@LenoraOliver Aw, this is such a lovely message to receive! I'm so glad my reply made you smile, because yours definitely made my day! You've said it perfectly, it really is an adventure we get to share.
And that's such a fantastic question! I think the most challenging (but also the most fun!) part for me so far was writing Professor Rostova's first class in chapters 11 and 12.
I really wanted to create a villain who isn't the traditional, cackling bad guy. The challenge was trying to make him feel genuinely warm, scholarly, and even persuasive... while still showing the dangerous ideology underneath. Someone who's maybe more dangerous because he's so charming, you know? It was a real balancing act!
Thank you so much for asking such a thoughtful question! I'd love to swap sparks anytime. ✨