At AuthorsWiki, we are privileged to have had the opportunity to connect with Kayra Lilith Öztop, a Author from Türkiye, Ankara, whose unique voice and creative spirit shine through in their latest work, Grave of Indiges. Their book, already making waves across leading platforms, invites readers into a world shaped by imagination, experience, and purpose.
Kayra is a sixteen-year-old author whose writing journey began remarkably early. She published her first book at just thirteen under Luna Publishing in Turkey. Today, she continues her creative path by writing in English. Growing up surrounded by stories, books, and imagination, writing naturally became a part of who she is. Now, she feels proud not just to read stories—but to create her own.
In this conversation, the author opens up about the deeper motivations behind their storytelling, their personal and literary journey, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re a fan of thoughtful writing or someone looking to understand the creative process, this interview promises valuable insight and inspiration.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what is your occupation for livelihood?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I am currently a student, and my academic journey plays an important role in shaping my perspective as a writer. Balancing studies with writing has helped me stay disciplined and curious, and both fields constantly inspire each other in unexpected ways.
AuthorsWiki : Tell us something about your first book.
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I wrote my first book, The Death Ceremony (Death Rite), when I was thirteen, and I had already drafted it at twelve. It was the first reflection of my inner world — the moment I put everything I felt and believed into words. My main character, Augustus, carried all of my ideals and faith at the time, and most importantly, she was the daughter of Hades. Hades has always been the one god I adored and loved almost to the point of worship. I’ve always seen him as a surprisingly good father figure — and, well, you’ll see that even more clearly in the second book.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to tell us about your published books?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : My books are available as e-books on Amazon Kindle. Of course, I personally prefer holding a real book in my hands and feeling the pages — nothing can replace that for me — but I believe my stories will also appeal to those who enjoy reading digitally. I usually share my unfinished or ongoing works, as well as fanfictions, on my own website or on platforms like Wattpad and Inkitt.
One of my worst habits as a writer is starting a new series before finishing the previous one — but don’t worry, most of the sequels are already written, I just tend to prioritize other projects first. However, for the first time, Queverland broke that pattern. It made me want to jump right into writing its sequel. I’ve been enjoying it so much that sometimes I wish I could erase my memory just to write Queverland all over again for the first time.
AuthorsWiki : Where did you get the inspiration for publishing books?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I don’t really remember any specific event or reason that pushed me to publish. From the moment I started writing, I was already writing with the intention of publishing. It has always been my dream to share my stories with people, to get their feedback, and to let them find a piece of themselves within my books.
AuthorsWiki : How do you manage your time to write a book?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : As a student, it’s often hard for me to find time to write, but I usually dedicate my school breaks — like summer or midterm holidays — to writing almost nonstop, sometimes without even sleeping or eating much. Still, no matter how busy I get, if I truly want to write, I always find a way to make time for it.
For example, I finished my first book in less than two months — all I did was come home from school, finish my homework, and then stay up late writing, even if it meant sacrificing my sleep. Honestly, I probably shouldn’t admit that I see my book characters in my dreams — I don’t want you to think I’ve completely lost it.
AuthorsWiki : What is your favorite writing method — the one in which you write the most?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I don’t really follow a specific “method” when it comes to writing, but if I’m working on a new book, I usually start by finding the title first, then I try to build the characters’ backgrounds in my mind.
Once I have a few ideas, I just start writing. I don’t wait for inspiration to strike — because, for me, inspiration always comes while I’m writing. All I need to do is let the pen take control. Also, listening to soft background music that matches the mood of the scene makes writing even more fun for me. (Another “method,” if you can call it that, is turning school gossip into stories — but don’t tell anyone I said that.)
AuthorsWiki : When did you start writing, and how did your interest in writing begin?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I don’t exactly remember when it all started, but ever since I was little, whenever a friend needed a creative lie to get out of trouble, they always came to me. I was that good at making up stories — and backing them up with believable details. (Thanks to Xezbeth, I guess — like the fairy from Sleeping Beauty, except instead of beauty and golden hair, she blessed me with lies. Ugh.)
Of course, I only used that talent when it was really necessary. Anyway, I’ve been inventing and writing stories for as long as I can remember. I think my first “real” book was something I wrote for our elementary school fair — my friend drew the pictures, and I wrote the story about our pets escaping from a circus. I don’t remember the title, but I’ll never forget my favorite line: “It was as obvious as the pumpkin Coffee (dog’s name) was afraid of.”
AuthorsWiki : Is there any special achievement in your life that you would like to share with us and your readers?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I’m proud to say that I once confessed my feelings to my crush and got terribly rejected — okay, that’s not really an achievement, but hey, at least I tried, right?
If I have to give a serious answer, I’d say that in life, we all face things that are hard to deal with — family, friends, school, the fear of the future, and everything in between. Especially if you’ve been carrying those fears since childhood, I know how unbearable it can feel — heavier than carrying three hundred kilos of ambrosia. That’s actually how I started writing: as a way to let it all out.
Art, to me, is the spark born from an artist’s inner darkness — and to create light, you have to start from the dark. So, the fact that I’m still writing, still living, still creating… I think that’s a greater achievement than any material one could ever be.
AuthorsWiki : Are you planning to write or publish a book in the present or future?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : OF COURSE! That’s literally what I live for, baby! Jokes aside, you can be sure that I’m writing every minute I can. Right now, I’m working on a screenplay — I don’t know what the future holds for it, but I’m really excited.
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to give a message to your readers and fans?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : Sure — no matter what the world says, love yourself, because at the end of the day, you’re always the one who stays with you.
AuthorsWiki : Every writer has their own ideal. Do you also have an ideal writer? And what are your favorite books that you always want to read?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : There are so many writers I look up to. Rick Riordan, who introduced me to mythology and still keeps me holding on to life; N.G. Kabal, my go-to author for twisted and dark stories; and all those wonderful self-help authors whose names I can’t even remember, but whose books I once picked up from a gas station and somehow found the best life advice inside — they all shaped me in different ways.
As for the books I could read over and over again, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Nevermoor are just a few that come to mind. I actually have this habit of rereading the same books again and again — they always feel like home.
AuthorsWiki : Apart from writing, what are your other hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : I used to love drawing — especially taking children’s coloring books and giving the already-drawn characters horns, wings, new hairstyles, glasses, and dresses until it looked like some kind of dark and twisted Paris Fashion Week. Then I’d color them in — it was incredibly fun.
Besides that, I really enjoy horror games. They’re fun to play, but honestly, watching other people play and seeing their reactions is even better. And of course, I read almost all the time — even during school breaks.
(And in my “free time,” I usually bother my mom with extremely scientific and academic questions like, “If I were a hat, what kind would I be?” or “If I were a wedding car, how would I be decorated?” I like to believe I’m expanding her horizons, you are welcome Mom.)
AuthorsWiki : Would you like to remain in the writing world in the future as well?
Kayra Lilith Öztop : Of course. Writing, drawing, and every other form of art are all rooted in creating and thinking — the two things I love doing the most in this world.
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It was a pleasure conversion with Kayra Lilith Öztop, whose journey and reflections offer a meaningful glimpse into the creative life of a writer. We sincerely thank them for sharing their time and wisdom with the AuthorsWiki community.
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