Author Interview Questions – Ineda Pearl
About the Book
1. Talking to the Moon blends contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and elements of
drama and spice. What inspired this story, and how did it evolve from fanfiction into its
current form?

It began as fanfiction because i had a celebrity crush and still do haha, but it gave me
ideas of what would happen if someone went through something like this and fell in love
with a famous singer who is the brother of your best friend. That allowed me to play with
emotion and tension as well as yerning.

2. Selene’s journey is one of healing after years of abuse. How did you approach writing
her resilience and growth in a way that felt authentic and empowering?

I think from watching how the person who I knew went through something similar grew
into their own and reclaiming their own life and sense of self helped me shape how
Selene's growth turned out. BUt also I put how I grew from it as well and what I did to
distract myself from certain stuff.

3. Johnny is both a globally famous musician and a deeply grounded man. What drew you
to craft his character with such contrast, and how does his dynamic with Selene fuel the
heart of the story?

I loved the idea of someone who lives in the spotlight but craves real connection.
Johnny’s grounded life contrasts with Selene’s quiet strength, and together they balance
each other; his world and how he carries himself when it comes to her helps her regain
consciousness of herself and her self worth and not what everyone wants her to be
when it comes to her modeling career.

4. Hawaii feels like such a powerful backdrop for this novel. What role does the setting play
in Selene’s healing and the unfolding romance?

It’s an escape from her modeling world and from her reality when it comes to her family.
Even though her family is set to be in Seattle, WA. I felt like the ocean being another
barrier between the two was more straightforward on how she really felt about them. The
distance is a lot but for a good reason.

5. Without spoilers, what’s one moment or twist in Talking to the Moon that you think will
take readers by surprise?

Johnny’s decisions that affect Selene.

Themes & Inspiration

6. The novel explores trauma, self-discovery, and love that helps rebuild. Why was it important for you to tell this kind of story?

Because healing isn’t linear, and love can be a powerful part of that journey. I wanted to show
that even after deep hurt, it’s possible to rebuild yourself and still find joy, strength, and
connection.

7. You mentioned this book started as a fanfiction with 16k readers. What was it like revising and reshaping it into a published novel?

It was both exciting and challenging—I wanted to honor what readers first loved while also
deepening the characters and themes. The process took so much time, energy, and yes, a few tears. My goal was to give both longtime and new readers a story that felt stronger and more meaningful than my high school writing from eight years ago. The difference now is that it’s more realistic, gut-wrenching, and, I hope, an even bigger tear-jerker.

8. Music and modeling both play key roles in the story. Were those elements drawn from
personal interests, or did they come naturally with your characters?

Yes, I love music and a girl can dream of being a model.

Characters & Worldbuilding

9. If you had to describe Selene and Johnny in just three words each, what would they be?

Selene: resilient, vulnerable, brave
Johnny: passionate, grounded, magnetic

10. Selene finds a second family in Hawaii—her best friend’s loved ones. How did you craft
those supporting characters to help balance the heaviness of her past?

I think by having a great friend group crafted that second family. Honestly, each of the
characters are based on my friends that I have been friends with for more than ten years.

Writing & Publishing Journey

11. What was the most rewarding—and the most challenging—part of bringing Talking to the Moon to life?

Getting the feedback from my beta readers, saying how great it was and how they can relate to some of the characters. I think their feedback was the most rewarding part about this journey.

12. How has your Kickstarter campaign shaped your publishing journey, and what has
surprised you most about connecting with readers this way?

Honestly, it was a great help. It helped me a lot with things I did not know I needed. BUt, it
showed me the people who truly believe in me and want me to be successful as well as this story, which I hope to deliver.

13. Many writers dream of turning fanfiction into a full novel. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering that path?

Just do it!

Fun & Quickfire
14. If Talking to the Moon were adapted into a movie, who would you cast as Selene and Johnny?

I literally was talking about this! Definitely Rege Jene Page for Johnny and either Halle Bailey or Zendaya for Selene

 

15. Coffee, tea, or something stronger while writing?

Coffee when I am writing in the morning, a Pepsi at night, and a Bay Breeze for the spicier
scenes

16. What song would be on the soundtrack for Selene and Johnny’s love story?

I actually made a soundtrack you can find it on spotify and on the first page of the book link is here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4xm35luk8kbW5XJ6Q3dXLA?si=2voVin3-S_KFAv8iQ5KeBA

17. One word to describe your writing style—or this book in particular?

Book: RAW

18. If you could spend a day with Selene in Hawaii, what would the two of you do first?

I am hanging out with her and her best friend Sam, us three would have the time of our lives at the spa and having drinks by the beach for sure!