Hello, fellow disciples! Today, we bring to you an interview with ANH_Writes, the author of The Promise and our contest winner for our Heavens Forbid writing challenge!

You can check out ANH_Writes' winning contest entry here ➟➜

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am an Indian. Since childhood, I have been attracted to fantasy. Television, especially Hindu mythological shows like Ramayana and Mahabharata (the most popular Indian mythological shows based on two of India's greatest epics), fed my imagination and have molded my thoughts about how I perceive and differentiate between rights and wrongs. I believe that myths and mythological creatures and how they came into being can help generations learn and grow, all the while reminding them of their rich, fascinating roots. 

What is your writing process? Do you outline everything or write as things come to mind? Why?

I don't have a writing process, to be honest. Whenever something inspires me and urges me to put my words on paper, I write. This is especially true while writing short stories. 

What are some things that influenced your story?

I am a fan of Xianxia and Wuxia genres, and when I saw the prompt, I couldn't resist writing about the jiǔwěihú: the nine-tailed fox.

Tell us about the main character of one of your stories. What inspired their creation?

The main character of my story, The Promise', is Wei Yi. She is a nine-tail fox who has recently ascended to heaven. So, the way she sees the world is untainted, pure. There are lots of stories in Chinese, Japanese and Korean mythologies which talk about the nine-tailed fox. Some portray them as good and some evil. I wanted to write a different perspective of these (in my opinion) misunderstood creatures.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Even though I knew what jiǔwěihú or fox spirits were, I felt stuck at the start. I could not, for the longest time, decide on which region's mythology to pick. I guess that was the most challenging part. After quite a bit of reading, I made up my mind to go with Chinese mythology.

What message do you hope your story will tell your readers?

Look beyond revenge, hate, and negativity; bring smiles to as many faces as possible.

If you woke up in a time or place that was very different from reality, what would you do?

I would quickly try to get familiar with their language, customs, culture, and traditions. I wouldn't want to accidentally get into a sticky situation and get harmed either psychologically or physiologically!

If there was something you could learn (i.e., some spell, some martial arts, etc.) like the main character in your book, what would it be?

Fox spirits are basically shape-shifters. Shape-shifting is a fascinating skill that I would love to possess for legit reasons. *hopes for the ability to manifest, secretly, of course.*

Would you rather go through a lifetime of never finding love or be willing to go through several lifetimes of hardships just to save your love? Why?

That's an unfair question, but a great recipe for an angst-filled, slow-burn, tragic romance novel. Not to sound unromantic, but if I had to choose, I would save myself the trouble of spending several lifetimes trying to save the love of my life and instead, live one lifetime without finding the love of my life.

What is your favorite creature from Asian mythology or folklore? Why?

Picking a favorite Asian mythological creature for me is like asking a mother to pick her favorite child. Lol. But if I had to pick (because even mothers have favorites, just saying!) I would choose Vasuki, the king of snakes in Indian mythology. He is wrapped around Lord Shiva's (the destroyer) throat, stopping the poison he had drunk during the churning of the sea from sliding down his throat. 

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

I absolutely love the concept of the three realms: human, heavenly, and demon that exists in many Asian and non Asian mythologies. Though there may be slight variations, the core remains the same. Ultimately, they are all trying to teach the same thing: be sincere, honest and righteous, in thoughts, words, and actions. 

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and congratulations on your win, ANH_Writes! We wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!