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Seven Questions for the Finalists of the LeVar Burton Reads Writing Contest: Grace P. Fong

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Seven Questions for the Finalists of the LeVar Burton Reads Writing Contest: Grace P. Fong

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Published on February 22, 2022

Grace P. Fong story Girl Oil

Is there anything more exciting than a new voice in fiction? (Spoiler alert: NOPE.)

We asked the three finalists of the LeVar Burton Reads Writing Contest a few questions about their writing processes and favorite books. Here we’re pleased to present a brief interview with Grace P. Fong. Check out her story “Girl Oil” here!


 

How does a story start for you—with an image, an idea, a line of dialogue that pops into your head, or some other way? 

I can’t really control when I’m inspired. Usually I see or hear something in the world that seems pretty mundane but becomes strange when I ask, “what if,” “how,” or “why?” From there, I spin an answer that’s magical, metaphorical, or both. I also keep a long list of ideas and strange dreams to reference if I get stuck. Luckily, I haven’t run out so far!

All three of your stories include great worldbuilding. While AnaMaria Curtis creates an entire fantasy world, you and Vivianni Glass both use smaller details to skew a more recognizable reality. How did you each decide which details to leave in and which to leave out as you brought your stories to life? Do you have more stories planned in the worlds you created?

The heart of this story is about what we do to ourselves to fit in and feel valued, taken to an extreme. Cosmetics have been used by and advertised to women for centuries. But after living (and dating) in Los Angles, I wanted to explore the expectations set by modern-day Hollywood. Maintaining that detail, from the landmarks to the microaggressions, was crucial to convey that environment. By limiting the speculative element, the story becomes a more relatable parable to contemporary life. That said, I usually pick my setting based on my story’s theme, so anything is possible in the future. Modern, historical, secondary-world, who knows?

What was the story or novel (either told or written) that first made you want to be a storyteller?

Wild Mage by Tamora Pierce! As a child, my parents took me to the library every week. I found Pierces’ series through one of the “children’s recommended reading” pamphlets. I fell in love with the magical world, the fantasy creatures (stormwings!) and smart, leading girls.

The contest’s theme was “Origins & Encounters”—what was it about this theme that spoke to you?

I think my story speaks to how origins can create encounters. Chelle and Wenquian live in an environment that views them as the same, but they have very different backgrounds and make different choices. The story examines what happens when individuals who live in this kind of world encounter each other. After all, we are not a monolith.

Finally, in the spirit of Reading Rainbow, what book or author would you like to recommend for the kids at home?

I’m hoping it’s okay if I suggest a short story since this was a short story contest! I really enjoyed “My Country is a Ghost” by Eugenia Triantafyllou. It is a beautiful story about immigration, being a stranger somewhere new, and what we leave behind.

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