Rin Chupeco

Rin Chupeco, a Chinese Filipino writer, is recognized for their young adult fiction, including the popular series The Bone Witch, The Girl from the Well, and The Never-Tilting World. Born and raised in Manila, Chupeco's heritage is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Thai, and Filipino ancestry. Their childhood fascination with ghost stories, particularly the perceived injustices in Japanese tales that often end poorly for female characters, influenced their writing. They are drawn to folklore, with a specific fondness for the kuchisake-onna legend. Chupeco identifies as a pansexual, liberal atheist and is non-binary, using they/them pronouns. Before their literary career, they worked as a graphic designer. They are married and reside in Manila with their partner and two children.

Chupeco's literary output frequently draws inspiration from various Asian cultures and mythologies. Their debut novel, The Girl from the Well, reimagines the Japanese legend of Bancho Sarayashiki, focusing on a vengeful spirit as a sympathetic anti-heroine. The Bone Witch series, inspired by Filipino witch doctors (mangkukulam) and incorporating Middle Eastern folklore, explores themes of necromancy and power struggles. Chupeco's writing style is often experimental, merging diverse themes and narrative approaches. Their work also includes the adult sci-fi and fantasy series Silver Under Nightfall, which delves into vampire lore.

Rin Chupeco's writing is deeply rooted in a fascination with folklore and supernatural narratives, particularly those originating from Asian cultures. As a child, they were captivated by ghost stories, noting a particular interest in Japanese tales where female characters often faced negative outcomes. This early engagement with myth and the perceived injustices within them has informed their approach to storytelling, leading them to explore themes of vengeance, the supernatural, and the complexities of good and evil. Chupeco's works often serve as a reinterpretation of established legends, aiming to offer fresh perspectives. For instance, The Girl from the Well puts a sympathetic spin on the vengeful spirit archetype, while The Bone Witch series draws directly from Filipino traditions of witchcraft and blends them with other cultural influences. This blending of diverse mythologies and a penchant for experimental narrative structures, mixing different styles and time periods, are hallmarks of their literary style.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Rin Chupeco's multifaceted heritage includes Chinese, Malay, Thai, and Filipino roots. This diverse background likely contributes to the rich cultural tapestry found in their fictional works. Chupeco openly identifies as a pansexual, liberal atheist and is non-binary, using they/them pronouns. This personal identity is an integral part of their public persona and may subtly influence the inclusive and boundary-pushing nature of their narratives. Prior to embarking on a career as a published author, Chupeco honed their creative skills in graphic design. They currently live in Manila with their spouse and two children, balancing their family life with their prolific writing career.