MEET OUR WINNERS – Estella Linjie Yan

Q1: Tell us a little about yourself. What are you up to at the moment?

A: I am a 14-year-old girl in eighth grade; I like reading, especially the works of Camus; I recently wanted to try reading Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. I'd like to continue writing some poems, but of course, after the delayed final exams. 🙂

Q2: Tell us a little about who your creative inspiration or mentor is and why? This might be a favourite author or place to work.

A: Most of the time, my inspiration comes from my favorite books or the paintings I have just seen, especially the paintings, which may not leave a deep impression in my mind, but I think the vague impression will enable me to create more imaginative and aesthetic works.

Especially in a place like an art gallery, my creative inspiration and motivation would erupt like waves in a raging strait, something like Stendhal syndrome.

This can be a kind of creative mentor; if there must be a person, it must be Camus, whose absurd and romantic philosophy has deeply influenced me, so he should be my spiritual mentor.

Q3: Why do you write? Would you rather choose prose or poetry? Why?

A: Writing for me may not be as ambitious as those famous authors, and I do not aspire to awaken people's minds or criticize or satirize the dark sides of society. Writing is just a medium for me to record my life, to show my emotions, to record the beautiful things I see, or another form of a diary.

If I had to choose between prose and poetry, I would be embarrassed and hesitant, but I will select poetry in the end. The prose is beautiful and long, but I prefer the simplicity of poetry; poetry is also full of flavor and melody and can sing a sound song and a silent song (beautiful melody in one`s heart).

Q4: What are you writing next? Might this story be the first of a collection?

A: The next thing I'm going to write……I haven't figured it out yet, but I think it's going to be the first thing in my story collection. I'm just waiting for inspiration.

Q5: What are your aspirations as a writer?

A: I don't think I'm a writer now. You can call me a person who writes words. As I said above, I don't have any grand ambitions. I just hope my writing will bring me happiness and tranquillity and that others will feel it more or less when they read it. That's all.

Q6: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life, and if so, how?

A: Of course, there are some, such as the nearby environment, scenery, interpersonal relationship, and social dynamics, that will have some influence on me. Such as affecting my ideas, thoughts, aesthetics, emotions, etc.

Q7: What would you like the reader to take away from your story?

A: I can't fathom how anyone other than me will feel about my story, whether positive or negative, but I think it's good, at least for a moment, that there are ten thousand Hamlets in ten thousand people.

Q8: Did you learn anything about yourself by writing your story?

A: Of course! I feel that my aesthetic appreciation, observation, and empathy have improved. Every time I go back to read, I will have different feelings (although my writing is not quite as good as a Dream of Red Mansions, I can still get other, new things after every reading).

Q9: What are your 3 top tips for writing a short story?

A: ①Think of an outline in advance

②You don`t need flowery language; only sincere feelings and connotations are the best thing

③Pay attention to life and add interesting details