Nancy So Miller (서혜석) is a Korean American children’s book author/illustrator and traveling art teacher based in Savannah, Georgia. She creates handmade, dimensional paper worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood, inviting viewers to feel part of the moment. Her work conveys subtle narratives and emotions brought to life through photography. Her debut author-illustrator picture book, Sun, Moon, and Star, is available today! (Holiday House, February 24, 2026).
Monica Acker (MA): Happy Book Birthday, Nancy!! I am so excited to chat with you about your stunning debut picture book, Sun, Moon, and Star: A Folktale from Korea.
Can you share your inspiration for creating this beautiful updated retelling of a traditional Korean folktale? What drew you to this story?
Nancy So Miller (NSM): Thank you, Monica, for the opportunity to share! I read the original Korean folktale many years ago and was drawn to it because the three main characters were sisters. I am the oldest of three sisters! I created a rough book dummy and set it aside in a drawer, not really looking back until my graduate studies. Toward the end of my graduate studies, I began taking courses in children’s book writing and illustration through Storyteller Academy. That’s when I picked up the story again and created my own retelling.
MA: What is different in the Nancy So Miller Sun, Moon, and Star from the original folktale?
NSM: The original Korean folktale is much harsher, and I softened various parts of the story. I also wanted to give the three sisters their own personalities and consider how to incorporate that into the visuals. Being the author and illustrator made that a fun job! I also gave the ending a different twist. You’ll have to read my version to find out more!
MA: The illustrations are breathtaking. The tiger spread feels as though the tiger will leap off of the page if you don’t turn it fast enough! What is your process for creating so much dimension?
NSM: I used a variety of materials to create the illustrations for Sun, Moon, and Star: watercolor paper, watercolor inks, acrylic paint, gouache, moss, clay, pastel, foamboard, wire, balsa wood, glass eyes, hanji, and ink. Here’s a video that shows some of the materials I used.
Here’s a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY3xpqrsuYU
As for my process, I begin by writing the manuscript. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I need the overall story structure in place. I’ve had numerous rounds with my critique partners. Thank you to my critique partners: Becky, Debbie, Patti, and Tiffany!
From there, I create numerous thumbnail sketches for the story. I make multiple passes on storyboards, then move on to book dummies. These start out small, and I gradually increase their size until I reach full-scale book dummies. It usually takes about ten dummies before I begin creating tighter line drawings, followed by value and color comprehensives.
Depending on the complexity of an illustration, I also create a rough cut-out dummy using cardstock or foam board to work out the scale. Because the final illustrations are built from cut pieces and placed into scenes, this step helps me avoid making elements too small or too large in relation to one another.
Once that stage is complete, I separate my line drawings into individual pieces in Photoshop. I then print them onto watercolor paper and complete the inking and painting. After cutting everything out, I keep the pieces organized until I glue them together. Next, I set up the scene with all the pieces, the backdrop, and the lighting, and then I photograph the final illustration.
The photography stage can be especially challenging. When I reviewed the images digitally, I wasn’t always satisfied, so I would go back and reshoot them. I have a vision in my head, and when it isn’t working, I step backwards and try again.
MA: Such an amazing glimpse behind the scenes! Once readers have this story in their hands, what do you hope they will take away from Sun, Moon, and Star?
NSM: I hope readers enjoy the story of three brave sisters who have each other and learn to rely on themselves, even when they are unsure and scared. I also hope they can sense the joy I felt while creating the illustrations, as well as the comfort I found in connecting with my Korean heritage through folk art. I truly had a blast!
MA: I can’t wait to share it with my three daughters! This story is a wonderful representation of strong young women. Your creativity is boundless. You also host the “My Creative Life” podcast. Do you have a favorite medium for your creativity?
NSM: I appreciate you being a past guest, Monica! It was a delight chatting with you on the podcast. I don’t have a favorite medium. I think in the future each book will be like its own movie, and I look forward to the challenge of creating visuals that fit each distinct story. I like spending time experimenting and making sure the choices will be the perfect fit.
MA: Thank you so much for sharing Sun, Moon, and Star: A Korean Folktale with us! Can I share something with you? A little cover reveal? While your story features a fierce tiger, my upcoming story features a dandelion – emphasis on lion.
I wrote this story in 2020 about a dandelion who believes he is the true king of all creatures and certainly important enough to be the stuff of legends. Early summer, this self-proclaimed legend will be published with Marble Press as The Legend of Leo: A Dandy-lion Tale. The words are by me and the brilliant art is by Mikel Valverde. When I saw this cover, it felt as though Mikel Valverde plucked the image straight from my imagination.
WRITERS' RUMPUS 