Introducing Crystal Z. Lee Author

Review: Crystal Lee is the author of "Love and other moods" I found her book to be very entertaining. It is a book about our journey and choices we make in life and our experiences of love.

Crystal writes very well with lots of detail, it feels like I am in Shanghai, and in every scene with the characters, Crystal has a very natural way of drawing the reader in.

The reader is taken on roller coaster after roller coaster of emotion and growth with the main character.

The book is captivating and thrilling, a real eye-opener and relatable to readers from all over the world."

Here is a bit more about Crystal Lee...

Tell me a bit about yourself….

My name is Crystal Z. Lee. I’m a Taiwanese American bilingual writer who has called many places homes, including Taipei, New York, Shanghai, and the San Francisco Bay Area. My debut novel, Love and Other Moods, was published in December 2020. It’s a coming-of-age story set in Shanghai, about falling in love, discovering strength, and finding one’s place in the world.

What genre/s do you write in?

I primarily write in the Women’s Fiction genre. Next year my debut children’s picture book will also be released.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been blogging since college. Later, I went into public relations for my career and have written numerous corporate press releases. I grew tired of the corporate world and started writing creatively about five years ago.

Do you have any published books or articles? Tell me a bit about these and what publishing route you took.

My debut novel is Love and Other Moods, published in December 2020 by Balestier.

Did you use an editor? Did you use a book formatter and cover designer?

The editor, book formatted, and cover designer were all appointed by the publisher.

Did you self-publish or get traditionally published? How did this go for you?

I’m very fortunate to be published with Balestier. I’m so grateful for the team there.

How do you market your work and promote your brand?(Include links). What social media and writing platforms would you recommend?

I primarily use Instagram and Facebook as my marketing platforms.

Do you use an agent?

I did have an agent once. Later we parted amicably. Then Balestier accepted my manuscript.

Do you use paid advertising? Do you have a blog or website?

No. I will probably develop a website next year.

What inspires you most to write?

I’m inspired most when I travel. I’ve traveled to nearly forty countries and when I’m on the road or on a journey, I can’t stop writing. I get inspired by the scenery, new cuisine, the novelty of foreign cultures.

What do you do to help with writer's block?

Traveling. With the pandemic, it’s hard to travel nowadays. But we can read books or watch films that transport us somewhere unfamiliar.

How do you plan your writing and start?

Initially, I don’t outline. I just write whatever inspires me. I form the outline during the latter stages of completing the manuscript.

Is writing your full-time job? If not what else do you do?

Yes. I’m also a mother of two rambunctious children.

What are you working on at the moment?

A children’s book that will be released next year, and my next novel.

What is your target audience?

Mostly female readers, and all those who enjoy fiction set in Asia, and who’d like to learn more about Chinese culture.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It took me 5 years to complete my first novel.

When did you first discover you enjoyed writing?

Since high school.

What is your writing schedule look like?

I write mostly after my children are in bed.

What does your family think about you writing?

My novel only debuted this month. I think most of my family members have only started reading the novel. I hope they enjoy it!

What do you do when you are not writing?

Before the pandemic, I was an avid traveler. I also love art and history museum exhibits.

Where do you get information and ideas for your writing?

I’m inspired by anything—a touching film, an engaging novel, a moving journey, a profound conversation.

What do you think makes a good story?

It’s one that makes you ruminate on the important things in life—faith, hope, love.

Thank you for your inspiring read and the chance to get to know you more Crystal Lee, we wish you the best in your writing journey.

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