A desperately writing housewife with one husband, four kids (from 6 to 17) and a couple of sparrows trying to nest in her house.
Author of three books:
1. Congratulations! You have won – A guidebook on how to maximize your chances of winning competitions – Malita Jaya, 2001
2. Life’s Like That – Scenes from Malaysian Life – Pelanduk Publications, 2004
3. Honk If You’re Malaysian – MPH Publishing, Jan 2007
Her articles have been published in magazines, newspapers and websites. She’s a columnist with Yellow Post, a weekly newspaper and she writes the occasional Word’s Up, Eh Poh Nim column in The Star’s Mind Our English page. She was named a Best Teleworking Mom by Nestle and e-homemakers.net in 2004.
Location : Klang, Malaysia
i was totally blown off by ur books,life’s like that…i love it…-especially the raisin part-wish u luck in the future…
By: jeannette on November 8, 2006
at 1:33 pm
Jeannette, Thank you for your kind words.
By: lydiateh on November 9, 2006
at 11:37 am
Hi, miss Lydia, how do you do? THis is Khong from Cheras, KL. Read about u and your blog in today’s Star. I’m Chinese and I’ve been Chinese-ed all my life. Now I teach English. To me it’s like a miracle. Actually I taught cos I already closed my Movie English Learning Station. We know the ways we Malaysians speak English; such as “go outstation”, [kerlig](colleague). So i”d show the students some punch lines taken from movies like etc…to show them the correct ways to express themselves. Now I’m looking for a job. I’m a polio victim and I have suffered from this thing called sciatica. On rainy days i’ll be in great pain. It’s ok. Keep fighting the good fight, right? Let’s work it. You may visit my blog. Most of my stuff is written in Chinese but you can check out my comics. Yeah, i was a graphic major from MIA. THe world is so full of possibilities. Who would have thought a guy like me would have taught English.
blog.sina.com.cn/m/littlePrinceDVD
Please leave a comment if u wish.
Peace and God bless.
Sincerely yours,
khong
By: khong on November 29, 2006
at 1:56 pm
Lydia, I finally bought your book- Life’s Like That, I’m half way thru it and so far I love your book. Very entertaining and amusing, hehe =)
By: Izairi on December 7, 2006
at 8:48 am
Hi Khong, I just saw your comment here. Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. I hope you’ll be able to find a job soon. Have you heard of Yvonne Foong? She has nf2 disease and she has done so much to raise funds for herself. You will be inspired by her story. She has even written a book and she’s only 20 years old. Here’s the link to her website : http://www.yvonnefoong.com/ Nice cartoons on your blog. Did you submit them to The Star? They pay RM50 per cartoon, if I remember correctly.
Hi Izairi, thank you very much for popping by. I’m glad you like the book so far.
By: lydiateh on December 7, 2006
at 9:27 am
Hi Lydia,
I was reading Straits Times when I heard your voice in RTM TV1 this morning. I was quite impressed with the ‘wawancara” about the book. Initially, I thought the book was written in bahasa Malaysia.
Congratulations & Well done! As I’m a Singaporean, I don’t know when I can expect to get your book. Looking foward to your new book, “Corruption!”
By: Hanafi on December 23, 2006
at 1:03 pm
Hanafi, Thank you for your kind words. It’s nice to know Singaporeans are tuning in to our stations. Actually corruption is not the topic of the next book, hehe, just one of the topics that could’ve been in the book but wasn’t.
By: lydiateh on December 23, 2006
at 3:42 pm
A desperately writing housewife with one husband, four kids
Wow, where the H@%$& do you find the time to write left alone to contemplate about life!! How about having a couple more kids , make it the Patridge family.
Desperately writing housewife? means you write to get out off family desperation or get out of your frustration as a housewife?
One more water…As the song says, “ Bridge over troubled water”
Cheers,
Chris
By: Chris on December 28, 2006
at 2:04 pm
Opps…
Here my sign off note…
Have a good durian day!!
