News + Updates
WE WON!!!! Dear Readers and @Followers, humbly sharing some great news I received this morning from my publisher:
My debut novel, THE THOMASITE, won Second Place in The BookFest Awards this year!
Thanks to Orange Blossom Publishing and Ms. Arielle Haughee for nominating me for this award—and for believing in me and my book from the start!
It just occurred to me that with this award for my novel, The Thomasite , ALL my published literary pieces in ALL the creative writing genres of fiction (short story, novella, and novel) are ALL award winners!
My poems have also won as honorable mentions and finalists in some poetry contests but have yet to win the big prize. Nonetheless, for most writers just getting published is the big prize. And so I’m very grateful!
Here’s the BookFest Awards link (and please share on your own social media network?) to check out:
www.thebookfest.com/award_entries/the-thomasite/
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A GREAT PASS! As a #writer, I live with rejection all the time. I have to--otherwise, I would give up and not be where I am now: an award-winning, traditionally-published #author in the US, one of the toughest writing and publishing markets in the world.
When I finish a #literary piece and submit it to prospective #publishers, I always hope for the best without being obsessed with the result. What I love most is the journey of creating a masterpiece--regardless of its destination.
A disciplined practice of detachment and acceptance has certainly made me stronger than ever. Specifically, it helped me develop belief in my self, my voice, and my work that does not rely on validation from others. As long as I am confident I gave it my best, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.
This lesson is especially relevant in the era of social media, where many egos depend on “likes” and number of followers for fulfillment, self-confidence, or a sense of wellbeing.
I thank Yellow Arrow Publishing for its serious consideration of my poetry collection, MOTHERS OF EXILES, in its 2024 Chapbook Contest. It was an honor for me simply being chosen as a finalist.
I especially thank its Editor-in-Chief, Kapua Iao, for sharing their readers' kind comments about my book with me, as follows:
“Readers noted that they loved the language and the imagery within along with your voice. One reader added, 'These poems are truly lovely to read.’”
Now that, dear #Readers, #Followers, and fellow writers, is a pass that uplifts! Hence, although my book was not chosen as the ultimate winner, I nonetheless feel like a winner! Thank you, Yellow Arrow Publishing! And big congratulations to whoever you chose to publish!
Now, back to the salt mines--where we strive to be among the salt of the earth!
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You will and always be a winner no matter what! We will always be proud of you!
Congratulations my idol 🎊 ..God bless!! more Power
Congratulations, Vicky- well deserved honor!
Dear Readers and Followers, want to get ahead of the holiday gift-buying rush?
How about treating yourself and someone you care about with compelling, relevant, timeless, and classic literature from your favorite Filipino American author—me? 😁☺️
You may choose from any or all of the following selections:
1. THE THOMASITE (Novel; Orange Blossom Publishing, 2023):
DESCRIPTION: This is the first literary historical fiction about the “Thomasites.” It is based on the little-known history of the more than 500 American teachers who sailed on the USAT Thomas to the Philippine Islands in 1901 amid the raging Philippine-American War to teach Filipino boys and girls.
The novel is rich with references to both American and Philippine culture and history.
SYNOPSIS: In 1901, during the Philippine-American War, a young American teacher, Eleanor Karsten, sails on the U. S. Army Transport Thomas to the Philippine Islands with more than 500 other US educators in response to President McKinley's call to teach Filipino children and help establish a public school system in the new US territory. A stopover in the Hawaii Islands and a brief stay in Manila awaken her to the implications of America's new expansionist policy.
When she arrives at her designated school area, various challenges—including malaria, a cholera epidemic, war, and racial, class, and religious tensions—test her resolve to fulfill her mission.
Her loyalties are likewise tested when she becomes romantically entangled with a native man whom she suspects could be the local leader of the insurrection.
Her journey takes her through love and loss of mythic proportions as she witnesses the human ramifications of America’s policy of ‘benevolent assimilation of Filipinos,' wherein she finds herself the student rather than the teacher.
