Wattpad Filipino Block Party 2021

Ellena_Odde's Author Interview

The Wattpad Filipino Block Party 2021

QUESTIONS / MGA TANONG

1. How did you adjust your writing in your stories, may naapektuhan ba because of work/acads and life?

I usually write when I'm not busy or if I'm in the mood, so medyo hindi apektado ang work life ko. Although at some point it affected my relationship with people, I don't regret it. Through the years, my human interaction became limited because I preferred writing especially in my early Wattpad years, but I learned to love the solitude.

2. What do you prefer to write: Series or Standalone stories? Why?

I prefer writing series, especially in fantasy, because I like to torture myself. May "immersive factor" ang series, you may expand the worldbuilding and play with character arcs more. Mas may longevity ang impact sa readers, especially if the story is engaging.

3. How do you motivate yourself to keep writing?

...I don't?? Usually when I'm in the mood lang. Honestly, it's almost a year since I wrote with passion. The drafts I wrote at that time are the ones I'm using for updates nowadays. I edit and translate my old manuscripts from time to time, but I'm still not motivated enough. I guess, pressure is my best motivation?

4. Among your stories, what particular scene is difficult for you to write?

I think endings are hard. I mean, when I think of a potential story, usually, I have an ending in my head. However, writing that exact scene is sleeping-at-nine-if-you-have-insomnia level hard. Oh, I also remember I used to cringe at love confessions so it was difficult to write. Characters saying "I love you" just don't feel right. Fortunately, I overcame the struggle. They don't say the three words anymore and confessions become creative but appropriate, and I think I'm acing each time.

5. Saan kayo mas nacha-challenge sa pagbuo ng first chapter o sa epilogue?

Epilogue. Definitely epilogue. I'm not a fan of the definitive ending, tipong lahat ayos na at may finality. As much as possible, ayokong isara ang kuwento. I want to leave openings for readers' imagination of "What if?" Ang challenge ay kung paano ibalanse ang satisfying ending at the same time possibilities after the last word. I still pull my hair every time I write epilogues

6. If you can bring one of your characters to life, who will it be and why?

I have so many in mind, even the unpublished ones. But as I'm currently answering this interview, maybe Valentin from my story "The God Hunt." I want to have a conversation with him about humans. Why is he so interested in mortals that he even encouraged Annie (another character) to attend school and 'be human.' There are times that I hate people (including myself) to the point of disgust, for what we have done to the environment and each other. Like ew, why did we ace the evolution game if we're the worst among creatures? This hate gave birth to Momo who hates humans, but that's another story. So yeah, I want Valentin to convince me that there is still hope for humanity.

7. Among your characters, who's the closest to you? Why?

I would say "Momo" from "I am Momo (The Immortal)," but that's a mood-dependent choice. Maybe "Jasmine," side character sa kwento kong "Mandirigma 173." Aside sa pagkahumaling sa KPop (like me), supportive siyang kaibigan. I do think of myself as a great hypewoman. Relate rin ako sa pagiging clueless niya minsan. Although, my answer might differ in the future :D

8. If you could collaborate with any author (local man or international), who would it be and why?

I have so many in mind because I think we have almost the same writing style, or he/she has realistic dialogues or tinuturing silang batikan sa larangan, but since it could be anyone and I'm into fantasy and anti-hero these days, Kugane Maruyama, the author of Overlord. Like sir, teach me your ways, you can judge my manuscript all you want, let's collab po.

9. Anong famous story (be it classic or contemporary Literature) ang hinihiling mong ikaw ang nakapagsulat? Bakit?

Overlord sakalam. I love how the author played with religion, politics and morality in the story. Usually, a hero saves the world. Pero sa Overlord, the anti-hero MC's arrival messes it up. Humor was mixed in the form of a huge misunderstanding. No romance. The story is brutal. Halos lahat may mga masamang binabalak. The good are either killed or tricked. The world-building is amazing. I want to write an engaging story like that.

10. What are your future plans in your writing career?

Sa totoo lang, an dami kong natapos na kwento, either published on Wattpad or nasa drafts lang. Sayang. So, I plan to self-publish those that are already available online and publish on Wattpad the stories on my draft dungeon. Of course, I dreamed of an international release, but I'm not confident with my skills yet. Maybe I'll try lit agents, a year or two from now. I also wanted to continue a passion project of making a webtoon from my stories. Pero di ko kayang mag-isa, and hiring an artist costs a fortune, but it's still on my list, maybe in the future.

BONUS: Please leave a message for your readers.

Hi Oddies. Paulit-ulit kong sasabihing salamat sa pagbabasa ng mga akda ko. I'm not so active online, and if I do, random bursts of posts then wala ulit, but you are always there. Thank you, I'll try to make you proud. Let's meet one day. :)