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A Writer’s Journey
A Writer's Journey is not a textbook. It is a casual sharing about creative writing, what it means to be a published writer, the challenges a writer faces in his/her writing - the ups and downs of a writer's journey.
It begins with Gina Yap Lai Yoong discovering her love of writing, the procrastination and fears that almost paralysed her pursuitto be a published writer, and how she tackled those challenges to be a bestseller novelist in Malaysia.
In this book, she tells you how she wrote her first novel, who are the best writing teachers, and her own ingenious approaches to overcoming writing challenges. Some of the issues she addressed include the paralyzing writer's block, qualifications to be a writer, writing a novel in 30 days as well as how to get your writings published.
Through A Writer's Journey, you will find out what it means and how it is to be a published writer.
It begins with Gina Yap Lai Yoong discovering her love of writing, the procrastination and fears that almost paralysed her pursuitto be a published writer, and how she tackled those challenges to be a bestseller novelist in Malaysia.
In this book, she tells you how she wrote her first novel, who are the best writing teachers, and her own ingenious approaches to overcoming writing challenges. Some of the issues she addressed include the paralyzing writer's block, qualifications to be a writer, writing a novel in 30 days as well as how to get your writings published.
Through A Writer's Journey, you will find out what it means and how it is to be a published writer.
180 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2016
5 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Gina Yap Lai Yoong
11 books97 followersGina Yap Lai Yoong is an author of five published Malay novels - Eksperimen Cinta, Ngeri, Mangsa, Serangkai Hidup, and Obsesi - all of which are available in major bookstores in Malaysia and Google Play Store. Her bestsellers - Ngeri and Mangsa - have gone through multiple re-prints since its release. Her English debut - A Writer's Journey - was published in March 2016. Her latest published book is entitled Wak Linggi. She is currently working on two other manuscripts.
Occasionally, Gina would attend book fairs and literary events to meet up with fellow writers and readers. She enjoys discussing stories with her readers. She also enjoys sharing her writing journey with aspiring writers to help inspire them to start writing. Over the past few years, Gina has journeyed with some of the aspiring writers she met, encouraging and mentoring them to write the book they have always wanted to write. Her passion for writing is contagious.
In 2012, her writing journey was featured in an art installation entitled “Trails of Light” in conjunction with the Georgetown Festival in Penang. Gina was also one of the 10 selected young Malaysian writers who were sent to London for a writing expedition in 2013.
Though she is camera-shy, Gina has been featured on various breakfast shows on national TV where she has shared her writing journey and talked about novel writing. She was also one of the panellists at the Cooler Lumpur Festival 2013, a forum discussion entitled “New Malay Literature: e Changing Face of the Malay Author”.
Gina was recently elected the President of Malaysian Writers Society (2016 - 2018).
Get connected with Gina!
Website: www.ginayaplaiyoong.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginayaplaiyoong
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginayaplaiyoong
Occasionally, Gina would attend book fairs and literary events to meet up with fellow writers and readers. She enjoys discussing stories with her readers. She also enjoys sharing her writing journey with aspiring writers to help inspire them to start writing. Over the past few years, Gina has journeyed with some of the aspiring writers she met, encouraging and mentoring them to write the book they have always wanted to write. Her passion for writing is contagious.
In 2012, her writing journey was featured in an art installation entitled “Trails of Light” in conjunction with the Georgetown Festival in Penang. Gina was also one of the 10 selected young Malaysian writers who were sent to London for a writing expedition in 2013.
Though she is camera-shy, Gina has been featured on various breakfast shows on national TV where she has shared her writing journey and talked about novel writing. She was also one of the panellists at the Cooler Lumpur Festival 2013, a forum discussion entitled “New Malay Literature: e Changing Face of the Malay Author”.
Gina was recently elected the President of Malaysian Writers Society (2016 - 2018).
Get connected with Gina!
