Millennial Team: Welcome to our clubhouse, Masha_Writes,

Masha_Writes: Thank you, it's nice to be here.

Millennial Team: Please make yourself comfortable on our comfy couch while we have this nice chat!

(After author sits down)

Millennial Team: Congratulations again on winning in the Millennial Awards last year! We'd like to ask you a few questions about you and your story 'Survival' ! 😀

So let us start, shall we? Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Masha: Hello everyone! I'm Mareeya from Nigeria, I'm 21 years. I write Mystery/Thriller, Horror, YA and most recently Fantasy. I write book reviews on my blog too.

MT:  We heard that Nigeria is a beautiful place in Africa. Thank you for stopping by! So, what do you do when you aren't writing?

Masha: I read, a LOT! I'm an obsessive avid reader. When I'm not writing, I learn languages which tbh has become more like a hobby now. Lol. I bake sometimes too, watch movies and shows including language ones. I engage in workouts too on alternate days.

MT: How many books have you written on Wattpad?

Masha: That'd be six for now – Survival, Believe In Me, The Haunted House, La Vie San Toi, Be Careful What You Wish For, African Tales.

MT: What is the inspiration behind " Survival " ?

Masha: At first, I chose a different name which was When It All Goes Wrong. But that didn't fit, so I changed it to Survival because it goes with the storyline. The books is all about surviving a horrible ordeal.

MT: Do the protagonists in your book reflect upon you to some extent, or are they the protagonists you would like to be?

Masha: They somehow reflect upon me, in the sense of dedication and loyalty they have for their family and friends, but tbh I love the toughness the MC possesses and I'd love to have that.

MT: Is there any particular book or author that influenced you in any way either as a child or an adult?

Masha: Yes, there is. Zaynab Alkali's The Virtuous Woman. See, I've always loved novels but this particular one I read when I was in secondary school, changed me. I felt I had to write something similar to that. Something that can help others, bring out women struggles to the world, problems we all face daily. After reading that book, I had this urge to create a fantasy world for others to dwell in, even just for a little while to forget their sorrows and problems and see the future in a positive way, because there's a bright, shining light at the end of the tunnel.

MT: We were able to find a copy of the book you just mentioned, so those readers who are interested in looking up what The Virtuous Woman looks like can see it. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Masha: The toughest criticism would have to be when someone reviewed and book and said it was horrible. And the best compliment was when I was told my book is amazing. And that I'd make a fantastic writer. I really felt and still feel excited and overwhelmed remembering that comment.

MT: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers/authors?

Masha: Well first of all, everything happens slowly, in time. Start by writing, something. Anything. That one word will be the first step. So, write and write. Don't bother about editing for now. That will come later on. For now, write what you can. It might look weird and all, but trust me that's something. Because you focused all your energy on developing those words. So if you're sure about writing, do it. And for those that have started, do not go ahead of yourself, do your best and be patient. The best is yet to come.

MT: It certainly is! And Is there anything that you'd like to say to your readers and fans?

Masha: I love you all so much. You have taken the time and effort to look at my book and think it's totally worth reading. To read, vote and even comment is amazing. I love you all and thank you so very much. You guys, you make my day. Your comments are hilarious and lovely. I'm amazed and so excited anytime I see your comments. Thank you. (PS: You can DM me anytime.)

MT: And thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!

Masha: It was my pleasure.

That was the marvelous interview with @Masha_Writes. We wish her the best in her future writing endeavors!