Jump In and Dance

One night in Santa Cruz, I found myself on a dance stage. Why not join in? No one seemed to mind. The dancers collided, kicked, and stumbled; I got knocked down, but a dozen hands reached out to help me back up.

In a moment of reflection while in the shower, it hit me: I was beginning to think in English. I could articulate my experiences—both good and bad. I felt inspired to write a novel!

Later, at the Cherry Bean café, I grabbed a pen and jotted down my thoughts on a napkin. This “vomit draft” would eventually evolve into my novel, Lie Under the Fig Trees.

The cover art of the first edition of my novel, Lie Under the Fig Trees (1996)

My notes piled up. Soon, napkins gave way to flyers and bills stuffed into three-ring binders. I jokingly blamed America for this whirlwind of creativity, recognizing that inspiration could strike at any moment.

What’s Next?

One of my pieces was accepted for publication in The Writer’s Relief. While not a massive achievement, it was certainly a motivating boost!

Just picture it: a shirtless immigrant with a thick accent having his name featured in a national magazine. How often does that happen?

As I sought a publisher for my novel, I grew increasingly employable. I felt certain that an English Department somewhere was waiting for “Tadeusz Israel Wojnicki” to apply.

Only in America

Prominent authors captured my attention along the way. First, Rick DiMarinis drew me to the University of Texas, and later, I was captivated by Molly Giles, Ron Hansen, Leo Litwak, and Frances Meyes at San Francisco State University.

Photo by Wonderlane on Unsplash

No one ever turned me away. It’s worth mentioning that I arrived in the U.S. with a Ph.D. already in hand, which left me pondering whether I should enroll in college.

Hello, Professor

It may have seemed crazy, but it turned out beautifully. While I was in graduate school, I finished my novel, Lie Under the Fig Trees, and got it accepted for publication.

Before long, I received an Adjunct Professor offer from Hartnell College in King City, CA. I taught there for 15 years before deciding to travel. I chose Taiwan after hearing someone say, “There’s Starbucks in Taiwan, and 7/11 on every corner, it’s like America!” Turns out, it was pretty close.

A recommendation letter for me issued by Professor Dr. Lin Chin-Tsai, the President of Yuanpei University

I was invited to teach at Yuanpei University as an Assistant Professor and fell in love with both the role and the island.

My story may not be unique. Are you an immigrant, too? If so, you might relate to my journey and want to share yours. I would love to connect.

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[Next excerpt: “Write Like a Lover!”] Enjoy My Books

Both my novel, Lie Under the Fig Trees, and my international haiku anthology, Sucking Mangoes Naked, have received critical acclaim. Visit my Profile.