Interviewer: mikaelkrownmk
Today on this wonderful day we have scrabblepost on our interview hot seat today. She's one of the winners of The Stairway to another World Contest, with the story named "Searching...". Here's a quote from it: "This throne never belonged to you. The Empress gave this kingdom to my wife and I won't let anyone take away what belongs to my family.".
Anjali is a writer and a poet, her writing genre is mainly fantasy but also non fiction. Here's what she's got to say.
What's your name and tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I am Anjali Masram and I am from India. I am a little introvert so I don't know what to tell people about me apart from my qualifications which I don't think anyone cares about.
What or who inspires you to write?
I have been writing for a long time, since I don't talk much. But I stopped a couple of years ago, I only started writing again because my mother wanted me to. I don't really know what inspires me to write. Most of the time my stories start with a character that I want to be, but I am not. And my stories also have a hint of tribal mythologies since I am an Indian tribe. What I am and what I desire to be inspires my stories, I guess.
What's your favourite quote?
"Tough times don't last forever tough people do." I don't believe it, but it sounds cool and optimistic. And I try to be optimistic.
Did anything in your book happened to you in real life?
I write fantasy, those things can never happen to anyone in real life. Apart from failure that my characters face sometimes, nothing else.
Define fantasy in your own words?
Just one word 'freedom'. Fantasy gives complete creative liberty, you get to create your own world, write your own rules and no-one can object. Any character can die, come back to life, get limitless powers, anything you want can happen in fantasy. Sometimes I wish I could enter my own books because my characters have such an interesting life.
What's your favourite fantasy book on Wattpad?
It changes from time to time. Right now it's Apocalypse.
What fantasy sub-genre is easier for you to write?
High fantasy. I love it the most, that's why I find it easier to write. I love over the top dangers, mythical creatures, fights and powers.
Who's your favourite fantasy author?
Again, it changes from time to time. Right now it's Brandon Sanderson.
Pet peeves?
Unnecessary sexualization of female characters, a hint of misogyny and sexism in books. My blood boils when I read detailed descriptions of every female part and no such description of male characters. I don't mind characters being objectified, but it should go both ways. It's usually male writers who objectify their female characters.
Most used app?
I am very ashamed of it and I am trying to work on it. It's YouTube. I am on the internet whenever I get free time and I know I shouldn't.
A city or country you would like to visit?
There is a place that I have been meaning to go for the longest time, but every time I get close to it something happens and I'm unable to visit. I strongly believe that if you tell people about your goals you are less likely to achieve them so I will keep the name of that place a secret. Sorry.
What TV show are you obsessed with right now?
None. I am not really an obsessive kind of person, but I am a marvel fan. I enjoyed Wanda Vision recently and am waiting for Falcon and Winter Soldier.
Is your glass half full or half empty?
It depends on how I am feeling at that moment, I am not always optimistic. I try to be, but it's easier said than done. I am more of a pessimist.
What makes you laugh the most?
The thing that makes me laugh the most is also the thing that makes me cry the most. Memories.
A celebrity you would like to meet?
Gal Gadot. I want to see if she is that beautiful in real life as well. I have a massive girl crush on her and I know I will choke in front of her, but I still want to give it a try.
What's your greatest fear?
Same as everyone. Failure.
Winter or summer?
I am Indian summers are vicious here. I'll pick winter in India, but summer in cold countries.
Bad boy or billionaire stories?
Neither. Boys don't entice my interest strong female characters do. If it's a billionaire woman's story then I'm all in.
Can you tell us what you are currently writing?
I am working on my ONC novella right now. The Empress of Doom.
And there you have it. Thank you scrabblepost for your time spent on this interview.