Welcome AlleyB255 to our interview chair! They are an author of various stories in multiple genres, with paranormal romance taking the front seat.
We are really happy to share this interview!
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What draws you to the paranormal genre?
Urban legends. The stories of other worlds.
What was the first paranormal story you read or watched?
Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.
What paranormal trope do you secretly love—even if readers roll their eyes?
I don't love any trope secretly. I love all of them openly.
What's your process for worldbuilding in the paranormal realm? Where does logic meet lore in your work?
I use tickets for structure, plot, characters... and one for world's rules. The paranormal worlds may have different rules, but they have to be consistent. My characters are where logic meets lore. They follow the set rules, break them and recreate them.
What's the strangest "research" you've done for a paranormal story that made your search history look suspicious?
Real life accidents and disasters. Even if it was a paranormal story, I wanted to deliver relatable, realistic emotions. That made my search history look like a genocider's.
Ever finished a draft and thought, "This is either genius or a disaster. I'll let the readers decide"?
Never. I just thought, "This is likely a disaster. I'll let the readers chew me out." :)))
Which line or scene from your stories do you secretly feel proud of — the one that gives you goosebumps every time?
This scene from "Reflected in Shards" where Ian's father slammed his head into a mirror, forcing him to curse himself. I'm not openly proud of it - it's dark and heavy. But I felt pain with Ian, and I went through it with him when I wrote this scene.
Do you believe in real-life paranormal experiences? (Tell us more if you want!)
Yes, I do. I started writing "Balcony of Heaven" because I believe my deceased loved ones went to a better place.
What's the most random thing that inspired one of your story ideas? (Tell us the weird origin story!)
My dream. "Reflected in Shards" was created from a nightmare I had years ago about mirror ghost.
What's the biggest challenge when writing supernatural elements?
The uniqueness. There are many similar concepts from other authors. I need to highlight the differences - but make them not too unfamiliar to readers.
Which of your characters taught you something unexpected about yourself?
Ian Hale from "Reflected in Shards" taught me how to make a plot twist - not just one readers didn't expect, but also one that I, the writer, didn't expect myself.
What's the best compliment you've ever received from a reader?
From Dandan0_3: "Balcony of Heaven" is a story that has an interesting plot and concept! The world you created for both the living and the dead is well established and written with nuance that allows the reader to keep invested. Your book's strongest point lies in your characters... Your writing style really captures those emotions.
What message or emotion do you hope readers walk away with after reading your stories?
My stories are all about characters that grow through challenges. Their experiences may be paranormal, but they are also altered reflections of our reality. I hope readers find their journeys encouraging and meaningful, just like our real lives.
Any upcoming projects, events, or releases you want to tease?
I'm finishing the novella "Reflected in Shards" - an ONC entry. Please look forward to the part when my characters deceive even me.
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Is there anything else you'd love to share with readers or fellow writers?
My readers and fellow writers are amazing. Reading and writing something, especially a paranormal story, are not easy. It can be quiet, lonely, personal, unnoticed. They made a brave choice, and I thank them for it, from the bottom of my heart.
