[Spotlight] Chew Ngee Tan, author of Sweet Braised Duck

I have been so lucky to be given the chance to pick this book up, as aside from the lovely aesthetic, the story turns out to be engaging for me. You can read my full review here:

Sholee's Sphere: [MPOV] Sweet Braised Duck (sholeesphere.blogspot.com)

I am also excited that the author, Chew Ngee Tan, has taken the time to answer my questions! Here's a brief introduction:

Chew Ngee Tan was born and raised in Singapore with a love for reading and writing. She graduated from the National University of Singapore, majoring in Sociology. She completed a Master's degree in Liberal Studies at Rice University in Texas, USA, after working as an English Language and Social Studies educator in Singapore for a few years. Always intrigued by her own and others' experiences, historical events, and nature, she is now a writer who creates stories to capture the beauty of being human and the interconnectedness of life. Sweet Braised Duck is her first novel.

Dear Madam Tan, (PS: apologies if I sound too old school formal LOL)

Congratulations on the birth of your first novel, Sweet Braised Duck! I am thankful for this opportunity to immerse in Kuang's journey, learning more about Teochew heritage + dialect and enjoy the novel until the end.

1. For the benefit of the new readers, please sum up Sweet Braised Duck as best you could.

Sweet Braised Duck blends a coming-of-age story with the history of Singapore hawker food. Kuang was five years old when he arrived in Singapore with his mother from China in 1957. He was excited, but at the same time, apprehensive about the reunion with his grandparents who were in Singapore. Kuang suffered abuses in the new land because his grandfather detested him. When he became the big brother to seven siblings, responsibilities further weighed on him. He chose to give up his education so that his siblings could go to school. Yearning to earn for the family, Kuang became a fish porridge stall assistant. But working as a hawker assistant was not easy. It required a lot of endurance. He met people who disappointed him along the way but he also encountered people who believed in him. His faith in himself and those who loved him brought him closer to his dream of selling amazing food. A passion for Teochew braised duck ultimately led to his victory.

Sweet Braised Duck is a story about love, dreams, and resilience. This story tells of the struggles people in Singapore had in the past and their unwavering spirit to overcome them.

2. I understand that your family, especially your father, inspires you to write this novel so how much of Kuang was taken from your father's childhood?

I would say 40% of the events in this novel are true. As it is a fiction, most of the emotions and thoughts in the book come from me. The stories my father told made me feel and think deeply. Kuang combines my father's past with my research and imagination, as well as all my emotions as I went through his life with him in my mind.

3. It's nice that your mom encourages you to read! So aside from Roald Dahl, who is your favourite author and why?

Roald Dahl is my childhood favourite. I also like Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women a lot.
I don’t really have a favourite author. I read books of all kinds, but my favourites are historical fiction and Asian modern literature that shed light on complex social issues.
I enjoy works of modern writers like Sayaka Murata, Hiro Arikawa, Lee Min Jin, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, Ocean Vuong, Lisa See, Mieko Kawakami, Han Kang, Tan Twan Eng, Suchen Christine Lim, Keigo Higashino, Claire Keegan, Kristin Harmel, and Laura Imai Messina.
I also adore works by Leo Tolstoy, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Fyodor Dostoevsky.

4. What do you do in your free time, aside from writing or reading?

I walk a lot. I walk for forty-five minutes every day. While I am walking, I listen to music.
Sometimes I watch dramas and films, especially when I get a little tired from writing.
I also enjoy meeting people, talking with them, and understanding their circumstances, as well as exploring nature with my children.

5. Is there a new novel in the pipeline? Would you be inclined to stick to this genre or explore other genres?

I am writing a sequel to Sweet Braised Duck, choosing another protagonist, and writing with a different voice.
I enjoy writing realistic fiction. I like to find out what people are doing in their everyday life and imagine how their challenges can make them victors.

PS: I can't wait!!!

6. Can Sweet Braised Duck be considered as a biography of your parent's legacy?

I would say yes and no.

In a nutshell, yes, as this novel contains real events of my parents’ lives and it captures how my father struggled to become a successful braised duck rice seller. He is so good at making braised duck and so contented with his culinary art that I thought I ought to document this whole process of him growing up in Singapore and how he eventually succeeded in selling braised duck rice. When I read this book, I feel my parents’ spirit high and alive.

But at the same time, I would say no as it isn’t a biography. The beauty about writing fiction is, it allows me to have a lot of space to imagine all the what ifs and what mights. While writing, I need to open this chest of memories, and discover what I have hidden inside, things I didn't even realize were there. This book also documents a process of my own self-discovery. Events in my father’s life help me to discover myself.

