Hello fellow Wattpadders! Today we have with us _BLACKSPADESZ, the author of the book, Damn Your Lies.

I am Abhipreeti (_abhipreeti_) and I have interviewed Serena, a.k.a, _BLACKSPADESZ.

Serena alias _BLACKSPADESZ, is a published writer and graphic designer who loves to engage in several cultural activities and co-curriculars. She has recently joined Wattpad and looks forward to meeting new people.

At what age did you realize that you have a special place for writing? Are you currently or do you ever dream of one day being in the writing industry?

>>I realised that I loved writing at the age of 12. Back then, I just used to write short stories and poems because I didn't know how to start developing full fledged stories into novellas or novels. And then around the age of 16, I could write stuff and some long stories that required chapters. Unfortunately, I misplaced all of them because I didn't know Wattpad existed. But I'm glad that I experienced the whole process and now I can write and express my feelings.

Yes, I plan to write as long as it doesn't interrupt my normal schedule. Honestly, it's a stress reliever to me. I don't think I will ever stop writing stories because it's the only means of escaping the reality for me. 

Did any story, on or off Wattpad, inspire you ever and help you carve your interest towards writing books?

>>I had begun reading on Wattpad first. I only recently started writing in it. There are a whole bunch of people out there who have the best stories. I would mostly recommend Neilani Alejandeino who goes by the name sweetdreamer33 and CeceLib. Honestly, they are the best. All their works are chef's kiss.

What is the genre(s) in which you mostly write your books? Do you think you are able to create brilliant plots when you write in that specific genre(s)?

>>There is no specific genre that I like to write. For example take Damn Your Lies. It is a historical fiction because of world building. But characters know magic, so fantasy. There are love interests so romance, there's teleportation and stuff and that's science fiction. There are dramas and thrillers. Some scenes give goosebumps. So basically my works are a package deal. But yeah, mostly I love historical fiction. And I do honestly believe that I can make the brilliant-est plots in this genre.

What advice would you like to give to authors who are writing in the same genre(s) as yours?

>>Dear people, just putting a sword in the hands of the people and creating a battle out of nowhere is not a historical fiction. There should be a certain charm, a certain charisma, some poetic vibes, some strategies, some moral upliftment before battles, the most painful statements ever heard and of course tears. Kings and Queens are not everything about love, historical fiction is all about their glory. And let's keep it at that without romanticizing each and every scene. Because history is all about the glory of battles, understanding, sacrifice and patience.

Do you have any favourite quote or quotes from your book?

>>"I play with the fire of my own truth, I burn for the things I love."

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

>>I see myself being a creator. Hah, wishful thinking. But yes, I do want to see myself growing significantly in whatever I do and keep on building my strength in writing too. Writing is something I've always loved and I don't see myself without it in the next 10 years.

Now let us talk about your book. How would you describe your story in five words? Could you please give us a brief summary of what your book is about? What makes your book different from other books in the same genre(s)?

>>Five words, huh. I would say it's witty, thrilling, poetic, strategic and descriptive.

My book is everything that is out there in the world and everything that's not. That's how I've written it using my blood, sweat and tears. People will start reading my book and say "Ah, it's that familiar plot", "I saw this in a manga", "Doesn't it feel anime?" Yeah. I know. But at the end of the day, they know that it was a whole different thing than what they expected.

A summary? I'll just drop in a trailer. You know, the typical story where a person gets into the world of a novel by accident? Yes, it's always an accident that does that thing. And she also has a helper. Sounds easy. And then she...No. Stop your assumptions there. She's not some Cinderella who becomes a protagonist out of nowhere. Regina is someone who earns the position of a protagonist by working for it. And how? For that, I highly recommend you to read my story (;

Which character or characters of your story do you relate to most? And why?

>>You could say I relate with my Regina? Sorry for the 'my' but yes, she's my child. I created her and I love her more than any other person. But what do I say, I relate more with Tweet than any other character T-T

My real life nickname is Tweety. I just removed the y. Tweet is a mixture of wit and chaos, intelligence and dumb moments, someone who does their homework before something great happens and yes, always the sarcasm. Tweet is someone who everyone will love. And why? I forgot. That's very Tweet of me. But I'm not the only one, right?

How did you come up with such a fascinating plot? Were there any inspirations?

>>Nah, it's just something I did at random to be honest. Not flexing, but for real. I never knew I would make a masterpiece. Because I never create outlines. I just go with the flow. I just came across the prompt, it caught my eyes and then I started writing. It was always an ONC thing. I could've never thought about all this if not for that contest.

How did you discover Wattpad? And what engendered you to begin writing on this platform? What do you like best about this application?

>>Wattpad caught my eyes when a friend mentioned it to me. I never knew we could write as well when I saw some very unprofessional writers who just write anything out of random. Then I searched if I could write and that's all. But I've never gone this far with work. I guess, Wattpad is a good application because everyone has the right to write. That doesn't happen everywhere.

When did you start writing on Wattpad? How has your writing journey been ever since then?

>>You can see on my profile that I opened the account in 2023. Yep. Before that I read it from an alt account that I lost. But I officially started writing since this account has been opened. I guess, this could be one of the most impressive feats I've pulled.

What is your writing process and how do you cope when writers' block hits you?

>>Graphics are always the first for me. First I create a graphic when I have the inspiration. Then I inspire myself to develop the story.

And then it's all about how long my passion goes for the book.

Are you a pantser or a plotter? During which time of the day do you usually write?

>>I'm a pantser. And I have no specific time for writing. I could do it in the middle of the day or middle of the night. I just open the app whenever I feel like writing.

What would be your advice to young and budding authors, who are just beginning their journey on Wattpad and are quite new to the writing world?

>>Look, it doesn't matter if you have just some 20 reads. Or even no votes. It doesn't always work out. There are several reasons for that. Because for a fact, the Wattpad era is gone. There are almost all writers and no readers. So yes, getting the exposures is not really for beginners. So what I would suggest is, join a community. There are several of them. And you'll at least be able to develop your skills. Then find some good contests and begin your writing. That will give you a good audience. And then, always make sure to be confident of yourself, never desperate for fame. Because every time it comes to you on its own, you can never go to it.

Is there any author(s) on Wattpad whom you look up to as an amazing writer?

>>As I have already mentioned, the best writer I've known is Neilani Alejandrino. She goes by the username sweetdreamer33. Her works have turned into shows and movies and truly, she's a great writer.

Could we please have two or more Wattpad story recommendations? What do you like most about these stories?

>>The Cellar, The Billionaire's Rebellious Bride, The Billionaire's Sweet Trouble, The Billionaire's Irresistible Enemy, Reviving the Engine, Mistress of Nature, Mistress of Flame, all the stories of IyaLee04, She-Devil, Code Red, etc.

What would be the three words to describe yourself as an author?

>>Unexpected, thrilling and yes, always the aesthetic details.

Thank you so much! It was an honour to have you here for the interview conducted by Kalon Community. We wish you lots of success on your writing journey and may you flourish more. Thank you once again!