Dear Readers,
It has been over a year since my first public reading at Seksan’s. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to have you accompany me through my many ups and downs, and more importantly, my recording of it all. Writers must, apparently, write.
Come Saturday, I shall return to Seksan’s, that wonderfully Bohemian haven for every sort of denizen this beautiful city of ours has spawned and then some (and I mean this in a most complimentary manner), to read once more. I must admit, I was petrified the last time, but the warmth and attention exuding from the very engaged audience soon got me going, and I’d like to think it was a great experience for everybody.
It certainly was for me.
However, I seem to have a little problem and I do hope you can help me out. Like a fashionista faced with a thousand outfits in her wardrobe and still not finding anything to wear on the weekend, I’m in somewhat of a conundrum. What shall I read on Saturday?
You’ve helped me decide on which book cover to publish once; surely you can help me once more, this time to figure out what to read? Below I’ve listed six of my favourite stories from the past year… Do re-read them (or if you’ve not read them before, discover them for the first time) and leave me a comment with your pick on what you would like me to read. Tell me why you like it, if you can, cos us writers love feedback. (Well, some of us do.)
The six are as follows:
- Hide and Seek
- Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love?
- After, ___
- Left to Linger
- I Couldn’t Ask For More
- Two Weddings and a Proposal?
Many thanks in advance for helping me out here, my friends. And as Ryan Seacrest would say, “Remember, every vote counts!”
.
Postscripts:
i. I will also read, in addition to the story with the highest number of votes, another story that has never been published before. Call it the Author’s Choice, if you will (given the one winning the most votes is the Reader’s Choice.) Yet another reason to come to Seksan’s this Saturday, yes? 
ii. For enquiries, please contact Sharon at 012-6848835 or sharonbakar (at) yahoo (dot) com. Map to Seksan’s can be found here.
iii. Voting ends on midnight this Friday, 23rd May 2008.
iv. Poster design a remix of the cover of “The Apocalypse Reader”, edited by Justin Taylor.
56 Comments
My choice, the notorious and scandalous HIDE AND SEEK
Hey hey.. Gud mornin!
My vote definitely goes to the post “Why do we always hurt the ones we love”. 
A Lil’ Fat Monkey: Notorious meh? Hehe, thanks for voting, bro!
Spiffy: Gud mornin! Hmm, it’d be interesting to see who votes for what…
Hey, Kenny - you should definitely read the proposal in the taxi. It’s romantic and beautifully written!
I’ll vote for “Why do we always hurt the ones we love”
My reason? Might be a personal one, I guess.
But otherwise, I think it’s also because it relates to a whole lot of people, and will get them thinking. We want people to think, no?
Yang-May: Thanks… let’s see if “Two Weddings and a Proposal?” gets any more votes.
Michelle: Yes, indeedy we do. People should think. It’s the sexiest thing we can do.
So far, the tally is as follows:
* Hide and Seek (1 vote)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (2 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (1 vote)
No love for the other three stories?
WDWAHTOWL - gets my vote! Hahaha….
Here’s my small vote for “I couldn’t ask for more”.
But then again, I like all your stories so it’s so hard to just choose one! They’re all superb.
Very tough choices - as ALL of them are my favorites! I would go for Hide & Seek - love spans all continents.. very “Babel” if you watch the movie.
over a weekend and everything’s changed. wow!
will vote soon dude..
Hide and Seek, definitely.
Sex sells. lol..kidding.
I can somehow imagine how captivating it will be as you read of your wanderlusting voyage.
Having said that, my personal fave is Fresh Strawberries & Vanilla Häagen-Dazs®! It’s sweet, it’s joyful and most importantly, it’s….joyful-lah.
have a blast@seksan, kenny!
wmw: Never realised how long the title was till you wrote down its acronym… wah, so long hor?
rinnah: *blushes real hard*
Gina: I have watched “Babel” and I love the film! My story is so much smaller compared to it (and far less depressing too, I hope, haha).
keropokman: Everything Changes. Isn’t that a song or something… Waiting for your vote, bro…
Nic (KHKL): Hard to argue with that, sex does sell. And this one would be easier to read, from experience. More catchy. I like ‘Fresh Strawberries & Vanilla Häagen-Dazs®’ too, but thought it was too short for a reading. Anyway, got that ‘joyful’ meh?
And the vote count now stands at:
* Hide and Seek (3 votes)
* I Couldn’t Ask For More (1 vote)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (3 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (1 vote)
Hmm…as a food blogger, I tot I should vote for “Meet the Floggers”. But then again, i tot “Airports, Actually” and “Hide and Seek” not bad too!
Precious Pea: I actually like “Airports, Actually” a lot but didn’t include it here since it was somewhat longer than the other entries (and might take me over my time limit at “Readings”). It might be interesting to read it on this Friday night during dinner with Msiagirl though… we’d have all the time in the world.
So, that’s another vote for “Hide and Seek”, now leading just barely.
No prize for guessing what i’ll vote for =)
Why Do We Always hurt The Ones We Love.