PS: I guess it's like a tribute ;-)

7. What do you look for or aim for in the future of your writing career?

To be honest, I only have two aims. The first one is for me to become a more compassionate person through learning about others’ lives and writing about them. When I discover more about others, my own heart expands. I don’t want to just live my life.

The second one is to expand others’ understanding of situations and their own experiences through my works. I hope my writings can be a form of companionship for my readers.

8. Whose footsteps do you follow, your mom's or dad's? Also, do any of your children follow in your footsteps?

I think I follow both of their footsteps. My father loves growing bonsai and making good food. By immersing himself in art, he learns a lot from the creative processes. He always shares his learnings with us. So, I think he helps to nurture this creative part of me. My mother is an amazing woman. She has shown me what it takes to be a good mother – resilience, a sense of responsibility, love, and faith. She inspires me to be one too.

I have two sons and both are still young. I read to them very often so they also love books. They sometimes come up with their own stories and share them with me at bedtime. My older son is crazy about animals. He thinks he is a cheetah, and not a human. I can tell that his imagination is very wild. My younger son is a mature two-year-old who understands his own and others’ emotions pretty well. I hope he continues to discover more about his own feelings and thoughts as he grows.

9. With your experience, would you consider conducting a writing class or 2 for aspiring writers in the near future?

I would love to share my writing journey with others. If I could develop my own unique method of doing creative writing, I would conduct classes. I am still exploring.

10. Lastly, how would you encourage aspiring writers to continue their writing journey? Is there any fool proof method to get inspired and to write? Any foolhardy tips or mantra to stay motivated?

Build writing and reading into your everyday routine. Fix the same time to write every single day and remind yourself to be disciplined enough to stick to it. Write even when you have no faith in yourself. Just continue to write. You can always edit your work. In an event when you can’t do it, remember you can always go back to it. You will eventually create a piece of art that will amaze yourself.

But don’t write when you are overwhelmed by your own emotions. Write when you feel curious to go through life with your characters. So, this means, you’ve got to find ways to help yourself stay curious and ready to learn.

Thank you so much for time in answering my questions, Chew Ngee! I can't wait for the release of your next novel! 免客气

[Spotlight] Ivy Ngeow, author of The American Boyfriend

I have been so fortunate to be given the chance to read this awesome new novel, The American Boyfriend by Ivy Ngeow, an award-winning Malaysian author based in UK. This novel will be release to the world on 25th July 2023. You can read my full review here:
Sholee's Sphere: [MPOV] The American Boyfriend (sholeesphere.blogspot.com)

I am also excited that she has spent some time answering my questions!!! I am so thankful for it and appreciate her honest reply that I did not deduce or shorten her reply. So, here's the full gist of it but first an intro to the lovely author:

Ivy Ngeow (from Goodreads)

Ivy Ngeow was born and raised in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. She holds an MA in Writing from Middlesex University, where she won the 2005 Middlesex University Literary Prize. She is a novelist and short story writer. Her debut, Cry of the Flying Rhino (2017), was awarded the International Proverse Prize in Hong Kong. Her novels include Heart of Glass (2018), Overboard (2020) and White Crane Strikes (2022). She is the commissioning editor of the Asian Anthology New Writing series. Her fifth novel, The American Boyfriend, is a psychological thriller longlisted for the Avons x Mushens Entertainment Prize for Commercial Fiction 2022 and is coming out on Penguin books in July 2023. She lives in London.

Dear Ivy,

Congratulations on the birth of your new novel, The American Boyfriend, which is Penguin's Fiction of the Year! I am happy to know that it has been longlisted for the Avon x Mushens Entertainment Prize for Commercial Fiction Writers of Colour 2022! *fingers crossed* So glad that another Malaysian author is making headlines in this bookish world :-)

The American Boyfriend was such an enthralling read that I have enjoyed the story and I empathize with Phoebe's ordeal. This novel is so relevant, so relatable especially being Asian Chinese and all...

1. For the benefit of the new readers, please sum up The American Boyfriend as best you could.

The American Boyfriend is an Asian domestic psychological thriller about a London single mum who crosses the ocean to meet her online lover in Key West but gets trapped in a messy crime scene.

2. Who or what inspires you to write this novel? I mean where do you usually get your creative juices from?

(please feel free to cut short this section as I didn't know the brief, or how long the answers should be)

My first inspiration was purely visual. When I went to Key West Florida as a young person and had to urgently find a drugstore (chemist, pharmacy) off the beaten track i.e. somewhere remote and isolated, to buy sanitary pads. Next to the tampons and souvenir baby alligator paw keyrings were guns. The opening image of all 3 were seared into my memory. I started to wonder what would make someone walk into a chemist and buy a gun. You can buy dental floss, sandwiches and guns all at the same time. It was so easy. That was the seed of the idea for The American Boyfriend. The concepts of unfamiliarity, alienation and danger came to me at once.

