Claris Lam (she/her) is a Chinese Canadian author & poet writing fantasy, mystery, and poetry to inspire readers with hope, perseverance, creativity, and happy endings. The first two books in her murder mystery series, the Harlow Mystery series, were nominated for several categories in the 2023 Indie Ink Awards and 2024 Queer Indie Awards.
Claris’ short fiction and poetry has been published in several collections and projects. Her debut poetry chapbook, Refilling The Well, was published in February 2025, and she has two published YA fantasy short story collections, Stay Magical! (Sept. 2025) and Found (May 2026). She also has published one fantasy chapter book for children (Sadie Rowe And The Missing Necklace, February 2026). Learn more about her work at https://clarislam.ca.
Found’s collection of eight short stories brings a twist to retelling fairytales from different points of view, such as the witch that kept Rapunzel in a tower, the titular Juniper Tree, and the hunter that refused to kill Snow White.
Fans of Grimms’ fairytales and their retellings will find themselves entertained with new perspectives on classic stories.
The interview
Why do you write in the genres that you do?
I write murder mysteries, fantasy fiction and poetry because, well, I do enjoy reading those genres! I have so many ideas to write in those areas as a result of reading so many books in those genres, so I might as well write some of my own.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
I used to, but now they’re mainly compiled of various Word documents and Google docs scattered everywhere.
Do you have a muse?
I don’t have a set muse, no. I get inspiration from almost everything I’m interested in, not just one singular object/person/activity.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
I’m more of a plan of character-driven stories, because for me as a reader, the characters need to be the ones actively driving the plot.
The plot can drive the characters to do certain things, butt hey also need to be pushing back and/or choosing what to do about the situations they face. The relationship between plot and characters needs to be one where they equally give to, and take from, each other to make the story fully work.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
They’re fun! I personally don’t use them myself, but I don’t mind hearing others use them to write their own works.
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
Run a library! I’ve worked part-time in a library before, and I am always impressed by how the staff manage to organize all of their community events and bring people together through books and other activities!
How do you name your characters?
Sometimes the names just come to my head instantly. Other times, I use a dictionary of names and/or look up lists of names to figure out which ones fit the character’s personality the best.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
My own author website!
Do you try to hit a certain page or word count with each writing session?
I try to finish writing a chapter with each writing session. If the chapter is very long, I try to write at least half of a chapter.
Do you have any writing rituals?
The closest thing I have to a writing ritual is that every time I finish a round of edits on a project or finish a round of drafting, I use the rest of the day and/or the day after to take a break from writing. It helps me refresh my mind and relax a bit.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I really enjoy sewing, playing video games, and playing the piano, violin, and pipe organ!
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
Yep! I’ve participated plenty of interviews, podcasts, and panels. Most recently, I took part in two panels for Canada Fiction Fest, which is a national online showcase featuring all-Canadian authors!
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
I’d want Joanne Fluke (author of the Hannah Swensen mystery series) to read my Harlow Mystery book series. It was through my love-hate relationship with her books that were a partial inspiration to writing mine (as well as all the other murder mystery authors that I read)!
What is your favorite bookish possession?
I was gifted three Collectors’ Edition volumes of the Cardcaptor Sakura manga series one Christmas, and the covers are gorgeous. I still have them and I’m tempted to get the rest of the collectors’ editions later on!
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
I haven’t mentored anyone long-term, but I have given some writing advice here and there to various writers that reached out to me to ask questions.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
I’ve had some other non-writer friends and family pitch some kids’ books to write.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
Yes, I read so many books! I’ve read hundreds of books a year, and I have my own personal collection (which is not hundreds of books large, surprisingly).
Nowadays, I try to get ebooks and/or physical books from the local libraries and/or find books in the little libraries in the neighbourhood. I only have so much room on my bookshelves to hold my personal collection.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
No, but if I could…I would choose a nice small oceanside town that’s pretty quiet but still has some interesting sights. It would be very peaceful.
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