Linda Jaivin received a degree in Asian Studies and Political Science from Brown University. She then travelled to the Far East, living and working in Taiwan (1977-1979), Hong Kong (1979-1985), and Beijing (1985-1986). During this time she furthered her study of Mandarin and became
Asia Week's corespondent for Taiwan, Hong Kong and China, specialising in Chinese culture and current affairs.
Immigrating to Australia in 1986, Jaivin continued to work as a freelance writer in the field of Chinese contemporary culture and as a translator. She also began contributing erotic stories to Australian magazines.