Xiao-Mei Williams asked Kayla Cunningham:

I LOVE THE FACT YOUR COUPLE IS AMERICAN GIRL AND CHINESE/KOREAN MALE. Not enough writers do biracial couples -- Especially not Amreican and Chinese. In fact, it is not heard of. Your book is unique because of this and it may be the first I read that covers this couple in college age. I can tell you did lot of research on Asian culture. Why did you decide on this biraciacouple--Chinese/Korean male and American female?

Kayla Cunningham Hello! Thank you for your question. The decision to write “Fated to Love” was inspired by a deeply personal experience that touched my heart and soul. As a teacher and basketball coach, I had the honor of hosting six boys from Asian countries who quickly became like brothers to me. Growing up as an only child, their presence meant a great deal to me. My parents welcomed them into our family, and we celebrated holidays, birthdays, and special events together. Some of them are still attending college in the United States, while others have returned to their home countries. I have had the privilege of visiting a few of them in China and Taiwan, and our bond has only grown stronger with time. One of the boys, Jimmy, from China, lived with me for over six years. He completed his degree at an American university and has since returned to China, where he is now married and has a beautiful daughter.

The rise in Asian racism during the pandemic years deeply affected me. I saw firsthand the horrific things that were said to my “brothers” because of their nationality. I felt ashamed and guilty for not doing enough to promote change. I realized that I had a responsibility to use my voice and platform to bring attention to this issue. That’s when I decided to write “Fated to Love,” a novel that not only explores the intricacies of contemporary romance but also delves into deeper themes such as cultural identity, family dynamics, and overcoming adversity. I wanted to take readers on a journey through different countries and cultures, providing a window into the diversity of our world. Through my writing, I hope to honor and celebrate the beauty of these diverse cultures and to share the story of Cassie and Xuan with the world.

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