Hello! Please introduce yourself Elixyzsss

Hello! My name is Shiro. I'm 15 years old and I go by any pronouns. I mostly write queer-themed books and began my writing journey this past January. Writing books is my passion, and it's one of many creative hobbies I enjoy.Recently, I was shortlisted in the Open Novella Contest 2024, which was an exciting milestone for me and has helped me start to make a name for myself in the writing community. Although it might not seem like much, it means a lot to me, especially since I only recently started writing.While I enjoyed the challenge of writing a novella, I prefer the expansiveness of novels, which is why I'm currently working on a longer project.Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Open Novella Contest! Can you tell us a bit about the story you submitted and what inspired you to write it?

Thank you! The story follows Yue, who copes with the loss of her girlfriend by immersing herself in alcohol. One night, a frantic boy gives her a mystical necklace that transports her through different worlds on missions. Strangely, in each world, she encounters versions of her ex-girlfriend.

I drew inspiration from my own experience of recently ending a relationship with my girlfriend. Despite trying to move forward, I found myself constantly reminded of her, making it difficult to connect with anyone else. This inspired me to explore the idea of multiple universes and alternate realities in my writing.

You mentioned your preference for novels. What are some elements you particularly enjoy exploring in longer narratives that wouldn't be possible in a novella?

Initially, I wrote a novel, my first book ever, but it didn't go well. So, I decided to try novellas instead. I took down the novel and entered the Open Novella Contest, where I wrote my first novella.

As I neared the end, I realised I couldn't include many ideas I had because of the shorter format. I didn't plan the novella much, but I had plenty of ideas. After the contest, I gave novels another try and discovered how much I enjoy writing descriptive stories. Novellas don't allow for as much description or the long, dramatic arcs I love in my tragic stories. Everyone's different, though!

Your introduction mentions "queer-themed books." What draws you to writing stories within this genre, and how do you approach creating authentic and impactful characters?

One of the first novels I ever read and loved was queer-themed, and it continues to inspire me today, fuelling my passion for writing. I believe these stories are crucial because they deserve to be told.

When developing characters, I prioritise their humanity—exploring their desires, fears, and vulnerabilities regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. My aim is to craft characters who defy stereotypes, where their identities contribute to the narrative without overshadowing it. As a new writer, I'm continually refining my writing. While my characters may occasionally share similarities, I strive to imbue each one with uniqueness and depth. 

As a young writer, have you encountered any specific challenges in the writing world? How do you overcome them?

I've faced several challenges in my writing journey. Initially, I struggled with 'show don't tell' and making side characters relevant. I plan to research these areas soon to improve my skills, especially in incorporating more meaningful side characters.

In my first book, which I'm currently rewriting, I used frequent time skips, which I now believe disrupt the story flow. I'm committed to minimising these skips, even for less critical moments. Planning has been another hurdle for me. I tend to dive right into writing without a clear roadmap. Now, I start by writing the first few chapters to develop my ideas and then create a detailed plan. This approach, while time-consuming, helps me visualise the entire book and refine it effectively.

You're a multi-talented creative! Does your music, poetry, or photography ever influence your writing, or vice versa?

Writing is my passion, but I also indulge in several other creative hobbies. Photography and art enrich my creative process; through photography, I gain new perspectives that influence my artwork.

Interestingly, I learned shading techniques in art from my experience with photography. My poetry often reflects personal experiences or those of my characters. I enjoy immersing myself in their perspectives and pouring their hearts onto paper. Balancing multiple hobbies may be challenging for some, but for me, it's a passionate pursuit. If I encounter writer's block, I turn to drawing or other activities for inspiration.

You started writing this year and achieved this shortlisting! That's impressive. What's your writing routine like? Do you have any specific habits or rituals that help you be productive?

Thank you. My answer might not be very structured because I don't have a specific writing routine. I follow the idea of 'write when you feel like it, and write when you don't.' This doesn't mean I write constantly, though.

I have a plan for my books, prioritising which ones to focus on. I don't usually write multiple books simultaneously. Instead, I plan one book, write another, and brainstorm ideas for a third. This way, I can progress in multiple projects without overwhelming myself. On long school days, I do other activities, saving my creative energy for when I have time. This approach helps me avoid creative blocks. I've been writing for about half a year and haven't experienced a block yet, likely because I take regular breaks. 

I recommend following your intuition—plans can boost productivity but also lead to burnout. For me, rigid plans can make writing feel like an obligation. Writing should be enjoyable, so write as much as you can, but remember to take regular breaks.

What are some of your favorite authors and books? How do they inspire your own work?

My favourite author is Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, and my favourite work of hers is 'The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.' I enjoy danmei and books on human psychology because they both inspire me in different ways. I read a lot to keep my creativity flowing. While I don't copy, I do take inspiration from the works I enjoy. One of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's books inspired my first novel because of its similar concept. I didn't try to steal or copy her ideas, but when I first started writing, her work was a significant influence on me.

Being shortlisted in a contest must be motivating! What are your long-term goals for your writing career?

It was very motivating. I did hope to place higher, but since it was my first novella, it was a great experience for me.

My long-term goals are to debut with my first novel series because it has a special place in my heart. I'm still far from finishing it, so I haven't made many detailed plans yet, but I already know some companies I'd like to publish with. I don't want to gain fame myself; I want my books to gain recognition. I'll probably be one of those people making to secretly watch fan videos people made of my book. My general goal is to become a published author.

Balancing creative pursuits with everyday life can be tough. Do you have any advice for other young people who are passionate about writing?

I go to a prestigious school in my area, so I had trouble balancing writing with schoolwork at first. Even though planning too much can disrupt my creative flow, I made a schedule for when to write and when not to write.

I don't always follow it perfectly, but I avoid writing on the two days I have school until late. My advice is to take breaks on days when you have school until late and fully use your creativity when you have time on weekends or during school breaks. It's better to concentrate on school when you have school. Spend your long school days relaxing rather than overworking yourself. If you want to make progress, write small parts and take regular breaks. Especially when you have a demanding schedule, breaks are important to prevent burnout.

Social media plays a big role in today's world. Do you have any online presence for your writing, and how do you use it to connect with other writers and readers?

I talk to many writers and readers on community servers, and I try my best to meet new people to gain and give advice. Connecting with other writers is important to learn more. If an author has nothing more to learn, they lose motivation. Therefore, I try to learn more every day.

The creative journey can be full of ups and downs. How do you stay motivated and keep yourself inspired as a writer?

It's kind of weird, but I dream a lot and have dreamt many funny things that have helped me create fillers for my stories.

Reading, reading, and more reading. Especially if you're a new writer and haven't read much before. Reading is very important to get more inspiration. I know many of us writers like staying inside, but going outside is actually very helpful too. Whenever I get a headache because I've been writing all day, I go out with my dogs and do fun things. Going outside gives me motivation and sometimes even new ideas. 

Funnily enough, I always get ideas when I'm unable to write. For me, all the support has also helped me to keep going. If I were to isolate myself, I wouldn't have those things and probably wouldn't have come this far. 

 Thank you for the interview and for reading my responses. I would have enjoyed answering more questions, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here. Have a wonderful day!