A creative notion can happen at any time, and author Kenny Loui always makes sure to jot them down when the moment strikes. You never know what may become an award-winning idea! Pulling from a spark of inspiration, life experience, and a love for fortune cookies and arcades, Loui crafted his award-winning Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher book series and two successful spin-offs.
The series has received significant recognition, including:
- Dad vs. The World — Silver Medal, 2025 IPPY Awards (Multicultural Nonfiction, Juvenile/Young Adult)
- Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher (series) — Bronze Medal, 2025 IPPY Awards (Nonfiction Book Series)
- Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga, Vol. 1 — Bronze Medal, 2023 Moonbeam Awards (Comics/Graphic Novels)
- Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher (series) — Silver Medal, 2025 Moonbeam Awards (Best Series – Nonfiction)
We had the chance to catch up with Loui to discuss his creative process, what becoming an award-winning author means, and how inspiration from a variety of sources can lead to engaging storytelling.
What Winning Multiple IPPY & Moonbeam Awards Meant to Kenny Loui
For Loui, being recognized for multiple awards has been a rewarding and validating experience. “Winning not one but two IPPY Awards for Life Lessons of a UFO Catcher provided me not only with internal validation as a relatively new author and creator in the graphic novel space, but the motivation to keep writing and creating,” he says.
Besides the creative encouragement, Loui notes that these awards have benefited his book’s performance and garnered invites to do book signings and author meet-and-greets at the local independent bookstore. The awards have helped boost online sales as well. “Each book in the UFO Catcher series also reached #1 Bestseller on Amazon in various categories, including Nonfiction Manga and Teen & Young Adult Biography Comics.”
A dual winner in both IPPY and Moonbeam Awards, Loui notes that it helps validate the process and motivates him to keep writing. “It’s been a privilege to be honored not once, but twice by Moonbeam Awards [and IPPY Awards]” he says, “which fuels my desire to continue to share stories and important lessons from my life to teach and inspire young people.”
Inspiration Through Experience & Exploration
The idea for UFO Catcheres was originally intended to be a life-advice mini comic–one panel with one life lesson each.“Akin to a visual fortune cookie of sorts,” he says. Realizing he had more to say, the small idea morphed into a fully formed series.
The settings, feel, and title of the series was also drawn from Loui’s own memories and love of arcades. “First of all is my love of arcade crane games, or ‘UFO catchers,’ as they are typically called in Japan,” he says. While living in Japan and South Korea, the arcade became a “home away from home” and a way to destress after work or school for Loui.
Along with the arcade, Loui cites Aesop’s Fables, Japanese anime, and 90’s sitcoms as inspiration, which all come infused with life lessons in their narrative. “So when I began writing and doodling what would eventually become Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher, I started creating these short stories that fused the lessons I’ve learned over the years with my love of ‘UFO catching,’” he says.
Themes & Messaging
Drawn from his own experience, Loui hopes that his series will serve as a way to guide, entertain and connect with readers. “All in all, I think these little anecdotes that you’ll get in the UFO Catcher series of books can be enjoyed by people of all ages and life experiences,” he says. “I hope that readers—whether they’re adults, kids, or kids-at-heart—learn a little something from the mistakes I’ve made in life. And I’ve made many!”
Loui invites readers not to shy away from these mistakes but share them so that we can all continue to learn from one another. To sum it up, he describes the UFO Catcher as one of Aesop’s Fables with a modern-day twist or “a visual fortune cookie.”
What’s Next
Loui notes that his popular UFO Catcher series is taking a break, but not going away. “I am currently dabbling in the horror genre, working on a new graphic novel anthology series entitled Asian American Horror Story,” he says, “which uses allegorical horror to explore the Asian American experience, examining the unique challenges and struggles, and trials and tribulations of Asian Americans living in the United States.”
The first volume is titled There’s a Monster in the House, and is slated for an October release, just in time for Halloween. But fear not, UFO Catcher fans! Loui assures that there are more arcade adventures, life lessons, and cute plushes to return in the near future!
Believe in the Process – Submit to IPPY & Moonbeam
The success and recognition of Loui’s book series goes to show that sharing your life experience and believing in your story can take you far. Citing an old adage (and lesson in one of his chapters), Loui says, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And that’s very much the case with Moonbeam, [IPPY], or any other book award.” He notes that although his stories have received recognition, there were several times his books were not selected for other awards. “I wasn’t discouraged and continued to submit my books for awards and review considerations. And then those awards and reviews eventually trickled in.”
And for any aspiring writers looking to publish, Loui has some additional words of encouragement. “Write. Publish. Share your story with the world! And perhaps someday win an award or two. Believe in yourself. You can do it!”
