Lin’s background plays a pivotal role in shaping the themes and storytelling in When the Sea Turned Silver. Born in 1974 to Taiwanese immigrants in upstate New York, Lin often felt the weight of growing up between two cultures. This experience of cultural duality dramatically influences her work, including When the Sea Turned Silver, which is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and mythology. Lin has stated that as a child, she did not see herself reflected in the stories she read, which inspired her to write books that would allow young Asian-American readers to connect with their heritage (Amberg, Amy. “Grace Lin of Diversity and Inclusion.” Writer’s Rumpus, 2022). This desire to bridge cultures is evident in how Lin intertwines ancient Chinese myths with universal themes of bravery, family, and self-discovery. Lin details her experiences in The Year of the Dog (2005) and Gene Luen Yang details similar struggles in the young adult graphic novel American Born Chinese (2006).

Taiwan is heavily influenced by Chinese folklore, language, and culture due to its deep historical and cultural ties with mainland China (“History of Taiwan.” Life of Taiwan).