Επιμέλεια: Εύα Πετροπούλου Λιανού
Photo by Thuy Van
Kaitlyn Nguyen’s biography: Name: Nguyễn Khánh Chi Kaitlyn
Age: 11
School: The Dewey Schools.
Hobbies: Creative writing, reading, drawing, dance.
Favourite author: J.K Rowling.
Favorite books: Harry Potter series, A Year Without Autumn by Liz Kessler, Has Anyone Seen Jessica Jenkins by Liz Kessler, The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer.
Dream: Become a lawyer, so that I can help people who are going through difficult legal situations.
An interesting interview of 11 years old author Kaitlyn Nguyen from Vietnam about her debut novel “Magic Runs Wild” and her experience with publishing globally…
What inspired you to write “Magic Runs Wild”?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: I was inspired to write Magic Runs Wild because of my love for fantasy and Harry Potter. The idea of a young protagonist navigating both the wonders and challenges of a magical boarding school really stuck with me, and I wanted to create my own version of that. I imagined a world where fairies, NOT wizards, take center stage, and where magic has a life of its own, sometimes unpredictable and wild. My main character, Lysandra, is stepping into this world just like we did with Harry, and I wanted to capture that feeling of excitement, discovery, and the unknown.
How does it feel to have your book published globally by a foreign publisher?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: It feels absolutely surreal! Having my book published globally by a foreign publisher is something I never imagined when I first started writing. It’s exciting to think that people in different countries, with different cultures and languages, are going to read and experience the story I’ve written. There’s a sense of pride, but mostly gratitude for everyone who helped make this happen.
Can you share your emotions when you first saw your book in print?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: When I first saw my book in print, it was such an “eeek!” moment! I couldn’t believe that the story I had worked on for SO long was now a real, tangible book!! Holding it in my hands made everything feel so much more real—it wasn’t just a document on my computer anymore, it was something people could pick up and read. I felt a rush of excitement and pride, and honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was one of those moments where all the hard work, late nights, and endless revisions really felt worth it.
How does “Magic Runs Wild” reflect your personal experiences or beliefs?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: Magic Runs Wild reflects my belief in the importance of discovery and growth. Like Lysandra, I’ve had moments where life felt full of possibilities but also came with challenges. The idea of magic running wild represents how unpredictable life can be, but it’s in those moments that we learn the most about ourselves. The themes of friendship, finding your path, and adapting to new situations are based on my own experiences, and I wanted to capture that in Lysandra’s journey.
What challenges did you face during the writing process?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: One of the biggest challenges I faced during the writing process was staying consistent. There were times when I hit a creative block or doubted the direction the story was going. Balancing world-building with character development was kinda tricky, especially since I wanted the magic system and school environment to feel immersive while keeping the focus on Lysandra’s personal journey. Another challenge was revising. I had to cut or rework parts that I really liked but just didn’t fit the flow of the story. It was tough, but necessary to make the story stronger.
What message do you hope readers take away from “Magic Runs Wild”?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: I hope readers take away the message that embracing uncertainty can lead to growth and self-discovery. Just like Lysandra learns to navigate her magical world, I want them to see that challenges can help them find out who they really are. Friendship and support matter so much, and being open to new experiences can make a big difference. Ultimately, I want readers to feel inspired to embrace their own journeys, even when things get a little…. wild!
How did you come to work with a foreign publisher, and how has their support impacted you?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: I came to work with a foreign publisher thanks to an author my parents know who works at the publishing house. Her name is Kiều Bích Hậu, and she has agreed to help me with it, and her support was invaluable.
What is the significance of the title “Magic Runs Wild” in relation to the story?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: The title Magic Runs Wild talks about the unpredictable nature of both magic and life itself. In the story, magic is a powerful force that can lead to unexpected outcomes, just like the challenges Lysandra faces as she has to solve a mystery. It symbolizes the idea that while magic can be beautiful and enchanting, it can also be really chaotic and unpredictable. This mirrors Lysandra’s journey of self-discovery, where she learns to embrace the wildness of both magic and her own experiences.
How has the global release influenced your perspective as an author?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: Having just released Magic Runs Wild globally has been a huge eye-opener for me as an author. It’s exciting to think that readers from all over the world will experience my story in their own way!
What can readers expect from you in the future after this novel’s success?
Kaitlyn Nguyen: After the release of Magic Runs Wild, I hope readers can look forward to more stories from me, but I’m really just taking things one step at a time. I’m genuinely grateful for the support I’ve received, and I’m excited to learn about new ideas and themes. My goal is to keep writing and sharing stories, even if it takes a while to get there.
Thank you very much, beloved Kaitlyn Nguyen for your excellent answers.
