Questions for the Author
YING CHANG COMPESTINE
What did you want to be when you grew up?
At first an ice cream saleslady, and then a teacher.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
After I lost both of my parents to cancer, I realized how much I missed them and China. I found that writing keeps me close to them.
What’s your first childhood memory?
My first taste of imported chocolate, when I was five.
What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?
When talking to a boy I had a crush on, I noticed that my toes stuck out of holes in my worn-out shoes.
What’s your favorite childhood memory?
Learning English from my father.
As a young person, who did you look up to most?
Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind. I admired her strength and perseverance.
What was your worst subject in school?
The Revolutionary History of Communist China.
What was your best subject in school?
Literature and writing.
What was your first job?
Working as an interpreter for the Seismological Bureau of the Chinese Government.
How did you celebrate publishing your first book?
I cooked a nice meal and invited friends over for a dinner party.
Where do you write your books?
At home on my computer, by a window overlooking my beautiful garden.
Where do you find inspiration for your writing?
Reading and traveling, cooking and eating.
Which of your characters is most like you?
Ling in Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party, and Yun in “Tea Eggs” from A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts.
When you finish a book, who reads it first?
My family and two of my best friends.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night person for sure!
What’s your idea of the best meal ever?
One I cook for myself after a long trip.
Which do you like better: cats or dogs?
Cats, maybe. Pets were not allowed when I was growing up and I am a little afraid of dogs.
What do you value most in your friends?
Honesty, humor, and a positive attitude.
Where do you go for peace and quiet?
Walking on the trail near my home.
What makes you laugh out loud?
My son’s jokes.
What’s your favorite song?
“Red River Valley.”
Who is your favorite fictional character?
Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.
What are you most afraid of?
Getting up early.
What time of year do you like best?
Spring.
What’s your favorite TV show?
Kitchen Nightmares.
If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you want for company?
My family and my close friends.
If you could travel in time, where would you go?
To ancient Egypt. I would be an Egyptian queen like Cleopatra, but with a happy ending.
What’s the best advice you have ever received about writing?
Make every word count. Treat each one as if it was a precious pearl. Don’t write a single note, but a symphony.
What do you want readers to remember about your books?
The memorable characters, engaging plot, and surprise ending.
What would you do if you ever stopped writing?
Play badminton at my club every day.
What do you like best about yourself?
How I raised my son.
What is your worst habit?
Checking my e-mail too often.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Writing and publishing Revolution. It took me over six years to complete.
Where in the world do you feel most at home?
Wuhan, China.
What do you wish you could do better?
Driving. I am working on overcoming my fear of driving on highways.
What would your readers be most surprised to learn about you?
I have traveled all over the world, including the Antarctic.
Some weeks I spend over sixteen hours playing badminton at my club with people twenty years younger than me and still manage to beat them.