Author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-What sort of lessons or values can the story in Pei's Pineapple Cakes impart?
This is a story of empathy, kindness and courage. It's also an ode to time-honored artisans and traditional craftsmanship. These days, children sometimes exalt modern technological devices above all else, forgetting nature and the beauty in simple, handcrafted goods. I hope this story can spark a discussion surrounding these topics.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is a story about grandmotherly love. Were you inspired by your own grandmas when writing this book?
Yes, both of my grandmothers were nurturing and resilient women. Both had endured upheavals of their era in Taiwan, such as war, family separation, martial law etc. Just like Pei's Amah, my Amahs were loving and fierce women dedicated to their families.
-Are your two children's books about Taiwan (Pei's Pineapple Cakes and Kai the Dancing Butterfly) related to each other?
They are completely different stories but if you look closely at the illustrations, you will find some parallels! For example, Pei is supposed to be an older version of the girl on the cover of KTDB!
-What makes Pei's Pineapple Cakes stand out among the myriad of children's food books?
This is an "own voices" bilingual book. But it's also not a purely food-centric story. There are a variety of traditional Taiwanese folk arts mentioned, such as glove puppetry, Hakka thunder-tea making, Indigenous moon peach blossoms basket-weaving etc. Most of all, it's a universal story of intergenerational love.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is your fourth children's book but the first one that is bilingual. Why did you decide to write this story in bilingual mode?
I grew up in Taiwan. I spent half of my life in Asia and the other half in the US so I often think, dream, speak, read and write in two languages. Writing bilingually in Chinese and English came naturally and I'm also raising my children to be bilingual.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is a story that takes place in Taiwan. What are some of your favorite places in Taiwan?
I attended school near one of Taipei's Eslite bookstores so was always hanging out there. Nanjing East Road is where my dad's company was and where I spent many afternoons. I took my engagement photos at Tamsui River so for me, it's a romantic place. Our babymoon was at the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake and at the beaches of Hengchun. My children also loved chasing butterflies at Maolin. Tainan is a favorite because it contains the oldest districts in Taiwan with alot of historical monuments still preserved.
-The book cover of Pei's Pineapple Cakes is a detailed and exquisite work of art. Tell us about it.
The cover of this book is meant to resemble a pineapple cakes box. The illustrator, Allie Su, really brought this concept to life. In Taiwan, the pineapple cakes packaging is often valued just as much as the actual pineapple cake itself.
-Along with children's books, you also write in other genres and formats. Do you have a more preferred format and genre to write in?
My most preferred format to write in is long form fiction and I gravitate towards historical novels. I also enjoy writing poetry and of course, children's books.
Q&A for Cheryl @ Cover Lover Book Review
Author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
Books, films, theater, concerts, museums, galleries ... I'm constantly inspired by other creators and the art they produce. My imaginative children also inspire me all the time. The grandeur and beauty of nature also provides plenty of inspiration.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is your fifth book! Looking back, is there a book which you enjoyed writing more than others?
Creating Pei's Pineapple Cakes really brought back memories because I wrote about many elements of my childhood, such as calligraphy, aiyu jelly, glove puppetry, the monkey king, and of course, pineapple cakes!
Writing Mei's Mermaid Mission was also great fun because this is a book that spans mythology, ecology, culture and geography. I really immersed myself in the research process and found it fascinating that cultures all over the globe have mermaid mythologies.
-In Pei's Pineapple Cakes, many other different Taiwanese foods are mentioned or featured in the illustrations. What's your favorite Taiwanese dish?
I absolutely adore "muah ji" (Taiwanese mochis) especially the peanut flavored ones. In the winter I like a bowl of clam soup and in the summer my favorite is sugar cane juice and shaved ice with fruit toppings.
-You've mentioned that your new book, Pei's Pineapple Cakes, was inspired by your family. How so?
Both of my grandmothers were nurturing and resilient women. Both had endured upheavals of their era in Taiwan, such as war, family separation, martial law etc. Just like Pei's Amah, my Amahs were loving and fierce women dedicated to their families.
-Your first book was published five 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 one manuscript or another.
-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.
-Tell us about the journey the protagonist Pei takes in Pei's Pineapple Cakes.
Pei visits her grandma’s hometown village in central Taiwan while her mother goes on a business trip. She’s at first apprehensive because she doesn’t want her mom to leave. Then throughout the day, she encounters new experiences and acquires new skills with her grandma’s guidance. Pei grows in empathy, curiosity and courage as she journeys with grandma and learns from her wisdom.
-What are you interested in writing about in the future?
My favorite genre to read and write in is historical fiction. I hope someday to write an epic saga that spans several centuries!
Q&A for Amy @ Locks Hooks and Books
Author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes features a myriad of traditional folk arts. What was your thinking behind that?
