Carol Treiber

Carol Treiber asked Lisa See:

Dear Lisa See . . . I agree, "Why Not Write About China." I had the pleasure of teaching in China in 1988. I taught in Anhui Province, in the city of Hefei. I returned three times with my family to visit my ten students. I have just been introduced to you by a friend. I have read Iris Chang, and just bought the book written by her mother. Which one of your books would you suggest I read first?

Lisa See I'm so, so, so sorry that it's taken me such a long time to write back. But here I am at last!

1988 was still pretty early to be in China. Have you been back? It's changed so much.

I don't feel like I'm the best person to recommend what you should read. You should ask the Goodreads readers! If you like non-fiction, then I would suggest On Gold Mountain, which was my first book. It's about my Chinese American family. If you like mysteries, then start with Flower Net. The book that has sold the most copies around the world is Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. (I bet most people would suggest that you start with that one.) Of course, I'm very excited about The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane, which is my most recent book. I hope you let me know which one you choose.

More Answered Questions

Lynda

Lynda asked Lisa See:

I'm in the middle of reading The Tea Girl and I love it! It's a wonderful story about resilience in spite of overwhelming obstacles. How were you able to research the culture of the Akha people of China? How long did you spend researching before you started writing the book?

Angie

Angie asked Lisa See:

Hi Lisa - I loved both 'The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane' and 'The Island of Sea Women' and have 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan' waiting patiently on my bookshelf. Do your books always finish the way you planned or expected, or do they change as you write? I'm also curious about authors that you have found inspiring or that you choose to read. Thank you :)

Christine Covil

Christine Covil asked Lisa See:

I'm a great fan of your work, particularly Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I would love to know what is your starting point for a novel? Do you begin with research and then develop the plot, or does the story idea come first? You seem to have the perfect blend of a great story backed up with thorough knowledge, I'm trying to write a historical novel myself and would be grateful for any tips!

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