Book: Shadow and Steel

Author: FHLevin

Genre: Science Fiction

A beautiful display of science fiction with creative world-building and loveable characters, Shadow and Steel will enchant readers and never lose that enchantment.

Interview:

1.) How do you feel about earning this award? 

I'm so happy and flattered. It's a joy to know that other people enjoy reading my stories and being chosen as Book of the Month feels incredible. I'm truly, truly grateful.

2.) What inspired you to write this book? 

Ever since I was young, I've enjoyed imagining characters and the worlds they inhabit.

For a long time, I wanted to write a fantasy story. I loved reading fantasy stories, but my ideas always felt like copies of my favorite fantasy books. Then I started imagining a sci-fi story about a man who has to go on a mission with this woman, and they don't get along.

As I began writing, the woman felt much more interesting, so I shifted my focus to her. That woman was Kira, of course. I started writing a novel about her but needed to figure out where the story was going. At some point, she meets this man, Silas, and it turns out they've met before.

To better explore their dynamic, I decided to take a break from the novel and write a short story about how these two characters first met. That story became Shadow and Steel. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to see if others would like it, too, so I published it on Wattpad. When people responded positively, I decided to put the novel aside and continue Kira's story as a short story series, where different characters narrate episodes of her life through their perspectives, showing how she changed them. And that's how this book came to be.

3.) What challenges have you faced during your writing journey? 

Well, I didn't know much about the science behind writing. I relied only on my instincts and my experience as a reader, so my first attempts weren't very good. I started watching YouTube videos on writing, where I learned about pacing, showing rather than telling, the three-act story structure, character arcs, internal conflict, and more. It helped improve my writing tremendously. I'm still learning, though. I'm not a fast writer and must write and rewrite every paragraph until I think it's good. But I have a lot of fun writing, and that's the main reason I'm doing it.

4.) Who is your favorite character (s) and why (can be from your book, another book, or the two combined)?

My favorite character in my stories is Kira. Her courage inspires me—she doesn't let fear paralyze her. I also admire how she thinks on her feet and adapts to challenging situations. Outside of my stories, my favorite character would be Indiana Jones. I've been watching his movies since I was a kid and always thought he was so cool!

5. In your opinion, what do you think makes a good book? 

I don't think there's one thing that makes a good book, but I believe the main thing is this: a good book needs good characters. If the reader connects with the characters, the story becomes interesting. And if you know your characters so well that you know how they'd behave in any situation, your story will almost write itself. And it will feel natural. I'm not saying I've achieved that, but I'm pursuing it when I'm writing.

6. What advice do you have for writers just starting their journey?

I don't know if I'm in a position to give advice since I'm just starting myself, but I'd say this: write what you'd love to read and have fun doing it. If you enjoy your writing, chances are you'll find others who will, too.

7.) Are you a pantser or a plotter? I'm curious to know why.

I'm a pantser. I don't outline. I usually know where I'll start and where I want to end up, but I have no idea how I'll get there. It only comes to me as I start writing.

8.) What is your goal as a writer?

My main goal is to have fun, and I am. But I won't deny that I dream of publishing my stories one day. Still, I won't be frustrated if it never happens. Having people read and enjoy my stories is already a delight for me.

9.) Favorite Book or Author? 

The Lord of the Rings

10.) Finally, how did you find Wattpad?

I don't remember, hahaha! I joined Wattpad a long time ago as a reader. I used it for a while and then forgot about it. But I remembered it again when I decided to share my stories with the world.