Website: www.ginayaplaiyoong.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ginayaplaiyoong
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ginayaplaiyoong
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 16, 2016
To compare this memoir/guide to 'On Writing' by Stephen King is unjust.
This simple, no nonsense book about a published writer sharing her experience on writing. Perfect for aspiring writers and current writers to read as an inspiration tool.
As a writer myself, I particularly love the idea of having a writer's pact and tackling writing processes like doing jigsaw puzzles (i.e.: setting up smaller, achievable writing goal such as daily word goal).
Highly recommend this book for those who are curious of what a writer do, and how to start writing.
;)
This simple, no nonsense book about a published writer sharing her experience on writing. Perfect for aspiring writers and current writers to read as an inspiration tool.
As a writer myself, I particularly love the idea of having a writer's pact and tackling writing processes like doing jigsaw puzzles (i.e.: setting up smaller, achievable writing goal such as daily word goal).
Highly recommend this book for those who are curious of what a writer do, and how to start writing.
;)
December 22, 2018
The value of this book to a Malaysian or Asian writer is that Gina Yap Lai Yoong isn't some white author in a faraway white land doing this glamorous writing thing that seems abstract and unrelateable to us.
Gina loves writing, and despite being introverted and having to work harder at public appearances, she is also very determined and resourceful about both getting words down and getting them published.
Fortunately for you and me, she is generous with her knowledge and has put together this book to talk about practical things that you probably haven't thought about (ie your autograph signature should not be the same one you use in your official documents), and some very obvious things that serves as a kick in the pants (ie this book isn't gonna write itself).
A Writer's Journey is an easy-to-read and friendly little tome that will sit in the same category on my shelf as Stephen King's On Writing, because we all love a peek into the writing process and personal life of more accomplished authors.
Disclaimer: Gina is a friend, but she neither asked nor bribed me to write this review.
Gina loves writing, and despite being introverted and having to work harder at public appearances, she is also very determined and resourceful about both getting words down and getting them published.
Fortunately for you and me, she is generous with her knowledge and has put together this book to talk about practical things that you probably haven't thought about (ie your autograph signature should not be the same one you use in your official documents), and some very obvious things that serves as a kick in the pants (ie this book isn't gonna write itself).
A Writer's Journey is an easy-to-read and friendly little tome that will sit in the same category on my shelf as Stephen King's On Writing, because we all love a peek into the writing process and personal life of more accomplished authors.
Disclaimer: Gina is a friend, but she neither asked nor bribed me to write this review.
April 26, 2020
At first i find it skeptical for a malaysian to write a book about writing. Thus after struggling to concentrate for about a few pages, i call it quit and left it unread for a month. I picked it up back after done with other non fiction, heavy contain book then i thought that i need to give it a chance to brush away my skeptical. I continue to read it and boy oh boy it really hooked me in word by word. I really love the way she writes, very easy to digest and the way i imagine her is she is a humble person, really REALLY loves reading and writing and also very warm by heart. I haven’t read any of her published books so i guess i need to buy it and read. And also the book gives me an idea about the writer’s world. Really glad that i’d stumbled upon this on instagram. Kudos to the writer and good luck for the up coming projects.
April 26, 2022
It’s been 5 years since I first received this book as a gift from Gina and I’ve finally read it to completion! I tried starting it when she first gave it to me but I never got to finishing it. I suppose at the time, my focus was on surviving the first few years of my job and I hadn’t the time to spend on reading and writing. Writing was taken out of the equation when my work became more intense.
Finally, I’ve read the lovely book by Gina and I must say, it is as inspiring as the lady herself! I don’t remember how I first met Gina. Perhaps it was through the various bookish activities that I attended many years ago! Or maybe it was through the NaNoWriMo Malaysian forums. I can’t quite recall. All I know is that Gina has been a faithful and great friend by my side. She is an inspiration to me and I’ve long admired her work in many fields. Be it in writing, or story-telling via videos and plays! Her work in Songs & Stories is truly a delight, being a form of story-telling that highlights the many interesting and note-worthy people and places in Malaysia. Please check it out if you haven’t heard of it!
