Client: sulkytae

Interviewer: Nyxprimroseaspen

First off, congratulations again on your win for the Sapphire Stories Awards under the category teen fiction/young adult! How does it feel to see "Her Purpose" gaining recognition and resonating with so many readers?

Thank you so much! Truthfully, it's really emotional for me to see Her Purpose getting this kind of recognition. I wrote it when I was between 12 and 14, and now, at 26 with two beautiful boys, my life has changed so much since then. When I first started publishing it on Wattpad, I wasn't sure if it would resonate with readers. Seeing how it has connected with people makes me incredibly happy. Writing Her Purpose was a vulnerable experience, especially with the intense and frightening themes woven into the story, and I was definitely nervous about how it would be received. But looking back, I'm so glad I wrote it and shared it with others.

Wow, thank you for sharing that with us! It's incredibly inspiring to hear how Her Purpose has not only impacted readers but has also been such a personal and emotional journey for you.Elizabeth is such a courageous and determined character. How did her character come to life for you? Was she inspired by anyone or anything in particular?

Thank you so much—that truly means a lot. Elizabeth's character has been close to my heart since the beginning, and her journey was actually inspired by some deeply personal experiences. While I was writing Her Purpose, I found out that my biological dad had cancer. He's a survivor, thankfully, but that kind of news really makes you face those "what if" possibilities. Around that same time, I started noticing people becoming organ donors, in movies, shows, and even in real life, and I remember thinking that it was one of the most selfless, incredible things a person could do. That idea stuck with me, and even now, I still believe it's one of the most powerful legacies someone can leave behind. I think a lot of that sentiment found its way into Elizabeth—her courage, her drive to make a difference. She's a mix of people I admire and the strength I've wanted to find in myself, and writing her story was an emotional journey that I hope resonates with others too.

Elizabeth's courage and selflessness really shine through in the story, and it's clear how much of your own strength and admiration for others made its way into her character.Elizabeth's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. What do you think was her greatest strength—and perhaps her biggest flaw—as she faced her illness?

Thank you—that means so much to hear. Elizabeth's journey is definitely close to my heart, and I'm glad her courage and selflessness come through in the story. I think her greatest strength was her resilience and her fierce sense of purpose. Even as she faced her illness, she was determined to make an impact and find meaning in what she was going through, eventually realising that becoming an organ donor could be her way of leaving something good behind.

At the same time, her biggest flaw was her tendency to push people away. She believed that handling things on her own made her stronger, even if it left her feeling isolated. But through her journey, she finally allowed herself to accept help and let others in, which took as much courage as any other part of her story. It's that balance of independence and vulnerability that made her journey both heartbreaking and, I hope, inspiring.

That was such a beautiful insight. It's touching to see how Elizabeth's resilience and vulnerability both play such significant roles in her story. The story is centered on a profound question: "How do you leave a mark on a world you're about to leave behind?" What inspired you to tackle this theme of legacy and purpose?

I think the question of leaving a mark is something we all wonder about at some point. It's one of those big, universal questions that touches everyone in different ways. For Elizabeth, that question became her whole journey, pushing her to find meaning and purpose even in the hardest moments.

When I was writing her story, I wanted to explore what it means to leave something of yourself behind—not in a grand, world-changing way, but in the quiet, personal kind of way that still makes an impact. For Elizabeth, it was about connecting with others and finding her own way to make a difference. It's that search for purpose that I think resonates with so many of us.

It's truly mind-blowing how you explored legacy in such a personal, intimate way with Elizabeth's journey. Since you wrote Her Purpose when you were younger, how do you feel your perspective on Elizabeth's journey or the story's themes might have changed over time?

Since I wrote Her Purpose when I was younger, my perspective has definitely changed over time. Back then, I think I saw Elizabeth's journey more as a story of bravery and finding a sense of purpose. But now, having gone through more in life myself, I see it in a deeper, more personal way.

Elizabeth's journey isn't just about being brave—it's also about accepting help, letting people in, and realising that making an impact doesn't have to be huge or flashy. Sometimes, it's the small, meaningful things that leave the biggest mark. Looking back, I feel even closer to the story and its themes than I did when I first wrote it.

What was the most challenging part of writing Her Purpose, especially with such a sensitive and intense storyline? And was there a particular scene that was especially emotional for you to write?

The most challenging part of writing Her Purpose was definitely dealing with the emotions in such a heavy story. I wanted to be true to the experience without making it feel too overwhelming or distant.

The most emotional scene for me was, honestly, when Elizabeth dies. I know it sounds cliché, but having her mom, dad, little sister, and Nathan all there with her just hit me on a different level. She'd been through so much—fighting her illness, trying to live life on her terms—and in that moment, she was finally taking control. Her last words, "Because no cancer would decide when I died," felt like her way of saying, "I'm choosing this." Writing that scene was heartbreaking, but it was also her final act of strength, and it's a moment I'll never forget.

Elizabeth's strength and determination truly shine through in those final moments. If you could spend a day with her, what would you want to ask her or do together?

If I could spend a day with Elizabeth, we'd definitely visit an animal shelter. We both love animals, and I feel like she has such a soft spot for them like I do. We'd probably spend hours just hanging out with the animals, maybe volunteering a bit, giving them some love. I'd love to ask her where she finds her strength and how she stays so focused on what matters, even when things get tough.

Aww that's so sweet! if you had to sum up Her Purpose in just three words, what would they be?

I think I would go with: strength, impact, and legacy.

What has been one of the most memorable reactions you've received from a reader about this story? Has any feedback stuck with you?

One of the most memorable reactions I've received was when someone commented saying how moving and beautiful the story was, and that they wanted me to win the Wattys. That really stuck with me. It was such a huge moment to be told that, especially because I wasn't sure how the story would be received when I first started publishing it. It made me feel like I had done something right, and it really pushed me to keep going. Moments like that are what make all the hard work worth it.

That's so heartwarming! What's one piece of advice you'd give to aspiring writers who are looking to share their own stories, just like you did with Her Purpose?

If I could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, it would be this: write what you want to write, not what others tell you to write. Don't worry about fitting into a certain mould or trying to please anyone else. Write for yourself, because at the end of the day, it's your story and your voice that matter most. Stay true to what inspires you, and don't be afraid to share the things that feel real and personal. When you write from the heart, it'll always find its way to those who need to hear it.

That's such powerful advice. As we wrap up, I have to ask—Her Purpose has received so much love and recognition. What's next for you? Are there any exciting projects on the horizon or new themes/genres you'd like to explore as you continue your writing journey?

I'm working on a cowboy romance called Where Wildflowers Grow, and it's going really well so far! People seem to be enjoying it, which is such an amazing feeling. It's a nice change of pace, and I'm loving diving into that world.

I'm also working on a dark mafia romance that's set to release in December, and I'm really excited about that one too—it's going to be intense and very hot.

Looking ahead, I'm planning to work on a romantasy next year! I'm really excited to explore that mix of romance and fantasy, and I'm hoping it'll be just as fun and magical to write as it sounds. So lots of exciting things ahead!

Wow, it sounds like you have some truly exciting projects ahead—Where Wildflowers Grow, your dark mafia romance, and the romantasy next year! I can't wait to see where your writing takes you next.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts, experiences, and journey with us today. Your words have been so inspiring and eye-opening. It's clear that Her Purpose has touched so many readers, including myself, and I know your future work will continue to do the same. Your vulnerability, strength, and passion for writing shine through, and I'm so grateful for this chance to hear more about your creative process and your journey. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming projects, and I'm sure your readers—old and new—will be eagerly awaiting your next stories!