‘Just start’ is 12-year-old author Avril Herng’s advice to young writers

PETALING JAYA: Avril Herng is living proof that belief, perseverance and a supportive family can turn a childhood passion into reality.

The Shah Alam-born author is just 12 years old, yet has already written two mystery novels under the Laura Taylor series. She is currently planning a third book and is also developing another trilogy.

Her parents, BK Ng and Nicole Tan, played a central role in nurturing her love for storytelling, while her elder sister, Vanessa, serves as her editor, making the writing journey a family affair.

How did it all begin?

“From the beginning, my parents told me that I could become anything I wanted – including a writer,” Avril shared at the launch of the Laura Taylor series in Petaling Jaya last weekend.

“To nurture this interest, my Mum made little paper books for me by clipping pages together with a stapler. I would write in them, and soon I had many tiny books that I kept and stored away.”

As Avril grew older, the handmade booklets gave way to proper notebooks, and eventually a laptop – a turning point that allowed her writing to flourish.

Besides writing, Avril also plays the piano and violin. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring young writers, her message was simple.

“Keep reading, no matter your age. That’s how you improve your language skills. If you want to be a writer, don’t just dream about it – take action.

“You can start small – write a page or two, or a couple of hundred words a day. Do it every day. In a few months, you’ll see your book coming to life.”

Avril’s reading tastes are wide-ranging, spanning genres and generations. Her favourite authors include Holly Jackson, Stephanie Garber, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Franz Kafka.

“Holly and Stephanie excel in young adult fiction, blending fantasy with crime and mystery – the kind of books I like to write,” she said.

“I admire Dostoevsky and Kafka for the depth and tragic nature of their work, which is profound and thought-provoking. I try to blend all their styles into my books.”

The idea for her first novel, Laura Taylor: The Case of the Phantom Emerald, was sparked during a family trip to the United Kingdom last year. Avril said inspiration struck while watching The Phantom of the Opera together.

“The experience was so moving – the costumes, the acting, the atmosphere – and I decided to incorporate some of those elements into my book,” she said.

“When I first started writing Phantom Emerald, I never imagined it would become a series. I thought it would be a one-off story about a girl solving a mystery.”

However, an epilogue in the first book prompted readers to ask for a sequel, leading Avril to expand the story into a trilogy.

Beyond the Laura Taylor series, Avril already has ideas for another mystery-cum-thriller trilogy, which she plans to begin after completing the current story arc.

She described Laura Taylor as a character driven by curiosity and courage.

“She notices what others overlook. She is not afraid to ask questions, and she seeks the truth even when it is far from her,” said Avril.

“While these stories may seem to be about mystery, they are also about friendship, resilience and trusting one’s instincts.”

Avril also illustrates and designs her own book covers, and having Vanessa as her editor makes the creative process even more meaningful.

“She is my best friend and biggest supporter,” Avril said. “We were both homeschooled and spent a lot of time together. She is going away to university, but our bond will always remain strong.”

Asked whether she hopes to see her books adapted for television or film, Avril smiled.

“That would be a huge milestone. I would be absolutely thrilled if that ever happens,” she said.

“I love shows like Only Murders in the Building, the Sherlock series with Benedict Cumberbatch, and the new Matlock with Kathy Bates.”

For now, however, her focus remains firmly on writing. Avril is also considering law as a future career, with writing as a parallel pursuit.

“That is one of the reasons I enjoy watching Matlock,” she added.

More than a young author, Avril is a reminder that with belief, discipline and encouragement, age is no barrier to creativity.

Her next mystery may well be her greatest adventure yet.