Look and Listen

Biography

History always seems to find its way into things that I do. I suppose when you love something, you'll find a way to incorporate it into everything else. I am also very fond of cultural studies, and I'm especially fascinated by the two main philosophical streams in Chinese culture -- Taoism and Confucianism. As a Hong Kong person who became a Canadian by choice (having moved to Canada when I was 17), much of what I do and who I am reflect my dual heritages. I'd like to think that I've transcended the two cultures, though sometimes it seems as if I'm actually marginalized in both. Ah, the fleeting nature of identity. Fiction writing is a love affair, but for the more mundane tasks of putting bread on the table and so on, I am a college professor by day. I teach applied anthropology, and I think if you read my work you'll see the relationship. I'm married, and we have two teenage boys.

Inspiration

I love Stephen King and his writing style. Not that I want to imitate him, but I do find his writing accessible and very appealing. I love Bill Bryson for his insights and tidbits of information. But I think what has inspired me most, in terms of my interests, is history. I can think of no better way to understand the human condition than to read up on what people have done (or are capable of doing).