I am beyond honored to have Asian American mental health advocate Yvonne Liu on the blog today. Yvonne has a slew of accomplishments from her viral HuffPost essay to being The OpEd Project ambassador. Her writing is powerful, beautifully honest, captivating and searing in it’s ability to render the Asian American experience.
In this Q & A, we talk about how she became a writer, whether a degree is needed to write, and what to do if you’re afraid to share your story. Thank you so much Yvonne! Your words are so needed now more than ever.
Your Huffpost essay, “I Kept My Family’s Secret For Over 60 Years. Now, I’m Finally Telling The Truth,” did phenomenally well and was an obvious hit with readers. Why do you think that is?
I was completely shocked and humbled that so many people read the essay. It was published twice, and both times, over a million and a half people read it. I think it resonated with readers because all families have secrets. But secrets have a way of damaging people.
“I wasn’t able to live my authentic self for over 60 years. I think people want to come out from under the burden of secrecy.”
As a fellow Asian American writer, I felt like you revealed so much about yourself as well as issues within the Asian American community. I think a lot of Asian American writers would love to be as honest and candid about their experiences as you, but are scared. How did you overcome any fears of sharing your story?
I realized I could help people by sharing my truth. The DMs, emails and comments made me realize that I had to get over my fear and just write my truth. Also, it is easier for me to write about my childhood because my adoptive parents have passed away.
How did it feel to write your story? Was it healing in any way?
In the beginning, when I wrote scenes involving violence or emotional abuse I cried.But I rarely cry now. It’s been a process. It has been healing because I delved into how little Yvonne felt at the time. I avoided connecting with my past for years, but it was time, time for myself, and for my family.
So many readers and listeners to my New York Times Modern Love podcast episode, and others on social media have expressed that they were moved by my story and found hope. If I can encourage others, I’m incredibly gratified. Also, one is never totally healed from trauma but one can make inroads to stop generational trauma.
We need more Asian American voices, but many of us were taught to stay quiet, not to make noise, not stick out like the nail that gets hammered down. I think a lot of this is cultural and historical, but also plays into discrimination along with mental illness today. How do Asian American writers have the courage to write and how have you been able to write despite these fears?
I think that we are in a golden age of Asian American writers. You have to decide for yourself if you want to write your story and examine your reasons for writing it. Building a writing community and having some family members and friends who support your work is invaluable. Some people have decided to write fiction instead of nonfiction.
I think that given the times, it’s important that we speak up. We all know that anti-Asian sentiment and violence against Asians has increased since the pandemic. The more people of different cultures and backgrounds understand each other, the better society is. Many people have commented that by reading about my lived experiences, they feel less alone. They’ve kindly thanked me for expressing when they either could not or chose not to express. If I’m able to encourage others in some small way, I will continue to write.
Could you share your own path to becoming a writer? You’re so prolific and won many awards for your writing. Did you always know you wanted to become a writer? Do you think you need a degree to become published?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a little girl, but my parents vehemently discouraged it, and for reasons that were not financial, they wouldn’t pay for my college education. I was desperate to live on a college campus to try to escape my parents, so I attended a business work-study program where I could earn money for tuition. However, I never gave up my dream of writing and took classes over the years. And then during the pandemic, I was fortunate to learn from wonderful wonderful teachers virtually. No, you don’t need an English degree. I read many craft books. I’ve always been a voracious reader. These past few years, I’ve met many published authors without an English degree.
What is one thing you wish you knew early on about the writing journey?
First, it’s going to take a lot longer than you think. An essay, a book has a life of its own. Second, believe in myself. Like many, I suffer from imposter syndrome. And finally, trust myself and trust the story.
Could you share any resources for Asian American writers such as The OpEd Project and other resources for opportunities to write and connect with like-minded individuals?
I applied and was accepted into StoryStudio Chicago’s memoir-in-a-year program and GrubStreet’s advanced memoir class. My teachers were great and I thoroughly enjoyed being in community with fellow memoirists. Look into adjudicated workshops. I was fortunate to attend the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference twice and am an alumna of virtual Tin House and Kenyon Review workshops. I’m a proud volunteer of nonprofit The OpEd Project, which helps marginalized voices write and publish opinion pieces.
I heard that you have a book coming out. Could you share anything about it with us? How can readers keep in touch with you and find out about your book and what you’re up to?
I’m still working on my memoir, Left to be Found. I have a great New York agent, and I’m very pleased, because signing with one is one of the biggest hurdles to getting published. Please connect with me. I’m @yvonneliuerwiter on X, and Instagram. If you sign up on my website www.yvonneliuwriter.com, you’ll receive updates on the book and essays I write.
Thanks so much!
Yvonne
