And so, this week's lucky lottery winner...(Actually, there's no lottery, and there's definitely no cash prize here) rmcneary! Just in case you're blind and didn't happen to read my profile at least once a week, he's the author of 'The Path of Fire', a fantasy-adventure about a young man who is forced to shed his innocent way of thinking as he is chosen to be the leader of the Seriens -- gifted individuals who can control the elements. As you join us on this wild ride, be sure to be careful of your belongings, as a certain thief may steal them away.

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The world of Acadia is very heavily based on Asian culture, with none to little hints of Western terminology. What inspired you to write a story revolving around Asian culture?

Diversity! A lot of fantasy works (published and on Wattpad) seem content to stay with a Tolkien-esque, medieval-style European world. (Not that there's anything inherently wrong with that -- writing is more about delivery than anything else.)

However, for 'The Path of Fire' I wanted to do something different, so I drew on my Japanese study for the country of Acadia. Yua is based on my study of the Mali Empire and Hruh (which will feature more prominently in Book 2) I am basing on my time in Costa Rica (though I have to do more research).

It's not historical fiction, so there's some artistic license, of course :)

Your book features a multitude of characters, each one of them with unique traits that make them stand out in a vast world. Are all your characters somehow drawn from your surroundings? And is there any particular character who relates most to you? If so, why?

I imagine that a lot of my characters are pulled in from the people I've met, or least my interpretation of them. In my profession, volunteer work, personal life and travel, I've met a lot of interesting people and have a really deep well to draw from.

I enjoy earning and studying other cultures (as if that isn't already obvious XD), and I'd like to believe that helps me from making any one character too much of a stereotype. 

As far as the character I relate to the most? That's a tough one. Each one has a certain aspect of my personality (or else I don't think I could write them well). I'd probably lean towards Turrent or Leena. I definitely think that I'd take to being a Serien more like Leena than anyone else, but my go-to for dealing with tragedy is humor, and I tend to empathize with Turrent's take on a situation more often than not.

(Author interjection: I love love LOVE Leena. Like seriously, she's the coolest ice-waterbender ever!) 

In fantasy novels, the concept of the 'elements' (earth, wind, fire and water) has been reused and reinvented many times. In 'The Path of Fire', the elements are a vital part of the magic used by the Seriens, also known as 'Paths'. What inspired the magic behind it? And how do you tweak the rules so that the concept remains fresh?

A ton of the shows I enjoyed while growing up had some variation of the elements. Everything from overpowered battle magic (Ronin Warriors) to clever but limited usage (Captain Planet). There are so many varying concepts of elemental warriors that for me, it isn't a trope that could ever get old as long as fresh eyes are brought into it.

In 'The Path of Fire', there are the 'Core Elements' that everyone is well aware of: water, earth (which only applies to gravel and dirt; plant life is pretty much its own thing), fire, wind and electric. Then there are the so-called 'Lost Elements' that sporadically occur. Including -- but not limited to -- light, shadow and plant.

Each of these elements is processed in a pseudo-scientific way. In addition to the element itself, there is an attribute and a cost. For instance, fire can be used to increase speed and stamina, but it has the cost of increased metabolism, so a fire user would need to eat a ton or risk his body feeding upon itself.  

Most of this is never explicitly explained and this is intentional. I feel that there's a tendency of writers to over-explain at times. We want to go, "Hey, I've thought this all the way through! Here's four pages on how this magic system works!" I try to avoid that and miserably fail at times I'm sure, but I like to take the view that readers are smart; they can figure out a lot without being handheld. (There are several pages of rationale behind the magic though XD)

Upbringing seems to influence most of the characters' personalities and lifestyles, one way or another. For instance, in Aegis, Sabin finds a strong and reliable father figure, whom he idolizes and whose footsteps he wants to follow. By contrast, in Leena, we find a belligerent thief whose means for survival is simply a result of her need to fight for herself.

Basically, everyone in 'The Path of Fire' has a backstory. How do you think a certain upbringing helps develop a character, and is it important for readers to always know his or her past?

"Study the past if you would define the future." - Confucius.

I try to create a dossier on each character before I write them and make changes as I learn more. I think it's very important to have a good idea of where someone has been and what experiences has shaped them as a person, so you can write what they'll do in a certain situation.

However, I don't think it's always important for a reader to know everything that each character has been through. Turrent's character, for instance, is somewhat shrouded in mystery. Does the reader need to know the circumstances that placed him in Acadia to enjoy TPOF? Not at all. Does the reader need to know about Sabin's upbringing with Aegis? Absolutely.

(Second author interjection:  Although Turrent's backstory hasn't been revealed, he's still my second-favourite character after Leena. He kicks ass. Hard.)

In 'The Path of Fire', the hardships the characters go through are practically infamous (especially where Sabin is concerned). Why do you think that it's important for a character to face obstacles in a story?

Someone much better at words than I once said something along the lines of 'you find out the true measure of a person during true times of adversity'. I enjoy stories in which the MCs have significant trials ahead of them, which test them physically, mentally and/or emotionally. I want my MCs to lose fights, to get outsmarted, to get heartbroken (or break someone else's and deal with the guilt). I think their flaws and failures are what that makes a character more interesting. 

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

Enjoy writing! Don't let counts or awards or featured statuses be what drives you. All of that is fleeting. If your story has connected with one person in any way (even if that person is you), you've succeeded. Don't wait for the Watty to validate you -- celebrate your win now.

Good luck and happy Wattpading!

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And let's all give a huge round of applause for rmcneary, whom despite my fairly simple questions, managed to answer with such insight! And let's all thank him for sharing 'The Path of Fire' with all of us on Wattpad! So watcha waiting for? The external link to his story is right down below!

AND the Q & A session for me is still open to questions! Sooo just post any questions you have down below! (Or if you have no idea what my story is about, just be a little more hardworking and go check out the description.)