Cambodian-American author Him Chanrithy is hoping to reach a global audience with the idea for her next novel, which she hopes to fund and self-publish through a Kickstarter campaign.
The author of the memoir “When Broken Glass Floats” said she plans for the novel, tentatively titled “Rise of the Golden Aura,” to be a vampire-romance fantasy about a Cambodian orphaned girl named JD Bophatip, adopted by a Cambodian-American parent.
Him Chanrithy told VOA Khmer that she has weaved in experiences from her own life with a heroine that is a stronger character than other female protagonists in fantasy and romance vampire genres, such as in the “Twilight” series.
“So I decided to feature a strong, intelligent Cambodian girl in my novel to protect both the human and vampire worlds,” she said. “Rise of the Golden Aura’ will empower women and at the same time entertain and inspire people.”
Him Chanrithy said she hopes the story of her heroine will make the book popular to a global audience. “Women play a very important role in the family and society, so it is the best way to empower them through the popular vampire culture,” she said.
Her message to young girls and women around the world is “stay true to yourself, be passionate about what you do, and pursue your dreams.”
