Where are you from?

Portugal

How old are you?

21

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

My mom and my first-grade teacher

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

I think I loved reading ever since my mom read stories to me and then when I first learned how to read.

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

I've always wanted to write but I think having my teacher encouraged me to pursue it as a career was what told me I was good enough to try it out at being an author.

What is the inspiration for your stories?

Mainly just ideas that I randomly have - might be something I see or hear and then my imagination just turns it into a story.

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

I outline my stories but there are times when I have random ideas that come to mind - then I have to choose what I want and make it work aha it's basically a mix of both

What is your method of beginning to writing a book?

I imagine how I want the readers to first get to know the story - what do I want their starting point to be? And then go from there.

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 haven't happened. I do get attached to the story and then it's hard to see it end. But right now I think I'm more attached to Lucas ("The Missing Gem"), I think what makes me get attached to him is the fact that he's very easy going, gentle, fun, has a lot of dreams he's never given up on and that's what makes me love him.

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

Imagination mostly. Diane Fitzgerald ("The Missing Gem") is the only character I think is a lot like one of my closest friends but fun fact - I only realized she was like her after I wrote her character.

What is the best part of writing a story?

Putting all your ideas into writing. The story's no longer in your head, it's now out there for everyone to see. Makes it sort of come true I guess.

How do you deal with writer's block?

Funny you ask that cause I recently went through it ahah I just read other books, other stories, listen to a lot of music and that usually does the trick for me.

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

I would obviously love to! Well I'm also a wannabe actress so I'd choose me to play the leading female character but other than that I don't really know, there's a lot of actors I love and that I think would be great to play my characters.

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

Always write what your heart wants you to write.

Are you working on a new story?

Just "The Missing Gem".