I’m side-tracking a little, but back to the main point - the book is a fun read. As it says on the cover, it is a partial memoir and partial self-help book. It was an interesting read, with quirky tales about how she first started writing. I enjoyed the way the book progressed as well, and the many self-tips that interspaced each chapter was not intrusive to the story, but flowed seamlessly together.
Gina also has a variety of quotes which she aptly coins the term “GinaSays”, so cute lah.
After reading this book at an apt timing, it has truly motivated me to continue my endeavours in writing. Gina is a very driven person and it shows throughout her book. I do hope I will be able to develop the same sense of urgency and determination to carry on with writing and publishing!
One of the key points in her book that I’m keeping in mind is to make writing, or any writing adjacent activities, a habit. Having a writing pact would also be conducive to one’s journey in writing. On this I absolutely agree. It can be very lonely! Gina says it best with a #GinaSays quote:
“Writing is a lonely journey but you don’t have to do it alone. Find an accountable buddy to walk with you.”
I’m still searching so far!
All in all, I can’t find anything wrong with the book which is why I’ve given it a whopping five stars! An interesting and quick read, with a lot of lovely anecdotes. I enjoyed the read even if it wasn’t a total self-help or writing book. Just take it as a fun book to have in your shelf, to open up and read every once in a while to get some motivation to continue that endless pursuit to write. Fans of Gina would definitely enjoy the read.
Thank you Gina for the book! This might be a biased review since I’m Gina’s friend and she did give me the book years ago haha! I still wouldn’t change a word of the review. So do check it out yourself.
Cheers, Nic.
Finally, I’ve read the lovely book by Gina and I must say, it is as inspiring as the lady herself! I don’t remember how I first met Gina. Perhaps it was through the various bookish activities that I attended many years ago! Or maybe it was through the NaNoWriMo Malaysian forums. I can’t quite recall. All I know is that Gina has been a faithful and great friend by my side. She is an inspiration to me and I’ve long admired her work in many fields. Be it in writing, or story-telling via videos and plays! Her work in Songs & Stories is truly a delight, being a form of story-telling that highlights the many interesting and note-worthy people and places in Malaysia. Please check it out if you haven’t heard of it!
I’m side-tracking a little, but back to the main point - the book is a fun read. As it says on the cover, it is a partial memoir and partial self-help book. It was an interesting read, with quirky tales about how she first started writing. I enjoyed the way the book progressed as well, and the many self-tips that interspaced each chapter was not intrusive to the story, but flowed seamlessly together.
Gina also has a variety of quotes which she aptly coins the term “GinaSays”, so cute lah.
After reading this book at an apt timing, it has truly motivated me to continue my endeavours in writing. Gina is a very driven person and it shows throughout her book. I do hope I will be able to develop the same sense of urgency and determination to carry on with writing and publishing!
One of the key points in her book that I’m keeping in mind is to make writing, or any writing adjacent activities, a habit. Having a writing pact would also be conducive to one’s journey in writing. On this I absolutely agree. It can be very lonely! Gina says it best with a #GinaSays quote:
“Writing is a lonely journey but you don’t have to do it alone. Find an accountable buddy to walk with you.”
I’m still searching so far!
All in all, I can’t find anything wrong with the book which is why I’ve given it a whopping five stars! An interesting and quick read, with a lot of lovely anecdotes. I enjoyed the read even if it wasn’t a total self-help or writing book. Just take it as a fun book to have in your shelf, to open up and read every once in a while to get some motivation to continue that endless pursuit to write. Fans of Gina would definitely enjoy the read.
Thank you Gina for the book! This might be a biased review since I’m Gina’s friend and she did give me the book years ago haha! I still wouldn’t change a word of the review. So do check it out yourself.
