(Photo/cqnews.net)

A motor mechanic from southwestern China's Chongqing municipality has published 4 novels totaling 3 million words on the Internet over the past six years, local media reported.

During the daytime, Zhao Kang is a mechanic at a local garage. At night, he sits in front of the computer and composes his stories. Zhao can write 5,000 to 6,000 words per day.

Zhao began to display an interest in literature during middle school. He always used to read with his teachers, explaining that books brought him into a whole new world. After middle school, Zhao started working in Guangdong in order to help earn money for his family. During his career, he has worked in many places around the country in various industries, which gave him a unique perspective on life.

Two years later, in want of a more stable life, Zhao returned to Chongqing and studied motor mechanics. After finding a job in a local garage, Zhao began to write novels in his free time. The first novel he published earned him just under 3,000 yuan ($451). Though the money wasn't much, Zhao was still happy that there were people who loved reading his stories.

Zhao never received much of an education, but he has been an avid reader for years. With an eye for details, Zhao can always find new material for his books. His second story, told serially, was the sixth most popular piece on a literary website within six months of its publication. That story earned him 80,000 yuan, which is twice his yearly income.

When asked why he doesn't quit his job and focus on writing, Zhao replied that he enjoys the experience of doing two kinds of work. As a motor mechanic, Zhao says, he has to be responsible to his customers; as a writer, he must satisfy both his readers and himself.

Zhao spends almost all his spare time writing novels--a situation for which he apologizes to his family. However, Zhao hopes to set an example for his son to pursue his dreams and never give up. 

(Photo/cqnews.net)