HLLC Hall of Fame

Interview with @JustNicole0001

This is the interview of the gorgeous JustNicole0001 
who is the winner of the Teen Fiction genre in the Candy Cane Awards! 

Zareen: First and foremost, Congratulations! How do you feel about being a winner in Candy Cane awards?

Nicole: Being a winner in the Candy Cane Awards is such an honor, and it inspires me to keep writing.

Zareen: Great! Tell us something about your book.

Nicole: Salutatorian Wars is about staying true to yourself, having friendships beyond barriers, beyond beliefs, and beyond races, and finding love as well. I wanted everyone (no matter who you are or where you live in the world) to feel some sort of connection to one if not several of the characters within this book.

Zareen: Wow! So, when and how did you start writing?

Nicole: I knew I wanted to tell a story about teenagers. So, I started there, and I knew I wanted each character to have a flaw/secret(s) that would eventually be exposed during the story. Then, I plotted out the storyline. I knew exactly how I wanted Salutatorian Wars to end before writing the first line of the book.

Zareen: That's very pro! Not everyone can say that. Do you want to be a professional author?

Nicole: I would love to become a professional author.

Zareen: And we would all love to see you as one! Are you writing under a penname?

Nicole: I go by my name: Nicole/JustNicole0001.

Zareen: Who are your favorite authors? That's both in and out of Wattpad.

Nicole: My favorite traditionally published authors are Jane Austen, J.K. Rowling, Oscar Wilde, Suzanne Collins, S.E. Hinton, Carl Deuker, Brandon Sanderson, and André Aciman. My favorite Wattpad authors are MegHahn, ENAMORAMOS, NicolasNicoBrown, and Kaiddance (and still counting lol). However, any novel that is beautifully worded and told, I am most likely to become obsessed with.

Zareen: Did they inspire you? If no, then where do you get your inspiration from?

Nicole: I created characters I wanted to read about.

Zareen: We should all try this seeing your achievements! XD! What do you think is the best thing about Wattpad?

Nicole: The best thing about Wattpad is the ability the website gives to publish full original novels for THE WORLD to read and, hopefully, enjoy.

Zareen: Agreed! What is the one thing you look for when buying or about to read a book?

Nicole: Anything that has won a national award with the stamp shimmering on the cover catches my attention to check out the blurb. Their achievement has a powerful possibility I can learn something from them to help me grow into a stronger writer.

Zareen: Is there a particular genre you love to read or write?

Nicole: I would love to write a fantasy book one day. A brilliant fantasy story is challenging to write: you have to do everything the other genres are doing AND build an entire new world/magic system on top of it—without it being a carbon copy of a big-hit series and boring the reader. Innovative fantasy writers have my utmost respect.

Zareen: Such wise words! Tell us one thing that readers do that make you smile.

Nicole: Readers taking time to support my writing through a vote and kind, tailored message makes me smile.

Zareen: Aww... What things do you like to do in your leisure time? (Besides writing, of course!)

Nicole: I like to spend time with my family, watch movies, have nature walks, and enjoy music. I love music.

Zareen: Don't all of us? But what would be the one thing you love the most in life?

Nicole: I am grateful to just be here, healthy and alive. I couldn't do or love anything else without that.

Zareen: Any message you want to give to other aspiring authors?

Nicole: My message to aspiring authors is to write short stories/novels about topics you love. Don't change your voice for anyone. This fuels your passion to begin and complete a novel. Good luck!

Zareen: So, we've reached the end. And let me assure you that this is just one of the many wins for your book. Good Luck with all of your works! Thanks for your time.

Also, head into the next chapter for the exclusive interview of Victoria, who is the winner of theAction/Adventure genre.