1) In your opinion, how does inspiration improve a story? Is it neccesary and why?
There is a certain essence or quality (which is difficult to describe in words) when a story is first "inspired" then crafted, as opposed to merely being crafted.
2) We know that you have written many poems and short stories. What do you think is the main difference between poem and stories?
This questions requires more time for reflection actually. But in a nutshell, I shall say for myself (I stress it is for myself) a poem usually has a more vivid image while a story has a narrative.
3) Do you refer to books for inspiration? If so, what kinds of books.
Yes of course. I don't go to specific books, I am willing to go to any book.
4) Through your years of experience in writing, what do you think is the most common types of themes and plots that Asian writers usually explore in their stories?
I wouldn't say "years of experience", I am still a fledgeling by any standard. I would say one of the concerns is the tension between the world of their traditions (embodied in their grandparents, parents) and their own world (awakened in part by their exposure to various perspectives through education, travel etc).
5) Do you prefer books by Asian or Western writers? Why?
I am (as I have stated before) uncomfortable with such a categorisation actually. I try to read as wide a repertoire as I can.
6) Through your reading of many varieties of books, what do you think is the main difference in writing techniques, themes and plots which are used by Asian writers, as compared to their Western counterparts?
Refer to my comment in (5). I think the difference is more between individual writer.
7) What sort of writing do you prefer (eg. poetry or story writing)? Why so?
I enjoy writing in general. Sometimes, some stuff just come out in poems. More of my stuff appear in the form of poems usually. Perhaps it is because I am not thinking of "stories", I don't know.
8) Has any other writer influenced your own writing?
Oh yes, I am sure all the people I have read and interacted with have had some influence. I wouldn't quite pinpoint ONE body because I like specific works. However, I am fond of Emily Dickinson, the Romantics (John Keats, etc), American contempoary poets, William Carlos Williams, E.E Cummings, Marianne Moore, Anne Sexton... (there are others, but these are those that come to mind right now)
9) Please give any other comments related to Asian writers, or what you feel about their work, and comparisons with Western writers.
Again , I am very uncomfortable with this divide of Asian and Western. This question requires a week of reflection or more. I am not able to respond in a few minutes. I trust you understand.