DW: Thank you so much for having me! I am happy to be here.
LL: For those who may not know you, could you tell us a little more about yourself?
DW: I am an author and a lifelong bibliophile. My debut novel, Swearing Off Stars, is a historical fiction story, and my forthcoming novel, Last Liar Standing, is a psychological thriller. I love to travel and always feel inspired when visiting a new place!
LL: What started you on your journey to becoming a writer?
DW: I have always gravitated towards writing, but I didn't think it would actually become a career until much later on. My first published story came out while I was in high school, and I completed my first manuscript during college. As a voracious reader, I found it thrilling to create books of my own. My goal was to give people the same rush that devouring my favorite novels gave me.
LL: Who would you say are the biggest influences in your life and career?
DW: My loved ones are my biggest influences. I was lucky enough to grow up with two parents who encouraged me to work hard while pursuing my wildest dreams. They championed my creative pursuits with unwavering support and encouragement.
LL: I understand that your first novel, Swearing Off Stars, has won you a few awards, including the Independent Press, Ben Franklin, and International Book Awards. Describe the feeling of that accomplishment.
LL: Are there any projects in the works?
DW: Always! I am currently writing a psychological thriller about a reporter given an assignment that seems too good to be true.
LL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
DW: This is one of the most incredible jobs in the entire world, but it is definitely not devoid of ongoing obstacles. Authors--whether emerging or established--can always agree on that. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt come with the territory, so it is vital to be genuinely passionate about your craft. Remember why you began writing in the first place, and try viewing rejection as a right of passage. We've all been there, and it's just part of the process.
LL: Finally, tell the readers why Last Liar Standing is a must-read.
DW: Last Liar Standing is a fast-paced thriller filled with emotionally-charged scenes, complex characters, and shocking plot twists. I hope that readers walk away feeling simultaneously stunned and satisfied! Here is a brief synopsis of the book:
Vonny Kwan wakes up in a Nevada hospital, the victim of a hit-and-run accident she doesn't remember. As she struggles to recover from her injuries, she learns that she also has no memory of the past nine years, including her marriage and what she was even doing in the West.
While she's still reeling from the shock of her amnesia, two detectives visit and inform her that her husband, John, was recently murdered. As more information comes to light, Vonny grows increasingly suspicious of everyone around her.
Vonny realizes she must piece together the last decade to uncover the truth. The missing chunk of time holds secrets about the person she became, the mysterious man she fell for, and the life she never wanted.
Epilogue
"This is one of the most incredible jobs in the entire world, but it is definitely not devoid of ongoing obstacles."
I couldn't have put it any better myself. While you will encounter outside obstacles along the way, such as pessimists and people who give nitpicky, spiteful, and disrespectful feedback, usually the biggest obstacles one will face is oneself
Indeed, rejection is something that all authors can relate to. I wasn't familiar with Imposter Syndrome until today, and this along with self-doubt are prime examples of what I'm referring to in terms of inner adversaries.
I would like to thank Danielle for her time. For more information on Danielle, go to https://daniellemwong.com/. To follow her on social media, visit the links below.
https://twitter.com/DanielleMWong
https://www.instagram.com/daniellemwong_/
https://www.facebook.com/daniellemwongauthor/
