Hello fellow Wattpadders! Today we have SuVida777 with us, the author of the book, Black Avatare.

I am Abhipreeti (_abhipreeti_), and I have interviewed Su Vida, a.k.a, SuVida777.

Su Vida is an artist, animator, author and a sci-fi nerd from the central hills of Sri Lanka. During the pandemic, she pursued her own creative journey and started penning her stories.

She loves everything quirky, and her novels are all YA speculative fiction—sci-fi, fantasy and horror. They come with immersive worlds and heroines who tend to be nerdy, whimsical and rebellious. She loves delving into the mind-boggling possibilities of science and technology, as well as exploring social/eco themes that could do with a spotlight. So underneath the fun and fluff, there's always something for the nerds and thinkers.

When she's not drawing, animating, volunteering or writing, she can be found geeking out over anime, video games and funky science.

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?

>>Back in the day, writing meant essays for school, the occasional short story/odd chapters and scripts for animated works. It was only during the pandemic that I sat down to write an actual novel (though the characters existed in my brain for a long time before that).

So in late 2020, I wrote 40,000 words of Komoreby. In January 2021, I posted it on Wattpad.

Yes! It's my dream to get my books published one day!

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

>>My work is influenced by the stories I've loved throughout the years!

My taste in books is diverse. Some of my favorite books/authors include Harry Potter, Animorphs, Sherlock Holmes, The Lord of the Rings, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Mediator by Meg Cabot, Nancy Drew, Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Robin Cook's medical thrillers, Arthur C. Clarke, Stephen Baxter, Alastair Reynolds and Six of Crows.

Don't get me started on the manga/anime! My favorites include Naruto, One Piece, Bleach and Death Note.

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)?

>>Everything I write is YA speculative fiction—sci-fi, fantasy and horror. I love all three genres, though I tend to gravitate towards sci-fi. My newest work, Black Avatare, combines all three.

Not sure about brilliant, but I love worldbuilding and creating funky plots with many threads. I also explore the possibilities of science, futurism and alternate realities. Speculative fiction allows me to do just that.

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

>>Go all out with the character design, worldbuilding and craziness. Have fun!

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

>>The protagonist, Binara, shares her wisdom with us throughout the book. :3 Here's what she has to say about social media:

"Social media was like a waterhole, where buffaloes congregated to engage in meaningless tomfoolery."

As you can see, Binara can be a bucket of sunshine.

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

>>World domination.

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)?

>>5 words: Ghosthunter girl versus legendary demon.

***

A spooky re-imagining of the Black Prince from Sri Lankan folklore.

***

The Great Haunting was just a historical plague. The alluring demon Black Prince wasn't real. It was the disease that drove the unfortunate maidens to insanity--a tragedy compounded by natural disasters that claimed many lives. Cityfolk with sense know that. Binara knows better.

For those acquainted with her, Binara is just a teen spending school break in her ancestral estate with a strict governess, a workaholic mother and an ailing great uncle. Only her sister knew of her ability to detect ghost essence and the mysterious dark matter the city is using as a power source. Armed with science, she's out to become a better ghosthunter than the city's secretive ghostbusting agency.

Now, history is repeating itself with increasing incidents of missing girls and hauntings--which Binara blames for the disappearance of her sister. It's time to fight back before darkness takes over her home. What better way than to set a trap for none other than the Black Prince?

***

What makes it different? Black Avatare is a blend of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. :3 Did I mention it contains folklore and mythology you've probably never heard of before?

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

>>I relate to Binara's nerdiness. She's curious about the world and uses tech for ghosthunting. And like my other protagonists, Binara is kind of goth (at least darkly inclined).

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

>>I've drawn elements from Sri Lankan folklore to craft the plot. Other than that, it's my imagination going wild! As for inspirations/influences, those would be anime (especially Bleach), Tim Burton, Alice Madness Returns, Mediator, Supernatural and Stranger Things! There's one other inspiration—Interstellar, my favorite movie ever.

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

>>When I started writing Komoreby, I looked online for platforms where I can post my work. Wattpad showed up on top. I liked the look and feel of the interface—plus the reviews were okay.

That was in 2021. By now, I'm fascinated by the jungle that is Wattpad, where everything from award shows to interviews are conducted in the form of books—where currency consists of reads, votes and follows. Users have filled various ecological niches in the jungle, and there's healthy competition and symbiosis to grow and thrive.

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

>>I first posted on Wattpad in January 2021. It's been a rollercoaster ride since then. I've written a lot, honed my writing skills and read a gazillion books. I've also made many writer friends!

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

>>I'm a careful plotter. I do extensive research, character design and worldbuilding—as well as the plot outline and summary. I might add to my notes along the way, but I start with a lot of stuff before I write the actual story. So I don't really experience writer's block.

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

>>Plotter! I prefer to sit down and write at a stretch. There's no particular time. Sometimes I finish my work and write all weekend.

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?

>>Connect with other writers, since Wattpad is all about social storytelling and getting lots of consumer feedback to improve your work. Read each other's stories and grow together!

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

>>I've been reading a lot on Wattpad, and I've come across awesome writers who could do with a spotlight! Here are some of them!

avadel, stephsaige, MiyaHikari, axgirl13, Exequinne, EvelynHail, tarishannon18, AmyMarieZ, Cross-Warrior.

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

>>I have reading lists full of hidden gems! Here are some of my favorite stories on Wattpad! These novels come with wonderful characters, amazing worldbuilding and lots of adventure!

Of Caverns and Casters and The Right to Die by avadel

Wyrmrot by stephsaige

Whisper of Blade and Facing Fear by 

Masters of the Sky and Justice for the Fallen by axgirl13

Chronicles of Fantasilia by Exequinne

Venture to Uncertainty by tarishannon18

Dana Ilic and the Shadow Door by EvelynHail

Down Under by AmyMarieZ

The Dragon's Scale by Cross-Warrior

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

>>Quirky. Nerdy. Kawaii.

Thank you so much for interviewing me!

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!