Lily Wang
My view when I’m writing from the dining table.
What do you feel is your best piece of work?
Silver Repetition, my debut novel forthcoming with House of Anansi. Here is a sentence from the manuscript that pleases me: “There is a heartbreak in his voice as when one confuses the shadows of raindrops in the pond for tadpoles.” I was inspired after playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
What music have you been listening to lately?
mei ehara, Lamp
What’s in your fridge right now?
3 eggs, spinach, half a block of cheese—that’s all I have at the moment. I will make a small quiche. I have butter too, which I’ll need to make the crust for my small quiche.
Who is the last character you related to and why?
When Sanji (One Piece) says, “I’m fighting for a beautiful person. What’s wrong with that?”
I didn’t relate, but I remember pausing the anime and thinking, “I want to relate.”
Have you ever failed at something you care about?
Either I rarely care about things or I never succeed.
Last gift you received?
My friend Jean gave me 2 nails, one of which I hammered into my wall.
Best season?
Summer is the season of my memories. Autumn is a cradle of light. Winter I try to mimic the most. Spring I think is lame.
Least favourite household chore?
Toilet
Best outfit?
My wàipó bought me a matching purple set (it’s like traditional) for my first day of grade school. I used to be really cool and happy and fashionable until I moved to Canada.
Do you like to write in the morning or at night?
I sometimes only have time to write at the end of the day, which is why writing in the morning feels like a calm, special privilege.
When did you first receive praise for your writing?
When I was a kid I wrote a letter to Santa asking if he would get my sister a gift. We’d never celebrated Christmas before, and we had no money. I said he didn’t have to worry about me, but I really wanted my sister to get a present. This is apparently moving to some people and my letter was published in the local paper. (My mom consented on my behalf.) I’ve tried but can’t find an archive of the letter. Well, you know, I ended up getting many presents that year.
What do you consider to be your first rejection?
When I immigrated to Canada.
Latest book you’ve read or favourite book ever?
Currently reading M Train, my first Patti Smith. I think it’s a good book to carry from table to table, when you feel stuck, flip to any page. Words will trickle.
Anything you’d like to promote?
I have a newsletter! ( https://tinyletter.com/liliecup ) I talk about literature video games anime trees the lake birds fog myself my friends mist the train snow water water water.
Lily Wang has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto. Their debut novel, Silver Repetition, will be published by House of Anansi. Their poetry collection, Saturn Peach, was published by Gordon Hill Press.
