Q1.How did you come up with the title for your book?
A1.)It came to me when I was betting with a (male) Twitter mutual of mine on who gets to wake up first in the morning and leave a message. It dawned to me that it sounded like an angsty concept— on who gets to wake up and who gets to remain asleep, but due to fictional reasons, I somehow changed the ideas, hence the name.(PS: woah...)😳
Q2.How would you describe your book's ideal reader?
A2.)My book's ideal reader? Perhaps someone who knows how to READ between the lines and COMPREHEND not only the MALE character's situation but also the FEMALE's. I've seen a lot of people hating on Y/N just because Beomgyu cried, but never did they try to put themselves into her shoes. It was actually disappointing.(PS: that's really true we have to understand everyone's situation...)👍
Q3.What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
A3.) Plot comes first. Whenever I make a story, I think about what happens and by the time I'm done weaving ideas together, I get to select the perfect character to fit into the roles.
Q4.What's your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?
A4.) In terms of publishing, I find the writing process grueling. Sometimes, I enjoy typing my thoughts into the pages, however there are occasions wherein I just feel lost and dissatisfied. I do love the part where I get to save and publish everything. Makes me feel as if I've accomplished something big. Especially when I get to read the comments. (PS: same...sometimes i feel tired sometimes i feel energetic while writing)😭
Q5.What part of the book was the most fun to write?
A5.) Keep Me Awake was very angsty but I do like the part where Beomgyu and Y/N were facing each other from their respective balconies while singing to The Chainsmokers' "Something Just Like This" through their phones. I think it was magical.(PS: that's so sweet)❤🦋
Q6.Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?
A6.)I sort of relate to Y/N? I'm a bed slug. I spend most of my days laying/sitting in the comfort of my bed, doing nothing especially when it's the weekends. Also, I do love Gatorade's blue flavor.
Q7.What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?
A7.) The flow perhaps? When I start writing, I sometimes find myself piecing additional ideas into the previous framework and it somehow affects the plot that I've made.
Q8.What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this story?
A8.)Viewing life through a person who goes through insomnia/sleep disorder. Whenever I write things involving medical conditions, history, or anything that has to be (possibly) factual. I tend to do research. I watch clips on YouTube for reference and accuracy. I want to make it as realistic as possible, rather than the typical Wattpad-like situations where most scenarios are more likely farfetched from what actually happens in real life.(PS: that's awesome!!)😃
Q9.How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
A9.)Okay, this is important to me as I've been dealing with the toxicity in Keep Me Awake's comment section. Way back, most of my readers were good at understanding both leads in the story, but the older the book gets, the more immature and insensitive users throw hate on Y/N just because Beomgyu was hurt over her decisions. What really upset me was the way they didn't even bother comprehending the scenario. They just straight up lost their consciences over a pretty boy. Sounds harsh. Idc. I've been posting my thoughts on my Wattpad timeline ever since. I'm glad that my readers were now aware by it and became more considerate with their comments and reactions towards my other works. However, the toxicity is still there for the new users and it's either I ignore them or delete their nonsense. I've never gotten any bad reviews regarding with the plot though.
Q10.What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?
A10.) To all aspiring authors in this platform, whether you are doubting to write your first masterpiece or not— GO FOR IT. Votes and reads don't come your way overnight. Everyone starts with baby steps and the more you step into the light, the better you grow. Don't be afraid to challenge yourselves. Try to write a different story; one that no one has ever read before. Beware of putting mature contents however, let us not normalize sexualization of idols for NO GOOD REASON. I find authors who glorify the idea of r**e, domestic abuse, and toxic behaviors (of idols) towards their other leads (mostly Y/Ns) and with them (Y/Ns) tolerating it, thinking that "love" will change everything. Let us NOT romanticize such thing. Remember, we are human and no one deserves to be put under the bad light neither suffer. There's a lot more better stories to tell, ones that could spark inspiration to others. You can do it. All that effort will eventually pay off. Just believe in yourself and once you look back, you'll realize how far you've come.
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Thank you so much mochiminie_for sharing your thoughts with us and I'll hope I will see more of your masterpieces... thank you for dedicating your time to us!❤
With this I'll take my leave and will bring my new guest with me next time!
