Interviewers: mikaelkrownmk Tara0Tara123
Another awesome Fantasy author we've brought to you today is no other than, Shivran86. Maya is very much interested in mythologies, and this can be seen in her works, including the featured story, Kāma : Liberation which has elements of historical romance and fantasy. Let's hear it from her.
What's your name and tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Srijita but I chose to go by the pen name Maya on Wattpad. I am born and brought up in Bengal. Currently doing my graduation in chemistry. I love crows, sparrows and dogs. I don't like to share my momo, it's my favourite food. I like studying vedic lunar mansions, reading mythological stories and everything fantastical. Well, I hope you have a little idea about me now.
What's your writing process?
I am a panster, a 'go with the flow' writer. I get ideas out of the wildest places- from anime, a random novel, some TV show or a YouTube video! I build up on that idea by spending time creating playlists and aesthetics. I don't have a fixed schedule and write whenever I feel but, I have seen it's usually around dusk when I am most comfortable. I start with a first draft and edit it as many number of times I feel, like layer by layer.
How do you deal with writer's block?
Whenever I go through a writer's block I know my energy has maxed out and I must take some rest. I don't fret over not being able to update. I take the rest that I need and let the ideas grow, usually by listening to music and reimagining scenes from my story. When I feel in mood again I get into work!
What's the hardest scene to write for any of your stories?
The hardest ones are the action scenes and the ones surrounding abuse. The former I have still improved in by reading action books and searching about ancient weaponry. But the scenes around abuse sometimes drain me emotionally. That's one disadvantage. It feels close and good to get into the story and experience in my mind what the characters go through, but it can often backfire.
Is there a book that is featured in our reading list that is your favorite?
Yes! I would like to mention two- Genesis: The Story Retold by @Queen_Of_Life_Heba and Yamlok: The Realm of the Dead by @Nicental. Yamlok has helped me with learning to write action scenes and Genesis has helped me learn the beauty of small-scale descriptions.
Define Fantasy in your own words?
Fantasy is a genre of bending rules and dreaming big. It's set in a world that might be similar to ours, but here we have complete freedom to put in titbits of magic, a dash of fairytales and a wish of miracles. Fantasy brings to life the unreal, presents the unimaginable, retelling myths to create a new perspective to look at symbolisms contained in them.
What's your favorite Fantasy book on Wattpad?
Um, let me give you three- Dead Girls Tell No Tales by @kaloned , Drakkon by @CrestFallenStar and Yamlok: The Realm of The Dead by @Nicental.
What Fantasy sub-genre is easier for you to write?
Historical Fantasy is my forte. That's where my mind, body and soul lives. Cheesy, right?
Are you a planner or a pantser?
Panster always. I can't stick to plans. Plans are made to be mended and broken, well, at least to me.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Mostly an introvert.
Hobbies?
Writing, of course! In addition to this I love reading books, and my recent interest is in detective and murder mysteries.
Pet peeves?
I don't like it when people interrupt me while I am speaking.
Most used app?
Wattpad, forever.
What TV shows are you obsessed with right now?
My most favorite shows are Snakes and the City from NatGeo, Raja Rasoi Aur Andaz Anokhan from EPIC and Wild Latam from Animal Planet.
What motivates you to work hard?
My dreams and perseverance, and the sense of responsibility that I have towards my family. I don't know how to reach a breaking point. I will fight and work hard until my dreams have come true. And when one dream has been achieved I dream another, and never stop.
Who's your biggest hero?
I like getting inspired from my past, remembering the hardships I overcame and blooming into someone better. So yes, I strive to become my own biggest hero!
What's your greatest fear?
To be forgotten and never being able to leave a mark.
Spring or Autumn?
Spring, if I think like Kore, and Autumn if I am a Goddess of Harvest like Persephone!
Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Christmas! I have a tradition that I follow- I will always buy a new book on 25th December.
Can you tell us what you're currently writing?
I am currently editing Kāma: Liberation, the Book I of my Kāma series. I am also penning down the prequel Kāma: A Lesson. The two books focus on the journey of the Four- Āryam, Rudra, Indumalā and Ishvarā- as they fight with their inner and outer demons, struggle to stop the tragic repetition of history and get a second chance at love. The books uses intricate fantasy elements like reincarnation and curses, and symbolism taken from myths around the world.
And there you have it from Shivran86. Thanks once again. Catch us next time as we bring on another amazing Fantasy author. Till then, have a magical week ahead.