Had my first student reactions to a sneak peek which I provided to my soon-to-be-launched Little Hero, published by Penguin Books SEA!
I did an author visit to Knightsbridge International School in connection with their Book Week this week. And I was so heartened as I shared with the 150 children about my first book Prince Bear & Pauper Bear and provided a glimpse into my latest book Little Hero.
I enjoyed the questions that came fast and furiously curious.
Most engaged, deep-thinking question
Boy: Why did the father tie the rope around the children [when their ship sank]?
Isn’t there a better solution? Why didn’t they just use a lifeboat?
Me: There was no lifeboat.
Boy: Oh, it’s like Titanic!
Me: Yes, isn’t it?
Most-invested-in-storyline Question
2nd Boy: “Did they die in the end?” (referring to main character, his siblings and father)
Me: “Well, the main character is inspired by my father…and I’m here today. So that’s your answer.” ☺️
Had the pleasure to speak at National Junior College’s Literature Evening yesterday to a group of over 50 students and teachers in an impressive student-led evening.
The theme was ‘Harbour’ and there was a line-up of poetry readings, visual arts performances and more.
My talk was titled An Author’s Voyage. I dressed to theme. 🛶⚓️
The voyage that led me to become an author was one that took me through choppy waters when I was plundered of my voice right after marriage.
As I went to several ports of call, in search for my stolen voice, I stumbled on a God-given voice in writing. It anchored my soul and I have continued writing for 17 years since.
Very encouraged by the Language Arts Head of Department who gave feedback that “my sharing was moving, inspiring and powerful, and that I demonstrated how to weave personal experiences and wisdom into the theme, especially utilising words related to the semantic field of ‘Harbour’ to structure my presentation”.
It was my first time back to the rebuilt campus since I graduated from NJC over 30 years ago. So, I had to take a few tourist photos around the campus. 🙂
Very privileged to be in CNA Women’s feature story alongside a line-up of amazing women who faced obstacles in life with grace and gumption.
Losing my voice at 28 years old to a rare voice disorder (right after my marriage and when my career was taking off) was the scariest time in my life. 😨
Giving up my job (with the fear of never being able to interview for another) was my biggest fear and risk. 😓
Starting out as a children’s book author in Singapore 17 years ago was the most humbling decision I made (Acquaintances asked how long I was going to keep at my hobby before I found a real job).😞
As I look back on this path less written about, I can truly say how thankful I am for God’s grace and mercies. 😊💝
As the conventional career door closed, a new door opened. One that opened me on a wondrous storied journey where I found a God-given voice.
Truly, I once was lost (without a voice) and now am found (with a new voice). 😶 🙌🏻
My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. – Psalm 45:1
As the year comes to a close, I usually end with a look-back on my writing year. And this has been a full year, with a mixture of commitments and where writing and book talks took a backseat. It wasn’t all-write but it turned out just right/write (pun intended…haha):
Kidsread! at Epworth Literacy Centre (Jan – Oct)
I signed up as a NLB Kidsread volunteer with Epworth Literacy at Bukit Batok at the start of this year. Went through a half-day training with National Library Board and onboarding with Epworth Literacy and was ready to start!
It’s been a meaningful ride as a reading volunteer with two groups of kids (a preschoolers group and a lower primary group). These kids have learning challenges and are going through Epworth’s Literacy Intervention programme.
On Saturday mornings, we volunteers take turns to read to the kids and get them to work on an accompanying craft activity which reinforces the story. It’s been fulfilling for me to sit with two kids, silent for months, who finally started to speak and laugh with me. And it’s a very different experience from my book talks in schools.
Kudos to the literacy teachers who do the heavy lifting through the years with these kids.
2. Writing of a Gala kind (Jan – April)
I put on a different writing hat when I joined Epworth Community Services’ Fundraising Subcommittee this year:
wrote Epworth’s story for the corporate video for the gala fundraising dinner (held in April) and helped with the overall messaging for collateral and script for the evening
I otherwise set my creative writing aside in the months running up to the event as it was all hands on deck in organising, selling tables and everything gala.
3. My Grandfather’s Rojak launch off! (May- July)
My ‘much-delayed-through-Covid’ picture book finally launched off in May during the Asian Festival of Children’s Content.
My collaborator Alycia Teo and I won 2nd runner-up with our manuscript and storyboard at the Scholastic Asian Picture Book Awards in 2019. From then to now, so many life and existential things happened – my mum passed on, Covid happened, Alycia changed jobs twice and got married in between.
So, it was a moment of pause for me as I looked back at this book’s journey and how Alycia’s and my friendship was forged through all this.
My Grandfather’s Rojak took a book tour over the next few months as I made author visits to 5 preschools. The book was selected for Star Learners Book Club, which also saw its 30+ centres go rojak in their theme and set up rojak stalls in their centres! It was bookishly delicious!
4. Signed 1st chapter book contract with new publisher (Sep)
I signed my very first chapter book contract with the Southeast Asian office of an international publisher - a milestone for me. More on that next year!
