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 winnoww, the author of Snow Flower, Fire Storm.

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Tell us a bit about yourself!

I'm a third year college student who doesn't want to become an engineer but is still taking courses to become one (courtesy of being born Asian). I like stories—they are the love of my life. I dislike working more than I have to, but still understand that hardwork pays. I like chocolates and human beings (they are very important for storytelling).

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

I'm a plotter. I learnt to be one the hard way. I could never finish a work unless I know how it ends. I'd jot down the major plot points of the story before I even sit down to start writing. Then I just have to figure out the most logical way to go from Point A to Point B.

What are some things that influenced your story?

Reading Asian webnovels and watching dongua. 

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

Okay, I'll talk about how I came up with the character of Xie Xiao. I'd just finished writing a super dark novel and wanted to write something that was more lighthearted. So I needed a main character who was cheery and sincere and fun to be around. Also I really love reading stories about daring and mischievous characters who are actually good at heart. I wrote Xie Xiao because I'd never written a character like him before and wanted to try it at least once.

What were some challenges you experienced while writing the story?

The story was written as a part of the Open Novella Contest of 2022. So the biggest challenge I had to face was meeting the deadlines on time. Also my parents are kinda against the idea of me writing, so I had to write most of it locked in a bathroom late at night after they'd both gone to sleep.

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

I don't think the story itself is trying to give a message. But I'd tell my readers to learn from my characters. I'd say: be like Xun Yuan. He have had horrifying things done to him over a span of more than two thousand years, and yet he didn't turn into someone twisted. He kept his goodness of heart and was always, always selfless. I aspire to be like him.

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

Find some way to make some money. Then, because I'm stuck in an impossible situation anyway, I'd try doing something impossible like becoming the ruler of the place.

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?

The Wuxia version of parkour.

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'd go through a lifetime of never finding love. That way, I'd be the only one suffering.

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

The kitsune. I love that they are tricksters and shapeshifters.

What is your favorite Asian myth? Why?

I really love the concept of reincarnation. This is one myth that exists in a large number of Asian countries. I love how reincarnation often means a second chance at make things right. Some of the most heart-wrenching stories I'd EVER read are reincarnation stories.

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

Until the next chapter, fellow disciples!