I vote for Two Weddings and a Proposal… So romantic… And also the Airport…
Hide and Seek!
I enjoyed reading that one!
“I Couldn’t Ask For More” for obvious reasons.
vote then if win got prize onot ? never mind we like the white ladies pulling up their skirts and hurrying out chasing something outside the door ( groom running away issit ?)
we also think its time oredi…
since your lifeisfarfromabeginner yes or not ?
Buddha said - “Where there is choice, there is suffering!”
OMG which one to choose!?!?
Hide and Seek is so delicious.
But if there are children present at the reading then - Two Weddings and a Proposal
equilibrium2008: That’s the former then, since the latter is not included here, for reasons of length.
Poseidon: Thanks!
unkaleong: Why no prizes for guessing? Am I missing something here?
Lyrical Lemongrass: Obvious meh? Hehe, just cos you’re featured in its third act…
team bsg: I’m assuming this translates as a vote for “Two Weddings and a Proposal”, yes?
Prize ar? Prize is you get me reading your favourite story lor, assuming it wins lah. As for my life (and everyone else’s), I see it as us always being beginners since there is always something new to learn. Agree?
Camemberu: Thankfully, free from kids… We do read racy stuff sometimes, and profanities are not unheard of. So “Hide and Seek” it is, then.
And the vote count now stands at:
* Hide and Seek (6 votes)
* I Couldn’t Ask For More (2 votes)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (4 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (3 votes)
okay then, I will vote Two Weddings and a Proposal make it 6 votes..
Another vote for Two Weddings and a Proposal.
Is there gonna be a recording or something? So that we that are far away can get to watch it.
Two Weddings and a Proposal for me. it’s sweet
equilibrium2008: Cool. Have already recorded your vote for that above.
keropokman: A recording? No idea; I certainly don’t possess a videocam. Anyone turning up at “Readings” can bring something to record it?
sc: Thanks!
And the vote count now stands at:
* Hide and Seek (6 votes)
* I Couldn’t Ask For More (2 votes)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (4 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (5 votes)
… it’s getting tighter, this race. Hehe.
Ooh, I wish I could attend this event.
Honestly, I would love to vote for ” Airports, Actually” as I could relate to it the most. But then again, each & every piece is my favourite on this blog. Hmmm…this is a tough choice. between “Hide and Seek” & Two Weddings and a Proposal?” .
An obvious reason for being such a sucker when it comes to romantic stuff as I am, I would have to vote for ” Two Weddings and a Proposal?” Yeah, definitely!
Happy reading at Seksan’s!
Eh.. we all failed to notice.. voting ends 23rd May.. not 23rd april, my dear Kenny san.
aiyoh..why no one vote for one of my favourites - left to linger?
quite difficult for me to choose…cos i also love “Why Do we always hurt the ones we love?” and “two weddings & a proposal”…
but…based on the current mood that i’m in…i suppose i would choose Two Weddings…
and oh! best of luck for your reading!! wish i could attend. i’ve never been to readings.. sounds like fun.
Eudora: The race seems to be between “Hide and Seek” & Two Weddings and a Proposal?” and I can see which one’s leading now…
gina: Oops. Will go edit that rightaway… thanks!
lingzie: Well, if no one voted for it, why don’t you vote for it since it’s one of your favs? Care to change your vote?
And the vote count now stands at:
* Hide and Seek (6 votes)
* I Couldn’t Ask For More (2 votes)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (4 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (7 votes)
Hi Kenny!
Long time didn’t put any comments here.. Hehehe..My vote goes toooooo………. HIDE AND SEEK! hehehe..
Good luck in the Readings!
Hmm, if you’re getting married in the future, post also some pics hehe
“Hide and Seek” for me! sexy sexy, baby…
moja: Yeah, haven’t heard from you in awhile. Hope all is well with you, yeah? Thanks for voting!
equilibrium2008: Wedding pics? No lah, shy… And marriage is a far, far away thing if it ever happens…
Neil: You know it, dude.
And the vote count now stands at:
* Hide and Seek (8 votes)
* I Couldn’t Ask For More (2 votes)
* Why Do We Always Hurt the Ones We Love? (4 votes)
* Two Weddings and a Proposal? (7 votes)
hmmm..change my vote ah… ~mulls over it for a bit~
no lah. still stick to Two Weddings…
two weddings is very sweet and full of hope. that’s what i need right now, hope.
and whats more it looks like a very tight race between Hide & Seek and Two Weddings! ooo the suspense….
Hmm, common, if i have a date, I will post it to my blog too…
lingzie: Hehe, suspense is right! When I started this, all I thought about was how much fun it might be for readers to have a say in what is being read… now I’m the one wondering which story I’ll read… very American Idol-ish; only I have no idea which one to support! (Naturally, I don’t have a vote since this is the Reader’s Choice.)
equilibrium2008: Uhm, to each his/her own?
no in my own blog of course la..
equilibrium2008: No, no… What I meant was some of us would post, others wouldn’t, depending on their own personal preference. To which blog it is posted, well, that is an entirely separate, if at times related, matter.
