My first experience with self-publishing did not begin with my own book. It was back when I was in high school when I was busy practicing mellophone with my marching band team.

We were training every day after school until late at night. We were exhausted but we didn’t slack off. We knew that we wanted to win in the national Grand Prix Marching Band competition. We wanted to bring back the trophy, to become the 1st winner once again.

Just like any other competition though, we needed funding. On top of the enrollment fee, we needed to fund the costume, the food and lodging for training, the transportation for the band instruments, the trainer’s fees, and more.

I was the lead treasurer; I held the responsibility of collecting fees.

It was around that time when my mother came by to the practice. She held a carton box filled with red-covered books. She started handing them one by one to interested parents.

I eyed the whole scene from afar while resting with my peers. I wondered what she was doing.