In honor of the release of Imagine in *checks calendar* FOUR DAYS, I am privileged to have the author of Angel (and one of my bestest friends), Grey S. Park on for a super fun interview! I'm mixing it up a little bit by using some questions supplied to me by Issabelle (one of the editors of Imagine) and a few of my regular ones! Check back later today to get a sneak peek into my story for Imagine, along with some fun graphics!
Now, on to the interview!
Was this the first time you’ve ever written a short story? If so, what was something you learned through the process? If not, what do you enjoy about writing short stories?
No, it wasn’t my first time writing a short story. I’ve written quite a few short stories before! I think I just like proving that you can deliver a message and develop characters even over a few pages. Short stories are powerful that way.
Where did you get the inspiration for your short story? Was it a particular song, book, or something else?
Well, I was just looking to write a short story when I created Angel. I actually got the original prompt for it from my older sister! The story changed a lot over time, it was probably the short story of mine that changed the most, plot-wise. It was somewhat inspired by a song (and the song is mentioned in the story), but I spun it mostly from my sister’s prompt. And then I saw that Imagine submissions were open and decided to submit it!
What has been one thing you’ve learned after going through the process to be published in the Imagine Anthology?
Hmm. I definitely learned that no story is perfect on the first try. All the rounds of edits really helped! I also learned that I hate rereading my own short stories after a little bit. XD
Can you give us a fun fact of something that happened during the writing and/or editing process? Hilarious typo? Weird fact you had to search? Best edit you received?
Haha, well, originally the protagonist’s name was Jinyoon, his sister was a minor character, and the story was going to be about his relationship struggles with his narcissistic girlfriend Soonha.
Do you have any words of inspiration for other young authors?
Definitely. No matter how hard writing feels, it is always worth it in the end. Writing has become such a safe haven for me and I am so glad that I’m a writer. So make sure to persist even when things feel hard. There’s a story inside of you and don’t let anyone hold you back from telling it.
That's beautiful, Grey! Now, on to my first question! What first inspired you to write?
Hm... I would probably say that it was because I had ideas inside of me that needed to get out. I’ve always been a daydreamer, and the first-ever idea for my first fantasy novel came to me in a daydream. So daydreaming has definitely impacted me.
Same! What are the driving forces behind your writing now?
Still daydreaming. I spend so much time in another world and that’s the reason why my series is now (currently) nine books that came from just one.
I feel ya! Can you name any authors who have inspired your voice in different ways? How can you see their influence in your writing?
Hmmm... I actually don’t know! I just write instinctually and I feel like my voice isn’t quite like any other. I will say, though, that Miss Grace A. Johnson has DEFINITELY influenced my romance writing. I used to be terrible at it and after reading her... well, now I think I’m pretty good. ;)
I aim to please! ;) Thank you so much, though! What are some of your most favorite books/genres—to read and to write?
Of course! You’re a big influence in my romance writing, to be sure. My favourite genre is 100% fantasy, to both read and write. It’s very close to my heart. Some other genres I like to read are dystopian and realistic fiction, but I’ll read pretty much anything as long as it’s not horror and clean. My only two standards, haha. To write, again, fantasy, romance and a little crime. But fantasy is my absolute favourite.
Aw! Those are good choices! What do you do when you aren’t writing?
I like drawing, listening to music, daydreaming, and spending time with my friends. And, of course, procrastinating.
Don’t we all! So, what are you currently working on now?
Right now, I’m working on another one of nine fantasy books, and am spending a lot of time plotting a certain one. Anything outside of my fantasy work right now is currently on hold. I’m really trying to focus on my trilogy of trilogies right now.
What are your plans for when you finish the series?
I’m not sure... knowing me, I’ll likely add another trilogy to it, haha. Perhaps I’ll pick up where I left off on my works as Grey S. Park again... who knows. Whatever God calls me to do.
It's always best to follow His will, for sure! Now, for the hardest - er, I mean, funnest question! Who is your most favorite character in any of your books, and what endears them to you?
Of course! Oh... I’d have to say Tàe Rín (from the aforementioned book I’m plotting). Hmm... lots of reasons! He gets a rough go of things. Him and I share some things in common—we both love the sky, both love reading stories, both are daydreamers. He’s shy and absolutely lovely. Also, he has wings. Which, very unfortunately, is something we don’t have in common.
Oh gosh, yes. Tàe. *sighs* He's so perfect. ANYWAY. Next question! What do you want your readers to take away from your writing?
He totally is. Augh, I love him. I definitely want readers to feel something when they read, but I also want them to realize that, in the end, good will always triumph over evil. Always. I want readers to know that I’m a God-fearing writer and I hope that my writing will impact them in some way.
