AfterDark is excited to interview MermaidAriel13, a Bootcamp Mentor and a master of fan-fiction. Since her Wattpad journey started in 2019, she's completed many stories on the platform, delving into dark themes with a paranormal touch. Her stories? They are just as spicy as her favorite dishes.

You know, Darklings, we can't resist a writer who leaves readers biting their fingers in delicious suspense & irresistible chemistry...

The stage is yours, MermaidAriel13!

Welcome to Intimate Interviews! Can you tell us more about yourself?

I'm a neurodiverse, LGBTQ+ author of stories dripping with excitement, tension, dark themes, and sheer drama. There is nothing I enjoy more than to put my characters through the ringer and bringing lovers together only to rip them apart.

What made you pick up the pen and start writing?

I was already a big reader, so stories have always been a big part of my life. The earliest recollection I have of writing a story start to finish was for a class assignment when I was eight, and we had to mix fairy tales that had a common villain—mine was Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood.

I started getting more invested in writing when I started working, so age eighteen, and I needed an outlet that wasn't tiring on my body. Tried some other creative things, but eventually settled on writing 'cause it - briefly - silences the voices in my head.

It'll be five years in November since joining Wattpad, and I haven't regretted it yet. I've met so many incredible people —some irl even —and have established a firm fanbase with some of my stories, I feel confident enough moving forward.

What inspires you as an author?

If you mean, what inspires me to be an author, then I'm going to be real frank and say writing is really just a way to get peace. I get the hurricane in my mind to simmer down, the voices aren't as loud, and it help disconnect me from the real world for. I need that sometimes, and I don't mind admitting that.

In terms of where I get inspiration, that's literally everywhere. I don't need much for my brain to take something and warp it into a story. A song lyric, a place, an image... I keep one strict rule for myself; I don't actually write a full story unless I know what happens from beginning to end. Knowing there's a planned ending helps with committing to it.

What inspired you to write your first steamy scene? Could you tell us more about that experience? Was it a slow buildup to a not-so-innocent kiss, or did your characters jump right into the action?

The first steamy scene I wrote was between the two main characters in FALLEN ANGEL, about six years ago. I'd decided early on that I was just going to embrace the dark side and give in to the steam, despite never having done it. I looked up examples, did some research (I recommend How To Write Erotica by Rachel Kramer Bussel), and then went for it.

Since then, I've rewritten that scene countless times, landing on what it currently is and if I compare that first draft to now... ooft, get the fans and ice cubes out, 'cause I definitely cranked up the temperature.

Was writing "after dark" material something that occurred naturally to you, or was it a craft that you practiced till you perfected?

Generally speaking, it came natural, 'cause I like the dark, the gritty, the cruel, the drama. Honestly, the Disney villains have nothing on me, and some of my readers have found out the hard way.

Specifically for spice, it was definitely a learning process. I was very insecure with those first scenes I wrote and constantly sought feedback, and it's thanks to that feedback that I grew into it. Is it perfect now? I doubt it. It's good enough to get picked up for publication in an erotica anthology, but I can and am eager to learn more.

What is one thing about writing that no one told you about, or what is one piece of advice you would like to share with other writers especially when it comes to writing AfterDark material?

Like Sebastian says before he sings Kiss The Girl, you've got to create the mood. Put together a special playlist for just those scenes, write in a darker room on your lonesome, perhaps light a few candles, grab a glass of wine or something so your own inhibitions lower and you start to feel what your characters have to feel.

Also, when writing a steamy scene, you really want to take your time with it and not rush into it to get it over with. Unless you're into quickies - and some people are, no judgment here - you yourself wouldn't want it to be over in a few minutes, so lay it all out. The emotions, the exploring, the inner thoughts, the reactions, the act itself, the aftermath... there are so many elements, so why not dive into them? The longest steam scene I've written is over 3K, which is a whole chapter on Wattpad. Trust me, you have enough material to work with.

Most importantly, shut off any shame you may feel in writing a sex scene. Just let go of that little voice inside that says it's scandalous. Sex happens. It's literally a part of life. Our characters can indulge just as much as we can, so yeah, let them have it.

BUT - and this is also a big one - make sure the steam fits the story. Are the characters ready for it? Is their relationship established enough? Do I even need an explicit steamy scene in this book?

What's the most scandalous thing you've ever written? (could be posted or deleted material)

That would probably have to be the soft BDSM scene in FALLEN ANGEL. It was a 'regular' steamy scene in earlier drafts, but considering the male character in that scene is Lucifer (yes, literally the Devil) his fierceness and fire had to jump off. Though he makes sure not to overdo it, he's a dom who never gives up control and who encourages his partners to go beyond their own boundaries. Pretty sure he's got a kink for bondage, but I didn't think it wise to ask for confirmation.

Do you have a favorite novel from the titles you've written and why is it your chosen one?