5. I Really, Really Don’t Feel Well! (October)
I Really, Really Don’t Feel Well! children’s picture e-book launched in October during Mental Wellness Month. This book is a collaboration with my creative charity buddy Josef Lee and Epworth Community Services to raise awareness on early childhood trauma and distress.
It was a really challenging book to write and I felt like giving up midway through. I thank God for the promptings that came when I was at my giving-up point. Slowly, names popped up for me to reach out to for expert views, and one came after another, till the story was nailed down. Very thankful how the book came together.
6. Personal Journey Stories (May/October)
I was invited by two schools to share on my personal writing journey.
The invitation to St Hilda’s Primary School came from an early childhood educator who received the e-copy of I Really, Really Cannot Catch These Words! from a fellow educator.
The second invitation came from the Principal of Methodist Girls’ School. She invited me to speak at the MGS Sec 4 International Baccalaureate Service, the last service of the year before the girls move on to ACS International next year.
As timing would have it, National Junior College’s Principal decided to read my Prince Bear & Pauper Bear to her graduating year of NJCsians. She also shared my personal story of how I lost my voice to a rare disorder and found my new voice in writing.
I’m on the organising committee for LittAsia 2024, a regional conference of Christian writers and publishers. The wheels of planning are moving amidst everything else and we have been Zooming it for our committee meetings. Chugging along…
8. Shiny Shower of Medallic favour (Oct/Nov/Dec)
This last quarter came with a shiny shower of medals, which I am most grateful for:
Marky Polo Travels series won Gold Medal for Best Picture Book Series at the US-based Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.
This followed with the Covid-19 Public Service Medal (PBM) from the Prime Minister’s Office, which was given out by our Health Minister at a public ceremony.
I was privileged to be on the 2023 Most Inspiring Women List organised by Singapore 40 over 40, based on a nomination by a new friend.
The year ended with receiving the Covid Resilience Medal for my creative work in support of public and private healthcare professionals.
I am thankful for a fruitful, meaning-full and Word-filled year of writing and books-related stuff, amidst other commitments.
And I look to God, the Author of my life, for whatever write stuff the new year holds.
“Thanks be to God who leads us, wherever we are…” – 2 Corinthians 2:24
Yesterday, I was privileged to attend a lovely carnival-like celebration at the F1 Pit to collect my Covid-19 Resilience Medal (CRM). 🏅
This second Covid medal follows after the National Awards Covid-19 Medal (PBM) which my co-creative buddy Josef Lee and I received in connection with our collaboration with Ministry of Health Singapore and private sector pediatricians during the height of Covid. ✍️🎨
We had to get the word out on Covid health protocols to our community in a simple, clear and expedient way – it was a creative challenge to work through.🧐🤔
We went with storytelling through the picture book format to connect with families and children and the e-book format for the fastest and most cost-effective way of distribution. With information boxes peppered in for parents, and charts and Frequently Asked Questions added at the end.
With this format, we were able to produce the next updated version quickly as protocols changed with the fluidity of the Covid virus situation. 👩🏻💻👨🏻🎨
The e-books went viral and we were told that the Covid call centres used our e-picture books to explain health protocols to the elderly as well.
I am very glad that we had the opportunity to play a small supporting role to our healthcare heroes in Singapore’s efforts to fight and live with Covid over the past few years. 👩⚕️👨🏻🔬👩🏻🔬
Ben and Caleb came along for the Covid Resilience awards appreciation event, where gaming arcades and pop-up food stalls were set up for recipients and their families to enjoy.
Caleb and I signed up for a complimentary (and our first!) art jam session. We had half an hour before our registered time slot, so we both sat thinking (and googling for ideas) on what we wanted to paint on our canvass. Given the theme of this carnival event being one of Singapore coming together in unity through a never-before crisis, my thoughts were focused on a few things.
Country. Family. Togetherness. Nature in its beauty.
I always tell people that I cannot draw to save my life. But I was rather pleased with what I painted in our 30 minutes timeslot. 🙂
National Junior College (NJC) principal Lucy Tay read Prince Bear & Pauper Bear to the NJC graduating cohort!
It was woven in with her speech, which was about how grace is the only constant, not change.💝
In the lead up to reading my book, she mentioned that my personal story is one that is chock full of grace. She shared about how I experienced two difficult illnesses which I would never have wished for (a rare voice disorder and breast cancer). But in a strange sort of way, how those trials have been a means of grace to me. 🙌🏻
Most privileged that Prince Bear & Pauper Bear were given voices at such a milestone ceremony. 🤩
I hope that the students will hold onto the message of grace as they journey through life’s ups and downs. 🙏🏼
Very privileged to receive the Public Service (Covid-19) Medal at the National Awards ceremony today. I was amongst the award recipients under our Ministry of Health Singapore’s banner.
I never imagined that I would parse complex health protocols into a children’s picture book format.