Chris
http://www.DurianRoom.com
By: Chris on December 28, 2006
at 3:02 pm
Dear aunt lydia.
Haha cause thats what i should called my senior ma! Just visit your blog after reading it in http://www.yvonnefoong.com
Nice one.. i’ll look out on your post next time..
By: Fiona tan on December 28, 2006
at 7:21 pm
Hi Fiona, thanks for popping by. You’re welcomed to call me Aunt Lydia
By: Lydia Teh on December 28, 2006
at 9:14 pm
Chris, I write desperately so I can see more cents in my bank a/c. Wishing you a good durian day too, especially now it’s durian season.
By: Lydia Teh on December 28, 2006
at 9:15 pm
Hey Lydia, I don’t like your expression “a desperately writing housewife.” Wrting ought to be a passionate and enjoyable hobby. I’m sure your hubby approves of, and even supports what you’re doing.
By: Uncle Tan on December 29, 2006
at 9:46 am
Uncle Tan, I’m passionate about writing and enjoy it. ‘Desperately writing’ doesn’t take away the pleasure of it all. My husband does approve of my writing.
By: Lydia Teh on December 29, 2006
at 10:25 am
My mom, sis and I read “Life’s Like That” few years ago and absolutely loved it! I’m now halfway through “Honk! If you’re a Malaysian”…
Just wanna drop in to give you more encouragement (hopefully for a new book too, *wink wink*) but i can see you have lots of supporters already! ;D
With you and other Malaysian icons…
Malaysia memang boleh!
in Christ,
MelC
By: MelC on February 4, 2007
at 7:19 pm
Hi MelC, thank you for your support – the more the merrier.
By: lydiateh on February 5, 2007
at 3:47 pm
Just helped in keeping your book on the MPH Best Sellers list. Halfway through Honk! right now, and I’ve never felt as quite “proud” to be a Malaysian in such a long time.
All I can say for now is “Keep up the good work”. I’m kinda disabled by a stomachache due to excess wind by laughing too much right now.
By: Kurogane on February 7, 2007
at 1:59 am
Hi Kurogane, thank you very much. Lovely compliment – I’m all puffed up now. May I recommend poh cheh ee for your stomach wind.
By: lydiateh on February 7, 2007
at 10:08 am
hello, just dropped by from myklang.com
check out some klang bloggers…hehe
cheers!
By: Wahlau.NET on February 8, 2007
at 10:47 am
Wahlau, thanks for dropping by. Klang bloggers need more exposure…
By: lydiateh on February 8, 2007
at 10:51 am
I can’t find your Congrats book in MPH, Popular or Borders… is it still available in any outlet in Penang???
By: MelC on February 19, 2007
at 3:35 pm
MelC, I saw Congrats in MPH MidValley but I’m not sure if the Penang outlets stock it. If you really want to have it, I could mail you a copy.
By: Lydia Teh on February 19, 2007
at 9:57 pm
Hi Lydia,
As a fellow Malaysian in Canada, I just want to say that your book Life’s Like That is filled clever wit and humor. I enjoyed it thoroughly and couldn’t put it down as soon as I started on it. I’m currently writing a book as a well. It’s a feel good book basically and it’s incomplete but you have, in many ways, inspired me to finish it asap!
Thank you.
Elaine
By: The Expedited Writer on March 13, 2007
at 2:30 am
Hi Elaine, thank you so much for your kind words. I visited your blog and drooled over the food pix you’ve posted. You write well. I hope you finish your book soon. If you’d like to share with me what you’re writing, please email me.
By: lydiateh on March 13, 2007
at 10:05 am
I’d love to have the book! I’ve been searching for it since Life’s like that… but will it be too troublesome to mail it to me… *slightly embarrassed smile*
By: MelC on March 16, 2007
at 8:13 am
MelC, I’ll email you.
By: lydiateh on March 16, 2007
at 9:16 am
I’ve enjoyed reading your articles which are fun and stimuliating since I started to read The Star online a couple of years ago.