My children are currently elementary school aged. Their generation is bombarded with devices and the pursuit of the latest technological applications that it sometimes seems like they've forgotten the beauty of traditional, slower-paced endeavors. It takes patience to bake, to make a specialized tea, to learn craftsmanship such as weaving. It's my hope that through this book, young readers can develop an appreciation for traditional artistry and handmade goods, versus just things that are on the screen or machine made.
-What do you hope readers will pick up from the story in Pei's Pineapple Cakes?
This is a story of empathy, kindness and courage. It's also an ode to time-honored artisans and traditional craftsmanship. These days, children sometimes exalt modern technological devices above all else, forgetting nature and the beauty in simple, handcrafted goods. I hope this story can spark a discussion surrounding these topics.
-Your first book was published five years ago. What are some of the major changes in your life from the past five years?
Five years and five books ago I was a younger mom who was juggling mothering, writing and pitching while dreaming and praying for a career in writing. All I wanted to do was to write good stories with the hope that someone out there, some reader would be moved. But I'm the one that's been moved by many! I've received letters and messages from children, parents, educators all over the globe about how my books have inspired or affected them. I've been asked to read at schools, festivals and birthday parties. Truly I feel blessed all the time to be able to connect with people through the love of literature.
-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?
Pei's Amah in Pei's Pineapple Cakes 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 wonderful, varied cultures. I hope to raise global citizens and to teach my children empathy, respect and appreciation for all people.
-Do you gain input from your own children when writing kid lit?
Yes, my kids are my first readers! Their opinions and reviews often shape the direction of my stories.
-How can your children's books be utilized in a classroom or educational setting?
In Pei's Pineapple Cakes, readers are introduced to some Taiwanese folk arts, so this book can be utilized for Asian cultural studies. Kai the Dancing Butterfly is about the Taiwanese butterfly migration, so can be useful for a science and geography class. Ocean conservation and animal habitat protection is a primary theme in Mei's Mermaid Mission, so this book is great for marine science and ecological studies. A Unicorn Named Rin takes place in the Tang dynasty so this story cam be utilized in history class!
Q&A for Sara @ Frugal Freelancer
Author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-What sparked the idea to write Pei's Pineapple Cakes?
I was inspired by my own grandmothers and the relationship my daughters had with my mother too. I also wanted to write a story featuring some time-honored Taiwanese folk arts and artistry, along with our favorite Taiwanese snacks such as pineapple cakes!
-I love the illustration of the little girl baking with her grandmother on the cover of Pei's Pineapple Cakes. Have you personally baked pineapple cakes before?
Yes, we took a pineapple cakes baking class in Taiwan at this 150-year-old bakery. It was wonderful to show my children this traditional and storied establishment!
-All of your children’s books have names in the titles, such as Pei, Mei, Rin and Kai. How do you come up with the character names in your books?
I try to be culturally authentic when choosing names for the characters. For example, in the story of Mei’s Mermaid Mission there are characters from Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., so their names are authentic to their cultural heritage. I remember receiving some criticism that some of these names were hard to pronounce. While that may be the case for some, I still think it’s a teachable moment. When we teach our children to learn names authentic to a certain culture, we are imparting virtues of empathy and respect. In this way, we also help our kids to cultivate an international worldview.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is your second children's book about Taiwan. Do you think you'll keep writing stories centered on Taiwan?
I'd love to keep writing stories about the Taiwanese American experience. I remember the lack of books on this topic when I was growing up. I'm glad that now in my children's generation, there are more books they can see themselves in.
-What kind of Taiwanese folk arts are mentioned in Pei's Pineapple Cakes?
Many of the folk arts from central Taiwan are featured in this story, such as glove puppetry, thunder tea making, and moon peach blossoms basket weaving by the Indigenous Taiwanese.
-Do you identify with the protagonist Pei from your book, Pei's Pineapple Cakes?
In this story, Pei visits her grandmother in central Taiwan and together they experience all sorts of adventures. I too, have many fond memories and photographs of exploring Taiwan and Singapore with my grandmothers.
-What was the writing process for Pei's Pineapple Cakes like?
I wrote most of this story during an extended trip in Taiwan. I visited an aunt in Taichung which is in central Taiwan. I learned alot about Indigenous Taiwanese craftsmanship, traditional Hakka art, and I had the chance to see many relatives. I bring my laptop wherever I go so I can write whenever I feel inspired. After the manuscript was completed, Allie Su, who was also in Taiwan at the time, really brought the story to life with her illustrations.
-What future projects are you working on?
I'm currently working on another children's story, some poetry and a novel. Personally, as a writer, I try to exercise the reading and writing muscles on an almost daily basis.
Q&A for Sheri @ My Reading Getaway: author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is a story that takes place in Taiwan. What are some of your favorite places in Taiwan?
