“In this collection, twenty-six women reveal the truth about expatriate life in modern East Asia through original works of memoir and creative non-fiction. Their experiences are varied and unique, demonstrating that expat women’s lives go far beyond the stereotypical. The writers hail from a dozen different countries and walks of life. Some are well-known; others are fresh voices adding nuance to the expat conversation. Through deeply personal accounts, they explore what they have learned about themselves and the world through their lives abroad. Together, they create a portrait of the modern expatriate experience that will both resonate and inspire.” (Description taken from official bio)

Ember’s contribution is a story about coming out to her Chinese boyfriend (at the time) about not being heterosexual. He was the first man she had ever fallen in love with and her anxiety about revealing her identity to him is captured in a compelling story that chronicles her reasons for being in China and her experience of the Chinese lesbian community to date.

Little known fact: this piece was also the piece that Ember submitted as part of her application to study an MFA at the City University of Hong Kong. And they accepted her!

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