[ September 25th, 2023 ]

What is your gender and how old are you?

Isn't it rude to ask a woman her age? Haha, only kidding! I'm 21 years old :).

What inspired you to write this book?

Hmm…Well, I've always adored male friendships portrayed in Shonen & sports anime. Since watching them, I noticed there aren't a lot of books in the United States starring affectionate male friendships and bonds. Actually, there isn't a single one that exists that I can name. Essentially, I wanted to create a story (and perhaps a genre) that focuses on platonic, but affectionate male relationships. 

What other stories are you working on?

Ah, I've got to keep the details to a minimum, but I'm working on another bromance story that centers a famous painter and a news journalist. I'd love to tell you all more, but you'll just have to wait until it's out!

I'm trying to have it completed by January of next year so I can hopefully find an agent to send it to publishers. If all goes well, it'll be my debut novel :).

Are you working/in school?

That I am! I'm in my second year at a community college, majoring in Liberal Arts! I'm a full time student, so I'm not working at the moment, but I hope to get this story contracted so I can make a little money off of it. 

But of course, my main priority is creating a story you'll all enjoy (just as much as I do).

Which characters in Pining Through Calamity are most similar to you and why?

There's a part of myself in every character, I'd say. But to keep things simple, I'll only talk about the two main characters for now. Ruith's desire for affectionate brotherly love resonates with me quite deeply. And Simon's desire to do what's required of him while also protecting what he loves seems like a battle I'm always fighting at a much greater scale. 

What is your favorite writing snack or drink?

I love to drink sparkling water when I'm writing, but to preserve my enamel, I don't drink it that often.

What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

I still consider myself an amateur writer since I'm not quite where I want to be with my writing style (and I'm not being paid for this passion yet). Am I still qualified to answer this question?

For now, I'll give a few tips that helped me improve:

1.) Read as often as you can. Not only the genre you want to write in, but find books with a writing style you'd like to imitate and make your own one day. (For me, I prefer a literary writing style, and I'm working hard to achieve it.)

2.) Listen to music that inspires you, and artistically weave the emotions you experience from the lyrics/instruments into your story. (Maybe this is easier said than done? Still, give it a try!)

3.) Do plenty of research if you're lacking experience/knowledge about relationships between family, friends, what the real world is like, etc. When I first started writing, my imagination was extensive, but my experience in the world was not. So a lot of research goes into my novel planning. 

4.) Keep writing no matter what. Even if you write entire stories and end up trashing them like I have, the words you put into those stories are still experience. Keep going and don't look back. 

5.) Have fun. If you're burdened by writing because you're obsessed with technicalities, style, getting everything right, etc., then you're straining yourself too much. I believe wholeheartedly that loving your characters and your story should come first. As you write, knowledge, experience, and skill will come. So have fun in the moment, and be grateful that you can learn while practicing your passion. 

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I've been interested in writing and art since I was little. When required in school, I would create elaborate stories I was proud of. And I'd practice drawing at home. 

It was a couple of years ago when I was reading a Manhwa that I was inspired to write a story similar to it. I had no skill, no technical knowledge of writing, or even a clue on how to begin. However, I had faith that all I needed was my computer and an idea. I still remember those days and the complete fun I had writing books for the world and not just my teacher. 

It was this year that I decided to take writing seriously and make it my career (although I'm not quite there yet). Pining Through Calamity was actually intended to be my debut novel, but it was too long and would have required a second book. And for those that don't know, it's hard enough to release a debut novel, but a debut duology would've probably taken a long time to interest an agent. 

I decided to use the book instead to build my reader's fanbase so you guys can be the first to read my debut when it's released!

What is your least favorite part about writing? 

…world building. With every fiber of my being, I despise it. You guys will have to tell me if I'm even good at it. For the sake of my brain, you'll find that the worlds in my stories aren't that complicated. 

What is your favorite part about writing?

Definitely creating relationships between characters. It's a lot of fun, and I find myself being inspired by my characters to determine the kinds of relationships I want to have with the people close to me. I also love being artistic with my writing style. I want every word and every line I write to read like poetry. 

Those are all the questions for now! I'm so happy I could share a little about myself and my writing with you all. Please do leave any other questions you might have in the comments, and I'll do my very best to answer them all!

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