The inspiration for this story came from Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Wendy Spinale's 'Umberland', and 'Heartless' by Marissa Meyer. The last two books are great retells of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and sparked the interest for this story as well as @TriciaDehler 's contest which ignited the fire for this story.

2

Something I've struggled with while constructing this story is most likely the best way to portray each and every character as well as the best way to create a plot that can engage the reader.

I especially enjoyed outlining the plot. The most exciting part about all of this was how to create challenges and obstacles for the MC.

4

According to some of my readers, they liked the references of one of the character's lively personality.

5

stand alone

Something I would like my readers to take away from this story are the emotions that are encoded behind these words. As a writer, leaving an impact on a reader is something that is very important.

My advice for all writers is to keep questioning yourself on how to make your story better. Often times, I would ask myself questions like 'How would I describe the color of her hair? What would I compare it to to add imagery?' Using this tactic, you can write better descriptions and paint more vivid images.

8

Most of my characters are not based off of me but people I've met. The only similarity I would have with Alyssa would probably be our shyness around new people.

I can't really say. My story is a retelling of 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' so the only things that may draw in new readers would either be the fact that they are fans of Lewis Carroll's story or that there will be a rocky plot in the future.

Yes, I still have many stories that are awaiting for me to publish. In fact, some of them are beginning to gather dust and cobwebs.