Captivating characters

In 2001, one of his children's stories was published - thanks to his brother Xiong Lei, who was already an established children's book writer then. Xiong Liang realized that his calling in life was writing when his book received overwhelming success. He decided to fold his 10-year-old business and write full time.

But he only realized by chance that he had the gift to illustrate his thoughts in pictures. He was creating some reading materials for his daughter Tiantian, when he decided to draw pictures to go with his writing.

And he found the process delightful.

His years in foreign trade proved useful. He got access to lots of foreign picture books, which enlightened him.

Xiong's works are considered the model of Chinese picture books. Because he wrote and illustrated his books himself, while previous writers had to work with an artist.

Sharing the flow of his work, Xiong says he works like a drama director.

"First, I come up with a story idea. Then I leave it there for two or three years. During the interval, I tell the story many times to my friends. When the story is established as an orally transmitted fable, I begin to draw and write."

Xiong says although he contemplates for a long time before putting his stories onto paper, the moment he starts writing and drawing, it's smooth sailing.

"Confidence in oneself is the key that separates one from the crowd who are over loaded with information and choices," he adds.

Xiong tries different drawing styles in his different works, but his ink-and-wash style is the most prominent.

"I didn't choose ink-and-wash because it's a Chinese art form, I choose it because it's black and white, which sends out a slightly dark message, like heavy metal music."

His recent work, The Plum Rain Fairy, hints of the dark side he spoke about.

Xiong believes that Chinese picture books are still in their infancy. He says to develop the industry, he plans to train and inspire more picture book editors, bringing along with him his experiences working with foreigners.

Contact the writer at meijia@chinadaily.com.cn.