‘Write the book you want to read.’ Kevin Kwan on the crazy rich life of being a storyteller
The terms “socialite” and “author” aren't exactly the two words you see side-by-side on a regular basis, but when you're the world-renowned Crazy Rich Asians writer Kevin Kwang, there's no other moniker.
The celebrated socialte author spoke with Fully Booked Philippines about his writing process, Asian American representation, and his new book Sex And Vanity today, Sept. 10.
Released in July of last year, Sex and Vanity is Kwan's latest novel after the success of his Crazy Rich Asians trilogy and subsequent film adaptation. The new book follows a New Yorker named Lucie Churchill who finds herself deciding between two men and their two different lifestyles. Much like Lucie, Kwan too has released himself from the shackles of the past and is ushering in a new future in his storytelling approach.
With Crazy Rich Asians rooted in his childhood and past experiences, Kevin jokingly called the trilogy "baggage," but Sex and Vanity sees the writer in more comfortable terms.
"This time, in Sex and Vanity, I could really just invent a world and there's a freedom in that," he shared. "This really was a breath of fresh air because I have to make it fun for me. This is also my summer vacation."
Despite the ease of his writing when referencing fashion, art and relationships in general, Sex and Vanity also tackles the relevant themes of Asian American microaggressions and representation, with the main character of Lucie being of half-Asian descent.
"This is the world we're living in now. I have seen so much the struggles of Hapas and it's an interesting way to examine race in America, this collision of East and West."
Kwan also refers to Lucie as a "Hapa heroine"—Hapa being a Hawaiian term for someone with mixed ethnicities. "I really felt that it was important to me to keep investigating this issue and shed light on it—as I do with my other books."
With the acclaim of his other books, it's then no surprise that Sex and Vanity has also been picked up for a movie adaptation under Sony Pictures.
"It's a privilege to write a book, to tell a story. To have people want to read it and for me, it's very, very meaningful," the Singapore-born novelist shared.
For his advice to aspiring Asian writers, the author specifies that being clear is kind—even in writing.
"Make it specific, tell your story, tell your truth," he shared. "We are all filled with original stories. For those out there who are inspired to write: write the book you want to read."
Sex and Vanity is available at Fully Booked stores and Fully Booked Online here.
Banner photo from Kevin Kwan's Instagram account
