From Yangon Streets to Literary Success: An Author’s 18-Year Journey"

An exclusive conversation with Ankush Bharti

San Lin Tun is a multifaceted literary figure whose work spans poetry, fiction, translation, and beyond. Based in Yangon, he has made significant contributions to both local and international literary scenes. With his writings featured in prestigious publications like *Asia Literary Review*, *Mekong Review*, and *Myanmar Times*, among many others, San Lin Tun has established himself as a voice that resonates across cultures. His expertise extends beyond writing, having served as a short story instructor, literary translator, and coordinator for notable projects like the Hidden Words/Hidden Worlds short story initiative and the My Yangon My Home Art and Heritage Festival.

As a poet, writer, lyricist, and literary guide, San Lin Tun wears many creative hats, seamlessly blending his roles to enrich his storytelling. His editorial experience includes being a guest fiction editor for *Ambrosial Literary Garland* and *Open Leaf Press Review*, and he currently serves as a reader at *Prism International*. With a background in metallurgy and a passion for fiction writing, his debut novel, *An English Writer*, was published on Goodnovel, and he is currently working on his second novel, *A Classroom for Mr. K.T.*

Winner of the Wales National Day poetry prize in 2015, San Lin Tun’s diverse interests also include photography, playing the guitar, and drawing cartoons. Through his work and mentorship, he continues to inspire readers and aspiring writers alike.

Here is an exclusive conversation with him:

1.What first sparked your interest in writing, and how did you transition from being a short story instructor and literary translator to becoming a published author?

It is my high school day’s ambition to be a writer who write in English and I followed that dream when I grew up. Actually, I started writing in 2000 and that time, I firstly translated some spoken English books into Myanmar, that is my mother tongue. In 2007, my debut book written in English came out. Since that time, I write mostly in English. Again, in 2013, I had a chance to take part in British Council’s literature project and I became a short story instructor after attending the short story workshop organized by British Council. In the meantime, I tried to submit my short stories to literary journals and magazines that located locally and regionally in hope of reaching more audience. Some of my stories were anthologized in foreign-based anthologies. Although my works appeared in literary magazines and anthologies, I did not have a chance to publish my books with a traditionally reputable publisher. It took more than a decade; exactly speaking, it takes eighteen years to publish my book titled “Yangon Days” with Penguin SEA. It came out in May 2024. 

2. How has living in Yangon influenced your writing? In what ways does the city's culture and heritage play a role in your works like "Yangon Days"?

I was born in Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon), and later when I read its history, I found that world famous writers such as Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham, George Orwell, Pablo Neruda, etc lived and passed through the city in early 20th Century because it is a booming seaport and commercial centre. I imagined their lives in Rangoon and knowing the city was a home to them, I felt really thrilled to know such fact. Moreover, the city has a long history and it had been a cosmopolitan city, and it is still possessing heritage sites and buildings in the city precinct. “Yangon Days” is a kind of reconnecting the past and present histories, and reveals how the stories of its ordinary residents interconnect with the city.   

3. How do you approach your writing process? Do you have any specific rituals or routines that help maintain your creative flow?

I try it to be a habitual and punctual. But, sometimes it is difficult to maintain that habit. I prefer sitting at a less-crowded teashop for generating ideas. When I am writing, I need a cup of tea or coffee to spark my creativity. 

4. Your work spans poetry, fiction, and translation. What are the themes or topics you find yourself consistently drawn to, and what inspires your writing?

For poetry, I like to write inspirational ones or poems relating to ethics, examining the goodliness of human souls, the meaning and purpose of life, the prompt nature of mind, etc but I don’t keep myself to one’s theme. It depends on my ideas, preferences and whims. For fiction, I prefer writing literary fiction. And, some local publishers commission me to translate some works into English. Writing is a part of my livelihood and I am now trying to be a full-time writer. 

5. Could you tell us more about your short story collection "Yangon Days"? What themes or experiences are explored in this collection, and what was the inspiration behind it?

“Yangon Days” is about the stories of ordinary peoples such as a hairdresser, a tri-shaw paddler, a magazine illustrator, movie goers, city dwellers, dreamers, etc. They live in the city and enjoy the city life while carrying out their daily routine. They are about their failure, success, frustration, happiness, prosperity, etc. Actually, it is my decade’s output from 2010 to 2020 when I contribute some flash fictions or short stories to local magazines. 

6. With over a dozen books published, how do you feel your writing style has evolved over the years? Do your earlier works differ significantly from your more recent publications?

I notice my craft of writing has improved through my published books. I become more seasoned with writing and expressing myself more clearly. Definitely, my recent publications are quite different from my earlier works.

7. You wear many hats—poet, writer, lyricist, literary guide, and more. How do you balance these different roles, and how do they influence one another in your creative work?

As for me, each role has its significance, but I do not carry out the complete set of roles at the same time. I switch myself to each role when the motivation takes me to. At first, I am a freelance writer who earns his living on writing flash fiction, essays on regular basis. Later, I push my boundaries to other literary fields and I try to write poems that later became lyrics. In 2013, I showed people who are interested in literary spots around the city and that made me a literary guide. My recent development is being a lyricist when I compose songs based on my poems. In 2021, I found online writing platforms and I noticed new trends in publishing industry in these days and then, I submit my novel “An English Writer” to Goodnovel as a webnovel and published with them. In 2020, I applied myself to be a guest editor for literary magazines because I wanted to obtain editorial experiences that, I think, will help me writing better. So, I worked as guest editor for Ambrosial Literary Garland online magazine, and Open Leaf Press Review. Currently, I am a contest reader for Prism International.   

8. As someone who has worked extensively as a literary translator, how has translation influenced your own writing? Does it give you a unique perspective on language and storytelling?

For a literary translator, I need to be more familiar with target language and its usage than source language. I normally translate from Myanmar to English and so, I need to be good at English. Both of the languages have different grammars and syntax. I need to know all the differences between these two languages. When you translate, you need to stick to the original author’s tone and voice, but there are some that cannot be translatable because there are no equivalent words in English. I think different audience has different focus and the translator should be aware of that fact.  

9. You are currently working on your second novel, "A Classroom for Mr K.T." Can you share a little bit about this new project and what readers can expect from it?

I am currently working on my second novel, “A Classroom for Mr KT”, and it is about a private English teacher who teaches English in his own way, understanding the better way to acquire the language. Readers can expect various human qualities, such as resilience, sympathy, sacrifice, loss, etc. 

10. Having achieved success in various literary fields, what advice would you offer to aspiring writers and poets who are just starting their journeys?

Patience and perseverance are the keys to stay afloat in the literary fields. Success as a writer cannot be done in a single day, but over years. You might get countless rejection letters, but you should not be dismayed or discouraged. As long as you have belief in yourself, your journey will be smooth and pays off well no matter how hard and difficulties you are facing and experiencing as a writer.