Alisa Lee is the independent author of the novel The Dream of a BTS ARMY. She is passionate about music, art, foreign languages and she is a big fan of k-pop band BTS. Originally from Italy, she loves reading mystery and fantasy but poems and romance is what her heart expresses best on paper. Alisa, also dedicates her time in creating designs such as clothing; you can find her K-pop collection at lovekarma.teemill.com.
Let’s get started with a quick rapid fire.
Q1. If you could be transformed into one mythological creature, which one would you choose?
Mermaid.
Q2. What time do you usually go to bed at night?
Always after midnight.
Q3. If you could meet any fictional character, which one would you choose?
Mary Poppins.
Q4. Where did you go on your last vacation?
Back home, in Italy.
Q5. Would you rather find your dream job or win the lottery? You can’t do both.
Dream job.
Q6. What is one thing you regret spending money on?
Exercise machine.
Q7. What object do you misplace or lose the most?
Keys.
Q8. If you were a spy, what would be your codename?
Foxy Red.
Q9. What secret about the universe would you most want to learn?
About Life.
Q10. What never fails to make you laugh?
Adam Sandler.
Q11. What was one “before” and “after” in your life?
After I published my book I connected with lots of amazing people and gained more confidence about my writing skills but before that I was very insecure about my talent and if I could ever make it in the book world.
Q12. What do you think people misunderstand about you?
That I take everything lightly. I smile and joke around constantly especially with friends but sometimes those smiles are also the way to cover my worries or sad moments.
It’s time for a more detailed conversation, Alisa.
You’ve answered our rapid fire brilliantly, Alisa. Now, it’s time for our readers to know more about the person behind the book.
Q. Tell us something about yourself that’s going to keep us wanting more.
I started my journey as a writer to be a messenger. I want to give people happiness, love, confidence through the stories. I want people to recognize themselves as the main characters of my books, knowing that there is someone out there that understands them, and to reclaim that main role in their lives too. That is why I will come out with more novels that can talk feelings.
Q. Well, that’s just…memorable for sure. So, what books have you read more than once in your life?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I read it both in English and Italian a lot of times. I find it extremely inspiring every time I feel a bit lost in life.
Q. Interesting. Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My family. Even though my book is written in English and not in Italian they read it and gave me advice for future ideas too.
Q. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Definitely! Some of the experiences the characters go through in the stories, their traits and also a few dialogues are very personal.
Q. Now comes the most anticipated question that every author must answer. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
The beauty of this world is its diversity. Not everyone likes the same things, and everyone has an opinion just like I have one, we have to respect that. The important is to keep a positive state of mind.
Q. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
Neither. I first need to focus on the message I want to deliver to the readers, once I figure that out everything else just comes out naturally.
Q. How do you develop your plot and characters?
I take inspiration by my surroundings, so I write down, thoughts or scenes depending on my mood and what I am experiencing in that particular moment and so plot and character they develop together with me and my experiences.
Q. You got 100 points. You need to divide them on the basis of how relevant and important they are to you as a reader and a writer for your book or someone else’s as a reader. Your options are Plot/Story, Dialogues, Book Cover, Marketing, and, Reviews.
As a writer: Plot 40 – Dialogues 30 – Book cover 10 – Marketing 10 – Reviews 10
As a reader: Plot 30 – Dialogues 30 – Book cover 20 – Marketing 10 – Reviews 10
Q. So, now, about your book. Talk to us about it. No major spoilers.
‘The Dream of a BTS ARMY’ is an inspirational novel about self-love. It’s inspired by the songs of the most famous K-pop band of all times, BTS and their concert in Wembley Stadium. It’s the journey of a girl, Mina, that is struggling with the darkest recesses of her mind while going through a painful time of her life, till she hears a piece of music. BTS and their music will become her gateway to enchanted worlds and daydreams, opening her heart to cherish life, friendship and love for herself. Through the pages you will cry, laugh, dream, and sing along with the characters. This is not a book meant only for fans of the band BTS or K-pop fans, but for anyone chasing a dream and needs a little spark of hope to believe in themselves.
Q. What part of the book did you enjoy the most while writing?
All the daydreams and the funny moments the main character experiences.
Q. What is your kryptonite as a writer?
Marketing. It takes lot of time, knowledge and strategy to marketize your book especially when you are a self-published author, but I would rather spend that time in focusing on other projects.
Q. What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?
Self-publishing was the biggest risk. I did not know what the outcome would have been and how people would have engaged with my book as an indie author.
Q. Let’s talk about the process of writing. Do you do research while writing a book to add more authenticity? What kind and how far do you go – ever traveled to a foreign place just for the sake of your book?
I do gather information about the topic, and if I am writing about places and cultures that I am not familiar with, I contact natives from those places and learn all about it. I love to discover and connect with people from around the world.
Q. What was your hardest scene to write?
The most emotional part of the book is where the main character is expressing a lot of pain at the loss of a family member. It was the hardest because it was written by personal experience and brought out of me a lot of memories.
Q. Well, this has been great. Now, before we wrap this up, do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Just keep writing whatever your heart wants to say and whatever your brain is thinking. Through writing you express your feelings, and I believe there is no right or wrong way to do so. The only way to truly find your path in writing is keep trying.