About Blog

It’s Asia.  It’s the Equator.  And it’s hot.

I started this blog when I realized I was approaching the big 4-0 and there was no time to waste. I’ve had this yearning to be a writer since I was six. Corporate life got in the way, but journalling helped me through it.

Today any attempt leaves me feeling like an imposter.  I hope that by writing daily for an audience, I will learn to ‘pity the reader’ and some form of decent writing style with emerge.

In ‘Groundhog Day’, the Bill Murray character gets trapped in the same day for a year.  He starts off not being able to play the piano, but after a year of practice he masters it.  I guess all those cliches are true.  Like, practice makes perfect and genious is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.

I adore books by V S Naipaul, Paul Theroux, Haruki Murakami, Peter Mayle, Bill Bryson and Yann Martel. I admire Naipaul’s searing honesty.  Paul Theroux brings me on long train journeys to exotic locales and I am thrilled, but safe in my armchair.  I enjoy the charming wit of Mayle and Bryson. Murakami’s poetic words soothe my soul, while Yann Martel’s beautiful language and stories touch a chord in me.

Because I am painfully shy and extremely self conscious (although I may not appear that way in this blog), I enjoy the freedom of being an anonymous blogger.

(Originally Posted on Tiny Island, my wordpress.com blog which I started in 2010)

119 Responses to About Blog

  1. Yeay! I’m the first one to respond. I love being able to be transported to the heart of Singapore in just a click! Thanks for keeping us updated. I’ve added you onto my blog roll, so hopefully you’ll see some new visitors. Well done! 🙂

    Julie

    • I meant to type respond! Can you fix that for me? Thank you BJ. (See May to April, one year blog friend anniversary.)

      • bookjunkie says:

        ok done Julie…oops….I think I make loads of typos everywhere I comment.

        Thanks for being there from the beginning. Actually I think initially my blog was private in April (had no confidence to go public then)…so you were really there at the very beginning.

  2. bookjunkie says:

    It’s 2.40am and as usual I am suffering from insonmia. Seeing your post was such a morale booster. Thank you Julie! You’re the sweetest 🙂 xoxo

  3. thisnomad says:

    Thanks for stopping by the blog earlier. Glad to share with my photos.

  4. Oh no, you are definitely no imposter. When it comes to writing some people have it and some don’t. You have a great ‘voice’.
    Interesting choice of authors in your ‘faves’. I have found Ssalman Rushdie a little difficult to read. Perhaps I should revisit.
    Cheers.

    • bookjunkie says:

      Thank you so much Karen. That means a lot to me. Actually I had to attempt reading Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children 3 times. On the 3rd attempt I finished it. Was compelled to read it because I was curious that it won the booker of bookers. The writing style takes some getting used to. In a way I prefer his non fiction which has a lot of clarity 🙂

  5. sittingpugs says:

    It’s Asia. It’s the Equator. And it’s hot.

    What a perfect way to start an About Me page. It also sounds like it should be the tagline for a movie. A dark comedy, perhaps? a bit Coen Brothers, a bit Jean-Pierre Jeunet?

    • bookjunkie says:

      Thank you ‘sittingpugs’! you are too kind 🙂 It came from the heart, as I really don’t like the hot weather. And initially I wanted to hide where I was from but decided – the heck with that.

  6. pearl421 says:

    Thanks for your comment on my blog! I don’t get many first-time visitors who actually leave comments, and definitely not one from Singapore! So I really appreciated it 🙂 I actually lived in Singapore for a while when I was younger–it was, in my memory, bright, humid, and very, very, very clean. Also the McDonald’s there offer some fantastic Happy Meal toys!

    This is a lovely blog. I think your bio resonates with a lot of us who did not–or have yet to choose to–dedicate our lives entirely to the love of words despite the aspiration of becoming a writer. Keep up the good work!

