Ticana Zhu is a free spirit with a traditional heart. Her stories embody this essence, playing at the tension between what one wishes to do and what needs to be done. Her main characters are Asian; many channeling her experiences growing up on two sides of the world. She prefers to write memoir style, getting into the psyche of the protagonist. Ticana writes historical and science fiction, occasionally fantasy.
Her children’s book, Three Rays of Heaven’s Light is available on Amazon.com (scroll down, past photo to see more). Illustrated by Margaret Li.
Preferring to write in memoir style, her stories take time and gets to know the character. Her current novel-in-progress is Dynasty of Summer which follows a princess born to the fourth concubine of a Xia Dynasty emperor. Princess Summer faces hidden dangers and exile as she fights her way to restore her empire.
Ticana’s back burner project is a science-fiction novel centered on the mythical creatures: Phoenix, Dragon, and Kirin. The main character, Rosi finds herself a part of an elite soldier division on Mars. Struggling to keep up, Rosi discovers she’ll one day hold the power of Phoenix: to reshape the universe.
“I believe stories serve a purpose in society. If not to entertain, then to teach and help relate to one another. The art is powerful; one that’ll never fade. It can expand our minds, stimulate imagination and help push past boundaries.” -Ticana Zhu
follow on instagram: @ticana
Ticana Zhu’s Books:
Summer is daughter to the Emperor’s fourth concubine during the Xia Dynasty. After stumbling upon her half-brother’s corpse, she finds herself faced with dangers she couldn’t begin to understand. As if those troubles weren’t enough, she’s ambushed while traveling to her betrothed’s kingdom. Summer was meant to live in luxury and safety with her new husband, but instead finds herself amongst bandits. With the aid of her brother from a shared mother, Winter, and friend, Hanming, she navigates her way back home to Zhenxun. Yet once she returns, Summer discovers treachery had been living alongside her in the palace her entire life. It’s not long before she finds herself a target.
Buy it now on Amazon for $16.95
For Young Adults
In order to save Zhenxun, Princess Summer travels to enemy territory, beseeches her sisters for help, and faces foes. She skirts danger every step of the away. Meanwhile, a power vacuum in Zhenxun calls her back.
… But she can’t go back. Not until she unearths what the Empress has been secretly plotting.
As truths come to light, war is finding itself upon the front steps of Zhenxun. Princess Summer faces inner battles as she prepares for outer ones. Which should rule her decisions: her heart, or vengeance?
Buy it now on Amazon for $18.95
For Young Adults
Check out When the Moon Stopped on Amazon.com.
The sun and moon work together to keep life on Earth balanced. Something goes horribly wrong and the Jade Rabbit must work with all creatures to solve their problem. She can’t do it alone and enlists the help of Chang’E.
For children ages 4-10
Check out Three Ray’s of Heaven’s Light on Amazon.com.
A young fairy who loves humans is concerned with their fate. Through a conversation with her sister, she learns there’s hope.
For children ages 4-10
Space Tigers Publishing 