Let's Get To Know You Better || SLOW UPDATES

- meet our participant: S. K. Taylor -

Let's meet our participant, new_erasktaylor aka S. K. Taylor, if I observe correctly two of them praised highly about them, let's dive right into this interview and get to know them better!

1. What inspired you to participate in the Cloud Awards contest on Wattpad?

'Cataract Of Delusion' is my first ongoing novel, which I started writing approximately six months ago. As a new writer, I needed reviews of my book to understand my strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes so that I could rectify them and improve my writing skills. Consequently, I began participating in various book award contests. As a result, I received valuable feedback from judges, which greatly helped me understand and enhance my writing abilities.

Additionally, I made many fellow writer friends. The best part is they don't hesitate to point out my mistakes, allowing me to rectify them and improve my work into a successful novel.

So, I'm participating in the Cloud Awards with the same intention: I want a review of my story and to make new friends.

2. Which book(s) are you participating with in this contest?

I'm participating with my first ongoing book, 'Cataract Of Delusion.'

3. Can you share a bit about the creative process behind your entry?

I'm addicted to mystery-thriller and BL stories. A few years ago, I opened this account to read those stories. However, six months ago, I felt an urge to write my own novel, where everything would happen according to my imagination. The K-drama 'Penthouse' inspired me to write my first book, 'Cataract Of Delusion.' I chose LGBT characters to create more twists and turns in the story so that readers can enjoy it wholeheartedly.

4. Did you face any challenges while writing your story? If so, how did you overcome them?

No, I didn't face any challenges with my writing because I wrote a draft summary before starting. 

So, I knew what I needed to write in every chapter.However, the most challenging aspect of my writing is time. Due to my busy schedule, I don't have enough time to paint my imagination with realistic situations and create a new chapter.

5. What aspect of your story do you think sets it apart from others in the contest?

I have chosen a strong plot that starts with a mystery, and to create many enigmatic twists and turns, I included LGBT characters. This way, I can engage readers to stay with my book until the epilogue. Otherwise, they won't get all the answers to their questions that arise while reading the book.

I ended every chapter with a cliffhanger so that readers feel an urge to know what will happen next, reading the following chapter with excitement in their hearts.

On Wattpad, most of the readers are non-native English speakers. I wrote every chapter in a simple way so that everyone can read it without any problems and enjoy it.

I tried to explain most of the complicated situations with practical examples from our lives, so that readers can relate to them and the story becomes more realistic.

6. Are there any specific authors or stories on Wattpad (or outside of it) that inspire your writing?

 I love all my SkyLovers who read my book and rewarded me with many comments, including suggestions to improve my writing skills. Their praise motivated me to write new chapters.

Still, I want to mention two people whose stories inspired me to write 'Cataract Of Delusion' in a mysterious way.

Ablazeisaleo and LMNTrix117 are two authors whom I admire the most.

'Dungeon' by Ablazeisaleo is an awesome mystery-thriller story that won many awards within a few months. I love her cliffhangers and writing style. Her vocabulary is so strong and beautiful that it captures readers' attention right from the prologue. 

On top of that, she doesn't forget to guide me by giving important suggestions for my story.

LMNTrix117 was my first reader who read my book and gave me many comments that boosted my confidence and encouraged me to write more chapters enigmatically. His 'Mysteries of Riverwood' is a horror/thriller book that gained everyone's attention within a few months and earned him 1K+ followers. I can say that I'm obsessed with 'Mysteries of Riverwood,' especially Alvin and Dylan.

I like his curiosity about my story. His questions motivated me to add cliffhangers in every chapter.

7. How do you typically approach character development in your stories?

When developing characters in my stories, I begin by crafting detailed backgrounds for each one. This includes delving into their histories, motivations, and aspirations.

I pay close attention to their personality traits, strengths, and weaknesses to make them multidimensional and relatable. Throughout the story, I ensure that characters grow and change in response to the events they encounter.

I use dialogue, internal thoughts, and interactions with other characters to showcase their depth and complexity.

My goal is to create characters that readers find engaging and can emotionally invest in.

8. What's your favorite feedback or comment you've received on your story so far?

In one of my chapters, LMNTrix117 commented that he was inspired by my writing and got some ideas that he would use in his story.

starsofthemorning commented that she loves my cliffhangers, and whenever she reads my book, she feels like she is reading a good mystery-thriller novel.

9. Do you have any rituals or routines you follow when writing?

I turn off the lights in my bedroom before I start writing a chapter. The darkness of the room helps me concentrate on my story. I close my eyes to feel the situation before writing about it. Whatever I write, I imagine it in my mind with my eyes closed.

10. What advice would you give to aspiring writers looking to enter contests like the Cloud Awards?

Make sure you understand all the rules and submission requirements. Compliance with these guidelines is crucial. Submit only your best writing. Don't forget to respect your judge's review. Try to rectify the mistakes the judges pointed out while judging. If you want to become a writer, take criticism positively.

Best of luck to all of you. ❤️❤️❤️

-x-x-x-

THIS WAS SO IMMERSIVE! Thank you so much for your time for this interview!

I read the praises about you from other writers but here you are, humble, down to earth and in turn praising authors and readers who have made a difference, kudos to you!

All the best!

cheers,
thetranquilityteam!