My goal is to inspire adolescents to navigate these challenging years effectively by sharing relatable experiences and practical guidance. By promoting open dialogue and providing valuable resources, we can build a community where all adolescents feel nurtured and empowered to thrive.

Eichin Chang-Lim, OD, MS, MA – October 29 2024

The Back Flap

Talking About Adolescence Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power is an adolescent’s guide to transforming their body and brain. It provides insights into the science behind changing body and brain, managing mood swings, unlocking brainpower, and building resilience. The book is also valuable for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about a teen’s development.

About the book

What is the book about?

Talking About Adolescence, Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power is an essential guide for adolescents seeking to transform their body and brain. This book digs into the science behind the changes teenagers experience, offering insights on managing mood swings, enhancing brainpower, and building resilience. Written in a conversational style and presented in a fun “PowerPoint” format, each chapter begins with thought-provoking questions and concludes with reflections, making it engaging and interactive.

This book is invaluable for parents, educators, and anyone invested in a teen’s development. It encourages self-discovery and empowers youth to unlock their full potential. Whether you are navigating the challenges of adolescence or guiding someone who is, this book provides the tools and knowledge to thrive during these critical years.

When did you start writing the book?

I began writing Talking About Adolescence, Book 1: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health, two and a half years ago, fueled by a desire to address the pressing mental health challenges faced by teens and young adults. I started on Book 2: Supercharge Your Body and Brain Power a year ago, focusing on empowering adolescents to understand and harness the changes they experience during these developmental years. The purpose of writing this series is to provide practical guidance and support for young people traveling through the complexities of adolescence.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about 12 to 18 months.

Where did you get the idea from?

My idea for writing the Talking About Adolescence series came from personal encounters with heartbreaking events involving young people, such as the increasing prevalence of mental illness and instances of violence and suicide in the young population. These experiences highlighted the urgent need for accessible resources and positive guidance during adolescence. Witnessing the struggles of these young individuals, I felt compelled to create a series that equips teens and young adults with the tools and support they need to overcome obstacles and optimize their potential.

My goal is to inspire adolescents to navigate these challenging years effectively by sharing relatable experiences and practical guidance. By promoting open dialogue and providing valuable resources, we can build a community where all adolescents feel nurtured and empowered to thrive.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the content was thoroughly research-based and fact-backed. Conducting extensive research, reading scholarly articles on each subject, and meticulously referencing every point was time-consuming. With a deep sense of responsibility, while it was demanding, this rigorous approach was crucial in creating a resource that teens, parents, and educators could rely on with confidence.

What came easily?

Outlining and organizing the content in order was relatively easy for me.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Talking About Adolescence is a nonfiction series of books based on real-life issues and experiences for teens and young adults. Scientific research and real-world experiences influence the content, with characters representing universal experiences. I employ anecdotes and examples from real adolescents.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

During my school years, I responded best to textbooks with concise, well-structured content. This personal experience directly influenced my decision to adopt a PowerPoint-style format for the Talking About Adolescence series. This approach makes complex information more digestible and engaging for my young adult audience, much like how I preferred to learn as a student.

Regarding literary influences, Kazuo Ishiguro stands out as my favorite fiction author. Despite my work being non-fiction, Ishiguro’s ability to tackle complex, frequently depressing themes while ending on hopeful notes has inspired me. This blend of realism and optimism inspired me to approach serious topics in a way that acknowledges challenges but also encourages resilience and optimism in adolescent development.

Do you have a target reader?

The primary target for the Talking About Adolescence series is teenagers and young adults seeking self-understanding and practical advice. It also serves as a valuable resource for parents, guardians, therapists, and educators, supporting meaningful conversations and bridging communication gaps between generations.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process starts with determining the essence of the book or story and then researching background information to ensure accuracy and depth. I also use personal experiences and observations to infuse the story with authenticity. I then break down the story into chapter titles, providing a coherent flow and reader engagement. This structure serves as a roadmap, guiding me through the writing process. Despite the flexibility, I keep the core message in mind throughout the process. The final product is often the result of multiple drafts and revisions.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Yes, I create an outline as an essential part of my writing process. Since my schedule and personal duties prohibit me from writing daily, the outline helps me get back on track with the narrative’s flow when I have the time to write.

I summarize each chapter’s topic in a few sentences to capture the main idea. Then, I break down each chapter into bullet points, listing the key points or subtitles that will guide the flow of the content. This structured approach, while providing a clear roadmap, also allows me the flexibility to adapt and expand as the writing evolves to maintain momentum and ensure the story reaches its intended conclusion.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

After a section, I do light editing with MS Word to check spelling and grammar.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I hire a professional editor after completing the entire manuscript.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

No, I do not listen to music while writing. However, I do use music to set the mood before I start. For instance, I often listen to Schindler’s List by Itzhak Perlman to evoke the right emotions before writing a heart-wrenching scene. This helps me immerse myself in the atmosphere I want to create in my writing.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No. I did not.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Initially, I started my publishing journey with small presses, often referred to as hybrid publishing. Over time, my network of indie author friends introduced me to an indie publisher. This transition felt natural and has been a positive experience. I am now comfortable and pleased with my indie publisher’s support and flexibility.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I collaborated closely with a professional designer for my book cover. I communicated my ideas, including specific images, color schemes, and font styles, and then trusted her expertise to bring those concepts to life. This collaborative approach ensured that the final design aligned with my vision while benefiting from her professional skills.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I relied on basic marketing approaches for my previously published books, such as posting on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, to spread the word. However, my goal for my current series, Talking About Adolescence, is to reach a broader audience, particularly parents, educators, and librarians. To achieve this, I decided to hire a publicist to help me develop and execute a more comprehensive marketing plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

First, immerse yourself in reading. Explore a wide range of books to understand different styles and genres. This will enhance your writing skills and broaden your creative horizons and perspective.

Second, pay attention to the world around you. Listen to everyday conversations and observe the details of how people communicate. This will help you craft dialogue that feels authentic and relatable.

Third, write in the genre that resonates with you. Choose a genre where you feel most comfortable and passionate. Writing from a place of comfort and enthusiasm will make your work more compelling and genuine.

Lastly, believe in your voice and stay persistent. The journey of an indie author is full of challenges and disappointments, but with dedication, you can create something truly unique and impactful. 

About You

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Tainan, a historical city on Taiwan’s southwest coast. After graduating from National Taiwan University, I came to the United States in my early 20s on a student visa to pursue graduate studies in North Texas.

Where do you live now?

After completing my master’s in microbiology from the University of North Texas, I worked as a clinical researcher in a hematology lab at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center for two years. Then, I sought admission and enrollment at the Southern California College of Optometry, now Marshall B. Ketchum University, and practiced optometry for over 30 years in Southern California.  My husband and I live in Orange County, California, with our poodle mix named Gabby.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I would like to invite readers to learn more about me by checking out my website and my Amazon author page.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on Book 3 of the Talking About Adolescence series, Love, Dating, Sex, Relationships, and Life Beyond Romance. Although it’s still in the research and outline stage, I’m deeply committed to exploring these critical topics. This book aims to provide adolescents with practical guidance on navigating the complexities of relationships and understanding the intricacies of love and intimacy. My goal is to empower young people to build healthy, meaningful connections.

This book will be valuable for older teens and young adults, as well as parents and educators, who want to support youth through these complex and thrilling life experiences.

End of Interview:

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Get your copy of Talking about Adolescence from Amazon US or Amazon UK.