Beyond the Page: Cambodian Mythology, Forgotten History & Fantasy with Som Phin
Page Chewing · Nov 10, 2026 · 37:49
Page Chewing · Nov 10, 2026 · 37:49
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What happens when ancient mythology, forgotten history, and personal experience come together through fantasy?
In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes independent author Som Phin, whose writing draws on Cambodian history, Khmer mythology, and Southeast Asian folklore.
Som shares how growing up without seeing much Cambodian representation in the fantasy books she loved inspired her to begin telling her own stories. We discuss the challenges of incorporating cultural traditions into fiction, balancing historical accuracy with creative freedom, and introducing unfamiliar mythology without overwhelming readers with explanations.
Our conversation explores Cambodian legends, including the Naga princess and the mythological origins of Cambodia, along with supernatural creatures, hopping ghosts, and the superstitions that continue to influence Som's storytelling.
We also discuss the darker side of Cambodian history. Som explains how the destruction of historical records during the Khmer Rouge era has complicated her research and why preserving these stories matters so much to her.
In one of the most personal moments of the interview, Som shares her family's experiences as refugees, the loss of three siblings, and how writing fiction has helped her process grief while giving voice to experiences that can be difficult to discuss.
Beyond history and mythology, we explore fantasy romance, worldbuilding, writing comedy, finding readers as an independent author, and the impact of literary reviews and interviews on book discovery.
We also get into her disastrous attempt at wakeboarding, unusual Cambodian food combinations, and the lessons she learned working alongside her parents as a child.
Join us for a conversation about fantasy, cultural identity, mythology, history, and the power of storytelling to preserve the past.
Find Som Phin and her books:
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