1. SCARBORN takes readers into a brutal and dark fantasy world. Can you introduce us to Beatrice and the heart of her story?

Yes. Beatrice Valthera was never meant to survive the life handed to her, let alone rise from it. She was forced to wear a name that wasn't hers, suits instead of gowns, boots instead of heels - all so she could compete in trials built for men. But Bea is more than just defiance. She’s a Scarborn- born with a scar that links her to the ancient dragons thought long extinct. At the heart of her story is defiance, the quiet, relentless kind that says  even if the world carves me down to bone, I’ll still find a way to stand. Scarborn is her fight to reclaim herself, her voice, her beasts, her heart, and the fire she was never supposed to carry (literally) I’d say, yes it's brutal but in every scar there's a proof of survival.

2. Beatrice is raised as Prince Henry to survive in Sylthia. How did you approach writing a character living with such a secret identity?

Honestly? Beatrice’s secret identity was inspired by two things, Mulan, and me. I’ve always loved the idea of being invisible, secretive, mysterious… XD

So writing Beatrice as Henry was kind of personal. It's that mix of hiding who you are but also finding strength in it.

3. The Regalia Trials sound intense! How did you create such high-stakes tension while keeping readers invested in Beatrice’s journey?

So Bea’s stuck in a patriarchal society you see, but it’s not the danger alone that keeps you turning pages; it’s Beatrice standing in the middle of it. I wanted every challenge to feel like it was stripping her down, testing everything she has. In Sylthia, women are limited to kitchens and households, and so I created the trials that are meant for men to participate (it's actually one of the requirements in the eligibility criteria) but Bea is gonna stand in the middle of it anyway. Doesn't matter if she stands there dressed as a man.

4. Dragons are rising in your story—without spoiling too much, what role do they play in Beatrice’s path?

Ooh that's a good one. I’d keep this short. They're both like a curse and a weapon.

5. If you could describe SCARBORN in three words, what would they be?

Oh this is so fun. 

Survival. Secrets. Romance.

 

Inspiration & Process

 6. What inspired you to write a dark romantic fantasy at such a young age?

Oh my God, this is so embarrassing. Scarborn was never supposed to be a dark fantasy novel. It was originally planned to be a contemporary romance with a bodyguard trope. But during the thought process, it just came to me that maybe I could add dragons to it or something (I was actually reading fourth wing at the time and was obsessed) and suddenly the dragons took over the entire story.

 7. How do your own experiences as a lifelong reader and daydreamer influence the way you build worlds and characters?

I’d say, daydreaming has helped me A LOT. I’ve got a pretty vivid imagination. I am able to picture a scene in my head and step into it as my characters do. And as for being a reader - Fourth Wing was my first ever dragon fantasy book, and it taught me so much about world-building and how to bring magical elements to life.

 

8. Balancing action, romance, and magic can be tricky—what’s your approach to weaving all these elements together?

Honestly? I don't know. I cried a lot about it too. Especially the action part…just couldn't do fight scenes. But I think, reading as you write helps a lot, which was my only approach to binding it all together. 

Characters & Themes

 9. Beatrice faces life-threatening danger and moral dilemmas. What do you hope readers take away from her resilience and choices?

I hope that readers see that real strength isn't about being fearless. It's about standing up for yourself and making the right choice, to break free from the mold they've created for you. I mean If we keep following ‘the way it's always been’ we’re nothing more than slaves to history.

 10. How did you develop the assassin character who could either save or betray Beatrice?

Okay, I wouldn't write a book without an enemies-to-lovers or forbidden romance angle, even if it's barely there. That was the same idea for the assassin. I love that kind of tension where you can't quite figure out where their loyalty truly lies.

 11. What themes of power, identity, and courage do you hope resonate most with your audience?

I hope that readers take away that Power is owning yourself. Identity is the person outside of the mold. Courage is standing up even if alone, when the entire world expects you to stay small.

Writing & Publishing Journey

 12. At 18, you’re already publishing your own fantasy novel. How has your writing journey shaped your perspective on storytelling?

Well, it has shown me that storytelling isn't just creativity but persistence and trusting your own voice.

 13. What was the most challenging scene to write in SCARBORN, and why?

I’d say the fight scenes but I do have something else. The hardest part was building the magical world. I had to give a reason for everything happening, how it started, why it started, I couldn't just blame everything on magic, lol. It was total chaos. I was creating problems then scrambling to solve them, making sure I didn't leave a plot hole. Wild ride!

 14. How did it feel to hold your first published book in your hands?

It's indescribable. I am not usually one to cry easily but when I held it, it was…just so surreal.

 15. What advice would you give other young authors dreaming of writing and publishing fantasy?

Oh no, I feel like I’ve still got so much to learn. I’m not sure I am ready to give advice. But if I had to say one thing: Write that chapter. Write that book, or someone else will tell it for you.

Fun & Quickfire

 16. If SCARBORN were adapted into a movie or TV series, who would you dream-cast as Beatrice and the assassin?

Oh my GOSHH, I’m kicking my feet. I love this question. First of all, that would be such a dream come true! And it's not like I haven't thought about it ehm (that's all I do) but I think I'd love to see new faces. Someone who hasn't done fantasy yet, so they can be Beatrice and Wolfe (the assassin).

 17. Writing fuel—coffee, tea, or something else?

Tea.

 18. Daydreaming or music—what inspires you most while writing?

Both!

 19. One word to describe Beatrice.

Resilient.

 20. One word to describe what you hope readers feel after finishing SCARBORN.

Wrecked. (Sorry 😜)