I never imagined that children’s picture books could provide words of reassurance to families during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
I never imagined that an author of children’s picture books could receive a national award such as this.
I’m glad for this meaningful collaboration with my creative-charity buddy Josef Lee on the children’s e-books through the pandemic and beyond.
I appreciate our Ministry of Health and pediatrician Dr Darryl Lim reaching out to us to collaborate and seeing the value of our creative work.
(Receiving the Public Service (Covid-19 medal) from Minister for Health Singapore Ong Ye Kung)
As I stood in the shadows of healthcare and community heroes today, I felt blessed and warmed by the spot of sunshine that shone my way.
The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you.
Recently, I had the pleasure of being invited to speak to MGS’ graduating cohort of Sec 4 students at their Baccalaureate Service. It also marked their final devotional service of the year.
What could I share with these girls that was encouraging and yet offer an experience of facing setbacks?
I decided to first start with a trip down memory lane with a Sec 4 class photo and our MGS Founders Day dinner photos.
Because “of friendships made and pleasures shared and lessons learned apace.”
I shared about my early working years – both the disappointments and successes from my first job as a greenhorn to an early success in my 3rd job at Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
I felt that it was important to also be open about the lemons that life tosses.
So I shared about my lowest points in life when I came down with a rare voice disorder right after I got married and my career was taking off.
More importantly, I shared about how God met me at my lowest and lifted me back up. In my journey to find my voice, I found a new voice and a new purpose.
(Serving with Epworth Community Services in a few capacities)
And how it led me through years of learning to Master, to Grow and to Serve.
I left the girls with a few words of encouragement, which came from a gorgeous picture book.
(The Sky is the Limit: A Celebration of all the things you can do by Ralph Lazar and Lisa Sterling).
The service ended with us singing our school song. I felt such a wave of nostalgia when we reached the part of the song where we “raise a shout to MGS” and the girls all SHOUTED. Just like my cohort and I did.
(With MGS Principal Valerie Wilson before and after my sharing)
My biggest encouragement came after the service ended. A Sec 4 girl Sienna walked up to thank me for inspiring her with my sharing. She also told me that she still has my Prince Bear & Pauper Bear from when she was young. Her friend Tricia who was with her also chimed in that she still has my debut picture book too. Aww…
(Left: With Sienna and Tricia. Right: With School Chaplain Pastor David Gwee and MGS leadership)
Very blessed to just receive the accolade of being on the ‘Singapore 40 over 40 Inspiring Women 2023’ list with a group of amazing women. 💃🏻 And to see that the list includes two of my dear friends! Yay! 👩🏻❤️💋👩🏻🥳👩🏻❤️💋👩🏻
‘40 over 40’ celebrates women who restarted a career path, embarked on a new business adventure or sought out her passions as she approached the mid-point junction of her life. 👩🏻💻🕵🏻♀️🧑🏻🎓👩🏻🔧👩🏻🔬👩🏻🏫👩🏻✈️
Thank you to my new friend Candice Yeo who nominated me after I shared my personal story in a Heart2Heart Mum’s workshop. 🙏🏼💝
This initiative is the great work of Career Navigators SG to celebrate women who push boundaries to forge new paths, unlimited by age or gender. More about this initiative and the amazing women on this 2023 list at www.singapore40over40.com
Praise God for his favour in leading me on the write path that I could not have expected or imagined.
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path
I’m over the moon and beaming! Marky Polo Travels series has just won the Gold Medal for Best Picture Book Series at the US-based Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards 2023! 🤩🥳🥰
(This series comprises: Marky Polo in Tokyo, Marky Polo in Beijing & Marky Polo in Singapore)
This was my experimental series created during Covid when our world went hybrid.
I thought: Why not go hybrid with my picture books? 😊
I hit a creative reset button and broke convention from all I had learnt on picture-book writing. Created a hybrid concept of combining comic book panels into a picture book framework. It was fun writing pacy, humorous conversations in speech bubbles to add a new layer to my picture book manuscript. And my tween son has been my muse for his witty quips.
This series could only have been brought to fruition by illustrator Nicholas Liem who has experience with both children’s picture books and comic books. Being architecturally trained, Nic brought incredibly accurate and beautiful drawings of these cities’ attractions in our books.
We also had further layers to our series, from augmented reality features to informational text boxes and write-ups on local animals from countries featured, which all cameo-ed as characters throughout the stories.
Appreciate our publisher World Scientific Education who was totally game for a whole new concept and introduced the augmented reality layer. 👩💻👨🏻🎨📚.
So grateful for this Gold shine and Moonbeam glow over our intrepid pangolin traveller Marky Polo and his famous family of explorers! 😊🙏🏼
Marky Polo Travels’ series is available in the bookstores and at World Scientific’s e-bookstore – There’s currently a 10:10 promotion going on. From 10.10 till 18.10.23, you get 35% off for a minimum purchase of 3 titles!
Mum-Mum's the Word 
