Can you share a little bit about your latest book?
My latest story Off is about a woman who puts her partner through harsh rituals to prove his love for her. It is a story that explores love, madness, and needing someone too much. Because of their enmeshment, Peter feels like there’s nothing he can do to show his woman that he loves her and isn’t going anywhere.
Tell us more about your main character. What inspired you to develop this character?
The main character, who is unnamed, is very insecure in her relationship. She needs constant reassurance from her lover. My need to know that I am loved inspired this story. I think the woman hazing Peter reflects my fear that my lovers will grow weary of me because of my fear of abandonment, a self fulfilling prophecy.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Writing on command is my biggest challenge. My best work comes spontaneously or when I’m filled with emotion. However, if I want to take this seriously, and I do, I need to write and meet my quotas. I have to learn to be inspired instead of waiting for inspiration to strike.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I have learned a lot about my style and where I fit as an author. In the beginning, I wrote stories that were not suited for me, but I understand my strengths and weaknesses now. I am great with atmosphere, mood, and psychological pressures. I have adapted my writing to work best for me and showcase my skills. My work has also gotten punchier. I am very proud of the conflicts I create.
What do you like to read in your free time?
I love to read splatterpunk fan fiction, folk horror, and cosmic horror. These subgenres pull me out of a reading slump if I’m ever in one. Authors I enjoy are Jasper L’Estrange, Devin McCamey, and many anonymous authors on Wattpad. I love to read stories from writers who are just beginning because I remember starting there, and they need love too.
If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
Oh my gosh, I love this question. There are so many things I am interested in, it is very hard to pick just one. I have always coveted artists. It would be insane to paint most of my hours away and make something beautiful. My anatomy skills are not up to par, but I really admire people who can draw detailed work.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Don’t underestimate the power of poetry. It has taught me so much. I can honestly say that you learn so many beautiful ways of writing, like how the sounds affect the stories or the space between the words. Poetry makes better writers. You can have a simple story, but if you use the right words, there will be a big payoff.
What is your next project?
Right now, I am working on my debut novel, Sick Punt. I am very excited about it. I can’t say too much, but I will say that there are living dolls and a bully boyfriend. It will be a gothic fairytale meets a darker, sexier version. This story will be told in a vignette style, which balances my experience with short stories with my desire to write a full length novel.
Want to learn more about Lailo Lema?
Waking Writer 
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