Interview with Tang Seng, Author of The Drowning Bay

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Drowning Bay?

It actually began as a dream. In the dream, I saw a woman in a white dress standing on the beach at the crack of dawn. She looked around her, saw a neighbor coming out to walk his dog. Made sure to make eye contact, so the man knew she was there. And then she walked into the ocean and disappeared. It wasn’t the most frightening dream, but the image stayed with me for all of the next day, and the more I thought about it, the more the story came to me. I’ve always wanted to write a psychological thriller series, and this felt like it was the right story to begin that journey.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre to read is definitely psychological thrillers. While I am writing a psychological thriller series now, I started out on my writing journey, writing sci-fi and fantasy, and I may go back to it after I finish with this series.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The next book on my reading list is “The Lost Bookshop” by Evie Woods.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The opening prologue of the book since it’s the scene from my dream that started the whole thing.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Tang Seng is my pen name, named after the monk from The Journey to the West. To show her support, my wife made me this hand-stitched Tang Seng doll that I keep on my writing desk to remind me to focus on the journey and not the destination.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I come from a screenwriting background, and in screenwriting, done is better than perfect. I think it applies to novel writing as well.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Everyone needs help. And the best help you can get is the courage to believe you can save yourself.

Tang Seng is the author of the new book The Drowning Bay

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