It’s almost time for Miya’s favorite holiday, the Mid-Autumn Festival. Miya notices that many in her town seem to have lost the holiday spirit after an incident. Inspired by a Mid-Autumn Festival legend, Miya comes up with a plan to make the holiday more meaningful this year. Throughout this journey, not only does Miya grow in empathy, so do many in her community!
-What sort of lessons or values can the story in Miya’s Mooncakes impart?
This is a story of empathy, kindness and courage. It’s also an ode to neighbors, immigrants, and all those that make up a community. At a time when it seems like the world is becoming more and more divisive, I hope we can help our children realize that we’re all more alike than not. I wrote this story to spark a discussion surrounding these topics.
-Miya’s Mooncakes is a story about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Were you inspired by your own family traditions of celebrating this holiday when writing this book?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a big holiday in our household. Growing up in Taiwan, I have fond memories of learning the holiday legends, making lanterns at school, tasting and exchanging mooncakes with relatives and friends. It’s a huge celebration among the Chinese diaspora.
-The book cover of Miya’s Mooncakes is a detailed and exquisite work of art. Tell us about it.
The cover of this book is meant to resemble a mooncake box. The illustrator, Allie Su, really brought this concept to life. Oftentimes the mooncakes box packaging is valued just as much as the actual mooncake itself.
-What are you interested in writing about in the future?
One of my favorite genres to read and write in are short stories collections. I hope someday to write one myself!
-Your first book was published six years ago. How did you first get into writing?
My previous career was in public relations where I had to write many press releases and corporate materials. It was during this time I yearned for a creative outlet so I would write fiction on the side. Later, I took writing and publishing courses at Stanford University and attended literary events whenever I could. Nowadays I’m perpetually working on some type of manuscript.
-What are some of your writing habits that help you produce good work?
For me personally, reading and writing is a muscle I have to exercise daily. I think the act of writing also requires a degree of hope and faith. There are some days I can feel discouraged if I don't like what I’ve written or if a story just isn’t working out. But it’s important to stay positive, pray and get right back up. I always think of a poor draft as a potential gem waiting to be polished.
-At what age did you aspire to become an author?
I was around thirteen years old when I moved internationally and had to contend with a complete change in environment, school, friends, and everything I was familiar with. It was a volatile time for me and my escape was in books and libraries. I think that’s when I first became interested in writing and in literature.
-Out of all the characters in your children’s stories, including non-human ones, which is your favorite?
Miya’s Amah in Miya’s Mooncakes is a favorite because I wrote this character as a composite of my own grandmas and mom. I’m also fond of the pirate in Mei’s Mermaid Mission because he’s a teachable character. It’s my hope that children can learn that it’s okay to make mistakes, even if they are hurtful ones, as long as one can admit to it and be committed to change.
-Many of your children’s books seem to be travel-themed. Why is that?
Our planet is vast with so many wonderful, varied and creative cultures. I hope to raise global citizens and to teach my children empathy, respect and appreciation for all people.
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