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Ask a Book (Whybee Interview)

Curling up with a good book takes on a different meaning as we sit down with Your Book, Whybee for short, and ask a few questions!

SL: Hello, Whybee. My name is Sea Lucille, and through the magic of Spellbound Homework, I'm going to be asking a few questions.

YB: Oh, my. How exciting!! Well, as some may say, I am an open book!

SL: How charming! Our first question is all about introductions! Who are you, when were you born, and what can you tell us about growing up?

YB: Oh, yes! Well, my name is Your Book, or Whybee for short!

While birth isn't something I can compare my creation to, I will gladly answer the somewhat similar question: when and where was I made? I'd like to think creation starts with a thought, and that my 'conception' was near the end of 2022, riding off of winter and going into spring. (That makes me a Capricorn!)

This conception, like most, happened on a bed. Uniquely with a laptop involved.

SL: Haha, I dont remember seeing any humor like that between your pages!

YB: A book must branch out, no? At least between conversations.

SL: Fair enough! What about any memories of being written- we can compare that to growing up.

YB: That is the closest thing a book has. I actually don't have memories of being written. But I'm sure it was wonderful! The creative process, making sure everything is perfect, getting excited about publication, ah! It all sounds so amazing! I will never be able to get over the way humans are able to think and act!

SL: It's sweet of you to think that way. What about your greatest achievements? How did they shape you?

YB: My greatest achievement is being able to speak to you! I don't retain memories the same way humans do. Because of that, I can't say I really know what achievements I have or haven't made or how I even feel about them. But being here, right now? Talking to you, a real human?! Haha, it must be the best thing in the world!! I'm a little sad that I'll forget about it. But I can be happy in the moment, too.

SL: I suppose, for you, the present is the only thing you can look forward to. I don't suppose you have any regrets? Nothing that's shaped how you view yourself and others?

YB: I'm sure there must be something I've done or said that was regretful. Something I forgot to add. Maybe I didn't say "I love you" enough. But in all honesty, this is also something I have no recollection of. I'm sorry- maybe that's my regret then? Maybe-

(there was a break in speach)

-maybe I regret not having regrets. Or, more than that, that I can't remember them.

But I can't say I view myself any differently. Overall, I'll stay the same, even after I've been read time and time again. I'll always love the people around me, you're all so alive all the time. It's amazing!

SL: Honestly, that's starting to make me a little sad. Let's move on! What is the greatest extravagance you allow yourself, even if it doesn’t seem extravagant to others?

YB: Any bookmark that's ever placed inside of me, any fingers that skid across my pages, any form of symbol or love of reading me. I would say that that's the closest thing to extravagance for me. To know I'm read, to know that someone, somewhere loves me.

SL: You speak so poetically.

YB: Well, I am a literary work of art.

SL: Very true. What is your most treasured possession? How did you come to acquire it?

YB: A book such as myself? If I were to have a possession of some kind, and treasure it as humans do, I think I would like a child. I mean, how far off is a child to a mother that a reader to a book?

Haha, thinking about such a thing makes me giddy! To watch someone grow up? I feel like that would be a dream. Seeing how they change, who they choose to be, what kind of choices they'd make! If I were a human, I think I would love to take care of a child.

SL: Haha, not the life for me. But it's nice to see you so enthusiastic. My next question is, do you trust easily?

YB: I feel like it's a yes. Especially compared to human beings, I trust others to such an extent, I'm sure that if I were a human I'd be manipulated and killed. Since I'm a book, I can risk being trusting, though.

SL: So, you understand that a good number of humans manipulate and even kill others. Why do you trust them then? Why do you think so highly of people?

YB: What I love most about humans is how complex they are. If I were to judge someone on those same complexities negatively, then it would go against everything I stand for. And either way, if a killer or manipulator were to read me, I wouldn't know the difference. And I would still choose to love them. They're still human.

SL: And I dont suppose I need to ask who you trust the most?

YB: That would be everyone!!

SL: Haha, yes, I assumed. Alright then, how do you define success and where does your definition come from?

