Author Interview: X. J. Cai
Getting to Know Pinoy Indie Authors
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Author Interview: X. J. Cai
About X. J. Cai
X. J. Cai works in tech by day and writes fantasy by heart. Guided by inspiration and imagination, his stories explore the strange edges of the human experience, where reality blurs and the extraordinary begins.
He began publishing online through platforms like Wattpad, where he released Playful Lullaby, a mystery that marked his public debut as a writer. He also recently published Tagapamagitan, his supernatural mystery story, under Ukiyoto Publishing, and a poetry collaboration book under Usad Manunulat.
His upcoming book, “Teacher, May I…?” is X.J. Cai’s return to the classroom halls of his youth. It’s a story of seventh graders caught in a quiet storm of thefts. Blending mystery with memory, he explores how fear, empathy, and the smallest details can shape who we become, reminding us that what seems trivial to adults can mean the world to a child.
Through his writing, X.J. Cai hopes not just to entertain, but to stir wonder, to build worlds that linger long after the final page.
X. J. Cai
X. J. Cai works in tech and a published author of Ukiyoto Publishing and Usad Manunulat.
Q & A with X. J. Cai
1. In three words, describe yourself as an author.
Curious, Lore-lover, Descriptive
2. Could you talk about the significance of titles in your works? How do you usually come up with them?
For me, titles are very important. It is the first thing people read, so I have to make sure they are catchy. Their relevance to the story should also be intriguing. Not only connected but it should make the readers curious. With that in mind, I come up with my titles by reducing my story to one sentence. Then I’ll find a phrase or word that can encapsulate that sentence. Once done, I’ll just edit the words used to suit the tone that I want.
3. Have you ever experienced a moment of surprise or unpredictability while writing, where the story took an unexpected turn?
When I write, there are times, mostly when I am really in the zone, where it feels like the characters just move on their own and I am just being forced to write what they want to do. And sometimes, it surprises me that they would act that way when it is very far from my outline. It’s fascinating.
4. In what ways do you think your writing has evolved or changed since your first published work?
My first work was published on Wattpad. When I compare it to how I write now, the details are reduced. I stopped overexplaining things and just let the readers imagine. Another thing is that I have started exploring the creative use of descriptions. How simple words can become a whole backstory, subtle details, foreshadowing, closing and opening the POV, those kind of stuff.
5. Do you have a preferred genre to write in, or do you enjoy exploring various genres?
I like exploring genres as it helps me develop as a writer. But if I were to choose one genre that I would like to write, that would be fantasy.
6. What role do beta readers or editors play in your writing process, and how do you handle feedback and criticism?
Most of the time, my beta readers would ask questions leading to plot holes. They also look at the pacing and story flow. Some patiently list down grammatical issues as well. For criticism, I am very open to them unless they are malicious criticisms or criticisms done without thinking it through. The more direct the person is, the better. I also love discussing those opinions and advice as they help me connect with the reader and see where they are coming from.
7. Can you share any sneak peeks or hints about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?
For now, nothing is set yet so I’ll refrain from getting ahead of myself.
Connect with X. J. Cai and purchase his books here:
BOOKS BY X. J. CAI
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Did you know I wrote a Dystopian Dark Fantasy Horror?
I hope you can check it out – it might just be worth your time!
THE INQUSITOR
In the year 2132, there are only three hundred men left on Earth. Each of us old, diseased, damaged beyond healing. There are no women. Out of nowhere, a young, virile, perfect male arrives—the Inquisitor. He demands the truth behind the Purge which massacred females in a global scale to enforce the long-delayed justice by killing the guilty. And though it pains me to no end, I am forced to remember the horror and the lunacy of the past. . . and the part he unknowingly played in it. I am Ambrose. I am Herald.
