Aravis-Brightspell
🥉Third Place in Nostalgia Book Awards under Best Book Title
🥇Champion in Best in Vocabulary and Grammar

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INTERVIEW

Heartfelt felicitations on attaining the distinguished title of Best Writing Style Champion at the Nostalgia Book Awards. Your literary creation stands as a testament to its exceptional brilliance and enchanting allure undoubtedly deserving the regal crown it now adorns.

Anticipation stirs as we embark on this exhilarating journey. Let the adventure commence!

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Hi, Aravis! How are you feeling?

I'm feeling great! Happy and honored to be here!

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You won! Congratulations!

Thank you. This is quite an honor and I really appreciate your taking time out of your day to hold these interviews for us new writers!

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Say something about yourself as an author and as an individual.

I started writing poetry for a while and later branched out into fantasy with romance or mystery sub-genres, science-fiction, adventure, and paranormal stories. I have a lot of story ideas in my head XD But sadly, not enough time to write as much as I wanted to. I love reading fantasy and sci-fi books and have quite a collection of these. I also dabble in digital art, drawing, oil and watercolor painting.

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Since when did you start writing? What/Who inspires you to do so?

I started writing in high school when I joined as layout editor/contributor for the school journal. Other writers and their stories inspire me and keep me motivated. Usually, listening to music or songs makes me suddenly pickup pen and paper to scribble lines of poetry :)

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What is your very first book to be written? What's your inspiration for this?

My very first book is a poetry collection, some of these poems you'll find in the collection, "My Heart, My Sanctuary" (most are too cringy to post XD ). I've written a couple of fantasy/sci-fi stories but not published. "Rhyshannon Chronicles" is my first published novel on Wattpad. I'm deeply inspired by the skill and imagination of these epic-fantasy/sci-fi writers: Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, Stephen Donaldson, Frank Herbert, Catherine Asaro to name a few.

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In all of the books you written, which is your favorite and why?

If I have to choose it would be "A Memory of Starfires". I just love the anime' feel of this book, and the mix of fantasy, romance, mystery, action and setting in a country I adore...Japan! :) The fight scenes (including a kendo match) were quite a challenge to write, which makes this book a labor of love and all the more endearing.

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What's the book's genre? Sub-genre?

The book's genre is teen fiction and sub-genres fantasy, romance, and mystery.

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Who among your original characters relates you most? Why and how?

The character I relate the most is Kari. She is the younger (teenage) version of me :) She's the quiet, introvert type that would rather fade into the wall behind her, but has a lot of hidden courage and smarts that throw people who don't know her off guard.

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Have you won any book awards before? Which one of your masterpieces?

Yes, my books have won in both community and user awards. The Amby Awards and Versification 2023 for the poetry book "Versify", "Rhyshannon Chronicles" (18 awards), "A Memory of Starfires" (19 awards), "The Gathering Dark" (8 awards), "My Heart, My Sanctuary" (8 awards)

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Do you experience Writer's Block? How do you cope with it?

I do, and I mean A LOT. I just keep writing even if it takes me a month to complete a chapter. If nothing comes out, I take breaks. I turn to reading and listening to music for motivation and inspiration.

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Instead of writing, what are your other hobbies/talents?

Aside from traditional and digital drawing and painting, I play the piano and occasionally compose songs.

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Do you have any tips for other writers out there? Your championship might be an inspiration to others. Here's your chance to let them hear your voice.

Perseverance is key. Never give up on your dreams. There will be low times, not every reader will love our books but don't let criticism bring you down. Continue to improve on your writing by reading a lot, submitting your works for reviews by other writers, focusing on visibility for your books by joining community/reading groups and writer awards. It's a tough world out there, always keep that fire and love for writing lit up!

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Final Messages

This is the end of the interview. I guess this is farewell. Do you want to say something before you go?

Thank you and congratulations on a well-run and organized awards. And kudos to everyone who participated! I'll close by quoting words of wisdom from the award-winning writer, Stephen King: "If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." So keep reading and writing, and never stop doing what you love.

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