Hello, disciples!

This month, we have picked "Haan" by Ghost_Lord for our monthly interview. Haan is the winner of The Immortals' Conquest 2024. If you'd like to read this story, we encourage you to check it out in our reading list, The Netherworld.

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Logline:

The fictional story revolves around Yoo Mi Rae, the tragedies she faces, and how they influence her. She finds redemption in Hyun Si Woo, an amnesic boy with mysterious healing powers.

About the Story:

Life was hard in a small rural Korean village for Mi Rae when her whole family died in a fire. However, it got worse when she got blamed for the tragedy as the sole survivor. Ostracized, slandered, and shunned by most of the villagers, she barely survived her own trauma and depression. Only a handful of people helped her and later, the new mysterious boy. So when the opportunity for revenge presented itself, she grabbed it. What could go wrong? Haan (Korean: 한) is described as a complex emotion comprising deep sorrow, resentment, grief, regret, hatred, and anger.

About the Author:

Born and raised in Asia, Ghost_Lord is a fantasy and gaming fiction author who started writing on the largest online writing platform, Wattpad in 2017. When not writing, Ghost_Lord enjoys gaming and watching dramas/action/sci-fi movies among other things.

Interview:

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

I write when a story forms in my mind and grows until it needs to be let out. By then, I already have a basic storyline and the main characters. I jot down ideas and usually write in bursts of creativity. My characters tend to come alive forming their own stories, so I don't have to do much. All I do is guide them along the story framework.

What are some things that influenced your story?

Everything I experience with my five senses and more. Things I see, smell, hear, taste, and feel are integrated into my stories when it's applicable. Memories, music, deja vu, and gut feelings too.

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

I've always wanted to create a character with non-traditional magical powers. I got the chance to experiment with Hyun Si Woo with the 7th prompt (The Horse - The Saint) of The Immortals' Conquest 2023 contest.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Definitely the Korean language. I do not speak nor write the language but friends, K-dramas and Google helped a lot.

What message do you hope to convey to your readers with your story?

Not everything is as it seems but there is always hope.

If you had the choice to transmigrate into another time or place, where would you like to go?

I'd like to travel back 15 years to right a wrong I've regretted since.

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

The ability to magically heal mental/emotional trauma would be fantastic.

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?

Wow, that's a really difficult question. I'll have to think about that one.

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

The mystical Chinese unicorn, the Qilin because of what it stands for, overall goodness, benevolence, gentleness, and integrity.

What is your favorite Asian or Pacific Islander myth? Why?

One of my favorites is about Chang'e and the Jade rabbit         

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Thank you Ghost_Lord for giving us the opportunity to interview you and chat more about your book!

We'll see you all in the next interview.