AVAILABLE from:
1.1. Signed copies available from: Orange Blossom Publishing: www.orangeblossombooks.com/store/p52/thomasite.html
1.2. Unsigned copies available from the following and other book sellers:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Thomasite-Victoria-Grageda-Smith/dp/1949935620/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32LDTK5587M78&keywo...
Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thomasite-victoria-a-grageda-smith/1143351978?ean=9781949935622
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Thomasite-Victoria-Grageda-Smith-ebook/dp/B0C5DZTY7X/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encodin...
Apple Books: books.apple.com/us/book/the-thomasite/id6449224886
2. FAITH HEALER (Driftless Unsolicited Award-Winning Novella; Brain Mill Press, 2016)
BOOK DESCRIPTION: This is a literary historical fiction about an intersex (hermaphrodite) Filipino psychic faith healer of a Philippine dictator and his family who flees the Philippines during the 1986 People’s Power Revolution for the US.
Narrated in alternating timelines spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, and in two alternating place settings, the Philippines and Los Angeles, California, USA, this is ultimately a story of the fall and redemption of a human being struggling with both personal demons and the Filipino people’s struggle for justice and democracy.
STORY DESCRIPTION: Victor is a penniless intersex bastard who received the gift of healing from the spirit of a sacred mountain.
After having fallen along with his patrons in the corrupt regime ruling from Malacañang Palace in Manila years earlier, Victor has created, on the surface, a peaceful, if lonely and uncertain, life for himself as the caregiver “Tita Vee” in a California long-term care facility.
Privately, Victor continues to be tormented by the loss of his gifts, those that he loved, his country, and his God until his own salvation ironically comes in the ordinary yet unexpected tragedy that involves the twisted heart of a cruel racist.
Victor is the unlikely yet perfect hero or heroine to anyone who is no stranger to living life as neither one thing nor another – not a man or a woman, not a fraud or a miracle, not black or white or Filipino–and who, by choice or not, lives on the very edge of where any other human might fear to journey.
AVAILABLE from:
Brain Mill Press: www.brainmillpress.com/books/faith-healer
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Warrior-Heart-Pilgrim-Soul-Immigrants/dp/1482724308/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=W...
Kindle: www.amazon.com/Faith-Healer-Driftless-Unsolicited-Novella-ebook/dp/B01D1Z53KC?ie=UTF8&keywords=faith healer&qid=1462807181&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1#nav-subnav
3. WARRIOR HEART, PILGRIM SOUL: An Immigrants’s Journey (Poetry)
DESCRIPTION: Believing that the ultimate value of poetry lies in facilitating man’s search for meaning, poet Maria Victoria A. Grageda-Smith strives to write poetry that is not only accessible to the greater reading masses but also suggests a glimmer of hope even in the most deplorable human conditions.
This is the driving force and paramount voice in WARRIOR HEART, PILGRIM SOUL: An Immigrant’s Journey, her first book of poems. “Who am I as a writer?” Ms. Grageda-Smith asks in the Preface of this book.
In attempting an answer, she discovers that, like her beloved native country and people, she is, as her poem, “A Letter to My Mother” describes, “…always seemingly caught between worlds–neither here nor there, neither this nor that, eluding tidy description, belonging nowhere….”
This collection chronicles the inherently conflicted yet ultimately rich and textured journey of an immigrant woman compelled to achieve a radical redefinition of individual and national identity against a backdrop of life-changing circumstances and parallel historical developments in the US and the world.
REVIEWS: Here are what critics say about the poetry collection:
“A cohesive poetry collection that…. boldly address(es) the beauty and ugliness of life…. in grand sweeping language…. (R)eaders will delight in…. original perspectives on well-worn tropes…. A forceful poetic expression of art and the self.” –Kirkus Reviews
“….excellent writing…. elegant, meaningful and powerful… descriptions and images are exquisite… (H)er voice is intelligent but does not overpower…. I like the way (she) gives us something to think about and teach us awareness …. (of) love and appreciation for life…. (G)ood universal poetry (that) shows (her) passion for all mankind…. compassion for all who suffer and (her desire) to make the world a better place. But even in this sadness (she doesn’t) bring us down.” –Pat Underwood, multi-awarded poet and author of the poetry collection, “Gatherings.”
