Wattpad Block Party: Insiders Guide

Janine DeJesus

Author: Janine De Jesus

About: Janine De Jesus, known to many as Janine Mimi, is a writer of young adult fantasy. She's been featured in Latina Magazine, Al Dia Newspaper, Faze Magazine, and Celebrity Dirty Laundry for her writing. She was also a finalist in the 2010 Watty Awards and the Gatekeepers Contest. Her story, Ice Princess, has received over three million views online. But if you ask her she'd tell you she's an expert on donuts and curly hair, not writing.

Wattpad Block Party Story: A sneak peak at a prequel to Ice Princess

Short Synopsis: Sibyl's plans are simple: graduate and get as far away from Montana as possible. But that's about it. Then the summer before her freshman year she meets Greg and nothing is ever the same again.

Author Interview 

Who are your favorite authors?

Sally Gardner is my hands down favorite. I reread The Red Necklace and The Silver Blade every year and listen to the audio book all the time (Which is amazing since Tom Hiddleston narrates it). At this point I have most of the book memorized. I also love Cornelia Funke and Mary Hoffman.

Got any advice for aspiring authors?

I always feel so ill equipped to give advice, as I'm an aspiring author myself. But seeing as I don't see myself as a complete notice, here's what I have for people just beginning to explore the world of writing:

1) Read. And I mean it. But read all over the place. Best sellers, unknown books, in your genre, in other genres. And lots of non fiction. I can't emphasize that enough. But seriously, read, especially in your genre.

2) Write Clichés. This is more for teens and tweens. Right now isn't about being published. If you get clichés out of your system now you won't make those mistakes again. So get it out now, when you're just starting.

3) Get off the computer. For the love of nancy get off tumblr and get off your phone. Go do something. Taking art classes, joining the drama club, and going to folk dancing classes have all made me a better writer. If you want to be a writer get your butt up, go outside, and live.

What was the inspiration for the story you wrote for the Block Party?

Backstory is such a huge part of writing but most of it doesn't make it into the manuscript. Which is fine. While I can't write every bit of back story for the story, I can still do something. This post is but a snippet of the prequel written. But it's a fun snippet.

Also my previous idea wasn't going to work. It was sad.

What are your writing habits, or routine?

I'm a morning writer, so of course I write in the morning. I also have to be secluded and comfortable with either water or hot chocolate to drink and something to munch on. Chocolate chips are a new favorite, or saltines. For music I stick to film scores unless I'm revising. Then I have playlists made. And since I'm a visual person I have either Pinterest or some concept pieces out to help me.

How did you discover Wattpad?

Oh... I don't remember. Embarrassing! I've been on for what, five years now? Six years? A long time, okay. I remember joining, not liking it, and then returning six months later. The rest is history.

When I'm not writing I'm: Drawing, reading, eating, sleeping, dancing, shopping, thinking about writing, or daydreaming about donuts. The last one is about 90% of the time.

What's your favorite thing about Wattpad?

Besides readers and the supportive staff? I love the inline comments feature. There's just something about a person commenting on a specific line with their thoughts at that very moment. And people like to point out typos, which is a life saver.

What can we expect from you next?

Well I'm going to be querying soon so here's hoping that'll bring some blessings. You can expect me to be slow at updating since I've been moving around and such. Oh, and I have some projects I've held close to my chest. Not sure where they'll go, but I might share one on Wattpad. I don't know. We'll see.

 Thank youfor the interview Janine!