Hello, everyone! Today we have another mythical and amazing author, khionewrites, sharing her story and discussing her work 'Epsilon' with us which has been featured on 10 official Wattpad genre profiles and has previously ranked as #2 in the YA tag.

About the Author: Khione is a bookish girl from Australia who loves writing as much as she does reading. She loves anything to do with fantasy, and is a sucker for romance (particularly enemies-to-lovers). Her favourite book series includes the Throne of Glass series, ACOTAR series and Selection series.

About 'Epsilon': A territory on the verge of collapse. A girl with the power to save a kingdom. A secret that could ruin them all. All it took was one reckless decision and Kyra's life changed forever. Bitten and riddled with strange symptoms, Kyra must accept that her mundane life as a human has come to an end. Marked as an Epsilon, one of the rarest werewolf types, Kyra is thrown into a world of fangs and fur as she is taken in by one of the ruling wolf courts. The territory is crumbling, and with her mysterious newfound power, she is the only one who can save it. It is a race against time as Kyra fights to master her untamed gift and save all those she has come to love, and her journey will not be easy. Danger waits at every turn, and not only must she fight off the opposing territories that inch closer by the day, but she must also confront the emotions that have threatened to crush her since day one. Emotions such as her undeniable attraction to the Alpha...But beneath it all lies a dark secret, one that could ruin them all. Will Kyra change the tides before it's too late, or will she fall victim to the curse that had plagued the werewolf race for millennium?

1. What made you start writing on Wattpad? What has been your favorite moment so far on the orange app?

Funnily enough, my writing journey on Wattpad began in the form of Naruto fanfiction. I originally began writing fanfiction because I liked the idea of twisting a storyline I already knew and adding my own twists to it (I must mention that the book hit 50k reads in its time. It's actually still up on an old account somewhere). It was through writing that which I discovered my love for writing in general, and I was quickly inspired to write an original work of my own. This led me to write Epsilon! As for my favourite moment on the orange app, I'd have to say it was the time I hit 10k reads for Epsilon. By then I had gained a bit of an audience, and it was awesome to have people as invested in my story as I was. 

2. Which mythology and/or legends influenced your story? Why did you choose those?

Werewolves! I always loved reading werewolf stories on here, so it came to no surprise when I wanted to make one of my own. I choose werewolves specifically because I love the lore they come with, from pack ranks to the mating bonds. However, I did change up the norm a bit by setting my story as a high fantasy rather than an urban fantasy (the latter of which is a pretty popular setting for werewolf books). I was initially afraid that my story wouldn't turn out as good if I changed up the setting, but I'm glad I did! I couldn't love the end product more. 

3. Tell us about the main character of one of your stories. What inspired their creation?

Kyra Aetos is quietly courageous, and though she begins her story as a rather timid girl, she really grows into her true glowing self as she lives her life among the werewolves. She has dark hair, olive skin, and slate-grey eyes. I have always loved quietly courageous characters, specifically ones who may not be so brave at first and must undergo trying times in order to find their true selves. Hence, Kyra Aetos was created. 

4. What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

I think my biggest challenge was figuring out the plot. Though I knew the skeleton of the story, I really had to give a lot of thought into the bones and flesh, and what would fill the in-between. It all came out well in the end, which I'm glad for. At the time, however, it was a struggle to figure out. 

5. Do you have a song playlist for writing? Can you share one with us?

I actually listen to an array of playlists depending on what scene I want to write. If it's a romance scene I'm writing, I'll listen to love songs. If it's an action scene, I'll listen to rock, etc. However, I have never actually collated one single playlist for myself (which I should!)

6. What is your favorite myth or legend? Why?

I honestly love Greek myths. Maybe it's just the Percy Jackson fan girl in me, but they've always been so fascinating. I love hearing about all the little stories that make up the giant trove of Greek lore. For instance, the story of Eros and Psyche really engages me, and I love to read anything based off it. I also rejoice in the fact that many story tropes today are based off these Greek legends.

7. What is your favorite mythical creature? Why?

The Chimera! I just think they just look so cool. I mean, a fire-breathing lion with a goat's body and serpent's tail? Awesome! I would love to write about one in the future, but for now I'll stick to my wolves. 

8. If you could have the same powers as a creature and/or deity from mythology or legends, what would it be? Why?

I would love Zeus' power. I think to ability to wield lightning would be so cool.

9. What is your advice other writers who want to use mythology in their story?

My biggest advice would be to research into whatever myth you intend to use, but more than that, don't be afraid to write! I know it can be daunting to put yourself out there, for fear of what others will think, but I can assure you that many people on here will be grateful for the time and effort you invest to write them a story they can enjoy. Sure, you may get hate from time to time (I know I occasionally do!) but don't let it get to you. There will always be trolls, or just genuine people who may not like your work. It comes with the package of being a writer -- you can't please everyone! But whatever happens, don't let anyone discourage you!

That's it for this month, it was fun knowing about Khione. You can read her story featured in our reading list as well as her other works.

Until Next Time!