Lia, a 17-year old orphan living by the Atlantic is swept away by the ocean currents during a ruthless storm.  She is then saved by Moria and Albert, a duo of illegal runaways on their magical ship! Her normal, mundane life suddenly becomes a supernatural adventure as she learns about the powers of their kind and their relations to the human world. But Lia soon discovers that there is a dark secret hidden in a mysterious kingdom.  Join Lia as she unlocks the truth behind an ocean of secrets...

Born in Iraq, Sophie-chan became infatuated with shôjo manga at the tender age of seven. With dreams of becoming a manga artist herself, she began teaching herself to draw using her favorite shows as inspiration and refusing to give up. Even as she studied to become an engineer she kept drawing, then in 2008 she started a YouTube channel to show off her artwork, with fans of her original creations all around the world!

Creator: Sophie-chan
Trim size: 5"W x 7.5"H
Cover: Softcover
Interior: B&W (some color)
Print volumes: 2 (ongoing)
Digital volumes: 2 (ongoing)

Q&A WITH SOPHIE-CHAN

Where did the idea for Ocean of Secrets come from?
Initially, I was drawn to the ocean, to the level that, I could have been a sailor in my past life. I was also a big fan of fantasy and mystery. If you combine these genres together, along with a spice of drama, the Ocean of Secrets is born.

Who are your art/writing inspirations? What were the titles that sparked your interest in becoming an artist?
I was inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's films especially Howl's Moving Castle, I was inspired by Yana Toboso (Black Butler) and Jun Mochizuki (Pandora Hearts).

In my early teens, I was a big fan of Digimon and Detective Conan. I later discovered Death Note, Code Geass and Black Butler which really inspired me to have my own manga series.

How did you teach yourself to draw? Did you use books, or was it lots and lots of practice?
It was mainly by drawing a lot. I'd look at anime characters and try to use them as a reference. I did follow few tutorials online and have bought couple of how to draw books. I was also experimenting with different art supplies and trying out as many programs as I can afford to enhance the quality of my art.

How did you keep yourself from getting discouraged early on in your art? Do you have any advice for budding young artists?
I wasn't seeking approval from anyone, I was drawing as a hobby and thought that as long as I'm enjoying it, I don't need anyone to praise my work or support it. I knew I will get better in time and believed in myself. My advice to upcoming artists is to not compare yourself to anyone and keep doing what you like.