By: Jeffrey Law on March 29, 2007
at 12:04 pm
Hi Jeffrey, thank you for popping by. Glad you like the articles.
By: lydiateh on March 30, 2007
at 3:35 pm
Hi Lydia, I’ve finish reading your book, Honk, If you’re Malaysian. I think it a great book. Well done.
By: nmfairus on June 13, 2007
at 3:24 pm
Hey! Yeah, I’ve also finish reading your book, ‘Honk If Your Malaysian’. Very funny! Especially when you mention Malaysian that try on dresses, take pictures, and post it in their blogs. WHOOPS!!! Guilty as charge…
Keep it up! I’m also a ‘Teh’ family XD
By: sanko on July 12, 2007
at 10:01 pm
nmfairus, thank you for yoru compliment.
Sanko, now I know your’re a young woman. My teenage daughter also likes that Savvy Shopper article.
By: lydiateh on July 13, 2007
at 11:34 am
Thoroughly enjoyed your book especially the section on Manglish. I could not put your book down once I started. I shared the sentiments of the things you wrote about in your book “Honk if you are Malaysian”.
It is so sad that people do not realized the damage they are causing to English language. I am no snob. We do not have to speak like “orang puteh”. The important point here is speak and write proper English so that people can understand what we are trying to say. And I hope people will realize this soon and contain the damage we have done.
By the way, I am Singaporean.
By: Judy on July 17, 2007
at 3:46 pm
Hey, Judy, thanks for your comment. Singaporean or Malaysian, we share lots of stuff, don’t we? Perhaps the title should be renamed to Honk! If You’re Singaporean for the Singapore market. May I ask where you bought the book?
By: lydiateh on July 18, 2007
at 11:19 am
Surfing your blog has become my favourite pastime every day. i bought your book “Honks, if you’re Malaysian” last week and I really enjoy reading it. Yunno something, it’s also a way to de-stress myself while reading your book.. you’re really great and keep it up…
God bless
Winnie from Klang
By: winnie on July 20, 2007
at 10:08 am
Winnie, thanks, and for calling the other day.
By: lydiateh on July 20, 2007
at 10:18 am
Dear Lydia,
You’ve probably received numerous compliments of this nature: but reading your blog alone got me intrigued, so I can’t wait to go out to MPH and get your books! I’m an aspiring writer , but I don’t know if I’ve got it. Nevertheless, I’m just writing, and writing, and writing…and maybe one day I’ll get lucky- you’re a role model for writing mothers out there!
Cheers!
PL
By: pinlean on July 20, 2007
at 5:10 pm
Pinlean, Thank you. Continue to write and do send your work out.
By: Lydia on July 23, 2007
at 10:39 am
This is the first time that I read your article appeared in Yellow Post which I picked it up a free copy from TM Point. It was well written. I like the way that you wrote, it’s simple and obviously enjoy reading. I will certainly buy a copy and please recommend the first book for me before my departure to overseas.
Regards,
Lee
By: Lee Ah Wa on August 20, 2007
at 9:35 pm
Dear Lee Ah Wa, thank you for your comment. I’m glad you like my stories in Yellow Post. Honk! If You’re Malaysian would be a good book to read, especially if you want to share the book with foreigners about our culture.
By: lydiateh on August 22, 2007
at 9:40 am
You look so familiar..
By: AngEh on October 1, 2007
at 2:52 am
dear lydia, after watching your talk show in astro channel i am interested on honks book. i went to kk to find it but unfortenatualy i cant get it. so i just want to clarify either i can order by post and what is the cost for that book including postal fees. tq
By: gan ah ju on November 10, 2007
at 8:26 am
Hi Gan Ah Ju, thanks for popping by here. I’m surprised KK bookstores do not have stocks. Have you checked MPH and Popular? Anway, you can order by post via http://www.mph.com.my.
Honk! is retailed at RM29.00. MPH orders to East Malaysia are shipped at RM10 plus Rm2 handling fee. For West Malaysia, it is RM4.90.