Cheers, Nic.
April 10, 2017
Honestly, I've never read any of Gina's novels yet, but I've seen them a lotーin bookstores, bookfairs.
Reading this piece at this very moment is just perfect. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I seem to have very little motivation into writing lately. So I'd say, this comes at a very perfect time!
Some of the writing tips shared in this book might have been commonly heard or already practiced by some writers. But it's good to be reminded sometimes. Everyone needs a little motivation from time to time, no?
This book answered many questions that had been running in my head for some times, like:
'Am I qualified to be a writer, or do I have to take some writing courses to be one?'
'Should I write that will sell (according to publishers) or to stick to writing what I enjoy?'
and
'How to stay motivated to write and getting published?'
Gina's words are so honest and personal, that I felt like she was talking to me throughout the whole reading.
I enjoyed this 180 pages of Gina's partial memoir. It's motivating and inspiring!
Reading this piece at this very moment is just perfect. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I seem to have very little motivation into writing lately. So I'd say, this comes at a very perfect time!
Some of the writing tips shared in this book might have been commonly heard or already practiced by some writers. But it's good to be reminded sometimes. Everyone needs a little motivation from time to time, no?
This book answered many questions that had been running in my head for some times, like:
'Am I qualified to be a writer, or do I have to take some writing courses to be one?'
'Should I write that will sell (according to publishers) or to stick to writing what I enjoy?'
and
'How to stay motivated to write and getting published?'
Gina's words are so honest and personal, that I felt like she was talking to me throughout the whole reading.
I enjoyed this 180 pages of Gina's partial memoir. It's motivating and inspiring!
June 19, 2022
Tiga sahaja perkara menarik yang ingin saya kongsi tentang buku ini:
1- Gina Yap Lai Loong ialah seorang penulis berbangsa Cina yang telah berjaya menghasilkan lima buah novel dalam bahasa Melayu, dua buah daripadanya sudah beberapa kali diulang cetak.
2- Perkongsian peribadi Gina tentang pengalaman menulisnya sangat seronok dibaca dan boleh dikaitkan dengan apa sahaja penulisan termasuk menulis tesis.
3- Setiap tahun pada bulan November, ada cabaran menulis novel dalam masa 30 hari yang boleh disertai oleh sesiapa sahaja secara percuma dari seluruh pelosok dunia. Biasa dengar cabaran membaca kan? Haaa ni cabaran menulis. Boleh cari NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) di www.nanowrimo.org.
1- Gina Yap Lai Loong ialah seorang penulis berbangsa Cina yang telah berjaya menghasilkan lima buah novel dalam bahasa Melayu, dua buah daripadanya sudah beberapa kali diulang cetak.
2- Perkongsian peribadi Gina tentang pengalaman menulisnya sangat seronok dibaca dan boleh dikaitkan dengan apa sahaja penulisan termasuk menulis tesis.
3- Setiap tahun pada bulan November, ada cabaran menulis novel dalam masa 30 hari yang boleh disertai oleh sesiapa sahaja secara percuma dari seluruh pelosok dunia. Biasa dengar cabaran membaca kan? Haaa ni cabaran menulis. Boleh cari NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) di www.nanowrimo.org.
May 18, 2017
I liked this book! Thank you for sharing your insights and the motivation that the job of a writer is to just write, and to aim for completion. Perfection comes with practice. Thanks for the idea on Writing Retreat - I did it last year but I guess I totally forgot about it now as I'm wondering why am I out of words.
Re Writer's Block: Yes it's true I can find inspiration in everything and I guess it is up to me how I want to see things. Maybe I need a break.
Re Signature: My gosh, you mentioned 'hijack' and it totally didn't cross my mind! I had been signing the same kind of signature on everything since I was 7. I guess I need a writer's signature now. Thanks for opening up my mind, Gina. Hope to read your works when I can later.
