Q&A with XiXi Tian

 

 

 

XiXi Tian is the author of the new young adult novel All the Way Around the Sun. She also has written the YA novel This Place Is Still Beautiful. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write All the Way Around the Sun, and how did you create your character Stella?

 

A: I really wanted to write a book about the empty spaces in communication when it comes to grief. Stella evolved as a character from that central idea. I felt that she would be very introspective but feel deeply. She has a rich and lonely inner life and finds it difficult to connect with people.

 

Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Stella and Alan?

 

A: There is a very meaningful and sentimental history between the two of them. A lot of baggage. I think they both mean a lot to each other, but they are afraid of how much the other person could hurt them. In navigating that fear, they have inadvertently managed to damage each other, but only in the way the most important people in your lives can do.

 

Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: I came up with it while getting a root canal (haha). I wanted to come up with a title that had reference to the length of time associated with the grieving process and also have a tie-in with the concept of Alan and Stella being “satellite babies.” So the space theme is a bit deliberate.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: I hope that readers take away that whatever they are going through, they are not alone! Stella often feels quite lonely throughout the book and it is only by allowing herself to connect with others that she can begin to work through some of her grief.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m working on an adult book! But it is still about complicated family dynamics and in particular, those between mothers and daughters. It’s got a bit of a horror element, and I’m excited about that. Fingers crossed that I will have more to share about it soon.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: You can keep up with my writing adventures at @xixiwrites on Instagram!

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb