Nothing makes me more happy than to write, but you guys probably know that.

Another thing that makes me happy is the existence of tags - these really fun get-to-know-you questions that gives others a glimpse into my mind. Sharing is caring, but this is more than that, but an interactive time where I can learn as much as I can about my readers and friends as well. So if you're reading this, do the tag too!

Part One: Writing

What do you write? What genre? Any reoccurring themes?

I like to write long novels, complete with solid beginnings and endings that are a satisfying resolution to a complicated and complex plot. My favorite genres are fairytale retellings, and modern slice of life novels with a centralized themes. I like my novels highly organized and thematic, with a lot of unique characterization, good narration, and long chapters.

What or who inspires you to write?

My life inspires me, in the small, daily occurrences that I remember, as well as my own observations about different issues, intermeshed with the challenges I faced. My novels are a direct reflection of my own life, together with my dreams and emotions all gathered into one.

Where do you write, when, and with what?

I prefer a lot of solitude, to get ‘into the zone’ and be really focused on the task of writing. I usually retreat to my room, or a secluded study table in school, where I can really churn out the first drafts of my chapters before taking a few days editing.

I used to write my stories on paper, filing them away (and they’re around even now) but as time passed and I had my laptop, it was easier to type 3000k words at one sitting.

How long have you been writing?

Since I was thirteen. Almost a decade of my passion for literature and writing.

Why do you write?

Originally, it was because I had a million thoughts and no one to tell them to. Afterwards, it was because I was frustrated with the lack of character depth, as well as a good plot, and I wanted to write what I wanted to read.

Sound or silence when writing?

Silence, with music in the background to set the writing mood.

Have you studied writing? What was it like? Where did you learn it from, if not?

I read and read and read so many different books on writing, on acquisition of style, as well as on characterization and plot. I read so many resources on Creative Writing, and went to workshops, as well as practiced it through actual writing practices. I also learned a lot during NaNoWriMo, the annual November writing month, where I get to meet like-minded souls who come for the activities at the library.

Do you draw inspiration from anyone for your writing style?

I like to think I’ve been inspired by a lot of authors who put in a lot of hard work into their writing. However, my writing style is uniquely my own. It’s like Hans Christian Anderson meets Lemony Snicket. That’s how I perceive my writing style, especially when it comes to my original novels.

For my fanfics, I tend to concentrate on the action aspect, more screenplay and less prose. Fanfiction is mostly supposed to be an imitation of real life, and I want my readers to read my book and think they are walking through the shoes of my OCs. It’s very movie-style, rather than a huge chunk of text.

What do your friends and family think?

I don’t share my writing with them. I have had misunderstandings regarding small petty things, and my parents don’t share the same love for writing as I do. I’ve been told a lot of things regarding my hobbies, and I had decided earlier on that the only time they will ever be allowed to read my work is when I die (?)

A bit dramatic, I know, but to put it simply, I am happy where I am, and I don’t want to be upset when someone ruins the only hobby I have left.

What do you find challenging?

Writer’s block, especially when I’ve been surrounded by so many things and have little time to myself. As an introvert, sometimes it gets frustrating when people think that just because they see you’re an outgoing person, you like being outgoing all the time. I have the biggest need for privacy and if I don’t get it, I am unable to plan and write. My whole family is made up of extroverts. I’m ded.

Any tips for writer’s block?

Plan out an outline for that chapter, or another scene that is gonna come up later. By planning it out, you at least know what to put in as the skeleton of that chapter, and when the emotions come forth in the future, you’ll already have somewhere to channel it into. I’ve got my trusty bookmark filled with future scenes that won’t come in a loooong time, but it’s there anyway, and I add in anything that needs to be added.

What are three things you love about writing?

The rush when you are able to pen down something that is exactly what you planned it to be inside your head.

Being able to hear how much my readers enjoy my work – I feel glad that my writing helps them relate and talk about stuff they have kept to themselves.

Falling in love with the story; I get to channel my depression into my writing and feel uplifted because it feels like I’m not alone in my journey to adulthood.

How many books have you successfully completed as of now?

I wrote my first ever self-published novel at 17, and it was a Cinderella retelling. When I was 19, I finished a Beauty and the Beast retelling and to this day I am damn proud of that novel.

On AFF I’ve finished two novels and am still editing them because I’ve got little time to do it haiz.

What are your life-long writing goals?

To keep writing novels and don’t stop, even if life gets in the way. It is my sanity, it is my hope, and it is the only thing that has ever motivated me to the point that I don’t sleep; it’s my happy pill.

Writing helps me analyse my problems and is a very healing process.

Part Two: My Work in Progress

What is the working title of your book?

Awkward! It’s such a cute name tbh it explains so much yet reveals so little.

Where did the idea come from for your book?

I once sent a oneshot about a dorky college girl in fashion school who had royal blood. Her mother signed her up into thei Bachelor show where she is supposed to gain the attention of a Duke, and she bumbles her way through that show. The competition was to spin a fairytale into something modern and I got into the top 5.

I think I was writing that after Kate Middleton got married, and was really inspired by the whole thing at the time. I was also watching Unpretty Rapstar and Show Me The Money and was pissed at Mnet for the evil editing, so I decided to put that into Awkward.

I was also watching Scarlet Heart and loved Wang So despite his whole scar thing, and I thought, hey why not have this whole Princess and the Pea x Scarlet Heart x Bachelor x modern AU thing?

Poof, Awkward was reborn.

What genre does your book fall under?

Definitely slice of life as its main theme, with angst, romance, and comedy thrown in just because.

A novel should not exclusively be one thing, guys.

Which actors would you choose to play in your movie rendition?

I think for sure everyone inside Awkward is pretty well known, but I really like how I’ve written Chanyeol and Luna. Their characters seem very ‘them’ even though at first glance you might have thought that they’re too cliché.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

A hotel director sacrifices his dignity to be the star of a romance survival show to find the girl who has saved his life, not realizing she is the very person who does not want to fall in love with him.

Who or what inspired you to write the book?

My mom said I will have to get married by 25. But I’m aual. I can’t even look at a guy and think “whoa I wanna spend the rest of my life with him” so I made a character whose very life goal is to find his girl.

Talk about trying to psycho your own self to see your mom’s perspective.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

A lot of popular fanfics make Chanyeol rich, handsome, cold just because. In Awkward, Chanyeol is much more than an heir; he’s a dedicated worker despite being the director of the hotel, a thoughtful staff to his guests and employees, and someone who is as awkward as they come. He’s also an insecure person who hates his ugliness, and is far from what people would expect a chaebol to be. I’m very proud of his character arc, and only Sun Young can redeem him from the pain and guilt he has inflicted on himself.

Awkward would be a really fun read to relate to your own awkwardness too, because who has time to be perfect all the time, right?

 

 

 

Except this guy.