"The workshop was enriching, engaging, and illuminating for virgin writers like me. I never knew writing and publishing a book to be such a complex process, but I also know now that it can also be a very rewarding one. The facilitators were generous in sharing their expertise and offered a supportive environment for us to embark on this book publishing journey. I felt safe to share my thoughts about writing, and was also constantly inspired by fellow participants in the class. It was overall a very encouraging experience!"
Erin Lee
Mindfulness Coach, Mindful Moments
"This program has exceeded my expectations in each and every way. I thought I was signing up merely for an authorship program, but beyond that, I have acquired a massive amount of information, hands-on tools and resources pertaining to areas of coaching, marketing and online teaching, just to name a few. All of which are priceless to entrepreneurs like myself. This would not have been possible without the generous spirit and passion to serve of both course facilitators Kok Hwa and Andrew. They went above and beyond to not merely meet the course objectives but to also spur us to dig deep and question the real intention behind our book, which is nothing short of soul-searching. The other big gain from joining this program was the community of people we are instantly connected to, both through a common goal and through effective ice-breakers facilitated by Kok Hwa. In a few short weeks, through sharing our personal stories of hope and aspirations, we gained a network of comrades to support us further in our book-writing and life journey."
Tiffany Wee
Naturopath and Mindfulness Coach, Mind Body Shine
"So You Want to be an Author" is one of the best virtual courses I have ever taken. It is structured yet interactive, logical yet creative, down to earth yet visionary. The breakouts, exercises and resources provided a rich environment for learning, even in the virtual setting. Best thing is that after the course, you have a set of plans ready to start writing the book you always desired!"
Lai Han Sam
Founder and Women's Life Coach, Lifework Global
"The workshop has given me great clarity and personal value on the process of publishing a book - a real book (not ebooks etc) with special emphasis on answering the "WHY" question. This enabled me to think carefully with sound knowledge of the "WHEN" and the "WHAT". Its obviously a programme that has been through the rigours of continuous improvements through the years. Kudos!"
Hendry Goh C.H.
Director, Hackalogy Pte. Ltd.
"Having gone through my somewhat eventful life, the niggling feeling has always been tugging at me for the longest time that begs the question, "Is there a book in me?"….Attending the "So You Want to be an author" workshop by Phoon Kok Hwa put an end to that sensation and helped me draw greater focus and affirmation on what needs to be done next ... and begin the process of putting pen to paper ... Thanks, Kok Hwa, for helping me exorcise the 'beast' within and put me on the path of action!!
Alex Goh
Author of 200 Weekends in China
Senior Finance, HR & Corporate Development C-level Executive
JAGG Resources Pte Ltd
"I travelled from Thailand to Singapore to attend the "So You Want to be an Author" workshop in June 2016. And I did not regret my investment!
I got much clarity on the steps to take to move forward with my book project , even clarity on what I did not know was unclear!
I got inspiration and motivation plus the drive to go for it as well as precise guidance on all the elements to take into account.
I got precious insights on what are the strengths and weaknesses of my project at this stage.
Many thanks to Phoon Kok Hwa and Andrew Chow for their generosity in sharing."
Amelie Yan-Gouiffes
Your Inner Diamond Expert
International Speaker & Coach
"I attended the "So You Want to be an Author" workshop on a recommendation from a friend who also attended and I found it to be the best use of 2 days towards writing my book that I have spent in the last year, and that includes the time I have spent actually writing.
The facilitators, Phoon Kok Hwa and Andrew Chow, are passionate experienced professionals in publishing and PR respectively and were very generous in sharing their knowledge with us. However, while the information they shared was great, what was even more powerful were the processes and activities we participated in, which allowed me to really focus on the essence of both the what and the why of my writing. This is not a workshop on writing per se, but rather about everything that needs to be done to bring that writing into the public eye in a positive and impactful way.
I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in publishing a book, from those who are still trying to figure out what they want to write but believe they have a book in them somewhere, to those who are done with, or have almost completed their writing journey and are ready to move to the next step."
Ragil Ratnam
Managing Director, Pure Growth Asia Ltd, Thailand
"Thanks to Adrian Tan I got introduced to your ‘So You Want to be an Author’ workshop. I enjoyed every moment of the course. I enjoyed the experiential learning from you and Andrew and the esteemed participants. Most of all the energy in the room drove me to think carefully on some plans I had to write but never put to action. It was a wonderful experience. Thank You Kok Hwa and Andrew."
