Interview with Andrew Tu

Khayrun Gure: What came the easiest to you when writing your piece for the anthology?

Andrew Tu: Personally, I think it was the dialogue—more specifically, the chemistry and connection between Tanaka and Hoshi. I found it not only fun but almost natural how quickly their relationship and their dynamic came to life on the page. It started so simply with the concept of a fame-fatigued idol and a clueless businessman, but it all clicked in a way that's hard to describe.

KG: What was your inspiration when writing your novel?

AT: A lot of what drove my piece can be reductively considered the "Japanese work ethic" and idol culture. I've always been curious about the Japanese cultural status quo's as they seem so different from what we know in the west, and after doing a lot of research, it really had me thinking about a piece that could showcase it while still spinning a story for the future. There's a sense of sorrow in a lot of the culture, of giving everything you have for the status quo. But also, I'm just a fan of idols, and I would be lying if I said that didn't factor into the equation as well.

KG: Who's your favourite author and why?

AT: Despite my love for the flowery and the exaggerated, I think Isaac Asimov takes the spot for me. I've always been a sci-fi geek, and the world beyond what we know and what could be has always interested me. Asimov's character writing can be a bit flat, I must admit, but I am completely enamoured with his ability to wield ideas like weapons.

KG: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

AT: That's a harder one to answer, as Mono No Aware is a very experimental piece for me and doesn't quite have my usual "quirks." If there is one I can note, though, it's my obsession with what I can really only describe as "noir-esque" metaphors like those hard-boiled detective soliloquies that preface noir films. Simple, yet creative metaphors that sometimes need a double-take upon reading. They're gripping, they're memorable, and sometimes, you just get the urge to play it Bogart.

KG: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

AT: Play video games, mostly. Sometimes I pursue other creative endeavours like painting Nerf guns or making games, but most of the time I'm just playing video games or walking around town. Not a very interesting fellow.

KG: As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

AT: I really, really wanted to be a singer for some reason. It was a strange dream, considering I have crippling stage fright and can't sing worth a damn. Growing up a bit more, I also wanted to be a detective, as I loved solving puzzles and helping people. Honestly, I can probably still do that. For the sake of a better future, the singer thing is completely out of the question, though.