27 Love Songs

Jul 27th 2007
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27 Love Songs

My previous e-book Broken Mornings took weeks to design, months to write (and one of the stories was written over a decade ago). And now for my 2nd e-book (or rather e-chapbook of brief notes), I took just about 8 hours to produce. It’s a testament not to the whole NaNoWriMo movement but more to my incredible feats of procrastination. But I got it done by the deadline, so no matter.

I’ll write more on this soon, but having forgone sleep for what’s coming to twenty-seven hours, I owe my beloved bed a long visit…

Download and read 27 Love Songs here.

Credits: Original source photographs courtesy of Sanja Gjenero and Dez Pain.













Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given to you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.

Rainer Maria Rilke.

55 Comments

  1. spiffy

    made me feel mushy, warm & fuzzy all over friend. a great experiment i wud say…;o)

  2. ∙ alice ∙

    You in love Kenny, eh? And she is a foreigner or have I miscontrued? Ooooooh…. no wonder so busy these days!

  3. wmw

    Nice “compilation”. I like No. 11, why 27? In time to meet deadline or 27 means something???

  4. Kenny Mah

    spiffy
    Q: What’s warm, mushy & fuzzy all over?

    A: A kiwi fruit left in the sun for too long… :lol:
    Sorry, couldn’t resist. That was too easy. As for this experiment, let’s say it’s not something I’m keen to repeat anytime soon… I’ve gotten renewed respect for those who attempt to write a whole novel in one month!

    This, well, this is a series of love notes written in eight hours. It’s simply that, but also it feels so much more than just that. More like a love song written in 27 parts… very mushy, yes. Corny and cheesy? Natürlich. But it’s very honest and that’s exactly how it should be.

  5. Kenny Mah

    alice
    Foreigner? Where did you get that idea? Anyway, with the language of Love, no one is a foreigner… we all speak the same tongue, don’t we? ;)
    Me in love? I’m always in love… with Life and the wonderful folks around me… Ah, to be young and alive!

    wmw
    Deadline? Not really, other than I wanted it to be published on the 27th. And 27 brief love notes seem to be a good way of commemorating the date lah. As to what it means, well…

  6. Precious Pea

    Hmm..ya lor..why 27 so odd? Must be some special meaning behind it. Maybe someone’s birthday or something.

  7. Firehorse

    Hi Kenny,

    Reading your 27 love songs, I can’t help but feel so vulnerable and scared, the writer’s heart was right there on the platter, so exposed. But I guess they don’t call it falling in love for nothing, it sure does feel like falling.
    If 27 love songs is not based on actual love I would have to say DANG you are good.

    Kopi Soh

  8. moja

    i’ve read the book, but i prefer broken mornings! hehehe! however, congrats for a very beautifull narrativ n above all, tanx for sharing ur story with us all! Good Luck!

  9. Kenny Mah

    Precious Pea
    27 is an odd number ma, otherwise if 26 or 28 it’d be even leh. :lol:
    And isn’t everyday of the year someone’s birthday…? (Okay, that was plain lame of me, apologies. Heh.)

    Firehorse
    Falling? Yes, I guess it’s a lot like that. Just hope there’s someone to catch me. Thanks for sharing this… very open and tender feedback. *hugs*

    moja
    It’s less of a book and more of a… well, at this point, I’m not sure how to describe it. Other than, being a controlled attempt, I’ve learned what I can or can’t do with limited time. I used to believe I couldn’t write on demand; now I know this isn’t true. The results will be different from something spontaneous, that’s all. Still, interesting and I’m sure I’ll learn from it.

  10. Argus

    Hey, Kenny. I couldn’t download it. Perhaps you can send it to me by email, pretty please? ;-) You’re a true romantic, aren’t you?

  11. trulymarsha

    downloading it and will read later.

  12. Kenny Mah

    Argus
    Apparently, as with “Broken Mornings”, some are able to download, others have difficulty. I’ve emailed it to you; anyone else having problems just drop me a comment la and I’ll send it over.

    trulymarsha
    Thanks, and do let me know what you think of it! Be gentle… :)

  13. Kok

    kenny,
    I haven’t finished reading this but I can say, you’ve the talent in writing. Well done!:)

  14. sc

    so sweet reading your love story (well all of it revolves around her, it’s one story to me ;) )..am sure she’s really touch… now i know why you wanna go to Bali soon..hehe

  15. Kenny Mah

    Kok
    Ah, I think you had better finish reading it first… you might feel differently by the end of it! :lol:
    sc
    Oh don’t remind me about Bali anymore… the desire to go there for a chill-out vacation is becoming overwhelming now… *sighs*

  16. tunkuhalim

    Kenny - Wonderful stuff. You should be in print, don’t you think?