Re Writer's Block: Yes it's true I can find inspiration in everything and I guess it is up to me how I want to see things. Maybe I need a break.
Re Signature: My gosh, you mentioned 'hijack' and it totally didn't cross my mind! I had been signing the same kind of signature on everything since I was 7. I guess I need a writer's signature now. Thanks for opening up my mind, Gina. Hope to read your works when I can later.
June 14, 2016
I felt this book was a personal journey of a writer. I love reading what Gina, the author of this book went through in her journey as a writer, her struggles and her love for books, and how books are her teachers and her journey through life. This is a good book if you want to start to write and throw procrastination aside as I know how much I procrastinate to write. So this book is a good start for getting some needed motivation for beginner writers to write. I'm sure published writers can learn a good deal about Gina's journey in writing her novels too.
I love this book because Gina tells us her personal journey in writing that is easily relatable to everyone, regardless of whether they have or have not published a book. Definitely a good book for writers everywhere, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start writing.
I love this book because Gina tells us her personal journey in writing that is easily relatable to everyone, regardless of whether they have or have not published a book. Definitely a good book for writers everywhere, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start writing.
December 30, 2022
Sebuah buku tentang pengalaman memulakan penulisan, menulis, mencari penerbit dan melayan pembaca. Satu pengalaman yang bermakna dan seronok untuk dibaca. Walaupun sebenarnya ia tidak membantu sangat dari segi bagaimana mahu menulis atau mencari cerita, ia sangat membantu untuk mencari inspirasi. Dan semangat untuk mula menulis dan terus menulis dan terus menulis.
July 24, 2016
The book gives me some insights on writing. I must write instead of thinking to write as Gina said.
June 26, 2016
Great little book by the talented Gina Yap Lai Yoong. Lots of little gems of wisdom and particularly useful for those just starting on their writing journey. I really enjoyed this book.
December 2, 2025
A Writer's Journey
by Gina Yap Lai Yoong
from ITBM (Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia)
To be frank, I don't even know why I pick this book up for my reading but how I'm glad I did. True, I may or may not have been writing for a while back in my uni days. And true also, I met my friend just a few days ago during Silent Book Club JB monthly reading session who just published a book. Aspiring writer? Me? Maybe?
Ever since #Ngeri , Gina is one of my fav author from Fixi @bukufixi and I truly loves how she wrote her novel. The suspense, the thrill, really takes me back. Then and even now.
A Writer's Journey, for me, is a one-to-one session between me and Gina herself, except, she's the one talking and I'm solely listening. This book really makes me feel personal. Like Gina said, she likes to befriend her reader, I am now her friend.
But above all, to those who aspiring to be a writer, read this. It will tell you not just how, but what will happened when you get published. Especially in a Malaysia bookscene.
And as #GinaSays
"Writing and thinking of writing are two different things altogether; one requires more willpower than the other."
by Gina Yap Lai Yoong
from ITBM (Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia)
To be frank, I don't even know why I pick this book up for my reading but how I'm glad I did. True, I may or may not have been writing for a while back in my uni days. And true also, I met my friend just a few days ago during Silent Book Club JB monthly reading session who just published a book. Aspiring writer? Me? Maybe?
Ever since #Ngeri , Gina is one of my fav author from Fixi @bukufixi and I truly loves how she wrote her novel. The suspense, the thrill, really takes me back. Then and even now.
A Writer's Journey, for me, is a one-to-one session between me and Gina herself, except, she's the one talking and I'm solely listening. This book really makes me feel personal. Like Gina said, she likes to befriend her reader, I am now her friend.
But above all, to those who aspiring to be a writer, read this. It will tell you not just how, but what will happened when you get published. Especially in a Malaysia bookscene.
And as #GinaSays
"Writing and thinking of writing are two different things altogether; one requires more willpower than the other."
Read
May 17, 2016Done reading it once after it got published. My usual custom with any new books I've written.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews