PL Weng (Weng Poh Leng) hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and recently dabbled into the creative writing scene. Her (English language) works can be found in Burning House Press and Eksentrika. While her other works can be found in Peluru Aksara (2020), an anthology of short stories and poetry and her latest Rumpun Luhur (2022), an anthology of poetry. She contributed several articles and journals in the scientific world, and is currently exploring themes of morbid juxtaposition and dualism in poetry and in art.
Weng was part of the Malaysian Writers and Readers Get Together
event on 14 May 2023. She shares her creative experience in a short interview
conducted by Uthaya Sankar SB.
Who are your favourite Malaysian
authors?
There is an
infinity pool of talented Malaysian authors out there. I hate to pick favourites
as all have merits in their own right. Some who showed me another side of town
are Adibah Amin, A. Samad Said, Teme Abdullah, Perevenia Shan, Qurratul ‘Ain,
Ismin Putera, Yanna Hashri, Ellen Lee and my list continues to grow. I am all
about supporting the local scene.
Where do you get your ideas or
information for your writings?
I like the idea of ideas come when you least expect, example sitting on
your throne performing symphony for the no. 2. Or while you are stuck in
traffic and you happen to chance upon an interesting signboard with brilliant
copywriting. Listening to podcasts also bring in fresh ideas and information.
What’s your latest writing
project?
Currently I
am working on ideas for spoken words poetry; it is an interesting space with raw,
intense creative energy. I am also experimenting with writing poetry in another
language as I was inspired by José
Manuel Oñoro upon reading his work titled “Sueños abajo, arriba el cielo”. I am also tinkering humour and gelotology with
limericks.
What do you do when you are not
writing or reading?
Keeping a
good BMI by walking, swimming and skating. I am a big fan of experiential
learning, like Confucius’ quote – “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I
do and I understand”. Watching movies, doodling and daydreaming. I also have a
day job on the side, to put nutritious food on the table.
What does your family think of
your writings?
Grateful
that my family supports and accepts the idiosyncrasies of my writings. Especially
when it is in the language that is foreign to them. They have always been open
to ideas and sometimes would chip in and contribute as well, providing their
perspectives and enriched experiences. Their feedback fuels and encourages my
works.
How do you handle writer’s block?
Drawing
from Dato’ Rahman Shaari’s views on marinating one’s work and letting it sit,
soaked in the flavours of life until it becomes Michelin star rating. Putting
it aside temporarily and revisit the work later helps me to improve the body of
work. Letting the brain ruminate and process in the background rejuvenates the spark
of creativity.
Date: 20 May 2023