LUMINESCENCE | K.NJ ✓

REFLECTION

Hey guys! Wow, we've finally reached the end. Nearly two years later! Whether you've been here from the start or you've just recently started reading, or if you're reading this in the future a long time after the completion of Luminescence, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

This is my first completed book and I honestly can't believe I did it. The support and encouragement I've received from each and every one of you has truly helped me and honestly blown me away.

I have some questions that were sent in by a few readers and friends that I'll be answering before I give my final notes and acknowledgements. Of course, don't feel pressured to read this part! But if you'd like to have some more insight into the story and my writing process, do feel free to stick around. Let's get started!

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS
from MochiNovi , ggukbookie , minleev and I_Cant_Jimout95 .

Q: What's the total word count?

The unedited first draft contains a total of 77,082 words.

Q: What were some of your biggest influences for Luminescence? Were there certain books, movies or television shows, characters, or issues that helped to inspire your own storyline and creative process?

A: When I think of inspirations for Luminescence as far as media goes, two things come to mind: true crime podcasts and the Korean television show, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. I've always loved crime shows and documentaries, and true crime podcasts. Listening to real case-files of actual criminal activity has always fascinated me. And after watching Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, I was really inspired to write my own romance story with a crime-centered subplot!

But the true driving forces behind Luminescence were the characters, particularly those of Namjoon and Nouri. I had this idea for a long time to write about an anxious guy and a girl with a serious fear of missing out. Their characters and relationship arc were being plotted and developed for a while, and when inspiration struck to write a crime book, I decided to throw Namjoon and Nouri in there, and thus, the concept of Luminescence was born!

Q: Which character was the hardest to write?

A: Ito, for sure! I tried really hard to make a unique "villain" character. I wanted to give him proper motivations, but I wanted them to be something a little different. I really had to research a lot of criminals and case-files to properly plan his character. I spent a lot of time trying to get inside his head, really understanding the way I wanted him to work. I plan to develop him further in editing!

Q: What inspired you to write about Nouri's personal struggles?

A: The inspiration for Nouri's character came to me during a time where I was feeling really stuck. I live in a small town where not much happens, and I'm often afraid of not being able to experience all the world has to offer. I decided to take this small feeling I had, to amplify it, and to create a character around it. That's how Nouri came into existence! I didn't realize how important she'd become to me in the future.

Q: Is Namjoon's switch from Education to Psychology based on your own experience?

A: In some ways yes, in some ways, no. I'm a psychology student just like Namjoon! But I never majored in Education or anything else. But I have, much like Namjoon, dealt with the fear of not making my parents happy with what I choose to do in life. At some point though, I had to realize that I could still respect my parents while working towards my own dreams and goals. I think many people go through similar situations! I wanted to create a character that illustrated that.