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 tomgaryens, the author of The Serpent's Enigma.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hello! My name is Meyrin, and I am a writer from Indonesia. In real life, I am a professional photographer and just graduated with a bachelor degree in graphic design in 2020. 

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

I am an avid plotter. The Serpent trilogy are my first books and after trying out several methods I know that I can work better by plotting and outlining in advance. That way I can keep better tracks on the scenes and chapters.

What are some things that influenced your story?

A lot! The inspiration for the story came from my love of fantasy and how my favorite authors and franchises, namely Game of Thrones. George R. R. Martin could craft such a complex, intricate plot and worldbuilding where everything has consequences, leaving little to no plot holes. But just like him, I am a slow writer. Well, great things take time.

I also take inspirations from my other favorite franchise, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While my books and the MCU belong to different genres, I could still study the way they create such beloved characters and touch so many hearts with their storytelling.

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

The main trio of The Serpent trilogy are the Leroys; Cal, Gigi and Cal Leroy Junior. They are the core members of the imperial family of Angletonia, a powerful empire in the west. The concept of the Leroy dynasty was inspired by the Targaryens, meaning they're not your typical selfless heroes; they're morally grey. Having serpents as their symbols, they are very ambitious and wouldn't mind getting their hands dirty when it comes to reaching their goals.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

Time, definitely. I started my first book when I was doing my final project, and now I am working. I should be able to manage to split time between writing and studying/working.

Another issue was speed. My worldbuilding doesn't only take inspirations from early 20th Century Europe, but also Southeast Asia, East Asia, Ancient Egypt and Africa. I want to represent as many locations and cultures that I can take. That's why I tend to write slowly, because an intricate, consistent worldbuilding isn't something that one could thread in a whim. It's not something that you could google Lots of famous authors even spent years to perfect their worlds, too.

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

Self love. You are allowed to put yourself first. You are good enough. We have enough of fictional depictions of people who were severely abused in life having to lay their lives down the line to become a "hero". No, you are already a hero for standing up for yourself. You are a hero for loving yourself first.

Also: "Things aren't always what it seems". We shouldn't judge others because if their lives is a book, and we've only read one or two pages. We could never know the entirety of what they've gone through.

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

Great, now I'm in a Multiverse. 

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?

They're royalties. I want their wealth and influence 😂 (sorry to be blunt).

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?

The second one. A lifetime of hardships is enough, can't imagine several.

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

I've always liked the Japanese Pantheon trio; Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi and Susanoo. My favorite is Tsukuyomi, the moon god. He's unique because other moon deities are usually female.

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

The mythology of Nyai Roro Kidul from Indonesia.

One version of the story referred to her as a Crown Princess to a King who disowned her in favor of a male heir. Not only banished her, her father also hired a witch to curse her with a painful skin disease. But as she jumped into seawater at midnight, she emerged as a goddess and more beautiful than ever. Since then, she became the ruler of the Southern Seas.

A self-made queen, girls shouldn't let obstacles to prevent them for getting their own crowns.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

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

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!