Canberra local Emma Pei Yin has just announced her debut historical fiction novel
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So, it feels only right that we sit down with her to learn all about it.
1941, Hong Kong. Three women embark on a journey of sacrifice, resilience, and survival. This is the premise for Emma Pei Yin’s debut historical fiction novel When Sleeping Women Wake.
Writing for publications including Mekong Review, Being Asian Australian, Aniko Press, Hong Kong Review, Books + Publishing Australia, and (of course) HerCanberra, Emma has always been motivated to amplifying Asian voices within the Australian literary landscape – and her new novel is no different.
Set to be published in 2025, we spent five minutes with Emma to talk about her passion for writing and how her Hakka heritage inspired her to put pen to paper.
Tell me about When Sleeping Women Wake – what is it about?
When Sleeping Women Wake is a historical fiction novel set in 1940s Hong Kong during the Japanese occupation. It weaves together the stories and destinies of three remarkable women – a mother, her daughter, and their maid – whose paths intersect in pivotal ways within the resistance movement.
This is your first book – congratulations! How did this all come about?
Thanks! I’m unsure when the ‘starting point’ occurred, or if there even was one. What I do know is that I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing. Embracing the arts wasn’t something my parents supported, so for a long time, I kept the creative part of myself hidden. I tried to conform to others’ expectations, but eventually, I reached a breaking point. I believe many people experience these key moments in life, those instances where you realise ‘this can’t be all there is.’ In short, I took a leap of faith and trusted in myself.
What inspired When Sleeping Women Wake? Were there any other books or materials that you went to during creative blocks?
The novel was inspired by stories I heard from my grandfather and other family members. Discovering more about my Hakka heritage, especially how the Hakka people participated in the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation, deepened my connection to my roots and ancestors. I knew there was a story worth telling. As for creative blocks – I never really experienced that with When Sleeping Women Wake. Most of the scenes came to me the same way a person would sit in a classroom or boardroom and daydream – conjuring imaginings and stories for entertainment (which, by the way, if this is happening to you, you might want to re-think what you’re doing and turn to writing!).
Tell me about the process of writing this book – what was your biggest challenge?
The process turned out to be much smoother and more manageable than I had expected. I dedicated approximately two years to delving into the history of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong, driven by a desire to uncover the tales my grandfather had shared with me during my childhood. At the same time, I completed online courses to refine my writing skills and completed my Creative Writing degree. I also stumbled upon resources such as the ‘Gwulo’ website and the Instagram page @oldhkincolour, both of which provided invaluable insights that helped me shape the setting, time period, and atmosphere of my story. The actual process of writing the manuscript took around six months. Writing was fun. Editing? Not so much.
What was the book that made you fall in love with the idea of being an author and how does it feel to finally have achieved that dream?
Growing up, no single book sparked my passion for writing, but I always had a deep love for reading and writing. I vividly recall summer days sitting beside my grandfather as he practiced calligraphy, instilling in me an early appreciation for the written word. However, about five years ago, during a brunch when my friend was running late, I chanced upon Pachinko by Min Jin Lee in a bookstore. I remember spending the entire outing with my friend thinking ‘Can you eat faster? I need to get home to read this.’ The way Min Jin Lee writes reminded me of why I love writing.
What is your hope for When Sleeping Women Wake?
It’s simple, really. I hope readers find solace in the bonds of love shared among the female characters of When Sleeping Women Wake. Growing up in a strict Chinese household, I’m familiar with the complexities of relationships and the lack of [healthy] communication. What resonates with me about these women I’ve created is their unwavering love and loyalty towards each other. While such a profound bond may escape me in real life, it thrives within the pages of my novel. Ultimately, my wish is for readers to feel embraced by love, even in moments when it may seem absent.
What’s next for you?
A nap, perhaps? Two, even. But after that, it’s onto book number two, which I can’t say much about right now. I’m sorry!
What’s on your TBR?
The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron, The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo, Fix the System, not the Women by Laura Bates, Purple Threads by Jeanine Leane, Model Minority Gone Rogue by Qin Qin and The Stone Home by Crystal Hana Kim.
