Helen Wan

The Partner Track

Helen Wan is a California-born Chinese American who grew up in Virginia, a capable and eager student whose fifth-grade teacher instilled in her a love of words. After graduating from Amherst College, she earned a law degree and practiced corporate law in New York before finding her way to an entertainment firm. This led her to become in-house counsel at Time, Inc., a position she still holds.

From The Partner Track:

“I could not stop looking and looking out that window, at the deep violet hue spreading across the sky. It felt as if the day’s humiliations were draining from my body, and I was waking up fresh.”

She’d always wanted to write a novel, and had published some essays and reviews of fiction while in law school, but was limited by her lawyerly responsibilities. Finally, when her husband learned he was being transferred to Texas, Wan took a leave of absence and started writing. In the end, they didn’t have to relocate, but she was already off and running. That project became The Partner Track, published in 2013, the story of a Chinese American corporate lawyer who meets the glass ceiling head-on.

In the end, it took her twelve years to complete, and the road to securing representation led to many sleepless nights. (One agent suggested she rewrite the book but eliminate the protagonist’s ethnicity.) Wan finally availed herself of a modern alternative called Query Roulette, a hands-on forum where authors can meet agents and discuss their books face-to-face. From one such event, Wan landed both an agent and a book deal.

She lives with her husband and son in Brooklyn, and is a huge Harry Potter fan.

ALSO RECOMMENDED:

Confessions of a Minority Darling by Helen Wan (for The Daily Beast): A striking article on the complex reality that minorities face in today’s society. http://www.thedailybeast.com/witw/articles/2013/09/17/julie-chen-ethnicity-in-the-workplace-and-confessions-of-a-minority-darling.html

Slugger’s Big Apple Sangria*

Ingrid (aka “Slugger”) relaxed with a glass of Pinot Grigio after a hard day at the office.

1 bottle white wine

1 Red Delicious apple, sliced thin

1/2 bottle of champagne or sparkling wine, chilled

Pour wine into a pitcher and stir in apples. Place in the refrigerator. Let sit for 2–24 hours. Add champagne/sparkling wine, stir and serve. Serves 4–6.

*As made on BookGirlTV video interview with Helen Wan.