Writer Roxanne San Jose is the author of two books, is in the midst of writing her third book, and operates an Ebay bookstore focused on books published in the Philippines. (You can see her available books for sale at her Ebay bookshop.) The Halo Halo Review (HHR) is pleased to interview her!
HHR: How did you come to create an Ebay bookshop focused on Philippine literature?
I was born and raised in the Philippines, mainly in Paranaque City, and I immigrated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2003 at the age of 13. I came about creating an Ebay bookshop focused on Philippine literature as I love the Philippines and I love reading. My home base is in Las Vegas, Nevada making me miss the Philippines more due to distance. I go back home once a year.
HHR: What made you interested in distributing books? [
What made me interested in distributing books is passion. I love reading so much and one time I was able to finish a book in one day, as in reading hours straight on a table taking in between breaks for meals. I also grew up in a home of books. And reading helped me become familiar with the items I sell.
Also, I have written two books. I wrote one science fiction called Annagram published in 2015 and one romance called Time Travel in 2019. Annagram is about three countries fighting for resources and Time Travel is about the main character's boyfriend who accidentally travelled back in time. My third book is relying towards romance again.
HHR: How long have you been running the Ebay bookstore and have you noticed some trends in buyer interest? What type of books attract the most buyers/readers?
I have been running my Ebay bookstore for nearly three years and I’m in the process of creating a new website. I noticed that some buyers buy based on the authors they know and bestsellers in the Philippines. The type of books that attract most buyers are crime novels.
HHR: How do you choose what you end up bringing from the Philippines to the U.S. to sell? And how do you promote?
I choose the items based on research, such as what are popular genres and new releases. My promotions include social media, email marketing, and events.
HHR: What are some of your favorite books and/or stories?
My favorite books are Stainless Longganisa by Bob Ong and The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom.
HHR: What are some titles you would highlight now in your store?
Some of the books I highlight in my store are novels by Bob Ong and Ronaldo S. Vivo because they are popular among my buyers. And of course, I read one of Bob Ong's books and it's quite entertaining. I’m looking forward to more of their books.
HHR: What are your hopes or goals for your Ebay bookstore business?
My goal for my store is always to bring awareness about Filipino items from the Philippines because I believe in the talent of my fellow Filipinos and I love the Philippines.
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Roxanne San Jose’s book are available on Amazon:
Annagram = https://www.amazon.com/Annagram-Roxanne-Angelie-San-Jose-ebook/dp/B00UPN8GIA?ref_=ast_author_mpb. It is self-published.
Time Travel = https://www.amazon.com/Time-Travel-Second-Chances-Bundle-ebook/dp/B07R8C8W5B/ref=sr_1_1 . It is published by Blazing Heart Publishing
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