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Young, Smart – and Published.

Alexandra Wong spars wits with Lim May Zhee over ice-cream, life as a teenager and her debut novella in today's Star:
“For Vanitee Bee, nothing in particular inspired me because that’s the kind of book I have been writing about my whole life. Teen life with a mixture of fantasy. Everything in life, the books I read, the movies I watch, everything inspires me,” May Zhee says.

What was the most difficult part about getting the book published?

“Writing the book was easy, because when you feel so passionate about something, it just comes naturally. The hardest part was probably getting the support from my parents.

“I understand my parents’ fears – they were just worried I would sideline my studies for this. But I knew I was capable of balancing this and school, and in the end I did it myself because there was no other way.”

So, was she saying here studies were not affected at all?

“Nope, my studies were unaffected. I scored straight As for my PMR, which I sat for while writing and editing the book.”
Bah. Parents.

On another note, I have yet to see her book in bookstores, but then I haven't been to MPH yet. Anyone read it yet? Did you enjoy it?
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Comments

  1. May Zhee1/10/06 10:41 pm

    Hi Ted, the book is actually available in all the bookstores throughout malaysia and if you can't find them, please ask the shop people because that way they will know my book has gone out of stock.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ted Mahsun2/10/06 12:04 am

    Thanks! Shall keep my eyes out for it. Thanks for dropping by and congratulations on publishing your book!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2/10/06 4:19 pm

    Aiks, I've been outed :D Were you at the MPH do too?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ted Mahsun2/10/06 4:22 pm

    No, but a lot of writers keep telling me I should've been there. Ah well.

    Glad you dropped by, Alex.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Artemis Hunt2/10/06 8:02 pm

    Dear Alexandra,

    Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your articles in the newspapers. I was at the MPH do too, and if I had known you were there, I would have asked my friend Yvonne to meet you. She loves your articles. BTW, both Yvonne and I write for Sharifah too (though Sharifah has been complaining I don't feel like writing for Weekender anymore just because I've got a book out.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous4/10/06 9:36 am

    Ah you were there too eh? I recognized Yvonne and Lydia but the mysterious Xeus..... perchance I should send you the blurry group photo I took and pray somebody is kind enough to point out who's who ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Artemis Hunt4/10/06 8:25 pm

    Sure, send it over at mercy740@hotmail.com :)

    And please do pop over to my blog, linked through Ted's.

    ReplyDelete

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