Author Q&A: Maple Lam

Author/ Bookish Everybody
30 June 2025

Maple Lam is the Hong Kong-born author and illustrator of Dim Sum Here We Come, My Little Sister and Me, and Where are the Treasures? (Chinese). Her debut graphic novel series, Monkey King and the World of Myths, came out in April 2024 to overwhelmingly positive reviews. After working as a designer and art director at an event design firm for seven years, she transitioned to become a full time author-illustrator.

How did you become a writer?

I have loved drawing since I was a child. I would draw all these characters and build stories around them; I think that’s how everything started. It’s my default way of storytelling. I’ve done it for as long as I can remember.

What would you be doing otherwise?

I have a friend who works at a prestigious art museum in [Washington] DC and does art restoration. I’ve always thought it to be such an amazing career!

Of the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

Right now, it’s Sun Wukong the Monkey King in my graphic novel series Monkey Kind and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze. I love that he is so confident and is willing to take a lot risks. I also love that he makes a lot of mistakes and learns from them as he grows to become a better version of himself. He is a constant reminder to me that it’s okay to fall and pick myself up again.

Tell us about your writing method. Is there a secret?

I tend to jot down a very loose version of a story at first. That’s the skeleton of my story. Then I just start writing and drawing scenes here and there, filling in the blanks. I imagine it’s similar to how some directors make movies. They don’t shoot it in a linear fashion. They shoot scenes here and there, and then they assemble the scenes during the later editing process. That’s how I work.

Which author (alive or dead) would you most like to meet?

Oh, that’s tough. There are so many I would love to meet! I guess I’ll go with Fujiko Fujio who is the author and illustrator of the beloved manga series Doraemon. It was one of my all-time favorite series growing up. The story revolves around the friendship between a boy and a robotic cat from the future, and the cat has all these amazing gadgets that help the boy maneuver around all the troubles he encounters. It’s sweet, funny, loving and magical.

Tell us about your favourite bookshop in the world?

Once Upon A Time. It’s an independent community bookstore in Montrose, California, and it’s the oldest children’s bookstore in the United States. The owner and staff are very sweet and knowledgeable, and they will get great books in the hands of readers, young and young at heart!

What advice would you give your younger, writer self?

Don’t overthink it. Enjoy all the ups and downs of being a writer and creator. Continue making friends and celebrate each other along way. And, most importantly, keep writing and drawing!

About the Author

Bookish Everybody

Books and reading are too often on the periphery. Enter: Bookish Everybody, a one-stop community of book enthusiasts to read or write reviews, join read-alongs, buy/sell/give books and join our competitions to win books: www.bookisheverybody.com.