From the ashes of war to the martial law after and eventual struggle for democracy, the history of Taiwan is vast. Dotted with personal stories and fiction based on those stories, there is a library unique to the island nation waiting to be discovered. Those from World War II, the Martial Law era, and the rest all offer something to share.

So, in 2023, I went on a research trip to Taiwan with fellow author James Rosone. Here's what I've learned across New Taipei City, Hualien and Kaohsiung, about how Taiwan can make a good setting or inspiration for stories!

We gather in a time when the freedom to read, to think critically, and to question has never been more at risk. Across the free world, books are being challenged, restricted, and outright banned. And I write this to make a simple, but vital argument: book banning is not just a social or political problem. It is morally wrong. It offends the very essence of human dignity, freedom, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Back from development hell at last! This is a personal disaster journal I kept from the first downpours to Cyclone Alfred and slightly after.

This is my personal log of Cyclone Kirrily in 2024. It was used in the writing of A Time For Volunteers, and is indeed featured in it. I hope this provides a perspective worthy of sharing.