Client: 3554dope

Interviewer: Nyxprimroseaspeni

Congratulations on your Sapphire stories award win under the category 'general fiction'! It's such a well-deserved achievement, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to interview you about your powerful story, Falling Apart. How did it feel to achieve this milestone? Did you ever expect Falling Apart to resonate with so many readers?
Thank you so much! Winning the Sapphire Stories Award was an incredible honour. When I first started writing Falling Apart, I honestly didn't expect it to connect with so many readers. It was a deeply personal story, and I wrote it more as a way to process my own thoughts and emotions. Seeing how it's themes of grief and resilience connected with others has been truly humbling, and I'm so grateful for the support.

Wow, that was insightful! Miray's journey is deeply emotional and incredibly raw. Can you tell us about who Miray is from your perspective as her creator? How did you develop her character?
Miray is someone who carries immense pain but refuses to let it define her. In my perspective, she's a fighter. When developing her, I wanted her to feel real—flawed, vulnerable, but also resilient. I drew from personal experiences and observations, shaping her through her relationships and the challenges she faces.

Your response beautifully encapsulates her essence. What inspired you to write Falling Apart? Was there a specific event or personal experience that influenced the story?
Falling Apart was inspired by my own experiences with grief and healing. Many incidents in the story are ones I've personally experienced, which made writing it deeply emotional. While it's not entirely autobiographical, I wanted to explore how people rebuild after loss and show that even in the darkest times, there's hope to be found.

That's so touching and relatable. Mental health plays such a central role in this story. What challenges did you face in portraying Miray's depression and struggles authentically? Did you draw on any research or personal insight?
Portraying Miray's depression was deeply personal for me, as it reflected many of my own struggles. To be honest, I didn't really research but instead drew from my own experiences to ensure her journey felt raw and authentic. It was challenging to put those emotions into words, but it was also incredibly comforting.

Such a raw and heartfelt answer. If Miray could speak directly to your readers, what do you think she would want to say about her journey and the struggles she faced? What message do you feel she'd want to leave behind?
If Miray could speak to readers, I think she'd say, "I know it feels like you're drowning, like you'll never find your way out. But I promise, you're not as broken as you think. Healing doesn't happen overnight, and sometimes it feels impossible. But every step forward, even the small ones, matters." Her message would be that it's okay to struggle, to not have all the answers, but that even in the mess of it all, there's still a reason to keep fighting.

Beautifully put! The story delves into themes of betrayal, loss, and resilience. How did you navigate writing these heavy topics while still keeping the story hopeful?
Writing about betrayal, loss, and resilience was difficult, especially because these are such heavy, raw emotions. I wanted to show how painful those experiences are but also how they can shape us into stronger people. While the pain felt real and heavy, I focused on the small, quiet moments of healing—those brief instances where the characters find a glimmer of hope. I think the story reflects that even when everything feels broken, there's still a possibility to rebuild.

That balance is truly inspiring. Were there any particular scenes in Falling Apart that were especially difficult or emotional for you to write? Which ones, and why?
There were a few scenes in Falling Apart that were especially difficult and emotional to write. One that stands out is when Miray's brothers find out about Adrian, there she's outside alone with that monster who touched her. Writing that scene was incredibly hard for me, as I know all too well how it feels to be trapped in that kind of terrifying situation. Another intense moment was after the custody hearing, when Miray is taken away by her father. That moment felt terrifying to write because it brought out so many emotions of fear and helplessness, something I deeply connected with on a personal level. These scenes were difficult, but I felt they were necessary to capture the depth of her pain and vulnerability.

Your vulnerability in writing those scenes is truly commendable. Your story is deeply impactful, and readers have shared how it has resonated with them. Has any feedback or response from a reader touched you in a special way?
All the responses from my readers have been incredibly touching. Their words have motivated me to keep writing, even on days when I didn't feel like it. Knowing that my story resonated with them, and that it made a difference in their lives, has been a constant source of inspiration. It's what keeps me going, even when it feels hard. It's a reminder that these emotions we go through are universal, and I'm grateful for anyone who felt connected to Miray's journey.

That connection is so heartwarming. How do you balance writing such an emotionally intense story with your own mental well-being? Did the process of writing this story help you personally in any way?
It was challenging. There were times when the emotions I poured into the story were overwhelming, and I had to step away from it to take care of myself. Writing Falling Apart was cathartic in many ways, though—it allowed me to process feelings I hadn't fully dealt with. While it was draining at times, it also helped me better understand my own emotions and find some healing through the act of creation. Writing this story, though difficult, gave me a space to confront my own pain and make sense of it.

That's such a powerful takeaway. What do you hope readers take away from Falling Apart? If there's one thing you want them to feel or remember, what would it be?

I hope readers take away the message that it's okay to not have everything figured out. Falling Apart is about the messy process of healing—how it's never linear and often painful. You don't have to be perfect, and you don't have to have it all together to move forward. Just take it slow, and getting help when you need it is a strength, not a burden.

Thank you for sharing that. Finally, what's next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or ideas you're excited to explore on Wattpad or beyond?

I'm really excited about what's coming next. While I don't want to reveal too much yet, I'm working on a new project that delves into themes of love, romance, and self-discovery. But that's for later—Miray's journey is far from over. Stay tuned, there's so much more to explore!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and for sharing such heartfelt insights about Falling Apart. Your thoughtful answers truly captured the essence of your story, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your journey as a writer. It was an absolute pleasure!