Hi there beautiful people!🌹

I'm Lilly your host and I'm back with another intriguing interview!💐

Sophie: And the crowd goes wild

(Gives her a cold glare)

Anyway, in this beautiful garden with me is djwinn. The talented author of the book 'Beneath the Surface'

Li: Without further delays, let's begin this interview. What's the story behind your story?

Win: I can't really remember how and why I started writing this book because it happened two years ago. Due to the fact that I was discouraged and had no time on my hands, I had to stop. I do know that there's a story to how I developed the personality of my central character. The rest of the book just came to me as I wrote, that's how it always is for me. I never know the end when I start. I like to keep myself in suspense too.

Li: How did you come up with the title?

Win: Beneath the surface tells a story of the characters with many layers. It shows how much a person can hide behind a smile. Indifference or even what feels like sheer hatred. Everyone is not all that they appear to be. There wasn't a more suitable name.

Li: At first glance, I thought the story was mostly focused on Norman, like BTS was mostly him, but now I am beginning to see that even Beatris has more to her, Mac and Leonard's relationship too. Is this title about all of them or just one person?

Win: Like I said, the title is about all my characters and the situations they have created. Although I laid emphasis on Norman since he's the main character.

Li: So who do you love and enjoy writing about the most, I mean the characters?

Win: Haha! That's a tough one. I love all of them, even Mac.
   But I'll answer this question in two ways;
   Firstly, the character I love the most on a personal level is Leonard. You see these characters were created by my brother and I. We loved to act out random fictional characters in different worlds when we were younger. So Leonard was a character, I created. He's emotional, dependent, playful and sometimes stupid. But I have a soft spot for him because he has a big heart.
   However, the character I love to write about the most is Norman. He was created by my little brother and refined by me. Norman is crazy and funny.

Li: And creepy. Don't ever forget creepy😒

Win: Yeah and that too😁. He defies the norm. I find myself laughing out loud at his utterances or getting so angry at his actions that I want to beat him and lock him up in an institution. He's just an interesting character to write about.

Li: I agree with you on that institution plan. Sophie imagine a man you hardly know just walking up to you and saying, 'hey I want to marry you, what's your price?'

Sophie: What?🤔

Yeah, Norman is that creepy!

Winnie is he really thirty years old? Because most of the time, he acts thirteen!

Win: LOL. Those must be the perks of living in his head, talking to people off the internet and not being able to socialize.

Li: Does he have a sort of mental problem?
(Sophie why are you making that face?🙄)

Sophie: I'm caught between hitting the buzzer and getting that answer. Is the dude really that bad?

Oh! He is the worst! He lives on chocolates and snacks! (Snatches the buzzer!) we need this answer.
Winnie, is Norman normal?

Win: I think it's obvious enough that he does have serious mental issues. I didn't state it clearly in the book, but I've displayed many signs of ASPD, Remorselessness, impulsivity, depression, manipulation and telling lies. He's on the spectrum and also his unhealthy eating habit (ARFID) is a mental health issue too.

Li: Wo! You mean manipulation and telling lies is a mental issue🤔 (God I need medical help😩)

Sophie: Yes you do, quit manipulating people!

(Rolls my eyes at Sophie)

Anyway, as a female, what do you think is the hardest part about writing in a male's POV? Because I know some certain person that might need a thing or two from you😁

Win: Well... I don't really think it's difficult to write about a man.

Li: Have you seen Sophie's book? Her men are literally squealing and screaming like teenage girls😂😂

Sophie: ❌Lilian!😤

Well in her defence, she never got to publish that book. So please tell us your secret.

Win: Well, I don't really see gender when I'm describing characters. I'm more about their personalities. However, I think it'll be impossible for me to comfortably write a sex scene especially from a man's POV. Also it's uncomfortable for me when my male characters address women wrongly or treat them badly. I have to constantly remind myself that they're not real people and I'll never be in support of assaulting or mistreating women.

Li: You are right about that. Assault to women or any  sort of violence against women and men alike should be totally frowned upon!

Moving on, what was your favourite moment in the story?
Mine was when Brianna finally got the movie role she has been auditioning for. Her joy was contagious😁

Win: Haha! Bri is a silly little girl.
About my favourite moment, I don't think I have one. My book isn't exactly filled with happy moments. But I enjoy Norman and Leonard's conversations.

Li: Yeah, their conversations were quite funny and nice to read. You know, the way they look out for one another, tell each other the truth and stuff like that, anybody with a close sibling or friend can relate.

So which was your worst moment?

Win: It happens somewhere in chapter twenty-nine. I can't explain and give details without earning a buzzer😁, but Beatris never saw what was coming for her when Norman let some secrets off his chest. It was just heart breaking for the woman who has already been through so much.

Li: Wow! As a reader I understand what Norman is going through and why he acts the way he does, but I just feel terrible for Beatris. She didn't ask for any of the drama. She was technically blackmailed into the-

(❌❌❌)

🙄

Anyway, I just feel bad for her. Each time I open the book, my heart breaks for her😩

Win: To me, Beatris is the victim and the victor. She has a certain subtle strength and resilience to her that I admire.

