Author Spotlight: Yaya
Our CEO interviewed author Yaya, author of “Vulpecula’s Love Letter: Farewell at the Galaxy.” She asked Yaya questions about her writing process and for some advice to give aspiring authors. This interview has been translated from Chinese.
How did you start writing and what are your favorite things about being an author?
I had always been a fan of writing. I loved writing journals when I was little and collecting pretty notebooks. I would always fill those notebooks and journals with every idea that popped into my head. Eventually, these pages and pages of journal writing were built into a little house within my soul; it was both exciting and fun knowing that I can create a whole world under the blue skies of my childhood. My journey as a professional began around 2000; I was fortunate enough to be acquainted with a few poets who encouraged my love for writing poems. Most of my time was spent interacting with poets back then, and soon I found my own poems being published on WenXueBao (The Literary Paper). After encouragement from my peers and mentors, I decided to persist in my writing career. Despite already being a published author, I’ve always felt that I am still far away from being considered a proper ‘author’. I am revered by the title of an author and am always on the journey to become a better writer. Despite the challenges, I am enjoying my journey in self-improvement. I wish to express my soul through my words without any burden and fly higher up like a light feather, making the world a less pressured and freer place. I suppose this is the small joy of a humble author without much of a name.
What made you want to have your novel translated into English?
I want more people throughout the world to read interesting stories. Many of these novels are like little secrets that can only be told through words; I believe that love and emotions are the true global language that connects everyone.
Your original publication company changed the name of your book when it was published. Are you excited it’s being re-released under the name you intended?
I’m very happy to be able to reuse the title “Vulpecula’s Love Letter.” This was a title that I fell in love with at first sight when I began writing. This was originally a story that’s part of a constellation-inspired series with the common theme of love. I believe that love is pure and beautiful, both bittersweet and eternal in the moment; it is the clearest and most sincere emotion in the world with a fairytale-like power of healing. In my other book, Cygnus’ Tale of Romance, I wrote about the heroine and her pet duck; in Vulpecula’s Love Letter, I wrote about the heroine and her stray cat. I will keep my next project a secret for now, but a cute little dog is also going to play an important role in the story. Aside from romantic love and love between humans, I want to show that animals and pets are also the most loyal companions with a lasting relationship with us.
Did your first publishing experience change your writing process at all?
My personal philosophy is to not force myself to write and go with the flow. If I’m feeling the inspiration, I’ll write; if I’m in the mood, I’ll express my emotions. Writing in segments focuses on the description of the scene, whereas writing a story means to outline the story. When nothing exists to motivate me or spark inspiration, then I’ll stop writing and focus on other tasks. This had been my process ever since I started writing without change. When the ideas I nourished are strong enough to create a skeleton of a story, it’s time for me to finally begin my writing process. I would often spend time on each word and phrase to make sure everything becomes the best it could be. That’s why even though my writing speed is a little slow, I enjoy this pacing because it allows me to further develop and understand the emotions and nuances behind each word and the phrasing I craft. It’s a little bit of a conceited world I create for myself, but it’s also a way for me to express my dreams and desires.
What are some pitfalls to avoid as an author?
One of the most important things is to find the best mentor for yourself. I feel that I’m still a student and can’t give any real advice, so I’ll share a little bit of my own experience instead. Writing with a goal is often a rough and difficult process, so if you can let go of a little bit of the pressure you place on yourself, it will certainly become a little bit more fun. Writing is a long journey that requires patience and perseverance--this is the one advice I would like to share with aspiring authors who share the same passion for writing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I like to go with the flow and play it by the ear, I believe everything will turn out for the best at the end of the day. Therefore, I don’t have any concrete plans for the future. My goal is to live in the present and do what I love; as for the result of my work, I’ll let time and fate decide for me.
What’s one thing you’d like to be remembered for?
If my readers can think words and stories are fun and interesting after reading my works, and perhaps think the author is a fun person as well, I would be more than satisfied. My desire for growth is to maintain a pure and playful heart as if I am still a child. I wish my works to be like a piece of sweet candy that can melt away some of the pressure and harshness of real life, leaving a simple but beautiful little drop of happiness in everyone’s lives.
A thank you to Yaya for spending some time with us. Be sure to check out Vulpecula’s Love Letter: Farewell at the Galaxy! Order information will be available soon.
