Ask the graphic novelist!

Marshmallow & Jordan Special Edition

You’ve been sending the most thoughtful questions about Marshmallow & Jordan - in emails, during school visits, and letters! I wish I could answer each one in person (your curiosity truly means the world to me). So let’s do this together: a cozy little Q&A for all of you—readers, subscribers, and educators sharing the story with your classes.

Think of it like storytime behind the scenes! We’ll explore your burning questions, from Jordan’s adventures to Marshmallow’s magical roots. And if your question isn’t here? Just send me a message - I’d love to add it to our next chat!

🎙️ Did your dog inspire Marshmallow? Why did you choose an elephant to represent Marshmallow? Does it symbolize anything significant to you?

Yes, Marshmallow's sweet personality was inspired by my own dog, Piglet! But his magical design came from something very different - Airavata, a sacred white elephant from Hindu stories. In these ancient tales, Airavata has multiple trunks and brings rain, serving as the mount for Lord Indra. I combined these ideas to create Marshmallow's special character.

If you're curious how a real-life pup and an ancient legend became the heart of a graphic novel, I shared the whole creative journey in my post - How did a small elephant idea become a graphic novel?

🎙️ Why did you start writing books?

To be honest, before Marshmallow & Jordan, I never expected that I would become an author. When I started out in publishing, I illustrated picture books written by other authors, and I still do. That’s how I discovered my love for making books. After illustrating a few books, I decided to give writing a try. I have many story ideas in mind and thought it would be fun to share my stories. It did take me some time to build my confidence in writing and to publish my own story, but I really enjoy the challenge and the process.

🎙️ What do you think your best book is?

I try to pour my heart into every book I create. With each one, I learn and grow, and I love bringing those new experiences into my latest projects. I'm especially excited about my upcoming middle-grade graphic novel, Journey to the West: Uproar in Heaven, set to be released in 2026. I think it might just be my best work yet! I really hope you'll check it out when it's available!

🎙️ How did Jordan become paralyzed? What type of accident did she experience? What is the inspiration for her story?

Many readers have asked about Jordan’s story… Here’s what I imagine: When Jordan was younger, she was in a car accident while riding her bike. After that, she started using a wheelchair. But what really matters is who Jordan is - a determined athlete with unstoppable spirit and the biggest heart.

I created Jordan this way because she needed to be Marshmallow’s perfect counterpart. Marshmallow has all this celestial magic but struggles with self-doubt. Jordan? She’s a powerhouse - even when sports become challenging in her wheelchair, she faces every obstacle with courage and hope. Where Marshmallow hesitates, Jordan charges ahead. Where she meets physical barriers, he helps her see magical solutions. Together, they push each other to grow in the most wonderful ways.

Their friendship shows how we all have different strengths. Jordan’s athletic determination is just as much part of her as her wheelchair is. And Marshmallow? He learns that real strength comes from supporting each other through every challenge.

🎙️ How long did it take you to write Marshmallow and Jordan?

It took a few years, around 3 to 4, to come up with the idea for the book. I spent about two years actually working on it. However, because the book went through the pandemic period, the publication process took a bit longer than expected.

🎙️ What inspired you to write Marshmallow and Jordan? Why did you write the story? Was it based on something that happened to you?

This is another popular question! I would have to say my cultural heritage. Even though I didn’t grow up in Indonesia, I was always surrounded by stories about it from my grandma, parents, aunties, and uncles. Whenever we had relatives come to visit from Indonesia, they would bring the coolest gifts and beautiful traditional art. I’m always so fascinated by this part of my heritage and feel a special connection to it. I love finding ways to share and celebrate it!

🎙️ What is your favorite book (by a different author)?

There are many great books, but one of my favorites is Grace Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. I am looking forward to reading her new book, The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon.

🎙️ Do you have an author who inspires you? If yes, who is it?

Ooooh, that’s such a great question! So many authors and illustrators inspire me—it’s hard to pick just a few. Every time I start a new book project, I dive into different works for fresh ideas. Some of my all-time favorites? Definitely Grace Lin, Rick Riordan, Susan Cooper, Jen Wang, Vera Brosgol, and Guy Delisle.

I also love exploring foreign literature too! Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Chinese and Japanese books from authors, such as 白姬綰, 馬伯庸, 裟椤双树, and Natsu Hyuuga.

🎙️ Do you plan on making any other books?

YES! I am illustrating a new picture book titled A Village Made of Rainbows, written by Jo Wu. I am also writing new stories for picture books and graphic novels.

Rainbow Village (Photo from South China Morning Post)

🎙️ What was your favorite book to write?

Marshmallow & Jordan is my very first book - so it’s super special to me! But the next book, Uproar in Heaven? That one was SO much fun to write! Like the title itself —packed with laughs out loud moments, action adventures, and lots of mischief. (The best kind!)

🎙️ What was your reaction to becoming a Bluestem author?

