Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Yes two authors inspired me to become a writer, they are, J.k Rowling and David Deita.
Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
Yes they are channeling my feelings that i have for a relative or a friend of mine helps me to imagine the type of character that I want to bring to life. It is fulfilling and rewarding when I achieve that, my characters are reflections of the people that i know that are battling with their own insecurities. But the overcomer also has a strong presence in my stories.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child I wanted to be an artist, i always loved animation, such as Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald the Duck, i also loved watching cartoons like Looney Tunes and Dexter’s Laboratory. Animation gave me a huge spark for creativity.
Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?
Yes I do play music while writing and drawing my illustrations, such as instrumentals hip hop type music that my best friend Emanuel Carvalho produces, lofi chill hip hop type beats is my favourite genre, it brings fluidity into my art.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I came up with the title for my book through studying and analysing the yin and yang symbolism, Lao and Chen are twins, but they are total opposites.
Despite having different personalities, different behaviours , and different points of view, they still can’t live without each other’s energy. They must maintain the balance between the positive and the negative and the box of life is the mediator.
How long did it take you to write this book?
It took me one year and 2 months to write my book,it was a roller coaster but still I’ve managed to finish.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
A lot of research i would say, i was aiming to achieve an historical concept that i was laid centuries ago, with it i found my own way to develop different ideas and metaphors in that fantasy world.
If you could be a character in one of your favorite books, who would you be?
I would be Prince Khumo, because I identify with him on a personal level, there’s a duality in every decision that he makes, and family is his precious diamond, and we both cherish that above all else.
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Yes, I’m planning a sequel, not saying too much. It will be a continuation from the first part of my Lao and Chen Master your Art series.
If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters?
The actors that would choose to play Lao and Chen are, Lao( Kang Chan) and Chen(Jaime Chew).