Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island
Observations from Taiwanese novelist Utsudo, shared to give new writers some direction. (Articles are in Chinese.)
✦ Essays available in English ✦
- #100 What Chapter Lengths Say About the Times
- #70 A Novelist’s Survival Strategy
- #43 Advice for New Writers Who Want to Write Something Good
- #36 The Malice of the Universe — What If Your Idea Overlaps With Someone Else’s?
- #34 Where the Pen Name “Utsudo” Came From
The rest of the column is in Chinese.
Browse by topic
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #198: The July 9 Penana Interview
In a Penana interview, Utsudo and host Heixiong discussed how fiction makes money. Why original works need promotion at conventions, and why self-printing can out-earn royalties.
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #197: You’re Not Alone on the Creative Path
At a Penana meetup in Taipei, 25 creators from all walks of life gathered. Despite harsh realities, everyone kept going—and Utsudo found a sense of belonging.
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #196: Is Riding Trends Addictive?
Riding one Twitter trend brought Utsudo 300+ followers in two days—and a rush of notifications that’s easy to get hooked on. Why you shouldn’t spend your time chasing trends.
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #195: Afraid of Missing the Chance to Say Goodbye
After the pandemic kept her from seeing her editor before he died, Utsudo refused to wait when an elderly friend fell ill. A reflection on regret and reaching out now.
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #194: On Making a Living from Fiction
A reader asked how to make a living writing fiction in Taiwan. Utsudo’s honest answer: it’s very hard. What it takes, the realities few see, and the one practical first step.
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Hey! I Heard You’re a Writer on Ghost Island #193: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You Want to Be
Once afraid to livestream, Utsudo found friends and confidence by stepping out of her comfort zone. Why the biggest obstacle is often your own mind—and how to take the first step.
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