I feel like I'm obliged to say FALLEN ANGEL. It was the first book I wrote and finished after four years, so basically my firstborn, and the one I honed my skills on. I'm currently working with an editor to get it published, so yes, very proud of that one. But honestly... YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS had a special place in my heart. I've turned people that weren't fans of either of the two fandoms I mix together into fans because they wanted to find out more about the characters and the events, and I consider that a huge compliment.

Are you a panster, or plotter, or both? How does that work for you?

I'd say about 75% plotter, 15% pantser, and 10% 'I don't know what I'm doing but it's working so we're going with the flow'. The chaos and order are imperfectly balanced, which surprisingly makes sense to me.

Is there a dirty secret or salacious tryst about one of your characters that only you know but are willing to share?

Hm, whose secret could I spill without facing repercussions? I think, for my own safety, I'll just share a general little titbit about the angels in FALLEN ANGEL that I've only hinted at in the story itself.

The place on their shoulder-blades where their wings are tucked in is a very thin layer of skin with a bunch of nerves underneath. When directly stimulated there, the hormones they at that moment feel most are heightened. So when they're making out with a partner, dopamine and oxytocin start to release, and if those nerves are then touched (a caress, nails grazing over them, fingers digging in, etc.) their sexual arousal shoots up like fireworks on the Fourth of July. A fun extra for Archangels, specifically, since their wings different in size, color, strength, and magical prowess - continued handling of only those nerves could actually result into an orgasm without needing to stimulate the genitalia.

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to when it comes to writing?

Yes, absolutely. I have to shout-out my BCM mentor, neverfakeit and my writing coach/friend Rebecca-Jade . I learned so much from the both of them, not only on the 'technical' side of writing but also how to connect better with my work. They continue to advise me when I struggle, and I couldn't be more grateful.

Do you have any writing projects you're currently working on? Any future titles your readers should look forward to?

I have THE BEAST WITHIN - a Faustian horror retelling of a few fairy tales - completed offline. Ongoing FanFic on Wattpad are ;- DAUGHTER OF HEAVEN (Supernatural, DeanxOC/Sam)- LOYALTY & MISCHIEF (MCU Loki, LokixSigyn)- THE LOST FLOWER OF THE HIDDEN LEAF (Naruto, Naruto/OCxSasuke)- ANGEL OF MERCY (Death Note, LxOCxLight)Besides these, I'm writing the prequel to Fallen Angel, HOW THE MORNING STAR FELL, and the first book I have planned after that will be WWII drama titled RETURN TO ME.I have about twelve other ideas shelved, but nothing I can share so far.

Do you have a favorite author? (On or off Wattpad)

Oh goodness, yes, too many to name every single one of them, but off the top of my head; neverfakeit , Rebecca-Jade , MGHicks_Reloaded , AziaElga , marsaumell , dlcroisette , galarusauthor , SarahQuinnMcGrath , AnnamitaMuscaria , AWriternamed-ANA ,  ostromn , @TateCsernis , vykiknighthadley

As far as books off Wattpad go, some authors I look up to are Philippa Gregory and Diana Gabaldon. I've tried to capture their same attention to historical detail in my own stories, and pride myself on my research skills.

What is the most captivating novel you've read? Bonus points if it has spice.

My favourite novel ever is The Count of Monte Cristo, but if I have to name one that has spice, then it would probably be The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follet, simply because this was the first one I read with spice.

Funny enough, it was for a mandatory school assignment for English, Religious Studies, and Art&Culture when I was fifteen and the teachers actually encouraged to take these scenes into our discussions whenever we sat together, not just on what happened between the characters but also the technical dynamics of the scene.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose and why?

Scotland. The whole vibe the Highlands give, with the hills, woods, and lakes just fits my personality and I reckon I could find inner peace there. Somewhere that's easy to reach by bike or bus that's remote but not too much that I can't go into town for groceries or visits to the bikeshop.

Do you have any hobbies?

Certainly, my hobbies include reading and writing, drawing, embroidery, baking, and cosplay. In terms of sports, I do archery and boxing, play chess, and I recently had my mermaid initiation (swimming with tail and no oxygen).

What's your favorite movie or TV series?

Don't make me choose XD I'd say the following are my top five but in no specific order; Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss, Supernatural, Outlander, The Resident, Criminal Minds.

What would be your version of a perfect vacation?

I always say if I have enough money, I'll do a Disney roundtrip - so visit all the parks back to back, maybe with a DCL cruise in between to catch my breath. That'll probably never happen lol.

Something more feasible is a solo tour of Scotland.

Before we wrap it up, do you have any message for your readers and possible future readers?

To those who have read or are reading - sorry not sorry for the therapy you need(ed) from my stories. I did warn you in the author note. To those who are considering reading - ignore what I just wrote, I'm really not that dramatic and cruel as I make myself out to be... or am I?

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Thank you, MermaidAriel13. It was a pleasure to interview you.