Articles & Author Interviews

Highlights from Interviews for WASHINGTON

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Evan and Judith’s relationship is the heart of the novel. Can you share your process for developing their complex dynamic and using it to explore themes of identity and social pressure?

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I kind of set out to write this epic love story. I was inspired by movies like Titanic and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, where the two love interests are opposites in a way. Because of their differences, there is a clash but also a spark from that clash. To kindle and develop that genuine spark on the page is such a wondrous experience. Two distinct characters. Two distinct viewpoints. I think it was the perfect method to dig further—about life, about dreams, about finding yourself. Each cares so much for the other, it seems inevitable that we also care. As for social pressure, writing about teenage angst reminded me of what it felt like back then.​

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What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Washington?

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For me, this project began as part of my practicing how to write. I never intended to try to publish a book like WASHINGTON since it is so controversial. I was gonna keep it in a drawer somewhere if agents and publishers were ever pressing me for more. However, something magical sparked on the page, and I couldn’t hide it from the world. My aim was to walk the fine line between authenticity but not glorify anything, to keep it neutral and universal, and focus on the characters in the attack, not the attacker. I want readers to go back in time, to fall in love again and have those kinds of friends again. I’ve taken many Asian literature classes and the best part was always the discussion and reflection. So, finally, I hope that there are plenty of deep talks and deep thinking long after the last page.