Award winning author and dynamic public speaker, Ying  Compestine is the author of 18 books, including highly praised Revolution is not a Dinner Party, A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts and Boy Dumplings.

Ying is the spokesperson for Nestle Maggi and a regular contributor to many national magazines Cooking Light, Ski, EatingWell, Self, Men's Health, and Delicious Living. She has lectured on a variety of subjects at writer's conferences and universities, aboard cruise ships, on television and radio programs, and for numerous other organizations. You can learn more about her at www.yingc.com

Bookworm: When did you start writing?

I published my first article when I was nine years old in Wuhan, China. I never did think of writing as a career, especially writing in my second language. But after I lost both my parents, I felt I had lost touch with China. Writing was the only way I found to help me connect and to cope with my grief.

BW: Why did you choose your particular genres?

Love of China. Love of food. Love of children. So, I write picture books, YA, cookbooks and food features for magainizes.

BW: What inspired you to choose your subject matter?

Many of my childhood memories are associated with food and books, and both continue to play a very important role in my life. I love to cook, to host dinner parties, to write about food and to read.

BW: How difficult/easy has your experience been as a published writer?

The difficulties: To write books in my second language and for me to think my books are good enough to send out.
The easy part: to come up with the ideas and structure for the story.
 
BW: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer/illustrator?

After I lost both of my parents to cancer, I realized how much I missed them and China. I found that writing keeps me close to them.

BW: What’s your first childhood memory?

My first taste of imported chocolate when I was five.
 
BW: What’s your most embarrassing childhood memory?

When talking to a boy I had a crush on, I noticed that my toes stuck out of holes in my worn-out shoes.

BW: What’s your favorite childhood memory?        

Learning English from my father.

BW: How did you celebrate publishing your first book?

I cooked a nice meal and invited friends over for a dinner party.

BW: Where do you write your books?

At home on my computer, by a window overlooking my beautiful garden.

BW: Where do you find inspiration for your writing?

Reading and traveling, cooking and eating.

BW: Which of your characters is most like you?

Ling in Revolution is Not a Dinner Party, and Yun in Tea Eggs, in, A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts.
 
BW: What’s your idea of the best meal ever?

One I cook for myself after a long trip.

BW: What makes you laugh out loud?

My son’s jokes.

BW: If you could travel in time, where would you go?

To ancient Egypt. I would be an Egyptian queen like Cleopatra, but with a happy ending.

BW: What do you want readers to remember about your books

The memorable characters, engaging plot and surprise ending.

BW: What do you like best about yourself?

How I raised my son.

BW: What would your readers be most surprised to learn about you?
 
I have traveled all over the world including the Antarctic.
Some weeks I spend over 16 hours playing badminton at my club with people twenty years younger than me and still manage to beat them.

BW: What advice would you give other aspiring authors?

Make every word count. Treat each one as if it was a precious pearl. Don’t write a single note, but a symphony.

Don't force yourself to sit in front of a computer to write when you are not ready to tell your story. Go enjoy and live your life. Observe people around you and read. Once you have a story in your mind, then sit and write.

Make every word count and only send out your best work.

Open your heart for constructive criticism. As an old Chinese saying goes, "Good medicine tastes bitter."
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A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts just won Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts. The AARP lists it as a recommended book for grandparents.

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