By: lydiateh on November 10, 2007
at 2:09 pm
Dear Lydia Teh, tq for the information. I will try it. Anyway good luck in future undertaking.
By: gan ah ju on November 12, 2007
at 3:20 pm
Hi! I just finished reading yr honk book & i had a blast. As a mother of five yr “flying stationery” was quite familiar in my household. I look 4wrd 2 reading all yr books…. Cheers from Keningau, Sabah.
By: Edleo on November 25, 2007
at 9:48 am
Edleo, thanks for dropping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. Now that the kids are growing up, the flying stationery syndrome has abated – a little.
By: lydiateh on November 26, 2007
at 12:29 pm
Hi Lydia, I love your book very much! I read it before I sleep. It’s like my bedtime story… ehehe.. well, to answer gan ah ju’s question, I bought the book at popular bookstore in Centre Point, KK. You can also get it at Popular City Mall, KK. Happy reading!! =)
By: babysamm on November 27, 2007
at 4:52 pm
Hi babysamm, thanks for the info. I hope Gan Ah Ju pops by to read this comment. Bedtime story, ah.. that’s a first
By: lydiateh on November 28, 2007
at 8:59 pm
wish i had writing skills like that, lydia.. i’ve not watched the asian idol but what a surprise Singaporean Idol managed to clinched the top spot.. He’s quite a charm.
I’m a Malaysian, living in Singapore, by the way..cheers!
By: constance on December 22, 2007
at 2:44 pm
Hi Constance, thank you. Hady can melt young girls’ hearts lor.
By: lydiateh on December 24, 2007
at 2:31 pm
hi lydia.. i have been reading yr articles in yellow post. they r really interesting. i m really curious whr do u find time to write with a husband and four kids..
btw, happy early new year!!!
By: yuyin chiew on December 29, 2007
at 10:18 pm
Hey Lydia. Your book is awesome, with a capital A! Love you book. This is one of the best non-fiction book i have ever read.
By: Oneofyourmanyreaders on December 31, 2007
at 12:42 am
Hi yuyin, thanks for your comment. I’m going to revert to non-fiction stories in Yellow Post. Finding time to write is the easy part, doing the actual writing when I have time – that is the difficult part
oneof’my’manyreaders, thank you very much for your compliment. I do appreciate it but I believe there are many better books out there too.
Happy new year all.
By: lydiateh on December 31, 2007
at 3:57 pm
hey lydia.
well, i bet they are gonna b interesting though they r goin to be non-fiction..
juz created a new blog. stop by if you’re free. i juz posted two posts though.. i din really thought myself wud start one too.. till i read those comments here. it gave me inspirations..
http://youth123life.blogspot.com/
whee~~~ happy new year!!!
happy new year!!!
By: yuyin chiew on December 31, 2007
at 8:23 pm
Yuyin, happy new year and all the best for 2008.
By: Lydia Teh on January 2, 2008
at 12:41 pm
hye lydia
im hasnoriah (u can call me nor). i bought Honk! yesterday at borders, timesquare. actually i was attracted by the illustrations bcoz im kind of person that judge the book by its cover.*wink*.after reading it, i have no regret at all by doing so..im halfway through the book. thank you for writting such a nice interpretation of malaysians. i love your writings.by the way, im a student of english language and literature in UIA, gombak. my lecturer has asked for us to write a critical analysis on any malaysian writers.so, after reading it, i decided to write an essay on Honk!.
im very happy that i actually got the courage to write to you..:)!!wishing you a prosperous new year!!
nor
By: hasnoriah on January 2, 2008
at 2:32 pm
Hi Hasnoriah, your comment just goes to show how important book covers are. I’m glad that you’re enjoying the book. Thanks for choosing to write about Honk! in your ‘critical analysis’ essay. I hope you will do well in the paper. Happy new year to you too, Nor.
By: lydiateh on January 3, 2008
at 3:10 pm
Hye! i just discovered ur blog after i bought ur Honk! if u r malaysian. Congrats! It’s a good book and i’m lovin it
By: Siti on January 8, 2008
at 1:43 am
Hye Siti! Thanks for popping by here. Looks like McDonald’s advertising campaign is really effective. So many young people have dropped by here saying ‘I’m lovin it” to my books. Hehe, I’m loving it too.