Ram Dubey
Author of From Drunken to Driven
Mediator, Counsellor, Coach
"Kok Hwa is an excellent facilitator. He has designed this workshop to be practical, reflective and fun. While keeping to the focus of the workshop, he takes us on an exciting journey within, to discover our gems, while strategically tapping on the collective wisdom of he group. I gained a lot from this course and highly recommend it. Thank you Kok Hwa."
Poonam Dadlani
Language Specialist
"This is a must-attend workshop for anyone who has or is toying with a dream of becoming an author. Great insights on the process involved, options, considerations and success factors. Kok Hwa is a great coach, publisher and in addition, an authentic and honest teacher! His knowledge of the local publishing scene, with deep awareness of Asian readers needs combined with a strong desire to bring out the best in an author through coaching conversations is the best one could ever expect in this engagement with a publisher! Congratulations and all the best Kok Hwa!!"
Jayan Warrier
Director, Singapore Centre for Positive Change
"Before coming into the workshop, I didn't know what I didn't know. After 2 days, I have a clear framework to writing my first book and creative ideas to make it a success."
Sean Collins
Managing Director, Talent Mobility Asia
"Engaging, experienced, masterful in pedagogy, Kok Hwa delivered way beyond my expectations from this workshop: not only did I learn what I need to do to get my book published, but I got to advance my work on it significantly. I have gained clarity and positive energy to make it happen soon."
Jean-Francois Cousin
Author of Game Changers in the Circus: How Leaders Can Unleash Greatness in Their Organisations
Global Executive Coach, GREATNESS Leadership Coaching
Chairman, ICF Global Board 2019
"Inspired and empowered.
This is how I feel after undergoing a 2-day workshop by Phoon Kok Hwa of Candid Creation Publishing. You see, I've got a book in me but I've hesitated and procrastinated for the longest time but this weekend, I invested in an authorship workshop facilitated by Kok Hwa and gained so much clarity about my intention and flow of my book.
Never once did he try to upsell us any publishing packages but he chose to focus on putting the spotlight on us so we were clear on why we write. He also invited his past authors to share and that really lent me more courage to get my word out. Among the couple of publishing consultants in Singapore I've met, I can safely say he's one of the most authentic, knowledgeable and author-oriented publishing consultant.
Forget about those rogue "consultants" who are just out for the money when Kok Hwa's the one who's more concerned about helping his authors fulfill their mission."
Benjamin Loh
Author of INSPIRT: How Asian CEOs Inspire Action from the Stage
Founder & Principal Trainer at Speaker's Flare Training & Consultancy
"Authors have wonderful ideas for book concepts all the time. But ideas alone do not necessarily equate to success as an author.
Attending this workshop offered me a practical and effective framework plus strategies of how to ensure my printed book reaches the audience desired and achieve the outcomes intended. It's also extremely helpful as a much needed reflective exercise to aid us in both the creative process of writing and the action part of getting it to print and beyond.
The facilitators, Kok Hwa and Andrew, have a wealth of experience and expertise which they gladly generously shared with participants. More importantly, they shared it with authenticity and with heart.
It was also a great joy connecting with fellow like-minded participants, I benefitted so much from the individual conversations and group sessions.
I would strongly recommend this workshop to all aspiring and published authors."
Bernadette Chua
Author of Fly Free: How accepting the wings of life can help you reach your rainbow
Dream Catalyst
"This workshop has helped me understand what publishing a book is all about. The process, motivation, marketing and promotional aspects inclusive. It has inspired me to probe further on establishing my goal in writing my series of fitness books. Excellent delivery and information plus great networking."
Caroline Teo
Managing Director, Physique 360 Pte Ltd
"The 2-day workshop, especially for someone totally new in the area of publishing, is simply an eye-opener. It provides good structure, is comprehensive and very informative."
Helen Lim
CEO, SilverSpring Pte Ltd
"While I was at the workshop by Candid Creation Publishing facilitated by Phoon Kok Hwa, I was reminded of Earl Nightingale’s diamond mine story.
Instead of talking all day by himself, Kok Hwa chose to make us look into the “why”s. He was candid about the reality of book publishing. No single sales pitch was mentioned in the 2 days. He was sincere, genuine and fully devoted to guiding all of us to find answers that lie deep in ourselves.
I am honoured to be with fellow attendees. I used to live in the world where things are measured by profit and loss. Talking about things that cannot be measured made me feel silly. Within this group of people, I don’t feel shy about myself talking about values, visions and possible future books."