ABAILABLE from:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Warrior-Heart-Pilgrim-Soul-Immigrants/dp/1482724308/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=W...
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Sharing great news on the literary front, dear Readers and Followers: Thimble Literary Magazine informed me it is "thrilled" to publish my poem, "Feeding the Dying,” in its Winter issue and sent me what I’m also thrilled to sign: a publishing contract!
So please watch out for the magazine in December. It will be a great way to cuddle up and get cozy with some great poetry to chase off the winter cold!
www.thimblelitmag.com
Home Summer 2024 Vol. 7 No. 1 The Thimble Literary Magazine is based on the belief that poetry is like armor. Like a thimble, it may be small and seem insignificant, but it will protect us when we are...3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations. Proud of you.
Congratulations ❗️❤️
Thanks much to Yellow Arrow Publishing for this honor! And kudos to my fellow poet-finalists!
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Congrats
Dear Readers and Friends, another piece of great news: My Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel-in-progress, FINDING QIHARA, has moved to the 2nd round of the Diversity Grants Award contest. If it wins, there's a monetary grant award to support the writing and completion of the novel. Please add this to your positive intentions? ☺️Thank you! 🙏🏼
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I’m so honored to be informed that, in a field of other excellent works, my poetry collection manuscript, MOTHERS OF EXILES, made it to the 2nd round of the blind judging of Yellow Arrow Publishing’s poetry chapbook contest! This made my day!
Won’t you please send your positive intentions to the Universe for my book on this? Thank you! 🙏🏼
www.yellowarrowpublishing.com
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You can make it, sis! All the best!! 🙏 🤍 🙏
Good luck and more success. You make the family proud!
Congrats 🎈🎊🎉 and wish you the best Victoria!
Sometimes something good comes your way, even if you never asked for, nor expected it. Marquis - Who’s Who in America sent me this badge, confirming they’ve chosen me as a listee. I’m told this recognition honors outstanding individual accomplishments. I don’t need an award to know what I’ve accomplished, but I’m certainly proud and thankful to be a Filipino American who is a WHO’s WHO in AMERICA! Thank you, Marquis and Universe! 🙏🏼
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I MADE THE LIST! Dear readers and friends, it is with humility that I share with you that after having been interviewed for almost three hours yesterday by the Marquis group, upon having been apparently been nominated by That’s Great News group (I have absolutely no ties or connections with this group) I made the list for Who’s Who in America 2025! The book will come out in the second quarter of next year.
I’m told that only 66% of those nominated get to the interview stage and only a select few of the remainder make the list. I don’t mind saying I’m now in league with Warren Buffet in that we are now both listed in Who’s Who in America! I just wish I was rich like him! Lol! 😂
Since the founding of the list in the 1800s, there are now 1.8 million people in this list. Considering there are almost 8 billion people in the world today, I suppose it’s not too shabby being included among the small fraction of humanity in more than a hundred years whose personal achievements are recognized by this list.
Nonetheless, I assure you I don’t feel different. I never expected this honor. In fact, I’m definitely feeling impostor syndrome right now. And I don’t believe I am any more special than any of you out there who are doing such outstanding work in what you do, especially all you stay-at-home moms and homemakers. It was my time as such that led me to become the award-winning author I am today.
Here’s what I’m up to at the moment: I’m marketing two new book manuscripts to publishers: a poetry collection and a story collection. I’m also writing a second historical novel set in World War II in the Philippines. The characters will again be a mix of Americans and Filipinos—plus Japanese, this time.
I offer my light to the world through my writing. I wish you all happy shining, too! Thank you for your continued patronage and support!
About Us | Marquis Who's Who® Online Store
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Since 1899, Marquis Who's Who has remained the standard for reliable and comprehensive biographical data. Each year, we strive to continue the tradition established by our founder, Albert Nelson Marqu...21 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations! 👏
A heartfelt congratulations, my friend ❤️ Happy to know a beautiful human, fully deserving of such honors. I look forward to learning more about your latest literary adventures. I think a phone chat may be in order for us some time soon . . .
