With the publication of I Bought a Pearl quickly approaching (September 4, 2024), I am a mix of all the emotions you might expect. I am excited, relieved, and nervous. I also find myself reflecting on my path as an author, how I ended up here and what things might look like in the future. … Continue reading Trauma and Relationship with God––Not Positive, but Inspirational?
Author: naomimwong
NOTES ON THE WORLD OF EVOLUTION OF CONTROL (Reprint)
**This text was originally published as the introduction to Bivalent. The feedback I have received about it has been unanimous: readers believe that it illuminates the whole series, and they wish I had included it in the first book. I am not yet ready to print another edition of Amphibious, but I am posting these … Continue reading NOTES ON THE WORLD OF EVOLUTION OF CONTROL (Reprint)
Swearing (or lack thereof) in the Evolution of Control Series and Its Connection to My Family History
A little over a week ago, I paid my first visit to a book club. This group did me the great honor of reading both Amphibious and Bivalent nearly immediately after the release of each book. Only one member of the club was able to attend the Bivalent launch party in July of this year … Continue reading Swearing (or lack thereof) in the Evolution of Control Series and Its Connection to My Family History
Mixed People Are Not the Best, and Other Things to Ponder Before the Release of /Bivalent/ on March 23rd
I wanted this to go without saying, but I need to say it: I am not writing the Evolution of Control series to argue that mixed people are better than everyone else or that they are less responsible for their social conduct than anyone else. Mixed people across time have had complicated relationships with their … Continue reading Mixed People Are Not the Best, and Other Things to Ponder Before the Release of /Bivalent/ on March 23rd
Why I Defy Genre
Recently, I caught up with a longtime writer friend over lunch. We talked about our current projects and then moved on to chat about other aspects of our lives for a good hour or so. Then, out of the blue, my friend blurted out, “Amphibious kind of defies genre, doesn’t it?” “Absolutely,” I said, laughing. … Continue reading Why I Defy Genre
A Wreath of Mercy
**This is a crown of sonnets, which I composed as a final project for a Medieval Church history class. It is a meditation on mercy as the early church understood it and an invitation for today's church to enter into the practice of mercy. Because the piece was originally an academic project, there are many … Continue reading A Wreath of Mercy
A good story doesn’t always need a romantic relationship at the center
I grew up reading British children’s literature, adventure stories that almost never had an element of romance at all. I came to love stories for the joy, excitement, and yes, the lessons they gave me. Imagine my shock and disappointment when, after clinging to children’s stories for as long as I could, I discovered that … Continue reading A good story doesn’t always need a romantic relationship at the center
Speaking Into My Silence About Native Americans in /Amphibious/
By now, observant readers will have noticed an oddity in the race commentary of Amphibious. There is only one mention of Native Americans––setting aside the discussion for now about why I personally do not believe Native Hawaiians to be in the same category as Native Americans––and there is no engagement with Native American history as … Continue reading Speaking Into My Silence About Native Americans in /Amphibious/
Writing from a minority point of view without exoticizing––Insight and Hopes for /Amphibious/
I am super proud that in my recently published novel, Amphibious, the main character is Blasian. I make no secret of this fact in my marketing of the book, although within the narrative, the character’s heritages remain hidden for the first six to eight chapters. I love a slow reveal. 😉 Anyway, there’s a lot … Continue reading Writing from a minority point of view without exoticizing––Insight and Hopes for /Amphibious/
Is There Such Thing As Over-Explaining Art? I Guess We’ll See.
The legend goes that Beethoven played his fifth symphony for a group of people. When he finished, they asked him, “But what does it mean?” And he replied, “It means this.” And he played it again. My mom used to tell me this story, but I literally can’t find evidence of it anywhere. So, I’m … Continue reading Is There Such Thing As Over-Explaining Art? I Guess We’ll See.
How Van Gogh’s Gospel Changed My Understanding of /Healing Beauty/
When I was a kid, I learned about Vincent Van Gogh in an art class. I loved mixing paint with flour to make it thicker and attempting to imitate the great artist’s work. I always felt for Van Gogh. I think I had a tender spot for his troubled end-of-life. The fact that he cut … Continue reading How Van Gogh’s Gospel Changed My Understanding of /Healing Beauty/
Let her blossom
A sweet-smelling flowerThat blooms in secretRoots her power in potentialHer fragrance precious in obscurityUnadmired beauty, her unchallenged glory
Declaration Against Shame
My heart is full of anticipation, but I can't remember how to hopeThe land cries out for justiceBut who is listening? The loudest voices make a contest of victimhoodTo find beauty in oppression is commendableTo oppose it is condemnableThere is none who speaks out for usWhere is our advocate? "Listen, you people, far and wideListen, … Continue reading Declaration Against Shame
Skeptical Communion
Concealing the confidentialSealing the separationConsequences of congenitalStrength. Candid to the coreAnd comely by consecrationCommonly confused solicitationFor camaraderie and kinCraving closeness, still I'm soullessCurrently can't comeInto companionship. So now,Such simple somethings such asKindnessSeem a soft caress or a slithering snakeAnd I can't keep it from slippingTo somewhere I cannot contain it. I can't keep it from … Continue reading Skeptical Communion
Victor Apparent
How strange that the Almighty achesHis invincible side woundedBy unrequited love and jealousyInjustice rejoiced in the darknessOf daylight perverted by prideYet the darkness trembledIts lack of comprehensionComing to an endIn the realizationOf having been overcomeBy a life laid down, willfully,That it might be taken again
Naomi M. Wong 