Meet The Authors edition #6 (March 2020 to November 2020)

interview #5 @phantommuseums

1 what inspired you to write? 

I've been writing for a long time without realizing I was a writer, so a lot of my inspiration has changed. When I was five or so, Zaboomafoo. I loved animals. When I was a tween, anime and all my crushes. I loved boys. When I was a young adult, I wrote about mental health and depression, as that was what I was going through. I now write like a screenwriter—if I see a scene, I set it up and ask questions later. It always ends up pertaining to art, performance, politics, relationships, and environment. You know. Life.

2 what is one Wattpad goal?

My only Wattpad goal is to keep writing and keep posting. I try not to let awards dictate how I feel about my writing. As long as someone reads what I'm writing, I think it's successful.

 3 what's your favorite snack?

I LOVE NUTS. Also cotton candy. And wasabi peas. And roasted seaweed. 

 4 what's your favorite holiday and why?

I'm not sure if I have a favorite holiday, but my favorite season is fall. The mystique of it is so cathartic and wonderful. I also LOVE weddings. I think bringing two people's family and friend groups together is one of the most beautiful, hilarious instances of controlled chaos. 

 5 what's your schedule regarding your writing?

My schedule is a little (and by "a little" I mean "extremely") loose. Sometimes the writing magic is more powerful at night, sometimes I have a very productive fresh start in the morning. I try to do at least one chapter a week though, as I also paint and work on film sets. 

 6 how would you spend a rainy day?

If I had one of those serene rainy days that say, fell on a weekend? Perfect. I would cuddle with my kitty, Honey; I'd try to get some painting done, get cranky because my studio doesn't have a good chair, then give up and go lay back in bed with Honey. Then I'd get haunted by the idea that I'm not being productive and try to write. After one chapter, I'd fall asleep with my laptop burning my legs. Then, food.

 7 if you could hang out with your favorite celeb for a day, who would you choose and what would you do?

I'd hang out with Patti Smith. I think I'd just want to get a coffee with her. I'd keep it short and sweet. Honestly, reading one of her books feels very close to reading her mind, so I don't know if I'd have much to say. I'd just want to listen. 

 8 Are you still surprised when you get a new vote, follow or comment?

I'm very thankful when it happens. I'll always be surprised. I think someone taking the time to read your work, let alone react to it, is a really affirming feeling, and it will never lose its magic and warmth. Makes my little heart flutter.

 9 what's a good piece of advice for a newcomer?

A good piece of advice? Write for you, and only you. Throw votes, comments, and fame off the back of a moving train. Focus on your craft, not the audience. There will always be an audience, but it's up to you to hone the craft. But, if you want views and community, you MUST reach out. Read other people's stuff, compliment, encourage. The universe returns that kindness in surprising, fulfilling ways. You will always get more bees with honey than vinegar.

 10 what's the best way to handle a bully? 

Okay: I'm 24 years old. I have risen through teenage hood full of scrapes and bruises. But I've also seen a lot since then. Here's the thing—there will always be bullies. It's the only way some people feel good about themselves (pretty sad, huh?) Here is my best advice: learn how to be a shield. Deflect that energy, push through, find a source (therapist, counselor, parent, friend, etc.) you can confide in who will listen to you and validate your experience. Then, exit stage right the moment you can. Leave the bully in the dust. As you get older, you will spot bullies from miles away and avoid them before they come near. But protect your heart, your mind, and your spirit. Listen to the people who love you, not those who can't even find a way to like themselves.

11 Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author is Neil Gaiman. I love his style. But I also love Stephen King's hutzpah. (Every aspiring writer in the world should read his book "On Writing".)

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ESÛNE 

ESÛNE and Those Who Call Her Home is a fantasy drama contemplating the climate crisis. It's a work that came into fruition as I was in a class on Earth, the Cosmos, and life itself.

 ESÛNE has a large cast of elven royalty, Gnomish adventurers, Dwarven sea captains, and Human wizards. It's an epic that is just as full of character development as it is full of intricate world building, delicious foods, and hard questions.

ESÛNE is not just my story, it is yours. As Esûne is facing her greatest struggle yet, so is Earth. Whether you're a rogue, a queen, a scientist, or a beekeeper; whether you're a desert elf, a forest gnome, a sea-faring dwarf, or a human of the Isles, you call Earth home. And you can save it.