Secondly, I found the recent popularity of online dating a powerful theme that I wanted to raise, because of the sense of vulnerability and risk that comes with meeting a lover-stranger in a foreign place.

Thirdly, the strong Asian female protagonist is my inspiration. She is more relevant than ever. There are 3 billion people in Asia. I read numerous thrillers but they are not diverse. I wanted to write a book that I wanted to read myself. The single mother character takes risks and makes difficult decisions every day, whether or not she is navigating a dangerous situation. She is also a role model for readers. She is financially independent and she travels. She is a modern woman. There is a resilience to this kind of character as she challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes that have been prevalent in literature and media for centuries.

Fourth, my book is inspired by the psychological thriller tropes my readers and I are familiar with. A tropical storm over a creepy beautiful house in an isolated coastal setting is conducive for the atmospheric and cinematic unfolding of the layers of deception, twists, past secrets and increasing claustrophia which intensifies with the tension and suspense such as in the classic romantic suspense, Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Lastly, the historical and literary nature of Key West was an inspiration. Hemingway wrote many of his books here.

3. Does the name 'Phoebe' carry a significant value for you? Or just a coincidence? I noticed it's been used in another novel of yours, Overboard.

She is the same character from Overboard.

4. So what do you do in your free time, aside from writing or reading?

As a mum, I don't have much free time. Playing with and walking my dog is a source of pleasure for me, as is drawing/sketching characters on my iPad, sewing/tailoring and improvising on the piano rather than "playing". I have started doing commercial digital art and producing my own artwork and design.

5. As you are based in London, do you miss being home in Malaysia? Anything in particular? Will you return to Malaysia soon? Maybe for book signing of this awesome novel in KL :-)

Like all Malaysians, I miss the food, the people and the swimming pools. I will be in KL and Singapore for a book signing and a meeting with my audience, so please keep your eye out by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or signing up to my mailing list to not miss out on my news.

PS: Hopefully I can make it *fingers crossed*

6. With your vast experience, would you consider conducting a writing class or 2 for aspiring Malaysian writers in the near future?

I would not be able to teach while I am writing because it's very intensive and drains the brain. However, when I am not on a writing project, I have taught creative writing workshops at my alma mater, Middlesex Uni and at creative hubspot, Substation in Singapore.

7. I am curious if there is a new novel in the pipeline? Would you be inclined to stick to this genre or explore other genres?

I am about 40% into the first draft of my next novel (my sixth) and it's in the same genre of Asian domestic psychological thriller about a broke prodigal daughter who finally returns to her rich elderly father for help, but finds that her role has been usurped by an attractive housekeeper who dominates her father. As someone who already runs a design firm, I see writing as a profession and business, i.e. a professional business with a product to sell. The scattergun approach does not work for long-term writing as a profession because it takes years, in my case more than a decade, and a supreme amount of dedication and effort beyond belief to craft the skill, develop an original voice, write top-quality stuff in the genre, find a publisher looking just for that genre, grow an audience and build trust with that audience. If each novel is a new genre, the author (and the publisher) start with an audience of zero each time. This is counter-productive and no profession or business works that way. All risks have to be calculated and all businesses and services service a niche or a demand.

8. Who is your favourite author and why?

I don't have one but if I had to simply pick, I would pick Daphne du Maurier. She is the high priestess of the psychological thriller genre.

PS: I concur!

9. Whose footsteps do you follow, your mom's or dad's?

Neither. My dad is a retired doctor and my mum a schoolteacher. Once again, please feel free to cut out anything you wish:

My father is a big reader so I learned from copying his habit. He was always reading something. My house was not like other people’s. It is and was completely cluttered with books and papers on every shelf and surface. There were always lots of stuff to read, things to discuss. There were old books and new, on floor-to-ceiling bookcases. It was my world. My grandmother was sometimes with us. She was also a remarkable storyteller. I started writing and illustrating when I was about 8 years old to entertain my 2 toddler brothers. We’d finished reading all the books in the house and did not have access to a library and I simply wanted to “make up” more stories. At that time I didn’t know it was called fiction. When I was 9 my mother got my brothers and I membership cards at the city’s Sultan Ismail Library and I was changed.

My mother had been very instrumental in shaping my creative life. My mother also brought me stacks of books back from her school library. She taught maths in a local secondary school, Sekolah Engku Tun Aminah (SETA). Although she worked full-time, she provided all my reading material and typed my short stories up for me to submit. I wrote by hand and dictated them to my mother. I enjoyed watching films or TV with her and discussing characters.

When I was 16, I was “highly commended” for a short story I wrote (and that my mother typed on our green Olivetti) for my first national level writing competition (The New Straits Times Short Story Writing Competition). The prize was a trip to KL for a weekend writing workshop. That was my first impression of the “writing buzz”. My mother was very supportive and bought me my return train ticket to KL. If she knew of any creative writing talks, workshops, competitions, she would always cut them out and save them for me, encouraging me to participate.

10. Lastly, how would you encourage aspiring writers to continue their writing journey? Is there any fool proof method to get inspired and to write? Any foolhardy tips or mantra to stay motivated?

Start each day with gratitude. If you can’t think of what you are grateful for, then begin by writing down five good things that happened to you every day. Negative thoughts achieve nothing and you’ll achieve nothing. Read, read, read. You have to do this every day too. Reading is brain food. You cannot write if you don't feed the brain.

Thank you for your time in answering my questions. I do hope to read more of your books in the near future :-)

I'm still feeling the butterflies in me upon reading her replies! If you would like to know more about Ivy Ngeow and her writing journey, you can follow her blog here:

WRITE NGEOW – Author Ivy Ngeow

[Spotlight] Nadia Ayesha, debut author of Showers of Luck.

Earlier on, I had the chance to read this awesome novel, Showers of Luck, by a debut author, Nadia Ayesha. You can read my full review here: 

Sholee's Sphere: [MPOV] Showers of Luck (sholeesphere.blogspot.com)

I am also thrilled that she has spent some time answering my questions! So, here's a spotlight on the lovely author.

Nadia Ayesha (From Goodreads)

Nadia Ayesha is a MA Creative Writing student at LASALLE College of the Arts. She currently teaches English composition at an enrichment centre.

From her years of working in the non-profit sector, she learnt the value and meaning in every individual's life story and was inspired to return to writing, her first love as a child. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, dabbling in art and watching football.

Hi Nadia,

Congratulations on the birth of your first novel! It was such an engaging read that I truly enjoyed both Lily and Khalid's journey! This novel sure feels like a cross between Tash Aw and Tan Twan Eng in my opinion!

1. For the benefit of the new readers, please sum up Showers of Luck as best you could. 

Showers of Luck is a young adult historical romance novel that follows the life of two characters, Lily and Khalid, in pre-war colonial Singapore. 

2. When I started reading it, I was surprised with the many usage of well-known Malay references that I can relate to the story more. May I dare ask; would you worry if it is too localized that some readers might not be able to relate to it? I have seen such reviews from readers from America or UK having such difficulty understanding it.

I wasn’t too concerned about foreign readers not being able to relate because of the Malay language used. Whenever I used Malay, I would provide the English translation further down the page. I believed the reader would be able to connect the dots on his or her own.

3. I understand this novel was inspired by a true story of your grandparents. How did they inspire you and how close was this story to the actual love story? 

I was very close to my maternal grandparents. My late grandfather lived a very long life and he was full of the best stories that he was happy to share with me. I would post photos of him accompanied with quotes or a short write-up on Facebook. Sometimes, these posts would be about both him and my late grandmother. One day in 2017, my cousin replied to one of my posts and suggested that I write a family memoir. However, I didn’t have enough factual information from my grandfather so I decided, at one point, that it had to be fiction. I’d compare the story to a house. The basic building structure is the actual love story. The rest, I added over time like decorations to the house, so it would be a work of fiction. 

4. So you enjoy watching football, any particular team you favour or support?

I’ve been supporting Liverpool Football Club since I was fourteen. Not going to comment on this season. Just reminding myself to be grateful that this team has won both the Premier League and Champions League.

PS: FYI, a Man Utd fan here and I am devastated with the recent score between Liverpool and MU (7-0)!!! 

5. I am curious if there is a new novel in the pipeline? Would you be inclined to stick to historical Asian lit or explore other genres?

I’m currently working on an adult mystery novel. The story idea came to me then I figured out what genre it would fit into. So I don’t really think about sticking to a genre per se. At some point, I hope to write a sequel to Showers of Luck. I enjoyed writing it partly because the time I spent researching the intricacies of the historical period was fun for me. 

6. Who is your favourite author and why?

I don’t think I can pick one favourite author as an adult. But since I’m currently reading Celeste Ng’s Our Missing Hearts, I’d say I’ve enjoyed reading Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You because of her writing style and the way she examines complex family dynamics.

 
7. Whose footsteps do you follow, your mom's or dad's?

I’m an only child but I wouldn’t say I take after either parent. It was my mother who introduced me to the world of books though! 

8. Lastly, how would you encourage aspiring writers to continue their writing journey? Any foolhardy tips or mantra to stay motivated?

