Hello, fellow disciples! We've been searching far and wide for individuals who have cultivated for a long time. This month, we bring you an interview with MiyaHikari, the author of Whisper of Blade.

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

I'm a Japanese/Korean-American speculative fiction author with a love for world-building and character arcs. I grew up reading as many books as I could get my hands on, but I never really considered being a writer until my late teens when I was able to have my first story in a magazine. My journey has continued since then and brought me to Wattpad where I can see myself staying for a long time to come!

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

Depends...depends on which project of mine we're talking about. With Whisper of Blade and its sequels, I'm a die-hard pantser. Rewriting is my best friend since most of my greatest ideas arrive after the damage is already done in draft one xD I break everything down to ground level and build it back up again. Recently with my newer projects, I'm making an effort to outline and plan. Save the Cat has been a godsend and I really enjoy following the plot beats more than I expected to. 

What are some things that influenced your story?

Music, books I've read, shows and movies that I've seen, my own personal experience. But for Whisper of Blade, even if its not very obvious, one of the things that's influenced it most is my faith in Christ. The first book in the series is the tip of the iceberg of a much bigger war and is alluded to when the antagonist tells the main character that she's "fighting the wrong enemy". The different realities, the Immortals, and the curse the main character is trying to escape are all inspired by my beliefs...though I won't give away too much for fear of spoilers. 

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

Minerva Pyroline was created because I wanted to see a female main character who was driven by her intelligence and ruthless will, but who was still in touch with her femininity and could admit her flaws and grow. She's inspired in some part by Mikasa Ackerman from Shingeki no Kyojin and Violet Evergarden, both soldiers with insane prowess in battle but with tender, human moments I could relate to and fear of losing what they loved. Minerva's greatest strengths are her greatest weaknesses, and her journey is in learning that more than justice, there is mercy and hope. She isn't just a soldier, an assassin, a future empress, a girl who's cursed and running out of time. But she has to be willing to search for the truth of what she is, even if it means she's believed in a lie.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

My skill level not matching up to my vision. I'm sure every writer experiences this--and I still struggle with it!--where you know what you want the story to be in theory but the reality of it falls short. Paired with my pantsing tendencies, this contributed a lot to writer's block and serious self-doubts. Pushing through it is the best thing you can do for your story though, because you can always rewrite a draft, but you can't do that with a blank document.

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

Don't ever lose hope or give up on the person you know you can be. You're not alone in this fight.

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

I'd do everything in my power to get back home. I can't imagine how I'd react if that weren't an option--never been one to adapt to new situations well and I'd miss my life here.

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 have some martial arts experience under my belt, so I'd love to learn how to dual-wield swords (a katana and wakizashi, known as daisho).

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 can't imagine never finding love now that I have. I'd do anything, go through anything to save my love because that's what love is. It's a promise to never leave, to sacrifice, to persevere.

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

Does Totoro count? XD Kirin are majestic and high up on my list, but Totoro is adorable! He's a wind spirit hailing from a Studio Ghibli film. I built a snow totoro and have a giant plushie of him in my room <3

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

I like the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, a kitsune who caused a lot of chaos in her time. It's one that makes me curious about how many myths have some truth to them and what part they've played in shaping history. 

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

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!