Lydia Kang has released her latest young adult sci-fi novel, titled *Toxic*. In a recent interview, she shared insights about her inspiration for the book, her writing process, and her journey as an author.

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Kang, who has a varied writing portfolio including young adult novels like *The November Girl* and *Control*, as well as adult historical mysteries, expressed her passion for storytelling. "I loved the idea of writing stories that were my own, and that people actually wanted to read," she said about her motivation to become an author, highlighting the challenges she faced early in her career.

*Toxic* features a teenage girl named Hana, who is a product of a living spaceship that can communicate with its passengers. After waking up to find her mother and the ship's crew missing, she is discovered by a mercenary crew sent to study the dying ship. As Hana adapts to life among people, she finds love while facing the reality of her impending fate on the ship.

The idea of a living ship intrigued Kang, leading to the book's creation. Originally titled *CYCLO*, the novel explores themes of identity and connection. "Hana felt very close to me," she noted, discussing her character’s Korean heritage and the layers of identity beyond genetics.

Writing *Toxic* presented unique challenges, including the need for scientific accuracy. Kang incorporated calculations for the ship's gravitational force, enhancing the authenticity of her sci-fi setting.

Kang hopes readers grasp the complexity of identity through Hana’s journey, stating that identity is more than just ethnicity—it encompasses a multitude of factors.

When asked about her writing process, Kang described starting with an idea, developing notes, and outlining chapters before diving into the writing itself. She encourages aspiring writers to avoid comparisons to others, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy during the creative process.

Looking ahead, Kang is gearing up to write a new adult historical mystery titled *Opium and Absinthe*. She also recommended works by authors such as Pintip Dunn and Angie Thomas for readers seeking suggestions.

In summary, *Toxic* invites readers into a unique sci-fi narrative while also reflecting on deeper issues of identity and connection.