Today we interview AziaElga, winner of The Sunflower Awards 4.0 in the action/adventure genre. Join us as we learn more about their writing style and inspiration. They actually won two genres, so continue onto the next chapter for their interview about their science fiction story!

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What made you decide to write "The Lightning Mage"? Did you have any sort of inspiration?

Many, many years ago, teen me wrote a fun little story inserting me and my friends into a video game we loved to play (it's Maple Story, for anyone curious xD). I happened to dig out the story recently, and I was suddenly inspired to turn the silly story into an actual novel. The world and characters have since drastically changed.

Why did you decide on action/adventure as the genre? What do you like about the genre?

The simple answer: anime. I grew up watching tons of shonen anime (think: Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Hunter X Hunter), and I've always loved the action and adventure portion of those shows. It's very fun to watch and even more fun to write.

Did you experience any setbacks or obstacles while writing "The Lightning Mage"? If so, what were they?

This story was planned to be so long that I had many moments of losing motivation to finish. It took me a little more than one year to finish the first draft, and it ended up with a whopping 130k words. I don't know why I decided to embark on such a long journey as a very very beginner writer. Really should have started small. xD

What's your favorite quote from "The Lightning Mage"?

"I'm your executioner, Cinna, just sit back as I kill every one of your enemies."

Who is your favorite character in "The Lightning Mage" and why?

Lyn. She is such a controversial character, but so fun to write. She's the reason a lot of people drop the book though, and I apologize in advance. xD

How did you feel when you found out you won?

I'm pleasantly surprised for sure! I never expect to win in competitions, especially with tough competitors like in this one, but I'm really honored to have won. I'd like to thank the judge for liking and believing in my story. <3

What's your writing process?

I am a planner, so I plan out all the story arcs and fill out character sheets before I start writing. I like to know the ending and how exactly I should go towards the ending before I even start writing anything. It gives me motivation to keep writing, knowing I have a happy ending at the end to get to.

What made you start writing?

I've always loved writing and telling stories-I've been writing silly stories the moment I learned how to write, which I later transition into fanfiction writing and now, original fiction on Wattpad.

Do you have a favorite author (on or off Wattpad)? If so, who is it?

Oh, picking a fave is hard. I'll say alannaxgrey (Note from us: for anyone wondering, the amazing third place winner in the same genre)! I read two of her books and her writing style is just fantastic. Her ongoing sapphic romance is one of my favorite books ever.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I do not think I have the credential to give out actual writing advice, so I'll just say: Keep writing!

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Thanks again for chatting with us, AziaElga ! We wish you the best.

Check out their books on their profile and give them some love! :)