Eichin Chang-Lim

I grew up in Taiwan and came to the USA for my graduate school years ago. I have been living in Orange County for 30 years; I enjoy the weather and people here tremendously. 

It’s an interesting journey, I would say.

I wanted to be a writer when I was in elementary school. I even submitted several short stories and essays to youth magazines, and they were accepted and published. Of course, they were written in Chinese back home. In junior high, I submitted some more articles and stories; they were ruthlessly rejected. My confidence shattered; I started to doubt my writing ability. At the same time, I found interest in other areas of study. So, the idea of being a writer faded, and I gradually evolved my studies in science and healthcare.

After years as an optometrist, I realized that every person is a unique individual, and every soul is precious. I know this sounds clichéd. However, that’s my conviction. I really appreciate that my patients allow me to look into their eyes, “the windows to the soul.” (Again, a cliché!) I believe that there are stories in every single person. Listening to my patients fuels the inspiration for my stories.

The urge to tell stories prompted me to become an author eight years ago. My novels are a collection of stories I have heard and about the people I have met. Of course, I inject them with personal experience and research for specific plots to make the story real.

Romance is an intriguing genre for me. I write about it because I have found that relationships are quite involved in real life. I like to use romance to depict the intricacy of relationships.

Let me put it this way; it’s my vision to use “romance” as a vehicle to draw out a true-love story. Eventually, it evolves into an inspirational and thought-provoking tale

As a romance writer, I write with my heart and soul. My mindset is that if my story can make a difference in even one person’s life, it’s all worth it. And, that’s what love is all about.

I worked for a cooperate optometry nearby home when kids were small. After they entered college, I joined my husband’s private practice in northern LA county. The setting of private practice allows me the flexibility to focus on providing the utmost eye care for my patients without the rigidly cooperate-imposed policies and politics. 

After all these years, I still cherished that experience. Many a weekend, a couple of photographers would determine the locations; most of the time was outdoors, like farms or scenery fields. Some photos were for the editorial purpose; others were for the sake of fun. Unfortunately, I only took a few with me when I left home. Through the years, due to the humidity back home, my mother could not preserve them. Just for the readers’ information, all the photos were conservative because I was still a student. (Smile!)   

I’ve asked myself countless times while I work on my manuscript, “What is true love?” Readers may discover that I tend to tell the stories beyond the confines of romance. I strive to convey the kind of love that is much broader and deeper than romantic or physical love. It’s my conviction; love is more than a four-letter word. It’s multi-dimensional; it involves sacrifice, forgiveness, trust, demoting one’s ego, or even “letting it go” at times. I also like to encompass the love of friendship, family, and even little pets in my story.

So, to answer your question, yes, I believe in love, and everyone needs love in various forms. 

(Smile!) I like playing comedy, and most of my short films are in that genre. When I saw the casting calls for Winning Formula, I submitted for an audition; then I received a call back for the second read, and then interviewed by the director. I was thrilled when I booked the role. The filming experience was delightful, and the entire cast got along so splendidly. 

I enjoy a simple workout. However, I do all of my workouts at home because of the time restraint. I follow the dance aerobics DVD for about 45 minutes and weight-lifting (15 lbs) five days a week. Also, music is an indispensable part of my daily life. 

A couple of years ago, I received an AA degree in graphic design from Full Sail University. I pursued it because making beautiful images, especially taking photography, fascinates me.

Now, I enroll in a master’s degree in Psychology. Readers may wonder what in the heck I am doing. Well, I am a firm believer that one is never too old to learn. 

The seeds writing Flipping were there, way before I wrote Tough Scratches/Love, A Tangled Knot. I infused much of my personal experience into Flipping, especially the part about raising a special-needs child, walking alongside him during his growing-up years, learning to let him go, and seeing him struggle to spread his wings and fight to be independent and be loved. Flipping stars a cast of characters who determined to live life on their own terms. The story is set in Taiwan and California and follows the lives of two generations as they learn to deal with heartaches and celebrate their blessings. Love can overcome many obstacles with enough determination. 

The main characters are two broken, wounded people. They are soul mates. Childhood trauma and loss bind together the two main characters, Violet and Dylan. After years of being apart, as each family suffers grief, they reunite as young lovers in college. However, a horrendous calamity tears them apart right before their wedding. Violet sinks into severe mental illness, becomes a drug-addicted stripper, and is suicidal. Dylan is stuck in a demanding relationship, has to face the difficult decision of being dutiful versus pursuing his happiness, in the meantime fighting with his inner demon. The relentless guilt plagues them as each attempt to rebuild their lives and move forward. In every sense, they are the victim of unfortunate events; life is brutally unfair to them. Nevertheless, love and hope sustain them. 

Despite the dark tone painted throughout most of the manuscript, the ending is uplifting and gripping. 

Whenever I submit a book for an award contest, I tend not to overthink. Because I know there are so many fabulous manuscripts written by excellent Indie authors. I am always ecstatic and humbled when the good news arrives. 

Yes, most definitely. All the cases in Your Precious Sight are based on my personal experience through decades in the eye care profession. The purpose of writing this book is to share with readers the relevance of regular eye exams in an easy-to-read and engaging approach.  

How do you feel about the rise in digital books in recent years?

I think the digital book is a significant advent, and I embrace it. I carry my iPad everywhere; there are many eBooks in it. I can devour them when I have a chance. So convenient and sensible.

I have two non-fiction and one fiction in the incubator currently. With the Psychology study, my plate is full—no structured writing at this time.

My experience with AllAuthor has been very positive. The ingenious means of AllAuthor developed to help authors get noticed fantastic. The support to the authors’ needs is well recognized and appreciated.