Writing is a long journey, so I’d say pace yourself. Believe in yourself and the story you want to tell. Push through moments of self-doubt. That might be periods where you write nothing at all or write very little but don’t give up on your story. Reading about the struggles other writers go through will help you know you’re not alone. Just keep going!

Thank you, Nadia, for your time in answering my questions.

I am looking forward to her next novel as it so happens that I do like mystery :-) So for the time being, if you are interested in this novel, I will be running a giveaway of my copy soon on Instagram. Please stay tune on my Instagram:

Susan Lee (@sholeesphere) • Instagram photos and videos

Please take note!

With my recent decluttering effort, I have decided not to renew my domain name and to continue this blog with it's original ''free name''. So with effect from July 8th 2022, with a heavy heart, my domain name [www.sholee.net] will cease to operate. As such, if you would like to continue reading my blog, please redirect it to https://sholeesphere.blogspot.com. 

Thank you for your loyal support throughout my blogging journey! I will still continue to blog my reviews and thoughts here but I am more active on Instagram so if you want to see more stuff, you can follow me here:

Susan Lee (@sholeesphere) • Instagram photos and videos

Amok: Cover Reveal

What is Amok?

Amok is a new novel by Anna Tan, a talented Malaysian author based in Penang, which will be released on 24th June 2021. I had the opportunity to read the e-ARC of this awesome novel recently! Finally, the cover reveal is here! It sure looks as awesome as the novel itself!

You can read my full review here:

Amok: e-ARC review

What is faith, except hope in desperation?

All Putera Mikal wants is to gain the Amok Strength, the supernatural power granted by Kudus to the Mahan royal family. No matter how religiously Mikal keeps his vows, Kudus still denies him the Strength—whilst his father, Sultan Simson, flaunts the Strength despite his blatant defiance of the Temple and the priests’ visions of coming doom.

Then the prophecies come true.

Taken captive, Mikal must find a way to liberate his people and restore his throne in Maha—and the key to this is the Amok Strength. But what does it take to gain Kudus’ favour?

If you are interested, you can order from the Pre-order links here:

For Malaysia Only: Paperback (signed copies) preorder price: RM35 [Full price: RM45]

Signed Paperbacks: https://teaspoonpublishing.com.my/shop/amok-paperback/ 

For the rest of the world: Ebook preorder price: USD2.99 / RM12.00 [Full price: USD4.99 / RM20]

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Amok-Absolution-Book-Anna-Tan-ebook/dp/B08YXQKPN7/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anna Tan grew up in Malaysia, the country that is not Singapore. She is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersection of language, culture, and faith. 

Anna has an MA in Creative Writing: The Novel under a Chevening scholarship and is the President of the Malaysian Writers Society. She can be found tweeting as @natzers and forgetting to update annatsp.com.

Where to find Anna online:

Website: https://annatsp.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/annatsp

Facebook: http://facebook.com/annatansp

Twitter: http://twitter.com/natzers

Earn more via ShopBack

I'm probably late to the bandwagon as we are on Conditional Movement Control Order now but then a good deal is better late than never! This is like a service reminder from me lah :-) I did post about ShopBack previously. You can refer back to my first post here:
https://www.sholee.net/2016/09/shopback-with-qoo10-malaysia.html

During this lockdown, most shopaholics satisfy their shopping craving via online shopping. As I'm not a shopaholic, I only buy essentials via online such as toiletries and supplements. Earning cashback while shopping is a surplus as the economy is not as rosy and we definitely need to save more money! As such, discovering ShopBack is a plus platform no one will ever regret adding! In fact, there are so many more stores affiliated to ShopBack compared to way back then, some as shown below:

If you are not a ShopBack member yet, you can register via my referral link below:
https://app.shopback.com/sholee

You will get RM5 cashback bonus upon registering via my referral link, an extra kaching to start your shopping! Once registered, make sure you installed the ShopBack button so that it can automatically finds the coupons and cashbacks for your purchases. It's that easy! Not forgetting, you can enjoy watching your cashbacks grow, under Cashback Overview, while shopping.

Shopping online will never be the same again! I think it's more cost effective and safe compared to going to the malls especially during this pandemic!

For more details, you can check out their website:
https://www.shopback.my/

Nyc Nat Nook: Now opened!

I've been pretty busy setting up the shop as the opening date was getting nearer! The adrenaline rush was pumping high since I was so excited and can't wait to reveal the shop in it's glory! Painting the shop, furniture, decorations, stocks, etc... so much to do with so little time!

And finally....... tadaa!!!

We are now opened!!!

Since we are sub-letting a small corner, there wasn't any soft launch or grand opening. We will save that for later when we have our own shop ya! So for now, this will do!

