Passport: China: Guest Blog and Giveaway: Once Upon A Time in China by Jeannie Lin
Excuse me for borrowing from the title of the popular Jet Li movie, but I think it’s appropriate given how much I’ve admitted that the martial arts or wuxia genre inspired my stories.
When I started writing my first novel many, many years ago, I envisioned a “West meets East” story, a love story, an adventure story. I’m fascinated by the intersection of cultures, especially with modern day globalization. The idea of the Silk Road was always such an inspiration; that a series of trade routes connected East to West long before Marco Polo. I wanted to put all these elements together and it seemed that the only way to do so was to create a fictional land based on Tang Dynasty China. Perhaps readers would be more forgiving of historical and cultural details if I could say I made it all up. Then it would be all about the story and the characters.
But the more I researched China, the more I realized I didn’t want to say I made it all up. I didn’t want to borrow the culture and the setting and the martial arts tradition and put them into a made up empire that would so obviously be based on China. So I put my money on the line and committed: I would write historical romances set in Tang Dynasty China.
From that moment, the story came alive.
In truth, these historical romances don’t take place in just regular old China. They take place in a special world called Jianghu. This is not by any means a world I made up! Jianghu comes from a very long Chinese literary tradition. It’s one of those things you need to immerse yourself in and then you’ll know it when you see it. The word itself means “rivers and lakes”, but it evokes a romanticized view of imperial China as a place inhabited by emperors and wandering swordsmen. There are elegant ladies and cunning tricksters and yes, everyone is kung-fu fighting. It’s a place where an oath of honor must be fulfilled. Where love lasts beyond death. Where heroes and villains alike abide by a strict code. It’s like Camelot or Sherwood Forest is to Western literary tradition. A historical time and setting, but cast in a chivalric, adventurous light.
Thanks for having me here! I’ll be giving away a copy of BUTTERFLY SWORDS to one random commenter. Print copy or e-book.
You heard right lovers! The fabulously talented Jeannie Lin is going to give a copy of her Tang Dynasty romance BUTTERFLY SWORDS to one lucky commenter.
During China’s infamous Tang Dynasty, a time awash with luxury yet littered with deadly intrigues and fallen royalty, betrayed Princess Ai Li flees before her wedding.Miles from home, with only her delicate butterfly swords for defense, she enlists the reluctant protection of a blue-eyed warrior….Battle-scarred, embittered Ryam has always held his own life at cheap value. Ai Li’s innocent trust in him and honorable, stubborn nature make him desperate to protect her—which means not seducing the first woman he has ever truly wanted….
So, tell us what you think of China. Have you read any other books about the period or set in China? Do you like martial arts? Do you think Jet Li is as smexy as we do? TELL US!!!
This contest is international and will end May 14th. Winner will be selected randomly and will be announced in our Week In Review post Sunday May 15th.
Special Thanks to Jeannie Lin for participating in our Passport to China feature!
Thank you so much for sharing with us! I am loving all the books set in China, and the Tang Dynasty especially!
I think Jet Li is HOT! Thanks for the post and giveaway!
I have never read any books with the setting set in China. I would like to very much. Please enter me in contest.
I have read a few books set in China or set in lands based on ancient china and in fact got my user name after and as a result of a novel set in China Thanks for the giveaway :)
I can't wait to read these books! Chinese history is so fascinating!
Thank you for visiting :D
I haven't read any books set in China, which is kinda shocking given my love for the country and its history, but I've seen and loved plenyplentyplenty of movies set there. And, oh, what a bad question to ask me… I love Jet Li and own almost every movie of his (even 'Dr. Wai & the Scripture with No Words'. Yes, fan!).
I'd love to read something set in ancient China, so consider me entered in the contest =P
My son has black belts in matsukaze and jujitsu, and is going for his black belt in judo. So I do know a bit about martial arts. One of my all time favorite stories and movies, is Raise the Red Laturn.
I love the history, food and people of China. Their goverment,I do not like at all. I wish the people had more freedom. Some of the people of China have suffered trying to speak out.
I would love to read the book.
Thanks for having me here at the PB Dolls blog. I'm so enamored with your avatars!
Jet Li is definitely one of my faves. I'm glad to see him start getting mainstream roles in the U.S. and definitely wouldn't mind seeing him in a movie version of one of my stories….sorry, got lost in a daydream for a moment there. :)
Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. China really is a wonderful place to write about and I literally learn something new about the history, the culture, and the people every day.
Would definitely love to read Butterfly Swords! I think it's the culture of the country that captivates me…it is so mysterious!
I love finding new authors and books. Thank you dolls and thank you Jeannie Lin for the giveaway.
please enter me
I've read a few asian inspired novels and have really enjoyed them. I really enjoy martial arts as well. I think there should be more books based in China.
Vivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
I have not read any books about China but I do play Dynasty Warriors on the playstation
I don't believe I have read any books set in China or indeed of the period. A great place to start.
It's weird being a product of China, but never setting foot there. But believe me, it's on the to-do list!
Thanks for the insightful interview–I can't even imagine all the research you had to do in order to properly depict such a rich culture.
I would love to read this book. Great post! I think China is very inspiring.
I've read a book set in China – Snow Flower and The Secret Fan by Lisa See. I love the book!
aikychien at yahoo dot com
I honestly don't think I have read a book set in China yet. I would love to though, I can only imagine the different scenery and culture. Also I can't comment on Jet Li's smexyness without my boyfriend being crazy jealous because he loves him!
thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com
I haven't read any book about the period or set in China and I think China is an amazing country with wonderful history. The truth is I don't realy like Jet Li .
Thanks for the giveaway!
artgiote at gmail dot com
Awesome
Hi! I'm reading a book about a Japanese woman (NOT CHINESE – but close – she's Asian!!!), but she knits and talks about her life and comparing it to knitting- how her lives weaves as does knitting! She talks about the ways are back home and how they compare to living here in the US. VERY good reading! The author, her, writes very smoothly and the sentences and story just flows together so nicely. You'll be on page 56 and next thing you know you areon page 156! GREAT writer! She write with such ease and enjoyment. Her writing pulls you right into her story. The book is called 'Yarn' by Kyoko Mori. No, I am not a fan of Martial Arts, and sometimes it seems as if that is all there is on TV at night is a Chuck Norris Martial Arts thing!!
Laurie Carlson
I love ancient Chinese history. I've read various books set in China over the years but none recently. I've always wanted to learn martial arts. I have some friends who know some. :D
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Kris
elfdrop AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for the contest. I don't know a lot about China, but I do know I would visit in a heartbeat and love the rich history.
coreenamcburnie at gmail dot com