Tell us about yourself.
I’m Khaile Emjey Esquivel, an international author from the Philippines, writing under the pen name Lady_Inkfinite. I write emotionally-driven fiction that blends elements of mystery, dark academia, and young adult drama. My stories often explore themes of identity, grief, secrets, and emotional conflict, especially through the lens of teenagers and young adults. My writing journey has always been about giving voice to the thoughts we usually hide.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Baler, Aurora Philippines, surrounded by rich Filipino culture, folklore, and storytelling. Our language is naturally expressive and poetic, which deeply influenced how I shape emotions and suspense. My environment taught me the power of silence, observation, and unspoken truths—perfect ingredients for writing mystery.
What was your journey to getting published like?
It started online. I built an audience. International publishers noticed, and soon, my works gained traction. It wasn’t easy—there were rejections and rewrites—but every step taught me resilience.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
A reader once messaged me, saying: "I saw myself in your silence more than I ever saw myself in words." It reminded me that writing isn’t just storytelling—it’s a mirror for someone else.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write what haunts you. The truth you’re scared to say out loud? Start there. Don’t write to impress—write to connect.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
I write songs and poems that I never publish. They’re hidden in notebooks and files—like private little worlds.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
Psychological thrillers and gothic romance. I love stories where everything looks beautiful on the surface but something’s terribly wrong underneath.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
“The most powerful words in fiction are the ones left unsaid.”
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Painting, journaling, reading emotionally heavy books, and listening to indie music at night with tea.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
It was a short Filipino folktale about a girl lost in the forest. It made me fall in love with eerie, isolated settings—and that sense of being watched by something unseen.
What has inspired you and your writing style? How did you choose the Mystery genre?
Life inspired me—especially the parts no one talks about. The mystery genre came naturally. I like stories with layers, secrets, and emotional puzzles. My style is introspective, poetic, and at times suspenseful. I want readers to feel like they’re uncovering something—inside the story and inside themselves.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I take a deep breath, then read them again. If there’s truth, I use it. If it’s just hate, I move on. Growth matters—but so does self-protection.
How do you connect with your readers?
Through honest storytelling. I always read messages, and I try to reply when I can.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A new dark academia mystery series, deeper in emotional complexity and psychological suspense. I’m also exploring screenplay writing.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes. I hide personal symbols—like specific colors, repeated lines, or weather patterns that mirror the characters’ emotions. There’s also a poem that appears in multiple books, rewritten in different forms.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I listen before I write. I imagine them in silence first. Dialogue, for me, isn’t about what they say—it’s about what they try not to say.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
You are not too sensitive. You are not too emotional. Your story matters—and someone out there needs to read it. Maybe even you.
Khaile Emjey Esquivel’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
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All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.”
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