  7. bookjunkie says:

    Pearl, you have no idea how your kind words have levitated me…am now floating in the clouds 🙂 thank you from the bottom of my heart!! 🙂

  8. I love the Groundhog show.. and your blog makes me smile.. laugh even.. 🙂

  9. bookjunkie says:

    thank you so much for the kind words…it’s so sweet of you 🙂 made my day

  10. Jacobian says:

    anyway thanks for your comment in my blog.and of course blogging helps you view the world more intensely and in the end will make you judge things in a different way, professionally speaking of course. 🙂

  11. bookjunkie says:

    thanks for coming by Jacob 🙂 it’s true about the intensity

  12. wordnymph says:

    This is a great blog I will enjoy reading.

  13. Kristina says:

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I’m looking forward to diving in to yours a bit more. Have a great day!

  14. Thanks for coming by my blog! One reason I love blogging is getting to ‘meet’ people from all over the world! Singapore is a log way from the eastern United states!

  15. harlsmits says:

    I just got to your blog through a comment you left on my friend’s blog. I am also a would-be writer in my 30’s. And I love Haruki Murakami, although I only discovered him last year. Your pictures are so beautiful! If I ever go to Singapore you’ll have to show me around!

    • bookjunkie says:

      I’m so thrilled you dropped in. Thanks so much!! 🙂 I also discovered Murakami recently. My favourite books are Kafka on the Shore and the Wind up Bird Chronicle. You have an amazing blog and I have to check it out slowly 🙂 I am fascinated by all things Japanese too.

  16. lynnette-net says:

    Heys! I just happened to stumble by your blog through freshly pressed. I live in Singapore too, but your blog gives me a new perspective of the wonderful country!

  17. Lindsay says:

    Thank you for this wonderful space. I just happened upon it. I’ve really enjoyed it. Thanks!

  18. Fidel Hart says:

    Glad I found you while searching newly posted travel blogs. You have a new subscriber here.

  19. Lady J says:

    thanks for your comments on my blog. I enjoy reading your posts and looks like I will be popping in more often! 🙂

  20. blurdevil says:

    Thanks for dropping by. Great blog! 🙂

  21. Hi! I have been googling around and found your site, and that you have the Pilcrow theme but have the header above your navigation bar. How did you do that? THANK YOU so much in advance 🙂

    Sara Mattsson

  22. Hi!

    I was doing a keyword search for “myVillage” and saw your blog posts about the decor and the NTUC at myVillage. I’m actually part of the marketing team for myVillage (Surprise!)

    Since we want myVillage to be part of Serangoon Gardens and to belong to you as well, I would like to invite you to a very special blogger event on the 27th of Feb. It is a blogger’s event and will be done over a evening of good food and conversation.

    If you are keen, do let me know. Drop me an email at kenneth_lee [at] consulusgroup [dot]com

    Cheers,
    Kenneth

    • bookjunkie says:

      Hi Kenneth,

      Thanks so much for inviting me, but at the moment I am kinda extremely shy and like to remain anonymous. Helps when I blog about personal issues. Sincerely appreciate the invite though 🙂 I do love My Village and especially the way it is designed. So tasteful and discrete. Am looking forward to when all the shops open.

      bookjunkie

  23. Hi bookjunkie!

    It’s alright! I am glad you like the decor and mall!
    myVillage will be officially opening on the 20th of Feb. I hope you will enjoy myVillage and make the place yours too! 🙂

    Cheers,
    Kenneth

  24. Pingback: Are Blackberries Really Black? « The Savvy Sister

  25. Josè Pascal says:

    Surfing the waves of the web I am pleasantly stranded in this beautiful blog.

    I write under the pseudonym of Josè Pascal (a descendant of the great Colonel Aureliano Buendía).