Li: She really is strong. Left to me, I would have poisoned Norman a long time ago😤

Sophie: I was beginning to think, you have changed😒

I swear, I am a good person. These characters just have a way of messing with me.

This story is so powerful and emotional. I never thought it would be like this. I thought it was going to be some sappy love story.

Win: LOL. I don't write love stories.

Li: But this is a love story. But..🤔 it's more like a dark romance or is it purple romance🤔

Sophie: It's called Dark Romance, host!

Whatever!

So moving on to Norman's relationships, the most wanted question, why does Mac hate Norman?

Win: If you really want to understand the relationship between Mac and Norman, I'm afraid you'd have to read further.
I'd give you a hint, what exists between them is more of anger and not hatred especially from Mac's point of view.

Li: Hmm well I hope it is so. How about Ken? He is a sweet guy but acts like a spy! What's his deal?

Win: Ken does the dirty work for Mac and sometimes Norman because he has a soft spot for him and he doesn't understand why Mac treats his brother badly. He would play a very vital role eventually.

Li: I hope that role doesn't affect poor Beatris negatively. That girl has had enough!

So another important person in this story, is Sarah. What's her story?

Win: Well.. Sarah is a character I paid so much attention to. I always try to work more on my characters and add depth to them. All I show about Sarah is that, she's a woman in love with Leonard and married to him while he's in love with someone else.

Li: I'm coming to Leonard's relationship. Sarah though, how did she meet up with Leonard? Was it just the one night fling thing?

Win: She'd always liked him and Norman knew about it. That's was why he set them up to help him get over Elaine. In chapter one, Leonard referred to her as 'some girl obsessed with him'. They knew each other, just that he was drunk that night.

Li: Ah! I see, because I've been wondering how such a sweet girl ended up with him. I hope she doesn't lose the baby after all the revelations.

Win: Sarah is indeed sweet. I love her especially for her role in being a shoulder for Beatris to cry on.

Li: Yeah, she played that role so well. Even though I feel Brianna should have been there for her sister. I mean Beatris only agreed to the whole madness because of her! And in her moment of pain, Brianna is half way across the world!

Win: Bri is living the life of freedom she's always wanted and Beatris would never put her burdens on her little sister. She's so used to dealing with things on her own which is a bad thing actually. In this case, Bri has no idea what is going on in Beatris' life.

Li: Yeah, I figured Beatris wouldn't tell her but you know me, I like looking for characters to kill or mutilate😆

Win: 😂 I'm scared of you!

Li: Naah. I don't harm my authors. I only bite off their fingers if they refuse to take a bribe I offer them😎

Let's move to Elaine, what is her problem! She loves Leonard, yet finds a way to cause trouble for Norman! That scene where she kissed him on the cheek in front of Beatris, she knew what she was doing! What was her goal there?

Win: Elaine did that to get back at Norman. They're more like frenemies. They say and do hurtful things to each other. So, it was very intentional. She wanted to annoy Norman but she had no idea that he was already having issues with his wife. That was a situation that spiralled out of control.

Li: Yes that situation really went over board. So before we wrap things up, you mentioned further up that you created these characters with your brother. My question is, did you create them for this story or was it another story?

Win: We didn't create them for this story. We just played around with different characters. We pretended to be them and just role played, it was fun.

Li: Sophie, can totally relate to that😁 I was more of the solo kid😂

Okay, fun question. How many pet fish did Norman murder?

Win: Haha! I have no idea!

Li: Mental disorder or not, he is a murderer!😤 Who forgets to feed their pets for two weeks?

Win: LoL. The poor fish! Norman is not capable of taking care of anything.

Li: Oh, that's a known fact. He can't even take care of himself! He needs help!

What's that snack you can't deny, no matter how full you may be?

Win: I'd say cake. I absolutely can't resist cakes.

Li: Those delightful little things, hmmm🍰

Okay, is there anyone you might like to appreciate?

Win: I would just like to appreciate people that take out time to read, comment and share my story. They motivate me to keep writing, learning and trying to improve myself.
Here is a list of a few;

CarolineKorlins
JerubelKeziah
thepolarphantom
Jesutofunmii
Eveleft13
ElleLeeLove

Li: So finally, what book would you recommend I interview?

Win: Seven deadly sins by CarolineKorlins, is an amazing book. She's a new author but the story is very creative and intriguing.

Li: I love new authors. I'll definitely check it out. Thank you so much for being on the show, you were amazing.

Win: Thank you so much for taking time out to interview me. I really appreciate your support, I had a swell time.

Li: Aww, you are welcome.

🌱

Okay people! 🌷

We have come to the end of this session. I really enjoyed speaking with Winnie, she is such a talented writer, you guys really need to check out her story.

Beneath the Surface, is a very emotional story filled with so many twists, it's a most read! It can be found in my public reading list 'Interviewed books' and of course her very own profile.❤

Do check out Beneath the Surface, comment, vote and don't forget to share your experience with me.🌱

Until next time, stay safe!

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If you enjoyed this, then please drop a comment telling me what part you enjoyed. If there was a part you didn't like, do not hesitate to tell me.
Lastly, don't forget to vote!

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Your host, Lilly❤