When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

I was 13 years old when I moved from Taiwan back to the US. To cope with the uncertainties, changes, tears, and adjustments, books became my escape. The stories probably started forming then.

When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

If I’m not writing then I’m reading. I almost always have a book in my bag. I’m also very involved in my children’s schooling and education. Travelling is a huge part of my life. That’s why my books all have some sort of quest or travel theme to them.

What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I consider myself kind of traditional, with an old soul. It fascinates me to learn about how past people lived.

Which historical figure do you admire and why?

• Zheng He: A Chinese mariner and diplomat from the 15th century Ming dynasty, Zheng He commanded over 300 ships that sailed as far as Africa. Zheng He led grand expeditions about a century before the European maritime powers. At the time, Zheng He commanded the largest, most advanced fleet in the world. Today, there are statues and monuments dedicated to him in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Oman, etc. 

• Madame Ching: Also known as Ching Shih, Madame Ching is recognized as history’s most successful female pirate. Roaming the South China Seas over 200 years ago, Madame Ching commanded hundreds of ships and at one point entered into conflicts with major world powers such as the Portuguese empire, Chinese Qing dynasty, and the East India Company. 

Both Zheng He and Madame Ching are mentioned in my newest picture book, Mei’s Mermaid Mission.

Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

Mei’s Mermaid Mission was written for those that adore mermaids, mythology, and marine animals. I hope the story will spark an interest to learn more about marine habitat protection and endangered ocean animals, as well as Asian geography and mermaid mythologies. It’s also a story of empathy, collaboration and friendship, so it has many universal, relatable angles. 

How do you see your book being used in an educational setting?

One of my mottos in selecting children’s books is “read the world.” Mei’s Mermaid Mission is for anybody interested in learning about environmental protection, endangered marine animals, Asian mermaid mythologies, and unique destinations in Asia. It’s a book that can be utilized for multicultural studies, for animal science, and ecological studies. 

As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

Growing up in Taiwan, we loved anything by Ghibli. I loved Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service, and now my children do too!

What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Keep a journal; start as soon as you can form sentences. Read as much as you can. Be open to reading about unfamiliar cultures and places. And always be curious!

Thank you so much for joining us today. My readers and I really enjoy learning from authors.

Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.