Greetings, thrill-seekers and horror aficionados! Tonight, we have the distinct honor of hosting the master of the macabre, the winner of our prestigious Crime Horror category – Acapriccio Rhythm!

Acapriccio Rhythm's chilling novel, WHO KILLED JESSIE REAGAN?, sent shivers down our judges' spines and left them begging for more. This evening, we'll delve into the shadows Acapriccio has so masterfully crafted, dissect the characters that lurk within, and uncover the inspiration behind this award-winning horror masterpiece.

So, grab a flashlight (metaphorical or literal, we won't judge!), settle in tight, and prepare to be captivated by the chilling genius of Acapriccio Rhythm! Let's unearth the secrets behind her Crime/Horror masterpiece. Acapriccio Rhythm, the stage is yours.

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

To be honest, I can't even remember. All I know is that the idea started forming in my mind! My ideas usually start out like that, popping in my brain and then marinating.

I definitely relate to you. The Grand Masquerade often celebrates diverse voices. Can you share how your own background or perspective influenced your writing?

 By profession I am a nurse, but I am always first a reader before that. My love for crime and mystery riddled stories is what led me to write my first official novel, Who killed Jessie Raegan on Wattpad. I've already written a few prior to my official launch in 2020, but never have I ever posted any. It was the height of the pandemic at the time, and I was bored out of my mind reading my thick pharmacology book. The idea came to me out of the blue, and I decided to run with it. It seems that even in my boredom my mind was actively churning out ideas. But I digress, my background in nursing helped me greatly in formulating the autopsy - without my anatomy and physiology book from 1st year, I doubt I'd have been able to write something close to accuracy. And the pharma book also aided me in writing and learning about the different drugs that would be at play. I also took inspiration from Sherlock Holmes, who is heavily referenced by indie - the main character. All of this to say, that my nursing degree, and my love for all crime and mystery, aided me greatly in the creation of this book.

Woah! Your medical background totally earned you perks. Besides the winning novel, are there other genres or themes you're passionate about exploring in your writing? 

I have dabbled in fantasy, some royal action, and ya discovering yourself stories. I am open to writing other genres and themes, but mystery is one I am most comfortable with.

Alright! What's the one piece of writing advice you've received that has stayed with you throughout your WRITING career? 

In all honesty, I do not think I've had any advice that I can really share, but what really stayed with me was this simple line: Just write. Whatever is on your mind, just write it down and see where it will take you. If it's a new idea, write it down. If you don't have a particular scene, just write whatever comes to mind. Don't focus on the editing part and just write. Editing always comes last. So just write whatever it is that comes to mind. You never know what will end up happening unless you write.

Can you share a specific detail or scene from your winning entry that you feel exemplifies the qualities the Grand Masquerade looks for? 

Not a specific scene but I think it was when Jessie died that red began to see and learn more about someone's past and those of the people around her. It was like peeling back layers of hidden truths.

The Grand Masquerade is all about taking off the masks we wear. Did writing this award-winning novel lead to any personal unmasking or growth for you?

 I'd like to think yes, writing this novel helped me grow as a writer. Though I have only written a few chapters since 2020, Who killed Jessie Raegan really pushed me to grow and better my craft. These days, I am working on editing the novel and adding new chapters, while also reflecting and working on myself.

Beyond writing, what are you passionate about? Do you see any way these passions influencing your future work? 

Well, I am passionate about cooking and baking, and maybe I might write about a character with these same passions. But we'll see since most of my characters are either crime nerds or book lovers.

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

A lot of things inspire me to write. For mystery heavy novels I am inspired by true crime documentaries, Sherlock Holmes, Nancy Drew, and the like. For other books, I am inspired by specific tumblr posts shared on Facebook and instagram.

If you could have any fictional character as your writing partner, who would it be and why?

 For crime and mysteries in general, it would be hands down, Sherlock Holmes. I am also open to Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot. I think i'd need a writing partner for different genres though.

What are you currently working on? Can you tease any details about your next project? 

I am currently working on getting WKJR done, but I do have a few works coming along. One is about a library in an island and its now sole inhabitant, as well as one about an immortal and a vampire and how one common thing linked them both.

As an award-winning writer, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting out? 

My advice would be to write it. Whatever comes to mind, just write it down. It doesn't have to be perfect. In fact no one gets it right the first time. What's important is that you gave it your best and that you wrote what you wanted to write. So don't let the fear of making a mistake hinder you from writing. Embrace these experiences and learn to love these mistakes. Improvement comes from making mistakes and learning. It doesn't come from fear or the need for perfection.

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On that suspenseful note, dear readers, we must bid a (not-so-final) farewell to Acapriccio Rhythm. Remember, the shadows hold countless secrets, and the chills await within the pages of her award-winning novel. For those who crave a good scare, keep seeking out the darkness in storytelling, and never be afraid to push the boundaries of your imagination.

Thank you once again, Acapriccio Rhythm, for joining us on "From Pen to Pageant: Chronicles of the Grand Masquerade Laureates." Until next time, happy haunting... and happy reading!

STAY TUNED!