Pearl Moon
I was born in Incheon, South Korea, into a loving and supportive family. In the early 2000s, learning English became a growing priority for many Korean parents, inspiring them to send their children abroad to study and gain fluency in a global language.
At the age of 13, I moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. My first year was filled with challenges – I spoke little English and was unfamiliar with the culture and way of life. However, with unwavering support from my family in Korea and a strong determination to succeed, I gradually adapted, developed new skills, and embraced everything New Zealand had to offer.
Over time, I found my passion for education and became a primary school teacher. I now live in Wellington with my husband, James, and our two wonderful sons, Christian and Gabriel. During the day, I enjoy teaching, and in the evenings, I cherish spending time with my family and friends.
I return to South Korea every two years to visit my parents and extended family. I miss them deeply and remain forever grateful for their love and support, which made my journey possible.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would read more books – various genres and authors, in both Korean and English. I didn’t realise how much reading and writing skills go hand in hand back then.
How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
I didn’t realise how much work was involved in publishing a book. Reflecting on the process, I would be more intentional about considering my audience – such as their age and interests – since my editor played a key role in helping me shape the story appropriately for them.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I’d love to publish more storybooks in the future. For my next Miss Moon series, I hope to include more detail and depth. I’m also planning to translate the story into Korean and release it in Korea.