2023 Debuts! Interview With Sher Lee!

Hi, everyone! Today I'm happy to present an interview with Sher Lee, the author of Fake Dates and Mooncakes, which releases in May!

Would you please describe your book, Fake Dates and Mooncakes, in seven words?

Wow, this is tough: Two Boys Fall In Love Around Mid-Autumn!

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Cliche, but yes! I wrote my first story when I was five, and writing has always been my refuge and joy. Like many authors, I started out writing fanfic, and I wouldn't be where I am now without those fandoms.

Random Question! What’s your favorite holiday?

The Mid-Autumn Festival, which is why I wrote my book around this celebration! To Chinese people, Mid-Autumn is a time for family and reunion, which is represented by the roundness of the full moon. I have many cherished memories of this festival, including night walks with lanterns and making snow-skin mooncakes with my favorite aunt, as does Dylan, my main character in FAKE DATES AND MOONCAKES.

What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

Don't chase trends, because they rise and fade fast. Write what you love, what you want to read and can't find on shelves. The authenticity will shine through.

What are some books you’re looking forward to reading in 2023? And if you’ve already read some ‘23 books, would you like to mention them?

I can't wait for these YA books:

TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN by Caleb Roehrig

SPELL BOUND by FT Lukens

AS YOU WALK ON BY by Julian Winters

NO PERFECT PLACES by Steven Salvatore

LOSE YOU TO FIND ME by Erik J. Brown

YOUR LONELY NIGHTS ARE OVER by Adam Sass

And my fellow 2023 debuts!

LOVE AND RESISTANCE by Kara HL Chen

SOMETHING MORE by Jackie Khalilieh

A TALL DARK TROUBLE by Vanessa Montalban

THE WICKED UNSEEN by Gigi Griffis

GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES by Linda Cheng

TWO CAN PLAY THAT GAME by Leanne Yong

There are also two stellar MG novels I'm looking forward to:

WEST OF THE SEA by Stephanie Willing

THE VERY UNFORTUNATE WISH OF MELONY YOSHIMURA by Waka T. Brown

Author Bio: Sher Lee writes rom-coms and fantasy novels for teens. She lives in Singapore and has an abiding love for local street food (including an incredible weakness for xiao long bao).

Her YA rom-com, FAKE DATES AND MOONCAKES, will be published by Penguin Random House in Summer 2023.

Here Are A Few Links:

Her Website

Her Twitter

Her Instagram