Set in Auckland, the story surrounds the life of an international student for the time period of "Over A Year". He is an aspiring young man from Mainland China and comes to New Zealand to pursue his long-lasting dream. He is ambitious about his future as he believes he has entered a top university: he might be a linguist one day. During his study, he gradually realizes that his life ahead isn't going to be what he has predicted. Meanwhile, the story also explores the realities of his sexuality and gay life during the period he has stayed in Auckland–a gay friendly city. He has gradually sensed he is gay and starts a relationship with a Kiwi but cavorts with others at the same time. To his own contradiction, he wants to get married and have babies. By chance, he gets to know a Chinese girl from a wealthy family, whose mother is eager to get her married due to the fact of her getting older. Tempted by money, power and prestige from her family, he struggles to persuade himself to date with her for several times and cultivates a relationship thereafter, if for no other reason than because being in love with her is proving to have financial benefits, in the assumption that he might be a heterosexual. When the time comes to make a decision, he has to reconsider his relationship and is going forward with his dream providing the best solution to his dilemma.

Dave Yan was born in 1985 and grew up in Northern China. He had earned a Master degree in Language Teaching, which was "a mistake in my life" in his words, from the University of Auckland. For more than 5 years, he has been teaching English as a second language.

In January 2011, he had got a chance to play a small role in an Adam Luxton and Jeremy Dumble's film called We Feel Fine. Although his scene was cut out before the film was released, he has got the inspiration to write from his acting experience as well as his interest in reading novels. He has ever since been writing almost continuously.

Over A Year is his first book and was published by Amazon in March, 2012. He wrote it during those depressing days he had to face in Auckland, which is the setting of the story. He got his residency in the same year and now lives with his partner in Auckland, New Zealand. He wishes that this story would not only attract gay audiences, but anyone who has once had a dream.