Website : https://www.patreon.com/c/EmiliaTokes
Twitter: @emilia_tokes
What’s the story behind your very first piece of writing?
I started writing when I was 12! It was probably me thirsting hard for Lestat (yes, the vampire). Fan-fiction. All I remember was me at his caravan door… don’t ask! The first … bigger project and meaningful writing would be Les Aventuriers de l’Espace (Space adventurers? Teen sci-fi space princess rescue mission) And then Le Journal de Philippe when I was 15 ish about a 14-15 year old gay prostitute boy. (Grok confirmed I may have written transgressive since I depic hard themes with a heavy dose of illegal shit…)
When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?
When I was 12. I used to have dreams of having a small black laptop to write my stories on. Back when I used wrote with pen on paper and later in high school on my father’s type writer. (I think I have kept some manuscripts I have polished up in that way).
Do you outline your stories, or do you discover them as you write?
I have an outline and notes scattered around through 2 laptops, 3 phones, and a notebook. I am using this Plot Grid thing I discovered recently to help flesh out major plot points and chapter recaps in a more coherent, cohesive visual way for me (when I actually think of going back to consult it…)
Which authors or books have had the biggest influence on your writing style?
I couldn’t honestly tell you… I have my own very poetic, flowery…. how do they call it… lavender prose? Style … so I would say the old timers… the French classics especially… I want my readers to FEEL to be there in my characters’ shoes and be present in the experience.
What’s your writing routine like—daily habits, rituals, or quirks?
Whenever inspiration strikes – I have a phone in hand to type out ideas. If I have ideas in the middle of the night or before falling asleep, I’ll just recap my ideas literally in an X post – using the platform like a sticky note white board! Ideally, I prefer to be sitting outside in my garden with my dogs where the whole energy is different, to write, but on cloudy, rainy days I have to be inside. I don’t have specific schedules at the time since my main job is being my father’s live in servant and maid – so I write whenever. Preferanly when I am inspired. I personally refuse to write for the sake of filling a blank page. I have tried; it feels cold, empty, flavorless, soulless. It screams « you were not inspired and it sucks » so I avoid. In the meanwhile, I can either tackle another story, edit, revise or work on covers or just play marble crush or mahjong or pull weeds. And while occupying my body – to relax my mind – my mind relaxes and inspiration comes and ideas just drown me.
Do you prefer writing short stories, novels, or something else entirely? Why?
Each has their purpose. I depends on the inspiration.
What’s the hardest part of writing for you?
I have scenes in my head – the hardest part, when I am not really tuned in into that zone is to get the mood, the scene, the ambiance out in a way that if feels authentic to the story but also to me as the messenger between the cloud data (inspiration) and what the reader gets on the paper (the copy they get to enjoy and keep).
What’s the most rewarding part of being an author?
Snatching stories from other realms and sharing with other human souls to entertain them, to make them wonder, feel things. I love a safe exploration of emotions and adventures through virtual mediums (Video games, movies, books, music)
How do you handle writer’s block or creative burnout?
I just leave it be. I am otherwise a workaholic and that nearly killed me or nearly drove me to a burnout. So I deeply respect the block and do something completely different in the space allowed between stories.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new writer, what would it be?
Just Write. On your phone, on your tablet, in your paper note book, on a paper towel. If you have an idea, a character, it can be cathartic to let your emotions live a story to heal your trauma or make someone laugh or wonder or get to experience a dragon ride or whatever. Publishing is Not a guarantee or a right – so do not let that hinder you or stop you. Write for yourself and the right crowd will find you. It’s also stupid easy to share today – and make new friends! There is a site literally dedicated to any style from creepypasta to smutty fanfic. WRITE.
What themes or questions keep showing up in your work, even unintentionally?
I noticed in the past, all my main characters were a woman escaping a present situation and going to another country where they met a man and lived adventures and healed. I deeply needed to metaphorically run away from my present, my hurt, my boredom. My current big projects – no running away. It’s an interesting progress for me.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what’s on your playlist?
I have 50 YouTube commentary tabs open or documentaries or lore explained by passionate people. I listen to that. Anything from quantum physics to religion to book rants (those are especially helpful because I subconsciously take notes of what to avoid in my own writing). Sometimes I have a favorite movie in the background. * coughs * DUNE, the 3 hour version on youtube * coughs *
What’s one book (outside your own) you think everyone should read, and why?
La Dame au Collier de Velours by Dumas son. It’s beautiful, tragic, you FEEL for the characters and their torment and motivations.
What’s next for you—any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Finishing Call Sign; Stalker, progressing with The Holy Trinity and Bridge to the Void. Maybe more short stories with The Goth Prince.
Finally, what do you hope readers feel or take away after reading your work?
I want them to feel. To get lost to experience things may have otherwise not get to experience.
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