Writer's Relay - A Writing Collab

Meet the Authors: Lina Hansen

Meet Lina!

We have interviewed the authors participating in the challenge of the Writer's Relay...

Writer's Relay:
Dear Lina, we are super excited to have you participating in this unique collaboration with your fellow writers. Let's take this opportunity to know more about you, your writing journey, and your thoughts on Wattpad and the Writer's Relay event.

So, let's start with some warm up...

What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad, and what do you like most about the platform?

Lina:
I found Wattpad in the bathtub almost 10 years ago. Sounds weird? Well, I was taking a bath and reading a magazine, where someone who was quite successful on the platform was presented. I read the article three times, thought, "Publishing is that easy?", and read a few writing guides. Then, I wrote my first novel. It won a Watty the next year. Since then, I've written I5 novels and novellas. I have a second Watty, and two of my stories are in Paid. I also made it into Stars. I also won a traditional publishing contract, and my first novel is out. I'm working on the sequel and am prepping a series of novellas for self-publishing. Wattpad really came through for me, you could say. However ,what always counted most for me was the feedback - feedback by fellow authors who helped me develop and grow, and - most of all - feedback from readers. That's why I write - I want to entertain, help people forget their lives for a little while and dive into another world. For that, Wattpad is perfect.

WR:
Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.

Lina:
The Wattpad community, sadly extinct now. Fortunately, authors now connect via other means, since it's the exchange with other writers that - together with reader feedback - has always been important to me.

WR:
Which author has influenced your writing the most?

Lina:
Impossible to say. I read a lot, and I mean a LOT, so there's a varied influence. Mystery writers of all sorts have certainly played into my hand. Recently I very much enjoyed C.S. Harris's wonderful "Sebastian St. Cyr" Regency mysteries. But that's only one influence among many. Patricia Briggs is another of my favourites. Both authors have an incredible gift in creating realistic and relatable characters.

WR:
Where, would you say, do you stand in your writing journey?

Lina:
Given I started so late, I made it quite far, and I'm totally happy about that. My only remaining ambition is to gain a (very) modest income from my writing, and not just spend money on it, LOL.

WR:
Which of your own stories is closest to your heart?

Lina:
"The Magical Misfits" series.
I was just so fascinated by the idea of a wonky coven of witches, not knowing what the heck they were doing...

WR:
Share two Wattpad story recommendations. Include the usernames of the authors and why you enjoyed the stories.

Lina:
EvelynHail Mind the Gap (a quirky, funny love story) and Jinnis Raven ghost mysteries (a wonderful combination of history, mystery and the paranormal)

WR:
There is one question that many authors may have asked themselves, you included... But could there be one simple single answer? Let's hear from your thoughts...
What would be the perfect recipe for the next greatest novel of all time? One you would write or read

Lina:
There is no recipe for the story that fits all. People are too different. But for me to enjoy something, it has to have real characters in them, a great setting, and an emotional depth that helps me forget my environment. And, of course, the story has to be written well. That's actually something which bothers me a lot - driven by Amazon or Wattpad algorithms, too many authors just slap out formulaic stories, written badly. I want to dive into a world, I want to experience, taste, hear, smell it. What I get is telling, telling, telling, and spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. mistakes. Most stories these days remain on the surface, are written for quick consumption between a mug of latte-to-go, a pizza, a video on the phone, music coming from the earphones, work to be done on the computer... They're just part of the general noise. Whoever manages to create a great experience that makes me forget the rest has my vote. Of course, that's also what I'm trying to achieve. Trying, I said...

WR:
Now that we know more about you, we are curious about your involvement in the Writer's Relay adventure.

What was your first thought when seeing the Writer's Relay call for participants? Did you apply straight away or did you take time to ponder on your possible involvement?

Lina:
I loved the idea and applied straightaway. I used to participate in ONC, but recently, the experience hasn't been too good. The relay is a great idea!

WR:
What do you hope to gain from collaborating with other writers on this Writers Relay initiative?

Lina:
Fun! And get to meet some lovely people. A bit like in the good old Wattpad times (Yeah, I know people harping on about the past are annoying, but ...)

WR:
Now that you are well into this relay race, what do you think of your role in the collaboration?

Writing as a group is a bit like musicians performing in an orchestra. What is your instrument in this philharmonic? And what kind of symphony will come out?

Lina:
I'm in charge of creating the female villain. I was sniggering the whole time I was writing her. I'm pretty sure she'll create some serious dissonance which is the job of a good villain!