Ask the Author: Joyce Chua
Answered Questions (8)
Joyce Chua
Yes, it's Central Asian-coded. The tribes hail from a desert inspired by the Taklamakan Desert, and have Mongolian-inspired customs and names. You might recognise a common Mongolian name Bataar in the books too.
Joyce Chua
A Korean historical time-travel drama called Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (aka Moon Lovers) + a non-fiction book title The Stone of Heaven (which details the journey of jade and the evolution of its value in society since the time of Emperor Qianlong) + YA Arabian-inspired fantasy called Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton = Land of Sand and Song! There are a lot more influences that shaped the book into its final state, but the abovementioned are the main ones.
The first image I had was of a girl running through the desert in the dark. Next was a power-hungry emperor obsessed with finding a magical spring. I found myself curious about the girl's journey and how the emperor's agenda would impact her life, how their paths would cross, what kind of father the emperor is, what the girl would do to save herself, etc. Answering question after question was how I pounded out the plot for Land of Sand and Song :)
The first image I had was of a girl running through the desert in the dark. Next was a power-hungry emperor obsessed with finding a magical spring. I found myself curious about the girl's journey and how the emperor's agenda would impact her life, how their paths would cross, what kind of father the emperor is, what the girl would do to save herself, etc. Answering question after question was how I pounded out the plot for Land of Sand and Song :)
Joyce Chua
Why I can never find the right words to say in person and am only able to write a four-page letter to them two hours later.
Joyce Chua
Butt in chair, eyes on the page (or screen). It's not so much about waiting for inspiration to strike than it is to go after it with a sledgehammer. The words will come the more you write; the story will find itself the deeper you delve into it. Making it a habit will ensure that inspiration comes when you call for it.
Joyce Chua
You get to create many different characters and live in their heads, live out their lives. It's both messy and glorious and makes you feel alive and human. Plus, the ecstasy of having completed a short story or a novel is incomparable to anything else in the world!
Joyce Chua
Keep reading. And keep writing. Don't be in a hurry to publish. Find your voice first. You'll only find your voice the more you read and the more you write. Experiment. Read different genres - pick up something you usually wouldn't. Explore different writing styles. Play with voice. Keep trying.
Joyce Chua
I'm currently working on a young adult contemporary novel inspired by Peter Pan, where a girl on a search for her estranged father meets the boy who triggers her half-forgotten memories of her make-believe adventures in Neverland and the death of her schizophrenic mother. Fun.
Joyce Chua
I've found that rereading your favourite books, or rewatching your favourite movies or TV shows helps to get you back into the groove. Also, constantly seeking out new narratives - be it in books or films or even music and music videos - can get the creative juices flowing!
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