Interview with izayoix conducted by glitterandasphalt.

Izayoix is the author of Pathos, this year's PWA Adventure Category Champion. The book was nominated for Best Quote, Most Thought Provoking, Best Characterization, Most Polished Prose, Best Minor Character, and Best Media.

What inspired you to write Pathos?

This may sound stupid, but I had a dream about it. I often have pretty wild dreams, and I often use them as ideas for my stories.

Ha! You know, you're not the first person I've interviewed to say that. Let's talk favorites. Do you have any favorite chapters and characters in Pathos?

That's a relief! I'd say my favorite chapters to write were the last five chapters, and while my favorite character changes a lot depending on my mood, it's currently Avis.

Was there anything that you struggled with while writing Pathos?

Trying to make it understandable and enjoyable. I felt that the book got confusing and/or dry at times, which can be quite stifling to the readers. However, I was unable to fix those aspects in time for the awards.

Well, there's never any harm in trying to improve, but it was good enough to be Champion of the Adventure Category. How did you feel when you found out you had ranked number one?

At first, I thought I was literally hallucinating. It was early in the morning and I had just missed the live stream, and I found out via a friend of mine telling me. I thought I was imagining things and tried to go back to sleep, but when I found out it was true, I was really shocked and excited as I hadn't even expected to place.

How many years have you been competing in the PWA contest?

This was my third year competing.

What is your all-time favorite entry that you have submitted in the PWA?

I would have to say Epilogue (submitted this year in the one-shot category). Even though it didn't place, I wrote it as a thank-you to my readers when I was thinking of leaving the fandom and it's something very special to me.

That sounds very special and heartfelt. What kinds of emotions do you get when your readers enjoy the stories you create?

I'm happy that my stories are able to make someone else happy even in the slightest, and it motivates me to write more.

Do you do much reading on Wattpad? If so, do you have any favorite stories or authors in the Pokémon community?

I don't read much, but some of my favorite authors are Sheare, blue___22, and LogicalCabbage.

Do you have any plans to compete next year in the PWA?

I plan to complete in Miscellaneous next year, but I'm not sure about the other categories. I'm thinking of laying off Adventure because next year's going to be pretty busy for me.

One last thing before we wrap this up. Could you give small bit of writing advice for your fellow authors?

Hmm, I don't really have much advice to give, but maybe don't write what others want to see? Write for yourself--it really makes a big difference and can really shine through when you truly enjoy writing a story.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. I really appreciate it!

No problem, and thank you too!