This week's interviewee: ammmmanda! In case you don't stalk me and don't see me eagerly commenting on her story every other week, she's the author of 'Twisted Kingdoms', a multicultural fantasy about a girl who must return to her homeland after living in exile for so long, and she must survive the cutthroat politics revolving around her and her mysterious power. Featuring: plenty of drama, backstabbing, betrayal, and most of all...a glowing salamander! If you were never that into multicultural stories, well then, prepare to meet your match in this book.

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'Twisted Kingdoms' is a multicultural fantasy which is heavily influenced by South-East Asian culture. What inspired you to write a book that's largely based on a region that's not 'mainstream' in terms of the fiction line. And why do you think diverse fiction is important?

I was inspired to draw on South-East Asian cultures because there's so much myths and cultural gems in that region which can serve as wonderful sources for a story. Eurocentric, Chinese and Japanese-inspired fantasy is awesome and I love to read them myself, but I wanted to add something a little different to the table.

I think it's important to diversify because while there's nothing wrong with the mainstream Asian-inspired fantasy, I also want people to be more aware that 'Asia' is not limited to Japan or China or Korea. And who knows? Hopefully there'll come a day when I can walk down the streets in Melbourne and not have someone ask me if I'm Chinese.

Generally speaking, diversity in our novels is extremely important because as authors, we have to make sure that everyone can find something that they can relate to, or something that represents them in a respectful manner. I think the world of books indirectly helps us build a culture where we can appreciate differences and also have pride in our own uniqueness.

(Author interjection: Gosh yes, please let there be a day when people don't think that all Asians are Chinese.)

The magic in the story, also known as theurgy, is a complicated magic system which has many different 'levels', or ranks of power. Thus, the rank of theurgy a person has will affect their status in society. Is this subtle hierarchy system somehow related to anything in your life? And why do you think people crave and respect power so much?

Theurgy is similar to privilege. It's hereditary -- if you had powerful ancestors, chances are that you'd be a strong theurgist yourself -- much like how privilege is inherited. And if you have rich parents, chances are that you would have an upper hand in life.

It's also similar in which if you're born with higher-ranking theurgy, you have less of a struggle than those below you. But that's not to say that lower-ranking theurgy cannot rise to the top. They just have a lot more challenges and difficulties. It's also not to say that people with higher-ranking theurgy can slack off, although they would still have an advantage in most cases.

To be honest, I don't know why people are so obsessed with power. I think it must be a genetic thing, going back to our ancient, instinctive attraction to people who can lead and protect us. Also, it's a selfish thing -- humans tend to want to be able to do what we want and get away with it, and the only we could do that is if we were extremely powerful.

In the world of 'Twisted Kingdoms', we can see that the Elings and the Kathaians (people of different nations) each have their own set of prejudices against each other. One prime example is when Isla goes to the public bath, she immediately gets discriminating comments and looks from the Elings due to her darker skin colour. 

Why did you decide to include racism in your book? And how do you hope your book to influence readers in changing their mindsets?

The main reason is because I wanted the book to be as realistic as possible. And unfortunately you can't have poor, foreign refugees migrating into a formerly homogeneous society without expecting some degree of rejection and racism.

While racism is a serious issue, I think it's also important to know that not everyone who says or does something discriminating is necessarily a bad person. So my ultimate goal is to educate people on racism, hopefully portraying both sides of the coin.

I don't expect my story to change the world or society, but I do hope that readers will eventually leave with more awareness and an open mindset.

The main character, Isla, while more than capable of standing up for her own, is still surrounded by a multitude of character who are willing to sacrifice and hurt to protect her. The best example would be Noi, her handmaid, who could've just left her to die in a foreign land, but she still took her on as a responsibility. Why do you think supporting characters play such an important part in a novel?

Just like in real life, the people around a character can also play a role in shaping the person he or she becomes. Not only can the supporting cast help readers to get to know more about your main character, they also help to drive the plot forward. For me, they're one of the main pillars that either make the story believable or fall flat on its face. So I think it's equally important to make sure your supporting character are just as developed as your main protagonist.

Isla probably represents the new generation of heroines who are 'badass-yet-not-badass', which means that she may not quite be physically capable of defending herself, but she definitely has a resilience of character and mind.  

Why do you think people are so attracted to the idea of a young woman being able to hold herself against guys (or perhaps even beat them) when it comes to physical capabilities?

I think it's normal for people to need others' help (both male and female), or to be weaker than others, once in a while. But if the female protagonist (or all female characters) in your story are consistently weak and dependent, then there's a problem.

I guess people love female characters who are 'better' than their male counterparts because it creates a balance to the abundance of 'too-stupid-to-live' female protagonists, and also presents a good (well, sometimes) role model for readers.

In your book, theurgists can summon  daemons into their world and train or utilise them in whatever way they deem necessary. How did you get the inspiration to include daemons in your story? And why do you think the concept is still so fascinating to fantasy authors? 

In the process of creating Isla's world, I also had to envision their own form of technology and 'science', but one that complements the theme of magic and fantasy nicely. So instead of electricity being powered by nuclear energy, or other natural resources known to humans, I thought why not a different type of dependency, and one that's equally (if not more) dangerous?

So I made them dependent on daemons: Ifrit that can produce methane for gas; djinn as a source of steam power, and many more!

I think daemons are just such a classical element of fantasy, it's hard not to incorporate them into your work. They add an air of mystery and unknown power, and sometimes horror, too. There are so many ways you can put your own spin to demon lore (is that a thing?), and we never really tire of reading them.

(Author interjection no.2: Ahhh daemons! I really wish I had one too...)

Last but not least, any tips for your fellow Wattys 2015 contenders? Or any words of encouragement?

Have fun! Don't be focused on winning awards or becoming famous (on or off Wattpad -- although that would be awesome). I think the number one goal is to enjoy the writing experience and continue to grow and develop as a writer.

And finally, when you do win an award one day, don't forget your fellow Wattpaders :D

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A/N: Thank you so much, ammmmanda for entertaining me with this interview! And just so you know, long answers are much, much better than half-assed ones -- they really pain the interviewer. So, still got your interest? Then go check out 'Twisted Kingdoms' right now! No, I seriously mean it. Like, the external link is just down below *glares at people who don't click it*