Interviews

January 2022- Interview with Neghast

Hello Jessica, I'm happy to be interviewing you today for Adultfiction's Book of the month segment. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Hi there. It's an absolute honour to have my story featured, so once again, thank you. Well, my name's Jessica, or Neghast—either one does the trick. I'm a sour crumb who tends to lose and find myself in art, music, and of course, stories. Writing for me is free therapy, and I do it because it's one of the most fulfilling loves I've ever had. On good days, you'd probably find me cooking, eating, cooking and eating, or having a manic concert in my home.

How did, and why did you decide to write 'Prints & Pieces'?

Honestly, Prints and Pieces was a random spurt of an idea I got when I was sixteen. I'd simply been reading so many stories, I figured there was nothing stopping me from creating my own. And so, on a misty afternoon in October, I began writing.

Anyway, as an amateur, I went through the whole ordeal. I made all the mistakes and painfully dealt with all the writers blocks. Still, if there's one thing I was determined to do, it was to get through it. And about two years later, I did. Fast forward to now though, I'm older and working on a second (and optimistically, final) draft. I'm hoping it will be completely out in the world soon. My characters and my entire plot have definitely grown with me, but one thing that won't change is that Prints and Pieces is my first brain child. All in all, I'm proud to be on this journey.

What inspires you as a writer, and most importantly, what inspired the backdrop and characters of the story?

As a writer, inspiration for me could come from practically anything; other stories, a good chunk of songs, my emotions, movies, or simply a phrase I heard someone say. It isn't always easy, but when I get a spark, I try my best to hold on to it. I have my notes to thank for a good portion of that.

As for my story, at first, I simply went in without a plan. Now, however, I can say with more certainty that Prints and Pieces is my attempt at reworking one of the most popular Romance clichés. Mental illness, trauma, and the rollercoaster that is exploring one's emotional turmoil all serve as great inspirations for this story. It also shows how sometimes, love isn't the all-healing remedy it's more often portrayed to be. On the whole, I'd say Prints and Pieces is just as melodramatic as it is practical.

For readers who are interested in reading more, is the book a standalone, or are you making it a trilogy?

Oh, Prints and Pieces can very much be read as a stand-alone. However, it's important for me to state that it's going to serve as an introduction to a universe of linking stories I can't wait to get out there. Each one will most likely be a stand-alone, but it'll be fun to know a few favorite characters aren't exactly gone for good.

What was your very first mistake as a newbie writer?

Telling, over showing. Whew, it was a whole lot of telling. Also, I made a good chunk of grammatical errors, but being an English major has been taking good care of that.

Are there things you wish you could change about your book, 'Prints & Pieces'?

Definitely a lot from my first draft. However, I can say I'm taking care of the majority of those changes as I move along with this second one.

We've come to the end of the interview. Any words for whoever's reading this right now?

Oh, nothing much. Just drink your water, wear a mask, and be kind to yourself as well as others. Also, put on some tunes and boogie today if you haven't. Have a wonderful rest of the day/night!

Click here to find out more about the story, Prints and Pieces.