MALCOLM Mejin is the creative mind behind the captivating “Diary of a Rich Kid” series.
In 2017, he embarked on a writing journey purely for fun, crafting stories that he never initially intended to share with the world.
Little did he know that a friend’s advice would lead him to self-publishing, resulting in the creation of three captivating books in the series.
After independently publishing his books for the past five years, he has now secured a coveted deal with international publisher, Penguin Random House SEA, for the next two titles in his beloved “Diary of a Rich Kid” series.
In an exclusive interview, the writer delved into Malcolm’s remarkable journey, unravelling the inspirations and aspirations that have shaped his path as an author.
Nurtured by stories, shaped by imagination
Hailing from Kuching, Malcolm who is of Chinese and Bidayuh descent,
began his journey as a writer at a remarkably young age of six.
While most children were still mastering the art of reading, he was already crafting stories about angels embarking on magical adventures.
When asked about what sparked his interest in writing, Malcolm reflected on the influence of his parents.
“My dad used to bring us books whenever he came back from his work travels,” he fondly recalled.
“My mom, too, loved reading to me before bedtime when I was a child.
“Those moments probably inspired my love for writing. It wasn’t as if my parents forced my sisters and me to read; it was something I genuinely enjoyed.”
Malcolm’s childhood was filled with enchanting tales spun by his mother.
Each night, she would delve into a new storybook, leaving young Malcolm eagerly anticipating the next chapter. This nightly ritual became a source of wonder and curiosity for him.
“If my mom read me a book tonight, I would always look forward to hearing the next part of the story the following night.
“She would promise to read the next episode if I went to sleep early, and I was always eager to find out what happened next,” he said to New Sarawak Tribune.
Journey to authorship
As Malcolm grew, so did his love for storytelling.
He honed his skills, transforming his childhood fascination with angels and magical adventures into a blossoming writing career.
However, his journey to becoming a full-time author took a few interesting detours along the way.
Right after university, Malcolm briefly worked as a journalist, diving into the world of news reporting.
His time as a journalist provided him with a unique perspective on storytelling, where facts and precision were paramount.
Additionally, Malcolm wore the hat of an editor, refining the work of others and sharpening his editorial skills.
These roles, though brief, added valuable layers to his writing journey.
Before embracing the life of a full-time author, Malcolm also served as a teacher at a local international school.
His dedication to education and his passion for literature merged seamlessly in the classroom.
Crafting adventure and imagination with the Diary of a Rich Kid series
The spark that ignited his popular “Diary of a Rich Kid” series came from a desire to escape the everyday and explore a world of limitless possibilities.
“At first, I started to write The Diary of a Rich Kid as a way to relieve my stress.
“I would let my imagination run wild, picturing myself doing incredible things.
“The character, Robin Jin, was born out of this desire, and I made him a rich kid so he could experience the adventures I dreamed of,” he said.
Through the adventures of Robin and his friends, readers are transported to exotic locales like the Bahamas, where scuba diving and luxury vacations become everyday occurrences.
In another instalment, titled “Road Trip,” the gang embarks on an adventure to Bako National Park, and in the latest series, “Lost in Space,” they venture into the cosmos itself.
Meanwhile, Malcolm’s deep connection to his roots in Sarawak is evident throughout the series.
He seamlessly weaves local features into the stories, making them relatable and endearing to readers.
“Robin’s favourite dish is laksa Sarawak, just like mine,” Malcolm laughed.
“He literally can’t live without it. In one of the stories, when Robin and his friends were in the Bahamas, he was craving Sarawak laksa so much that he FedEx-ed it from Sarawak to the Bahamas.
“That’s the kind of crazy rich kid he is.”
Interestingly, Malcolm doesn’t feel the need to experience every adventure he writes about firsthand.
“When I write, I don’t necessarily have to experience everything myself,” he explained.
“For instance, I’ve never been to the Bahamas, but I’ve been to local islands and the Philippines, so I draw from those experiences to imagine what it’s like.
“It’s all about letting your creativity flow.”
The decision to publish the series came unexpectedly, thanks to a friend’s encouragement.
