An Interview with Frances Wong

Frances Wong is a passionate children’s science fiction and fantasy author with three self-published books. From a young age, Frances was captivated by the magic of storytelling, crafting homemade books out of tape and paper. This lifelong love for literature has fueled her mission to inspire young readers, encouraging them to explore new worlds through the pages of a book. With a deep commitment to fostering a love of reading in children, Frances creates imaginative tales that spark curiosity and adventure in young minds.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember, so pinpointing the exact moment or influence that sparked my passion is difficult. However, I know that my love for storytelling was nurtured by my parents, who read to me every night. I was lucky enough to have two bedtime stories—one from each parent—which filled my childhood with imagination and wonder.

One book that particularly stood out to me was 365 Bedtime Stories, a collection that had originally belonged to my mum. It featured stories about three witches that captured my imagination. Though each story was only a few hundred words, they inspired countless tales in my mind. That book, and those bedtime stories, played a significant role in shaping my love for writing.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

The image that sparked How Lexi Walker Almost Saved the World is still vivid in my mind: two children flying through space in a spaceship that was definitely not theirs. I was instantly intrigued by this scene and began to ask myself questions—how did these children end up in space? What circumstances led them to this spaceship?

As I explored these questions, the story started to take shape. The first draft of the book, which was originally titled “Earth Rising,” was quite different. In that version, the children took a spaceship from a junkyard in their town, rather than from the hangar in the Hub. But the core image of those children in space remained the driving force behind the story, guiding me as I developed the plot and characters.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The original title of the book was “Earth Rising.” It was inspired by a scene where the children stand on the moon and watch the Earth rise over the horizon. However, as the story evolved, that scene no longer fit, so I knew the title had to change too.

The search for a new title took some time. The story was becoming something different, and I needed a title that captured its essence. During a mindmapping session, it hit me: the main character, Lexi, almost saves the world. That phrase stuck with me, and How Lexi Walker Almost Saved the World was born.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

If my book had a soundtrack, it would be a mix of high-energy and fun tunes, just like the story itself. While writing, I often rocked out to the theme songs from some of our most popular science fiction shows and films—they really helped set the mood! For the action-packed scenes, I imagine something intense like Linkin Park or System of a Down playing in the background. And for the lighter, funnier moments, you’d definitely hear a few Disney tunes bopping along. It would be a soundtrack full of contrasts, perfectly matching the ups and downs of the adventure.

Describe your dream book cover.

My dream book cover is one that truly captures the essence of the story, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to have David Leahey design my covers. He’s a true professional, with a talent for bringing stories to life visually. Working with David was a fantastic experience—he was open to all my little tweaks and suggestions, and his creative ideas really helped shape the final design. The result was a cover that not only looks stunning but also perfectly reflects the adventure and excitement of the book.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

In my other life, I’m a teacher, a profession I’ve been passionate about since 2005. Teaching has played a significant role in shaping me as an author, as it keeps me immersed in the world of children’s literature. I’m constantly reading books to my students and exploring themes in depth, which has greatly influenced my writing. One thing readers might not know about me is that I’m deeply committed to helping others on their reading journey, drawing on my experiences in the classroom to inspire and support young readers both through my books and in my teaching.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

During my writing process, I turned to several key books for both research and comfort. I’m a huge fan of Save the Cat: Writes a Novel, which has been incredibly helpful in shaping my story structure. I’ve also found inspiration in Story Genius and Story Engineering—they’re among my favorites, although I believe everyone’s writing process is unique, so what works for me might not be right for everyone. I like to blend insights from all of these books to guide my writing.

In addition to craft books, I also read comps. Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston has been a huge influence on my writing, as well as Found by Margaret Peterson Haddix—both are amazing novels that have really inspired me. And of course, there are many more that have contributed to my journey as a writer.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

One of the main themes in How Lexi Walker Almost Saved the World is destiny. Lexi, the protagonist, struggles with the idea of being “chosen,” and one of her key messages is that it doesn’t take a chosen one to save the world—it takes one brave person doing the right thing. This is a central message I hope readers take away from the book. I want them to believe that they can achieve anything, regardless of whether it’s their “destiny” or if they’re born into a certain role. It’s about having the courage to make a difference and do what’s right.

As for my perfect reader, I envision someone who is open-minded and imaginative, ready to dive into a world where bravery and self-belief are key. I hope my readers are inspired by Lexi’s journey and come away feeling empowered to take on their own challenges and pursue their dreams, knowing that they have the power to shape their own destinies.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.