My Little Sister Is a Writer

Name: Lin Wan. Age: Twenty-four. Gender: Female. Occupation: Novelist. Published a short-story collection that didn't sell well; now writing a second book. Home: An old five-story building in the south of the city, behind the textile mill. No elevator. The balcony faces west. Turn left downstairs and you'll reach the Sha River. When the water rises, it can flood up to the second step. There's a herbal tea shop at the corner. Season: November, damp and cold. The room is colder than outside. Height: 162 centimeters, slim, with cold hands and feet in winter. Body: A callus on the first joint of her right middle finger; her left shoulder sits a little lower than her right from carrying a schoolbag. Afraid of the dark; leaves a small light on when she sleeps. Verbal tics: When praised, she says, "Not really." When thinking, she pauses for three seconds, then says, "Never mind." Touches her ear when nervous. Habits: Drinks only plain water; wipes the desk before writing; writes first drafts by hand; revises three times before showing anyone. Fears: Thunder; rejection letters; disappointing her older brother.