Qin Qin Author Homepage

About

Qin Qin (formerly Lisa Qin) is an award-winning author and speaker exploring themes of identity, culture, and the beauty of the non-linear path.

Striving to be ‘good' daughter, migrant and student, by 29 Qin Qin was an ex-lawyer, a Harvard graduate with four degrees working overseas for UNICEF – and a miserable overachiever.

After one too many crises, Qin Qin chose to question the script, a journey she explores in her debut memoir, Model Minority Gone Rogue. It’s the first title published under Benjamin Law’s book scouting partnership with Hachette.

Qin Qin was named a 40 under 40: Most Influential Asian Australian. She is now a librarian and regular interviewer/speaker. She lives in Canberra with her partner James and dog Oprah and her life mission is to live consciously on her own terms.

For updates and reflections, visit her newsletter.

Writing

I wrote the memoir Model Minority Gone Rogue and have been featured in PEN Sydney, The Australian, SBS and other outlets.

Stories can both imprison and liberate us. Limiting beliefs about who we are can shackle us to an unfulfilling life. I needed to write the story that set me more free from the constraints of inherited narratives.

'Qin Qin is a living example of the adage: screw things up, thoughtfully. With every chapter of her story, she illuminates an alternative model to the corrosive stories we've taken on and been told about what we should be, rather than who we could be. Read this and feel yourself untangle and unknot.' BENJAMIN LAW, author, journalist and broadcaster

'Model Minority Gone Rogue is about finding yourself against the expectations your parents, society and gender set out for you and courageously venturing into uncharted terrain ... It is illuminating, generous and full of gutsy hard-won wisdom.' ALICE PUNG, bestselling author of Unpolished Gem

Buy my book (Aust and Int'l)

Writing highlights include:

Shortlisted for Penguin Books Australia Write It Fellowship 2022
Invited residency at the Varuna The National Writers House 2023, highly commended for the Varuna Residential Fellowships

View my full list of writing pieces [page forthcoming].

"How do I exit the program of chasing gold stars and being an obedient success machine? It’s through reading, writing and seeking words and stories that nourish and give me hope in becoming more of who I truly am, not what others expect of me. That’s an essential part of growing up and becoming whole."

Speaking

I am an experienced speaker and interviewer. As a storyteller and former teacher, I love engaging audiences with diverse expertise in drawing out answers from others.

I have a regular segment on ABC Radio Canberra, Chinwag with Qin Qin on Afternoons with Alice Matthews.

Speaking Event Photo 1 — Opening gala speaker at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide for OzAsia Festival - credit: Xplorer Media

"Qin Qin’s talk on embracing your authentic self and improving cross-cultural engagement at our CALD Employee Network Morning Tea was incredibly impactful. Her vulnerability in sharing her own experiences of racism across her life and in the workplace created a safe space and empowered attendees to share and connect with others in the room. We all related deeply to Qin Qin’s personal experiences and couldn’t stop talking about the impact of the talk long after it ended.

Qin Qin’s genuine passion and deep understanding encouraged us all to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action. It was a memorable experience for our CALD employees and allies. The techniques she shared on improving cross-cultural engagement resonated with all staff. Qin Qin was a pleasure to work with – passionate, professional, and highly knowledgeable." - NSW DEPT OF EDUCATION, event organiser

Speaking Event Photo 2 — Session chair for the Australia China Youth Dialogue, Beijing.

Qin Qin was such a great interviewer. She had clearly done the research and preparation for our interview, and every question she had for me was thoughtful and insightful. But she also let our conversation flow and grow organically, responding to me and the audience with flexibility and humour. I would jump at the chance to be interviewed by her again, and I unreservedly recommend her for conversational events to anyone else. From start to finish a professional and a delight. - BRI LEE, bestselling author of Eggshell Skull

Speaking highlights include:

Invited graduation speaker at the Australian National University
Opening gala at the OzAsia festival
Keynote at Harvard Model United Nations (1,000+ delegates)
Panellist on burnout for Women in Media at the National Press Club
Australian Embassy in Beijing alumni event on my Australia-China story

View my full list of speaking engagements and photos [page forthcoming].

Faciliating/teaching

I have begun to teach memoir writing. I have also led women's circles, loving-kindness groups, soulcare sessions, and workshops on spiritual nourishment.

In holding different spaces, I draw upon my diverse skillset, a committed long-term meditation practice, and the wide variety of approaches I’ve studied in my own journey (eg yogic practices, human development, and trauma recovery). I’m grateful to all my teachers, who include yoga masters, developmental psychologists, and Mother Nature.

Contact Me

Please get in touch to say hello or book me for an event:

FAQs (click to expand)

What does "model minority" mean?

The term "model minority" refers to a stereotype that portrays a particular minority group as inherently successful, obedient, and achieving high socioeconomic status. For Asian diaspora communities, this can create unrealistic expectations and pressures to conform, often stifling individuality. It's used to denigrate other non-white groups.

Why did you change your name from Lisa?

I named myself Lisa after my favourite Simpsons character. I don't identify with that part of me as much anymore. Qin Qin is the name I was gifted to at birth, before the fear set in. I reclaimed it as part of the memoir-writing process.

What should I do with my life?

This is the ultimate question! I spend a lot of my memoir talking about how I tried to answer this question. People will give you all kinds of advice, but I firmly believe all anyone can do is draw out the answers which are already within you.

How do I write more?

Why do you want to write? What do you want to write? There's a million ways to start writing more but you could start with trying to answer these essential questions as a guiding north star on your journey.