Where are you from?

I am Karinrumi from Poland! I live currently in the UK, though.

How old are you?

20 years old.

What and who inspired you into reading and/or writing?

My inspirations to read were my parents, older sister, and my English + Polish teachers.

Speaking of the people that inspired me to write, I remember loving reading a story by the writer I liked. However, the story got shafted, the person deleted their account, so after that, I decided to write my version of it when I was 14 years old. I didn't finish that story, but the writing accompanied me after that moment.

What was the first book that you read that started your love for reading?

Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Our parents had a mini-library of various variations of Fairy Tales, original ones, the Disney ones, etc. However, I loved many Fairy Tales from Hans Christian Andersen's book. My favorite Fairy Tales were "The Snow Queen" and "The Little Mermaid" when I was 7-8 years old. I still love them.

What was the turning point in your life that you decided to take your writing seriously?

Hmm, that's a good question. I think the best answer is two, or three years ago when I turned 17-18 years old. I made a bet with my older sister that I will complete a story, and after that, I took writing more seriously in general.

What is the inspiration for your stories?

Various things that can stimulate my creative parts to work on those spinning wheel cogs!

The inspiration can come from various things, life experiences, music, or even some of the character traits in my favorite shows that I loved. 'What if' scenarios are appealing to me too.

Do you outline your stories or write whatever comes to mind?

I do outline my stories!

However, when there's a 'whatever comes to mind' moment, I do save up the idea in my files, just in case. When the time comes, I am opening up the file with the saved up ideas, next to picking the one I like the most to work with like my next pick.

I do focus first on the stories that I have already outlined and am publishing way more, though. I survived through some health problems in the past, but now I am more than ready to come back into the writing form!

What is your method of beginning to writing a book?

I look through my ideas, pick one, and start writing a rough outline of the plot, world-building, etc.

Next, I create the characters, their backstories, and motivations. In the early stages, I write some mini one-shot to get a feel of how I want to write the interactions between certain characters before revising the outline.

When the outline is after the revision - I write at any available time. (I refer to the first draft here).

At the same end, I proofread, post the story, and edit it.

If it comes to fanfictions, my process is very similar, but I need to keep canon information, from the shows in mind.

In any case, that's how I progress, when I write.

Do you ever get attached to the characters in your story? If so, what part of their personality or quirks do you find relatable?

I do! I think in a way you get attached to the main characters the most when you write. It's hard to write about the MC when you don't feel that sense of attachment to me, you know? However, I do get attached to many of my side characters as well, even the characters I didn't think I would get attached to, prove me wrong sometimes.

I think it's mainly coming from is me, wanting to understand their point of view, values, as well what would I do if I was in the x or y character place? It's that train of thoughts that makes me feel attached to them all in the end, rather than any quirk, or character trait. However, their characters are a big part of that thinking-train!

Do you base your characters on people in your personal life, imagination, or both?

Both. There's a mix of inspiration from the real-life and imagination.

What is the best part of writing a story?

The so-called breakthroughs when you were initially stuck and suddenly had the flash of inspiration on how to progress the story further. It pays off when you reach the moments in the story you wanted to write for so long too! I like to write conclusions + endings as well. That feeling when you complete a story is worth the entire process.

How do you deal with writer's block?

I take a few steps back to find the cause of the writer block in the first place.

Is it because I ignored my other needs, besides writing?

Sometimes, when you write, you forget about the basic needs you have. When that's the case, the most likely cause is the lack of break + necessary nutrients. Luckily, it doesn't happen to me often now, but if it does happen to you, take breaks to eat and drink enough water to stay hydrated. It can refresh the power of your brain!

Is it because I was writing too long?

In this case, I stop, sleep through it, and come back to the scene I was stuck with the next day with a refreshed mind.

Is it because I am unsatisfied with the outcome of the scene?

In this case, I delete the scene and write the new version I am satisfied with since the former one made me stuck.

What if I don't know the reason for the block?

I re-read my outline just-in-case to know if the cause for the block is there, in the case it's not I listen to the music, take a shower, or take a walk (well, walking is off limits now, though.)

There were the cases I wrote the scenes that were supposed to come later first, then coming back to the scene I was stuck while writing before. At least, those are my methods to deal with writer block in general. I think every writer deals differently with 'writer block', but that's how I deal with it, personally.

Would you want to see your story or stories be adapted? If so, who would you want to play your characters?

In terms of fanfiction? No.

In terms of adaption, based on the original stories I created? Resounding yes.

I think the adaptations make you experience the story through different mediums and it's fun to spot the differences between the book vs the adaptation of it. Of course, I do think I should get way better if I want to reach the point when my certain books/stories could be adapted, but I keep pretty realistic expectations if it comes to adaptations in general. They can be either hit or miss.

Honestly, I am fine either way, as long the story in the book format stays, haha.

What kind of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

To never give up, stay hydrated, and know we all are starting from zero! There will be moments when you will feel down, even doubting your skills, but as long you preserve it means you improve as a writer!

There's a chance someone secretly enjoys your story, someone that you're unable to notice - A NINJA READER. Remember that most of us started from zero and you will not have 100 followers, or readers just after two days.

So stay motivated! That way, you can reach your goals!

Are you working on a new story?

Yes, I do, but on the side-lines for now. I prefer to focus on the story I currently am publishing since my various real-life trouble slowed down my updates of it significantly.

Take care, everyone,+ remember to drink water!