YB: Well, so long as you try, I would say it's a little bit successful. So many humans dont even attempt! And after they've tried, even if they fail, they still did something! But I also understand that most see success and being able to complete the task. I guess it's hard to define, then.

Hrm. Right, where it comes from….uh, I dont really know! I just think humans are neat and far too hard on themselves.

SL: But books aren't too hard on themselves?

YB: Only if they're hardbacked, hehe.

SL: Eyy, I see what you did there! Okay, okay, next question! What are your biggest pet peeves?

YB: Hm. Does not being read count? Haha, I feel like I don't really have a pet peeve. I don't think I've been "alive" long enough to form them.

SL: Have you been around long enough to know if you're an introvert or extrovert?

YB: I would say an extrovert! Being around people is what brings me a form of sentience, after all!

SL: I felt the same way! Oh-

(A pause)

This one is a doozy. What does perfect happiness look like to you?

YB: Oh my. I feel like any kind of life would be perfect happiness. I mean, yeah, there are bad things that happen. Terrible things, even. But do they not make the good times even better? Perhaps I am simply too inexperienced. But even a bad life, I would be grateful for.

SL: I see. And what about your greatest fear? As a book, you must feel something rather unique compared to humans.

(There is a long pause.)

YB: To disappear.

Imagine if I had never existed.

Or that my temporary sentience was merely that. Temporary.

One day, people will stop reading me. That is true death. That is disappearing.

SL: I understand. Is this also what keeps you up all night?

YB: Well. I do not sleep. As I do not have a brain nor a nervous system.

Heh heh.

SL: You jest.

YB: I do. But there isn't much else to fear outside of disappearing or being useless. For a book, at least.

SL: I know many humans who would agree with you. My next question is: is the glass half full or half empty?

YB: Oh, a metaphor! Yes, I am very optimistic. The glass is always half full. 

SL: I can see that! You are very cheerful.

YB: Thank you! Although I do have my moments.

SL: You're not alone there. I have one final question for you! What is a common misconception about you that you’d like to set straight for the record?

YB: Oh, the last question. Hm. I don't believe I know of any misconceptions. I'm sorry, haha! I hope that doesnt make your interview anticlimactic.

SL: Not at all! You've given your honest answers! I'm very proud of you, actually!

YB: What a very nice thing to say. I hope those who read over the interview are as well. Is that odd?

SL: For you? Not at all.

Our interview closes out with the closing of a book cover. While Your Book has yet to have an offical release date, they are more than excited to get out there and be picked up by fellow readers such as you!

We hope this interview has given you all some insight on who Whybee is and the things that they stand for.

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You Uncork a Bottle! There’s a Message Inside!

You uncork a bottle! There’s a message inside! When you read it, it seems to be the first page of many that make up a blog. How interesting for you!! It seems this blog in particular goes over writing tips, spotlights, shout outs, and the occasional suggestion. You wonder if you’ll be able to use any of this in the future….

Hello, hello! Welcome to the blog, my name is Sea Lucille and I'll be serving as your host while you settle in!

Here at Blog in a Bottle, we share writing tips, book suggestions, shout outs, and spotlights! Be sure to make yourself super cozy! We'll be updating this blog every week, so stay tuned for some juicy tips and suggestions from followers.

CHARACTER TIPS

Today we have two character tips from yours truly! This is going to be about character design and how to keep it nice and clean for your readers while still being able to get all the details you want!

⦁ Know when to show and when to tell.

I know what some may say! "Shouldn't you always show and tell?" But I advocate for a healthy balance of both. If you're showing everything, then your page may drag on (which is harmful for your story, especially if you're focusing on details that aren't important), but if you're telling everything the story feels lifeless.

When it comes to character design, show about the most important details and tell about the obvious ones. For instance, if there's an earring that your character wears that's important to them, have it dangle or glint in the light as they move. But the MC just so happens to notice their shoes? Just say it how it is!

This will separate the nuances of your character's design and make it obvious which details are important without being extremely in-your-face.

⦁ Use Body Sheets

If you can't draw, you can simply keep a character sheet specifically for the character's body and what it looks like. I recommend this SPECIFICALLY for anyone who has a character with scars, tattoos, birthmarks, piercings, etc. Anything that can be easily forgotten when describing your character.