    I invite you to visit my italian writing blog http://parolesemplici.wordpress.com/mytinbox/. I define this blog “In parole Semplici” as a “virtuacultural tin” box where they are guarded thoughts, memories, images, sounds, and simple stories. ”

    If you want to participate and to have more informations send me a letter to inparolesempli@gmail.com

    Good life and I hope to soon
    Josè

  26. dotinabox says:

    I don’t believe I just stumbled across your blog after all this while! It’s lovely reading about our little city and your perspective on things. I’ll be doing some catching up on your posts 😉

  27. Maria says:

    Hi Book Junkie, sorry to do this here, but I couldn’t find a contact form. Can you email me please at maria (at) iwasanexpatwife (dot) com? I’m planning a post about Singlish and I’d love your input. (No need to approve this comment!)

  28. Hi Book Junkie!

    Nice blog you’ve here! 🙂
    I’m a student from NTU, and am currently writing an article about the reaction of people living in Singapore towards the British royal wedding. In the midst of googling for interesting perspectives, I came across your blog.
    I love your blog post about the wedding (from last year). It’s hard to find people who have such an interest in the wedding, much more for those who actually look forward to the wedding.
    Hence, I really wish to interview you for my assignment. Would you pleaseee kindly agree to my request? I would really treasure your input.

    My assignment is due next monday morning (2o Mar). I’m telling you this not to hurry you in any way at all, but I would really love you if can, in any way, get back to me before my deadline. 🙂

    Thank you for your time! I sincerely look forward to your reply.

    Best regards,
    Pamela Chan

  29. Pingback: 3 Sites Every Blogger Should Visit « Journey of a Woman

  30. Tesia says:

    Finally found another like mine! And I thought that Singaporeans don’t read :p

  31. Charlene says:

    Hi – I was visiting from overseas last week and was shopping at Nex and came across this great little handbag shop in the lower level and I cant remember the name of the shop for the life of me. I was hoping you may know which one Im referring so I may contact them as I would love to buy some more bags online if possible?

  32. bookjunkie says:

    Hey Charlene….thanks so much for dropping by my blog 🙂

    The one shop I came across at Nex that was selling only handbags was this one:

    Perllini & Mel B1-66/67 6509 3596

    Or maybe it could be one of these?

    http://www.nex.com.sg/index.php?section=whats-in-store&sub=category&cat=6

  33. blisschic says:

    Hi there 🙂

    Chanced upon your blog from my friend’s site and I’ve to say that Im loving your blog alot 🙂 I think that it’s awesome that you are taking the step to fulfill your dream of becoming a writer, and from the way it seems, you are certainly doing a fine job! Likewise, I enjoy blogging about my various exploration trips around Singapore. Unlike many others who think that Singapore is a boring city, I however, feel that there are much left to be explore! Will certainly be following your blog as I look forward to your updates! Keep it going.

  34. Rahul Melwani says:

    Hi there!
    Love your blog! I like your writing style and the countless of pictures you take! I wanted to ask you if you were able to do a write up on a couple of the clients i represent. Do drop me an email and we can further discuss more about it 🙂

  35. maryawrites says:

    What, no picture? 😉

    Great about me page though. Love your writing. 🙂

  36. James McNamara says:

    You are selling yourself short,you have a great blog and a great writing style.

    Cheers from OZ.

  37. samyak says:

    I landed here through Marya´s blog and I am so glad I did.

    You are no imposter at all!

    I believe, the test of a good writer is his ability to transport his reader to a place where he himself is. You do it every time, post after post, so effortlessly! I feel i am discovering Singapore with you.

    Count me in as a regular visitor.
    With heaps of good wishes,
    SamyakJaya
    ThoughtTavern

  38. Pingback: Cup Of Tea Anyone? Las Vegas Sands

  39. kccc5 says:

    Thank you for such a lovely comment…I am not really that brave… I just put on a good front some times 🙂 I look forward to catching up and reading your work….

