Author: Ed Chung
ISBN: 978-0-576-02448-7

Click Here To Purchase Accidental Heroes, Accidental Villains

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Ed Chung author of Accidental Heroes, Accidental Villains. Ed has received many awards for his published works concerning anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies. He is originally from Hong Kong and moved to Canada at the age of seventeen.

Good day Ed and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm: 

How did you get the inspiration for Accidental Heroes, Accidental Villains? As a follow up, are the characters in your book based on people you know or have encountered or are they strictly fictional?

Ed:

Hi Norm.  I’ve always been interested in history.  And as a kid growing up in Hong Kong, Chinese history naturally had significance to me.  But historical accounts, regardless of locale, have a special place in my heart.  So I guess my major source of inspiration is simply all the history books I soaked up over the years.  Recently, I read “Not the Slightest Chance,” a book about the (futile) defence of Hong Kong in WW2 by Canadian troops.  And I read “The Rape of Nanking” and the “Soong Dynasty,” two books which really bring home the tragic stories of Chinese history in the last 100 years. 

On a more personal level, most of the main characters are derived from people I know.  Yes, including the person who was a spy for China against Japan.  And yes, the accidental villain who got entangled in the web of the triads.  If they were reading the book, I’m sure they would know who’s who.

Norm:

It is said that writers should write what they know. You clearly know something about the Triads and Chinese culture and history. Were there any elements of the book that forced you to step out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did you approach this part of the writing? 

Ed: 

I guess one can’t help writing about things one knows.  It’s just easier, I suppose.  But then we also write about horrors that we have never personally encountered, and things based on imagination.  I look at the book as simply a creative process, and the process takes over.  So it’s not so much Ed Chung writing it.  I was nothing more than an instrument.  People get sensitive though, and I do wonder sometimes, whether I should take out something or change it because a reader might take offence.  For instance, how Martin feels about being Chinese.  I think some people of Chinese ethnicity may take exception.  Or the parts about the incest – now that was purely fictional, but it was hard for me to see one of my main characters with such a flaw.  But hey, it’s not me writing it!  It just happens.

Norm:

As this was your first fiction writing project.  Did you enjoy the process?  How was it different from your typical format? As a follow up, what challenges or obstacles did you encounter while writing your book? How did you overcome these challenges?

 Ed: 

The writing was pure joy.  The most challenging thing for me to have a block of time.  Thankfully, because I have the whole summer off, I can pretty much do whatever I want then.  I started thinking about this book around late 2007, and started seriously writing it in the summer of 2008.  With a full time job (I teach) from September to May, it’s hard to do much writing during that time.  I think that was the biggest obstacle.  But the project beckons you, you know…. 

Norm:

Can you explain some of your research techniques, and how you found sources for your book?

 Ed: 

As I said, I read a lot.  A lot of history books.  So the historical stuff I can mouth off quite easily.  And when I’m in doubt, I can always take out the books and check my sources.  I’m into anthropology and sociology, so cultural things come easy for me.  For instance, I tried to throw in Confucianism and Taoism here and there, and that’s easy.  And then the people I know, some from my own family, they provide additional material.  And last but not least, we can always make things up. 

Norm:

When you wrote your book, did you have a particular audience in mind? As a follow up, what do you hope readers will take away after reading your book?

 Ed: 

I wrote the book because I wanted to.  It was there, in the back of my mind, lurking, seeking release.  So I was merely the instrument.  Did I have a particular audience in mind?  No.  Maybe someone who appreciates history and a good tale?  I think the reader would learn something that she/he didn’t know before, and if so, that alone is good.  There’s so much “stuff” out there, and if some part of the book resonates with someone, I’d be so delighted! 

Norm:

You include some very detailed dialogues in your book. Where did that dialogue come from?  

Ed:

Some of those conversations I probably participated in.  For instance, when Martin met his friend in Ottawa, the lunch that triggered his doctoral studies, I actually had a very similar conversation with someone I never saw again.  But then there are dialogues that I could have no way be a part of.  Like the very old ones back in time.  I think, though, they usually have some basis in my own life experience.

Norm:

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing your book?

Ed:

I think the writing is a process of self-discovery.  There were days when I would write ten, fifteen pages, and before I knew it, there was this whole section that just flooded out.  And I would re-read it and wonder where the idea came from.  Things I had not consciously thought about.  But the writing helped bring them out.  Sort of like hypnosis. 

Norm:

Can you tell us how you found representation for your book? Did you pitch it to an agent, or query publishers who would most likely publish this type of book? Any rejections? Did you self-publish?

 Ed:

I decided to self-publish, because I didn’t want to wait for the book to ever see the light of day.  I’m not looking for commercial success or anything, and it was the writing that was the most fun.  So, once that was done, I just wanted to move on and get it out. 

Norm:

What is next for Ed Chung and how can our readers find out more about you and your book?

 Ed: 

I have some short story projects going.  Waiting to hear about three of them, actually.  I think I might write another book next summer.  Don’t know what the subject will be.  Might even do a non-fiction, who knows.  I’ve built a website for the book, www.edchung.net, and I plan to build it up as more material develop.

Norm:

Is there anything else you wish to share with our readers that we have not covered? 

Ed:

I thank you for the opportunity to speak with you!  And to anyone who’s actually read the book, a heartfelt thanks!

 Thanks once again and good luck with Accidental Heroes, Accidental Villains