On Finding Inspiration by Vivien Chien

JENN McKINLAY: You know when one of your besties says, "You have to read this book - it's sooo good"?  You pay attention because you trust your friend to have similar taste in books and other important items like wine and handbags. Well, my pal Kate Carlisle was the one who told me that I simply had to read Death by Dumpling by Vivien Chien because it was fabulous. Well, of course she was right -- she's always right -- and we've both been huge fans of this fabulous series ever since book one. And now here's Vivien to tell all about her latest release in the Noodle Shop Mystery series. Yay, Vivien!

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Vivien: Murder Lo Mein is the third book in my Noodle Shop series, and surprisingly, the question that I’m being asked most is “What inspired the book?” Now, that doesn’t seem like an odd question at all. Matter of fact, it’s a pretty straightforward, typical question. But, since becoming a published author, I don’t think anyone has asked me about the other two previous books and what inspired me to write those particular plots. So I really had to sit and think about it. Because what exactly did inspire me to write the stories that I chose?

In this third installment, Lana Lee and gang are partaking in an annual noodle competition for Cleveland’s Best Noodles, and of course, Ho-Lee Noodle House hopes to take home the trophy and prizes that come along with the title of number one. But is that why I wrote the story? And because it’s a murder mystery, standard protocol dictates…well, murder. So before they can get too far into the contest, one of the judges is eliminated in the “getting murdered” sort of way. Did I then write it simply for the sake of murder and mystery?  I realized that the answers to those questions are “no.” Then I thought…well why did I write books one and two? What exactly am I doing? Who am I? And why do I even have to think about that answer? As the author, shouldn’t I already know the answer to those questions? Again, who am I?

So, I hunkered down with a jumbo coffee and a copy of the book, sipping and staring. That’s when I realized that I was trying too hard to find some elaborate meaning that would make a literary aficionado nod with unwavering approval. I pushed that away and delved into the question of what inspires me to write in general. And the answer I came up with is: humanity. 

For me, writing has always largely been about the character. Here we have this fictional person we can do anything with, so what do we do? And what will they do? Will they succeed, fail, end up in a padded room with a long-sleeved jacket and shiny buckles? We don’t know.

While each story of the Noodle Shop mysteries focuses on Lana Lee, they also involve a community of people who are either directly or indirectly impacted by what is taking place. I not only enjoy observing how Lana responds to what’s happening, but how the others will respond as well. How will they end up treating one another? What does it change? Will existing relationships be altered because of outer circumstances? Or will everyone just continue on as if nothing happened? This line of question is what inspires me to write any story.  The curiosity of human condition.

There is no greater question then “What now?” and each
answer to that question varies considerably depending on who you’re talking to, their preconceived notions/assumptions and what light is shining in their current lives. And I think one of the greatest joys of being a writer is being able to push those “buttons” without real life consequences and ask, “Hey, what does this do?”

How about it, Reds and Readers, do you have who am I? moments? And how do you deal with it?

Vivien Chien first started writing simple stories about adventures with her classmates when she was in elementary school. As she grew up, her love of books and the written word increased, leading to the attempt of her first novel at age 16. After many struggled beginnings and several different genres, she found her passion in the mystery world.

When she's not writing, she can be found frolicking in the bookstore or searching for her next bowl of noodles. She has a soft spot for doughnuts, a healthy love for coffee, and an extreme need to participate in random acts of crafting.

She currently lives in Cleveland where she is hard at work on the third book in her Noodle Shop series and writes side-by-side with her toy fox terrier.

Visit her at www.vivienchien.com