Attention, lovers of romance! Tonight, The Grand Masquerade Awards shines a spotlight on a captivating tale that has stolen hearts and captivated readers. Please join me in welcoming our esteemed guest, Gremlinsbookstash, the award-winning author behind the enchanting novel, Hearts Divided!

Gremlinsbookstash's masterful storytelling has earned her a coveted spot among the champions of The Grand Masquerade. Her ability to weave a tale of love, conflict, and ultimately, connection, has resonated deeply with our judges and readers alike.

In this exclusive interview, Gremlinsbookstash will unveil the inspiration behind Hearts Divided, the challenges she faced in crafting her characters' journeys, and the secrets to her captivating writing style. So, get comfortable, grab a metaphorical cup of cocoa (or your any favorite beverage!), and prepare to be swept away by the magic of romance! Gremlinsbookstash, the stage is yours.

So, what initially sparked the inspiration for your award-winning novel?

There are many things that influenced my story, but what really sparked the inspiration for this story was the need to read a genre that little people, if no one, wrote before. And I'm talking here about merging mafia genre with the superhero one.

That's a genre blend. Commendable approach! Winning the TGM Award must be incredibly validating. How has this recognition impacted your approach to writing or your future projects?

In general, every winning award makes me want to continue writing my story. TGM in particular made me want to return to writing. I had given up on that story because of some bad thoughts.

Oh please don't do that. I'm glad you returned back to it. However besides the winning novel, are there other genres or themes you're passionate about exploring in your writing?

Yes, I have some projects that haven't been published yet in many genres. I just had a rough time, and thought that no one would be interested in them.

Imagine you're transported into the world of your award-winning novel. What character would you most like to meet, and why?

This is a very hard question because I like all of my characters, but I think I will choose Liz. The reason is very simple - she doesn't get into other people's business if no one asks her to.

That sounds interesting! The TGM Awards acknowledge excellence across genres. What initially drew you to write in the genre that won you the award?

I wanted to write something that has romance but also realistic (or as realistic as they could be) steamy scenes, but not exactly focusing on them. People who read the book (or a bigger part of it) noticed that what my characters needed most was love - in every way, shape, or form.

If you could have your novel adapted into a film, who would you envision playing the lead character and why?

I would choose a cinematography student. Not only would this be a very nice opportunity for her, but I would avoid dealing with celebrity egos. At this moment, there is not a single actress I would choose to play Scarlett.

What inspires you to write? Are there specific authors or genres that influence your work?

To BE HONEST, i DIDNT THOUGHT ABOUT THIS SO MUCH. I just write what I want to read, and because I am picky about books, it is difficult for me to find something I absolutely love. People who read the book will undoubtedly notice a few influences as a result of the tropes and many other aspects that have already been written about.

With so many stories out there, how do you stay original and keep your voice fresh?

I don't CARE ABOUT THIS, REALLY. I write mostly for personal enjoyment. It is true that it is rewarding to see someone enjoy your story, but I would literally go insane if I wrote something to appease other people. THE WINNING STORY, AS WELL AS THE OTHER PROJECTS I HAVE, ALL HAVE TROPES THAT OTHERS HAVE WRITTEN ABOUT. I simply merge genres and hope for the best.

With one TGM Award under your belt, what are your aspirations for your future as a writer? Is there a specific genre award you'd love to win next, or a new direction you'd like to take your craft?

I would probably try to enter a few contests in the paranormal category, but first I have to write the book for this.

Looking forward to it. At last but not the least, as an award-winning writer, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out?

There are many pieces of advice, but the most important one is that people will always talk shit about your work, no matter what you do. So you just have to ignore those people and focus on writing.

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On that enchanting note, dear readers, we must bid farewell to Gremlinsbookstash. But remember, the magic of romance lives on within the pages of Hearts Divided. And for those of you seeking your own happily ever after, keep crafting your stories, keep chasing your dreams, and never let the flame of your imagination flicker out.

Thank you, once again, Gremlinsbookstash, for being a part of "From Pen to Pageant: Chronicles of the Grand Masquerade Laureates." Until next time, happy reading, and happy writing!

STAY TUNED!