How much time did you spend writing?

I'm going to assume this means how long I've been writing. That answer would be almost ten years, dear ole chap. Ever since I was a wee babe at the age of eight.

Is it more like a hobby or have you thought about making stories as a future job/side-job?

I'm actually a senior in high school right now, and this is a burning question. Should I pursue my passion for writing or should I go with International Studies? Either way, I will definitely find a way of incorporating writing into my future career. It's definitely more than a hobby.

Where are you from?

Pennsylvania, represent!

How do you create different characters? Are they based off of IRL people or completely made up?

They tend to be completely made up. I might use qualities I see in others to inspire a character, but they remain mostly fabricated. As to how I create them, I believe it's sort of instinct now. I think of a story and I imagine the type of people who would be in that story. Simple as that. (Oh, and lots of character maps).

How did you choose your nickname? (edit: Is it a nickname at all? O.o)

It is a nickname, hah. "Ari" is a shortening of my full name. I prefer Ari because it is more gender neutral. "Joy" is one of my middle names (yes, I have more than one).

What inspired you to start writing stories?

Well, I've always been an avid reader, but when I was eight or so, I decided I wanted to be just like Rick Riordan and make fun children stories (now look where we are, lol).

Why did you start writing 'Another'?

It started out as a simple story about a sidekick having to take the reigns for once, and then suddenly spiraled out of control. It was supposed to be a rom/com between Connor and Erik, haha.

--And now, questions about the plot--

Are there different divisions for the physic/psionic abilities?

There are three classifications for cognitives: empaths, telepaths, and sybils. Empaths, like Connor, can feel others' emotions and "emote" artificial or personal emotions that affect people around them. Telepaths can read others' thoughts, but mostly just intentions unless a person blatantly thinks of something; they can also manipulate thoughts, which is very different from emoting because--  well, you'll find out. Oh, and sybils have glimpses into others' memories.

As for their divisions in the System, there are two cognitives per squad. 

How many cognitives are there in the System?

As stated above, there are two cognitives per squad. There are six squads in a platoon, so a platoon has twelve cognitives. Then there are five companies, so there is a total of sixty cognitives (supposedly) in the System.

What are some of the other arcane?

http://imgur.com/a/1A8jM

Is Bao human?

Shhhh! Patience.