Nyc Nat Nook offers:

• books for rent
• crochet gifts for sale and crochet workshop is available
• power banks, chargers and cables for sale

For more updates, please follow us at:

https://www.facebook.com/NycNatNook/

Nyc Nat Nook v1.0

I have always fancy having my own books and crafts cafe, day dreaming of the facade and whatnots. However, in reality, it costs a bomb to open one! I've done my homework and it's not cheap ya especially the equipment to run a cafe.

Fortunately, opportunity comes in another form...

So here I am, finally taking this huge step with hubby, setting up a brick and mortar shop! Though not the whole shop per se, it's just a small corner nestling within an optical shop and a cafe.

A little background to this special arrangement:
Well, it was the optician's idea to have a 3-in-1 shop where it's inter-related. We have the main tenant which is the optical shop, the cafe so customers can sit, read and drink coffee while waiting for their spectacles to be ready and lastly, my shop where customers can read, rent and shop :-) Something different and unique, right?!!!

Hence, "Nyc Nat Nook" has been born! Here, we plan to have:
- books for rent with random reads from classics to modern fictions
- crafts for sale with crochet workshops for beginners would be available
- accessories for ladies and gadget for mobile phones for sale

I know it seems like a lot for a small corner but it's something we believe in. Definitely a leap of faith for us *fingers crossed*. All I can say is there's a little something for every readers, crafters and gift-hunters... all under one roof! I mean nook!!!

No need to look further ya... coming soon so stay tuned!!!

Spotlight: Zarina Craft

Late last month, I visited a dear friend's booth at Modern Sewing Market 2018 @ P3 Research, Sec 14 PJ. She's into sewing and she does sew lots of stuff like quilts, baskets, bookmarks, bags, clothes and toys for babies but most recently, she's into something rare and unique... lingerie! Oh yes, you read it right!

Zarina teaches sewing at selected locations and she does take custom orders too. From quilts to clothes to toys and now lingerie, she's truly dedicated to her craft full time! Recently featured in The Star Newspaper, Zarina Craft is making headlines now especially with lingerie making! Well, I have jumped on the band wagon too, buying a set from her, hoping to sew some bras for Princess since she's always complaining of the ill-fitting ones available commercially.

Zarina has also published a quilt making book in Bahasa Malaysia which you can buy from major bookshops called Variasi Seni Asas Jahitan Quilt. You can also purchase it online here:
https://mall.karangkraf.com/variasi-seni-asas-jahitan-quilt.html

For more details, you can check out her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/ZarinaCraft/

Spotlight: Azreen Chan

I've recently splurged on these adorable stationery, all thanks to the recommendations from the book club I'm in! For one, I've always believed in supporting local creative artisans which was I did not hesitate to purchase from her! Well, I do need some gift cards and presents plus a little extra for my journaling, not forgetting unique postcards for Postcrossing!

In summary, Azreen Chan is an illustrator who designed and doodled all the cute graphics and visuals from her self-published travel journals to stickers to postcards to enamel pins, to name a few. I liked her honesty in how she presented her products, especially this aptly phrased:

By buying this, you are helping and supporting me in my dream of becoming a successful independent illustrator.

If you would like to support and purchase Azreen's creative art, please click on the link below:
https://azreenchan.easy.co/

Spotlight: Angel A - Mary Poser Giveaway!

Earlier, I was given the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC, Mary Poser. You can read my full review here:
http://www.sholee.net/2017/04/mpov-mary-poser-butterflies-and-white.html

About the author:
Angel A is a world traveller who shares her insights and experiences of global culture through narratives that are compelling, inspiring and insightful. Mary Poser is Angel's first novel. Her passion is to explore our inner world as revealed through the challenges, triumphs and revelations experienced in our outer world.

About the book:
Mary Poser is a novel about a girl who must overcome deeply entrenched obstacles to follow her heart. She crashes so badly, it almost takes her life. But this isn't her greatest threat, as how she hides her suffering to please others could prove devastating.

And now, I have been given 2 copies of iBook to be given away! So there will be 2 lucky winners ya!! Of course, it's open internationally!!!

http://www.maryposer.com/about.html

How to win? Easy peasy... just comment below and I'll randomly pick the winners via Random Number Generator. So 1 comment = 1 entry ya.

1. This giveaway starts from August 18th to September 7th, 2017. Winners will be announced on September 11th, 2017.
2. 2 winners will be picked randomly using Random Number Generator and will be in contact via email.
3. Both winners will each receive an iBook copy of Mary Poser.
4. Please be reminded that vouchers issued by iTunes are valid for 4 weeks only so once the winners have been identified, they will have 4 weeks to accept it.
5. It is open to all... internationally... but since it is an iBook copy, winners must have an iTunes account.

