Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I am currently a student at the University of Toronto studying Economics, Political Science, and English. I have written two novels so far, Last Moment, a young romance drama, and Burning Ember, an action and adventure with touches of fantasy and romance.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book just released June 1st and it’s called Burning Ember. This novel is inspired by various events I have seen and experienced in my life ranging from statewide Californian fires to the nationwide social unrest and I started accumulating these ideas when I was in high school.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have been growing out of this one since it’s pretty inefficient in the 21st century, but I loved writing out my words by hand before typing them out. My writing used to always appear on paper first before being typed out after. There was a time when the sound of clacking keyboards disturbed my thoughts and only those lead lines dancing across fresh white paper could keep up with my imagination.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors that I adore, if only to name a couple, are A.A. Milne and Shakespeare. I know Shakespeare as an influence seems very distant and intangible but I think that is exactly why I look to his work so much. Shakespeare created so many foundations on which storytelling is built upon today and I think that’s irreplaceable and undeniable. As for A.A. Milne, I think his structure is often so simple yet so beautiful even so. So many of the lines he has created are almost plain at the surface level, but I love that feeling when the beauty behind the simplicity slowly seeps in.
What are you working on now?
I am currently thinking of my third novel and although the images are hazy, I already have some ideas in mind. I’m thinking of trying out the thriller and mystery genre next and I am also enthralled by story concepts involving time travel. I think time travel is pretty tricky to tackle but I’m excited for the challenge!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I don’t really know, but I do know that Goodreads is a wonderful place to connect with readers and I’m so excited to have launched my profile and I want everyone to know that I am open to, and enthusiastic about, answering any questions that anyone may have about my books!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a young and new author myself so I’m not sure if I am quite ready to be giving advice. But something I like to remind myself is to write because I love to, and not for anything else. Writing can feel like a difficult and lonely road sometimes but if you’re traveling for the right reasons you’ll find the courage and the strength to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Just do it.” –Nike
What are you reading now?
The Road Past Altamont by Gabrielle Roy
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to take a moment to expand my horizons and my views as I embark on my next novel.
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?
I would bring three survival books because I might be in trouble otherwise. Left with the difficult decision of only one book slot for fun, I would have to take “The Art of War.” Which actually may not be that fun, but I’ll be prepared. You never know what’s going to happen out there.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jocelyn Chen Website
Jocelyn Chen Amazon Profile
Jocelyn Chen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile