Author Interview: Eric Huang

We were able to chat with Eric Huang, author of the Guardians of the New Moon series! Read our exclusive interview with him below:

1. When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

Being an author was always in the back of my mind - way, way back in my mind for decades. I started so many stories that never went anywhere until the COVID pandemic hit. It was during lockdown that I wrote with the goal of finishing a manuscript... and finally did it!

2. Did you read lots as a child - if you did, where did you mainly read? If you didn't, what was the reason? 

I loved fantasy and science fiction, which overlapped with collections of myths and legends. I was also obsessed with dinosaurs - animals in general - and read a lot of nonfiction books about palaeontology and natural history. 

3. What was your favourite book as a child and why?

The Last Unicorn was an early favourite, then Dune, Dragonriders of Pern, Piers Anthony's Xanth books.

4. How does it feel to see your books in shops and being sold?

Jasmin and Jade from the publicity and marketing team at Little Tiger accompanied me to some bookshops in London recently. Seeing the books on shelf was unreal, as if I were watching myself on TV - if that makes any sense. It's so exciting and just... unreal.

5. What is the best part about being an author?

Before I had a book deal, writing was something that I made time for around work deadlines. Now I schedule everything around writing.

6. What are the "not so fun bits" in being an author?

I can't get used to making videos. You should've seen the sweat on my face while I made the first few. I'm less sweaty now, but I still have to psych myself up before hitting record.

7. Why do you think it is important for children to read?

A love of reading is linked to so many markers for success, health, and happiness. Also,

children who read have more empathy. We need the next generation of grown-ups to have

more empathy than we do.

8. What is the inspiration for your books and writing?

A lot of my writing is inspired by the legends I loved as a kid, in particular the East Asian lore my dad told me and my sister as bedtime stories. Casting gods, goddesses, and magical creatures as protagonists is a great way to explore diversity and tolerance. Legendary characters are all so weird and wonderful. It’s their uniqueness that makes them appealing.

9. Who gives you feedback on your drafts and how do you act on the feedback?

My editors at Little Tiger, Mattie and Charlotte, continue to give me excellent feedback. Their notes prompt me to think more deeply about a character's motivations and the logistics of intersecting plots. My partner very kindly reads most drafts as well. He's great at identifying

bits that break the rules for a magic power or spell.

10. Finally, if you could read for an hour, on your own, anywhere in the world - where would it be?

Because it's freezing and dreary in London right now, I'd love to be reading on a beach in Maui - in a hammock.