Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have just completed my first English novel and self published it on amazon. I’m a filmmaker, a scriptwriter and aspiring painter.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Missing in Jakarta”. I stayed in Jakarta a few years back to work on a feature script and some sightings around the city stayed in my memory. After I returned to Korea, I started to research on criminal activities in Southeast Asia and learned there’s a huge network. I was most concerned about the human trafficking and how it is influenced by both local and international participants. I had to write about it.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a routine, not unusual per say. I try to set aside at least 3 days to work on writing per week, each time at least 4 hours or more. I used to work at cafes but due to covid19, I am now working in my study in front of my iMac.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have admiration for unique storytellers, who bring unexpected stories to the world. Christopher Nolan for example. I also admire daring film works like ‘Incendies’ by director Denis Villeneuve, which was a shocking eyeopener into the experience of war. I also watched many types of films since I was young, ranging from American, Hong Kong, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, French, Spanish film worlds.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second draft of my SF feature script. It was completed early this year and I have the support of Korean producers on board the project. It was selected in the preliminary round of Incheon Fantasy Convention Film Production Support Program. I will also get to work on my second novel in 2021.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a beginner in self publishing so I’m trying everything. I contacted blogs, influencers to review my book, activated Amazon ads, posted on facebook groups, messaged all my acquaintances, and gifted books to some readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a novelist, I’m also a beginner. As a scriptwriter, I think I’m semi pro. What I realized after we are all hit by cover 19 is that we must secure diverse passive income routes, so that we can stop worrying about daily income and focus on our dreams. I hope we’ll all make it through this crisis and become better at finance management.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I adhere to the advice given by Japanese novelist Murakami Haruki. Work methodically, keep fit, enjoy diverse activities to inspire yourself, don’t try to please everybody, and stop trying to watch or read other people’s work too much, what matters is your own work. 🙂
What are you reading now?
I just started “Vegetarian” by Han Kang. The first page is already so chilling!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve been working to make my debut as film director in Korea for the last decade. I hope to accomplish that goal before I die! LOL. But as a writer, I know I’ll keep writing new stories every year, and never stop developing my own voice.
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?
“Vegetarian”, any great books on marketing and promotion, dictionary, and human anatomy drawings by Andrew Loomis.
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