Q: Can you tell us an overview about your background?
A: I have been teaching for 30 years and 25 years in USM. I have three grown up children and have a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English literature and I love teaching. I have written grammar books and published articles on strategies in teaching English language using drama, and have published books on english literature and grammar. I have acted in plays with the Penang Players. I am a mountain climber and scuba diver. I have written on nature conservation, feminism articles in newspapers and magazines.
Q: When do you begin writing? What encouraged you to give it a try?
A: I have always desired to write but I have found it is kind of difficult having three children so I began when they grew up. I write because there are few Malaysian writers and it
Q: Is Life: The Malaysian Style your first writing?
A: I have published academic articles and journals in America and local universities and I have lectured on english literature, language teaching, learning and feminist studies. Is Life: The Malaysian Style is my second publications, my first book is entitled Tales of the heart. In Is Life: The Malaysian Style I write about the cultural aspects and the fascinating Malaysian lifestyle. Malaysian life is unique and being multi-racial, many foreigners admire our life here. This book gives an insight to the light and sparkling side of local experiences.
Q: Where do you draw inspiration/strength?
A: I am inspired by the colourful life and by friends and students.
Q: Why do you think your books are such a success?
A: Malaysians enjoy reading local books written by Malaysians. Generally we wish to encourage our own local writers to get published. My book is humorous and reflects real life and they are true stories and they reflect how people cope with their problems and seek fulfilment. That's why it is the best seller in Malaysia.
Q: Can you tell readers about your next project after the book Life: The Malaysian Style?
A: My next book is entitled Gifts from the Hearts will be published by Pelanduk Publishers, Kuala Lumpur. This book is more literally and half of the book is literature based. Life: The Malaysian Style 2 will be published next year. This book will be similar to my book which won the award.
Q: October is reading month, what is your advice to encourage reading habits among students?
A: Lecturers and schools at USM have to play significant roles and take effort to encouraged students to read books. For examples, lecturers should ask students read more books and write summary of the books. For science subject, lecturers should encourage them to borrow more books from the library. USM also can take actions such as all the schools at USM have to organize English Week for example a few times in a semester. All the students must talk in English in class or around the campus for whole week or month maybe.
*Life: The Malaysian Style is a collection of true anecdotes that shows the sparkling side of Malaysian experiences in love, work and life.
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Peggy's blog : Sunny Life by Peggy Tan
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