What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Understudy?
My favorite thing growing up was the Phantom of the Opera musical, and I’ve always wanted to do a retelling of that story in a modern setting. I wanted to bring back the classic gothic themes of the original novel and felt that setting it in Hollywood was the right choice.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Understudy, what would they be?
The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack, of course!
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 currently writing a psychological thriller series, I started out on my writing journey writing sci-fi and fantasy, and I may go back to those genres after I finish this series.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I’ve been reading a lot of romance novels lately. It’s not my usual genre, but since it’s so popular, I wanted to see what all the fuss is about!
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
When the protagonist visits her father’s grave. That scene in the musical always stayed with me. My father has had such an influence on me; some good, some bad. This scene was a way for me to process a lot of my own emotions.
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, 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?
Be the author of your own story.
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