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 missh1, the author of The Last Empress.

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

I enjoy writing stories with unexpected main characters and plots. I like creating happy endings as in life, there are more than enough sad stories. Readers should be able to read the last page and close the book with a smile.

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

I do a very basic outline and then write freely from that point on because characters may grow unexpectedly during the course of writing and develop their own story and personalities. I don't want to confine them to remain precisely within pre-set boundaries.

What are some things that influenced your story?

Chinese dramas and novels. I'm an avid reader and watcher :)

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

For example, for the character Yi Xuan from my story "The Last Empress" really holds back a lot, including his emotions, throughout the entire story. He develops many aspects to his personality as time passes. I was tired of reading romance stories where a character is cold and indifferent at the start but the minute they "fall in love" their personality does a 360 degree turn and they become really nice people who voice their thoughts all the time... I think personalities are formed by experience and should remain consistent throughout the story. 

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

I think all writers get stuck at some point, like when you know what should happen and you should follow the original plan, but it just doesn't feel right when you write it. So the most challenging part of writing "The Last Empress" was probably when I rewrote a 2000+ word chapter 3-4 times because it just didn't feel right >_< that was very tiring but in the end I had a chapter that I was satisfied with.

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

Don't let the situation, the past or others define you. You choose the path to tread, and take responsibility for everything that comes with that decision.

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

Watch and observe before acting.

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 always wanted to be able to "fly" like they do in martial arts.

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?

I would rather go through a lifetime of never finding love. Love isn't the only thing worthwhile in life :p 

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

Nine tailed fox - because they're fluffy and have nine tails, so could slap nine people at the same time haha!

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

The Chinese myth of "Nian" (related to lunar new year), because it is an interesting take on some of the traditions and practices that are still being carried out to this day.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, missh1! We wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors.

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!