Yes! I totally understand that! Have you ever endured any discouragement being a young author? If so, what inspired you to persevere?
Definitely. Most of my discouragement comes from, well, me, and I realize now that I’m not a bad writer. I’m not absolutely terrible like I tell myself I am. There are people out there that are more experienced than me, and, yes, better—but that really doesn’t mean I’m bad. Even if I’m not a rich NYT bestselling author with all her books made into movies, I’m still a writer, and that’s fine. I’m good at what I do and I enjoy it, and I’ll get better with more time. I will have low moments but it’s really the highs that keep me going. And if that emotional spiel is too much, allow me to sum it up with a quote from my father: “Your first draft is already better than half the published crap out there.”
I highly agree with your father! What are your greatest aspirations for your future, be it as a person or as a writer?
Haha, thank you! Well, aside from completing my series, I’d really like to become an ESL teacher. I want God to place me in people’s lives that way.
That would be awesome! I actually have an interest in being an ESL teacher myself! No, last question! What has being a writer taught you?
Really? No way! Ah, being a writer has taught me many things. It’s taught me to be patient for things that will make me very happy, for one (i.e. finishing a book). I’ve learned how to be persistent and how to overcome blocks. I’ve learned that God has placed a tool in my hands and I can’t ignore that. Writing is one of the best things He has done for me.
Yep! Ah, a great lesson, patience is. ;) I definitely agree - writing is one of the best things He's done for me as well! That, and bringing me you! <3
Aw, I was so honoured to join you! I’m so glad that we both got to be featured on the Imagine anthology. Thank you so much for interviewing me!
So am I! My pleasure!
About the Author
Grey S. Park is a writer specializing in Eastern Hemisphere-set fiction. She has been writing for as long as she can remember, with her first story about a tree, and loves to write protagonists who feel real and display strong relationships with others. Her favorite genre to read is fantasy. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found listening to music or sketching her characters. She lives in the middle of Canada.
The Tour
14th - Imagine Blog Kick-Off - TeenWritersNook.com
15th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - AllieAndersen.com
16th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - GraceAJohnson.com
17th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - AFangirlsHideaway.wordpress.com
19th - Author Interview and Character Interview featuring Linyang Zhang - TeenWritersNook.com
19th - Character Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - ConfessionsOfAReadingGeek1.wordpress.com
20th - Author Interview - AuthorVLSmith.com
20th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - GloryForGodAlone.blogspot.com
21th - IT’S IMAGINE RELEASE DAY - TeenWritersNook.com
22th - Character Interview Featuring Penelope Rugan - AFangirlsHideaway.wordpress.com
23rd - Author Interview, Character Interview, AND Losta Fun Stuff, Featuring Lorelei Angelino - AllieAndersen.com
24th - Author Interview and Character Interview - LairOfAnEmeraldPhoenix.wordpress.com
26th - Author Interview w/ Extra Fun Stuff - YourWriterlyFriendKads.wordpress.com
Preorder Your Copy!
Thank you so much for joining Grey and me for this interview! I had a ton of fun doing it with her, and I am super excited to read her story in Imagine (because she still hasn't shared it with me and I'mma have to pay to read it now *pouts*)! Don't forget to check out the rest of the posts in the tour and to stay tuned for my next post later this morning! See y'all later, gators!
#indie #youngwriters #teens #anthology #shortstories #poems #teenwritersnook #imagine #itstimetoimagine #launch #blogtour #authorinterview #interview
Woo-hoo, AWESOME interview, Grace and Grey!!!!!!!!!!! :D Those were amazing questions, and I loved reading Grey's answers!!!!!!!! That fun fact was really interesting! And I loved hearing about what inspired you and about your current writing projects, Grey!!!!<333 I LOVE fantasy too, so *high-fives*! 😉 Keep on writing, girl!!!!<333
Hiya! It's Alexa, another anthology author! (I feel the need to introduce myself XD) I've been on here a lot but I guess I haven't really commented so here I am today! You'll be seeing more of me! ;) But y'all, that was a FABULOUS interview!! *gives you more chocolate even though you've probably had a lot lately* I CAN NOT wait to read Cursed and Angel on Tuesday!!!!!! <33
Amazing interview guys!!! I loved the writing advise and I can’t wait to read both of your short stories/ poems!! I’m sure they‘ll be awesome!!
Excellent interview! Her dad's quote about the first draft is so good!
OOH I LOVE this interview! And all of the questions were amazing!!! Can't wait to read both of your stories! 😍