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Thoughts on Writing About Your Own Country.

Four years ago, around the time I started this blog, my wish was to write a novel about the country I live in, Malaysia.

I wanted to write my version of the Great Malaysian Novel, something that delivered the essence of Malaysia within 100,000 words or so. A novel that would bring together varied characters that reflected the many aspects of Malaysiana, yet without descending into the stereotypical tropes the Malaysian Tourism Board seems to celebrate.

That was then. I have since realised several awkward things about my ambition. I don't know enough about my own country to write about it. And the most awkward: I've fallen out of love with my country. I no longer want to write about the things I wanted to write about, because everything just makes me feel sick.

How to continue? My only solution right now is to wait for the malaise to fade away. In the mean time, my fantasy novel(s?) get written.

Maybe what I'm trying to say is, I'm just not old enough; not experienced enough.
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Comments

  1. Anonymous15/7/10 9:57 pm

    Loong long time lurker here.

    I'd say wait till your daughter is about 7ish (congrats btw), and take her on a trip around all of Malaysia and note things through her eyes. There's inspiration for your Great Malaysian Novel right there. It'll be great to finally see one that's written well and captures all the country has to offer. Until then, I wish you all the best in everything else.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ted Mahsun15/7/10 11:34 pm

    That's a brilliant idea. Thank you very much, long time lurker.

    ReplyDelete

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