Congratulations Mam
A stranger nominated me for Who’s Who in America, and Marquis Publications, which publishes the list is interviewing me today!
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#LITERARY COCKTAILS #reading at The Barnacle tonight (6:00 pm)! Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Month #Author Victoria G. Smith as she reads from a part of her #novel, The Thomasite , set in Hawaii—and likewise learn things about Hawaii’s history you may not know! Other great #Orcas Island #writers will also be reading at this enlivening, if not inebriating (with words!), #spokenword event.
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A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS! You know how a picture paints a thousand words? The image you’re seeing on this poster depicts the deplorable conditions of Filipinos who live in shanties around the infamous Smokey Mountain garbage dump and landfill in Manila, Philippines.
It provides an iconic image of the perennial blight on an otherwise white-washed picture of modern society that, in its pursuit of economic development, fails to consider the needs of everyone, including the environment.
To address such and other related problems, please join Thrivability Matters and me, the Host for the Thrivability Matters Webinar Series on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024 (6:00 p.m., UTC+10, or Brisbane, Australia Time; 4:00 p.m., Philippine Standard R=Time , as we explore and discuss the U.N. Sustainable Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Be amazed and fascinated by our expert speakers and their topics:
Speaker 1: Polina Efimova
Ms. Polina Efimova is from Moscow, Russia. She is focused on applying the sustainability principle of circularity as a practice in design and architecture. A graduate of the Land Management University of Russia, she is an architect and the current CEO of A.iT.
Her early interest in circular design and architecture led her to spearhead the “Architecture and Nature” forums for young architects from 2010 to 2011. She is also one of the organizers of the International Architectural Congress wherein she coordinates monthly roundtable meetings between the community and specialists in the field of circular economy to discuss practical case studies.
She’ll be speaking on the topic, “The Circular-Built Environment and Architecture,” citing real practices in Russia. She will explore how circularity as a sustainable development principle could be applied in the built environment within a creative economy.
Speaker 2: Dr. Jayant Mahajan
Dr. Jayant Mahajan is from Pune, India. He is a Physics graduate with a Masters in Information Management and a Ph.D. in Field Management. But he is no ordinary academic. He is informed by 15 years of industry experience across various fields, such as real estate, hospitality & tourism, and information technology.
His topic, “Planet, People, and Profit,” will not only touch upon our SDG focus tonight on Responsible Consumption & Production, but will also be relevant to other SGDs, such as Energy, Decent Work & Economic Growth, and Climate Action.
He will explore the singular dilemma of economic and business leaders in a capitalist economy by asking the question, “Can we achieve profit without harming the planet?”
You can register for this and future webinars (every 3rd Tuesday monthly) at ThrivabilityMatters.Online. See you then!
#thrivabilitymatters
#PunlaParaSaBayan
#sustainableliving
#sustainabilitymatters
#sustainabledevelopmentgoals
#globalwarmingisreal
#globalwarming
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...because what are my writing skills for if our planet and humanity become extinct?
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The first task of a writer to free humanity from patriarchy is stop using male-centric words like “mankind” to refer to the human race.
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Thanks to Sis Vicky Anupol and Asia Journal for this kind feature of my new novel, The Thomasite , and me as an award-winning Filipino American author!
asianjournal.com/features/people/award-winning-fil-am-author-releases-historical-novel-the-thomas...
@followers
Award-winning Fil-Am author releases historical novel, ‘The Thomasite’ — People
asianjournal.com
THIS is not the first time Asian Journal has featured Filipino American author Victoria Grageda-Smith, and her literary works. Back in 2016, when her novella, “Faith Healer” (Brain Mill Press, 201...3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Po!
Congratulations Vicky!
Congratulations!
