Ellen Huang in the spotlight

Ellen Huang, whose story ‘Fellow Possessions’ is published in issue 9 of Lucent Dreaming, is an ace writer of fairy tales published/forthcoming in Gingerbread House, Enchanted Conversation, Sword & Kettle Press, horse egg, Lumiere Review, Moonchild Magazine, and Wretched Creations, among others. She holds a BA in Writing + Theatre minor from Point Loma Nazarene University and reads for Whale Road Review. Besides working on a folkloric chapbook and a horror anthology, she also runs a blog exploring the crossovers of favorite movies and spirituality.

So, what inspired your piece ‘Fellow Possessions’? Can you tell us a little more about what it’s about?

‘Fellow Possessions’ is a liminal space within a fairytale, in which Pinocchio and Thumbelina are adopted siblings. They start out with a misery contest, but then come to realize it’s pointless when they’re both prisoners, and decide they’ll be there for each other instead. I wanted to explore how young boys and girls are pressured differently but ultimately victims of the same oppressive system, and how we’re all capable of hope, friendship, and allyship together. 

What are some of your favourite books and art (including shows, videos, music) – of all time or more recently. Why are they favourites?

Oh dear, the list might be infinite! Well, more recently, I’ve been really into books like A Tale Dark & Grimm; Scary Stories for Young Foxes; A Monster Calls; Wake, Siren; and Blood & Bone: An Anthology of Body Horror (by Ghost Orchid Press). I’ve been really into shows like Amphibia, Gravity Falls, Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, Over the Garden Wall, Curious Creations of Christine McConnell, The Good Place, Midnight Mass; and Squid Game.It’s a pretty eclectic mix of folklore, fantasy and horror, but one thing all these have in common is probably the way they tell colorful stories of resilience and kinship against a backdrop of darkness and chaos. There are also lots of monsters and platonic/sibling love! 

What, if anything, are you looking forward to right now and what writing/creative projects are you currently working on?

I’m so excited for more ace representation in the lit world! I hope to be part of that, as I am currently working on an asexual horror/fantasy anthology. 

Can you tell us about how you got into writing and art? Is there anyone whose support or encouragement really inspired or motivated you?

I don’t think there was ever a time I was not into writing, as I’ve been making up stories even before I learned to write! But I developed an intrigue with darker fairy tales in high school, and later horror…probably because of Coraline! I read a lot of books that called for courage and imagination. English teachers throughout my life really encouraged me to explore that, like Ms. O’Neil in 2nd grade and Mr. Hallstrom in 11th grade. I also cannot thank enough: my professor and friend Dr. Katie Manning, or constant close support, warm friendship, hosting cafe style Zoom meetings, shared love of fairytale poetry, dark humor, and inspiring love of life and hidden magic. 

Where can people see more of you and your work?

For occasional, fantasy-inspired, semi-spiritual blog posts and an index of all my creative published work: worrydollsandfloatinglights.wordpress.com.For unabashed bombardment of everything I love: @nocturnalxlight on Twitter.

Lucent Dreaming is an independent creative writing magazine of surreal writing and art, and publisher of emerging authors and artists worldwide. Subscribe to Lucent Dreaming now, support us on Patreon and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.