Welcome to our final Inkitt Icons Interview! It’s been a fantastic series, in which we’ve got to know some of Inkitt’s most loyal writers and brightest minds. We hope you’ve enjoyed the series as much as we have, and have drawn inspiration, advice and motivation from the wonderful words of our authors.
Last, but certainly not least, is Athrhteera, whose novels span across a plethora of experiences – from the laughter and joys of friendship, to the dark and dangerous depths of Mafia romances.
Hello Athrhteera. To kick us off, we’d love to know what attracts you to the Romantic-Comedy genre of your current book, The Best Friend’s Contract?
It’s definitely the cheesy moments. I like it when I write something cute and my readers get all hyped up!
It’s great to see you interacting with your readers and bouncing off their responses! What inspired the storyline?
Actually, I was inspired to write The Best Friend’s Contract because of my friends. There are a lot of stories about strangers falling in love, but there aren’t that many novels in which two friends fall in love unexpectedly, after a little bit of denial here and there. I needed to write a love story where the two people are already fond of each other – where the romance begins with a friendship.
This gentle love story must provide an interesting contrast to your darker novel, His Rose. How do convert your inspiration into words on the page?
I just start writing and let the words flow. These ideas come into my head when I’m singing in the shower, eating dinner, and even when I’m in class during lectures. They come whenever they want. All I need to do is write them down so that I can share them with the world.
That seems like such a fluid creative process. What is your ideal setup for writing down these ideas?
My ideal writing setup is when I’m comfy in bed or on a secluded desk in a library – somewhere quiet and calming instead of somewhere loud. I’m most eager to write when I’m relaxed because ideas just keep on coming. I can’t help it.
It sounds like you’re a natural! But do you ever face any problems when you’re writing? And if so, how do you overcome them?
Writer’s block. This one, I’m sure every writer can relate to. I overcome them by watching a lot of movies and reading a lot of books. Sometimes, I even take this time to relax; writing all the time can stress me out and I never want to let myself feel pressured while doing something I love.
That’s a very wise approach – downtime is just as important to writing as active creation. It’s important to keep the mind happy and healthy. What is more important to you, characterisation or plot?
Characterisation. It brings the story to life.
Who is your favourite character from your current book and why?
This is easy. Dimitri! How can I not like him? He’s funny, very good-looking (in my mind and how I imagine him, at least), and he’s the kind of person everyone wants to have around. There’s a lot to him; he’s quite a mystery to be honest, but that is what makes him who he is.
It’s interesting to hear you talk about your characters as though they are friends of yours; you must have developed them in great depth. Do you prefer creating heroes or villains?
Villains. I have this habit of ruining things when they’re good.
Well your excellent writing begs to differ! As a successful Inkitt Icon, what are your top tips for authors who are just starting out?
Don’t feel pressured into trying to be the best. When I began, writing was just something I did for fun; I still consider it an enjoyable activity to do in my free time, but I never expected it to become a part of me. So, just start off slow and write whatever comes to your mind. You’ll get the hang of it sooner or later, and you might even get recognised!
Has Inkitt helped you in your own process of recognition?
Yes! When Inkitt first discovered me, I was thrilled, and it has made me write more than ever before. Inkitt made me realise that everyone can become an author as long as you put your heart into it. Inkitt really does take extra care of their writers
We’re so glad to hear it – we value you all immensely. So to finish off this interview, and our entire series, where do you see yourself as a writer in 10 years time?
In 10 years time, I think writing will still be something I do for pleasure. At the moment, I treat it more like a part-time job than a serious career. But then again, you never know! I do see myself with one or two books published. That would be a dream come true.
Well we wish you all the best with this dream, and we hope that Inkitt can help you make it a reality!
