We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Siran Liu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Siran, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.

It feels like everyone, at different stages of life, takes a moment to reflect on their journey. We often imagine, “If I could start over, what different choices would I make?” Coincidentally, I’ve pondered this question many times myself.

In college, I used to think that if I could start over, I might study harder and aim for a better university. Later, when I began working, I’d revisit the question and wonder if choosing a more practical science major would have made my career path smoother, sparing me some challenges along the way.

But now, standing where I am today and looking back at my life so far, I can say with calm certainty that if I had the chance to start over, I would still choose the same path. I would still walk the road I’ve taken and pursue the same career I’m in now. Even with the benefit of experience, I wouldn’t want to erase or change any of it.

Writing is like that. Every story you tell, every line you craft, has its own trajectory. Together, they form the foundation of your career. If any piece were missing, it wouldn’t feel complete. The struggles, the triumphs, and even the moments of doubt have all shaped who I am and the work I create.

I truly enjoy everything about my present life. When challenges arise, I face them head-on and work to overcome them. Once they’ve passed, I let go of regret and move forward without looking back. I cherish who I am today, and if I had the chance to begin again, I’d choose to be exactly the person I am now.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a screenwriter specializing in television scripts and a novelist focusing on young adult stories. My journey into this field traces back to my early years. I was always stronger in language arts, excelling in literature and cultivating a deep love for reading and writing. During middle school, I began contributing short stories and essays to magazines, which laid the foundation for my passion for storytelling.

In college, I majored in an arts-related field, though not specifically screenwriting. After graduation, I had the opportunity to work on a film set, where I was introduced to the world of screenwriting. To my surprise, I discovered a natural talent for this craft, which led me to fully commit to building a career in this field.

It has been six years since my first work aired. One of the highlights of my career so far has been contributing to the creation of Riverside Scene At Qingming Festival (《清明上河图密码》), a large-scale historical suspense IP centered on a painting of immense cultural significance. As one of the most anticipated projects of 2024, the series is set to premiere this December and already has over three million viewers eagerly awaiting its release in China.

Working on The Qingming River Scroll Code was a transformative experience. The two-year creative process involved countless revisions, rewrites, and reimaginings, pushing me to grow both as a writer and a professional. This project marked a pivotal shift in my career—from a youth drama writer to a historical suspense screenwriter. It was an incredible learning experience, and I am proud of what we achieved. I hope the show will resonate with audiences and achieve great success.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize I’ve been writing for nearly 13 or 14 years. For me, writing is both an emotional outlet and a form of expression. Each time I put pen to paper, I am pouring out emotions and creating something entirely new. Writing allows me to construct unknown worlds, populate them with vividly unique, legendary characters, and watch as they laugh, cry, and grow. In doing so, I feel a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment, as though I am bringing meaning to my own life through the stories I tell.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For a writer, the most fulfilling moment is undoubtedly when a project is completed and released as a film or television show. The relationship between text and visual media is truly fascinating. Even though they tell the same story, the way words express ideas and the way visuals convey emotions are entirely different. Yet, within these differences, there exists an almost magical connection.

As a creator, sitting in front of the screen to watch your work come to life brings an extraordinary sense of achievement. It’s a mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity—seeing something you know so intimately take on a new form, interpreted and transformed by the medium of film. That feeling is incomparable and deeply rewarding, reminding you of the beauty of storytelling in all its forms.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

It has to be One Hundred Years of Solitude. This truly is a masterpiece—its story is breathtaking, its prose is poetic, and its narrative is both magical and deeply rooted in reality. The first read feels like stepping into a fantastical world, but with each revisit, it reveals a profound truth. Every time I return to it, I discover new perspectives, reflecting my own changing state of mind. It remains my favorite book, one I often revisit and learn from.

I’m naturally an outgoing, imaginative, and social person who enjoys keeping life vibrant and full of connections. But One Hundred Years of Solitude opened up another side of my personality. It taught me that the liveliness of life and the solitude of the soul are not opposites but complements. As someone with a naturally buoyant spirit, exploring the world through solitude offers a unique lens—one that is both profound and transformative.

Reading this book is like tracing the same story along a different path. The world remains the same, but the experiences it offers are entirely different. It’s a strange and wondrous perspective that continues to inspire me, reminding me of the infinite ways to see and live within the same narrative.