Welcome to our interview for this month! We are with the award-winning author, Ellastar36, who penned the story, Daughter of the storm for our monthly prompt contest.

Dark Fantasy Team: When did you start writing this story? How was your journey through it?

Ellastar36: Actually, I have nothing really to say of my journey through it, reason being the fact that I wrote it three days prior to the submission date. I was scrolling through Wattpad, looking for inspiration on something to write, and then I saw this contest and I was like why not?! It would be fun, and I could get discovered. All in all, it was fun and look— I got discovered!

DF: What was the most difficult part of writing your story? What was the easiest?

E: For me, the hardest part of writing the story was putting the element of darkness into it. The easiest being the plot. It just like...popped into my head!

DF: Is there a character in your story that is most similar to you or someone that you know?

E: I had limited characters actually, and well, my main character, kinda relates to me. In an idiomatic way, I mean. My life is not as dark as hers, and there are definitely no demons or ghosts haunting me— but I guess, I'm a little dark inside.

DF: Did you have to do any research for your story? If so, what kind?

E: No. Like I said earlier, the plot just popped in my head. I'm a dark fanatic; although terribly scared of the dark. Most of my drafts are based on dark themes. Even my published book, is dark in plot. So I'm used to writing stuff like that.

DF: What do you think makes a good story?

E: For me, a good story MUST portray the characters emotions. I have read so many books in my fifteen years of life...◉‿◉....but to me, a great book is one that drags you into the characters thoughts and emotions, submerges you in a whirlpool of their perfect imperfections, only to leave you drowning and yearning for more. It's really complicated to understand, but it's what makes a good book to me.

DF: If you could describe your story in two words, what would it be?

E: Too sunny. (Needs more dark)

DF: What are you currently reading?

E: Right now, I'm reading Cataindar by Tim. A great fantasy for y'all fantasy lovers.

DF: Are there any authors, stories, or books that have inspired you to want to become a writer?

E: Yes actually. I don't know, if the book is on Wattpad though. The name of the book is Purple hibiscus by Chimmanda Adichie. I must have read the book a thousand times by now, but there's this feeling that keeps drawing me back. The author might have inspired me, but it was only to be a better writer, because for as long as I can remember I had always loved writing. She only gave me a little push, for which I am grateful for.

DF: How do you balance life and trying to write stories at the same time?

E: I don't actually. And my mom complains a lot. I want to be a medical doctor actually, and I'm already applying for colleges. But I love reading and writing so much, it's a big distraction. Well, I'll learn to balance it soon enough. No worries!

Thank you so much, Ellastar36, for being with us and agreeing to our interview. Check out the award-winning story, Daughter of the storm, to support our author!

- The Dark Fantasy Team