1 what inspired the idea of your story?

 Honestly, when I came back home from college in August 2016, the energy at home was not the best. There was just so much tension (which was pre-existing). My grandmother had just passed and later my grandad would pass and they were my mother's parents. I'm sure this amplified some of the issues between my mother and I but it was still very painful for me. So this story, on top of trying to express my emotions and thoughts on the situation, includes my progress as got more into reading horror. I loved the movie Carrie by Stephen King, so I read that and was curious about her mother's side of the story. I also dabbled in Octavia Butler and Disastrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fema. Those were pretty much the catalysts!

2 what was something you struggled with for your story ? 

Well, in the beginning I only wrote the "story" as a creative expression to express how I felt. So, that's what it was: a complete, dramatic, kind of creepy view into what I saw happening in my life to me and my mother (in a way). The relationship tension is what is the main part inspired by real life. The hard part was coming back to it and thinking of it as a story. I let my therapist at the time read it and she had so many questions. That's when I realized, "Oh, if this this as real story, you really have to think more about what questions the readers may have". I didn't want readers to see any character, especially the mother, as just some monster so I wanted to make sure everyone had some type of backstory and humanity. I went back and did a lot of planning and brainstorming. That was the first time I had to think so in depth about how parts, characters, events, words related back to one another. Plus, this was the first story I was finishing since 4th or 5th grade.

3 what has been the overall response to your story from your readers? 

I'd say the response had been very positive and encouraging. I had some beta readers before I migrated to Wattpad and they pretty much all said, very intriguing, they want to know more! Even my brother, who reads soooo much and gets bored of many books, liked it but, of course, had recommendations. Some have loved the theme of "found family", others could really relate to the tension, and some really loved the magical element of mirror use. Here on Wattpad, I love the comments too because I really see which parts people love. Also, I have over 60 reads now, so for me, that's amazing. I can't believe people are actually reading something I created! I hope they continue to read and see it improve!

 4 what did you enjoy writing most of your story? 

I loved the entire creation process. Coming back to writing after college was like finding home again for me. I loved getting to let my vivid mind wander and come back with treasures to share in writing form. The act and process of creation is a joy for me.

5 is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series?

 As of now, it is a short novella but I think I want to make a second story. The main character, Emerie, spends a lot of time in the first book trying to figure out her mother. But, in the second book, I think I'd want to address the repercussions of what she's experienced. No one leaves traumatic environments completely unscathed. I think I'd like to revisit that and explore a recovery for her and her mother

6 what would you like your readers to take away from your story? 

I would like my readers to take away inspiration to create in whatever medium they choose. I hope they know that pent up emotions and bad experiences can be great canvases for creation. But, positive events and emotions are too. More specifically, I want them to take away that sometimes letting go can be the answer, love is always necessary, and self-care is important. On that note, like the mirror theme in my story, I think if we all took care of that person in our mirror, the world would be a better place. It can be scary to look the person you've become or that event in the face, but eventually it will help so it doesn't spill into chaos.

 7 what's a piece of advice you would provide to another writer, when it comes to focusing on their story?

 Find a way that works for you to focus. If your issue is finding the environment, try different methods. I personally tried typing in my bed, in the living room, at night and in the morning. I found that writing in the morning without any music was best for my brain. If we're talking about focusing on 1 story out of all the other story ideas you have, I'd say, think how exiting it will be to have a finished work? It will be amazing! I have over 30 story ideas saved and have mainly pursued this one because I crave to see how my story ends and get it to readers. Also, to inspire yourself, when you have a story idea, write down the blurb and whatever you have at the time in one document with your other ideas. At least that way you won't lose it. You can always come back to it later.

 8 does your main I character share any similarities to yourself? 

Yes, Emerie and I do share some similarities. I said before that the tension she has in her family I had some with my mom especially in 2016/2017 which inspired her dynamic. She tries to be intuitive and smart about her interactions which I do my best to follow as well.

9 what's something you believe would draw in new readers? 

I think that updating even more would attract new readers. I could probably post more announcements and enter some more contests to get in front of more people. I think it's a matter of keeping my work relevant and out there for access. 

10 do you have any future projects?

 Definitely! I do want to write a second part for this story which I am thinking will be along the theme of Reflections. I also want to pull from that list of 30+ ideas and pull out the most magical.