Author Interview: Sue Lynn Tan

Get the inside scoop on ‘Never Ever After’!

Sue Lynn Tan is the author of our September YA ‘A Midnight Promise’ featured book: Never Ever After. Read on to get the inside scoop from inspiration to favourite scenes and more!

What inspired you to write Never Ever After? 

I have always loved fairytales, especially Cinderella – the sense of enchantment and wonder, the promise of happiness. I was watching an old Cinderella-inspired movie when a question came into my mind: what if the prince wasn’t all he appeared to be? What if, after the ball, the heroine didn’t get her “happily ever after”? From here, the idea of Never Ever After took root, as I imagined the original story to be the beginning of a whole new adventure.

Did you have to do any special research for Never Ever After?

A key part of my research was studying the different variations of the fairytale, one that exists in many cultures. The Chinese variation of Cinderella is believed to be among the oldest, and instead of a fairy godmother there is a magical fish spirit. I also researched the effects and uses of plants which form a part of Never Ever After. In bringing the world to life, I find details to be vital – for example, the building structures, patterns of cloth, or even the trees that might be planted in a courtyard.

Describe Never Ever After in 5 words.

Fairytale, defiance, ‘toxic-boyfriend’, magic, and love.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Are you a planner or a pantser? 

Somewhere in between. I draft roughly to get a sense of key plot points, of where the story is going – but prefer to leave room for events and characters to develop and evolve. There are times when the characters will surprise me, and then I’ll need to shift things accordingly to fit the new direction or to rewrite to ensure a natural progression.

What was your favourite scene to write and why?

One of my favourite scenes is of Yining entering the grand hall of the palace because it’s such a fairytale moment – a girl standing there in a beautiful dress, who feels like she doesn’t belong, yet is excited as she dares to imagine the impossible. I loved writing this moment of anticipation, the wonder and fear of the unknown…the elusive sense that life has irrevocably changed.

Did you listen to any particular songs/playlists whilst you wrote this?

I tend to prefer to write in silence especially while drafting, as it helps me imagine the world better, as well as the characters’ voices. Before writing scenes that are more emotional or stirring, I often listen to music to get into the mood, especially songs from Chinese xianxia dramas.

When you write, do you have any go-to snacks? If so, what are they?

My favourite is dark chocolate (85%), and I usually keep a bar of it in my study. I also drink a lot of tea, with bubble tea reserved for especially difficult edits or deadlines.

What did you find most challenging about writing this book?

For me, battle or fighting scenes are the most challenging to write because so much is happening at once, yet it has to move quickly, and there are usually more people to keep track of with complex dynamics. Sometimes I study and watch fighting maneuvers to help bring these scenes to life.

Never Ever After takes place in a completely new world which is exciting to create, but it was also challenging to imagine different magic, the new kingdoms, to delve into the history and lore – different from that of the Celestial Kingdom books.

What can you tell us (if anything) about the sequel?

I’m excited about the sequel! We will explore new parts of the world, meet new characters, and learn more about the magic. Tensions will be raised, there will be more angst, as relationships will continue to weave and tangle – some unraveling as others deepen. I’m also working on an adult fantasy inspired by the beloved Chinese legend of Lady White Snake, and a secret idea that is still taking shape in my mind.