Paperbacks of Mary Poser will be released on August 21st, 2017 in all major bookstores. If you can't wait or prefers the softcopy, it is also available online currently from the below websites:

• Amazon: getBook.at/Maryposer
• iTunes (iBooks): https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/mary-poser/id1255812974?mt=11
• Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9780987622204
• Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Mary-Poser--Angel/9780987622228?ref=grid-view&qid=1502671633894&sr=1-1

You can also participate here:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0a531f810/

If you want to win a copy, please comment away!!!

Spotlight: Hanleigh Bradley

Recently, I was approached and has accepted to review a new romance novel. Though I have yet to receive it, here's a spotlight on the up and coming romance author, Hanleigh Bradley! 

Some words of wisdom from Hanleigh herself and an intro to her world which I find to be fascinating... another book lover! She even has a book review section on her website, www.hanleighbradley.co.uk! It's always nice to discover authors who are book lovers too!

Her new book, Damaged Intimacy, will be released on July 31st, 2017. You can pre-order now for only 99 cents from the links below.

Blurb:

Tallulah is a happy, bubbly, excitable girl or at least that's what everyone else thinks. Inside... Inside she's a mess. She's holding it together, but she's got a secret, a secret that she can't tell anyone. A secret that makes her skin crawl and leaves her crying herself to sleep. She tells herself she'll be okay. That she can cope. She can forget about how damaged she is. Then she meets Jarrod, her best friend's boyfriend's best friend and he's everything she's ever wanted except she isn't the girl she used to be and now she doesn't think she deserves what she once wanted.

Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sJpiZc (if you have amazon associates please feel free to use your own links)

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2sJlSpu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorhanleigh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HanleighBradley

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2tHnbm0

Spotlight: Robert Eggleton

I have received an email for a book review of a debut novel entitled Rarity from the Hollow. The one thing that attracted me the most was the author's effort in helping children in impoverished state. Though I haven't fully review the book, I felt it was necessary to highlight the author's effort in Lacy Dawn Adventures Project where author proceeds have been donated to a child abuse prevention program operated by Children's Home Society of West Virginia. As such, I've decided to have a spotlight on retired children's psychotherapist and author of Rarity from the Hollow, Robert Eggleton.

About Robert Eggleton:

Robert Eggleton has served as a children's advocate in an impoverished state for over forty years. Locally, he is best known for his nonfiction about children’s programs and issues, much of which was published by the West Virginia Supreme Court where he worked from 1982 through 1997. Today, he is a retired children's psychotherapist from the mental health centre in Charleston, West Virginia, where he specialised in helping victims cope with and overcome maltreatment and other mental health concerns. Rarity from the Hollow is his debut novel. Its release followed publication of three short Lacy Dawn Adventures in magazines. Author proceeds support the prevention of child maltreatment: http://www.childhswv.org/

About Rarity from the Hollow:

Lacy Dawn's father relives the Gulf War, her mother's teeth are rotting out, and her best friend is murdered by the meanest daddy on Earth. Life in the hollow is hard. She has one advantage -- an android was inserted into her life and is working with her to cure her parents. But, he wants something in exchange. It's up to her to save the Universe. Lacy Dawn doesn't mind saving the universe, but her family and friends come first.


Rarity from the Hollow is adult literary science fiction filled with tragedy, comedy and satire. A Children’s Story. For Adults.

“The most enjoyable science fiction novel I have read in years.”

—Temple Emmet Williams, Author, former editor for Reader’s Digest

  

“Quirky, profane, disturbing… In the space between a few lines we go from hardscrabble realism to pure sci-fi/fantasy. It’s quite a trip.”

—    Evelyn Somers, The Missouri Review

. "…a hillbilly version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy…what I would have thought impossible; taken serious subjects like poverty, ignorance, abuse…tongue-in-cheek humor without trivializing them…profound…a funny book that most sci-fi fans will thoroughly enjoy." -- Awesome Indies (Gold Medal)

“…sneaks up you and, before you know it, you are either laughing like crazy or crying in despair, but the one thing you won’t be is unmoved…a brilliant writer.” --Readers’ Favorite (Gold Medal)

“Rarity from the Hollow is an original and interesting story of a backwoods girl who saves the Universe in her fashion. Not for the prudish.” —Piers Anthony, New York Times bestselling author

“…Good satire is hard to find and science fiction satire is even harder to find.” -- The Baryon Review

"…Brilliant satires such as this are genius works of literature in the same class as Orwell’s 'Animal Farm.' I can picture American Lit professors sometime in the distant future placing this masterpiece on their reading list." -- Marcha’s Two-Cents Worth

For a limited time, the eBook version of Rarity from the Hollow is on sale for $2.99 at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017REIA44/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

A sale on the paperback version began yesterday:
https://www.amazon.com/Rarity-Hollow-Robert-Eggleton/dp/190713395X/

