Interview With Author Am Ang Zhang
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Kunming, China, grew up in Hong Kong and have worked and lived in England since 1971. Educated and trained in the University of Hong Kong Medical School, Queens Square National Hospital for Nervous Diseases, and London Tavistock Centre, I practised child psychiatry in UK for over 30 years before retiring. I am also an international gold medal winning photographer, a keen golfer and snorkeller and an avid traveller.
The Cockroach Catcher is my acclaimed debut memoire cum case book (with fictional names). My other published works include:
童心未明; (Hard To Understand a Child – publishd in Chinese)
Looking for Sting Ray (a children’s photobook – http://www.lulu.com/product/14913752); and
Antelope and Friends (another children’s photobook).
My fifth book “The Cockroach Catcher II – Attempted Living”
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Cockroach Catcher II – Attempted Living” is a collection of travel essays and reflections on my work and life experiences, illustrated with over 130 photographs. This will be of interest to those who are interested in nature and medical issues (in child psychiatry in particular), and those who enjoy reading about and seeing pictures of unusual travel destinations
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write independent chapters whenever a memory of a case floated into my head!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Classical Chinese Literature & Poetry, Wordsworth’s poems, Ibsen and Shakespeare. Also music especially Mahler & Wagner.
What are you working on now?
The Cockroach Catcher III
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own Website: http://cockroachcatcher.blogspot.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One patient: one disease!
What are you reading now?
Maxine Hong Kinston: China Men
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Complete Work of Shakespeare. Classic Chinese Essays, Old Testament.
Author Websites and Profiles
Am Ang Zhang’s Social Media Links