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Pooi To Literary Festival

This year has been terrifically active, with no fewer than 4 visiting writers (A. J. Low is
actually 2 writers who work collaboratively). They all gave us interesting talks and even
some interesti ng writi ng workshops.
Rick has also c
Rick has also coughed up a decal of favorite stories – hope you like them!oughed up a decal of favorite stories – hope you like them!

A Briti
A Briti sh Writer in Pooi To sh Writer in Pooi To

Have you ever read a book about China writt en by a foreigner? By a person who comes from another ve you ever read a book about China writt en by a foreigner? By a person who comes from another
Ha
c country? You can get a fresh perspecti ve on your city, and have a thorough look at it. Everybody has ountry? You can get a fresh perspecti ve on your city, and have a thorough look at it. Everybody has
their own thought about Hong Kong. Some people think Hong Kong is the “Pearl of the Orient”while own thought about Hong Kong. Some people think Hong Kong is the “Pearl of the Orient”while
their
others don’t like Hong Kong because of the policti cal chaos of recent years…...
On
On 10th November, Alec Ash was invited to be our speaker at a writi ng workshop. He is a writer and 10th November, Alec Ash was invited to be our speaker at a writi ng workshop. He is a writer and
journalist working in Beijing. Alec wrote a book called “Wish Lanterns”, which is about the lives of six t working in Beijing. Alec wrote a book called “Wish Lanterns”, which is about the lives of six
journalis
y
young Chinese people. In the workshop, he taught students to express what we thought about Hong oung Chinese people. In the workshop, he taught students to express what we thought about Hong
Kong in our own words.
At fi rst, Alec Ash showed us some arti cles writt en by songwriter Bob Dylan, novelist Joan Didion, t fi rst, Alec Ash showed us some arti cles writt en by songwriter Bob Dylan, novelist Joan Didion,
A
a and comedian Lewis Black. Their articles described the characteristics of their city that they have nd comedian Lewis Black. Their articles described the characteristics of their city that they have
observed. Next, we each wrote a short paragraph entitled “My Hong Kong”, and showed it to each bserved. Next, we each wrote a short paragraph entitled “My Hong Kong”, and showed it to each
o
other. Some of our students described Hong Kong as a fi sh ball sti ck because as the most popular food in . Some of our students described Hong Kong as a fi sh ball sti ck because as the most popular food in
other
Hong
Hong Kong, it can symbolise the city. Another reason is that fi sh balls on a bamboo sti ck are like narrow Kong, it can symbolise the city. Another reason is that fi sh balls on a bamboo sti ck are like narrow
s streets thronged with pedestrians, and they are united. Alec commented that it’s an interesti ng metaphor treets thronged with pedestrians, and they are united. Alec commented that it’s an interesti ng metaphor
for Hong Kong.
Aft er the writi ng workshop, I met Alec for an interview.
Q1: The workshop is about writing a paragraph about Hong
Kong, so how can we describe our city in a diff erent and interesti ng
way?
Hong Kong means something different to everyone. For me, I’m
English, and it reminds me of Britain in some ways. I think you girls in
Pooi To Middle School, you’re locals, and you have your own feelings
about Hong Kong. I love this city, and I really enjoyed teaching the
workshop here today.
Q2: How does one become a writer?
I think everyone can be a writer; it doesn’t have to be your main job
that you earn a living from. If you read a lot and write something
good which other people read and enjoy, you’re already a writer. So I
would encourage everyone to write something every day, even if it’s
your own diary.
Q3: How do you deal with writer’s block?
I oft en struggle with writer’s block when I just can’t think of what to say next. My trick is to imagine you’re talking to your friends or your
mother or father and telling them what it is you want to say. Sometimes that is easier because they’re so close to you and there is less
pressure, so the words come more easily.
Q4: Do you have any suggesti ons for students who want to improve their English writi ng skills?
Read. Read as much as you can in English, and read diff erent types of books. Don’t just study the school materials; go out and buy famous
novels in English at a level you can understand. You only become a good writer if fi rst you become a good reader.
Q5: Have you read any inspiring novels or arti cles? Which books do you highly recommend to Hong Kong students?
One of my favourite authors when I was a school student was the American novelist John Steinbeck. He wrote a book called “Of Mice and
Men”. It’s short, and it’s easy to read, and the language is very beauti ful. I also recommend Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”.