Author's Message

Ann Mah

KITCHEN CHINESE

(Avon A)

Elevator Pitch: Kitchen Chinese is a story of love, food and identity, about a young woman who moves to Beijing and discovers China, and herself, through its cuisine.

What appeals to you about your chosen genre? I like stories that have layers, that appear to be simple at first glance but become more provocative as you peel back the surface.

How long have you been writing? Even as a child
I liked to create stories and
picture books. But I took a
long detour on the path of respectability, working in book publishing before becoming
a freelance journalist and starting this novel four years ago.

Where were you when you got the call? I was studying French in a seven-week immersion program
at Middlebury College in Vermont. I was forbidden to speak English, so when I saw my agent's number flash on my cell phone, I had to run to a secluded corner and speak in whispers.

Where do you live and what is your day job?
I've lived in Paris since last summer, though my husband is a diplomat, so we move often. I organize cultural events at the American Library in Paris, and I also continue to work as a freelance journalist. I'm also thinking about my next novel ... but Paris is so inspiring, I'm distracted by a new idea every day!