Question from a Reading Nook  interview:

What Is Your Favorite Book?

“Well, The Monks of Malibu earned a piece of my heart because I love the characters and how the story evolved from an idea I had out of the blue on a flight to Los Angeles. … My motto is to leave nothing in the desk drawer.”

The Monks of Malibu introduces Asian American main characters and touches on the nation’s experience with attacks on people of Asian descent. I would hope any film adaptation would involve actors of Asian background who deserve leading roles.

What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book?

Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?

I think I have a plan until I encounter resistance from characters who challenge me with, “What makes you think I’d do that?” At such an impasse, I let go and think on it. Truly where the fun begins. See my blog post about characters.