AUTHOR TING TING’S JOURNEY FROM LEARNING DISABILITIES TO WRITING STORIES OF HOPE - VORAKA

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN VORAKA

Article Published on 22 December 2024 by Gloria Poletti | www.vorakamag.com

Ting Ting was born in Canada to parents who were refugees and started a new life in a foreign country. Growing up, she was inspired by their strength and resilience, which motivated her to push herself and succeed in whatever she did. Despite facing challenges, including a learning disability, she didn't let these obstacles hold her back. Instead, she worked hard to create stories that would capture her readers' attention. Ting Ting is passionate about supporting others with learning disabilities. She believes that the power of an idea is much greater than how it is written. It's not about the perfect structure or grammar but the message and the emotions that a story can convey.

Now living in London, Ting Ting works as a science teacher, but her true passion is writing. In her free time, she continues to write, exploring different themes and offering fresh perspectives to her readers. Her writing is driven by the belief that every story, no matter how big or small, is worth telling.

For Ting Ting, the idea that everyone has a story to share is what keeps her motivated to write. She finds inspiration in the simple belief that stories connect us and have the power to inspire, change, and help people see the world in a new way.

ABOUT THE BOOK ("LEAP")

Facing a sudden breakup after a long-term relationship of four and a half years, a twenty-four-year-old woman embarks on a journey of self-reflection to understand the reasons behind her situation. She confronts new questions about herself, her perception of life, and her connections with the people around her. As she delves into the complexities of relationships and uncovers insights about herself and her life, she must determine whether this newfound understanding is sufficient to convince her to fight for her relationship.

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The book is written as if she were conversing with a friend, but that friend was herself. She engaged in a dialogue with herself, providing support while also challenging her perspectives. This dual role, as both the storyteller and the listener, allowed her to explore her emotions more deeply, hoping it would give her readers a reflective lens through which to view their own experiences.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TING TING

How has growing up with first-generation refugee parents in Canada shaped your identity as a writer?

Growing up with refugee parents has influenced my writing because it helped me develop empathy. Experiencing what it's like to start with nothing has given me a genuine understanding of hardship, making it easier to empathize with others. I'm aware that my life could have been even more challenging, but I'm fortunate it wasn't. Living in Canada, surrounded by diverse cultures and perspectives, has further enriched my appreciation for different walks of life. This background naturally inclines me to explore various complexities by playing devil's advocate, allowing me to create nuanced characters and scenes. My parents' perseverance has deeply shaped my understanding of resilience, a central theme in my work. Their strength is a source of pride in my heritage, and I strive to convey this in my books.

In what ways does your parents’ resilience influence the themes in your stories?

To continue reading the full interview, click here to download our latest 2024 Literature special issue.