Hello Asian Fiction Authors!

This month, we have picked "Maybe It's You" by  Kim_Knights for Book of the Month. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out in our Never Forgotten reading list here.

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Excerpt from the Book:

Hwang Eun-bi, a boyish noblewoman, accidentally encounters the Crown Prince of Joseon and is forced to take part in the Selection of the Crown Princess. As death looms close, they overcome their shortcomings together, fall in love and resolve mysteries together.

About the Author:

Kim is a daydreamer who plays with numbers during the day and turns into an aspiring writer at night. She first started out on Wattpad as a reader, before introducing her first story in 2019. Ever since then, she has not stopped her diverse storytelling. She enjoys diving into fantasy and romance worlds, watching her favourite dramas and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Interview:

1. What influenced your story? What inspired you to write it?

I grew up watching Korean dramas, especially their historical-romance ones. I've been so entranced with their rich history, culture and way of dressing that I wanted to write a story of my own. This was how the story of Maybe It's You was born!

2. What were some challenges you faced while writing your story?

I'm not from South Korea, and that makes me constantly aware that I do not have a complete understanding of their culture. I do not speak their language too, but I'm always intrigued and curious to learn more because of my love for K-dramas. As my story revolves around the Joseon royals and the selection of the crown princess, I spent a lot of my time reading up on their history and architecture. I wanted to make sure that I was building the right world in my story and not disrespecting their culture unknowingly. While my story may not be historically accurate, it's also a fictional story packed full of romance, friendship and adventure!

3. What message do you hope to convey with your story?

Always be true to yourself and never let others define who you are. That's how we can try to avoid having regrets in life.

4. Do you have any advice for other authors who are interested in writing Asian Fiction?

Research well, be respectful and have fun writing it!

While Western stories are heavily dominating Wattpad, it does not mean that Asian fictions do not have a place on this platform. Be patient and have faith in your writing! 

5. If you could write another story to be featured on the profile, which of our reading lists would you write it for?

Probably 'My Heart Beats For You' list. I'm a huge fan of romance-comedy!

6. If you are an author of Asian descent, what's one cool fact about your culture you can share with us?

As a person of Chinese-descent, we often exchange greetings like, 'have you eaten?' and 'what have you been doing lately?' instead of 'how are you?' We're not seeking a direct answer, but it's a way of us trying to express concern for the person and making sure that they are taking their meals regularly. After all, a contented stomach makes a happy person.

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Thank you Kim_Knights for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next Book of the Month.