Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start writing? 

     I've always been drawn to the magic of storytelling. From the time I could read, and trust me I was young, I found myself lost in the worlds of books. Coming from a busy household with at least 4 siblings at any time, reading was my escape. In the chaos of family life, diving into a book was like stepping into a different universe, where I could be anyone and go anywhere. But as I grew older, I started feeling the pull to create my own stories. It wasn't an easy path, though. Many people around me, well meaning as they were, tried to dissuade me from pursuing writing as a career. They pushed me towards the traditional route of getting a degree and finding a stable job. And I followed their advice, at least for a while. I went to school, got the degree, and even had a few jobs. But deep down, I knew that something was missing. The routine of 9-to-5 life never fit me. And it definitely never made me as happy as creating new worlds did. So, when I became chronically ill, I mustered the courage to follow my passion for writing.

What genre(s) do you prefer to write in, and why?

     I absolutely adore the fantasy genre. There's something incredibly liberating about the limitless possibilities it offers. In fantasy, imaginations can run wild. Fantastical realms, magical creatures, and epic adventures that transport both myself and my readers to entirely new worlds, it’s amazing. The freedom to create my own rules and bend reality allows me to explore complex themes and  truths in a way that feels both magical and grounding. And the beauty of the fantasy genre is that it’s a huge umbrella term, you can have romance in fantasy, or horror. You can explore almost any other genre while writing fantasy. 

     What's even more fascinating about fantasy is its versatility. It's not confined to a single formula or style. Instead, it's this huge playground where creativity is unlimited. You can venture into high fantasy with its epic quests and battles, or try out urban fantasy, where magic and our modern world collide.

     What really draws me in is the ability to blend elements from different genres. You can have a love story unfolding amidst the chaos of war, or uncover chilling mysteries lurking in the shadows of a mystical forest. 

     But I can’t forget about poetry. Poetry has its own unique enchantment, a language of its own that speaks directly to the soul. There's something deeply intimate and profound about the way poetry can capture emotions and experiences in just a few words. 

     As a writer, I find myself drawn to both fantasy and poetry for different reasons. While fantasy allows me to explore epic adventures and expansive worlds, poetry allows me to delve into the depths of human emotion and experience. Together, they offer me a diverse range of tools and techniques to express myself with and hopefully to connect with my audience on a profound level.

Are there any themes or subjects that you find yourself returning to frequently in your writing? If so, what draws you to these topics?

     Themes of resilience, identity, and philosophy. These are topics that deeply resonate with me on a personal level and drive a lot of my creative works. These themes seem to naturally creep into my work. What draws me to these topics is the opportunity they provide for introspection and understanding. Through my writing, I'm able to delve into the complexities of emotions and experiences, exploring the triumphs and challenges we all face in our lives. I think these themes help me connect with readers on a deeper level and possibly inspire reflection and foster some empathy.

Many writers have rituals or routines they follow during the writing process. Do you have any routines or rituals that help you get into the creative zone? 

     You’re not going to like this answer, but no. Not really. I don’t have set times when I write, or a certain routine I adhere to, to get my inspiration going. My brain is just creative most of the time. This might be from a lifetime of living with my nose in books, or just something that is natural for me. I honestly don’t know. 

     I do have a lot of notebooks though, on my desk, in my bag, next to my bed, and on my phone. So whenever an idea strikes, be it a snippet of dialogue, a stray line of poetry, or the seed of a story, I can write it down immediately. I know it’s not a traditional approach, but it works for me.

Rejection is a common experience for writers, especially early in their careers. How do you navigate rejection and stay motivated to continue submitting your work?

As you say, rejection is a common experience. It is a part of the beast, so to speak. Of course, being rejected is never a fun experience, but it is just how you handle it. Every rejection is also a new opportunity to further yourself as a writer, to explore your weaknesses. It is important to remember that a rejection is subjective. As with relationships in life, you can not be everyone’s taste. It is not feasible to expect everyone to fall in love with your work. Even the greatest authors, for example Tolkien or Shakespeare, have people that absolutely don’t like their work.

Are there any local authors or works of literature from your area that have inspired you or influenced your writing?

     I’m quite sorry to say that no, there aren’t any locals that have inspired me. To be absolutely honest, I haven’t looked into local authors. Maybe I should do that one of these days, start a collaboration project or something. But while I might not have a local author or work that has directly impacted me or my writing, I appreciate every voice, every story from all corners of the world. There is so much inspiration everywhere.

What do you hope to achieve with your writing in the future, both in terms of personal growth and community impact?

     In terms of personal growth, I'm eager to keep pushing myself as a writer, exploring new territories within the art of storytelling, and honing my craft. I want to delve into themes that resonate deeply with me, stretching my creativity and narrative abilities to new heights. I see my writing journey as a constant evolution, and I'm excited to see where it takes me. As for community impact, I honestly don’t know. If just one person finds something useful in my works, that is a compliment beyond compare to me. I haven’t dared to dream as big as to have an influence on an entire community.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

     My advice is really simple. Just write. Keep writing. Every word you put down is a step forward on your journey as a writer. Don't worry about perfection or what others might think. The most important thing is to keep those words flowing. The more you write, the better you'll become.