The Multifaceted World of Dr. Chang-Lim
Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim’s acclaimed works explore love, mental health, and personal growth, offering readers profound insights into the human experience.
Dr. Eichin Chang-Lim is a remarkable figure whose multifaceted career spans the realms of optometry, acting, and writing. Her diverse background enriches her storytelling, allowing her to craft narratives that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. As a multi-awarded author, Dr. Chang-Lim has made significant contributions to literature across various genres, captivating readers with her ability to weave complex characters and compelling plots. Her works, such as “The LoveLock” and “Love: A Tangled Knot,” delve into the intricacies of love and human relationships, while her memoir, “A Mother’s Heart: Memoir of a Special Needs Parent,” offers a poignant and honest exploration of personal challenges and triumphs. Dr. Chang-Lim’s dedication to exploring themes of love, mental health, and personal growth has earned her a well-deserved place in the literary world, and her stories continue to inspire and resonate with readers around the globe.
In this insightful interview, Dr. Chang-Lim shares how her varied experiences have shaped her writing and influenced her understanding of human emotions and relationships. Her unique perspective, drawn from her professional and personal life, allows her to create authentic and relatable characters that connect with readers on a profound level. Join us as we delve into the mind of this extraordinary author, exploring the themes and motivations behind her acclaimed works and gaining a deeper understanding of the stories that have touched the hearts of many.
Your diverse career includes optometry, acting, and writing across multiple genres. How do these varied experiences influence your writing, particularly in crafting multidimensional characters and emotionally resonant narratives?
My career in optometry, acting, and writing has profoundly shaped my approach to crafting complex, relatable characters. Optometry connected me with diverse people, offering insights into their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities. Acting honed my ability to embody different personas and explore human emotion. These experiences congregate in my writing, enabling me to create characters with authenticity and emotional resonance that connect with readers across cultures. This blend of scientific precision, artistic expression, and storytelling allows me to craft narratives that are entertaining, emotional, and intellectually stimulating.
In a recent interview, you emphasized that love is multidimensional and involves aspects like sacrifice, forgiveness, and trust. Can you elaborate on how these themes manifest in your novels, especially in The LoveLock and Love: A Tangled Knot?
Both LoveLock and Love: A Tangled Knot explore love’s multidimensional nature, highlighting sacrifice, forgiveness, and trust. These stories depict love as a force that intertwines souls, elevates the human spirit, and transcends time, space and circumstances, emphasizing commitment, endurance, and hope. They present a comprehensive picture of love, encompassing sibling bonds, family ties, friendships, and pet relationships. Love is not just about intimacy and passion; it is about elevating others and enduring life’s trials. These books highlight the importance of compassion and warmth, illustrating how various forms of love shape our lives and enrich the human experience.
Your memoir, A Mother’s Heart: Memoir of a Special Needs Parent, provides a raw and honest look at the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with special needs. What motivated you to share this deeply personal journey, and what do you hope readers will take away from your story?
In A Mother’s Heart, I illuminate the often-hidden world of raising a child with special needs. My memoir offers offering hope, support, and practical insights. By sharing my experiences, I aim to break down stigma, empower parents, and promote a sense of community. My message is clear: never give up. Your strength can empower your child to thrive. Hold tight to hope!
Your Precious Sight highlights memorable cases from your career as an optometrist. How did you decide which stories to include, and what impact do you hope this book has on both medical professionals and the general public?
My primary goal in writing Your Precious Sight was to educate the public about eye health. I selected common and relevant cases, presenting them in a storytelling format to make complex medical issues relatable. Through these engaging stories, I emphasize the crucial role of regular eye exams in detecting insidious diseases like glaucoma early, thereby preventing blindness. Ultimately, the book seeks to demystify eye health, raise awareness, and empower readers to take proactive steps in caring for their vision.
You mentioned that you strive to write stories that go beyond the confines of romance, encompassing the love of friendship, family, and pets. How do you approach balancing these different forms of love in your novels to create a holistic and relatable portrayal of human relationships?
In my novels, I envision love as a multifaceted gem, capturing its brilliance in all its forms. Drawing from my life experiences, I explore the complexities of romantic relationships, familial bonds, and friendships. The interplay of family support, unwavering friendships, and unconditional love from animals enriches the human experience and brings characters to life. By depicting these diverse relationships, I aim to create authentic and relatable characters that inspire readers to cherish and celebrate the richness of all human interactions.
Mental health and overcoming personal challenges are significant themes in your books, such as in The LoveLock and Talking About Adolescence: Anxiety, Depression, and Adolescent Mental Health. How do your personal and professional experiences shape your understanding of these issues, and what message do you aim to convey to your readers through these narratives?
As an optometrist, I have seen how unique life experiences shape our perceptions and affect our mental and physical well-being. Adverse events can leave lasting imprints, influencing our thoughts, behaviors, and social relationships. Through my narratives, I highlight the profound impact of mental health and the connection between the mind and body.
Key messages in my writing include:
Seek Help: Never let stigma prevent you from seeking support. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
No Shame: Mental illness is not your fault, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Hope and Healing: Recovery from traumatic experiences is possible with support. Hold on to faith and hope.
I aim to create an inclusive world that prioritizes mental well-being and makes mental health accessible to everyone.
