Author Spotlight: Ziloi
The English translation of University of the Underworld is coming out in ebook format this Halloween, and we have an interview to introduce readers to its wonderful author, Ziloi!
How did you start writing and what are your favorite things about being an author?
There wasn’t any special reason I started writing, it was just because I thought “hey I kinda want to write something” and grabbed the pen. Haha, I guess you can say it’s the impulsiveness of fire signs.
Because I’ve always thought that compiling a bunch of words that you’ve written into a “book” was such an amazing thing since I was a child, I would definitely say that the best perk about being an author is the ability to publish a book! XD
Where did you find inspiration for the humor in University of the Underworld? Do you have any favorite comedy series?
University of the Underworld is a very serious tragedy novel; both Bai Shaonan and Cui Yue died before the story started, how can you joke about that? …Alright, I’m kidding, of course ghosts are dead (lol).
To be honest, I didn’t really put much thought into writing jokes. I’m a very big fan of “tsukkomi” style scenarios, so rather than saying it’s good humor, it’s more like my inner “tsukkomi” spirit taking over. As for my favorite comedy? Wha- I can’t believe you’re asking me this. You know…I might instead run back and rewatch the Minions movie just because you asked me. Hahaha! Bet you didn’t see that response coming, huh?
Feel free to clown me XD
What areas did you focus on the most while writing University of the Underworld?
On just how ridiculous the major Cui Yue is studying is.
I’m a little bummed that the novel only covered the parts about things a ghost needed to learn to become an evil spirit; I should have focused on branching out the different paths they can take with these skills, such as how to fight against exorcists.
Can you share with the readers something about Cui Yue or Bai Shaonan that we wouldn’t know just from reading the book?
Here’s a little snippet that I didn’t include in the original story, enjoy!
Spoilers: Click to show
The ghost couple’s first date was a disaster. Bai Shaonan took Cui Yue to a theme park in the mortal world, but to their surprise…
Haunted House
Bai Shaonan, holding out his hand: You know, if you’re scared, I can…
Cui Yue: You can forcefully enroll that ghost in front of us into your University?
The ghost in front of them, preparing to scare them off with some supernatural events: … I-I have to study now?
Bai Shaonan: … Study my ass, get lost.
A Ferris wheel with fully packed cabins
Living woman: I see you texting your secretary even while on a date with me; I knew it! You’re seeing your secretary behind my back!
Living man: So what if I am? I’ve spoiled you enough, and now you’re going to have a say in my personal business?
Bai Shaonan, sharing the same cabin as the human couple, who also spoils Cui Yue and is close with his secretary: …
Cui Yue, sitting across from Bai Shaonan and reminded of his boyfriend’s relationship with his secretary: Don’t worry, I don’t care about your business.
VIP suite at a hotel
Rich lady: I knew it, darling! What did I say about you being smitten by your secretary before? Now look, I caught you red-handed getting a room with her!
CEO: It’s between my secretary and me, this has nothing to do with you!
Bai Shaonan, in the room next door, reminded of how his own boyfriend idolizes his secretary: ….
Cui Yue, also reminded of his boyfriend’s secretary: … Uh, I guess you don’t need to worry about me and your secretary?
Do you have any habits related to writing? For example, anything you do before you start, or something to celebrate the end of a book?
If possible, I try to avoid people’s fields of vision when I write so that I wouldn’t be awkward when I get caught making nasty expressions when writing!
When I’m done writing, I will buy myself a cup of brown sugar boba milk as a reward. Although I drink it normally even without a special occasion.
What kind of character or story would you like to write about but haven’t yet?
I really want to write a heavily historical and serious story, but I know that if I actually start writing, I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from adding random punchlines. I guess that won’t be a very serious story at all anymore.
What’s one thing you’d like to be remembered for?
I’m sure you can feel it through my words, I’m a sexy lady (jk).
I hope to develop a surprising story from the reader’s perspective. With this title, it’s the aspect of building a university in the world of the afterlife. Perhaps next time I’ll write about a battle between the mafia and monsters. I’d be very happy if one day I could become an author where the readers will recognize me by name as they browse new books and think to themselves, “Oho! What kind of story shall this minstrel present to me this time?”
Ok, I guess that is kind of a weird dream….is it?
Do you have anything you’d like to say to your international audience?
Thank you all for reading through this interview; I’m sorry I didn’t give any serious answers at all.
However, University of the Underworld is a story written in this exact humorous and light-hearted tone. I hope you all will find Bai Shaonan and Cui Yue’s little story charming. I will also work hard and aim to become an author whom readers like you will like one day.
A huge thank ewe to Ziloi for giving us such a fun interview!
Fun fact: Ziloi (知來) is spelled using Cantonese jyutping! You’ll also find many references to Cantonese culture in University of the Underworld.
Sign up for our newsletter to get a reminder when the book goes live, and enjoy a spooky scawwy Halloween! ♡(>ᗜ◕✿)
