THE BEAST OF THE WOODS

Well, hi! We're back again with one more interview because interviews are fun. And since I don't really like talking about books or doing reviews, I think giving the authors the opportuinity to present their work can be equally interesting.

One story that has really captured my attention and has rightfully earned my love is The Beast of the Woods. It's so well-written, every single paragraph leaves me in awe (I literally read each paragraph at least twice because I just can't comprehend how someone can write so magically) and the words flow beautifully, almost effortlessly. I really can't stress enough how much I love the writing style of the author, the plot, the imagery and, basically, everything about this story.

So let's begin!

SYNOPSIS

-A BEAUTY & THE BEAST RETELLING-

❝Who, in their right mind, would ask the Beast for help?❞

Arabella is a strange yet much loved, lower-classed village girl. What she lacked in wealth and social status, she made up for with her intelligence, selflessness, beauty and charisma. Despite not having much in possession, she was content with life and for a moment, everything was perfect. But then that moment ended.

A single act of betrayal and her beloved parents are snatched from her grasp, fellow villagers slaughtered, and homes burnt to ash. Arabella is forced to flee from her hometown in search for answers, desperate for help to avenge the innocent. In doing so, she stumbles upon a path darker than how her journey began.

Into the Dark Woods she must wander. Where nameless creatures lurked, an enchanted rose bloomed, and a notorious Beast ruled. The villain of the old tales being her only hope of returning what once was, to what could be.

1) When did you first start writing The Beast of the Woods? Was there a specific event that inspired you to start putting words down on paper?

I first started writing The Beast of the Woods on the 23rd of March 2019. As you have probably noticed though, I haven't gotten very far with it as I tend to get writer's blocks or sometimes, I get too caught up or busy with life that I'm drained of inspiration when I do try to write. But I guess, what inspired me to first start writing the book, was my love for fairytale rewritings and twists, along with the fact I had watched Beauty and the Beast for about the fortieth time again that day (has always been my childhood disney fave).

2) Do you plan out the storyline beforehand or do you let the story and the characters guide you?

I'll be honest, I'm not the best at planning . . .

I often read tips on how to be a better writer or how to create continuity in chapters when creating a novel, but even though I initially did try to plan it out, nothing has really gone the way I intended it as my view of the characters and hence for the story, changes as it goes. So, I end up more often than not, letting the story guide me.

(Same girl. These articles about how to become a better writer are so old. Like, just write whatever feels good (take your mind with you, though) and if people like it, awesome. If not, what can you do about it?)

3) Which one has been the most fun and interesting character to write so far?

If I'm being honest, the Beast is probably my favourite character. I haven't developed him as much in my published chapters, but overall, whether it be in my drafts or in my head, the Beast has the most intriguing story to tell (though I daresay Arabella's character is bound to become a lot more interesting as well).

4) Do you think it's important to motivate yourself to write even when you don't have the time or energy to do so? Or do you like going with the flow?

With writing, I definitely believe motivating oneself to write despite circumstances is important. Am I able to do it though? That's another story. I tend to go with the flow. I find that when I try otherwise, the fact that I am uninspired is an obvious result in my writing. But when I am inspired or in the mood to write, the story and development of flows a lot better.

5) Which chapter has been your favorite so far and why? It could be written and published, it could be a draft, it could be in your head, it could be anything.

There's one chapter that I really love, but it has yet to be published. It's going to be the chapter near the end of Part I of TBotW. I'm just having some trouble creating the chapters that lead to that, but basically, it provides more insight to the character of the Beast and the connection between him and Arabella . . . However, till then, I'd rather not give too much away ;)

6) Will we have the chance to read more stories from you in the near future?

I definitely hope so. Thief of the Night is a fantasy novel I hope to release on Wattpad soon, and basically it was somewhat inspired by Aladdin and many fantasy novels I've read as of late---particularly a bunch of Sarah J. Maas's books. It has a completely different storyline of course, and it's a new world I hope to open up to people to read someday soon.

I'm also looking to start updating Strangers by the Bonfire (a YA action/romance novel) by the end of this month. The title was actually inspired by my meeting with a stranger at a bonfire some time ago, but the overall story is just the creation of my imagination which I hope readers would enjoy.

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm excited!