1) How did you find out about Wattpad?
I heard about it from a friend while I was still writing my first story. It sounded like a cool site, so I checked it out, and soon enough I began posting my own stuff on here.
2) How did you feel when you completed your first story on Wattpad?
I was really excited. I remember my first thought once I had posted the last chapter was, "Wow, I can now tell people I've written a novel. I finally did something useful with my life." And then I told about it to everyone who'd listen.
3) Were there times that you felt like giving up on a story? How did you overcome that hurdle?
With How I Met Your Brother and Under the Influence, I had absolutely no problems with that, but with everything else there had been a few times when I just lost all my motivation. I don't have writer's block too often, but when I do, it hits me hard. Most of the time, I have to take a break to work on something else or start something totally new (which is more of a bad habit than anything, because I've got four stories that are all kind of on hold). Sometimes watching movies or reading helps, just to get some inspiration.
4) Is there anyone/ anything that inspires you to write?
Movies and TV always seem to spark ideas in me (Shaun of the Dead inspired me to write The Z Word). Books and music, too. A few of my friends are also writers on here, so sometimes-- mostly when we get stuck-- we give each other suggestions and bounce ideas back and forth.
5) Whose your favourite character to write about and why?
Hmm. This is a tough one. I have to go with Charlie and Hunter from Under the Influence, mostly because I spent quite a bit of time planning their development and what their personalities would be like. They're complementary, they bring out the best in each other. I tried really hard with these two.
6) Are there any parts of your novels that are based on real life experiences?
I wish! No, my life isn't nearly as interesting as my stories. There might be a few instances in which something is based off a real life situation in How I Met Your Brother, but they aren't that significant. There's the "Sexy Derriere Song" that my friends made up in eighth grade... I can't think of anything else
7) Were you worried what people would think when you uploaded you stories?
I was, at first, but not as much anymore. When you start writing (or doing anything, really) there's always the fear that people won't like or agree with what you write, but once you get over that and start writing for yourself instead of everyone else, it becomes a lot easier.
8) Do you have any tips for aspiring writers on Wattpad?
The most important thing is not to give up. There will be times when you think you won't be good enough, or you run out of ideas or motivation, but keep going. Don't get discouraged just because you don't have as many votes or comments as other people. Those don't matter. Write for yourself and nobody else. Those are the most important things to remember.
9) to what extent do you plan before starting to write your story?
It varies. Sometimes I just plan the characters and let the plot develop as I go. Other times, I make character biographies and write down everything that's going to happen in a chapter before I write it. It really depends on the story.
10) what are your current goals for your ongoing stories on Wattpad?
I'm hoping to edit them one day and send them to a few publishers, try my luck. I don't know. I'm not too focused on getting published just yet, though. I want to hone my writing first.