By: lydiateh on January 8, 2008
at 3:02 pm
I want this book bad. I try to win all the time but it’s only happened a couple of times.
By: Anna Clemmons on February 1, 2008
at 10:12 am
wow.i like your site.i like your eh poh nim stories in the star.you’re great
By: sUCaMMiL on March 14, 2008
at 2:56 pm
Hi sucammil, thank you for your kind words but greatness is not mine la.
By: lydiateh on March 15, 2008
at 2:32 pm
love ur books!! *admire*
so, going to release more books? waiting eagerly~~
By: LiLGirL on March 18, 2008
at 11:03 pm
Hi Lydia! Let me start off with saying that I love your books, “Life’s Like That” and “Honk! If You’re Malaysian”. I recently read them and I couldn’t put them down. I am 14 and I live in Australia but a true Malaysian at heart. As I was reading your books, my family was beginning to get alarmed as I erupted in laughter at random moments while reading.
Thanks for providing me with one of the most entertaining books that I have read and reading them made me really miss the bumpy roads of Malaysia, the mamak stores and our favourite chicken rice man. My mouth is watering as I write this thinking about all my favourite Malaysian foods (especially my durian).
By: jellyanonymous on March 19, 2008
at 6:46 pm
lilgirl, thanks! What sort of books do you like to read? More like Honk! if you’re Malaysian and Life’s Like That?
jellyanonymous, thank you for the lovely comment. I’m happy that my books are reminding you of Malaysia. If your friends ask you of your home country, you could lend them the books to read, ya? I’m sure when you come here for a visit, the first thing you do is to head for the mamak’s, right? That’s what a friend of mine does, and he’s just studying down south a hop and a skip away with their roti prata. But it can’t compare with our roti canai!
By: lydiateh on March 20, 2008
at 7:29 pm
Hello Aunty Lydia,
I thoroughly enjoyed Life’s Like That, which I bought a few years ago. When Honk! was out, I was back in Sydney and now, I can’t wait for September to arrive so that I can lay my hands on a copy of it!
By: Shi Jing on June 12, 2008
at 11:34 pm
Hi Jing, thanks for dropping by to comment. September is just round the corner!
By: lydiateh on June 14, 2008
at 11:27 am
lydia!!!
I love ur books!!!So so so so so much!!!But i still can’t find your first book yet!!!Though i’ve read the other two..
If i can find your book i’ll rewrite here again…If i can…
hehehe…^^…
By: animefanally... on December 30, 2008
at 1:53 pm
Hi animefanally, the first book is out of print but you can buy an e-copy through http://www.cottonbooks.com. It’s different from Life’s like that and Honk in that it is a guidebook giving tips on how to win competitions. I’m glad you like my books. Keep reading. Happy new year.
By: lydiateh on December 31, 2008
at 8:47 am
Hi,
stumbled upon your website by sheer luck but upon reading all the feedback and comments, you come across as a very approachable lady with a gift for words….. and so very conscienscious in replying so honestly….. Must say Honk was fabulous reading…
Keep on writing…. blogging….. happy gong xi fa cai!
By: cinajim01 on January 28, 2009
at 1:14 am
Hi cinajim01, thanks for your nice comments. Yeah lor, I am very approachable
By: lydiateh on January 29, 2009
at 2:28 pm
I am 12 years old girl but i like your book,such as Honk!if you’re Malaysian and As I Was Passing By 1 n 2 which are written by Adibah Amin and you are the author.I also are reading do you wear suspenders.I will support you no matter what you are doing.
By: izan fareha on September 18, 2009
at 10:12 pm
Hi Izan, that’s so sweet of you. Thank you for your support. Hope you continue to read more books in order to improve your English. I’m a fan of Adibah too
By: Lydia Teh on September 19, 2009
at 1:11 pm