Guojing’s First Author/Illustrator Trip to Manhattan!

One November day, I received a toast event invitation from PRH for my book 'The House That Floated' and stepped into the legendary city of New York for the very first time. A city of dreams for so many, it had also been a place I, full of my own dreams, had longed to see. Here, I finally met my good friend and agent Isabel in her home city, the place where my dreams first took shape.

I remember it vividly: more than a decade ago, it was in New York that Isabel helped me find my first publishing house. My first book ‘The Only Child’ was published, and I won my first award. Time flies, yet to this day I remain passionate and grateful to pursue drawing and storytelling, sharing pieces of my imagination with the world.

New York is even bigger, livelier, and more surprising than I ever imagined. Walking through its streets, I found unexpected delights at every turn—classic historic buildings, tiny sculptures tucked into corners, or a sudden downpour that led us to shelter under the covered walkways in Central Park, where beautiful murals were accompanied by the soft strumming of a guitar.

During the PRH event, I had the chance to visit the main office—the birthplace of classic books and extraordinary stories. I met my amazing editor, Lee Wade, whose support and kindness have always meant so much to me, as well as other brilliant artists like Rachael. Looking out the window, I felt as if scenes from my graphic novel, ‘The Flamingo,’ were coming to life on the streets below. After the event, we made our way to the SOI exhibition.

I was thrilled to have two of my drawings selected by SOI—one from ‘The House That Floated’ and another from ‘Oasis.’ Even more wonderfully, New York gave me the chance to meet my ‘Oasis’ editor, Laura. I couldn’t be more grateful for her warmth and support.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without visiting my beloved Van Gogh at the Met. Years ago, when I was stuck in a boring job, it was in a book store, the Van Gogh’s trembling colors and images that gave me a sense of liberation—a reminder of I should follow my passion and creation.

Finally, I made it back to my hotel on the New York confusing subway without getting lost once. Did I pass the New Yorker’s test?

New York, I realized, is more than a city—it’s a symbol, a vast container of passion and a relentless pursuit of one’s own path. It reminds me to work harder and to cherish the privilege of chasing my dreams every single day.

Thank you to my wonderful friend and agent, Isabel, and to all my editors and everyone whose support has carried me to this place.

At last, it was the last moment in my little hotel room in this big city. See you soon, New York.

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