Featured Member Interview – Christina Vo

How would you describe your writing style? Tell us about who you are as an author/writer. 

(CV): My writing style is introspective and evocative, weaving together personal narratives with broader cultural and historical contexts. I strive to create a deep connection with readers by sharing raw and honest reflections on my experiences. As an author, I am dedicated to exploring the complexities of identity, memory, and healing, often drawing from my own life to illuminate universal themes. 

What is the message/meaning behind your memoir The Veil Between Two Worlds: A Memoir of Silence, Loss, and Finding Home? Are there any personal stories you would like to share? 

(CV): The Veil Between Two Worlds delves into the profound journey of navigating silence, loss, and the search for a sense of belonging. The memoir captures a very specific period of my life — turning forty — and realizing how unhappy I was with the life that I had created in San Francisco. There’s a lot of backstory in the book and reflections about the early loss of my mother. While there isn’t one specific story I would like to share, I would recommend it to women who are at a turning point and seeking solace and healing in their lives—this is what I delve into in this memoir, the paths that I ventured down to find healing. The memoir is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of facing one’s deepest fears and wounds.  

I noticed you co-wrote a second book My Vietnam, Your Vietnam with your father. How was the process and experience collaborating with him?

(CV): Collaborating with my father on My Vietnam, Your Vietnam was an incredibly enriching and emotional experience. But interestingly enough, the nature of my relationship with my father is that we actually don’t speak very much, although there’s a deep bond and respect between us. Interestingly, the process didn’t involve much communication, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t a lot of healing, particularly when I spoke about the book at events, mostly on the West Coast. I wove my father’s writing with my own and created a book that tells two stories of Vietnam.  

Many of the themes within your work surround loss, healing, intergenerational trauma, and the meaning of home. What inspired you to write about these themes in particular? 

(CV): These themes have been central to my life and personal journey. Growing up as a Vietnamese American, I experienced the lingering effects of war, displacement, and cultural disconnection. Writing about loss and healing became a way for me to process my own trauma and make sense of the world around me. Intergenerational trauma is a crucial aspect of my work, as it highlights the silent burdens carried by families and the importance of breaking cycles through understanding and compassion. The concept of home is also deeply personal, representing both a physical place and a state of being where one feels truly accepted and whole. 

Do you have any tips or practices in regard to writing/healing? 

(CV): Writing can be a powerful tool for healing. Here are a few tips and practices that have helped me: 

• Journaling: Regularly writing down thoughts and feelings can help process emotions and gain clarity. 

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can ground you and create a calm space for reflection and creativity. 

• Authenticity: Write from the heart and be true to your experiences. Authenticity resonates with readers and fosters deeper connections. 

• Storytelling: Share your stories with others. Writing groups or workshops can provide support and different perspectives. 

• Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the writing process. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel vulnerable. 

Tell us about your hobbies aside from your writing journey. 

(CV): Outside of writing, I love doing anything creative. For some time, when I wasn’t writing I delved into floral design—and that was really rewarding as well. I also love walking, which I try to do as often as possible during the week. Walking and writing go hand-in-hand to me. I find that walking helps me think through many of my ideas. I also love to explore various coffee shops and restaurants, and spending time with loved ones.  

Is there anything you would like to add or things we can look forward to in the future? 

(CV): I hope to share more personal stories and insights that can inspire and empower readers. While I am not currently working on anything right now, I honestly can’t wait to delve into the writing process again—I am truly my best self when writing!