A Hmong Woman Author and Publisher

Susan:  I am inspired by the extraordinary experiences, rich stories, and deep history of my Hmong people.  I believe that we must write our own Hmong history and stories, because we have to live with what is written about us. We must take responsibility for the writing of our Hmong history and stories.

Susan:  I decided one morning over 10 years ago that I wanted to write a book, after hearing to my mom talk all night until the early morning about her extraordinary life in Laos and Thailand. I knew I had to document it so that it can be shared with others. Looking at my mom, a petite, polite, and soft spoken Hmong woman, you could never have guessed the brave, courageous and heroic life she had led. At that moment I thought, Wow! What a powerful Hmong woman she is. What inspired me was that there were so many Hmong woman with unique but similar powerful stories like my mother’s that if it were not told or documented would have never been shared with others. What a shame that would be, because there is so much we can learn from their experience and life.

Susan:

First, I researched. I looked for any existing information, materials, or books about Hmong Names. I read everything I could find on the subject of Hmong Names.

Second, I solicited counsel from wise Hmong elders I knew. I asked them questions about our Hmong names and history. I listened to them tell me stories from over a half century ago. I went over information that I had found through research for authentication.

Third, I researched similar books to the one I wanted to write for ideas. I looked at the book’s structure, layout, and contents.

Susan:   3 years of research and writing, plus an additional year to publish.

Susan:  My biggest challenge was learning to read and write the Hmong language.  I spoke Hmong, but prior to writing this book I did not know how to read or write in Hmong.

Susan:  I was intensely determined to understand, read and write Hmong names that I knew I had to learn the written Hmong language. I took a class to learn how to read and write Hmong. For months  I studied and read books written in Hmong. The written Hmong language  is still a challenge for me, but I remain inspired and committed to continually learning it.

Susan:  Writing this book, gave me the gift of clarity of my own understanding of my Hmong identity and history. I am absolutely captivated and moved by all I’ve learned. I love it!

Susan:

1. Start writing! Make a decision and a commitment to start writing. Write whatever, whenever, however. It does not have to be perfect. Just start writing. There will be plenty of time for editing and rewriting later. Just start writing now! Don’t wait, or it will always be something you always wanted to do, but never did.

2. You do not have to be a gifted writer to write. Writing is about sharing. The sharing of human experiences, thoughts and ideas.  It is not all about perfect grammar or sophisticated words.

Susan:  I am passionate about sharing the extraordinary experiences, rich stories, and deep history of the Hmong people. I am proud of my heritage and everything about being Hmong fascinates me. I hope that me sharing through my writing will inspire and empower others.

I have been writing for over 10 years now. I have 1 published book, 2 finished but unpublished books, and 5 unfinished books. All my writing and books are about the Hmong people, our history, stories and experiences. I also write Children’s books in Hmong, none published yet.

Annie:  What is your life philosophy?

Susan:  I have my philosophy written on my business card:  You’re only here for a short time. So go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined.

Susan:  Fortunate to live in a time where Hmong women are powerful beyond measure, contributing to the shaping of the current and future changing roles of a Hmong woman in her home, family, community and in history.

Susan:  Yes. 2 coming this year, maybe three. 1st one is a book called “Success that looks like me” and 2nd is a Children’s book.

 give it my best shot and learn from my experience.

 losing someone I love.

stand up to a mean and toxic grandparent scowling a grandchild.

 Chase after your real dreams not just money.

truth will always prevail.

 most of the time, you get treated in life the way you teach people to treat you.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

more focus on developing our youth talents and higher education for them.