  17. Waaa the 27 love songs looks so CLASSICAL!! Beautiful! *Thumbs up*

  18. missmynx

    *blush* arrww…..my part-time lover…you shouldnt have!

    from,
    tak-malu-part-time-gf-who-lost-her-diamond-necklace

  19. Kenny Mah

    Tunku
    Uhm, well. Who would want to publish me? Meh.

    But appreciate your words of encouragement. You’re ever the cheerleader, and we’re lucky to have positive people like you around.

    Nastasshea @ Nesh
    Classical? Maybe these are classical love songs? :lol:
    missmynx
    “…you shouldnt have!”
    That’s alright then. I didn’t. :lol:
    From,
    Your-rather-mean-part-time-boyfriend

  20. Leen

    27 is my favourite number, no shit. (will come back to comment later when I read your e-book) :-)

  21. Sharanya

    Congrats! *Hugs* :D

  22. moja

    You did a really wonderful job,Kenny. Cant wait for it to properly printed and sure i’ll get both if u able to get em 2 into the bookstores!

  23. Precious Pea

    Hahaha…you got a point there…but i would have tot 27 a special number for you, otherwise why not 25 or 29?

  24. Kenny Mah

    Leen
    Really? It’s my favourite number now too. :)
    Sharanya
    Thanks! *hugs back*

    moja
    That’s a big compliment, sir. Thanks… if I ever get anything into the bookstores though, it’d probably have to be whittled down to the few best ones and revised and edited and censored and by then, all I’d have is half a page of something that looks nothing like what I had originally written… Or maybe that’s just a nightmare I have when I eat too many donuts…

    Truth is, the only way I’d get printed is if I got off my ass and did some actual writing and lazy bum that I am, that ain’t likely to happen anytime soon lah. :(
    Precious Pea
    I was just joking and being lame in my reply earlier, my dear. 27 is special to me. Very special. :)

  25. Hmmmm.

    My birthday’s on the 27th.

    My first kiss that meant something happened on the 27th.

    I was 27 XX number of years ago. :-P
    Seriously though, you have an amazing gift, Kenny. I’m glad circumstances prompted you to write these 27 Love Songs.

  26. Kenny Mah

    Lyrical Lemongrass
    Suddenly everyone’s coming out of the woodworks with birthdays on the 27th. :lol:
    But also seriously, I’m glad I wrote these 27 Love Songs too. Of course, next month some smart aleck may just ask me if its sequel “28 Love Songs” will come out on the 28th… Hahaha…

  27. teckiee

    I’m 24…and coincidently 24th song reminds me of someone I know. Funny tho.. because a simple song (or lyric) can make one miss someone a lot.

  28. Kenny Mah

    teckiee
    Does it? That’s really nice to know… it’s one of my favourites, especially the last line. A moment of pure happiness. :)

  29. thewailer

    hello kenny,
    wow! wish I have a book of my own oneday :)

  30. mrshbt

    Who do I come to for comfort? First Alice then Kenny. I downloaded your love songs a couple days ago. Came back to read some more. Life is full of trials.

  31. Kenny Mah

    thewailer
    Don’t we all… But till I get something in print, I’m gonna carry on with my life at my own pace… no hurry here. :)
    Mrs. HBT
    Life is indeed full of trials. Every day comes a challenge. But as I was telling not one, but several friends over the past couple of days, where’s the fun in a life without challenges? It’s better to have tried and been disappointed / defeated than not to have tried at all. Better a few small moments of sheer delight than a lifetime of emptiness and regrets, I say.

    Keep the faith, my dear. Things will get better. *hugs ya & the rest of you guys too for good measure*

  32. MeiyeN

    i suspect i am using one lousing adobe reader.. couldn’t download as it says, da file is damage?! O_o :(

  33. Kenny Mah

    MeiyeN
    No worries, I’ve sent you a copy via email. Hope you enjoy reading it…

    Anyone else with problems downloading it, please just drop me a comment here and I’ll email it to you too! :)

  34. sooyin

    i like #4…simple, sweet and meaningful…=)

  35. Argus

    Good job, Kenny. And thanks for emailing it to me.

