“Tension, Discovery, and Awakening” – discussing Immortal with Sue Lynn Tan

By Gemma L.

Imagine this: you’re the heir to a kingdom that serves the immortal gods, and you’ve just watched the kingdom’s leader, your grandfather, struck down by these gods. The fate of the people now rests on your shoulders, and it depends on you allying with your grandfather’s killer. He holds a secret, but so do you… 

Fun premise, huh? Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan follows the story of a young woman who has the world on her shoulders, and how she comes to outsmart the gods. I’ve been a longtime fan of Sue Lynn’s (catch my name in the acknowledgments of her second book, Heart of the Sun Warrior!) and am so happy to get a chance to discuss her latest book with her!

I imagine [characters] as real people—with imperfect knowledge, inexperienced in some areas, with some inherent biases that aren’t always right.

Gemma: I’ve followed your works since your debut with Daughter of the Moon Goddess and am so excited to see another book in this world you’ve created. What brought you back to writing a story in this world with a new main character?

Sue Lynn: I love writing in the world of the Daughter of the Moon Goddess, but for now, I feel the stories of the main characters are complete. In Immortal, I wanted to explore places that we spent less time in, for example, the Golden Desert – and to expand the world. We spend a lot of time in Tianxia, seeing the realms from the perspective of a mortal this time and I really enjoyed how writing this brought a different facet to the world and characters. 

Immortal can be read wholly independently of the Celestial Kingdom books, a standalone with new characters, and there are no spoilers within the book.

Gemma: Something that has always stuck out to me in all of your books was how your writing sounds like poetry. It’s descriptive and atmospheric, and always sucks me into the story so easily! Is your writing your internal voice or something you’ve had to develop?

Gemma: The main character, Liyen, is the heir to a country that serves the immortals who killed her grandfather and she falls in love with one of them! As such, she is forced to ally with her enemy for the good of her people. How did you come up with this intriguing concept and develop Liyen along the way?

Sue Lynn: In Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the core relationships were of people who were close in the beginning, then torn apart by circumstances and choices. Whereas in Immortal, Zhangwei and Liyen start out divided in almost every way: by duty, history, beliefs and loyalty—with the story exploring how they might come together. 

It was important to me that Zhangwei didn’t directly harm Liyen’s beloved grandfather because it felt like an insurmountable obstacle to overcome in a relationship—at least for this story. Their conflict stems from who they are, what they represent, and the different futures they envisage. 

Liyen was a fascinating character to write—one who appears powerful on the surface as the ruler of a kingdom, yet without the backing of her court, leaving her position in a precarious situation. Despite her vulnerabilities, her grandfather always believed in her, trusting she could rule in his place—and it is his love that gives her the strength to forge a new future for her people, even if it means challenging the powerful immortals. 

In my mind, she is as strong as Zhangwei, though in different ways—her strength’s quieter and less visible, but just as vital.

Gemma: Her love interest is the God of War, Lord Zhangwei, who knows more about Liyen than he’s letting on. My favorite aspect of the book was their blossoming romance! What was your process in writing their love story?

Sue Lynn: A key part of Immortal is how the characters learn more about each other as the story develops, as they spend more time together—despite initial mistrust. I tend to write organically, drafting key plot points but leaving room for the story to evolve, for characters to change. When writing characters I imagine them as real people—with imperfect knowledge, inexperienced in some areas, with some inherent biases that aren’t always right. 

While I believe physical attraction can happen more quickly, it is the emotional connection that can take time to develop. For Liyen and Zhangwei, their earlier dynamic leans toward ‘Enemies-to-Lovers’, but this evolves as they grow to understand each other more, as they are challenged. I imagined how the shifts in perception would feel, what it would take to change their minds, intending for their relationship progression to feel natural. 

Gemma: Both of your books so far have dealt with deities who unjustly rule over humans, and heroines defying those powers to save the ones she loves. Why is this a theme you explore?

Sue Lynn: Many of the themes of my books are an extension of the situation the main character finds herself in. In Daughter of the Moon Goddess, the story was inspired by the beloved legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess – exiled for taking her husband’s elixir of immortality, and I imagined her daughter fighting for her mother’s freedom. While in Immortal, I wanted to highlight the divide between the Immortal and Mortal Realms, where Liyen defies the immortals as she fights for a better future for her people—though a lot more unravels in between. 

I believe many bad situations find their root in people with power who use it unjustly, who likely aren’t worthy of it. It can be a reflection of real life, as power can be used for either good or evil. Reality and truth can be distorted, or even the best intentions can go wrong. What one chooses to do in such a situation can define the course of their life.

