What changed after Utsudo started writing the Ghost Island column? One of Utsudo’s original reasons for writing this essay series was that the writing path is so hard she wanted to share her experience with those coming after her. Unexpectedly, the column drew attention as soon as it launched, bringing interviews, speaking invitations and reader letters, gradually connecting her—once buried in her work and cut off from the world—with other people. In an interview hosted by 海貍, she shared the story of her rocky debut and the people who helped her, and she welcomes speaking invitations from schools and clubs.

Translated from Utsudo’s original Chinese column.

An interview hosted by 海貍

A few days ago, I wrapped up an interview hosted by 海貍 (Beaver).

Maybe because I was eating shrimp egg fried rice during the interview (?), I got emotional several times and even griped a bit about the state of publishers. Luckily the response afterward was pretty good, and I received private messages saying the talk was great.

Why I started the Ghost Island column

Honestly, one of my original reasons for writing the essay series 《嘿！聽說妳在鬼島當作家》 was that the writing path is so hard. I used to push through alone, stumbling and suffering plenty of setbacks, so I thought that if I shared these experiences, maybe others could avoid some wrong turns. I also hoped it would feel like keeping everyone company.

As soon as it launched, it got a lot of attention—something I didn’t expect.

Since writing this column, I’ve received a number of invitations and interviews, gained some traffic online, and gotten plenty of letters asking questions or saying thank you.

From the margins to connecting with the world

It made me feel that I, once cut off from the world and buried in my writing all day, am gradually connecting with people. Humans are social animals. Even the most withdrawn people still long to form bonds with others. And with the internet, we can interact with others while “feeling safer.” I think this column has had that effect.

I realized that choosing to stay on the margins wasn’t just about devoting all my time to writing. More importantly, under the influence of my real-life circumstances, my low self-esteem was at work—afraid of being looked down on and disliked, I simply isolated myself. Now that I’m no longer afraid to speak up, I’m gradually feeling warmth and encouragement from the outside world.

In this talk, I told little stories like “my story with my second benefactor” and “my rocky debut.” I didn’t expect to move anyone, but the response was quite good. Wonderful—thank you for enjoying my stories.

Giving back to the industry

As for whether I want to help others and give back to the industry in the future: writing this column and offering free or paid critiques is already all the giving back I can manage right now. Maybe in the future, when I reach a different level, I can offer more help.

I was also surprised that 海貍 said they hadn’t dared invite me at first for fear of being turned down. Actually, as long as I have time, I basically accept interview invitations. So if you’d like to invite me for a talk or an interview, just send me a message to check my availability!

Besides that, I also welcome talks at schools or teaching sessions for clubs.

Anyway, I look forward to seeing you next time.

FAQ

Further reading

• Previous: Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #238: Serving the King Is Like Keeping Company With a Tiger
• Start from the beginning: Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #01: Utsudo’s Debut — A Road to the Dream Covered in Frost
• Utsudo’s books

About the author

Utsudo is a Taiwanese light novelist and novelist VTuber with more than ten years in the industry and 40 commercially published print books. Her novel 《遺失的情書》 received a 2022 Ministry of Culture youth creative award. The 《嘿！聽說妳在鬼島當作家》 series records her experiences as a novelist in Taiwan.