"A deep impenetrable darkness clouded the man's mind, like a seemingly bottomless ocean trench with no means of swimming to the surface."

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[Italics are me (the interviewer), and bold is MolayneMelody (the interviewee)]

I N T E R V I E W    T O O K    P L A C E :  A P R I L    2 0 1 8

I'm sure it was a bit of a shock finding out that not only was your story was a finalist, but that it placed as well - due to the structure of judging the joint category. Where were you, and what were you doing when you found out you were placed? xx

I enter several contests, so I'm not particularly sure what I was doing or where I was, but if I remember correctly, I had just woken up. I was a bit groggy at first, but when I opened my phone and clicked on the notification, it definitely made my day! 

Aww, I'm sure it made a good day even better! That's so great to hear! Having a good start in the morning always just makes things better xx

What does it mean to you, having one of your works placed as being second? xx

First off, it's definitely an honour. I work extremely hard on each and every one of my books. I'm not saying I'm a genius writer, or even a good one, but I AM saying that I work hard and am proud of what I have created. "The Woods", my book that won second place in this contest, isn't only my brainchild, but a friend's as well. It started off as a roleplay between her and I, but I got her permission to turn it into a book. Vince, one of the main characters of "The Woods", belongs to her. She loves it so far, and I guess the judge did too! 

Haha, yes, just the originality of it all was amazing, as that's really hard to find in the midst of horror books. Talking about how your book started off, what inspired you to write this story? xx

That's a funny story, actually. About two years ago, I watched a full "let's play of the game" Oxenfree. It has nothing to do with my book, but it really inspired me to do a roleplay where the story is tailored by "how you play". Therefore, I came up with an idea of a haunted wood. I didn't necessarily know what I wanted to do at first, but Sam (my co-author) helped me create what it is today! She helped me not only create "The Woods", but my whole fictional universe as well! We have been working on this story for two years, and in that time I discovered Wattpad and began to work on the book version! 

Wow, that sounds really cool! I can definitely tell that "The Woods" has a special place in your heart xx

What would you like readers to get out of your book? xx

Well, first, I wanted them to read about an LGBT+ relationship between characters without it really being a main focus of the book. It's clear from the very first chapter that Kodah and Vince flirt around, and I want it to feel natural, just like any other relationship. 

Second, I want them to experience an original psychological horror story where anything can happen, leaving them guessing at every turn and dying to read more (metaphorically of course). "The Woods" is classified as Horror, but it is MUCH more than just that. 

Haha, yes, "The Woods" is definitely much more than an ordinary horror I've read. It had me wondering what on earth is going to happen next, as the characters are stuck in this other dimension that goes against the rules of reality as such xx

How do you think TPPA has helped with your writings? xx

Well, it definitely helps bring the readers to not just "The Woods", but to my other books as well! Even if they just take a peek and not even fully read my work, every view counts! I always encourage comments and honest feedback as well as to improve my writing even more! It also gives me the motivation to continue writing.

Aww, well I'm glad to be a part of helping writers finding their audience xx

Talking about your other works, you've written quite a few in different genres. Which genre have you enjoyed writing the most, and why? xx

I'm not one to really stick with one genre, which can be clearly seen in any of my books. "The Woods" itself is a Horror/Romance/Sci-Fi/Drama, but I'd have to say that my favourite so far has been Action! I recently just finished my first Wattpad book, "Dead Beat", and it was so much fun to write! It sometimes got more dramatic than action, but it had a lot of both! 

Oooo, tell me more about "Dead Beat" - what is it about? xx

Of course! "Dead Beat" is the first book of a trilogy I have planned! It follows Annelise and her family as they are forced (out) from their family home by armed attackers! I know, I know, it sounds super cliché, but "Dead Beat" is not just an Action book, but it is also Science Fiction as well! Remember when I said my books are all one universe? *insert sunglasses emoji here* (😎)

Ooo, that sounds really cool! So does that mean all your stories are linked? xx

I wouldn't necessarily say linked, as in they are directly connected to one another, but they are in the same world and their lore is most definitely linked. Think of it as the Butterfly Effect, which is MY FAVOURITE theory/effect EVER next to the Mandela Effect. 

Oh, so like one action of a character affects something happening to another character in one of your other books? xx

Yep! 

Or sometimes, things like what's playing on TV is in several of my books. Or characters from one book are mentioned in another. They don't necessarily show up, since I want them all to stand alone, but there are many easter eggs. 

That sounds exciting! I love how stories have a tie to another story xx

Have you found that you've learnt a lot from writing different genres? xx

I definitely have! Some genres, like Humour, are a little harder for me since I'm not necessarily that funny. My usual course of action is to watch movies/shows in that same genre to get the wheels turning again. 

I'm sure that's not true! Humour is subjective, so I'm sure you'll find your crowd that appreciate your jokes. Aren't movies great for finding inspiration? 😊

Do you think you'll be participating again this year in TPPA? xx

They definitely are! Sometimes I come up with things that didn't have anything to do with the stuf I just watched. LOL

I definitely will! I've been a bit busy with my trip and general life, but I'm planning on entering my works that haven't won yet! When do entries close? 

Haha, it's amazing what can spark from a show xx

There is currently no deadline at the moment, but I can leave a spot waiting for you. I'm sure the judge won't mind 😉

I've got a question from LyndaCoker - are you a plotter, a pantser, or a bit of both (do you plan out your work first or just go straight ahead and see where the story goes)? xx

I usually plan out big events, and then pretty much improvise everything in-between! However, I usually end up doing other big events instead, so I would say much more improvised than I want to admit, which is why I have a book dedicated to my universe, kind of like an index/glossary. 

Haha, so you'll be somewhere in-between. I guess it's kind of like a spectrum, everyone is different and has their way of writing xx

Okay, last question! What can we expect from you in the future? xx

You can most definitely expect more writing and updates! I recently finished "Dead Beat" which hit over 1K views, and I'm focusing on "Mikah and Hakim"! I have an ever-growing list of books I have lined up to complete, which I intend on getting done in a timely manner!

Sounds like you'll always have plenty to do! Thank you so much for taking the time for this interview xx

Thank you, I enjoyed it! 

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[INTERVIEW WAS PUBLISHED: JUNE 2018]

- review yet to be released -