Hello Asian Fiction Authors!

This month, we have picked "Don't Try the Noodles" by salkim03 for Book of the Month. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out in our My Heart Beats for You reading list here.

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Excerpt from the Book:

(Caleb's POV)

"Actually, I think I have to get going."

"Aw, why?" Emma asks. 

I catch a quick look at Bailey in all her silent cuteness. 

"Well, it's just that—" 

Wait, what did I have planned today? All I can think about is when I can see Bailey again. Think, you love-struck idiot!

"Hm?" Emma's still waiting for my reply. 

So is Bailey. She's waiting for me! 

"Um, it's just that—" I inhale. "I have a date!"

A... date...?

A date?!

What the fuck just came out of my mouth?! That's not how you say band practice!

About the Author:

Sal Kim works in the webcomic industry by day and writes webnovels by night. Having grown up in the U.S. and now residing in South Korea, she tries to incorporate aspects of both cultures into her stories. When she's not writing, she's bingeing through anime and webcomics or spoiling her cat with cuddles he may or may not appreciate.

Interview:

1. What influenced your story? What inspired you to write it?

I wrote this story during my first year of college, so it's been a long time. I think I simply wanted to write a story about Korean food with some rom-com thrown into the mix.

2. What were some challenges you faced while writing your story?

When I wrote this story, it'd only been about a year into my novel-writing journey. Naturally, I had a lot of trouble figuring out character development and pacing, which is why I did an entire rewrite in 2020 to (hopefully) fix some of those problems.

3. What message do you hope to convey with your story?

Whatever message the reader gets out of it.

4. Do you have any advice for other authors who are interested in writing Asian Fiction?

For Asian writers, really try to show parts of your culture that aren't widely known, especially language like commonly used words, phrases, and slang. You can be an educator just as much as a writer. For non-Asian writers, reach out to Asian writers and ask questions that specifically relate to your story/character. If you are trying to write a Korean character, feel free to DM me, and I'd be happy to help out.

5. If you could write another story to be featured on the profile, which of our reading lists would you write it for?

I'm already writing another one, actually. It's a rewrite of a past story called "Nina to Noona," and it will probably be published later this year. The "Shattered Memories" reading list seems to be the best pick as the story revolves around heartbreak and second chances.

6. If you are an author of Asian descent, what's one cool fact about your culture you can share with us?

One thing I still remember being amazed about when I first came back to Korea over a decade ago was the fact that you can see a mountain in the distance pretty much anywhere you go. Korea has a lot of beautiful mountains, so hiking is a very common hobby here. Definitely recommend checking out for those planning to come to Korea in the future.

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Thank you salkim03 for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next Book of the Month.