Hello, fellow disciples! We've been searching far and wide for individuals who have cultivated for a long time. This month, we bring to you an interview with Ghost_Lord, the author of Demon in a Painting which is a runner-up of The Immortals' Conquest 2022.

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

I blame my love for stories on both my parents! When I was little, bedtime routine included bedtime stories. Looking back it was basically a bribe for us (my sisters and I) to lay quietly in bed for story time and the sleep. LOLMy Mum would recite fairytales leading us to drift off dreaming of wonderful magic and happy endings. My dad however almost always failed in his task to put us to bed as he told us tales of the Greek Gods and the exciting heroic deeds and adventures of the Heroes.

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

My stories start with an idea which builds up in my head over time. I usually let it stew and simmer on the back burner, developing ideas and characters in my head until it overflows onto the page!

What are some things that influenced your story?

Everything! People, places, other stories and random things that I hear or see. The world around is is a treasure trove of ideas.

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

Lifen is the main subject in 'The Demin in a Painting'. When I read the prompts of the Immortal Conquest 2022, a story which I read long ago about a man going into a painting on a temple wall popped into my head. The story was 'The Painted Wall by Pu Songling (Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio)'. It was a simple short story but it sparked my imagination. I've always wanted more interaction between the two main characters and to know more about the 'Lady' in the picture, so I wrote my own story! 

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Procrastination! It's my biggest demon!

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

Things are not always what it seems! We have become a very judgmental society with the exponential advances in technology! Please do your research / checkings before jumping to conclusions.

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

To be honest, I'd probably freak out and have a mental breakdown. Despite all the romance and adventures in time travelling stories and movies, reality is a whole different ballgame.

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?

I'd love to have Lifen's gift. Although the flower demon can kill with her poisons, she can also heal! Imagine being able to heal people or at least give them some extra time in medical emergencies. It would make a difference in a life or death situation.

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?

Love. I'll always choose love because I'm a romantic. Physical hardships are not so bad. The real torture are the mental and emotional ones ... I'd try to reduce it as much as possible in every life time.

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

Definitely the mystical Qilin! The gentle and benevolent beast is a defender of the innocent and destroyer of evil (when need be). A legendary elusive creature with a frightening hybrid appearance complete with obscure powers, what could be better to inspire a writers imagination? 

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

This is a very, very, VERY hard question to answer. There are too many good stories, myths and legends out there to choose from. My favorites change with my mood! That being said, I love the ones with curses, complicated traps and dark prophesies in discovering heroes/emperors' tombs. 

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, __syyh__! We wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!