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Apple An | Discover Books & Novels on CraveBooks

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Apple An
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Member Since: 06/2023

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Apple An grew up during China’s Cultural Revolution and came to the US in her 20s. She is a professor at Syracuse University in New York State. Over 30+ years, she has published 200+ academic articles and three books. Her research has been cited 16,000+ times by scholars from many disciplines and around the globe. She has been acknowledged with 23 awards and recognitions for teaching, research, and service.

Apple's literary journey started in 2017. She now writes short stories, memoirs, and historical novels about her life and those of people she knows. Her goal is to enrich Asian American cultural heritage and history and to enhance cultural understanding and acceptance among all people.

Her debut book, Las Crosses: An Unwavering Journey to a New Life in America, was a memoir published in 2023. It is a finalist for the "Women's Non-Fiction" and "Multicultural Non-Fiction" awards at The 2023 Annual IAN Book of the Year Awards. Also in 2023, she designed and published All-in-One Dotted Journal Notebook that affords her a busy, productive, and mindful life. In 2024, Apple will publish her first historical novel, Mother of Red Mountains, which is based on true events and people in China. Apple also co-edits the Voices Anthology Series with Georgia A. Popoff. The series is to provide a channel for regular people to share their life stories and world views. Vol 1, 28 Voices, was published in 2024. Vol 2 will be published in 2025.

On a personal level, Apple is the mother and guardian of five children. She raises chickens for organic eggs and grows organic vegetables, all in her backyard. She is a USTA-rated tennis player and an award-winning amateur ballroom dancer. She loves hiking, traveling, movies, concerts, and cultural events. Apple reads and listens to books as much as she can.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am a mom of three and an aunt/guardian of two. These kids have been the best that ever happened to me. I am an avid tennis player and ballroom dancer. I grow my organic veggies and collect organic eggs from my chickens. I love concerts, movies, traveling, and books. I am interested in people's real stories and want to share the ones I know about.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started several vignettes in 2017. At the time, I just wanted to share my life stories with my children. My friends read the early drafts and encouraged me to publish them to reach more audience. They also made me realize how much they enjoyed reading the Chinese culture and norms.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Writing might become my second career. I enjoy the creative part of writing. The reviews and comments made me realize how much effect stories can have on people's lives. That motivates me to write more and better.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I believe every one of my books is my favorite. I write them with my heart and publish them only when I am proud of them. How could I not love my books?

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

I spent six years in my spare time taking creative writing classes. It is a different ball game, even though I have published hundreds of academic articles and books. The first book was difficult, and I did not know what it might be like once I finished it.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favorite authors since my college days are Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. I love all their books. I fell in love with Kristen Hannah's books and have read most of her recent ones. Amy Tan and Lisa See are my favs, too. I enjoy reading the stories about Chinese people in their books and comparing them to the stories I know.

What book are you reading right now?

This list is a moving target as I am always reading books. On average, I read 4-5 books a month. These books include non-fiction (e.g. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Gut, Focus, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, The Measure of Our Age), memoirs (e.g., In Pieces, Dying of Politeness, Finding Me, Broken Horses, The Woman in Me, The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man), and historical fiction (e.g., Kristin Hannah's, Amy Tan's, Lisa See's). Recently, I enjoyed The Death at the Morning House, which is in the Teen and Young Adult Mysteries and Contemporary Romance categories.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

My family, friends, other books.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Besides writing, playing tennis, and ballroom dancing, I enjoy my organic garden with berries and vegetables. Movies, concerts, hiking, and traveling are a few other things I enjoy.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, several! I am working on several historical novels based on true events and people. I also co-edit the Voices Anthology Series. We published the first one, 28 Voices, in 2024. The second volume is coming in 2025.