Charissa Ong may have stumbled upon writing quite by accident, but this best-selling author didnt leave the publishing of her first book up to chance.
“I was just some girl who got out of university and wanted to publish a poetry book just after her break up. Nobody wanted to pay any attention to that at all.” So goes the story of Charissa Ong, the brain and heart behind Midnight Monologues, the book that was named MPH’s Best Book of 2016 and an award-winning finalist in the ‘Poetry’ and ‘Best Cover Design: Fiction’ category of the 2017 International Book Awards. These paved the way for the quite recent launch of her second book, Daylight Dialogues.
AN UNEXPECTED START
It remains one of life’s strangest ironies that grief and tragedy are often the inspiration and driving forces of the artistic. But that was precisely the crossroad Charissa found herself at, despite having never been drawn to poetry growing up. “I used to blog about comedic things when blogging was popular 15 years ago, and drew a couple of laughable comic strips privately when I was in primary school. I only got into poetry after being in love for the first time in college,” she recounts.
Describing it as her first real relationship that was all downhill, she goes on to say, “I’m a hopeless romantic, so I did whatever I thought romantic couples should do, which included writing poetry. He didn’t really care much for my writing though, and when it ended, I just had a lot of free time and emotion at my disposal.”
FINDING INSPIRATION
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من Her World Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من Her World Malaysia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Beauty The Natural Way
With climate change rapidly threatening the future of Mother Earth, we urgently need to curb further acts of destruction. We speak to Law Hong Mei, founder of The Olive Tree, about building a beauty brand that is sustainable from the core.
Even Pets Need Tummy Care?
For many, keeping a pet is more than just caring for an animal; pets are family members, too. We speak to veterinary surgeon, Dr Wafaa Abdul Washefffrom Pets Corner Sdn Bhd, to find out how your pets can stay healthy with a suitable diet
The Healing Power Of Unconditional Love
There’s a saying that goes, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” For one woman, these words resonated deeply. An unlikely companion came into her life at her lowest point and changed everything.
YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME
“More than half of my time is spent with animals, but I enjoy it,” enthuses animal rescuer, Aileen Lee. The story of this selfless lady’s dedication and love for the fur kids she has saved will warm your heart.
MISSION: Catification
We discover why pet proofing your home ensures harmony and safety for both the owner and the cat.
THE ONE WHO'S TAKING ACTION
Best known for her extensively waitlisted Nina bag, Gabriela Hearst walks the talk when it comes to sustainable luxury. The New York-based designer shares her inspirations, dreams and resolutions for herself and her eponymous label.
BORN TO ENTERTAIN
YOU MIGHT RECOGNISE HER AS THE GENTLE AND LOVING MOTHER IN LEE CHONG WEI, THE BIOPIC OF THE BADMINTON LEGEND, OR THE VULNERABLE YET RESILIENT TEACHER IN WET SEASON, WHICH HIT THE CINEMAS IN MARCH. SOME OF US MAY HAVE SEEN YEO YANN YANN ON THE BIG SCREEN PLAYING VARIOUS CHARACTERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE. STILL, SHE NEVER FAILS LEAVE HER AUDIENCE IN AWE OF HER ACTING PROWESS.
THE TRUTH BEHIND FAUX FUR
Is imitation fur still a feasible alternative in this modern, fashion-forward world? Nadhirah Othman uncovers how the fur industry – both real and fake – brings a detrimental impact to the well-being of our planet.
Surprising reasons WHY YOUR KID is under performing in school
You’re understandably frustrated that your child isn’t living up to her potential. But before you blame her attitude, check if these conditions are hindering her academically.
A PAWSITIVE' Life
Like in many parts of the world, pet culture has seen exponential growth in Malaysia. In this issue, Lorraine Chai discusses pet therapy, a method of treatment that is gaining traction, and also some of the pet trends you don’t want to miss out on.
