Angela Hsieh - Author, Illustrator, and Nature Enthusiast
- litkidsmagazine
- 8 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Angela Hsieh is a Taiwanese American author, illustrator, and all-around nature enthusiast. Her debut middle grade fantasy graphic novel, Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology, is a 2026 SCBWI Golden Kite Award Honoree and has appeared on multiple "Best Book of 2025" lists. Angela also illustrated Antarctica: the Melting Continent, a critically acclaimed nonfiction book about real-life scientists and explorers. She has 1.5 cats.
1. How do I know what to do on the white paper?
A big, empty piece of paper in front of you is kind of scary, isn’t it? It’s hard to know what to make when you could make, well, anything. Even worse, you might mess it up. Terrifying.
One thing that I’ve found helpful with a blank paper or a new sketchbook is to start by, well, messing it up a bit! Scribble on it. Tear off a corner. Smudge something on it. Sit on it. (Maybe don’t mess it up so much that there’s nowhere to draw on it anymore.) That way, it’s no longer a blank void. It’s already marked up. It takes the pressure off so you can actually make something without being afraid to “ruin” it. Try it!
2. How do I draw when I can't feel the drawing inside my brain?
You’re not the only one who can’t feel the drawing inside your brain! It’s hard for me too.
When I feel stuck, I look around me for inspiration. For example: If I want to draw a cat picking flowers, but I have a hard time seeing what a cat looks like in my head, I’ll go and find my real-life cat and use her to inspire my drawing. If my cat doesn’t want to pose for me, I’ll look up pictures of cats on the internet or in a book. Then I’ll go on a walk to find some flowers. I’ll take photos of the flowers I like. Then I can put all these pictures next to me while I’m drawing so that when I have trouble remembering what cats or flowers look like, I can look at them.
3. What is a bad drawing and what is an ok drawing?
Here’s the secret: there’s no such thing as a bad drawing. Did you draw a drawing? It’s an ok drawing. It might even be a good drawing. You won’t know until you draw it.
4. When I'm finished, where do I put my name?
Many people like to put it in one of the bottom corners. I usually do that. But sometimes, I like to hide it in the drawing somewhere.
5. How do I say I'm a good artist?
Practice saying it right now. “I’m a good artist!” Maybe it feels awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it.
6. What do you like to take pictures of the most?
I love drawing (and taking pictures of) animals.
7. Do you prefer writing/drawing by yourself, or with friends and/or family?
Right now, I prefer writing and drawing by myself. I used to love writing with my friends, though, and I want to try that again someday!
8. If you could pick a single fruit to create a story/artwork/picture around, what would it be?
Dragonfruit. It’s beautiful, it’s my favorite color, and it’s got a cool name. (Who doesn’t love dragons?)
9. What did you like to write and read as a kid?
I was a fantasy and nature kid through and through. (I’m also a fantasy and nature adult, so that hasn’t changed!) I read D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths over and over. I loved Tamora Pierce’s Circle of Magic series, Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, and Diana Wynne Jones’s books. I checked out all the science books I could find in the school library, like The Magic School Bus and the Eyewitness Books series.
I loved writing with my friends as a kid. We’d join RP (roleplay) forums and write from the point of view of our characters. RP forums are where I got my start as a writer!
10. What was your favorite subject in school?
Biology! I love animals and I love learning about them. That love still shows up in my art and writing to this day.
11. Would you and your main character get along?
Lu and I would have a ton of fun running around looking for critters to ooh and ahh over. I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with her for long, though. She’s got a lot more energy than I do.
12. Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
My cat will attempt to lie down on my keyboard or tablet starting two hours before her dinner time until I feed her. If I try to move her, she will either lie back down or aggressively headbutt my hands while I’m trying to draw or type. She’s lucky she’s cute.
13. Do you ever stop writing and start something different?
Frequently. If I feel myself losing passion or interest in a project, I’ll move to another one that calls to me. This doesn’t work when I’m on a tight deadline, though. In that case, I just have to sit down and finish the thing.
Angela, thank you so much for the insight into your creative process! Our young authors and artists will no doubt benefit from your excellent advice. Please follow Angela on social media and check out her awesome fantasy graphic novel, Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology in our Bookshop (as well as a sneak peek below). Keep shining!
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