Keep on writing like a mad scientist, because practice really makes perfect. – Malcolm Mejin
Welcome back to another segment of our monthly Writer Feature! This would be our fourth time highlighting local authors and it definitely won't be the last! We are so proud to be able to talk to Malaysian writers and share with you about their work, and this month, we were able to get in touch with Sarawakian author Malcolm Meijin, who is the author of the middle-grade series Diary of a Rich Kid!
The series currently has 2 published books: Diary of a Rich Kid and Road Trip. Here's a summary of what the books are about:
Diary of a Rich Kid HOW would your life be if you had so much money that it could fill the entire ocean? For Sarawakian Malcolm Mejin, he would travel all around the world in his private jet. He would also own the latest gadgets, the likes of which are so expensive that they could only be afforded by the wealthiest. It’s such a good fantasy that Malcolm decided to pen it all down in his latest book, Diary of a Rich Kid, whose plot centres on a group of privileged, wealthy kids who lead the most lavish, extravagant lifestyle filled with excitement, suspense and adventure ― peppered with some humour. Source: Goodreads
Road Trip
A wild road trip adventure in the heart of Kuching that draws delighted laughter and endless excitement. Robin and his friends embark on a journey of amazing discovery where they explore delicious local food and breathtaking destinations. Their adventure takes a comedic turn when they encounter orangutans and proboscis monkeys in the wildlife. When their best friend mysteriously disappears, their road trip takes a swerve on rocky path of danger and suspense...
Source: Goodreads
Check out this exclusive interview we had with Malcolm Mejin to find out about why he wrote this series, what he's working on writing now, his tips for aspiring authors and more!
Hey Malcolm! How would you describe your series, Diary of a Rich Kid, in one sentence to convince someone to read it?
It’s an out-of-this-world experience with laugh-out-moments along the way. So why do you choose to write on the topics/themes that you do? I’ve always love epistolary novels, and I decided to write a story from the POV of an insanely rich kid with wild gadgets and a lifestyle that’s almost like an unimaginable fantasy. I thought that it was interesting to delve into the mind of this so-called “anti-hero,” so readers will be either blown away or utterly amused. And why do you choose to write in the Childrens / Middle-grade genre? Writing middle grade fiction is sinfully fun, because you get to stretch your imagination beyond the horizon. You can be wildly imaginative, silly, and just be unsparingly open with your ideas that may seem a little far-fetched. Also, it was absolutely cathartic for me to write it. We're aware that you’ve published 2 books in the Diary of a Rich Kid series so far, with a third on the way to be published. How many books do you think you will write for the Diary of a Rich Kid series? I haven’t really set a goal yet, but I know that I’ll keep writing and writing until one day I’d probably say, “Well, I think it’s enough. I’m going to move on.” So far, I haven’t pondered on stopping the series so that’s a good sign.
What would you say is one piece of advice that you have for young aspiring writers in Malaysia? Just be yourself and pour your heart into it. Align yourself with what your heart tells you and you’ll be just fine. Keep on writing like a mad scientist, because practice really makes perfect. What effect are you hoping to have with your work? I actually wrote Diary of a Rich Kid as a cathartic way to relieve stress. I fell in love with it and just couldn’t stop writing more for the series ever since. I’m hoping that readers will find the books a light-hearted read, and if they have to split their sides laughing, that’s totally great. Overall, I just want readers to have a feel-good time reading my work. What’s your biggest challenge as a writer? I’d say writer’s block. Sometimes when you’re almost there at the finish line, a chunky block would fall right in front of you, and you just get a little disheartened. But that’s OK, because writer’s block is part and parcel of an author’s life. Sometimes, it’s just telling you that you’ve overworked and just need a break. Simple as that. Where/how can readers purchase your books? They can purchase them at all the major bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore: MPH Bookstores, Popular and Kinokuniya. Also, they can get them online via the bookstores’ websites. Can you perhaps share with us a little bit about what you are currently working on writing now/next? I’ve completed the third book for my Diary of a Rich Kid series. It’s called Secret of the Sea. It’s currently in proofreading/editing stage, and will be out in the market by the end of the year (or earlier, if there are not hiccups). If you’re wild about mermaids, merboys and the sea, then this book is for you. It’s a fantasy-action adventure-comedy crossover, so I think it will definitely take readers on their wildest ride into the deep blue sea. And there you have it, folks! Here's a fun fact about the author: he also hosts talk shows on his Instagram called Mer-Series, which is a platform to enlighten his followers about the world of mermaids and mermen, featuring mermaid guests from all around the world! How amazing is that?? It turns out that Malcom hosts these talk shows in conjunction with the release of his upcoming book, Secret of the Sea, which will be the third book in the Diary of a Rich Kid series. Do check out Malcolm Mejin's Instagram to join his enlightening conversations with mermaid guests about the environment and their mermaiding experiences!
Do you know of a South East Asian author who would appreciate getting featured on our social media? Drop us a DM on our Instagram or email us at merakipresspub@gmail.com.
Check out our previous Writer Feature write-ups, where we interviewed Malaysian authors Lilian Li, Hajar Aman Shah, and Adelia Khalid!
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