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When I was eight years old and living in Wuhan, China, the teacher sent for my mother. I was so nervous because I thought I had failed a test. To my delight, the teacher explained that a magazine wanted to publish an article I had written and the editor of the magazine wanted to meet me. The editor presented me with a hardcover notebook as an award. I brought that notebook with me from China and kept it in my office for all of these years.

I always loved to write, but I never dreamt I would be able to write stories in my second language, English. I used to be so uneasy about writing even a simple note, let alone a book! I worried about spelling, grammar, and sentence structure. In some ways, writing in English helps me face that fear. I discovered that by making mistakes, I became a better writer. I challenged myself to write a book in English and sold my first cookbook in less than two months.

Writing keeps me close to the country I love — China. I enjoy losing myself in my stories. As a young girl, I lacked the patience for sewing, needlework, and fan dancing — things girls were expected to do in China at that time. I preferred playing with boys! I relive my childhood fantasies through the boys in my children's books by allowing them to do all the naughty things I wish I had done. In the end, the boys get rewarded for their creativity and inventiveness.

My three biggest passions are children, travel, and food. I love to be with children; they ask the most fascinating questions. A few of my books were inspired by those questions.

Traveling to new places allows me to search out the best food. After sampling delicious dishes, I become inspired to create new recipes for my books. I enjoy coming up with a good recipe, especially if it goes along with a good story.

My typical workday begins with Tai Chi sword, a type of Chinese exercise. Then, after a long walk, I sit down to write. Walking gives me time to think; it helps me structure my writing. Writing makes me hungry so I go to the kitchen to cook and eat!

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