Who is Jess Ho?
I’m a writer, a podcaster and a retired plate-carrier. I still find it uncomfortable to call myself a writer as I don’t have the confidence to carry it.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’d give myself more breaks. I used to work in hospitality, and I had my own venue, which meant I was always working and perpetually burnt out. Even though I walked away from that career years ago, I still don’t know how to operate in any other gear. I’m at the stage in my life where I realise there’s more to life than work.
Who inspires you and why?
This sounds very twee, but my friends inspire me. I’m lucky to have grown up around creatives and small business owners who are always improving themselves and pushing through incredibly difficult scenarios. We all work unsociable hours but also have more freedom than if we had chosen any other path.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Dismantle capitalism? Obviously, that’s impossible but the world’s biggest blunders from climate change, modern-day slavery, lack of mental health support, etc. stem from capitalism.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’m a Hong Konger and it was Hong Kong, but the political situation has my anxiety up about going back any time soon.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I love taking my friends to all the small, independently owned, not often written about bars and restaurants to show them the real If they say they want to move here by the end of their visit, I know I’ve done my job correctly.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just cracked the spine on Natasha Brown’s Assembly. It’s about a Black British woman and her affluent, English boyfriend meeting his family on their estate for a party, as told from her perspective. It is as bold and complicated as you can imagine.
What are you currently listening to?
I’ve been going on a lot of walks to Christine and the Queens’ La Vita Nuova.
Happiness is?
Emotional punctuation.
What does the future hold for you?
I wish I knew, but I can only hope for more of the same.
Jess is the Author of Raised by Wolves – a fierce, funny and razor-sharp coming of age story from a savage new voice – published by Affirm Press and available from all leading book sellers. For more information, visit: www.affirmpress.com.au for details.
Image: Jess Ho (supplied)