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2. What is your nickname?
My Chinese family calls me Chang Chang, which means happiness.
3. What is your greatest fear?
This is a curly question! I have to say, it used to be death — I remember having nightmares about it when I was little. But after some closer encounters with it, through the passing of loved ones, and evolving my own beliefs about life, it no longer holds the same grip over me.
4. Describe your writing style in 10 words.
Playful, curious, reflective — always led by an open heart.
5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as a writer.
Adventurous, inquisitive, contemplative, visionary and ever-growing.
6. What book character would you be, and why?
I really can’t think of one! I’m quite content and grateful for who I am and the life I have now.
7. If you could time travel, what year would you go to and why?
I would probably time travel to 2019, spend more time with my grandparents, and let them know how much I love them.
8. What would your 10-year-old self say to you now?
“I am really proud of you that you are an author!”
9. Who is your greatest influence?
My greatest influence is my grandmother. I grew up with her and my grandfather in Beijing until I moved to Melbourne at 14. She was strong, loving, and had a deep passion for words, writing poems and memoirs. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.
10. What/who made you start writing?
I began writing and blogging in 2011, mostly out of curiosity. I enjoyed it as a hobby but never imagined it would lead to anything more. In 2016, my daughter experienced a life-threatening illness, and we spent many months in the hospital. That was one of the darkest phases of my life, and journaling became my only form of healing. It allowed me to release my deepest emotions without judgment. Through her recovery, I realised how therapeutic writing was for me, and I knew I couldn’t see myself doing anything else with my life.
11. What is your favourite word and why?
I know this is not one word, but my favourite would be Thank You. I think when we acknowledge and are appreciative of what and who we have, we invite more good things (and good people) to come into our lives.
12. If you could only read one book for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is a tough one, as I love discovering books I’ve never read before! I’m not sure which book it would be, but it would likely be one of Liz Greene’s psychological astrology books. I don’t often revisit books, but astrology books are an exception.
Jacinta Liu is a Chinese-Australian children’s author and oracle cards creator. She left a successful career at a prestigious investment bank in search of something more, and that deeper purpose surfaced after her daughter’s life-threatening illness and recovery. She writes to empower young readers to find their own answers. For more information, see www.jacintaliu.com.
