I don’t remember much about my first few years.
I know I was loved.
I know my parents were proud of every achievement I made,
no matter how small…
I was just like every other little girl…
until a chance visit to the marriage market in Shanghai, China,
where girls are advertised as brides.
My heart ached
for their shattered dreams …
for their unspoken desires …
and I vowed to change the world.
That it does not have to be this way,
that we have choices,
that every girl dares to dream.
I like ballet
but I love rock-climbing more…
I play piano
but drumming really moves me…
I enjoy shopping with friends
but I’d rather be working on my tech start-up …
I adore writing and film-making
but I dream of signing my name in the sky
and of becoming the first female Prime Minister of Singapore!
I am Lara Chen
and this is my dream.
#dreamadream
About Lara
Lara is a young aspiring writer and film maker with awards and gold-medals. Published her first fiction book as a ten-year-old, she is putting her passion to improve gender equality in her creative works.
When Lara is neither writing nor making short-film, she attends School of the Art in Singapore. She lives with her parents, younger brother, and her little dog, and enjoys reading, playing the drums, and rock-climbing. Lara dreams of winning a Pulitzer… and having ice-cream for dinner.
Praises for Lara
21 Swords is the fifth novel by prolific young writer Lara Chen, and she scales new heights with each successive effort. This thrilling adventure of two sisters battling a vengeance-seeking demon is told with startling maturity, a tale that is vast and vivid in its imagination, yet told with economy and simplicity of language. It is at once a soaring epic fantasy and an earthy tribute to family.
~ Ajay Vikram, Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Groupe – Singapore
The Legend of the Red Ruby is a delightful and heartwarming tale celebrating courage and friendship. It is a commendable effort for a 9-year old to let her imagination run high and weave different elements into an adventure story of hope, grit and valor. I am especially proud of Lara in this her first story and I look forward to reading more of her stories as she strengthens her craft. Well Done Lara!
~ Mrs. Yue Yoke Mun
Principal of Raffles Girls’ Primary SchoolL
An adventure packed read kids won’t be able to put down, Lara captures her readers imagination in only a way a child can do . . . fearlessly.
~ Brooke Keith
Author of Chrissie’s Shell
Contact: Kimberly Thio
Email: kim_thio@yahoo.com
Phone: +65 9061 3972