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 nndiha, the author of An Ember Among Shadows.

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hi, I'm Nad. I'm a part-time postgrad student from Malaysia. So far, I only write fantasy because it's my most favorite genre to read, but I hope I'll be able to try a different genre in the future. Aside from writing, I also enjoy digital drawing and graphic designing.

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

Ever since I completed An Ember Among Shadows (AEAS), outlining has become my crutch. I need a clear picture of what to write and do because I finally admitted to myself that I can't function well without structure. Also because I don't like having to delete/not use chunks of what I've written (kill your darlings, they say? I say keep them and make 'em your [insert word I cannot say]). That said, I still leave some room for things such as how a scene unfolds, what the character would do or say, and worldbuilding details that I can pepper in along the way.

My process basically starts with three things: a main character, an inciting incident and an ending (whichever comes first), then I'll fill in the middle. I prefer to have a 'target' or general goal for each chapter so that my MC can play it by ear. Sometimes my MC surprises me so then I'd let them take the wheel, but whatever happens the goal of the chapter would still remain. 

What are some things that influenced your story?

Many things help shape AEAS, but the core influence is supernatural anime, specifically Mononoke and xxxHolic. The story is also influenced by Malay witchcraft and folklore.

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

Since the story being featured is AEAS, I'll talk about its protagonist, Ruqa. To Ruqa, the world is black and white. He has his own ideals and sense of right and wrong and he would do everything he can to see those ideals, well, idealized. This makes him rigid and intolerant, and in the story you will see just how much life makes him miserable for this. It's me. I like making his life miserable.

Fun fact: he wasn't the MC, initially. His creation came about when I needed a foil to the original MC, Nezha, so that the plot could work. His design is inspired by Watanuki Kimihiro from xxxHolic and I used the Enneagram theory to build his character (he's a Type 1 btw). Writing an unlikeable protagonist was a huge risk, but it was a risk worth taking.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

I faced a great deal of challenges since it was my first venture into novel writing, but there were two things that absolutely sapped me.

One was the discipline to keep writing until the story is finished. At the time, just thinking about writing a sentence felt overwhelming. However, I was blessed with one loyal reader who was genuinely interested in the story. Her encouraging comments pushed me into finishing it.

Second was the first time I received constructive criticism. The reader pointed out my case of white room syndrome and incorrect use of dialogue tag and action beat. I was a perfectionist so it felt like I wasn't competent to write because gosh look at all these terms I didn't know. Everything I wrote sounded rubbish after that. Every sentence seemed like they could be better. This prevented me from actually writing. It took me a while to bounce back and realize that those feedback were exactly what I needed to become better. I still struggle with being content with 'good enough' to this day but keeping a growth mindset has helped me push through.

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

That the world isn't black and white. There are gray areas and I hope my readers would come to understand that reaching a common ground is necessary when it comes to political or religious differences. This message may sound obvious but too many times I've encountered people who simply refuse to see another person's POV or turn a deaf ear to their stance. Don't be like Ruqa.

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

I'd like to think I'd be like one of those badass isekai MCs that ends up saving the new reality they're in, but truly I'd be freaking out because if it's a medieval setting, I'm not ready to let go of indoor plumbing. My first step would be to find something appropriate to wear because blending in would be my top priority. If there's a chance for me to rule my own kingdom/nation, I'd take it lol!

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?

Devotion. Ruqa is very devoted to his goddess. That connection to a higher power is an area in my life I would like to improve.

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?

Depends on the love. If it's a lover, the former. This is probably because I've never been in a romantic relationship and I'm fine with it. But if it's family? I'll save them however many times I need. They've been a good support system to me during the toughest times of my life, especially my mother who has been very understanding.

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

The A Bao A Qu. I like it because to me, it's like a little spirit animal that reflects your inner journey. The A Bao A Qu couldn't achieve perfection and the way I see it, it shows how you can't be perfect but you can become the best version of yourself. Also, I wanted to include the A Bao A Qu in AEAS but it didn't work out.

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

That would have to be the legend of Walinong Sari, a skilled warrior princess of exceptional beauty. She rejected many marriage proposals. She dueled a celestial king for three days and nights completely veiled. Her beauty caused the king to faint upon seeing her face. She angered the king's father (who was the Malay equivalent of Zeus) because she beat his son. I don't see why this myth should not be my favorite XD

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

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!