Author proceeds contribute to the prevention of child maltreatment: http://www.childhswv.org/

More info: https://www.facebook.com/Lacy-Dawn-Adventures-573354432693864/  and https://twitter.com/roberteggleton1

Spotlight: Books On The Move

I've recently joined this movement, Books On The Move, and I'm proud to be a Book Fairy! For those who didn't know, below is the excerpt:

In support of http://booksonthemoveglobal.com/ and Book Fairies Worldwide, we are a group of book fairies in Malaysia - dropping FREE books in train stations and public places of KL. Our aim is to get people reading! If you like to support the Malaysian movement, sign up here: http://bit.ly/joinbotm . If you're looking to set up this project in your own city email booksonthemoveglobal@gmail.com

Yay! Finally received my stickers!

So in a bid to encourage more people to read, I will be dropping free books at random places in Subang Jaya area! FYI, I do have 5 stickers which means that I have 5 books to drop off! So do follow my Instagram account to know where I'll be dropping it of:
https://www.instagram.com/sholee68/

For more information of this movement or if you want to be a book fairy yourself, you can click on the links below to know more:
https://www.facebook.com/booksonthemoveMY/
https://www.instagram.com/BooksOnTheMove

#BooksOnTheMoveKL #takereadreturn

A Worthy Book: Ladies Edition

I have finally utilised my Worthy Book voucher! Since there's an online website and I don't have to physically be there, so why not? Online shopping is addictive and bad! Anyway, for those who didn't know, Worthy Book is a book filled with many discounts and offers. There are 2 types in the market, one is Food Edition and the other Ladies Edition.

You can read my previous foodie experience here:
http://www.sholee.net/2015/08/a-worthy-book.html

You can read my point of view here:
http://www.sholee.net/2016/11/mpov-worthy-book-ladies-edition-2016.html

So the kiasu me has already gone through the whole book and tore out the relevant vouchers that I am interested in. Unlike the food vouchers where I had to dine in, the ladies vouchers were more user-friendly as I can shop online! So when I was free, just key in the URL and sign-up for an account! After that, just start shopping for the items I wanted and checked out! Easy peasy!

Yeap, I've recently shopped for some nice flats and thankfully they have Christy Ng's! What's more... I can shop online! Thank heavens for that! As you can see, a variety of offers which can be utilised either by walking in or online shopping :-)

Voucher code: check

Sign-up: check

Shoes: check

Continue shopping: check

Another pair of shoes: check

Checkout: check

Voucher code: ready

Just typed in the code and continue

Successfully discounted yay!

Proceed to pay the balance

Order completed after payment

It's as easy as ABC! I don't have to get caught in the traffic jam or bad weather, all in the comfort of my home and laptop! This is definitely a wonderful shopping experience and addictive! Now waiting for my shoes to arrive :-)

You can get this Ladies Edition from any 7 11 outlets nation wide for RM25! Book stores like MPH, myNews, Kinokuniya, Popular and Borders are also selling it!

This post is written in collaboration with http://www.worthybook.my/

ShopBack with Qoo10 Malaysia

Online shopping has started picking up all over the world, including Malaysia, as more and more people are internet savvy. With the latest mobile phone's technology, online shopping has become much easier, with just a few clicks of the button! In fact, the thrill of receiving the packages is so exciting... lots of anticipation while checking the tracking number and waiting for it to arrive at the doorstep... hence making online shopping more tempting!

I used to love shopping at malls until finding parking or squeezing into public transport became daunting. Honestly, humans nowadays lacked manners and courtesy which made the overall experience more difficult. With online shopping, you won't have all these issues! No jam, no hassle... just a few clicks away and then wait for it to arrive!

What if shopping online also rewards you with cashback? Not possible you say?

Well, there is ONE of it's kind now in Malaysia!

ShopBack is the top cashback and coupon online site with more than 500 merchants and they are also established in Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, India and the Philippines. You can enjoy savings and cashback from merchants like Taobao, Lazada, Groupon, Agoda, Zalora, Fashion Valet and not forgetting Qoo10!

For example, if you are looking for local best cosmetic, diet and food, you can check out Qoo10. You can Get Qoo10 coupon with cashback by clicking on the Qoo10 banner and tadaa... easy peasy:

Isn't that fun? What's more, Malaysia CyberSale 2016 is coming soon! Get more cashback and discounts during this 5 days sale! Groupon, Lazada, Qoo10, Zalora and FoodPanda will be taking part, giving you the best cyber deal ever!

So don't miss out on all these fantabulous sales and cashback, sign up now! Time for me to go shopping and also get some cash back!

Note: This post was written in collaboration with ShopBack Malaysia.