“I didn’t initially plan to publish these stories,” Malcolm admitted.
“But when a friend saw the draft, he gave me some valuable advice. He said, ‘If you don’t do it now, when will you do it?’ That’s when I decided to share my imaginative world with a wider audience.”
Malcolm’s timing for creating “Diary of a Rich Kid: Secrets of the Sea” couldn’t have been more fitting.
It was crafted during the Covid-19 pandemic, when outdoor activities were restricted.
“During the movement control order (MCO), when we couldn’t go anywhere or do much outdoors, the idea of going under the sea became particularly appealing,” said Malcolm.
From self-publishing to international success
The prospect of signing with an international publishing giant like Penguin Random House SEA left Malcolm in a state of pleasant disbelief.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Malcolm candidly shared his initial reaction.
“How do I feel about signing with an international publisher? I’m surprised,” Malcolm confessed with a hint of humility.
“To be a part of their esteemed house, one typically submits their manuscript through their website, and from there, it undergoes a rigorous selection process.
“Considering the thousands of manuscripts they receive each month from all corners of the globe, I was merely trying my luck.”
Anticipating the usual “Thank you for your submission, but unfortunately…” response, Malcolm was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
Penguin Random House SEA not only responded but extended an offer to publish the submitted manuscript, “Lost in Space.”
Having previously self-published three books, which were primarily available in Southeast Asia, this opportunity marks a significant leap for Malcolm’s work.
With Penguin Random House SEA, his literary creations now have the potential to reach a much broader international audience, opening up exciting new horizons for his writing career.
Unblocking creativity
Throughout his writing career, Malcolm has encountered his fair share of challenges, including the occasional bout of writer’s block.
When asked about how he managed these creative hurdles, Malcolm shared his unique approach to overcoming them.
“I do sometimes experience writer’s block,” Malcolm acknowledged.
“So, how do I overcome it? I have a strategy I call ‘creative recharging.’ When I find myself stuck or lacking inspiration, I step away from the writing desk.”
Malcolm’s solution involves seeking new experiences and perspectives.
“I might head to the cinema to watch a movie. During those moments in the theatre, I’m alone, completely immersed in the film. It’s a great way to clear my mind and return with a fresh perspective,” he added.
Alternatively, he might take a leisurely walk or engage in activities unrelated to writing.
These breaks, he said, provide a mental reset, allowing him to return to his writing with renewed creativity and enthusiasm.
Favourite characters
Within the tapestry of his literary creations, Malcolm reserved a special place in his heart for two beloved characters: Robin Jin and his trusty friend, Ken.
These characters, woven into the fabric of his “Diary of a Rich Kid” series, hold a unique significance for the author.
“Robin Jin is a character who stands out. Despite his extreme wealth, he remains grounded and humble.
“He’s the type of person who wouldn’t hesitate to visit a hawker store for his favourite laksa,” he said.
Beyond their individual qualities, the friendship shared by Robin and Ken adds a layer of authenticity to the series.
“Ken is another character who holds a special place.
“He’s characterised by his laid-back demeanour and sharp wit,” he added.
Empowering youth
Malcolm’s engagement with young readers extends beyond the pages of his books.
As a regular guest speaker at schools across Malaysia and Singapore, he has embraced the opportunity to connect with students and share valuable messages.
“My journey into school tours began with an invitation from a former school where I once taught English at an international institution,” he said.
As word spread, teachers from various schools extended their invitations, leading to a growing presence as a guest speaker.
During these school tours, Malcolm imparts a simple yet profound message to the young minds he encounters: “Whatever you do, you just have to have fun in it.”
Through these engagements, Malcolm seeks to inspire and encourage the next generation to embrace their interests with enthusiasm, reminding them that the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.
Upcoming adventure
He was bubbling with enthusiasm for his upcoming work in the “Diary of a Rich Kid” series.
He offered a tantalising hint of what’s on the horizon, saying: “My next work in the series will be truly exciting! It’s closely related to a famous mountain in Sarawak.
“I’m eagerly working on it and can’t wait to share it with readers.”
The anticipation is palpable, promising another thrilling adventure for fans of his storytelling.
