Today we are in conversation with Mia , winner of Mystic Awards 2018 with the title Unprecedented.

We have the chat divided into three main segments: Award Impressions, Writer Stories and Personal tid-bits. Ooo, fun right? So let's just get started!

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

"I've been convinced my entire life that I have a special connection with butterflies, haha! I've always been an introvert, and the idea of blooming through my writing is something that resonates with me. This (writing) is the only way out of my cocoon, if I may say so. "

What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?

"A lot. They are the reason for my stories to come alive.I tend to create my plot from scratch and the storyline that follows as well, but in all that originality, there are nuances of certain experiences I've had with real people in my own life. So the characters do have a side to them that draws inspiration from 'real' people I met in the past."

What does literary success look like to you?

"'Publishing' is probably the textbook answer to this question. But keeping that aside, readers' opinions of your work shouldn't be underrated. They make you believe in your amateur ways at times, and encourage you to get better with their feedback--good or bad--during other times. So that is what I will label success as--getting a positive review for my book from 'every' reader that has read it. Quite an ambition, I know!"

What did you edit out of this book?

"I have deleted chapters altogether during the process. I get jumpy at times, adding unnecessary humour to the story--in this case, a paranormal 'murder' mystery. Ouch! So yeah, I've had to tone down my own personality to deliver what the story needed."

How do you select the names of your characters?

"They are again based off of people I've heard of or know. I write stories with South Korean characters. So I use names of people I've met there during my travel, or from T.V--Kpop or Kdramas. "

What was your hardest scene to write?

"The opening scene. That's always a make or break thing for any writer. And I've always struggled with creating the perfect hook. Once that is done well, you already have the reader's attention, and they'll probably stick with you till the end. So yeah, the first few lines play a major role in attracting an audience."

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

"Not long, actually. I do take time to create the story in my head. But once my fingers start typing, I'm pretty fast with completing my stories. I take a month or two, if I have no other commitments. "

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

"Research takes about two months for me. And since I don't write about my own country and people, I really need time to grab onto the authenticity aspect of these characters I write about. Right from the way they behave in a scene, their cultural aspects, locations, weather, their fashion trends, pop culture, food preferences. You name it, and I'm sure I HAVE looked it up for reference at some point or another. So I feel more 'South Korean' these days than 'Indian'! "

| One place you have never visited but cannot wait to see?

"Jeju. It is an island in South Korea. I've heard so much of the place, and I'm dying to go there. *Fingers crossed*"

| Your favorite shower tune?

"It's a song called 'Singularity' by a member from BTS. I love the jazzy feel to it. Sounds best when you're having a nice, hot shower after an excruciating day."

| Do you have any special talents besides writing?

"I dance. I used to do hip-hop in high school. But I had to leave it once I got into med-school. I wish to go back to it though--at some point. Hopefully."

| Your favorite destination that you have visited?

"I want to say Seoul because the city is amazing, and I'm biased towards it as it is my muse of sorts. But I'll have to dismiss my loyalties and say Bangkok. And that's because I visited the place with my cousins and had a blast there. In Seoul, I didn't really have the crazy company. *wink*"

| If you could go on a vacation right now, would you choose a hill-station or a tropical paradise?

"Hill-station, of course! It's always hot where I live now."

| Your favorite quote from a book and how it connects with your life?

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." - The Alchemist.Hey, this should connect with everyone's lives! We all have the right to dream big.

| One cuisine you will never say no to?

"Oh, oh, Mexican! They have the best fast-food, I swear! Give me a taco, and I'll be a happy girl. :)"

| Would you rather have your childhood days back or college life?

"College life. I miss my friends a lot. We're still in touch, but it's not the same now."

| Are you a wine or a beer person?

"I don't drink. So I'll say coke!"

| If you had to choose between reading or writing, you would rather?

"Writing. It feels more liberating."

| Something random that just popped in your head?

""Did you see my bag? Did you see my bag? It's hella trophies and it's hella thick." It's song lyric from 'Mic Drop'. Kindly excuse my love for BTS."

| How was your overall experience as a participant of Mystic Awards?

"You guys did quite the job of organizing it! And I had nothing but a wonderful time being part of your awards."

| Are there any changes you would recommend from a participant's perspective? Or is there anything you believe we could have carried better as a team?

"As a team, there was almost nothing you lacked in. However, the judges' reviews could be made tighter the next time. You could probably introduce set headers for them to write about. For example: What they liked about a book, what they didn't like, what needs improvement etc etc. That would give the participants a clear idea as they'll automatically get a well structured review, without having to search for their said flaws in those chunky paragraphs that have been posted. That being said, it doesn't take away from your effort at all. You guys did great, and you should be proud of yourselves."

Thank you Mia for taking the time to talk with us! Congratulations once again and we wish you lots of success as you continue writing!

Love, Mystics