📸 Look at this post on Facebook www.facebook.com/share/p/1VpFR43U6WH8ZuDC/?mibextid=WC7FNe
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I’m #reading The Thomasite at the Island Voices event this Friday, November 3 at the Orcas Island Public Library! #OIPL #writingcommunity #writers #authors #writing #books #writinglife #HistoricalFiction
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I’M THE WRITING MENTOR FOR HISTORICAL FICTION! SEE ME DURING THE 8:00 P.M SESSION!
The First Annual All-Island NaNoWriMo Writing Sprint
Have you ever spoken the words: “Someday I’ll write a novel…”? Well, someday is now! Join us for an Unforgettable Evening of Literary Inspiration, Mentorship, and Creativity.
Get ready to unleash your inner author, Islanders! Orcas Island Public Library is excited to host "The First Annual All Island Writing Sprint," an extraordinary literary event presented in partnership with Lael Watson, HALO, and NaNoWriMo. This unforgettable night of creativity will take place on November 4th, from 6 pm until midnight, offering aspiring and seasoned writers the chance to ignite their imaginations and pen their masterpieces.
Open to writers 13 to 113, the event will provide an engaging space for participants to hone their craft, receive guidance from experienced authors, and meet fellow writers. Whether you're a practiced novelist or just beginning your writing journey, "The First Annual All-Island Writing Sprint" has something to offer for everyone.
Featuring Orcas Island's very own talented authors as Writing Coaches, this event promises to be a beacon of inspiration for all writers.��Pizza, prizes, and prose will be served.
Event Schedule—6pm to Midnight:
6 PM: Find your Writing Nook and Unleash Your Creative Voice
Writing Coach: Elizabeth Menozzi (Fantasy Romance), Sam Gailey (Literary Fiction)
7 PM: Pizza Party
Writing Coach: Tish Knapp (Literary Fiction)
8 PM: 5 Minute Dance Break
Writing Coach: Victoria G. Smith (Historical Fiction)
9 PM: Word Count Check
Writing Coaches: Mark Ferrari (Epic Fantasy), Shannon Page (Fantasy, Sci-Fi, & Cozies)
10 PM: Reflect and Rejoice
Writing Coach: Ayn Gailey (Memoir & Commercial Fiction)
11 PM: Optional Sharing Session
Exchange Ideas, Ask Questions, and Gain Insights
Midnight: Celebrate your Inner Novelist!
Event info and updates at www.wearehalo.org/nanowrimo
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. NaNoWriMo began in 1999 as a daunting but straightforward challenge: to write 50,000 words of a novel in thirty days. Now, each year on November 1, hundreds of thousands of people around the world begin to write, determined to end the month with a first draft. They enter the month as elementary school teachers, mechanics, or stay-at-home parents. They leave novelists.
��Orcas Island Public Library is dedicated to promoting a love of reading and writing among island residents of all ages.���HALO (Hub for Arts & Literature on Orcas) is dedicated to raising the visibility of fine artists and writers from Orcas Island and inspiring the next generation of artists.��Special thanks to NaNoWriMo Municipal Liaison, Elizabeth Menozzi.
Contact Information:
Lael Watson, Event Coordinator
Email: lwatson@springstreet.org
Phone: (360)-622-5700
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Mark your calendars budding authors! I’m invited to & will mentor a session of the inaugural all-island NaNoWriMo Writing Sprint: Nov. 4!
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PHILIPPINE HOLLOWEEN
(An ekphrastic poem inspired by an abandoned protest banner in front of the Philippine Commission on Elections building)
By: Victoria Grageda-Smith
What an eerie sight:
a ghostly scene—where
a huge crowd should have been
shouting out those written
words on a similarly ghostly sheet!
A nation rises or falls
by its actions and omissions.
(Photo courtesy of @John Delacruz)
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Dear Orcas Island readers, friends, visitors, and @followers, see you very soon—today, Saturday, October 7 at 5:30 -6:30 pm for my solo reading and signing of The Thomasite at Darvill's Bookstore! Let our celebration of Filipino American History Month begin! The Thomasite Book Reading & Signing Orange Blossom Publishing
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