We’re floating on a cloud (it’s relevant, we swear!) because we chatted with Sue Lynn Tan (she/her), a Chinese-Malaysian fantasy author based in Hong Kong for this week’s National Book Month feature. ☁️
 

Have you always wanted to be a writer?
I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember, but never imagined I’d become an author. It seemed almost impossible out of Asia—without knowing anyone in publishing, or anything about it. While ideas for stories came frequently, it took a while before I wrote my first novel—and since then, I’ve never looked back. Beyond spending time with family, I’m happiest when writing, when the words that come are the ones that feel right.

It’s so refreshing to read fantasy inspired by mythologies outside of Europe. Was the legend of Chang’e something you’d grown up hearing? How did it inspire you to write Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior?
The legend of Chang’e the moon goddess and Houyi the archer (her husband) is one of the most beloved myths of China. It’s often retold during the Mid-Autumn Festival, my favorite time of year—of family reunions, mooncakes, and lanterns. I’ve loved this legend since my childhood, and it’s one that stayed with me maybe because of its tragic ending: when Chang’e takes her husband’s elixir of immortality, flying to the heavens, where some said she was exiled to the moon for her theft.

I believed she loved Houyi and wondered, what if there was another reason for Chang’e’s decision, if she was protecting someone else—a secret child, perhaps? From this idea, Daughter of the Moon Goddess took form, a romantic fantasy from the perspective of the moon goddess’s daughter and the adventures she embarks on to free her mother, set in the kingdom of immortals. In this story you’ll find epic battles, romance, dragons, and magic—but ultimately, this is a story of love.

You have a new book coming out soon. What’s Tales of the Celestial Kingdom about?
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom is a compilation of short stories set before, during and after Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Heart of the Sun Warrior—to be released in February 2024. These stories are inspired by key events that take place outside the books, moments of emotional significance, and include the epilogue to the duology.

While the duology was told solely from the perspective of the moon goddess’s daughter, Tales gives voice to the other main characters—the Celestial prince, the ruthless warrior, the valiant friend, the moon goddess, and legendary archer. The stories are also exquisitely illustrated by the amazing Kelly Chong, and all my personal proceeds from this book will be donated to charity.

We love the magic system in the Celestial Kingdom, even if traveling by cloud would trigger our fear of heights. If you could have powers, which would you want and why?
I have a fear of heights too! And while I’d love to fly on a cloud, it would preferably be with an immortal to make sure I don’t fall.

If I had to choose one power—and it’s hard to narrow down—it would be the ability to manipulate time. Assuming the rules to this are flexible and I’m not going to doom anyone’s future, there are so many fascinating possibilities: being able to revisit the happiest moments, to spend more time with those lost, or to wander into the realm of the unknown future.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? What’s next on your TBR list?
I’m reading The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo which is beautifully written, intriguing, and inspired by fascinating folklore. An all-time favorite book of mine is Circe by Madeline Miller.

These days I have less time for reading as I’ve been writing intensively and working through deadlines. Next on my TBR are a few early copies of books, and I’m particularly excited for A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang, Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin, and What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez.

Lastly, is there anything exciting coming up for you that you’d like to share?
I’m really excited for my next fantasy novel, set in the same world as Daughter of the Moon Goddess but featuring new characters. It delves into the immortal and mortal realms, with a young ruler newly ascended to the throne and a fearsome God of War.

I’m also currently writing a yet unannounced story set in a new world, inspired by a beloved folktale, and am loving how it’s taking shape. Can’t wait to share more about these books which can be read independently of the Celestial Kingdom duology.