    Love happens when and where you least expect it. It sounds trite but I’ve found it to be true. What say you, man?

  36. Kenny Mah

    sooyin
    Thanks… I guess we all need reassurance sometimes about how we look, and what better way than to see ourselves through the eyes of someone who loves us? :)
    Argus
    Actually, I don’t think it’s trite. I may have before, when I was more cynical of love and life, but with the years I’ve come to realise I’ve got to cherish what I have while I still have it, while I still breathe… And it’s definitely true for me. :)

  37. Tummythoz

    What a read on a mundane Monday morn. *swoon* got up *swoon* got up *swoon* so on so forth. Exactly 27 times. Wow.

  38. ∙ imeau ∙

    Wow…a lovely present for that special one, who’s born on 27th. I believe if she really exist in your life now, and read your 27 love songs, she certainly impress with the depth of love you have for her. Make sure she knows “she’s the one” and don’t miss a thing!

    At the end of the day, the story of a love is not important - what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity… If she really existed in your life now…I truly happy for you ^_^

  39. Kenny Mah

    Tummythoz
    Wah, swoon so many times very dangerous wor… got someone to catch you each time I hope? ;)
    imeau
    “… the story of a love is not important - what is important is that one is capable of love. It is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity…”

    That’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve heard anyone said. Ah, you understand me better than we both realise. Won’t say much here other than I am happy. And that I am a very lucky guy.

    Hope to catch you around soon, dear. *hugs*

  40. mrshbt

    Kenny,

    My favorite love song is number 16. After 14 years of marriage, I can testify that the 3 words, a sincere “I am sorry” is as important as a casual “I love you”.

    p/s Are M.M.B and P.P.B fictional characters?

  41. Kenny Mah

    Mrs HBT
    I find your observation illuminating. I don’t have qualms about saying “I am sorry” (though I used to before, when I was younger) but now I worry that I don’t do enough to make up for it. But better to say it than to say nothing at all. So long as I mean it. And I do.

    P.S. “Are M.M.B and P.P.B fictional characters?”
    They are as real as you and me… ;)

  42. Kok

    kenny,
    I haven’t finished reading your creative writing yet! Anyway, just drop by to say hi! Enjoy your weekends, bro. :)

  43. Wow, fantastic job…in 8 hours? You’re a genius.

    What about our little project? Tak laku I suppose…LOL.

  44. Kenny Mah

    Kok
    Take your time, bro, take your time. Thanks for your well wishes. I had a pretty good weekend. Good food and great company — what more can a guy ask for? ;)
    Rasa Malaysia
    8 hours: yes. Fantastic job: Not so sure lah. :lol:
    And don’t worry tak laku, these things take time, dear. Keep the faith! :)

  45. Melissa

    Just downloaded it, cant wait to read it already. Will let you know.

  46. Zaty

    hi im a total stranger and it’s my first tiem here.. i was intrigued by your cover, so i downloaded this. have only read about 6 thus far, and i must say im enjoying it. =D

    you really are a hopeless romantic. but not like those cheesy ones. you’re the real deal.

    best of luck & happiness for you and your SO =)

  47. Paprika

    Not only are you a competitive Cranium player but a talented wordsmith too! I enjoyed reading 27 Love Songs. I’d like to read Lady too but I have problems opening the file, it keeps saying “file corrupt”. Well, it is about Lyrical Lemongrass after all, hahaha… Kidding LL, don’t hit me!

  48. Kenny Mah

    Melissa
    Thanks for downloading it — hope you enjoy it! :)
    Zaty
    Oh, trust me, I can be cheesy … and when one is being cheesy with one’s lover, it can be a fine, fine, fine thing. ;)
    But a big YES on the hopeless romantic bit, heh.

    Paprika
    Competitive, me? :lol:
    Btw, I’ve sent you a copy of “Lady” direct… it isn’t really about LL but she requested I write something for her, rather than about her, for her birthday. (Which, coincidentally, is exactly a month after “27 Love Songs”, which, in turn, some readers have speculated is for someone else’s birthday…)

    I went with the whole “Seasons of Love” theme. Dunno if it worked, but the birthday girl liked it. (”Lady” I mean. “27 Love Songs”, well, that’s a different story…)

  49. ∙ susu ∙

    it reminds me a little of rumi!

    Pale sunlight,
    pale the wall
    Love moves away,
    The light changes
    I need more grace than I thought.

  50. Kenny Mah

    susu
    That’s beautiful. :)

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