I
Ate Tiong Bahru
Artist/writer Stephen
Black has lived in Asia most of his adult life, pursuing a career that
encompasses art, photography, video, VR, IT and writing. A graduate of the
Rochester Institute of Technology, he has worked for major media companies like
CNN, Fuji TV, Fox and France 2; as well as with a great variety of artists,
dancers and musicians: some very well known, some not. He has written seven
books. www.blacksteps.tv
1. What really inspired you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book? I live on the island of Singapore, a city-state nation that is a dynamic intersection of Southeast Asian cultures and globalism. Tiong Bahru is one of the few areas in Singapore which is conserved. Built and designed by the British, the estate is a collection of white Art Deco buildings and a food center which is known for its wet market and its great variety of cooked foods.The population of the estate is a mix of long-established locals (mainly Chinese), wealthy expats and local hipsters.
During the three years
that I lived there, I realized that I was living in an outstanding example of
globalism. I felt compelled to document this, as well as to create a portrait
of a time and place that was being lost.
2. What is it about and whom do you believe us your targeted reader?
I Ate Tiong Bahru is a
collection of short stories about Tiong Bahru, its residents, its food and its
ceremonies.A reader will gain insights into Singapore, Southeast Asia and the
interconnectedness of the world. IATB is for anyone who enjoys
distinctive writing. Art Review Asia magazine wrote, " Black's love letter
is one of the best introductions to a country and a state that you might
read..."
3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? What should remain with them long after putting it down? I have been inspired by Cannery Row, by John Steinbeck.That book is poetic, factual, historical, universal and intimate. I feel that I know the characters in Steinbeck's book and have lived amongst them. I am far from being a Steinbeck, but I do hope that readers of iatb feel that they have gained insights into the lives, history and culture of Tiong Bahru and Southeast Asia.
4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers?
Don't stop, unless you
stop to read.
5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?The boundaries between self-publishing and traditional publishing will continue to be blurred."Hybrid" is an adjective we will be seeing more of in the book world. Small independent presses are given more opportunities to succeed and "fail better".Technology and social media will continue to lower the barriers to becoming a "bestselling author".
6. What great challenges did you have in writing your book?
I faced the same
challenges many writers face: financial, technical, aesthetic. Examples: Write
in first person or third? How to write in such a way that Singaporeans do not
become bored by the exposition necessary required to explain things to
non-Singaporeans? Do I really think this cross-genre "lyrical documentary"
idea is the way to go? What is the proper response if a friend says you
look "emaciated"?
7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours?
As an artist, I am
interested in creating a "unique reading experience". Because of my
background in network television, I know when to embrace-- and when to run
from, Hollywood's three act storytelling style. As a documentarian, I know the
importance, beauty and power of "simple facts". Photography has
taught me about the relationships between lighting, location and the decisive
moment. As for the experience of being human, all I can do is put down on paper
my questions, surprises, disappointments and delights.The result of all of this
is, I hope, a collection of short stories that can be enjoyed and appreciated
on many levels; perhaps even treasured.
Please Click On The Best Out Of 2,100 Posts
11 best author, literary agent,
media interviews of the year – with an opportunity for you to be interviewed
2016 Book Marketing & Book Publicity Toolkit
2015 Book Marketing & PR Toolkit
2014 Book Marketing & PR Toolkit
Book Marketing & Book PR Toolkit: 2013
Brian Feinblum’s views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this blog
are his alone and not that of his employer. You can follow him on Twitter
@theprexpert and email him at brianfeinblum@gmail.com. He feels more
important when discussed in the third-person. This is copyrighted by
BookMarketingBuzzBlog 2016 ©.
Named one of the best book marketing blogs by Book Baby
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.