Rita Chang-Eppig on writing "Fan-freaking-tastic historical fiction"

For most of the time I’ve known most of you, I’ve been working on a historical novel. And as some of you know, the goal that I set myself was to make it fan-freaking-tastic, as expressed by my Dear Stevo wish that it be Booker-worthy. So, a volume emblazoned across its top with FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC HISTORICAL FICTION — USA TODAY would stand a good chance of getting my attention, you’d think, especially if it also sports cover art that flags the history in question as Chinese. But this is not the way that DEEP AS THE SKY, RED AS THE SEA, Rita Chang-Eppig’s much-praised (in fact, three pages of front matter) debut novel came to my attention.

No, that story was a family affair, both found and biological. It started when one of my writing family, Jen Hu, solicited support for a fundraiser put on by fellow writing community, The Ruby SF. My sister, Natasha Yim, also an author, decided to do her bit by bidding in the silent auction, and came away with a critique from Rita Chang-Eppig whose novel, drumroll please, was on the same subject as one of Natasha’s novels in progress, albeit written for a different audience.

I love historical fiction, Chinese history, supporting Asian writers, supporting female writers, AND freakasoidal coincidences, so I asked Natasha to introduce me to Rita. And that is why Rita is coming to speak to all of us about her book, her journey, and her craft. If you’d like to take part in the conversation on Thursday August 28th, register here to save your seat!

If you missed last month’s interview, it wasn’t an interview but an interactive writers’ block-busting workshop from Lisa Manterfield about Wooing the Muse, full of reassurance, inspiration, practical tips and on-the-spot exercises.

I personally got a lot out of it, including the genesis of a scene for my next novel. I’m sure the recording will also get ideas coming in hard and fast for you. You can watch it here. Or, if you want to really get things going, Lisa is offering a four-meeting generative, end-of-summer workshop so you can snuggle down and be itching to write by Fall.

And, you know that I’m always proud to post any good news you have about book launches, promotions, workshops, retreats, what have you. Jesse Chen is a community member who has more books in the works than most! So, his odds were always good for turning up in this column. But this month we’re here to welcome to the family, little Miss Alice Chen. YES I’M GOING TO SAY IT: Jesse’s best creation yet. Congratulations, Jesse and family!

Finally, here’s a little something that might come in useful for a few of you: a good source for professional headshots. Mine, since I started Goosebottom Books, have always been entrusted to In Her Image Photography. They do a great job (they hang in the National Portrait Gallery, Australia, for winning the International Portrait Photographer of the Year 2024), they are people I like to chat to, and they make me relax in front of the lens—there should be an award given just for that. For the quality, they are reasonable, and they are now even more so with short half-hour “Headshot” sessions that you can schedule online. Check them out!

We got all this done within a half hour last time, but now that I’ve cut my hair I’m about to do it again. So watch this space…

All Shirin’s images ©InHerImage.com

Until then, happy writing!

Shirin