Ask the Author: Sharon Orlopp

“Very excited about Standing Up After Saigon. It is a rare Vietnamese civilian memoir. I'm happy to answer any questions about the book. Enjoy! ” Sharon Orlopp

Answered Questions (15)

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Sharon Orlopp I have read When Heaven and Earth Changed Places. I don't personally know Le Ly Hayslip.
Sharon Orlopp Hi Carlton, thanks for reaching out. I have not received any warnings about the NetGalley site. I typically use Chrome as my browser. I also have the NetGalley app on my phone to read books and to listen to audiobooks. So far, I feel great about the site but it sounds like I should do more research.
Sharon Orlopp I interact primarily through book reviews on Goodreads. I like to see what other Goodreads friends are reading and I like to post reviews on books I have read.
Sharon Orlopp I write to build bridges between people....to be a connector of people and experiences. I believe that if I can touch hearts, I can help change behavior. By writing, I hope to create empathy and understanding that helps improve inclusion of all people.
Sharon Orlopp Yes. I am very active on Goodreads and have reviewed over 600 books and rated over 1200 books. My yearly goal is to read between 100 - 300 books and typically I achieve or come close to achieving my goal. I am very responsive with those who make comments on reviews or recommend books. Looking forward to interacting with you.
Sharon Orlopp My biggest tip is to capture the bad guy's character from some non-fiction books. I am a strong believer that truth is stranger than fiction. True-crime books or memoirs of flawed individuals might have some great material.
Sharon Orlopp I take a long walk when I have writer's block or when I am stuck. Getting my blood and oxygen flowing opens up my brain waves. On my walks, I have to take out my phone and write notes to myself about passages in the book. It's when my creative juices relax and flow like a river.
Sharon Orlopp I love being very observant, actively listening, and connecting the dots. There is a powerful story inside each of us. I like teasing the information out of a person and creating compelling, memorable stories.

Stories have the power to touch the heart in ways that data and statistics can't---when you touch the heart, you change behaviors.
Sharon Orlopp There are many great authors, books, articles and quotes about writing. The basic non-negotiable is to start writing. Even my husband said to me, "Stop reading about how to write and actually start writing." Priceless.
Sharon Orlopp I have three irons in the fire from a writing standpoint and need to determine which one will move forward first.
Sharon Orlopp Thuhang's story has several universal themes: hope, determination, and personal reinvention. She had to reinvent herself many times due to insurmountable obstacles---polio, war, death of her father, poverty, malnourishment, Communist economic programs, and immigration to the U.S.

Her story inspires me because most of us don't face repetitive challenging circumstances. Knowing how she kept a positive attitude and stared adversity straight in the face inspired me. Her message empowers all of us to conquer our challenges.
Sharon Orlopp One of my mentees, Hua Wang, suggested I meet with Thuhang Tran. He said she had an incredible personal story. Thuhang and I met and her journey mesmerized me. I told her she needed to write a book about her odyssey. She replied that she was looking for someone to help write the book. I practically jumped out of my chair and said, "Pick me!!"

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