Embracing Cultural Identity: A Culinary Journey in the Thrilling World of Fiction

Growing up, the author's love for mysteries and thrillers was deeply rooted, but it wasn't until later that they discovered the captivating world of thriller novels. The rush of danger, the intriguing mysteries, and the fast-paced narratives became a source of immense enjoyment. As the author embarked on their own writing journey, they found themselves drawn to creating a protagonist, Marina Chan, who would be on the run from a perilous past. In the process, the author realized the profound connection between their own cultural heritage and the safe haven they envisioned for their character – a Chinese restaurant.

Uncovering the Culinary Tapestry of Family and Identity

The Comfort of Shared Meals

For the author, food has always been a profound expression of love and connection within their family. Their mother, a skilled chef, has mastered a variety of cuisines, with Chinese food being her specialty, passed down from their grandmother's expertise in creating restaurant-quality feasts. The author's fondest memories involve gathering with extended family, passing dishes, and savoring the delicious flavors that brought them together. These shared meals were not just about nourishment, but about the warmth of community and the celebration of their cultural heritage.

Embracing the Family Legacy

The author's paternal grandparents owned a Chinese takeout when they first arrived in the United States, while their maternal aunt ran a successful Chinese restaurant that garnered critical acclaim. These family businesses were not just sources of livelihood, but also a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of their ancestors. The author's own connection to these culinary legacies became a driving force in their writing, as they sought to weave their cultural identity into the narrative of their protagonist, Marina Chan.

The Absence of Representation and the Awakening

As the author reflects on their own reading experiences, they acknowledge the lack of Chinese American characters and stories written by Chinese American authors that were available during their formative years. It was only in recent years that the literary landscape began to shift, with more diverse voices and narratives emerging. This realization prompted the author to question their own decisions in crafting Marina's story, and to consider how they could more authentically incorporate elements of their cultural heritage.

The Transformative Journey of "It's Only a Game"

The author's debut novel, "It's Only a Game," underwent a transformative journey, spanning several years and multiple revisions. During this process, the author began to intentionally weave in more aspects of their Chinese American identity, including scenes where Marina learns Mandarin, connects with other Chinese American individuals, and explores the significance of community. However, it wasn't until the final stages of the revision that the author had the epiphany to transform the restaurant, Marina's safe haven, into a Chinese establishment – a decision that proved to be the missing piece in making the story truly resonate with the author's own experiences and cultural heritage.

Bette's Battles and Bao: A Culinary Homage

The creation of Bette's Battles and Bao, a fusion of a Taiwanese Chinese restaurant and a gamer café, became a powerful expression of the author's cultural identity. The name "Bette" is a nod to Bette Bao Lord, a Chinese American writer and activist, while the character of Jimmy, Bette's husband, is named after the author's late paternal grandfather, who ran a Chinese takeout. The menu and atmosphere of Bette's Battles and Bao are a celebration of the author's family traditions and the flavors that have nourished them throughout their life.As the author reflects on the long and winding journey of "It's Only a Game," they are grateful for the opportunity to tell a story that truly resonates with their cultural identity. The threat to Bette's Battles and Bao becomes more than just a physical threat to a safe haven; it represents the potential loss of a place that carries deep meaning and connection to Marina's Chinese American community. The author's hope is that this evolution of the story will allow readers to experience the richness and significance of cultural identity woven into the thrilling narrative.