Q&A + Little review

@stylishmuser

Timeless, Great Expectations, Rumor has it and so much more by stylishmuser

Timeless is one of my favourite books I've ever read on Wattpad. I remember reading it and having goosebumps all over because of a particular scene in a bar. I won't say anything else in case you haven't read it but gosh, that was heart-wrenching.

Great expectations is also really good, I wasn't sure at first because I had never read a book that was not with Harry as the main character but I gave it a chance because I loved her writing so much. I definitely wasn't disappointed. Gia just like Ishika (the female lead in Rumor has it) are both characters that you wanna protect. They're fragile but at the same time very strong for enduring what they've been through. I think that's the force of stylishmuser , creating female leads that are complex, intriguing and very close to their emotions.

Her entire catalogue is worth reading, hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Q&A

What is the first book that made you cry?

The first book... that's hard to answer. When I was a kid, all I did was read! However, the first fanfic was "Little Do You Know" by nightingiall on Tumblr!

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both. It depends on the scene, the plot. If it's a smut or angst scene it usually exhausts me.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Not to be scared. Not to worry about the hurrah. Just stick to my guts and write what I know and it will all work out!

What's your favorite under-appreciated novel?

"The Light of Paris" by Eleanor Brown. I got it in a bargain section and it changed my life!

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Only one half-finished, a Liam fic that was too underdeveloped and too rushed. As for unpublished, I'm always thinking 3-4 stories ahead!

What's the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

Oooh... trying to just write from the male mind. I think I have a tendency to write soft characters, but I want them to be a balance of soft and strong.

Have you ever edit something out of a book and regretted it afterwards?

Nope. I usually stick to my very strict outline.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I have an ongoing list that I pick from!

Do you read your book comments? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Absolutely. Every single one. I try to reply to them all too, it makes me so happy. With bad ones, I try not to get too angry, but I also don't let people shit all over my characters and work - especially if it's early on in the story. Character development doesn't just happen instantly, people!

Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?

Yes, it depends on the story. All's Fair and Rumor Has It all connect back to small details and secrets!

What was your hardest scene to write?

Oof... despite my propensity to angst, I hate writing conflict scenes. I avoid it. I'm also the same way with smut, I agonize over it!

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Honestly? Picking a title. Or proofreading cause I hate it lol.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It depends on the length. Usually, 5-6 months!

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Good dialogue and exposition. The things the characters say need to may sense and why they do things need to make sense too. I also think the plot trajectory is like the lifeline of a story.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

Usually, it's characters, but sometimes like for Timeless, it was the plot.

Describe your writing space.

My bed, usually. Or the living room couch. Usually late at night with a lamp on.

When you're writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

I don't. I usually write 1k words and then relax for an hour, watch an episode of tv and then write another 1k words. Sometimes if I'm blocked I will listen to the playlists I curate for my stories.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to outline a story entirely beforehand to avoid repetition and scenes. A good trick is also rereading the last chapter before you write the next to avoid repetition of dialogue or scenes.

What was your favourite part, and your least favourite part, of the publishing journey?

My favorite part is the writing. I just truly love it with my entire heart. The least favorite part... the proofreading. I like writing stuff and just being done with it.

Do you have a favourite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?

Oh, man... I love all my characters, but Gia and Niall from "Great Expectations" and Rhea and Harry from "Timeless" have a very, very special place in my heart. They made their own little big family.

What do you hope your readers take away from your books?

I want my readers to take away that relationships and life are messy, and no thing worth having ever comes easily. I also want them to realize that everyone falls in love and gets heartbroken, no matter your skin tone or where you come from. I exclusively write Indian girls because growing up I wanted to see someone like me on the big screen. My stories are meant to show that you can be in love no matter who you are.

How many plot ideas are just waiting to be written? Can you tell us about one?

Right now? I have about 5 or 6 pending ideas. You'll have to wait and see what they are, but my next story "Kiss and Cry" is about a figure skater and OU Niall! I'm very excited.

Do you have a favourite quote from any of your books? Or a favourite moment that stands out?

I don't have a favorite quote off the top of my head, mostly because I've written so many stories, but I do remember really loving the prose of "All's Fair." I also really like the scenes of Timeless, Great Expectations, and Rumor Has It. Honestly, if you name any one of my stories, I can tell you which scenes inspired the entire thing.

Share something your readers wouldn't know about you.

My first ever try at fanfiction was a Nate Archibald (Gossip Girl) fic! It was not good.