Xérès Éveillé, from CLN, had the pleasure of interviewing the talented author, jiasona45. She is the author of several books on Wattpad including Contractual Marriage, Hate Story, The Betrothed and several others.

Hello jiasona45, I'm Xérès Éveillé, an interviewer from the Crazy Late Nighters Community. Some of your wonderful readers (infinityLM44, PAMMAN49, cherishedsunshine, Hajabarbie, prajaktalawande, Tiamiyi4 and KalinaSom) have nominated you for an interview! I hope you're as excited about this as we are and that you're willing to give me some of your time! Let me know if you're okay with this and when you're free if you are.

Yep and now works.

Great! Before we begin, what name would you like to go by and what are your preferred pronouns?

Name would be Jia and pronouns would be she/her.

Hello Jia! Can you tell me a bit about yourself, specifically what urged you to become a writer?

Well, sometimes you have some inner thoughts, some matters that you want to express. You want to know other people's view regarding these topics. If you note, my stories are mostly based on gender differences, some common thoughts of egoistic men, that we mostly refer to as alphas here, how people misuse power and finance for self – agenda instead of social progress etc. These affected me quite a bit and I expressed my views through my stories.

Interesting inspiration, I must admit. Well, you go girl, having such themes in a story is quite refreshing! When did you first begin writing?

Mostly since October 2019. After reading some Yi Zhan stories, and mostly commenting on few of them. Others started liking my comments and following me. After that I started to pen down my own thoughts. At first, I was quite nervous but some genuine writers encouraged me to go on.

Wow, who were those wonderful people?

Well, weiweilan1, my favorite writer. She is absolutely incredible. Kavya Agnihotri, Pricelessjew are among them as well.

Oh, looks like on one of them was my interviewee a while back! Well, I must say that support is definitely crucial to everyone's growth and you received the right kind! Moving on however, let's focus on your stories. How do you approach such topics, since they are mostly social issues?

Actually, social issues, politics are subject of different views. If you discuss verbally, they cause arguments, fights, etc. But when we write our thoughts down and get a chance to explain the point of view in details, people understand them better unlike verbal discussions. Now, they too give their views via comment, sometimes express their methods, how they think one can deal with it. Based on which, I have a number of times totally changed my storyline. Because different reader's views seemed more interesting than what I originally wrote. And this gives me satisfaction and encouragement to write more. Express more. This way sometimes I feel very relax and light too. The saying is right; SHARING IS CARING.

I have to agree with you on that, though about the verbal part not really because I'm a debater, so it's in my nature to enjoy verbal discussions (arguments). But it's really lovely to see someone being so open minded about such things! That brings me to my next question; how does your family take to your writing since it touches such elements?

See, I am married. My parents know that I write, however they don't read my stories or anything. They trust me, and being of the same family we are like minded. My hubby is also not too concerned as long as I am happy and out of trouble he's relaxed. We have a very understanding relationship!

Aw, that's so sweet of them and good to know that they share the same opinions! If your family is so open – minded, what about your friends?

My friends are of different groups. One group is of my own age, they are really thrilled about my stories. They comment and laugh and enjoy them. Even give their views at times. Another group is older, near about my mother's age. I don't discuss things likewise with them. And, the last group consists of younger ones, who regards me as a 'cool senior'. I don't discuss these things with them either.

You certainly go around in a very diverse social circle! But is there a particular reason you only discuss with the first friend group?

The senior group treats me, mostly like their obedient junior, kind of like a child. They know, I watch bl dramas, I discussed it with them regarding the impact on society. They are open minded about it. They even know a few people who are gay. They aren't really offended by it. But my stories also contain smut, so out of respect for my seniors I don't urge them to read my stories. There's a limit in every relationship. As for my juniors, they are young, and I don't want to impact them in a negative way. I am very careful when dealing with younger ones. They may have the same respect I have for my seniors and feel disturbed to discuss this. So, I avoid doing it. I just like listening to my juniors and only voicing my views when asked.

I understand and I respect the way you have considered this; it is very clear and incredibly mature of you. How long did it take you for you to come up with a rough outline of your stories?

Depends on each story. Actually, a thing that I experience and some others too is. Initiating a story is thrilling and very easy. You have a rough estimate, but continuing it and finishing is tough. Sometimes we feel lazy and at other times, demotivated. Sometimes new ideas keep poking and we lose interest in old ones. So, like I said, it depends. I usually give any new idea a good number of days before working on it because what initially seemed a great idea might turn out to be a disaster. So, I wait and consider it thoroughly before penning it.

Wow, you certainly seem like a very cautious person, I wish I was more like you! I definitely agree on all those counts as well, I daresay they ring true for a number of other writers! How do you decide on a suitable title once you have decided on a story?

Actually, a suitable title decides on the story line. Like Contractual Marriage. Now, contractual marriage isn't a legal thing in my country but it is in others. I once even had a debate on it in college, supporting it. So, when you take the tittle contractual marriage, certain pros and cons comes to mind. Based on it you can write number of stories. This goes for my other stories too.

Wait, so would I be correct in saying you base your titles off the main plot of your story?

Yes. Kind of.

Alright, so you need a story for a title. Intriguing concept, but isn't it a little difficult to work out?

Nope, it's like deciding on a subject before starting a debate on it.

Okay, very clear comparison and that successfully cleared up my confusion, thank you! Well, how do you structure your stories and make sure you don't go off-topic, or end up writing filler chapters?

I at first write a rough chapter and read it through multiple times. But that doesn't make it perfect. Most of the time, comments and personal messages from readers requesting certain things help a lot. For example, one of my readers requested me to write something based on arrange marriages, while the lead has a crush on another person. That gave me the idea for Contractual Marriage. So, yeah, my readers' views and requests matter a lot.

Seems like you have a really good connection with your readers! What's the most surprising thing a reader has ever said/commented/asked of you?

Well once I wrote a kidnapping, rape and torture chapter. Well, crime happens, whether you like it or not. But one of my readers got really offended and hurt. She thought I was exploiting it. I was shocked, but then realized she maybe right. So, I published the update of two chapters twice, one with the rape part, another opting it, so that the reader can feel less offended.

That was extremely kind and considerate of you, Jia. This also goes to show just how important warnings can be in a story. What are the general themes that you dabble in?

Nothing specific, but since it's fanfiction, all my stories are based on gay romances.

Cool, though I can't say I'm particularly big on fanfiction! But now that I've sated my curiosity enough, it's time for your readers to ask you their questions through me! Ready?

Yep

Okay, this one if from PAMMAN49 and his/her/their question is: Will you be going back to the past life storyline?

Yes, definitely. It still has loose ends, which must be finished. And thank you PAMMAN49.

Ah, they'll be thankful for the heads up! Moving on, this question is from cherishedsunshine. What is your favorite Wattpad story?

Well, there's many. But 'MY SOLEMN VOW', by weiweilan1, is my current favorite.

I'll have to check it out then! Here's another one from Hajabarbie though I think it's a spoiler of sorts: In Contractual marriage did Wanji and Ying get together romantically or ended up getting married in their previous lives?

A peaceful end, wouldn't have left Wei Ying traumatized even in the present birth. That's as much as I can say.

Haha, alright, hopefully there's no disappointment! From prajaktalawande and Tiamiyi4 we have: Who/What inspired you to write Contractual Marriage?

Contractual marriage is actually one of my favorite topics of debate. I think sometimes, contractual based relationships too could end in happiness. And, a special request from , made me work on the plot.

I see. Well, there's no denying the heat behind the topic of contract – based relationships! The final question is from KalinaSom What inspired you to write?

The same answer as before but as to what inspired me to continue writing; it was, are, my readers. They are the greatest inspiration and encouragement for me.

