To me, one of the most challenging and fascinating process of writing my book is to give distinct voices to characters that are so different than myself, and to create a setting that I have never stepped foot in. How can I make Luke a more sympathetic character? Or, how can I put Catherine’s lack of courage into words and action? How can I describe life in post-war France in the 1950’s? I think one of the best gifts of writing comes from the ability to breathe life into your character, and to live as they lived. And as a reader, I think one of the most rewarding experience is to be…

As I’m wrapping up my manuscript for my first novel, I’ve come to realize how writers have every right to be head-over-toe obsessed with their favorite characters – because I certainly can’t help it. One of my characters, for instance, Catherine, is an unyielding and headstrong woman whose life has been challenged, scrupulously and indiscriminately shaped by the obstacles thrown onto her path at every turn – and I just love writing about her. One fascinating thing about creating your characters is that you also get to decide on the ‘turning point’, or a.k.a. ‘character’s transformational arc’ for them. This is the moment (or moments) when the character undergoes a…

“What do YOU carry in your bag?” I’ve seen this several times in magazines, where celebrities’ bags are opened and boldly dissected for the world to see; what shade of lipstick does she carry with her, which perfume best defines her signature, everyday scent, what moisturizer replenishes her skin when in absolute emergency? And while I, like the rest of the women (or men) out there, have my own secret cosmetic favorites, I’ve come to realize that my very own indispensable item, one that I would groan out of frustration if I had perchance, forgot — is none other than — a ‘good book’. This one ‘good book’ would be my sole distraction…

The big move to East Africa sounded appealingly adventurous, and as I envisioned my new life in Tanzania, exotic landscapes instantly comes to mind (Serengeti, anyone?) and there I would be, cruising in my safari outfit and hat in the endless plains … But as with all major relocation, even those so geographically foreign to a point you’d think (or hope) The Invincible Curiosity would effortlessly carry you as you fly steadily above the sea of Inevitable Routine Life, lest you become susceptible to its boring repetitiveness. But alas, no one is immune to it. So here I am, ready to blog about it, and by writing, I hope to…