"Come on, Elyse, just agree and this is yours again," the tall brunette mocked, waving a golden locket in front of the petite girl's crumpled fallen form." 

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[Italics are me (the interviewer), and bold is fearsome_hamster (the interviewee)]

I N T E R V I E W    T O O K    P L A C E :  J U L Y    2 0 1 8

Before I start, how are things? xx

Glad for the summer break, thank you! How are you? 😁

Not too shabby.  Just been chilling at home while I'm on my break from uni 😁

What inspired you to write your story? xx

It was never a particular event. I always had a bunch of crazy ideas jumping in my head. What I can say for sure though is that I was always a big fan of romance combined with a bit of horror, and I longed to bring more of this (freaky) combination on the table.

I think romance goes with about anything, but when you see it mixed with horror, that's when it's even more intriguing, and you definitely captured this peculiar yet enticing combination well xx

What do you want readers to get out of your book? xx

Thank you so much for the kind words!

Haha, I guess I want to give them a rollercoaster ride with strong heroines and unexpected anti-heroes!

Yasss, everyone loves a good anti-hero! xx

Where were you and what were you doing when you found out you placed/ TPPA-Approved? (don't stress if you can't remember) xx

Ahh, let me think! I believe I had just woken up - still groggy - going through my daily schedule of checking Wattpad and Instagram before facing real-life, and then I saw the lovely notification!

Aww, well I bet it was! It's not every day you come first in a contest! xx

What does this mean to you? xx

Winning definitely gave me even more courage to write!

As English is not my native language and my uni degree is completely parallel to any sort of literature, I sometimes get moments of self-doubt regarding the quality of my content.

Receiving recognition warms my heart and inspires me to keep hitting that 'publish' button. 😊

Awww, well you should give a lot of credit to yourself - writing in a language that's not your first is tricky! xx

What are you up to at the moment? What do we have to look forward to from you? Do you have anything written-wise for us to look forward to in the future? xx

Thank you!

I have at least two more books. One starring gargoyle, Lazarus, the other, Dark Mage Ben, in the universe of 'Her Mad Protector' Series. So far, I have only written in the 1800's setting kinda vibe, but I am also planning a futuristic romance novel with an AI (artificial intelligence) as one of the main characters.

Ooo, sounds fascinating 😍

(check out the first book to the series: "Her Cursed Monster")

What do you believe has helped you gained the rankings and reads you have now? xx

I believe every reader is precious and should not be taken for granted - I remain grateful to my readership for continuing to support my work. 😁

Awww, true-true ❤️

Can we expect a for the Mad Protector Series? xx

Most definitely! I just have to find the time to write all that I have planned out. If it were after me, every worthy character would receive a HEA (happily ever after).

Sweet! I can't wait!!! 😁

How long have you been working on the Mad Protector Series? xx

Haha, officially it is one year and 4 months. Unoficially, I had the idea for the first book for a few years. 😁

Ooo, what made you decide to finally start writing it a year and four months ago? xx

I have always been a reader and decided to see what is like on the other side of the coin. It is very rewarding for the soul, but also much harder than I thought!

My respect for all authors out there.

Haha, that's such a lovely way of putting it xx

What makes a Horror story stand out from other Horror stories? xx

Hmm, if you are too afraid to turn off the lights when you are reading it, then you're certainly reading a good horror story! 😃

That's such a great tip! 😁

That's how I know a horror movie is good too 😂

Okay, last question and this is from LyndaCoker: how do you proofread and edit your work? xx

Haha, I do not think I am the most suitable person to answer this as I always discover a typo after publishing.

I generally reread my draft till author blindness makes me believe it is error-free (which it never is lol).

Haha, fair enough! My art teacher said that an artwork is only finished when the artist is finished with the painting, so I think maybe that applies in writing too xx

Did you want to give any shoutouts or last words before I wrap this up? xx

I want to thank my wonderful readers for supporting my work and bearing with me despite my chaotic updating schedule. This hamster gives you all a big hug! 😊

Thank you Baeli for hosting the awards and for the great interview!

That's all good, and thanks so much to agreeing to do this! xx ❤️

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[INTERVIEW WAS PUBLISHED: JULY 2018]

- review yet to be released -