I published my first non-academic book, Pawprints on My Heart, in 2008. My friends had been asking me to write for sometime and that day, it was Earth Hour 2008 and the lights were all turned off. Being one who is so used to doing something all the time, I needed to do something while waiting for that one hour to pass. So I sat down, and wrote, under minimal light from the dynamo-operated portable lamp, the first three chapters in Pawprints.
That year, I wrote three books within the span of two months. Yes, I do absolutely crazy things when I’m on a “mountain-moving” phase. Those of you who have read Make Time While the Sun Shines would know that I’m bipolar. That means, I fluctuate in cycles of “high” (mountain-moving phases) and extreme lows where I have to drag myself out of bed because life has to go on. I’ve heard of bipolar people going out to buy a Ferari or riding an elephant all over town when they are on a high. Luckily I don’t do those things! And no, moving to a new (old) house is not one of my bipolar whims. (That’s my husband’s idea as he had always wanted bigger breathing space for everyone (4 humans, 1 dog and 6 cats) and space to park our cars without blocking the neighbours. There are four working adults in my family now, hence, four cars. How do you park four cars in a 22X75 intermediate linked house?)
Interestingly I just heard over the weekend that a few people have been saying that I’m working far too hard in running AnimalCare so there must be something in it for me. What’s in it for her, they ask. Ah, sorry to disappoint you, but there’s nothing in it for me except for the joy of doing something I like and feel passionately about. For me, it’s about putting everything you’ve got into what you feel strongly about and doing all you can while you are on a mountain-moving phase before the next “valley of death” hits you!
And the truth is, I’m not working very hard – this IS the way I work. Ask my teachers at school, and they will vouch for that. And if you’re also bipolar, you’d understand how much energy you have when you feel good. In the bigger picture, I’m a firm believer of life being uncertain and that death can strike anytime, so if we’ve got a good idea, might as well do it before we die. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Why wait? Anytime is a good time to do something good.
So, coming back to why I write…ever since my first book was published, I have received numerous emails from people all over. They tell me how the book has changed their lives for the better. The book which I have received the most emails on is A Kite in the Wind. It is also the book that has been reprinted the most number of times by people. They just go on their own to the publisher and request the book to be reprinted. The animal books particularly reach out to children and the young-at-heart. I know they read because they can tell me all the details about every animal described in the books. Very often, children would ask me, “How is Indy?”. Somehow, they like Indy very much!
All my books are printed for free distribution, sponsored by friends and well-wishers. To date, a total of 54,690 books have been published and distributed free to the general public.
My latest book is Do We Have a Choice?
Here’s one of the emails I received two days ago, from a stranger by the name of Danny:
Dear Kah Yein
I happened to pick up your book when I was passing by the Buddhist temple at Jalan Berhala Brickfields.
I have read though your book “Do we have a choice” . It is a very insightful and meaningful principle to be applied for all lives especially we , human .
The only way to stop killing is to have 100% compassion .Honestly speaking , i am still holding quite of number of buffet voucher with me . I am just occasional vegetarian.
Towards today , I will be more alert and try to be better man who do not hurt any lives .
Once again , you have enlightened my inner heart , thank you .
Cheers / Danny
So, this is why I write.
All my e-books can be downloaded at www.tiny.cc/paws or here.
And yes, it’s free. There’s nothing in it for me except for the joy of sharing.
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