Hello everyone! So excited about today’s issue of my newsletter, an interview with teen author Mel Ingrid, author of Bus 59 and a Half and Inkman! Inkman is Ingrid’s sophomore novel, a dark fantasy mystery twisted with horror. I met Mel through our writers Instagram when I first made my account; her account is what introduced me to the community of teen writers. She is an incredibly talented writer, and also has a focus on visuals and aesthetics that I aspire to. Follow her @mel_ingrid.writer , other relevant links will be at the bottom. Enjoy the interview!
How long did it take for you to write Inkman?
I played around with ideas for about two years before finally committing last October! Drafting took about seven months and editing lasted from late spring until publication.
Where did you get your inspiration for Inkman?
You see, what’s ironic is that the original inspiration—the “click” moment—was this pedestrian sign I saw on a drive, and that’s not even what the book focuses on. I don’t think I realized what my inspirations were until well into the process because of how visually I write. The works I credit towards igniting creativity, though, are Coraline by Neil Gaiman, Junji Ito’s horror one-shots, and Parasite. Shoutout to my aunt’s bed and breakfast for being the blueprint for one of my settings, too!
What was your process for writing Inkman?
I literally wrote with a fire flaming my ass and in my head and heart for the first five-ish months. Never have I ever spat out words that quickly, and I owe it all to being in love with the idea and a healthy dose of spite (long extinguished). I’d like to say the madly-driven artist energy remained for the rest of the process but I’d be lying if I didn’t complain at least a little about how exhausting it became. Every single day, I’d lock myself (like actually lock the door, no joke) and work for hours on end. Truly no clue as to where the discipline came from. I drank caffeine until my temples hurt and sometimes wailed overdramatically on the floor. It’s still my favorite thing I’ve ever done, even in retrospect.
What was your favorite part about writing Inkman?
I loved when it stormed outside and those rare moments when details from both of my character’s perspectives would connect without me intending them to. That, and making mac and cheese alone in the kitchen during all-nighters.
What advice do you have for other aspiring authors?
Be ready to prioritize writing over other activities (excluding self-care). Vulnerable, honest art that you want to be proud of demands your time and your security. Another thing is that if you don’t know why you’re doing it and if you can’t get around to liking what you’re doing (even if it feels like you never will), it won’t happen. Love your ideas shamelessly and if all else fails, draw a mindmap. It’s too late to give up if you’re questioning yourself this much.
Thank you so much Mel, I’m so glad to have been able to interview you! You can purchase Inkman:
Here is Mel’s website, where you can subscribe to her newsletter:
Again, you can find her @mel_ingrid.writer on Instagram!
Thank you for reading! I had so much fun interviewing Mel, and I hope you enjoyed reading it and are excited to read Inkman!
-nia mahmud <3