Don't think I can't do anything

Author: Tian Bao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Since becoming a literary editor, I haven’t been very fond of writing things myself. It’s like the former production team leader who always found ways to shirk work—refusing to go to the fields. Thinking back on my once-ambitious dream of becoming a great writer, I didn’t feel particularly embarrassed. It just seemed a bit unrealistic compared to the actual situation. Fortunately, I didn’t naively give up. Instead, I’ve been observing life around me all the time, and some thoughts often linger in my mind. It’s not impossible to achieve success later in life, after all—haha.
Looking back at my writing from before last year, it feels both familiar and strange. Sometimes I’ll wonder, “Did I really write this? No way.” I’m reminded of my former boldness, innocence, and even a certain crudeness. I remember being a somewhat melancholic young soldier, yet my writings about military life could still hide moments of joy and brightness. As for the unforgettable rural life, although I still haven’t quite mastered it, there are still some warm details that I’ve managed to capture.
For me, the city always feels distant and disconnected. Someone with a strong rural background like me finds it difficult to connect with the city and its stories. Therefore, the stories about the city are inevitably about people who feel awkward and out of place in the city. These days, publishing a collection of short stories means that unless it’s by that someone or that someone, it practically guarantees awkward sales. I have no reason not to thank the publisher, but I owe more gratitude to the readers who bought this book.