Hello, I'm Ming!

In the beginning, I was safe—wrapped like a cocoon under my grandmother’s care. Though I remember nothing, I am certain my days were rosy, and I was as content as any other child. I’ve been told stories—how I was a ham, cheeky, mischievous, and above all, how I loved an audience.

Then one day, I was sent away. Why? What had I done?

That was the day my bubble burst. That’s when my memories began and where my story starts.

After the first incident, I told my story. Instead of being heard, I was betrayed. By Grade 2, fear stopped me telling my teachers what was happening at home.

All my life, I knew I had a story to tell. Once, I thought I was alone—now I know that by sharing my story, women everywhere will relate. While not technically a self-help book, I hope my readers discover a fierce strength in themselves. A bit of arrogance, paired with fresh air and a hike in the woods, may motivate you to believe that change is possible.

After my debut book, the creative part of me is finally free. I write women’s stories: complicated women, character-driven women In doing so, I reclaimed the spirited child I was.

Travel was escapism before I found peace. Places and experiences swept me from reality. Over time, I learned how similar we are as people. And yet, I appreciate our differences—our cultures, our gestures, our languages, and the food!

Traveling allowed me to time-travel to the Great Wall of China. To surround myself with new sounds and smells—German pork hocks in Munich and smoked eel in Tokyo. I walked the cobblestone alleyways in Frigiliana, to step into an open valley in Costa del Sol. I’ve stood in lavender fields in France. I’ve touched stones centuries old. Inside the Imperial Palace, within the Forbidden City, I almost cried when I thought of the Last Emperor of China.

Today, the best thing about travelling is coming home. Because, at last, home is finally my sanctuary.

The best part is, I get to parent better. As a grandmother, I can live in their moment and simply enjoy our time together. I love watching their faces light up when I introduce little pleasures that don’t involve a device.

Precious moments include discovering spores on the underside of ferns, tracing our hands on paper, making shadow puppets, and watching slinkies slink.

These are just a few of the things we love to do.