fuonlyknew

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Author Interview

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1. Mei’s Mermaid Mission references names from mermaid mythologies in Asia. Tell our readers about some of them.

In Cambodian and Thai mythology, Sovann Macha was a golden mermaid who led a pack of mer-warriors.

In Korean lore, there is a love story between King Eunhye and a mermaid princess, Hwangok. Princess Hwangok lived at Busan and patiently kept vigil for Eunhye by the shore.

My book references names from mermaid mythologies that have permeated the Asia Pacific region, some of them for centuries. I’ve always been fascinated with the underwater world so writing this book was a wonderful journey.

1. Your book can also be a resource for children interested in animal science, since it mentions nearly thirty animals! Which ones stand out for you?

• Giant pacific octopuses are highly intelligent creatures that have nine brains; they have been known to recognize and hug people.
• Dugongs are gentle marine mammals that help our earth’s climate by protecting seagrass meadows.
• Komodo dragons are native to Indonesia and some scientists believe they are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs.
• Saolas are one of the world’s rarest mammals and are also known as Asian unicorns. They resemble antelopes are native to Vietnam and Laos.

Mei’s Mermaid Mission highlights some of the rare animals and sea creatures that call Asia Pacific home. They are all unique and I hope my book can be a conversation starter on animal protection.

1. Have you been to some of the places mentioned in Mei’s Mermaid Mission? Which is your most memorable trip?

I’ve visited over thirteen countries in the Asia Pacific region, so yes, I’ve been on many trips in Asia! I grew up in Taipei, lived in Shanghai for years, and took annual trips to Japan and Singapore. I loved traveling to Korea’s Jeju Island, hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, seeing historic relics in Vietnam

1. There is also a sprinkling of history in your book. Tell us about the historical figures that make an appearance.

• Zheng He: A Chinese mariner and diplomat from the 15th century Ming dynasty, Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) 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.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read in so I almost always add a bit of history in my books!

1. There are some specialty ships mentioned in your story. Can you share them with our readers?

• Turtle ships were armored battleships used from the 15th-19th centuries in Korea. The ships resembled turtles with their fully covered plates.
• Dragon boats have been around for more than two thousand years! They are traditional paddled long boats with decorative dragon heads and tails. Today they can be found all over Asia, such as in Taiwan, Cambodia, Japan, Malaysia, China, Laos, the Philippines, etc.
• Moon boats are traditional Bangladeshi fishing boats with a distinctive crescent moon shape.

1. There is an environmental protection message in this book. What do you hope your readers can takeaway from Mei’s Mermaid Mission?

If humans do not curb our marine pollution, current estimates predict that by the year 2050, ocean plastic will outweigh all of the ocean’s fish. That means there will be more plastic than fish in our seas. We can all do our part in helping the animals and creatures we share this earth with. One of the simplest things is recycling, reducing plastic waste, and reading and learning about marine environment protection.