You take the bad with the good, but you should always push it aside for love

I have an old friend, one of my oldest friends, actually, and he loves when I tell him stories from my books. He says they feel familiar, like he’s seen it in a movie, and he always shouts out the next part: “He died!” No, fool, I laughed recently. “Few people die in my books.” Though I do have some things planned…

But it’s the best compliment really. That my work feels familiar, that the stories engage him. The best fiction reminds you of real life. Actually, I’d describe it as real life, only better. ‘Cuz in the pages of a book, the world’s problems can be more easily fixed, or at least dealt with. It’s one reason I’ve shied away from touching on controversial themes.

This book centers on the K-pop world, and I touch on a number of sensitive areas: the unreasonable pressure on idols, the occasionally crazed attention from fans,  even racism. But while I feel those things have to find their way into this story, they aren’t the focus. The love story, that journey between Tan and Sinna will always take center stage. 

In this week’s blog, which picks up where last week’s left off, her first appearance continues, and the co-host does what I do in life and in my art, when something is uncomfortable, she moves on. It’s not about ignoring things in hopes that they’ll go away. it’s about taking it in, assessing what can be done, and doing that, but not letting the negativity swallow you up. There’s always something better to do, learn, see, love. Let me know what you think!

Oh, and the picture is of South Korean idol Minho from the group Shinee. YouTube fed me “Don’t Stop,” which is a cut! I’ve also been listening to one of his members lately, Taemin, but while he’s very entertaining to watch, and I like his music very much, in appearance Minho is much more my style.

XOXO,

SS

 

“Do you like South Korea?” Their female host asked, shooting their male host some warning side eye.

“Sadly, I haven’t seen much of it. I’ve been so busy working, it’s kind of appalling how little I’ve gotten out. I have this long list of places that I want to visit, Jeju Island, Busan, etc. Things I feel I would be remiss not to see from a cultural perspective, you know? Like the Buddhist temples that are scattered around.

“But I enjoy Seoul very much. I like the convenience, the skincare is phenomenal – I’ve loved and used it for many years – and that mixed media, modest Asian sensibility in clothing is super jazzy and perfectly to my taste. Oh, and the food is delicious.

“I’ve also met some of the funniest, smartest, most warm-hearted people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. I named them earlier. And I really, really like my clients. I feel blessed to be around so much beauty.

“I’m not just talking about their looks either. I’ve been around a lot of exceptionally sexy and talented musicians over the years, but these five are so close, they put the group in group, if that makes sense.”

Their hosts nodded enthusiastically.

“They’re togetherness, the way they support and care for one another, it’s really a joy to be around. It also creates a great, really inspiring environment to work in.

“Although I must say, I never knew how gorgeous Asian people were until I got here and began to work in this industry. Granted, I’m surrounded by idols and actors and what not, but I’m a little sad. I’d have liked to stare into some monolid eyes when I was in the dating game back in the day,” she drawled.

The female host laughed. “I know, right? It’s a shame double eyelid surgery is so popular. Monolids are terribly sexy.”

Sinna nodded. “Try dressing beautiful men with monolids all day every day,” she teased. “It’s a killer.”

“But your favorite idol eyes aren’t monolids these days are they?” the male host teased, gleeful as he delivered his one, pre-approved, get out of jail free card.

Sinna just laughed softly and wagged her finger at him.

“I can’t even imagine putting your idols in and out of their clothes,” the female host breathed, wide eyed.

They all laughed.

“I’m not literally dressing them, now. Don’t get me in trouble. The male members on my team do most of the close work. It is a trip though. They’re ridiculously handsome,” Sinna agreed. “You mentioned them winning most handsome group earlier. I don’t understand why they’re just winning now. It’s not like they weren’t ridiculously good looking before.

“But it just goes to show the power of fashion. Those clothes, those costumes,” she shook her head. “They were a huge distraction. I mean, no offense, but you could barely hear the music what they were wearing was so loud. Still, to me, 501K, they’re not idols. I’m no expert for sure, but to me that word suggests something unreal, or, out of reach.

“These men are people. They’re kind with huge hearts. They’re sweet and silly, super funny, so talented and laser focused on being the very best they can be for their fans. They also genuinely love music.

“I feel sorry for them sometimes though, having so much pressure to live up to what are frankly ridiculous expectations. As beloved as they are, as much opportunity as they have, I wouldn’t trade places with them for anything.”

“But there’s been some backlash against you recently,” the male host said.

“Yeah, there has, and I understand why. I mean, anytime you’re the first at something, like the first prominent black costume designer for a beloved, internationally known K-pop group, there’s bound to be friction until people get used to it. Until people see that it’s not dangerous, it’s not wrong. It’s just different.”