I’m Hua Ai (aka Nikolina in some publications), originally from Shanghai, and now an ESL writer based in London. I published my first feminist novel in China when I was fifteen, and since then I’ve been writing prose poetry and fiction that move between classical Chinese imagistic intensity, Slavic gravitas and English restraint.

My work has appeared in journals across five continents and has received recognition including a Best of the Net nomination and several international awards. I’ve been fortunate to have my debut poetry chapbook foreworded by best-selling poet Eva Xan and Hugo-award recipient J. Michael Straczynski and to collaborate with editors, poets, and artists from the UK, US, Europe, and Asia.

You might have come across my readings at the Royal Society of Arts and Putney Library. My debut UK chapbook is on the way with Carcazan Publishing (UK), and I’m currently developing my first English-language novel.