What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Suddenly Silent and Still?
When I was seeking inspiration to overcome my medical trauma, grief, and loss, I found it difficult to find books I could relate to. The gap between the challenges and triumphs depicted in popular books often felt sensationalised to me. My loss, though significant, was not extreme, and for my triumph, I simply wanted to reach acceptance and move on with my life. I didn’t aspire to become a disabled astronaut, an Olympic medalist, or to climb Mount Everest. I felt there was a need to write an honest, relatable story—one that helps people first and foremost, and hopefully entertains as well.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Suddenly Silent and Still, what would they be?
“Unstoppable” by Sia. The main character favours a show of strength. From the outside, everything may seem put together and easy, but like everyone else, she faces difficult challenges that hurt her just the same. She simply won’t let herself become a victim of circumstance. However, some battles are beyond her will to conquer, and she must unlearn everything she knows to emerge victorious.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read a wide range of non-fiction. However, memoirs are my favourite! Memoirs offer the best of both worlds. They’re like a self-help book without being instructional and entertaining like fiction, but grounded in reality. You can read a memoir for both pleasure and knowledge. What better way to learn than through people’s lived experiences? Gritty lessons that aren’t theoretical or speculative, but as real and important as life and death.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I recently finished reading “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and fell in love with her writing style, which is full of beautiful, lyrical prose. Less like a book and more like a serenade to Mother Nature, I’m keen to devour her new release, The Serviceberry. I love well-written stories with strong messages that make our world a better place.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I enjoyed writing about identity exploration. It is mind-boggling that I had existed for four decades as myself, only to suddenly not know who I am. It was unbelievable that I could lose my sense of self and agency in an instant. A lot happens in a medical trauma beyond hospitals, rehab, and medicine. There are just as many, if not more, emotional and psychological issues to work through as physical ones.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
We have a rescue turtle named Turtleo, who loves to button-mash my keyboard. I’m almost convinced he rushes to the screen to see what he’s typed. Sometimes, when I need a short break from writing, I sit with Turtleo at my workstation and watch his silly antics. They lighten my mood in between writing about such a serious topic.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My father once said to me, “You are only as intelligent as you can communicate it.” That was one of the most profound moments of my life, laying the foundations for both personal and professional success. How do we become better communicators to inspire positive change? To reduce misunderstandings and conflicts? To heal hearts and motivate people? Sophisticated communication is what separates us from animals. It’s how we rose to become the dominant species. Everyone should work on becoming better communicators.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Do your best while going with the flow. We are often led to believe that we are in control of our lives. The truth is, we only get to write part of our story, and destiny writes the rest. Fighting with destiny never ends well; it’s better to work with her. In the bleakest hour, stay. Stay to figure it out. Find acceptance and make peace with what you cannot control in your life. Work hard and give your all to everything else.
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