From CEWashburn:

Just about every main character has a backstory that tugs at the heart strings. Byxx’s almost broke me for how tragic it was (told in the previous version of AS for those who didn’t read it). Of all the characters you’ve given such depth to, which was the hardest?

The hardest one to actually write is probably Byxx. His was nebulous at best when I started, having only a few details to go off of. “Demonic-looking. Refugee from dying world. Rare on Chromaldus. Initially grumpy, then friendly.” That’s really all I had for Byxx to start. I knew we needed some puppy-dog energy to balance out Khazmine’s cat-like aloofness and Zayzann’s baby bird naivety, and Byxx fit that role well.

Although, I say that now with a grin, as I’ve written over 134,000 words of Khazmine’s backstory for “Lowlifes” and that can be challenging, too. I’ve never written Action Fantasy before, so it can get pretty intense for me to write Khazmine facing hardship and trying her best to raise two orphaned boys on her own. That, and things took a turn around Chapter 50… No spoilers, but, dayum…

Would you redo a history for any of them?

I might need to revisit Byxx and Zayzann’s backstories a bit, especially if either of them get their own spin-offs. I have more material for Zayzann than for Byxx, as his story was the most “complete” in my initial write-up for the characters. Zayzann had a family, a life on Zhalterra, several failed relationships, and faced hardship early on as a nestling. Byxx was a survivor from an Automata invasion and found refuge on Chromaldus as a wee lad.  

Which of their stories to do you relate to/favor the most?

Of the roommates? A combination of Iris and Khazmine are the most relatable to me, as both let me explore themes from a romantic and an action-fantasy perspective. I go through bouts of writing for each story, so it may be five chapters for “Lowlifes” and a few for “Apparent Secrets” in spurts.

From ApocDream:

What inspired the corporate setting of the story and why did you choose the ML to be a corporate heir?

I started writing Apparent Secrets while working a soul-crushing corporate job back in 2014. It was so miserable and heartbreaking that my only solace was to flee into an imaginary world. It got me asking questions like, “What if the guy running this place was actually a nice person?” and “What if an office nobody, someone no one would suspect, had the power to take down corruption in her workplace?” It evolved from there, extending to questions like “How far would you go to protect the secrets of yourself and those around you?”

As for Alden, he started off aloof and unobservant of little details, which drew my interest. Meanwhile, Iris’s entire life is dependent on little details to survive. The contrasting lifestyles and growing forbidden affection between manager and subordinate had me questioning how far either of these two would push boundaries of what’s societally acceptable to get closer to one another. Zayzann has a similar problem, being a different species, but at least he can assume a human form. Alden’s difficulties stem from societal pressures, which are hard for him to shake.

Is Warren based on someone you know irl?

He’s not a particular individual, but more of an amalgamation of multiple people I’ve run into in real life. I’ve had several managers, supervisors, and vendors like Warren in my life, and his traits are largely attributable to them. The same goes for Debra, Mr. Matheson, Ryan, Barbara, and to a lesser extent, Cruxuss. Some of the events in Apparent Secrets are pulled directly from real life, which, while a little sad, makes them seem more real to me that way.

From the moment Ramona dyed Iris’s hair, how much time has passed… I’m wondering how Iris maintains the color?

That is an excellent question! Ramona dyed Iris’s hair on June 15^th (a day before the anniversary of Amaranth’s death). As of the most recent update (Chapter 97: Overdue), it’s July 22, so just over a month has passed.

As for the hair dye, Khazmine actually touches up Iris’s hair. She often had to dye her own hair and Pavo’s back on Chromaldus during the events of “Lowlifes,” so she knows what to do. The smell doesn’t bother her either, as she can’t sense the chemical odor that bothers both Byxx and Zayzann immensely. Ramona drops off boxed kits from the salon, with Iris and Khazmine bonding over the experience. It kind of reminds Khazmine of her younger days back home…

Is this story happening in New York City? I know it could be any city, but I always imagine NY when I read it.

Apparent Secrets isn’t based on a particular city, though it could be New York or Chicago. It’s a large metropolitan area with an enormous river and sprawling suburbs at the city limits. They have the same gradient of “haves” and “have nots” living day-to-day as best as possible, though Iris is struggling to survive in the harsh city setting.

Who is your favorite character in general, and why?

Ooh, that’s tough to choose. The entire roommate dynamic is why I wanted to write Apparent Secrets in the first place, and it’d be unfair to leave out Alden or Curtis… That’s a tough one… Out of everyone, I’d say Iris is my favorite, as she’s the glue that holds everyone together. Without her kindness and compassion, none of the roommates would have been able to cohabitate together, let alone cross paths with one another. She has a quiet nature that I don’t see as much in fiction these days, and relies on her intelligence and intuition to navigate her world. While Warren, Barbara, and Cruxuss exert control and force their will on people through aggression, subterfuge, or manipulation, Iris appears untainted by their respective cruelties, and still clings to hope for a better future.

Who is your favorite roommate and why?

I like each roommate for different reasons; Byxx’s golden retriever energy, Khazmine’s calculating nature, and Zayzann’s affectionate curiosity. Of the roommates, I think I’d get along best with Byxx. He’s a thoughtful companion and a good hugger. Zayzann would be an excellent companion once he mellows out and divests himself of “Stage Five Clinger” status. Khazmine and I would likely have opposing schedules, and rarely see each other, making her more of a rumor than a roommate.

Who is your favorite character to draw?

In general, I love drawing Khazmine in her battle poses. Her design started off as a generic anime-ish alien character, and she’s evolved over time to embrace her half-breed features nicely. I have more portrait and bust drawings of Byxx and Zayzann than anyone else though, as I have a hard time drawing either of them consistently. For the cover for Book Two, I got all the way to coloring Byxx before realizing that I needed to re-draw his face entirely, while Zayzann turned out fine after the first attempt.

Who is your favorite villain: Barbara, Warren, Ryan, or Cruxuss?

My favorite to write is Warren; he’s slimy, scummy, and easy to come up with sleazy things to make me despise him more. My favorite of the villains in general is Cruxuss. He’s got an energy and malicious self-interest that’s challenging to write, but rewarding to revisit when I go back and read through chapters.

Which is your favorite home world (except Earth), and why?

I’d say Chromaldus is my favorite of the home worlds. Aside from the events that take place over the course of “Lowlifes,” that’s the friendliest place to live. Khazmine and Byxx are both eager to return there someday, and with good reason. Zayzann’s home world of Zhalterra is beautiful, but atmospheric and weather conditions would make it too hard for humans to live there. That, and there are way too many predators and dangers on Zhalterra. That’s part of the reason Zay has a hard time sleeping alone…

Does Iris have a favorite roommate?

Iris loves all of her roommates, but one shares a particular bond with her that the others don’t. Over the course of the story, she finds herself thinking of them more often, strengthening that bond as they spend more time together. They’re more kindred spirits than either of them realizes presently, and become more drawn to each other as time goes on.

Thank you so much for your questions! If you have any more, feel free to drop them in the comments.