I attended school near one of Taipei's Eslite bookstores so was always hanging out there. Nanjing East Road is where my dad's company was and where I spent many afternoons. I took my engagement photos at Tamsui River so for me, it's a romantic place. Our babymoon was at the gorgeous Sun Moon Lake and at the beaches of Hengchun. My children also loved chasing butterflies at Maolin. Tainan is a favorite because it contains the oldest districts in Taiwan with many historical monuments.
-Are your two children's books about Taiwan (Pei's Pineapple Cakes and Kai the Dancing Butterfly) related to each other?
They are completely different stories but if you look closely at the illustrations, you will find some parallels! For example, Pei is supposed to be an older version of the girl on the cover of KTDB!
-The book cover of Pei's Pineapple Cakes is a detailed and exquisite work of art. Tell us about it.
The cover of this book is meant to resemble a pineapple cakes box. The illustrator, Allie Su, really brought this concept to life. In Taiwan, the pineapple cakes packaging is often valued just as much as the actual pineapple cake itself.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes is your fifth book! Looking back, is there a book which you enjoyed writing more than others?
Creating Pei's Pineapple Cakes really brought back memories because I wrote about many elements of my childhood, such as calligraphy, aiyu jelly, glove puppetry, the monkey king, and of course, pineapple cakes!
Writing Mei's Mermaid Mission was also great fun because this is a book that spans mythology, ecology, culture and geography. I really immersed myself in the research process and found it fascinating that cultures all over the globe have mermaid mythologies.
-Your first book was published five 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 one manuscript or another.
-Pei's Pineapple Cakes features a myriad of traditional folk arts. What was your thinking behind that?
My children are currently elementary school aged. Their generation is bombarded with devices and the pursuit of the latest technological applications that it sometimes seems like they've forgotten the beauty of traditional, slower-paced endeavors. It takes patience to bake, to make a specialized tea, to learn craftsmanship such as weaving. It's my hope that through this book, young readers can develop an appreciation for traditional artistry and handmade goods, versus just things that are on the screen or machine made.
-Your first book was published five years ago. What are some of the major changes in your life from the past five years?
Five years and five books ago I was a younger mom who was juggling mothering, writing and pitching while dreaming and praying for a career in writing. All I wanted to do was to write good stories with the hope that someone out there, some reader would be moved. But I'm the one that's been moved by many! I've received letters and messages from children, parents, educators all over the globe about how my books have inspired or affected them. I've been asked to read at schools, festivals and birthday parties. Truly I feel blessed all the time to be able to connect with people through the love of literature.
-All of your children’s books have names in the titles, such as Pei, Mei, Rin and Kai. How do you come up with the character names in your books?
I try to be culturally authentic when choosing names for the characters. For example, in the story of Mei’s Mermaid Mission there are characters from Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., so their names are authentic to their cultural heritage. I remember receiving some criticism that some of these names were hard to pronounce. While that may be the case for some, I still think it’s a teachable moment. When we teach our children to learn names authentic to a certain culture, we are imparting virtues of empathy and respect. In this way, we also help our kids to cultivate an international worldview.
Q& A for Jade @ China Sorrows
Author interview with Crystal Z. Lee
-Your first book was published five years ago. What are some of the major changes in your life from the past five years?
Five years and five books ago I was a younger mom who was juggling mothering, writing and pitching while dreaming and praying for a career in writing. All I wanted to do was to write good stories with the hope that someone out there, some reader would be moved. But I'm the one that's been moved by many! I've received letters and messages from children, parents, educators all over the globe about how my books have inspired or affected them. I've been asked to read at schools, festivals and birthday parties. Truly I feel blessed all the time to be able to connect with people through the love of literature.
-All of your children’s books have names in the titles, such as Pei, Mei, Rin and Kai. How do you come up with the character names in your books?
I try to be culturally authentic when choosing names for the characters. For example, in the story of Mei’s Mermaid Mission there are characters from Cambodia, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, etc., so their names are authentic to their cultural heritage. I remember receiving some criticism that some of these names were hard to pronounce. While that may be the case for some, I still think it’s a teachable moment. When we teach our children to learn names authentic to a certain culture, we are imparting virtues of empathy and respect. In this way, we also help our kids to cultivate an international worldview.
-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 one manuscript or another.
-What future projects are you working on?
I'm currently working on another children's story, some poetry and a novel. Personally, as a writer, I try to exercise the reading and writing muscles on an almost daily basis.
-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.
-Many of your children's books seem to be travel-themed. Why is that?
Our planet is vast with wonderful, varied cultures. I hope to raise global citizens and to teach my children empathy, respect and appreciation for all people.
-Do you gain input from your own children when writing kid lit?
Yes, my kids are my first readers! Their opinions and reviews often shape the direction of my stories.
-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.
-What are you interested in writing about in the future?
My favorite genre to read and write in is historical fiction. I hope someday to write an epic saga that spans several centuries!
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Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
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