Q&A: Kevin Kwan, Author of Lies and Weddings

What inspired the idea behind this book?

I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to a few over-the-top weddings, and there is always so much drama and intrigue between the families and guests that it overshadows the bride and groom and the occasion itself. I knew it would be fun to tell the story of one family set amongst a series of exotic destination weddings.  It’s an opportunity to write about breathtaking locations, glorious food, fabulous fashion, and people behaving badly!

If I looked at your internet history, what would it reveal about you?

That I spend far too much time fantasizing about having a dog or a cat.  I watch a ton of funny animal videos, and I wish I could have a pet but I travel too much at the moment and it just wouldn’t be fair on any animal.

Do you write about people you know?  Or yourself?

I always write about people I know.  I love observing people, particularly extroverts and snobs.  Most often the characters I create are combinations of several people, or I change certain details so no one’s offended.  I never write about myself—that would be far too boring to readers!

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?

Write the book that you want to read.  Thinking about writing for others or what might impress someone can be really destructive to your creativity and what you’re truly meant to write.  My first novel “Crazy Rich Asians” came about because it was never meant to be shared publicly—I was writing for the pure joy of it, and writing for myself.  And look what happened!

Who are some of your favorite authors?  Or favorite books?

Far too many to choose from!  Some of my favorite writers include Alan Hollinghurst, Tim Winton, Joan Didion, Christopher Bollen, Sandi Tan and Ram Murali.

Buy a copy of Lies and Weddings here.