Wattpad Interviews

@aallot

1)How did you discover Wattpad?
Well a couple of my friends were going on about how good this strange, Canadian thing called Wattpad was so, with great reluctance (I was a total hipster) I made an account. I was already on other sites like quotev and whatnot and I didn't actually like Wattpad. I found it stressful and annoying. but then something clicked and I haven't been able to get off it since.

2)When did you join Wattpad?
About two years ago. It was during a time of 'going-through-some-stuff' and I desperately needed something else to focus on. I practically set up an account on every social media site there is.

3)How often are you online?
I'm online every day for bants, but whether or not I actually update or do anything productive whatsoever is another story...

4)What or who inspires you to write?
It's a jumble of things, mostly to do with my sexuality. When you're a minority (of any sort) there's always this period of self-doubt or even denial. And when you can come out from under that and stand as a man (and I mean that figuratively, no hate for the ladies) it makes you feel accomplished, and as though its your duty, privilege, and god damn well-deserved right to write about it. My family also inspires me and I greatly enjoy reviewing family dynamics and how shared characteristics can lead to absolutely hilarious inside jokes.

5)Do you experience writer's block?
More often than not, yes. I can write at three o'clock in the morning, and all other times render my tapping fingers useless. Writing doesn't come easy to me. And, whatever I do write, its never anything decent, so most of my works sit in the 'create' section of wattpad, never to be published. (P.S. I'm terribly sorry to inform that I, too, have yet to come up with anything to fix this problem of writer's block)

6)Who are your favorite authors/what are your favorite books?(Anything Wattpad is accepted)
Favourite author at the moment is probably Haruki Murakami (of 'Norwegian Wood')... But then again I love David Mitchell (cloud atlas) and F Scott Fitzgerald will always be number one. As far as Wattpad goes, I'm currently speed reading through the works of @NoExpectationsHere and @Avylinn . @JoshTownley and @HarrisonKavanaugh are also brilliant writers that I highly recommend be checked out. Townley's 'Zoey' is fantastic, and Kavanaugh's short story 'Acceptance' blew me away.

7)Where do you usually write?
In my bed, on my phone, at god-forsaken hours. Or at my desk on a laptop which has been in poor condition since the rapture.

8)Do you listen to music while writing?
On occasion, though most of the time I find it distracting. I don't listen to anything I might feel tempted to belt out (Take me to church, not a good choice). Contemporary minimalism is what I'd recommend - stuff like Telefon Tel Aviv's 'The Birds'. It really gets you going and, because you know what to expect, it allows to you focus on whatever it is you're doing.

9)What are your hobbies?
I feel like I'm filling out a dating profile - well, I like long walks on the beach, dog food, and my eventual place as world successor. Nah, in all seriousness, I'm a fan of reading, illegally streaming television series, awarding myself stickers for spotting grammatical mistakes, and laughing at Americans. that and, you know, going to the gym. Love for all yo, even you Americans. (Just joking, pls no h8 - I'll pay for your lunches)

10)Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a possible career. Mostly I'm interested in music and what love to head more in that direction - with producing, compiling, and composing sound - but journalism and even novel editing are both up there for directions I might want to head in. I made sure the courses and qualifications I took were open in such a way that it will allow some breadth when deciding later on down the line. to be honest though, I'm not sure I have the stamina to be a full-time writer.

11)Are you happy with how your book/books have been doing?
I'd love to skip through a field of dandelions and show you my happiness from the creases on my face... but the answer would have to be no. My works start out strong and then the disappear into a mangled abyss of 'what if's. I may be exaggerating slightly though. The works that I have completed (I think there are about 9 of them) seem to have been well-recieced, but I'm a perfectionist. Nothing I could write will ever be up to my standards, and I always wish I could do more - I just don't have the time, energy, or resources.

12)Should there be a new category for books on Wattpad, if so then what?
Funny you should ask that! I was recently pondering over whether or not there should be a separate category for LGBT+ works, but then, would this further segregate the community? Would it cut off Wattpad to a select population of the world? See, matters conceding LGBT peoples are always a bit tricky or, one could say, queer - badumm tss! In all honesty though I would absolutely love to see a category music, or music centred reads. Right now all we have is non-fiction and general fiction to use.

13)Any advice for new writers?
New writers... I would say don't fall into the trap of writing for the readers. Sometimes you've gotta just write whatever's in your head, what you want to read, not what someone else wants to read. most of us on here are fairly young and are not (yet) professional writers, so you don't have to meet the demands of the public just yet. Take this time to find where your own head's at, and what you have to say for yourself.

14)Out of 5 stars how would you rate Wattpad?
Ask me that two years ago I would've said 1 and a half, but now it's a definite 5. I have officially been sucked in.

15)Why should people check out your work?
Aha! The self-promoting part! You should check out my work because I mean well. Sometimes I'll actually say something witty or, heaven-forbid, deep, and you never know you might actually find something in one of my scraggly works to take away. I come recommended - by the right people (no, not just my mum!) - if that helps convince you in any way haha

16)Anything else?
Just thanks for letting me do this. It was a hoot, to use my father's vocabulary. You've been a delightful host and you have my sincerest gratitude.

I had a good time interviewing you aallot. I've seen some of this writer's work & I am very intrigued by it. If you can, please check this writer out. Another end to another interview. Till next time I'm MrSelfSuccess, & hey, stay successful.