  40. whatsaysyou says:

    Hey bookjunkie, hope all is looking well in Singapore. Can you do a blog post on Singapore’s National Day too? And can you also perhaps do a blog post about ghost stories in Singapore known by Singaporeans and Malaysians for generation (I am a fan of Asian ghost stories :P)

    • bookjunkie says:

      Will be covering a bit about National Day, but I myself am spooked by ghost stories….I am so chicken. But that’s a great idea. I will look into it 🙂

      • whatsaysyou says:

        Cool 🙂 By the way, I happen to love reading those stuff by Russell Lee and seeing Incredible Tales online sometimes

        • bookjunkie says:

          I watched a bit of the Singapore Ghost series many years ago but got too spooked after one episode. My imagination is just too wild for me to watch scary movies or tv. Every sound at night then gets magnified.

      • whatsaysyou says:

        Hey bookjunkie. Can you maybe do a blog post about Hungry Ghost Festival? I know it is such a big thing among Asians in this month every year.

        • bookjunkie says:

          I am trying not to blog about it because my friends are quite superstitious and they say it’s not good to take photos of the burning. Decided not to do it to be respectful and I am not superstitious but once I am told something I try to avoid it….maybe you can call it ‘pantang’.

      • whatsaysyou says:

        Oops, I almost forgot that taboo bit when it comes to Hungry Ghost Festival. So sorry about it. Man, why didn’t I think about it? Very sorry, bookjunkie.

        • bookjunkie says:

          no worries…didn’t mean to make you feel bad though….I had no idea about the taboo stuff too. But now that I have been told I decided to be more cautious. Thanks so much for always reading and your kindest of comments. Love having you here 🙂

  41. James Lai says:

    this is really surreal…chanced upon your blog while just browsing through news about the company i m working in – which happens to be called Tiny Island Productions. guess u can tell ppl that you have yr own production company. will be sharing this w my colleagues. cheers.

    anyway ..check this out if you like animation 🙂
    http://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/singapores-tiny-island-to-work-on-ben-10-tv-movie/

  42. fangirlyness says:

    Hello,

    I came across your blog via ‘Imp’ and it’s just lovely. I’m on a mission to read more Singaporean blogs. I think it’s a product of homesickness 🙂 Adding you to my RSS!

    Sonia

    • bookjunkie says:

      That’s wonderful news for me Sonia….hope you come by often….thank you so much 🙂 I especially love reading blogs by women…sometimes we just need a fellow female perspective.

  43. Claudia says:

    I’m back again. I love your blog! =)

  44. Chris says:

    Hi there

    Firstly congrats – I just discovered your blog and love it. I love your writing style. I am also an avid list maker – so its nice to know I’m not the only one that thinks in lists!

    I also thought you might be interested in this article:
    http://www.thehoneycombers.com/singapore/2010/08/peace-quiet.php
    Its a little old – but hopefully still inspiring.

    Anyway, please keep up the great work – and drop into Honeycombers to say hello sometime.

    Cheers
    Chris

    • bookjunkie says:

      Hi Chris,

      Thanks so much and I’m so glad you dropped by. I happen to already love your site.

      Really greatly for the encouragement and kind words.

  45. alkw18 says:

    I like your blog, sooo…many pics about this tiny island and enjoyed reading all your posting. i love it. Thanks alot and learning from it too. well done,Cheers.

  46. Sarah says:

    I have had a few hours to while away and spent it looking through your blog back copies – is there such a thing in cyberspace? Anyway, I really appreciate your positive outlook and efforts to find new aspects on life in Singapore; your approach is refreshing and I love your simple but effective writing style. Definitely you are sympathetic to your readers. Thank you!

  47. Alice says:

    Nice to chance upon your blog.. A radiant surprise to see someone who is as shy and enjoys tea too. 🙂 anyway I was searching for wine courses 2012 Singapore and with a few clicks.. Here I am. It will be good to have a tea companion sometime 🙂

    Best

  48. Natalie says:

    Thank you so much for having the courage to do this so that I can get the chance to learn more about this city I grew to dislike but am now growing to love through discovery.

    🙂 You’re an inspiration..

