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Chasing Literary Awards Won’t Promote Singlit
Epigram Books, a Singaporean publisher, is aiming for the Man Booker Prize. As part of its goal, it has opened an imprint in the United Kingdom, so that its offerings will be eligible for the Prize. Founder Edmund Wee believes that the publicity generated from such an achievement “would be a turning point for people…
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Night Demons Part 6 of 6
Dozens, hundreds, thousands of minor parasites swarm all over me. They are gnats and centipedes and biting worms, landing all over my aura. They crawl and wriggle and bite and chew and tear. My skin begins to itch, and my eyes flutter involuntarily. Easiest option is to run them through with cold steel. But there’s…
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Night Demons Part 5 of 6
It’s too bright and too crowded for me to act. A hostile entity wouldn’t feel constrained by people, but if things went dynamic and if I had to perform an exorcism… I don’t need the attention. I make a sharp right turn, heading down a narrow alley between a 7-Eleven and Ramen Bar Suzuki.…
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Night Demons Part 4 of 6
When fighting the forces of darkness, it pays to have bright powers on your side. At dawn, I dress in bright, clean and comfortable clothing. I ring my singing bowl and clear out the remaining negativity. Light three sticks of incense and place them in a brazier on my work table. Lower my…
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Night Demons Part 3 of 6
When going to war, first build an invincible defence. And I am strongest at my home. Home is a studio apartment a few minutes away from the Farrer Park MRT station. Unlike most single Singaporeans my age, I live alone, well away from my parents. It’s for their safety. They’re normies, and given…
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Night Demons Part 2 of 6
I glance around the room. The miasma redoubles in strength. The Lums’ spirit guides are fleeing to different realms for cover. But there is no overt sign of the evil spirit. I’d have to flush it out. “Vanessa, please let me see your hand,” I say. She holds out her arm.…