Well I am 27, born and raised in the UK. (god I hate writing about myself, feels like filling out a dating profile haha) I am really into gaming and horror films, I newly own 2 rats named Lilith and Razz. that's about all I can think of right now.
I am glad you asked! Well it's about a group of friends who go to ancient sites to find undiscovered artifacts that they can sell off to interested parties. They unwittingly release a demon and they have to send him back. I could go on but there are some points I do not wish to spoil.
I have read a few pages of your book. The names of your characters are pretty unique. Where did you get the inspiration from?
So this one was honestly just some guess work. Just started running names through my head and they seemed to work. Apart from Toshi, I was playing mario kart as yoshi (the king) and it just hit me.
Your story is set in Yoshino, Japan. Why did you choose that specific set for your book?
Well I have always had a fascination with Japanese culture and history. Admittedly it had stemmed from video games and movies but I was always fascinated by it, which is why Japan is top of my list of countries I want to visit! One of my favorite parts about writing this was the research I put into certain locations the gang visit, like at the beginning in Yoshino at the Mikumari Shrine and later when they go to the Tokyo National Museum.
How do it feel to have your novel, Oni Rise of Shadow published and that too with such positive feedback from your readers?
You would never be able to tell from my face but honestly it was overwhelming. I actually couldn’t believe I had been chosen to be published. The reviews and feedback were just the cherry on the cake for me.
A little bird told me about an upcoming sequel of Oni – Rise of Shadow. Would you like to share anything about the sequel with our readers?
Well it will be set around 1 year after the final events of the first book. It's probably going to be twice as long and will lead off to the final book making this a trilogy. No more, no less. It branches out of Japan this time as well. Visiting different countries and locales. One of which I am familiar with.
Is there a specific time of the day that you prefer to write?
I love writing in the middle of the night, when it is quiet and peaceful (and no sun to blind me). That's why when I was working night shifts when it was quiet I got so much writing done.
Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, what did you want to be?
Honestly, my career path has always chopped and changed. First I wanted to be a teacher. Then I didn’t know, then I wanted to be a youtuber/streamer. I have been so back and forth. I never actually thought I would be a writer, I actually have my mum to thank. She was the one who encouraged me to send it to publishers.
According to you, at what point can you start calling yourself a writer or an author?
Honestly it's all about personal feelings. I say that author relates to anyone who has had a book published. Anyone can be a writer, because the term writer isn’t limited to books, whether it's scripts for a screenplay/TV show/Movie. Writing news articles etc. Writer is the broader spectrum of the term. Author is the designated term. But that is just my opinion.
Do you simply open a blank page and begin writing? Or do you plan everything ahead?
Well with Oni - Rise of shadow it was a case of opening a blank page and starting writing, but for the sequel as well as certain other projects (very hush hush) I have really sat down and planned them out. My desk has about several notepads worth of notes!
When writing, do you listen to music or watch tv shows? Or do you fully focus on your writing?
It honestly depends on my mood, if I feel I need to sit down and properly focus I will sit there in silence writing away. But most of the time I will stick to either some music or Youtube. I like the background noise and it's nice to be able to take a break every now and again. I still remember watching GameGrumps playing Sonic Adventure DX in the background writing Oni.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Well I do love a good nap! But honestly it would be a mix of working, reading, playing video games with friends or just chilling with family watching some bad TV.
Writing takes a lot of time, did you ever have to give up on anything to become an author?
Not really, I made it fit into my schedule. If I could give up work and focus on writing full time I would do that in a heartbeat. But unfortunately I have bills to pay haha.
Do you often get a writer’s block? If yes, what is your secret to get out of it?
Finding something mind numbing to do sometimes helps. Read a college textbook or do something that you find boring. Do it for long enough and it sort of resets your brain. Failing that, I tend to play some video games for a bit. The stories crafted in them tend to spark something that gets me going again.
You mentioned your favorite author being Stephen King, what do you love about his writing the most?
It is hard to pick one, I would say that it is the shock factor and the sense of disturbia that any horror writer would hope to achieve, he gives it. There are certain themes and moments in his books that could be considered Taboo, especially in this day and age. It is why I love it, because it has that shock factor that will forever be stuck in your head.
Do you ever have those days where you don’t feel like writing?
Some days yes, I will open it up and look at it and just not feel up to it. It is rare, but it still happens. When it does I just take the time for myself.
What is the best part of writing for you? What is the worst part?
The best part is envisioning the story as you go along, as if it is playing like a movie inside your head. The worst part (that I experienced recently) is when you finish the story, then after going through it making sure you are happy with it, end up taking half of it out.
Do you aspire to be a famous author?
I don’t care if I get famous or not, although it would be nice. I would just like to reach a point where I could live comfortably off my work.
Do you have a favorite quote that you would like to share?
"To me, Writing is Fun. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing, as long as you can tell a story." - Stan Lee
Is there anything that you would like to add or share in this interview?
Not particularly, so have a picture of a panda:
It sounds like the people in your book are essentially tomb raiders, stealing unfound artifacts to sell, so are we met to seem them as the good guys or the band's guys in the book?
ReplyDeleteI'd say they are loveable rogues at the beginning, but through the story there good side is more present
DeleteGreat interview! We enjoyed reading the questions and answers.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I appreciate it.
DeleteA lively interview with a lovely presentation skill. Loved the flow and the rhythm. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDelete