Tell us about yourself.:
I am a stroke survivor in my 50s. Before my stroke, I used to pride myself as being in the pink of health and as one who was sailing through life as the captain of my ship.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I was born and bred in Singapore, and I have always been more of a hands-on type of guy than one who's academic. I like to do things, take charge, get things done. Whatever I read would not be long passages but short verses. Hence, my writing tends to not to be long-winded as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
So far, my books have all been words interspersed with drawings and illustrations. As I myself like such books, so my writing will be similar. To me, these two components are complementary, so that is now a feature of my books.

What authors have influenced you?
I was born and bred in Singapore, and I have always been more of a hands-on type of guy than one who's academic. I like to do things, take charge, get things done. Whatever I read would not be long passages but short verses. Hence, my writing tends to not to be long-winded as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let the words speak from your heart, and the writing will flow.
Find your voice: Writing is about finding your own unique voice and style.

Edit ruthlessly: Writing is rewriting. Don't be afraid to revise and edit your work. Be critical of your own writing and seek feedback from others. It's important to be open to constructive criticism and learn from it.

Persevere: Writing is a long and often solitary process, and it can be discouraging at times. Stay committed to your craft and don't give up. Keep writing and learning, and eventually, you'll get better. Remember, the only way to fail is to stop trying.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Believe in what you can do, and then just do it.

What are you reading now?
Finding Me by Viola Davis.
I was drawn to Viola's memoir as she is a captivating black woman with a complex personality and exceptional talent. It's refreshing to see someone judged on their character rather than their skin color. I was intrigued by her experiences with racism in her career and eager to learn more about her story.

Viola's memoir delved into various aspects of her life that resonated with me as a woman. I was particularly moved by her account of her first date with her husband, as it showed her finding happiness and love, which warmed my heart.

Viola's resilience and humility in the face of adversity is truly admirable. Despite enduring so much, she still managed to come out on top. I watched her interview with Oprah, but reading her memoir provided a deeper understanding of her struggles and made me even prouder of her.

What’s your biggest weakness?
Lack of will power
I have aphasia because of my stroke. Sometime it can affect ability to communicate effectively and may lead to a lack of willpower due to frustration or depression. Aphasia is a language disorder that can make it difficult to understand or express language, while stroke can damage parts of the brain that control movement, cognition, and emotions. These conditions can also lead to physical or mental fatigue, which can contribute to a lack of motivation or self-discipline.

However, it is important to note that my aphasia/ stroke can still develop and strengthen my willpower with appropriate interventions and support. Speech therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other rehabilitation techniques can help my aphasia/stroke to develop coping strategies and build resilience. Additionally, support from family and friends can provide emotional encouragement and motivation. While aphasia/stroke can present unique challenges, they do not necessarily preclude an individual from developing willpower and achieving my goals.

What is your favorite book of all time?
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

When I was writing my first book over a year ago, my doctor, Dr. Moses, and my speech therapist Eve, Radiance, suggested I include drawings, but I was hesitant as I didn't consider myself an artist. That changed when Evet gave me the book, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse." The beautiful illustrations in the book inspired me to start drawing for my own book.

Recently, I was discussing my third book and how it could be my ticket to the Oscars. Then, this morning, I was watching TV and heard the announcement that the movie adaptation of the book that inspired me had just won an Oscar. It gave me goosebumps and reaffirmed my belief in the power of storytelling and art.

This book was a joy to read. It made me smile, laugh, and cry. Its beautiful story serves as a powerful reminder that self-love and kindness to others are essentia

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Dreaming …

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Tintin is a popular cartoon character that has had a significant impact on on me. Created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé in 1929, Tintin has been entertaining me

When I was young, Tintin's stories are exciting and engaging, featuring action, adventure, and mystery. The character's strong sense of justice and bravery, as well as his positive moral values, serve as positive role models for children.

The older me, Tintin holds a special place in my hearts as a nostalgic reminder of my childhood. I grew up reading Tintin and continue to appreciate the character's timeless appeal and the enduring quality of the stories.

Tintin's impact also extends beyond just entertainment. The character has been used as a cultural ambassador for Belgium and has even been credited with inspiring a new generation of comic book creators around the world.

What has inspired you and your writing style?
I have a preference for graphic novels, and some of the best ones have inspired me.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my third book, which will be a graphic novel.

What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Book platforms

What’s next for you as a writer?
To supervise the script for a movie of my book

How well do you work under pressure?
I work well under pressure only if I'm the one in charge.

How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
The tone will reflect the story that is being told.

If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
My success. Because without them, there would not be any.

Terence Ang’s Author Websites and Profiles
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