For instance, I'm extremely forgetful, so if my character has a scar in an odd place, I'll want to be able to make sure I say so and remember exactly where it is I want the scar to be.

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT

Today's spotlight shines on....what's this?? A self promotion?? Blasted authors and their need to market their work!

We have Whybee!

Whybee is a sentient book in the upcoming short story Your Book by Sea Lucille (hello). They've fallen head over heels for humanity and admire every person deeply- from murderer to mother.

They talk directly to the reader, admiring them while also being just a little self loathing! If getting praised for existing is something you need in your life, then keep your eyes out for my book, Your Book!

. . . . Favorites/Least Favorites

Whybee is hard to narrow down when it comes to their favorites and least favorites. They seem to love just about anything and everything- even things that are considered to be toxic. That stated, they hate the idea of humans ruining their own lives via shorter lifespans, and so alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs are definitely off the table of "I like these ''.

. . . . Love Interest/Romantic Typing

Whybee doesn't have a love interest in the book, unless you want to count the reader! And their type is pretty much anyone and everyone! They're not one to judge based on appearances, thoughts, opinions, and so on. Rather, they love everyone and everything- they would be happy just knowing that you love them, too.

. . . . If You Kin

If you kin Whybee, then you're someone with a strong passion for human-kind. Perhaps even an anthropologist! You're a little bit naive, and it's something you understand about yourself. Even so, you're still a thinker! A deeply emotional thinker, but a thinker none-the-less. You love with your entire being, clinging to those you care about and wanting to do everything in your power to help them in any way. But your compassion is also a curse. You struggle with your self image and envy the people around you despite not wanting to. When you can't help someone, it makes you feel weaker or less important. And if you don't get the same amount of attention, compassion, or care back from those that you aid, you can feel bitter and unloved. But you are, in fact, a very lovable person deserving of attention and happiness.

PUBLISHER SHOUTOUT

Working on a book? Have an idea? Need to publish?

Well, come on over to Spellbound Publishing!! While I could talk all day about the low prices and amazing benefits from signing with Spellbound, I think what would be even better is talking about the two wonderful women who run it.

Helpful, lovely, supportive, and hilarious, both Teddi and Taylor do so much to aid the authors at Spellbound. They're so amazingly nice, which is the main reason I even want to talk about them on my new blog. As I've slowly begun to know them and get used to their personas, I've also slowly become majorly attached to both of them. It's a hard thing to avoid, since they're both absolute sweethearts.

Teddi is always offering links to make life easier. Things like advice for newsletters, popular TikTok tags, and even straight up live advice on personal issues. She has SUCH a motherly feel to her, you notice it almost immediately once you start talking to her.

And Talyor is just SUPER energetic about everything, she's always a pleasure to talk to. I feel like I'm always reflecting her energy back because enthusiasm is really easy for me to latch onto and copy. She helps people to feel right at home as soon as they sign up and join Slack (our little chatspace).

Finally it feels like my childhood dreams of publishing a book and becoming an author are coming true, and I owe everything to Teddi and Taylor. Marketing, editing, publishing- they've helped with so much. I only hope I can somehow return the favor!

So if you have a book that you want to publish, or even just an idea, please visit their website! Spellbound Publishing Link: Not only will you get in contact with two wonderfully organized and supportive women, but you'll also be able to meet and chat with so many other amazing people- fellow authors of the community!

(I'm sure I'll end up talking about them in my upcoming blogs, haha.)

Thank you so much for reading!! I can't wait to get to know my followers and build a community around writing, sharing tips, and suggesting books! If you want to share any writing tips, book suggestions, characters for character spotlight, and anything else that comes to mind, my DMs are 1000% open!

As a side note, I am indecisive, so changes may occur until I’m satisfied with how everything works. Do not be alarmed if I change things like the name, I promise it’s normal. Very, very silly brained and fluffy headed, but normal.

Until then, expect another, similar blog post like this one next week! (If you want more content from yours truly, you can check out my Tik Tok account: @censierralewis I go by Sea Lucille)