Q&A with Sue Cheung

August 2nd 2021

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your new book, Maddy Yip’s Guide to Life?

A: Maddy Yip is the book I wanted to read when I was young. Maddy is an everyday kid doing everyday things, getting it wrong a lot, but that’s ok. And she just happens to be Chinese.

In Maddy Yip’s Guide to Life, she suddenly realises that everyone she knows has a talent – except for her! With the help of Dev, her bezzie mate, she goes through a series of breakdancing, recorder playing and baking disasters which culminates with a escaped guinea pig during a magic trick.

The book is chock-full of comedy capers and hilarious drawings. Thinking up ridiculous scenarios is what I’m good at and my ultimate aim is to make people laugh out loud.

Q: Maddy Yip feels like everyone has a talent except for her, but is determined to change that. Why did you want to write about finding a talent? Was that something that was important to you as a child?  

A: My parents never praised me growing up, there was a lot of neglect, so I guess I have a subconscious desire to keep proving myself and that’s come out in Maddy. Also I think this theme provides a great platform for comedy situations!

Q: Both this book and your previous book for teenagers (Chinglish) are about growing up in a British Chinese family. How important was it for you to write about this experience?

A: As an author of colour, it was only natural that I created a character that reflected that. I didn’t see myself in any of the books I read as a kid, so I think it’s important that children get the proper representation reflecting society today. Maddy’s dad is Chinese, her mam is English, and her Chinese grandad (Agung) lives in the garage conversion. I've based it in the North East where I once lived on a council estate, so because it was my experience, I made a point of making the Yips working class too.

Q: Are any of the characters based on people you know?

A: There’s a lot of me in Maddy. She’s loves clowning about and no matter how challenging life gets, she manages to see the lighter side and gets on with stuff. Agung is based on my own grandad and Dev on a friend of mine.

Q: The book is packed with your own illustrations and funny cartoons. Can you tell us a bit about your process? Do you have pictures in mind when you’re writing the story?

A: The characters come first so I get a feel for look and personality. Once I can picture them in my mind clearly, I then imagine them in scenarios. Writing is easier when I can visualize everyone in their surroundings. Then finally I do the illustrations which bring to life what I’ve written.

Q: What has been the most enjoyable part about working on this book?

A: I often found myself laughing out loud writing the comedy scenes, but I do find it harder than drawing. My favourite part was illustrating because although they made me laugh too, they were way easier to do because I’m a natural artist, not a natural writer.

Q: Do you have a favourite scene in the book?

A: There’s quite a few but I think the most epic and chaotic is at the end when Hulk the guinea pig escapes in the care home. I had a right giggle drawing everyone’s expressions and false teeth flying out!

Q: What’s next for Maddy Yip? Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect in the next book?

A: In the next book, Maddy Yip goes to the seaside hoping to get on the insane new ride at the amusement park with her little brother and bezzie mate. As the only adult on the trip, Agung is designated supervisor - but he can’t even supervise putting matching socks on, so you can imagine how horribly wrong that goes!

Q: And finally, what kind of books did you read as a child? Did you have a favourite? 

A: When I was a kid we had no books in the house. Instead, I went and bought comics at the local newsagents: The Beano, The Dandy, Whizzer and Chips - I devoured them all and ended up with a pile taller than I was. When I was able, I got myself a membership card from the public library and started reading other books: Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, C.S. Lewis...Then Adrian Mole came along and changed my life. At last! A character that seemed real, that I could totally relate to. Adrian was a hapless teenage outcast trying to fit in but failing miserably, written honestly and hilariously by Sue Townsend, one of my biggest influences.

Maddy Yip's Guide to Life is out now.