My Little Fish Leaps
I felt honoured when told of Little Hut of Leaping Fishes being shortlisted for the Best Scottish Fiction -- a prize held in conjuction with the Glasgow Book Festival, Aye Write! -- alongside James Kelman (Kieron Smith, Boy), James Meek (We Are Now Beginning Our Descent) and Michel Faber (Ther Fire Gospel), among others.
The news came to me early this week, when I was frustrated with the slow progress of my writing due to a disease of the eye. It did cheer me up, for, being on the shortlist with some of the finest authors of the decade, to me, is already an achievement, and hence will not expect more. The fact that a book set in China written by a Malaysian Chinese is recognised as Scottish fiction signals the openness and willingness of Scottish society in embracing diversity in literature. That has put me into deep thoughts; a few months ago, in an event in Kuala Lumpur, I was questioned if my work should be regarded Malaysian fiction.
Whatever it is, as someone who loves writing, my uppermost task is to deliver the best works I could manage, to experiment with words and thoughts and images as to explore the possiblity of creativity, and to bring my message across through my writings.
http://www.ayewrite.com/Book-Prize/The-Shortlist
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/display.var.2482354.0.Six_novels_vie_for_Aye_Write_fiction_prize.php
Keywords:
Little Hut of Leaping Fishes has the breath and balance of a great nineteenth-century novel.
”
—Times Literary Supplement
About Chiew-Siah
Chiew-Siah Tei is author of Little Hut of Leaping Fishes (Picador, 2008), which was long-listed for the Man Asian Literary Award. Keen on experimenting with form and medium, Tei produces works that range across literature, film and theatre in both English...
Congratulations
It is indeed wonderful a Malaysian writer's work finds broad audience.
Will your sight be okay with proper medical care?!!
www.belleyang.com
www.belleyang.com
Thank you
Yes, Belle, I am getting medical care but have to limit the hours I spend on reading and writing, which are my passion and means of living. It's frustrating, really. Thanks again for your concern.
By the way, I had a peep at your website; I love your art work!
What fabulous news!
Chiew-Siah, I wish you the best and will be keeping watch to see further news of your progress with this award! You made a comment about something that happened in KL. Sounds like you had a different and surprising reaction from someone over there. Never mind - onwards and upwards as they say! :)
I hope your eye gets better soon. :)
Much appreciated
Thank you, Ryoma. Most of my fellow Malaysian writers have been supportive, but there are doubts as of whether my work should be classified as Malaysian fiction. And yes, the government only recognises writings in Malay as national literature, which is ridiculous. That's one of the reasons I am here, where my writing is appreciated.
Yes, you are right, I will just keep writing.
The UK's gain and the Malay Government's loss!
That's a shame in one sense, and must be a source of frustration for writers who are in the same boat but it is obviously a positive thing for the UK! Well done I say!
Best of luck. :)