Hello, disciples!

This month, we have picked "Fateless" by Robyn-Wolf for our monthly interview. It's the Immortals' 2024 Conquest Winner. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Logline:

Hana is reluctant to participate in a matchmaking event. When strange occurrences begin to unfold, Hana becomes suspicious of the household master along with the absurd feelings she begins to experience. 

About the Story:

Hana is disappointed she will be missing the New Year celebrations in Tokyo. Instead, her mother has dragged her to the edge of the Nikko mountains for a week-long match-making event.

Held by the Hirano family, Hana is reluctant to participate in the event and becomes suspicious of the elusive master of the household. When strange occurrences begin to happen on the Hirano property, Hana begins to question the true intentions of the lustrum event along with the absurd feelings she is experiencing. 

About the Author:

Robyn-Wolf is a fantasy writer who resides in a secluded dark burrow somewhere in Australia's bushland. Shy, but with an overactive imagination, she occasionally emerges from hiding to post (usually short) stories on Wattpad, or to continue with her ongoing novel "Dominance".

She won a 2023 Amby award with her story "Tame", and has had other honourable mentions, features and placements in other smaller contests and challenges on Wattpad.  

Interview:

What is your writing process? Do you outline everything or write as things come to mind? Why?

Notes. Notes everywhere. The main story is always in my mind but I like to jot down all the specific details and extra ideas because my mind is often a chaotic mess. 

What are some things that influenced your story?

All my writing in general is influenced by fantasy, myths and all things magic. I try to add unique elements to make reading more interesting. And humour-- I like to squeeze that in when I can. Because a little bit of laughter can go a long way. Sometimes we just need a light sprinkling of joy. :)"Fateless" in particular was also inspired by my story "Dominance" which also includes the same lore. I seem to be stuck in that universe that lives persistently inside my imagination.

Tell us about the main character of one of your stories. What inspired their creation?

I tried to make Hana's character relatable and real. She's not perfect. Hana is stubborn and wary. She's suspicious of her situation and wants to speak up, but is also torn to do what her mother expects of her. She feels fake hiding her imperfections behind makeup. Etc, etc. 

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Writing romance can be a bit of a challenge for me. I try very hard to make it heartfelt. To build up a relationship and then get the feeling across with words. I find it's a bit of a skill to achieve and something I'm gradually trying to work on and improve.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers with your story?

It's okay to question everything. Listen to your gut. But always remember things are not always what the seem at first glance. Be open to learning all sides of the story.

If you had the choice to transmigrate into another time or place, where would you like to go?

Early 2000s-- where Fateless is set. They were simpler times. 

If there was something you could learn (i.e., a specific spell, martial arts, etc.) like the main character in your book, what would it be?

Kitsune magic. For sure. The mischief I would get up to...

Would you rather go through a lifetime of never finding love or be willing to go through several lifetimes of hardships just to save your love? Why?

I think that depends on if the other party also has to go through that same hardship. Sometimes we have to sacrifice much for the ones we love. And sometimes that includes letting them go. Doesn't mean I won't be stubborn and petty about it though! :P

What is your favorite creature from Asian or Pacific Islander mythology or folklore? Why?

I'm actually really fascinated by tengu. Some consider them demons, while others seem them as protective spirits of the mountains. Perhaps I'll also write a story about them one day. 

What is your favorite Asian or Pacific Islander myth? Why?

I think the story of the moon rabbit is my favourite. I can't help but remember the story everytime I see the moon. 

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Thank you Robyn-Wolf for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next interview.