We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest published author, Esther Lin! Esther recently published her book, Three Guardians and the Stolen Artifact, through our Fresh Ink publishing program. In Fresh Ink, youth authors with a completed novel draft are mentored through a chapter-by-chapter revision process. At the end of the program, the author is guided through the publication process resulting in an ink-and-paper book they can hold in their hands and share with other readers! We interviewed Esther about her experience in the program. Keep reading to learn more about Esther’s book and Fresh Ink.
Interview with Esther Lin
Tell us about your book.
My book is about three dragons on a journey to find a special artifact. Along the way, they face challenges and deal with their own personal struggles. In the end, they work together to overcome their problems.
What inspired you to tell this story?
I’ve always wanted to write a book, and Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series inspired me. I loved how he combined mythology and adventure, and it made me want to create my own story with characters on an exciting journey.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
My favorite character is Darren, the “comedian” of the group. He is funny and entertaining, but he also faces challenges that he needs to overcome. I loved how he fought Hades and helped Kaida see Darren’s true worth.
What did you learn about revision by working on it chapter by chapter?
I enjoyed revising my story in layers because it helped me see what was missing. I learned that revision takes a lot of work and requires a significant amount of time, but by approaching it step by step, it became easier to identify and correct gaps in the story.
What problems did you run into in your revision and how did you resolve them?
Sometimes, I found it challenging to add enough detail to certain scenes and to phrase sentences the way I wanted. Luckily, my mentor provided ideas that made it easier for me to make corrections.
What is something that surprised you about revising?
What surprised me about revising was how much it changed my view of the story. At first, I thought it would just be about fixing small mistakes, but I learned it’s more about rethinking the whole structure. It helped me see what was missing or needed improvement. I also didn’t expect it to take so much time, but breaking it down into steps made it easier.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?
I hope my readers will see that teamwork actually makes the dream work. Throughout their journey, the dragons learn how to cooperate, trust, and support each other. I hope my readers learn that even though everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, they can always achieve more by working together.
What would you tell someone who wrote a novel and is not sure they want to do revisions?
I would tell them to focus on the big picture first and not worry about small grammar mistakes. Once they have a clear understanding of what the story is about and the structure is solid, they can then make the smaller adjustments.
Grab your copy of Three Guardians and the Stolen Artifact by Esther Lin online at Bookshop.org or request a copy from your favorite indie bookstore.
Are you ready to publish your novel?
It’s time to take your novel, and your writerly skillset, to the next level! In the Fresh Ink Program, professional writers mentor youth through a chapter-by-chapter revision process which results in a printed or published book available through independent bookstores and other retailers. Through Fresh Ink, you will: complete a full novel revision, take your writing skills to the next level, and learn what it takes to publish a book
