewordsediting.com