Ripple Library: Author Chat With...Kevin Hwang!

 

How do you get inspired to write?

 

My inspiration primarily comes from combining my decades of experience as a doctor with my passion for storytelling. Early on, I attempted to write novels that had nothing to do with medicine, but I eventually realized that the advice to "write what you know" was sound, so I decided to lean into my medical background. This clinical expertise gives me unique insight into the life-saving potential and darker possibilities of modern science. During times of consistent writing, I find that a lot of ideas will hit me when I’m driving or taking a walk.

 

How do you deal with writer’s block?

 

Dealing with writer's block or long periods of self-doubt was a major challenge, especially as a first-time author balancing a high-demand job. There were long months when I didn't do anything. To keep the story moving, even in small ways, I found that writing for just 5 to 30 minutes in the morning helped keep the story in my head. When ideas would strike me, I would quickly dictate or email myself notes on my phone. Finding a peer group was key; joining a series of writing seminars where we read each other's work was the jump start I needed to overcome the self-doubt and finish the novel.

 

How much is the book or characters based on your own life?

 

While I draw on interactions with patients and colleagues, The Regression Strain is not a thinly veiled dramatization of a specific personal event. I tried to write an everyman protagonist in the sense that Peter Palma is struggling with relatable issues. Friends and colleagues have told me they see a lot of my attitudes, sayings, and personality in Peter, though hopefully only the "good parts".

 

Let’s talk about your writing process. Do you plot or pants? Outline? How?

 

For this book, I was a hybrid. A plotter and a pantser. I laid out the major plot points of the book, defining where the protagonist, Peter Palma, should be by specific percentages of the novel (e.g., the 25% mark). This structure served as necessary guidance so I didn't go "off the rails". I wrote freely between these points, often seeing the story shift, which contributed to the numerous drafts needed. There were many revisions. I went back to plant clues that I might not have originally planned. I also realized that the first draft was simply a necessary stepping stone; I needed to commit to rewriting the whole thing a few times to achieve the final quality I wanted.

 

What kind of research did you do for this novel?

 

The research fell into two main categories:

 

1.  Cruise Ship Logistics: I have been on cruises with my family and took specific notes on observations during those trips. I have not worked as a doctor on a cruise ship, although it sounds like it would have been fun for a younger me. I conducted a ton of online research. I watched a lot of YouTubes posted by nurses, doctors, and other staff members detailing their experiences working on cruise ships. I also looked at travel forums to glean information about passenger issues and emergencies. I later visited a cruise ship medical center in the late stages of editing and was relieved that I didn't find anything major that required changing the manuscript.

 

2.  Medical/Scientific Accuracy: As an internal medicine physician with a broad background, I could handle most of the general medical concepts. I did specific research to brush up on certain medications. I tried to tone down the medical details on the page to avoid turning people off if they weren't interested, while still being accurate enough for colleagues. When crafting the fictional virus, I made sure it was plausible, though slightly pushing the envelope.

In general, what emotions did you wish to elicit with your writing in The Regression Strain?

 

I hope to write an entertaining story. I tried not to be preachy. The novel explores complex themes like human nature, morality, loss, grief, and perseverance. I want the reader to engage with Peter Palma, who struggles to figure out his own worldview and fights against an antagonistic force that presents a view he doesn't agree with. Whether readers agree with Peter's actions isn't my main concern; I just want them to experience it as an authentic story that made them think and feel intensely.

 

Best advice on writing you've ever received?

 

There are many different ways to write a novel. At first, I focused only on rigid plotting and outlining, which was painful. Once I felt the freedom to use a hybrid method that fit my creativity, I moved forward. I also learned that getting words on paper is a necessary stepping stone. Having a first draft, even if it needed massive revision, was an accomplishment and something I could work from, rather than expecting the first draft to be the final product.

 

What else would you want readers to know about you? Where can readers find you online?

 

I'm an internal medicine physician and professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. I see patients, teach residents, and lead research and quality improvement projects. Outside of medicine and writing, I'm a sucker for chicken enchiladas, index cards, and appropriately sized packaging.

 

**Where to Find Me:**

 

Readers can find more information and sign up for my newsletter at KevinHwang.com