Just American News recently got a chance to interview Ting Ting in regard to her book Leap. We got insights into her book, her source of inspiration and much more!
Q. Welcome! How are you doing?
It’s been quite a wild ride for me lately. I’m experiencing a mix of emotions, ranging from excitement to worry, as I embark on this new journey of publishing my first book. Overall, though, it’s been a positive experience.
Q. Your new book “Leap” is inspired by real events in your life. What was it like to weave personal experiences into a fictional narrative, and how did that process affect you emotionally?
Writing my own real events into a narrative felt like sitting down with a friend and sharing a story. It was about giving a complete rundown from beginning to end, leaving out none of the juicy details Then at the end you’re asking them questions, like “Is it just me, or would you feel this way too?” Emotionally, the process made me more mindful, as the book was written as if I were having a conversation with a friend. But in reality, that friend was me. I was essentially talking to myself, offering support while also challenging myself to question my own perspectives. This dual role of being both the storyteller and the listener allowed me to explore my emotions more deeply.
Q. Do you have any plans to continue blending your advocacy for learning disabilities with your writing? Are there other themes or issues you hope to explore in future projects?
I definitely plan to continue blending my advocacy for learning disabilities with my writing, depending on the story. I aim to give people with disabilities a space to shine and be heard. When I was younger, I was placed in classes for special needs students, where I saw many individuals struggling with their learning or feeling inadequate in school. This experience shaped my perspective on self-worth and capability. Often, people are told it’s okay because of their disabilities, but this can lead to a lack of encouragement to push boundaries. I hope to help people learn where those boundaries are and how to provide proper support.
It took me a while to learn to advocate for myself, as I struggled to accept my challenges. I always thought it was ironic for a writer with dyslexia to become an author, given the difficulties with spelling and the fear that an editor might not understand my ideas. However, I want to be that person who encourages others with dyslexia to see it not as a limitation but as a unique perspective that can enrich their storytelling.
In future projects, I hope to explore themes such as immigration, inspired by my father’s experience as a refugee. Given the current climate and negative viewpoints, I want to offer a different perspective through storytelling. I’m currently working on a book about my dad’s journey with his younger brother, which also delves into themes of manhood. I believe this is an area where many young males struggle, particularly in understanding their relationships with peers and role models, and reconciling societal expectations with their own identities.
Q. What daily routines or habits keep your creativity flowing?
I strive to be surprised every day and remain in awe of the world, whether through positive or negative experiences. This sense of wonder drives my emotions and keeps my creativity flowing. I believe in learning about different perspectives and respecting them, even if I don’t agree. This openness enriches my understanding fuels my creative process and helps me develop better characters.
Q. Any words of advice for aspiring writers?
You have to believe in yourself first, trusting that your story is worth being told. To me, all stories are valuable. Just because you face rejection doesn’t mean your work is worthless. Even if you get published, there will always be people who don’t connect with your work. That’s simply because it didn’t resonate with them, and not every story will touch everyone’s soul. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of genre preference. There are books that I personally can’t grasp, not because they’re poorly written, but because they’re not my cup of tea. Don’t get discouraged—it’s challenging, but it will all be worth it in the end.
Like the abstract from my book, to leap or not to leap?
There is no definitive answer to the question of whether to leap or not, just as there is no single right way to live a better life. While there are correlations and scientific insights that can guide us to some extent, even science cannot provide an exact formula for living. This exploration delves into the nuances of decision-making and the complexities of human experience, all I want to do it encourage readers to embrace uncertainty and find their paths.
About the author: Ting Ting is a talented writer with a unique story to tell. Born to first-generation refugee parents, she has always been driven to succeed in her craft despite facing obstacles along the way. Her parents worked tirelessly to give her opportunities, and now she can travel the world and live in London, where she teaches and continues to hone her writing skills. Despite her learning disability, Ting Ting pushes her boundaries to create compelling stories that captivate her readers.
Faced with a sudden break of a long-term relationship of four and a half years, a twenty-four-year-old woman must go on a journey of self-reflection to find the answer to leap. She is faced with new questions about herself, her understanding of life as she knows it and her relationship and connection with the people in her life. As she explores these questions about complexity of relationships and her newfound knowledge and answers about herself and life, is it enough to guide her to continue to fight for her relationship?
Order your copy from Amazon now: Leap
Follow the author on her official social media: www.instagram.com/tingting_writes
