What’s it like writing your own manga?
There aren’t really any days off! I’m always thinking about new stories. Sometimes a picture can spark an idea for a setting or how a character looks. I take photos of things that inspire me—nature, buildings in busy cities, roller coasters at theme parks.
How do you start writing a story?
I often start with a timeline. What main events are going to happen in the story? Then I figure out who the characters are. Many of my characters are inspired by people in my own life. I think about how they will connect with or react to one another.
How is the art created?
I sketch it all out myself first. Then I work closely with several manga artists. We discuss how everything should look, from the speech bubbles to the characters’ clothes. For just one chapter, we review the art hundreds of times!
Why do you think the work you’re doing matters?
Having diverse characters is important. It helps people feel seen. I hope that my work inspires others to create the characters they want to see in books, TV shows, and movies.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
As you start writing, you’ll have a lot of bad ideas. That’s OK! Some days, it might feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Stay focused on your goal. Step by step, you will get better.