Notes from the Shelf

Today’s Featured Writer:
Zee Lacson

Today on Notes From the Shelf, I’m thrilled to feature an interview with Zee Lacson—an award-winning author whose work blends imagination, folklore, and heart. From Star Trek fanfic beginnings to acclaimed YA novels, Zee has carved out a unique voice in the literary world. In this written Q&A, she shares insights into her writing journey, how Filipino folklore inspires her stories, and what readers can expect next. Enjoy!

Meet Zee

Zee Lacson, a first generation immigrant, has lived half her life in one country and the other half in another. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines with her grandparents, father, and twin brothers, she now enjoys the small town life in Illinois with her husband and twin sons. She has had practice in many professions. Engineer. Educator. Photographer. Artist. Storyteller.

The Woolgathering Trilogy is her first completed story. Reverie was published in 2020 and was a finalist in the 2021 Illinois Author Project. Revenant, its sequel, was released the following year. The trilogy was completed in 2023 with the final book, Réveil. 

Twice Removed, her most recent novel, was published on Philippine Independence Day and received the 2024 BIBA Young Adult Book of the Year. 

She’s never been a big believer of monsters hiding in the dark, but she eats lots of garlic and will sleep with a little light on. Just in case. 

Q&A

1. What inspired you to start writing in general? 

The first novel-length story I wrote was Star Trek fanfic. I began writing it in elementary school and completed it in high school. I was an avid reader when I was younger and I wanted to write myself into the stories. 

2. What inspires you to continue writing? 

This incredibly supportive community of readers and writers. 

3. When did you know you wanted to publish a book? 

I feel like every writer has this desire to be published, whether secretly or not. The defining moment was when I decided to seriously pursue avenues to get my writing published. And that happened after I wrote the first draft of Reverie. 

An excited teenage intern at work wanted to borrow the manuscript so she could read it aloud to her friends and one of my friends refused to return the manuscript because she wanted it on her bookshelf. Encouragement like theirs gave me the courage to aspire for more. 

4. How did you first get published? 

I had complained that I couldn’t focus on publishing because I was too busy running my own photography business. In 2020, when the world was in lockdown, I had to close my non-essential services for 6 months out of the year. After the initial wallowing, my husband and I dove into researching options and making things happen. 

5. What is your writing routine? 

Morning coffee and writing! 

6. How do you develop an idea from initial spark to finished manuscript?

Idea >> theme >> storyline >> character development >> first draft >> review >> beta readers >> editing >> rewrites >> 2nd round of editing >> corrections >> 3rd round of editing >> final manuscript. 

7. Have you dealt with writer’s block and how do you handle it? 

I think every writer has had to deal with writer’s block at least once. I’ll redirect my attention temporarily to another project. Creativity often manifests itself best without constraint. 

8. What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? 

Write without fear. Edit without mercy. 

9. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 

Write the story you want to tell, not what you think people want to read. 

10. Which books or authors have most influenced your writing? 

I think all the Star Trek novels I read as a child. They were written by many different authors and while there were some stories I enjoyed more than others, I think they’re collectively the biggest influence on me. Even if I don’t actually write sci-fi. 

Maggie Stiefvater would be the young adult author I want to be when I grow up. 

11. What book(s) are you currently reading? 

The Dexter series by Jeff Lindsay 

12. What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?

I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering. 

13. What book(s) have you published and where can people find them?

Available in hardcover & paperback wherever books are sold and on Amazon KU. Read for free and ask for them at your local library. 

14. What are you currently writing? Anything coming out soon? 

I just completed the first chapter of the next stand-alone story influenced by Filipino folklore. I’m hoping to release it next year. 2026. 

Connect with Zee

To keep up with her writing and upcoming projects, visit ZeeLacson.com or follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Wrapping Up

A big thank-you to Zee for taking the time to answer my questions so thoughtfully! If you’re in the mood for something imaginative and heartfelt—with a touch of myth and magic—be sure to check out her books. You can find them wherever books are sold, on Amazon Kindle Unlimited, or read for free and request them at your local library. And if you’d like to support indie bookstores (and this blog!), grab a copy through Bookshop.org. If you buy through this link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

More author interviews coming soon—stay tuned!

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