Ellie Kim
Author of Why I Ditched My Chanel: An Ajumma's Journey to Conscious Living and Money Mastery
Financial Consultant
"I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering publishing a book to first attend the “So You Want To Be An Author?” workshop. The workshop helped me change my perspective on book publishing completely. If I had not attended this workshop, I may have ended up committing to publishers who are only interested in pushing costly packages of services that many authors don’t really need.
Kok Hwa is an engaging and content-rich speaker and his presentation was easy to understand. The workshop contents are really structured, practical and actionable and I find it immensely beneficial in helping me understand what needs to be done during the various stages of writing, producing, promoting, and marketing my book to make it a success. Therefore, this workshop is specially suited to all aspiring authors who wish to write and publish a book but lack the confidence and know-how.
Kok Hwa is in the business of turning dreams into reality. With his practical advice and extensive knowledge, you can’t go wrong with your book project. I must say that attending “So You Want To Be An Author?” workshop has been the best investment of my time and money in my publishing journey."
Ernest Tan
Author of Raising Financially Savvy Kids
Founder of Jopez Academy
"I feel that this programme was sincerely crafted by someone very experienced in the trade and who knows the industry and his scope of work very well. It provided me, an author-to-be, with very precise and clear steps ... to focus my time and effort on so as to minimise the unwanted experience before I embarked on the journey. The programme was carried out in a very interactive manner, engaging participants, ex-participants, guest speakers (authors) and trainers and this made it possible for me to see and understand things from all perspectives and shed light onto the areas unknown.
In addition, the discussion and activities-based learning further intensified my learning experience and made me feel that I had already begun my journey as an author. Beyond just writing a book, the other aspects of Publicity and Promotion — which I never really thought of associating with writing a book — were incorporated in this programme. These areas further expanded my awareness into the challenges which I would be experiencing and offered me good insight into addressing them.
This programme has successfully equipped me with the knowledge and insights to prepare me for my journey, and reinforced my belief in the purpose of doing so. I am grateful."
Adrian Soon
Internet Marketer and Trainer
E-Journey Pte Ltd
"This is a workshop that comprises both knowledge and how to’s. Participants are given relevant tools to help them in the publishing process.
The discussion and practice within the workshop provide essential reality checks to “Why” I want to publish. It gave me a clear process of how to publish. At the same time the presenters provided me with valuable insights and experiences on the journey that will be challenging but can be rewarding."
Ooi Lay Yong
Author of Born to Move: 5 Steps to Achieve Mobility Fitness & Say Goodbye to Aches and Pains
Executive Director, Pilates Body Tree
"I have published my first book before meeting Kok Hwa and Andrew (Chow) at CandidCreation.com. It was Andrew who started getting me to register for the training. I made a swift decision to sign up for it as I feel that Andrew is a trusted mentor and a reliable person. For a better appreciation of the 6P Framework of Publishing and how you can utilise it to develop your personal blueprint to publishing success, you can attend the 2-days hands-on “So You Want To Be An Author?” workshop. What I have learnt in those 2 days would take me more than 1 year of self learning. The Best part about them is they're the kind of passionate people you want to work with."
Andrew Ang
Coach, Wealth Coach LLP & Digital Marketer.
"A practical workshop to attend for anyone aspiring to be an author. Presentations are down-to-earth, giving a very realistic view of what challenges can arise when writing a book. The holistic approach taken in this workshop will add significant value to anyone writing a book for the first time."
Sim Peck Cheng
Senior Financial Consultant
‘VALUABLE' is one word which I’m using to describe my maiden book publishing journey that I had embarked on with Kok Hwa and his team at Candid Creation Publishing. If you’re an aspiring author and looking for a great publisher to transform your thoughts into a physical book, I highly recommend you attend Kok Hwa’s signature workshop ‘So You Want To Be An Author?’
Terence Chiew P.Y
Author of Most Valuable Professional
Principal Consultant, Peet Asia Pte Ltd.
"Kok Hwa’s 'So You Want to be an Author' workshop created the spark that gave me the confidence that I was capable of writing and publishing my own book. The structure of the workshop is simple yet very clear and I am referring back to the handouts and my notes regularly. Although I did procrastinate longer than I would have liked, in the end I completed the book and am very happy with the journey and the result.”
Peter Cauwelier
Chief Team Connector, TEAM.AS.ONE
President, World Institute for Action Learning