Now Dora returns with her sequel, "Do you remember When? ", a gripping story about Adelaide, a young woman awakening from a prolonged coma, struggling to reclaim her identity amidst a haunting curse.
What Inspired You To Write "Do You Remember When?"
I wanted to know what happens next, too! says Dora with a smile. Actually, many of my readers kept asking me, “What happens next?” after the cliffhanger ending of my first book, “The Chronicles of An and Ai”. Their curiosity and support motivated me to continue the story and finish the characters' journeys. I wanted to create a sequel that would not only satisfy their questions but also deepen the magical adventures I had begun! "It feels so good to know they care about the story!"
How Do You Create Your Characters and Stories?
My creative process is rooted in my love for storytelling and noticing gaps in stories I want to see. Inspired by fantasy stories I read, I developed my characters by imagining their backgrounds and motivations. The people around me also influence my characters; for instance, An’s personality draws inspiration from my little brother, Marco, who is equally as wild and humorous! Ultimately, I want my characters to feel authentic and relatable.
What was the motivation behind writing a prequel, "The Chronicles of An and Ai"?
I have always dreamed of writing a book since I was a child, and I felt a strong desire to create a story that truly belonged to me. My story revolves around the themes of magic and twins, as I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of twins. Fantasy stories have been a passion of mine, allowing me to immerse myself in the worlds of adventure! I wanted to craft a story where ordinary kids could embark on extraordinary journeys.
What Challenges Did You Face as a Self-Published Author?
One of my biggest challenges was time management. Balancing writing with school responsibilities and extracurricular activities was quite tough. To help with organisation, I created small timetables and checklists of daily tasks. Additionally, editing was particularly challenging; my first draft had so many plot holes and unanswered questions! I persevered by relying on the support of my parents and friends, and using a method called “reverse outlining, which allowed me to clarify my ideas and structure the narrative more effectively.
What Advice Do You Have for Young Writers?
Writing a book as a young author is difficult, but always believe in yourself and your ideas! Embrace feedback from readers and mentors to improve your writing. Don’t ever hesitate to share your stories with the world, no matter how daunting it may seem. Every great author started somewhere, and your voice matters! You’ll never run out of ideas if you keep writing.
How Do You Balance School and Writing?
I squeeze in writing time around my busy schedule, which includes homework, piano exams, and sports practices. I often find small pockets of time to write my book, especially during the weekends when I can dedicate more hours to my book. During school days, I try to reserve the hour before bed to writing, which helps me stay consistent.
How Do You Stay Focused while Writing?
I prioritise my tasks and set specific writing goals for myself. Writing everything I need to do in a schedule each day helps me keep organised. I also use the Pomodoro technique, which involves fifteen minutes of work followed by a five-minute break. This method keeps my mind fresh and maintains my focus on both school and writing projects.
How Do You Use Social Media to Reach Your Readers?
I find Instagram to be an incredibly effective platform for reaching young audiences and sharing creative content about my books! I frequently post milestones related to my writing journey and personal life, which helps me build a community of followers and readers who are interested in my work. However, I believe that word of mouth is more effective. My readers often share their feedback with others, spreading the word about my book. While social media helps create awareness, it’s the readers who have actually experienced my book that engage the most excitement and understand my book the best.
Can You Share Some Tips for Engaging with Your Audience On Social Media?
To engage your audience, step into their shoes and think about what they want to see. Use hashtags to connect with a community that cares about books and writing. Share behind-the-scenes content and ask them for their opinions on your work. It builds a connection and keeps them interested in your journey!
What's Next for You?
Currently, I’m focused on promoting my latest book, Do You Remember When…? through talks, interviews, and events. I will also be giving a speech to minorities about confidence. Additionally, I am working and brainstorming ideas for my third book, which I’m excited to explore!
What Do You Hope Readers Take Away From Your Books?
I hope my readers understand the importance of perseverance, believing in themselves, and the magic of creativity and imagination. I want them to feel inspired to explore their own stories and to recognise that their perspectives are valuable!
Can You Share a Memorable Moment as An Author?
A truly memorable experience for me was witnessing the overwhelming interest and support from my readers. Many reached out to me with questions like, “What happens next?” after the cliffhanger of my first book. Their positive feedback and excitement motivated me to write my sequel, which has been rewarding. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a supportive community!
It has been such a pleasure sitting down with you, Dora! We truly appreciate your time and wonderful insights shared with us. Your passion for writing and dedication to your studies are inspiring. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. We can't wait to see where your creativity takes you next. Thank you again, and best of luck.
You can find Dora Cheung's books at Bookazine and online here:
