The end of March. Still working on my writing sample to submit to Hong Kong University. I should wrap that up, as well as the application, within a week or so, then mail it out and play the waiting game. In the meantime, the semester is wrapping up quickly. A few more tests and writing assignments, then finals, then summer time.
Recent activities included a visit from Michelle, in which we got dressed to the nines and attended a high table English Society dinner at the Regal Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui; went to the Zoological and Botanical Gardens to ogle at a multitude of monkeys, a Chinese porcupine, and some flamingoes; saw a Malaysian horror film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival; was coerced into my first karaoke singing experience (I tackled Uptown Girl and a few Eric Clapton songs); and stood witness to Hong Kong's version of Mardi Gras, (the Rugby 7's), in which foreigners of all nationalities did their best to dress idiotically, get shitfaced, and represent their countries in the most asinine way possible.
Concert review of the upcoming Misery Signals show sometime in the near future, as well as possible brief book reviews.
Have a happy April!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Breakfast
The Hong Kong International Literary Festival turned out to be a fantastic time. I had tickets to three events on Sunday, actually ended up attending four, not to mention I was able to have breakfast with Miguel Syjuco and Nam Le on the balcony of the Pawn. I was able to listen to two of the youngest literary superstar's in the world pick each other's brains and chat friendly about writing and life. Miguel was an extremely humble and friendly young man who is still in disbelief of all the publicity he is receiving for his writing. He talked to me for about ten minutes and offered me some advice on writing, advice that I will never forget. Nam was also nice and very intelligent when he spoke, but he seemed a little more used to the attention that was being bestowed upon him, as his book is out already and has been garnering praise from every corner of the world.
I also had the chance to meet Janice Y. K. Lee and Rana Dasgupta, two more very young and successful authors. Both talked about the pitfalls of writing and how they managed to persevere through it all and churn out successful works of fiction. I managed to resort into fanboy mode and get two autographed copies of their books as well. I felt like a kid again.
Let the writing commence.
I also had the chance to meet Janice Y. K. Lee and Rana Dasgupta, two more very young and successful authors. Both talked about the pitfalls of writing and how they managed to persevere through it all and churn out successful works of fiction. I managed to resort into fanboy mode and get two autographed copies of their books as well. I felt like a kid again.
Let the writing commence.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Literary Lions
The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival began last night on the rooftop terrace of the Fringe Club. I went down to check it out, pick up some books, and buy tickets for some of the events that are going on this week. The big name this year is Margaret Atwood, and she is giving a free speech at CUHK next Monday that I will try to attend. I did manage to get tickets to three events, all next Sunday. I am looking forward to all three.
The first is a talk with Nam Le and Miguel Syjuco about what it takes to write an award-winning book, as both of these men have in 2008. How much writing and struggle is there in the process?
The second event is called Making a Splash and is about debut authors who have managed to hit it big with their first work of literature.
Finally, I'm attending a round table discussion with three authors who have put out short story collections in the past year. Once again, Nam Le will be there and I am looking forward to reading his collection The Boat, as it has been called one of the best fictional debuts in years by many critics.
It will definitely be an entertaining and informative week for the literary arts in Hong Kong. Just what this city needs to inject a little soul into its veins.
The first is a talk with Nam Le and Miguel Syjuco about what it takes to write an award-winning book, as both of these men have in 2008. How much writing and struggle is there in the process?
The second event is called Making a Splash and is about debut authors who have managed to hit it big with their first work of literature.
Finally, I'm attending a round table discussion with three authors who have put out short story collections in the past year. Once again, Nam Le will be there and I am looking forward to reading his collection The Boat, as it has been called one of the best fictional debuts in years by many critics.
It will definitely be an entertaining and informative week for the literary arts in Hong Kong. Just what this city needs to inject a little soul into its veins.
Monday, March 2, 2009
March (Already?)
Not much to update on of late. It is March (already!) and things are moving along at a comfortable pace. I have not been updating the blog lately because I have been hard at work on polishing up my writing portfolio. I plan on applying to grad school in the next month and I need to hand in an 8-12 page writing sample. All of my time has been spent focusing on that.
Other than that, the semester is moving along quickly. Last week the students had to do oral presentations. Their assignment was to write an original 10-15 minute drama and perform it, all in English, with props and costumes if they so desired. They did an outstanding job, managing to poke fun at me on occasions, as well as doing some other funny stuff (such as the Obama Girl spoof in which my sister was affectionately known as Apple Lee Hamburger). Creativity and laughter was apparent all around and the kids seemed to really enjoy performing. Hopefully I will be able to put some links up, as some of them were videotaped.
Other than that, the semester is moving along quickly. Last week the students had to do oral presentations. Their assignment was to write an original 10-15 minute drama and perform it, all in English, with props and costumes if they so desired. They did an outstanding job, managing to poke fun at me on occasions, as well as doing some other funny stuff (such as the Obama Girl spoof in which my sister was affectionately known as Apple Lee Hamburger). Creativity and laughter was apparent all around and the kids seemed to really enjoy performing. Hopefully I will be able to put some links up, as some of them were videotaped.
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