Today we interview SuVida777 , winner of The Sunflower Awards 4.0 in the short story genre. Join us as we learn more about their writing style and inspiration.

🌻

What made you decide to write "Vomon Paradox"? Did you have any sort of inspiration?

"Vomon Paradox" is a darker short story--different from my usual light-hearted style. We've often seen depictions of mindless zombies and monsters, but I wanted to explore thinking zombies, or vomons in my story, in an actual organized society. This was how Nodrog, the zombie city came into being. It's inspired by Tokyo Ghoul and the YA sci-fi series Animorphs, which tackles themes of morality. My love for sci-fi and prison stories prompted me to create the O'Neil cylinder setting and prison break elements to make it a space adventure.

With the twist at the end, "Vomon Paradox" is pointing a magnifying glass on us humans, since it asks the question--are we so very different from the vomons in certain ways?

Why did you decide on short story as the genre? What do you like about the genre?

Anton Chekhov said "brevity is the sister of talent." There's beauty in the compact world of short stories--where you explore a theme, build worlds and develop characters within a tight word count. While I write full-length novels, this is why I love writing the occasional short story.

Did you experience any setbacks or obstacles while writing "Vomon Paradox"? If so, what were they?

I didn't exactly experience obstacles, but it was a challenging story since I had to cram in a lot. The world-building and descriptions were particularly hard, because people are not familiar with megastructures in space. And an O'Neill cylinder world is difficult to visualize. I also had to be mindful about the subject matter and how it is conveyed.

What's your favorite quote from "Vomon Paradox"?

"Humans are more similar to us than we think." If we all thought about similarities than differences like Manda does in "Vomon Paradox," it would be easier to empathize, and the world might just become a better place.

How did you feel when you found out you won?

I was so so happy! This story is dear to my heart, even though it's dark and might not be easy to digest. It always makes me happy when someone finds value in it.

What's your writing process?

I plot everything out from the beginning. I develop characters, do intense research, compile a notes file and sometimes jot down random scenes. Then I sit down and start writing.

Who is your favorite fictional character in any story?

That's a hard one to answer. Not sure I can pick one. I'll mention a few.

Sherlock Holmes because he's insanely cool, super smart and a good person overall. Few more characters like this that I absolutely love--L Lawliet, Dana Scully, Shikamaru and Scofield.

Naruto because he's got a heart of gold and he never gives up. Harry Potter (my favorite character from childhood), Luffy and Ichigo too actually.

Mulder because he's quirky, cute and not afraid to be himself no matter what others think. Also Luna Lovegood and Jack Sparrow.

Other badass characters I love--Zoro, Rachel from Animorphs, Trafalgar Law, Ace from One Piece, Ishida, Aomine, Sasuke, Sakura, Levi.

What made you start writing?

I've had a few characters and two stories brewing in my mind for over a decade. So, in 2020, I sat down to develop one of them. I put up 10 chapters of Komoreby all at once on Wattpad in January 2021.

What do you like most about writing on Wattpad?

It gives you the freedom to develop your story the way you want as an indie writer and put it out there. The reader comments and interaction with other writers are huge pluses that help you grow.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't overthink. Do your best and have fun! If it's sci-fi, which is my primary genre, I'd say let your imagination run wild!

🌻

Thanks again for chatting with us, SuVida777 ! We wish you the best.

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