Dragon, be free.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in the UK always feels haphazard. Since there still aren’t too many people celebrating it here, there isn’t much energy in its lead-up, unlike Christmas and New Year, where by November (as soon as we’re done with Halloween), it feels like everyone is gearing up for the holiday season.
In Malaysia, we would have been cleaning, tidying, organising through the last weeks, or longer. Many people would have even refurbished their homes in preparation. For us, I am just glad that we at least managed to do a last minute speed clean on new year’s eve.
Though there is a lack of anticipation as such, what is wonderful about celebrating lunar new year in the temperate climate is the palpable change that the event brings. In Chinese, lunar new year is often referred to as Spring Festival, and indeed, the first signs of spring are around us here in the Norhern Hemisphere. It is an energetic time of the year, with an air of expectancy all around.
Since it is the year of the wood dragon, I want to start it with hopeful thoughts. Thoughts of strength, love, and compassion that will help us grow and change together with our world positively—perhaps following in the wake of the dragon’s flight.
Recently, I did a presentation about my writing journey to an audience of university students, and as I talked, I realised that the coming year will be filled with exciting changes in my career, focus, and life. It is a privilege to be able to welcome change with open arms, and I am grateful for it.
While new things bubble on the horizon, I would like to take time to look at some of my work in the recent years, riding the new year for a moment of reflection—a reminder of my journey so far.
- RÉN: The Ancient Chinese Art of Finding Peace and Fulfilment (non-fiction book)
- Road to Guangdong (game)
- Chinese SF, BSFA Vector Issue 293 (journal)
- Chinese SF Part 1, Journey Planet Issue 68 (journal)
- Chinese SF Part 2, Journey Planet Issue 70 (journal)
- What the Water Gave Us (anthology)
- Ab Terra science fiction anthologies (series)
Thank you for your support through this journey. I can’t wait to share more later in the year.
