Last night I tearfully shared with my mom that sometimes I don't feel Korean enough to write about Korea. I'll never be able to write Korean historicals like a "real Korean."

Then my mom told me:

When some diaspora Koreans speak in Korean, they speak with an accent.

And likewise, when we write about Korea, there will be an "accent" to our Storytelling. But she reminded me that accents are beautiful. Accents tell a story in itself. We bring in a new perspective

And she assured me in the end. I am Korean enough.

So right now, as I nervously watch more & more ppl pick up my sophomore novel, I tell myself that I've done my best. And I'm going to keep writing for myself & others in the West who yearn to learn more about Korea.

For those who want to read more about the process behind THE FOREST OF STOLEN GIRLS here you go!

https://mailchi.mp/4b17745c3996/forestofstolengirls