About “A Moment Too Late: The Day Nurse Clara Crossed the Line”

1. What was your motivation for writing “A Moment Too Late: The Day Nurse Clara Crossed the Line”?

About twenty years ago, an American nurse friend told me a story about a dedicated nurse who, upon discovering that a patient was her teenage romantic rival, killed her by administering an overdose of an anesthetic. I was initially shocked, but it made me reflect: in life, a sudden, impulsive act can shatter an entire existence. Yet behind such moments often lies unresolved trauma from adolescence.

2. What challenges—if any—did you have writing your story?

Navigating cultural differences remains a challenge, particularly as English is not my first language. Although I am a published Chinese author, educated, and professionally experienced in the United States, writing my stories directly in English does not feel natural. I write first in Chinese, then translate my work into English. Additionally, when my literary work reaches a creative bottleneck, I often turn to painting as a way to express my feelings. 

3. What is your favourite line—if any—in “A Moment Too Late: The Day Nurse Clara Crossed the Line”?

“In the end, life and death are sometimes separated by a single, irreversible moment.”

4. What do you want people to walk away with after reading “A Moment Too Late: The Day Nurse Clara Crossed the Line”?   

a. Unresolved trauma can persist far longer than we expect.

b. When emotions override reason, the consequences can be devastating.

c. The violation of professional ethics and the abuse of entrusted power.

d. Revenge offers no resolution.

5. Is there anything else you would like to talk about regarding “A Moment Too Late: The Day Nurse Clara Crossed the Line” that hasn’t been asked?

I originally wrote this story as part of my novel in Chinese. However, before the novel was published in China, the editor removed the portion involving the nurse killing the patient, explaining that it lacked “positive energy.”

Reading

1. What are you currently reading? 

I currently enjoy reading The New Yorker and scripts such as Election, Chicago, and Sex and the City.  

2. Do you have a favourite book? If so, what is it?   

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. The story revolves around ten strangers who are invited to a remote island under different pretexts. Once they arrive, they realize that their host is absent, and they are trapped on the island. Soon, each guest is accused of having committed a crime in the past and having escaped justice.

3. What is your favourite poet or author, if any?

“A Psalm of Life” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Michael Patrick King, a writer and director, wrote a significant number of Sex and the City episodes, eventually becoming a key writer and show-runner. His work, especially in the earlier seasons, is often praised for capturing the depth of the characters and complex and realities. 

4. Do you gravitate towards reading genres outside the ones you write? 

Yes, I enjoy reading scripts and news in addition to the genres I write. 

Writing

1. Why do you write?

I believe writing is a powerful tool that provides me with a sense of therapy. Through experience and imagination, I like to create new worlds that I can share with others. Writing feels like a bridge connecting my inner thoughts with reality.

2. What do you love about being a writer? 

As a writer, I enjoy expressing myself freely and love creating imaginative kingdoms of my own. 

3. What time of the day do you write, and do you have a writing routine?  

I do my best writing in the morning, before noon, when I feel most energetic. 

4. Where do you get your ideas from?

I get my writing ideas from reading, traveling, working, and engaging with people along the way. Conversations with others, as well as participating in social and creative activities—such as joining artist groups—often inspire my work. 

5. How long does it take you to write your projects?

For a novel, it can take me several years, as I revise and polish the work repeatedly. A short essay can often be completed in a single day. Translating my work into English requires more time, as I work with tutors to ensure accuracy and clarity.

6. What advice would you give to other authors/writers/poets?

If you feel the urge to express yourself, just write. Keep working consistently, and sooner or later, you will uncover your own treasure. However, everyone has their own unique way of expressing themselves. 

7. What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am currently working on translations, enjoying the process of rendering some of my short fiction into English. Hopefully, my work will reach and resonate with English-speaking readers.