I'm truly honored and so thankful that so many readers voted for Marshmallow & Jordan! It really means the world to me, and it gives me so much encouragement to keep moving forward on my journey as an author. Thank you all for your support!

🎙️ What did you write your graphic novel on? Was it by hand or on the computer?

I like writing and drawing on paper while I think and use the computer to finalize my work. You can read about my process of creating Marshmallow & Jordan and watch a video in my other post - Putting Together a Graphic Novel from Start to Finish!

🎙️ When and what inspired you to become an author and illustrator?

A buddy of mine, Phil Amara, got me to team up with him on this picture book called Treehouse Heroes and the Forgotten Beast, which was put out by Immedium. This first project really got me thinking about diving into a career in children's book publishing. I’ll share more about my experience with this book in a post coming up in July/August, please subscribe if you want to hear more about it!

🎙️What is the hardest part about writing a book?

Good question. Coming up with the initial idea is always the first big challenge. After that, the hardest part is shaping the bigger story - figuring out the overall plot, and making sure each character’s motivations and personalities feel real and compelling. It’s a lot of work, but so worth it when it all comes together!

🎙️Is this book based on your life?

Kind of! Jordan's family and best friends (like Lynn and Paola) are based on my real family and friends - they're almost exactly like the people in my life. I wrote more about how real people become book characters in my post - How Do You Turn Memories into a Novel Universe? But Jordan's actual adventures? Those all came from my imagination!

🎙️What was your favorite scene to draw or paint for Marshmallow & Jordan?

If I had to pick, I’d say Jordan’s birthday! So many of those scenes were inspired by my favorite summer memories—splashing at the pool with friends, my family’s special celebrations, and especially my grandma’s amazing cooking (seriously, the best food ever!). Writing those moments felt like reliving the happiest parts of my childhood.

🎙️Would you ever make another story about Marshmallow's background? Like Marshmallow's life as a raincloud?

YES! BIG NEWS! 🎉

The Marshmallow & Jordan webcomic is now LIVE! I’ll be sharing a brand-new comic every month, PLUS behind-the-scenes stories about the real-life adventures that inspired them.

And guess what? SO many of you have asked about Marshmallow’s future that I’m writing the ultimate ending - the one that goes BEYOND the book! You’ll get to see the grand finale right here at Story Makers Art Club.

Don’t miss out! ✨ Sign up now so you’re always in the loop!

💙 Want to catch up on all the Marshmallow & Jordan comics and stories so far? [Click here to read the full Collection!] 💙

🎙️ Who is your favorite Marshmallow and Jordan character, and why?

I get asked this ALL the time! It's so hard to choose - I love all my characters. But if I absolutely HAVE to pick just one... it's Marshmallow! He's just the most fun to draw (and maybe gets away with being a little extra mischievous too!).

🎙️ What is your writing process like? Do you plan the entire story before diving into each chapter, or do you develop the story chapter by chapter in order?

I always begin by mapping out the main story from start to finish - it helps me stay on track! But here's my favorite part of writing: Even with careful planning, my characters sometimes whisper new ideas and take the story on unexpected adventures. It's like they come alive and help me tell their story in ways I never imagined!

🎙️ Is there a way to learn more about how you make a graphic novel and how to draw the characters? Or, in general, more fun activities involving Marshmallow & Jordan beyond what's in the book?

ABSOLUTELY! 😃 I’m thrilled to share that I have a cozy online space just for Marshmallow and Jordan fans! You'll find fresh content added all the time, including delightful real-life stories inspired by the books, free downloadable activity kits, fun drawing tutorials, and an exciting new Marshmallow and Jordan webcomic! Join our friendly community by signing up, and you'll get all these fun updates delivered straight to your inbox!

💙 Check out the Marshmallow & Jordan web stories and collection by visiting this link! [Click here to read the full Collection!] 💙

🎙️ Will you ever make a book 2?

I love that you want more Marshmallow & Jordan adventures! While this book wraps up their story perfectly (no cliffhangers here!), I couldn’t resist creating extra fun moments for them in our webcomics. Think of it like getting bonus scenes from your favorite movie - you’ll see new giggles, surprises, and maybe even a few secrets I couldn’t fit into the book!

The best way to follow along? Join our Story Makers Art Club so you never miss a update. 😊

Who knows - if enough of you cheer loud enough, maybe these little stories could grow into something even bigger someday! ✨

For Educators and Librarians

Let’s bring stories to your students!

As both a teacher and an author, I know just how magical it can be when a story brings excitement to a classroom. There's something special about that moment when books come alive for students - it's why I do what I do.

My author visits are designed to be flexible and easy-going, fitting naturally into your classroom or library. Whether you're looking to inspire young readers, weave storytelling into your lessons, or simply give kids a joyful break with a fun author experience, I'm here to help make it happen.

There's no pressure - just possibilities. Let's chat about how we can create some book magic together! 💛