INTERVIEWS | The Winners

Teen Fiction/Chicklit - @RCorsini

RCorsini
Sushi and Sea Lions
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1. Please introduce yourself! What is your name or pseudonym? How long have you been on Wattpad, and what is your favorite thing about Wattpad?

Hi! My name is Rachel and my username is I've been on since February 2020. So I am coming up on one year now. What I love about Wattpad is that the community is so inviting and supportive. Everyone really cheers each other on and welcomes new writers into the fold. It's really nice to have that kind of support. 

2. Describe yourself in three words. 

Energetic, fun, and outgoing. 

3. What inspired your winning work? 

Sushi and Sea Lions was inspired by my life. I took a lot of liberties of course, but there are many lines that blur fiction and fact. 

4. Which work of yours are you particularly proud of and why? 

Sushi and Sea Lions definitely. I'd never written anything in the romance genre before and I decided to just trust my gut and go with it. I'm proud of it because it forced me to be open and honest with myself. It also made me reveal a lot of who I am as a person as well. It was interesting to go through that in the writing process. 

5. Is there an author you look up to (on or outside Wattpad) and why? 

Diana Gabaldon is someone I look up to immensely. She is so talented, smart, witty, and engaging. She works tirelessly on research for her books as well. The writing is excellent too. 

 6. What drove you to pick up writing? 

I've been writing since I was in high school. I started out writing fanfiction and then took a creative writing elective. From there it became a hobby of mine which I pursued more in-depth in college. Something just drew me to writing. Mostly I think I'm inspired by people and characters that I think I can develop.

7. Do you have any hobbies outside writing?

Yes! I love to play video games, The Sims 4 has taken up many hours of my life, more than I want to admit. I'm also an amateur ballerina as well. I've been taking ballet classes since I'm four years old. Told you Sushi and Sea Lions was inspired by my life.

8. What advice would you give to new writers?
 

My advice is just to write. I know that sounds easier than it is, but it's true. Keep writing. Don't be discouraged by others' progress or success and don't compare yourself to others either. Write the story you want to read because chances are someone else wants to read that story too. Take constructive criticism from others because when they leave comments like that it's because they see potential in your writing and are trying to help you. No matter what don't stop writing. 

9. What are your long-term writing goals? 

Well, one long-term goal would be to have a book traditionally published for sure. 

10. Do you have any thoughts and/or comments you would like to share upon winning The Passion Awards? 

I am always shocked when I win and this is no different. Especially winning the best opening chapter. It feels great to have that hard work validated by a win. Thank you guys so much. 

11. What would you like to say to your readers as appreciation? 

Thank you! I mean I know that's not as eloquent but without the readers taking an interest and commenting or voting my work wouldn't be where it is today. I'm so grateful to each of them and I love how invested in the characters they've become. So, I'll thank you all again.