Gosh, you're so sweet! But before I forget; do you suffer from writer's block at times?

Yep, often. As I said, initiating a new idea and inputting it as a story is easy. But giving it a constructive and likable finish is quite tough. That's exactly when I suffer from writer's block. But there are ways to overcome it.

Looks like yours is somewhat at the beginning! How do you manage to overcome it?

I read other stories to distract myself from my story line for some times. That minimizes pressure and freshen up my mind. You tube videos, sometimes I even ask reader's view on how they would like the story to continue. And, SLEEP. If you are too stressed then go to sleep. Fundamental block of my life for every stressful situation. Music helps as well. Sometimes music brings out such incredible ideas!

Yep, music is definitely a lifesaver when it comes to inspiration! What is your work schedule like for updates and such, especially when you are working/studying?

I don't have a specific schedule. If am having something in my mind, and am free. I write. Sometimes, I write just to vent my anger on something, relaxes me afterwards. So, yep no specific time schedules. Also, if I start a, specific time schedule, it gives me nightmares. So, I listen to heart's wish rather than mind's setups. Hehe

Who needs a schedule? And anyways, there's no point in trying to curb the creative streak! Are your characters based on any real - life people?

Not real – life people, but real life situations. Once I wrote about a FOSLA group. FOSLA stands for Frustrated One Sided Lover's Association Group. Actually, when I was in college, some of my male friends, who didn't get girlfriends started it and I was sort of the leader of it. It was just for fun, and became quite hilarious. But I mentioned it in my story. Readers' found it awesome too. Things likewise. Situations are based on real events sometimes, but names, characters are purely fictional.

Okay, that group idea had me laughing, it's certainly creative! Well, do you connect with any of your characters on an emotional level or do they share any of your characteristics?

Oh yeah, of course. Most of Wei Ying's tantrums and habits are actually mine. Like his liking petrol smell, new shoe smell, etc. Him maintaining a book for traffic tickets and paying off monthly. Stuffing himself with pillows all around while sleeping are actually my habits.

Those are very common habits and I could never understand why people hated the smell of petrol! What was your proudest moment as a writer?

Proudest moment was when some of my readers could relate with some of the social indifferences I mentioned in my stories, and also some habits. Some even trusted me enough to discuss their sadness with me. And I shared my own with them. This lead to several new friendships in my life, and I was proud of being a writer then.

That's so beautiful and touching to hear! I've said it before and I'll say it again; You and your readers obviously share a very special connection! Do you have a message for them?

Self – love is very important, because if you aren't happy and unloved, you can't make others happy and love them. I learned it the hard way. Hope you all do not have to.

Seems to me there's a very dark story here, but perhaps that's for another time when you're more comfortable to share it. Well Jia, what in your opinion makes a good story?

Less complicated, easily understandable, somehow you can relate to, and a mixture of happy, sad, funny, romantic and a little spiced up with erotica and violence. A little.

Certainly a snappy combo and ! Do you have a specific message for the lovely peeps who nominated you?

Thank you. That's my message to them. The rest of it they know.

A secret then! Though I wish to know what it is, I'll let your readers keep it for themselves! What is something you would like tell all aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself. Don't let votes and comments play with your emotions. The more you pen down your thoughts, the more you start understanding and experiencing better, about your own self, your own thoughts, and beliefs. That in turn boosts your confidence and your writing keeps getting better.

Such a lovely message and I'm sure it will really spur everyone on! One last question; the CLN community mascot is a lynx. What nocturnal animal would you be?

The snowy white owl, symbolic for its spiritual beliefs.

Oh, that bird is simply exquisite! I'll have to look up the part about spiritual beliefs though.

I know right!

Well, that's all for now! It was a pleasure to interview you Jia!

Thank you for choosing me.

Ah, don't thank me, all credit goes to your readers! Thanks Jia and I wish you all the best!