    Take care and best of health & happiness to you!

  49. Vitamin C says:

    Hi, I just came across your blog and found it a refreshing read. Do keep up with the good work. I’m a fellow Singaporean as well… good to see that there is a Singapore who loves her country and making the best of whatever is available. cheerios 🙂

  50. Cheryl says:

    Absolutely adore your blog! Gonna try some of the food listed in your “My favourite food in Singapore”. 🙂

  51. Aunty Uta says:

    I love your ‘About Me’ page. It’s beautifully written.
    About Bill Bryson, I read ‘Down Under’ a few years ago. I very much enjoyed the humour in it. I have it in paperback right in front of me. This is one of the books I’d definitely like to read again Sadly I don’t get to read many books these days. I’m too easily distracted by other things. I should set aside more time for reading books. Like you, I tend to be a rather shy person, and I always loved to read.

    • bookjunkie says:

      That means so much to me Aunty Uta…thank you 🙂

      I tend to get quite distracted too. Especially lately with all the tech stuff. I really need to set aside some time each day for books 🙂

  52. Sian says:

    This is a great blog, you’re doing a great job and I enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the good work!

  53. Hi there,
    It has been really interesting reading your blog and seeing the passion with which you write about Singapore. Would you be up for writing an article for a magazine in the UK (where I am based)? Please contact me asap if you are interested as the deadline is quite tight.

    Chia

  54. Leedear says:

    stumbled upon your blog through a close gf of mine. love your honesty. just dropping a note to let you know im inspired by you. 🙂
    dont stop what you’re doing.

    • bookjunkie says:

      Thanks for the inspiration in turn. I often have days when I wonder what I’m doing, but your note makes me want to continue 🙂 Really appreciate it.

  55. Londonmoo says:

    Loving this. Am new to Singapore and soaking up every little snippet that I can find. Keep it up!

  56. Londonmoo says:

    I love this blog! Am new to Singapore and soaking up every bit of online info I can find. This is delightful; keep it up.

  57. bookjunkie says:

    love your blog and will keep reading….added you to my blogroll as I’m keen on seeing Singapore from your perspective 🙂

  58. Ph says:

    Hello,

    I just stumbled across this space recently but i am already in love with your reviews and even though i’m in my late teens it feels strangely comforting and inspiring to know we share the same tastes and maybe even the same characteristics. you’ve helped me get to know more quaint and exotic places in singapore which i look forward to exploring in my long break after Alevels (mostly alone i think). thank you, please keep on writing x

    • bookjunkie says:

      Appreciate your dropping by and your kind comments 🙂 The break after A levels is the best. Great time for travel, especially when you’re young and don’t mind roughing it so much.

  59. Aunty Uta says:

    We had recently another bug in our Email account. This is why I reluctantly filled in the address so I could finally give you another reply since I’ve been a follower of yours for many years and always liked your blogs.
    Greetings
    Aunty Uta

  60. Kai says:

    Hello Singapore Actually
    Good day to you.
    This is Kai from Roast Paradise. recently we have set up a small business in Old airport food centre selling Char siew rice and noodles. We are wondering how can we invite you and your team down to do a food review for us?

    Do advise us =)
    Thank you!

    • bookjunkie says:

      Flattered by the invite but actually this is just my personal blog diary. I usually just randomly blog about food experiences and because I’m extremely shy & reclusive don’t take up invites at the moment. Right now I’m blogging more about my cancer journey but do post about food on my Instagram. Wishing you well.

  61. Andreea says:

    Hello!

    I would love to start a collaboration with you. I tried to sent you an e-mail but I received this notification: Your message couldn’t be delivered to singaporeactually@gmail.com. Their inbox is full, or it’s getting too much mail right now.

    I am in charge of online marketing for a plumbing firm in Singapore and I would like to receive an advertising offer from you (we are interested in guest posts or sidebar links/banners).

    I am waiting for your response.

    Best regards,
    Andreea

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.