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

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What made you decide to write "The First Gift"? Did you have any sort of inspiration?

The First Gift is my 2021 Open Novella Contest entry, and the inspiration was from one of their prompts: Born under a special star, you're destined to end a reign of terror. But now that you're an adult, you realized that's not who you want to be and you have become the one responsible for the terror.

Why did you decide on science fiction as the genre? What do you like about the genre?

Who doesn't like space, and stories imagining the future? Science fiction as a genre is super broad, but I particularly love the imagination and creativity of some of them.

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

Since this book was a contest entry, I had to finish writing everything within three months or so. I would say having a time limit definitely made writing this super difficult. There were a lot of plot points I had to abandon just because of time limit.

Do you have a favorite scene from "The First Gift"? If so, what is it? No spoilers!

There is a point in the book where everyone goes from really hating a character to really loving them and crying at what is about to happen to them. I think it happens at a trial scene in chapter 5, and that is my favorite scene of the entire book.

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.

Where's your favorite place to write?

Physically? At home, for sure. I can get all the snacks I want! What is not to be loved about that! Computer program wise, Scrivener is a lifesaver.

What are three words to describe your writing in general?

Fun, light read

What's your favorite book?

Everyone NEEDS to read "She Drives Me Crazy" by Kelly Quindlen. Sapphic romance, enemies to lover, fake dating, cheerleaderXathlete pairing. Absolutely phenomenal.

Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what do you listen to?

This might sound insane, but I cannot concentrate when there's music. I do play some soft, lofi background music if I am finding it too difficult to focus. My go-to background music is "animal crossing music in the rain" -> it's on Spotify!

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

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