moonlakeku

Chinese vs. Western Fantasy: What Questions Does the Afterlife Ask?

Chinese and Western fantasy often portray very different afterlives. One may emphasise divine judgment, another an elaborate underworld bureaucracy. But as I looked at these worlds, I realised they weren’t simply offering different answers—they were asking different questions. Once you notice that, you begin to see afterlife systems in an entirely new way. Question 1:Continue reading “Chinese vs. Western Fantasy: What Questions Does the Afterlife Ask? “

So many plans have unraveled…

The jump-off line comes from Insha’allah by Danusha Lameris. So many plans have unraveled. In grade 6, when went on our school to the same place we went each year because the only other place we could go were prone to kite accidents where the strings from kites snagged people’s necks, I thought I wouldContinue reading “So many plans have unraveled…”

I would not have been a writer except that…

The jump off line came from V11 by Wendell Berry. This was a piece from a couple years ago that talked about how I became a writer. It was never my intention back when I was in high school and that’s the lens I presented, at least in the opening paragraphs. I would not haveContinue reading “I would not have been a writer except that… “

When a Story Stops Belonging to Its Premise

I recently noticed something strange while comparing two novels I’m outlining. One began as a completely original idea.The other grew out of a virtual tabletop RPG campaign. I expected them to feel fundamentally different. Instead, after months of outlining, they were starting to ask remarkably similar questions. There is a whole school of writing adviceContinue reading “When a Story Stops Belonging to Its Premise”

My name is…

The jump off line is actually from an introduction by Patrick O’Tauma and this is actually written 5 years ago. My name is Moonlake Ku. I am not born with this name, as a star was born into the sky. Rather, I chose it. I chose as a cloak, to pursue what I love, whatContinue reading “My name is… “

Changing Stance on Comfort Authors

I think I did mention obliquely before that I had changed my stance on comfort authors over the years. And I’m blogging about this now because I’ve run out of other topics about reading. Digression but I’ve always had trouble with one of the 4 topics I blogged under at different times, the recent candidateContinue reading “Changing Stance on Comfort Authors”

Remarkable Women in ancient China (29)- Zhang Xiugu

Who is she? The first person in Chinese history to dissect a diseased human body Notable life events: Moonlake’s thoughts on her: The only thought I had is that to pursue knowledge, people from ancient times had made much personal sacrifice across different places and places due to human prejudice. And that is quite sadContinue reading “Remarkable Women in ancient China (29)- Zhang Xiugu”

Mini Reading Challenge 2026

I have finished my mini reading challenge this year, splitting my attention between two keywords: water lily and lotus. Of the four books, I think I slightly prefer Torn from Troy because it’s closer to what I usually read. The Dressmaker’s Daughter is interesting in showcasing a modern era before me that I don’t quiteContinue reading “Mini Reading Challenge 2026”

Chinese vs Western Fantasy: A comparison of Elements (3): Ghosts- Moral Punishment vs Administrative Continuity

Ghost stories exist in almost every culture. They appear in different forms, wear different faces, and follow different rules. Yet beneath these differences, ghosts often represent one universal idea: The past is not truly gone. The dead leave behind memories, obligations, regrets, and unfinished relationships. When a ghost appears, it is a sign that somethingContinue reading “Chinese vs Western Fantasy: A comparison of Elements (3): Ghosts- Moral Punishment vs Administrative Continuity”

I forgive you, life.

The jump-off line is just “I forgive you”, from Phase One by Dilruba Ahmed. The title is from I am talking to Life as an entity when I wrote this piece. I forgive you for derailing my plan for a linear life and teaching me that everything is a choice. I forgive you for notContinue reading “I forgive you, life.”