Love and Other Sins

Why do you write?
I was interested in storytelling for as far back as I can remember. Storytelling is an inherent part of the human experience; it’s how we link ourselves to one another, to our ancestors. Maybe it’s my way of rebelling against the inevitable oblivion of my own finite existence. But, put more simply, as an actress, I felt like a vessel for the story — pivotal, but restricted. As an author, I finally understood what it felt like to be in full control of the narrative. It’s a very different feeling. It’s also a different responsibility — to be the driver of the vessel and to be the vessel itself and to be the driving force and to be the road and the mountains and the sea and gravity and everything in-between.
Also, I write because it’s fun for me. I really enjoy making something and sharing it with others and hoping they can connect in at least some aspect. That was the best part of making movies like Falling Overnight, the unexpected emails and outreach from the fans who were touched by the story. I’ve craved that connection ever since. I think this is my chance to connect with a whole new group of people, readers. My heart is really in it. I want to shed light on the flaws of the foster care system. I want to bring attention to the stigmas that all immigrant families face. And I want to advocate for those who are overlooked by learning more about different issues affecting our community and spreading the word. The arts are a powerful tool to foster empathy toward one another.

Read it in one sitting and can’t wait to read the next one!!