As an aside, was anyone as disappointed as I am with yesterday’s performances by David Cook? I mean he did fine, but his rival finalist, David Archuleta was superb. I don’t even dig his kinda music that much, but I thought he was fierce, man, all out to win!
Methinks Archie wins the Idol but DC may come out with the more interesting album. I’m dying to hear slickly produced versions of his Billie Jean and Always Be My Baby. But I’ve got a feeling he’s all about original material, post-Idol. (By the way, I’m very late into the Idol race… I only just recently caught up, thanks to the magic of YouTube.)
Don’t anyone dare tell me the results till I catch it later tonight… :p
Yeah was surprised that David Cook won. I though it would be David Archuleta. Honestly, Michael Jackon’s songs I only like very few of his songs. But the rest, gosh I don’t like to listen to it.
ooo i am soooo happy David Cook won!!! he is DA MAN! and he is definitely HAWT! lol
my heart really went out to him when he broke down after he found out he won!!
i definitely did prefer his previous renditions of billie jean and always be my baby. His version of that song (always be my baby) was so out of this world! i totally did not expect it.
lil Archie is lovely. i mean he’s got a lovely voice and all…but sorry la..me heart belongs to DC!
this was definitely a really good season. i also liked Carly and Brooke a lot. but i knew it was gonna be the battle of the davids. and i’m so glad america voted DC! he da man!
oh…me has totally gone way off topic! lol…
didnt knw i missed out on hide and seek…a definite winner!
equilibrium2008: Yay! DC won!! Such a surprise… I was so sure Archie’s full-on performance overwhelmed him. To be objective, I still feel Archie won the night, but I’m glad my fav performer won overall.
I’m not a major fan of Mr. Jackson either, which makes DC’s cover of Billie Jean all the more amazing!
lingzie: Not totally off the topic, dear. I’m euphoric DC won too! Yippee!
lotsofcravings: Then I’m glad I reminded those who missed these stories of their existence, haha. “Hide and Seek” now leading by 2 votes…
Hahaha.. Busy with my final exam papers of late and now enjoying 24/7 holiday at home! Yeah! But kinda boring, I really hope can see you reading at the ‘readings’! hahaha…But kinda impossible, i’m in Perak now.. Hey why don’t you get yourself on tape? Hehehe… So we can watccchh! Hahahaha! bdw, Davod Cook rocks! ;P
Looking forward to your reading tom. Will take pics
Do you have a favourite side to be photographed on? Oh wait, all yours sides are good 
I’ll do what I can with my meager talents luv. 
May I flash you? 
aww. i especially like ‘this sea of us’. aww. =(
but among the ones in your list, i can’t decide between ‘hide and seek’ and ‘i couldnt ask for more’. both melikes because it’s sort of like mini anthologies. i like anthologies, because it’s interesting to see different things happening in ppl’s lives, especially if it’s involving the same person, told from different perspectives/moment in time.
hope that helps?
good luck with the project =)
Hide and Seek!
Hope I’m not too late! xox
moja: I just found out I am on video, sorta, via Facebook. The quality’s really poor though so I’ll post a vid up if I find a higher definition one.
Nigel: Thanks for coming to the reading, and thanks for the gastrorgasmic Rosemary Butter Cake… the crowd at Seksan’s LOVED it!
zaty: “This Sea of Us”? I like that one too. Hmm, I wonder why it never got on the shortlist? Mini anthologies — that’s a nice way of describing it. I like that.
Mag: You’re not… the voting’s ended but since I didn’t manage to get online, I ended up reading the top two stories. Yes, I read BOTH “Hide and Seek” and “Two Weddings and a Proposal? (Part 3)” — and it went down rather nicely, methinks. More on this later…
All you guys who voted, mucho gracias!
See I told you, I even wonder why DC won.. Archuleta is way better than him. I just simply hate it when DC started singing MJ’s song
equilibrium2008: Hahaha, I know a few folks who would disagree with you, which is why it’s fun to VOTE. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My fav quote from Voltaire:
“I disapprove of your views, but would fight to the death for your right to express them.”
heheh, im kinda butting in on your conv with equilibrium2008, but i kinda liked DC’s rendition of MJ’s song…
well, at least it’s an interesting cover of the old song, that is. i’m gonna have to say i like the ori MJ stuff tho =)
zaty: Hmm, I guess all THREE of us have differing opinions, then… I didn’t enjoy MJ’s original all that much, but I will admit it was good, classic-status notwithstanding. DC’s version made it for me, though.
I love variety in opinions and tastes; this is what makes the world interesting, no?
i MISSED the voting! argh, how can I. So what was the verdict?
rokh: “Hide and Seek” won, with “Two Weddings and a Proposal?” a close second.
heya, i just read this post. obviously a little too late.
but just so you know, i would have voted for “why do we hurt the ones we love?”
it really struck a chord with me; i read that post a few times over.
carrot: Thanks for sharing that, dear… means a lot to me that someone felt a connection to something I wrote.
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