Author Gloria Huang on Writing Brave Middle Grade Fiction Stories
Writing is never clean or easy, especially when you're trying to get it just right. In my recent conversation with debut middle-grade author Gloria Huang, we discussed the trap of perfectionism, the emotional courage required to tell the truth on the page, and how to write young characters who wrestle with anxiety in a way that feels honest, nuanced, and hopeful.
Gloria’s novel, Kaya of the Ocean, is a stunning, heartfelt fantasy about a 13-year-old girl navigating anxiety, identity, and unexpected powers, while trying to figure out who she is in a world that doesn’t always make space for her full self.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation:
Letting Go of Perfectionism
Gloria opened with something I know so many writers need to hear:
“We need to give ourselves permission to be imperfect.”
She spoke about the unrealistic pressure writers often feel to get every word right on the first try—and how that pressure can completely block the creative process. Gloria reminded us that drafting is not our last chance to get it right. It’s just the beginning. And sometimes, it’s in revision where the most beautiful, unexpected moments emerge.
Writing Mental Health in Middle Grade Fiction
In Kaya of the Ocean, the main character struggles with anxiety, something Gloria has experienced herself and saw children in her life grappling with during the pandemic.
She was deeply intentional in how she portrayed Kaya’s anxiety, especially in a cultural context where mental health isn’t always openly discussed.
“I didn’t want to speak as an authority. I wanted to show a version of anxiety—one that felt real and meaningful and helped kids feel seen.”
Kaya tries to hide her anxiety at first, which mirrors how many children experience mental health challenges: quietly, privately, and with a lot of shame. Gloria handled these layers with so much compassion and care.
Using Metaphor to Deepen Emotional Truth
The ocean plays a powerful metaphorical role in the story. As Gloria put it:
“The ocean is beautiful and terrifying—just like anxiety. It looks calm on the surface but hides so much underneath.”
That metaphor speaks not only to Kaya’s internal experience, but to how many of us move through the world: composed on the outside, struggling silently underneath. The result is a story that feels emotionally grounded and resonant, especially for young readers.
Publishing Isn’t Linear (And That’s Okay)
Despite Kaya of the Ocean selling quickly once it went on submission, Gloria was honest about her journey to publication. It wasn’t her first book, or her first time on sub.
“We hear a lot about the success stories—but not the books that came before. And that creates a really lopsided picture.”
She reminded us that success in publishing is rarely a straight line—and that rejection is often just part of the process, not a reflection of our worth.
A New Way to Think About Rejection
One of my favorite moments was when Gloria described how her writing group celebrates rejection.
“They treat rejections like badges of honor.”
That reframe is powerful: Rejection isn’t failure. It’s evidence of commitment. Of bravery. Of choosing to believe in your voice.
Final Thoughts and Wishes for Writers
When I asked Gloria what she wishes for other writers, she said this:
“I hope you have the emotional strength to keep going. Rejection, silence, uncertainty—they're hard.”
And that’s what this episode (and this post) is really about:
The courage it takes to write even when the journey is hard and uncertain.
The value of being imperfect and showing up anyway.
And the reminder that someone, somewhere, needs the story only you can tell.
It’s all about reaching just one person and impacting their life in a positive way.
Resources & Links:
Get your Copy of Kaya and the Ocean
Find Gloria at glorialahuang.com or follow her on Instagram at @lailaswrites
