Welcome to my new-look blog! Now that my debut novel has been published, there is no longer a raison d’être for calling this site ‘Journey of My First Novel’ but this blog will continue to chart my journey as a writer. I hope to use this space to explore the key themes in my writing: identity, cultural history and Malaysia. Readers will also be given a peek behind the scenes, with updates on events and news related to my books.
In addition, blog readers will be the first to learn about upcoming books. To make doubly sure, you can also follow me on Amazon: click the Follow button on this page and you’ll receive separate updates on The Malayan Series.
Artistic freedom is one of the joys of a blog. When I was writing ‘Journey of My First Novel’, there were times when I felt constrained, compelled to limit posts to my writing journey. I would look enviously at friends who were able to write about absolutely anything they wanted on their blogs. Now that this blog is called Window into Other Worlds, I feel liberated! Be warned though, that I may occasionally stray into other worlds and onto subjects that have nothing to do with my writing!
I’ll start with a piece of brilliant news. Last week The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds was listed as one of the six best books of November 2016 in the monthly newsletter from Goodreads.
You’ve probably heard of Goodreads; if not, it is the go-to place on the Internet for book lovers. The site currently boasts fifty five million subscribers, all of whom are avid readers. They visit Goodreads to learn about new books, to rate them as well as share reviews. The site is entirely reader-led; it was thus an indescribable honour to find my name alongside such illustrious authors as Zadie Smith and Robert Harris on this month’s Goodreads newsletter. Thank you to Goodreads’ readers and to the Goodreads team!
Goodreads also allows members to ask authors questions. I have now started taking questions on the Goodreads site. If you are a Goodreads member and would like to ask me a question, write to me. I’ll try my best to give an answer!
My partner, bless her, is convinced that everyone will enjoy The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds and has been badgering me to carry a hard copy of my book everywhere. She has thus far been vindicated. When we went to a film club event the other night, people were intrigued as soon as they saw my book and its title. One person took a snapshot of the beautiful cover, another turned pages and began reading while a third wanted to propose my novel for her book club. Family, food, friendship and identity – the subjects of my debut novel – are topics that still stir emotions today, no matter which culture we belong to.
Window into Other Worlds 
Thanks for revealing to me the multifaceted talents in the generations following after the great lady, Chye Hoon
You’re welcome!
I loved the book! Coming from Kenya as I do it truly was a window into another world that I have had little contact with. Yet I was quickly drawn into the lives of the characters and invested in their fate, shedding a few tears along the way. A photograph was alluded to towards the end; would have loved it if had been included in the book so that I could get a glimpse of your great grandmother. She must be resting happy in the knowledge that her beloved Nyonya culture has travelled far and wide through this story. Thank you for a wonderful read.
Hello Angela,
Thank you so much for this message. I love hearing from readers and am really pleased that my book transported you to another world. The story was inspired by my great grandmother’s life but it is fiction! Please do write a review on Amazon – they mean a lot. The good news is that The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds is the first in a series of books and there will be more to come! Follow me on this blog or on Amazon (click on the Follow Me button on this link https://www.amazon.com/Selina-Siak-Chin-Yoke/e/B01K8YL8A8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1) to be first to hear about the next book. With all good wishes.