A month has passed since Anime NYC, and we still can't believe what a great time we had! It was our first time having a booth at this convention, and not only did we have a booth where we presented our first printed novel, but we also had two panels and two book signing dates.
This was all possible thanks to your support.
As you know, during the convention, Flona, author of Define the Relationship, joined us for a Q&A panel. And even though we had the chance to meet so many readers from all over the world, we know not everyone was able to make it, so we wanted to share a piece of the convention with the readers who couldn't join us.
What first inspired you to write Define the Relationship? Did you always intend for the story to be set in the omegaverse and to connect Egg Benedict, Define the Relationship, and Mind the Gap into one shared universe?
I personally enjoy romances and mysteries set in British aristocratic society, so I wanted to create a story of my own, too. However, since I’m not part of that “world,” I thought it would be better to incorporate fantasy elements. When I first started writing a novel, I was interested in exploring the omegaverse, so it seemed fitting to mix the trope with the aristocratic class system.
While it is less common these days, early omegaverse thought considered alphas to be upper class and omegas lower class. And even for alphas, there was a range of stronger to weaker individuals. From that starting point, I utilized the concept of dominant alphas and merged it with the idea that a dominant alpha would be born into aristocratic society every generation. This became the backbone of my worldbuilding.
The reason Karlyle is treated poorly is, though he is the eldest son, he is not the dominant alpha fit to be the Frost family’s successor. This aspect is quite important in my worldbuilding.
Have Ash and Lyle ever considered switching roles in intimacy?
Ash? Never. Karlyle has once, but Ash doesn’t want to think about that. Even when Ash was with the alpha, he was always the top and confident in his role.
What was their wedding like? Might we see extras about their married life or other side stories in the future?
I’ve already written many of their stories, including the wedding, but I won’t be sharing them. Use your imagination! Write fanfiction!
If Define the Relationship were adapted into a live-action K-drama, what would be most important for you to see preserved?
Ash has to have a pretty face. Lyle has to be handsome, in a classically masculine way.
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If Ash could go back to their first meetings with all his memories, what would he do differently?
Now that Ash knows Karlyle better, he’d probably ask for his number and make a move on him, understanding that Lyle is starved for affection and moved by kindness. He’ll also likely want to atone for making Lyle uncertain in their relationship at first.
Is there a real-life couple who inspired any of their sweet moments?
Nope! It’s all made-up and from my imagination.
What Julie London song was playing at Ash’s house when Karlyle first stayed over?
I believe I’ve talked about this on Twitter before, but I don’t remember exactly which song it was. I think all of the following would be nice: “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To” (in particular), “A Taste of Honey,” or “Sentimental Journey.”
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What made you choose a setting outside of South Korea?
When I was young, I went through a lot of trial and error in my relationships. In Korea, many people are not used to sharing their opinions openly because it can be taken negatively. However, in many countries outside of Korea, people can express themselves more candidly. People who have approached me in the past often arrived with an image or expectation that I didn’t or couldn’t meet, and this disappointed them. Anecdotally, I didn’t experience this as much abroad. No matter where you go, human relationships are similar at their core, but now, I feel more comfortable in communities that are more diverse and accepting.
What BL stories—whether anime, manga, or novels—have inspired you?
It’s too hard to pick just one work that made an impression on me because there are so many, so I don’t think I can. I watch a lot of movies and draw inspiration from the directing and storytelling of those movies, as well as dramas from Japan, China, the UK, and the US. As for novels, I read a lot of BL and romantasy. For comics, I read stories from Japan and Korea.
What do you do when you hit brain fog while writing?
I’ll play a game on Steam or take a shower. If that doesn’t work, I’ll put writing aside and find a movie to watch.
Did you experience any particular difficulties while writing DTR?
It was difficult at times to write from Ash’s point of view since many readers were upset during the serialization. The key for me was to stay consistent and tell the story from Ash’s perspective. It was my second work at the time, and I had only been writing for a few months, so it was a bit challenging to remain steady.
Who is your favorite character to write, and why? Do you have a least favorite?
At first, Karlyle was the easiest to write, but now, Sean from 발아의 조건 is. There is no character I dislike writing.
What novels are you working on now?
None! I have many unfinished stories and ideas, but nothing is set in stone.
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Thank you once again to our readers for their continuous support and for submitting their questions for this panel. And thank you to Flona for trusting us and joining us at Anime NYC, the place where Ash and Karlyle's love story started.
See you at the next convention!