I had so much fun imagining an ancient Chinese library in the skies

Gemma: What was your favorite part of the story to write and can you share a memory about writing it?

Sue Lynn: I loved writing the library scene in Immortal that takes place in the first part of the book. It was a special scene to me, not only because I had so much fun imagining an ancient Chinese library in the skies, but because it was the first time Liyen sees Zhangwei in a different light – not just as the God of War and an adversary, but a potential ally though a dangerous one, someone who might be of use to her. While it isn’t a romantic scene, it is one filled with tension, discovery and awakening. 

Some have said there are elements of Pride and Prejudice in Immortal and I love that.

Gemma: What is something you hope the readers will take away from the story?

Sue Lynn: That things may not always be as they appear on the surface – sometimes internal bias can color our judgment. Some have said there are elements of Pride and Prejudice in Immortal and I love that – part of the story is learning about the characters through Liyen’s eyes, and how that perspective shifts as the story progresses, and as she learns more about herself and others.

Another theme in the book is how there are different kinds of strength in the world – not just of weapons or magic or physical force, but strength of will, of the mind and emotion – these are just as important and probably more relevant in our world.

They say they feel seen in the books. 

Gemma: We’d like to hear more about yourself as well! As a Malaysian-born author, how has your cultural background inspired your books? 

Sue Lynn: Growing up in Malaysia, my family celebrated the festivals in Chinese culture, a core part of my childhood. I have so many wonderful memories of the Mid-Autumn festival in particular, of close family and friends, lighting lanterns, eating mooncakes – times of joy. It was also during this festival that I first heard the story of Chang’e, the moon goddess, which became the inspiration for my first book. 

I am grateful for the chance to write about my culture in my stories, of all the things I love and grew up with. It never fails to move me when a reader of my books says they are inspired to read more Chinese mythology or stories, or when they say they feel seen in the books. 

Gemma: Chinese mythology clearly holds a place in your heart; how have you explored that love for xianxia fantasy (ancient Chinese fantasy genre)?

Sue Lynn: I love watching Chinese xianxia dramas, the angst, magic, beautiful imagery, inspiring some elements in my stories. The music in these shows is also a source of inspiration to me – while I prefer to write in silence, I occasionally listen to music before tackling a particularly emotional or challenging scene. 

Chinese mythology holds a special place in my heart because of the memories and emotions they evoke – a part of my childhood, of my family, and of me. It also provides such a rich and fascinating background, to create stories and characters.

Gemma: Your debut novel, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, became an instant bestseller and is well-loved in the book community. Now that you’ve published your third full-length novel, has writing become any easier? Are there still challenges to overcome?

Sue Lynn: It feels surreal to imagine Immortal is my fourth book, and I’m so grateful for the chance to share these stories. I thought writing would get easier, but am learning that every book has its own challenges. Writing sometimes (often) doesn’t go as intended; no matter how extensively I plot or draft, characters can act in a way that surprises me.  

There are days when writing comes harder, when I write pages of words only to erase them the next day because they don’t feel right. Sometimes taking a break is helpful to reset the mind, to start things over. A struggle I’ve felt more of late is balancing my time between writing and family. As I love writing and work from home, it can be harder to set boundaries for my time. This is something I still find challenging and have to be conscious of, as it can be easy to lose myself in my work. And every time a new book goes out in the world, I still feel inevitably nervous, hoping that it will find its readers.

Gemma: Do you have any words of advice for those who want to become authors?

Sue Lynn: I don’t believe I’m an expert as I’m still learning about writing and publishing every day. But I would say don’t be afraid of trying or of rejection. It can be daunting, it is definitely disheartening – but I think it’s worse to always wonder, “what if?” Write the book and take the time to keep working at it. Don’t be impatient and send it out too early. While it sometimes feels endless – every time I edit a manuscript, I feel happier with it. 

Gemma: I consider you one of the trailblazers who helped the English-speaking market gain a taste for Asian mythology in fiction. Do you have any advice for people who are trying to create media in a space that is still growing?

Sue Lynn: I’m honored that you think so, and it means so much to me. It is exciting that there are so many opportunities and possibilities for different stories out there. While every writer is different, I believe in finding what inspires you – in writing what you feel strongly about, because when you feel it, hopefully the readers will too.

Gemma: I’m sure you have something in the works next! Is there anything you can tell us about your next book, or perhaps something you’d like to try writing instead?

I also have an upcoming Adult fantasy inspired by the beloved Chinese legend of Lady White Snake, and can’t wait to share more about this story with you.

Immortal is available wherever books are sold. You can check out more from Sue Lynn Tan on her website, or on social media @SuelynnTan.