I have 6 short stories/novels on here so first I gotta pick one to do this for... I think I'll go with the one I'm editing/posting right now, Forty-Seven Flowers
Q: So, what inspired this story? What made you decide 'I have to write this story?'
This story is heavily inspired by Howl's Moving Castle, which was and still is one of my favorite movies of all time. The visuals and story-telling made me want to start creating and sharing my own stories. I simply had to write it because I knew if I didn't, I'd never start my journey on becoming a writer at all. This is the first story I ever fully finished (first draft was completed when I was 18), so being able to edit and expand and polish it now is almost surreal.
Q: What was the hardest part about writing this story?
The hardest part was knowing where the story was going and how to end it. I am very much a pantser type of writer, and while some events were set in stone the last half was kind of led by my will to just keep writing. Editing it now makes me realize how long-winded I can be, so cutting some things out will also be hard.
Q: What was your favorite part about writing the story?
My favorite part was actually finishing it for the first time. For three months all I would do all day every day was write and write and write. And when it was done I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. Although it was very rough (still is in a lot of ways) it will forever hold a special place in my little writer heart.
Q: Are any of the characters based on people from your real life?
My main character Iliana is definitely a representation of myself as a teenager, or at least an idealized version. shudders . With my edits I'm trying to give her more of a personality. Lol what does that say about my teenage self?
Additional Question: When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a writer/creator?
When I was twelve I penned my first story, about wolves finding love. That was when I knew I wanted to do this more.