Wattpad Interviews [Closed]

author_shagun

How did you discover Wattpad?

My friend, going by the name of @racsmat here, introduced me to Wattpad about two years ago. 

-How long have you had Wattpad, and how often do you use it?

I've had Wattpad for two years now. I first made an account for reading only, but soon realised that Wattpad could provide me with the perfect platform to start as an amateur writer. That's when I deleted my first account and created a new one, more professional, if I may say. 

I use Wattpad quite often. It has become a part of my everyday routine now. 

-Why did you start writing? What age did you discover your love for it?

I first wrote a short story at the age of eighteen when I had just begun my college. I am an English Literature student and my institution had organised a Prompt Short Story writing contest for the Freshers (Freshmen). It was a random thought that made me write a short story on the prompt 'A Pair of Shoes' and when I was done, I felt quite impressed with it, not to gloat. I was expecting the first prize but received a second, though it inspired me to write just as much. However, I really began writing only once I came across Wattpad a year later. It was at Wattpad that I began writing my second story and haven't stopped writing since.

I discovered my love for writing at the age of nineteen; that's when I joined Wattpad.

-Who are your favourite authors? What are your favourite books? What is your favourite genre?

I find the first two questions quite difficult to answer, to be honest. Unlike most readers, I don't really have a favourite author. Though, I enjoy the works of many. To name a few: Jane Austen, Jeffrey Archer, Stephen Fry, Agatha Christie, Khushwant Singh, Ismat Chughtai and the list goes on.

Some of my favourite books/short stories are Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel, Ismat Chughtai's Lihaaf and am currently reading Rainbow Rowell's Attachments, which I think will soon be added to the list.

I have many favourites on Wattpad, too. A list of 31 books so far that are included in a reading list on my profile by the name of Books That I Recommend. This reading list includes books like 's His Lovely Ward, 's The Mischievous Mrs. Maxfield, 's The Seat Filler and more.

The genre that I often find myself enjoying is ChickLit. I say ChickLit because it covers a range of themes and other genres I enjoy, like Romance, lighthearted humour, exploring womanhood, etcetera.

-Do you want a career in writing?

Yes! A career as an Editor and Writer is what I am aiming for.

-Who supports you the most in your writing?

My friends. There are very few people who know me in person and know about my passion for writing. Amongst those, a handful of my friends are my biggest supporters.

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Book chosen: Flashbacks and Apologies 

-What is your book called? What genre is it? What is it about?

The book is called Flashbacks and Apologies. According to me, the book belongs to both Teen Fiction and Romance genre, however, for now, I've put it as a Teen Fiction book.

The book explores how a girl, after a year of her break-up, has still not been able to come to terms with it. It depicts how sometimes we find ourselves unable to let go of some memories and relationships, and how they become an extension of ourselves. As was rightly put by one of the readers ), it also shows the different ways one deals with the heartbreak besides eating ice cream and throwing away the gifts.

-What inspired you to write it?

Real life stories. I've seen similar things happening to so many people around me, and their experiences became my inspiration behind Flashbacks and Apologies.

-How often do you update? When was it last updated?

I update the book once a week, mostly on the weekends. Though, I'm trying to make it twice a week now.

The book was last updated on February 13, 2016.

-How long are your chapters? Do you think short or long chapters are better?

The book is in slightly different format than my usual works, consisting of a flashback and an apology note per chapter with a limited narrative. Most of my chapters in this book range between 1000-2000 words.

I personally feel that a chapter that moves the plot ahead, has enough high and low points and doesn't feel dragged is good, whether short or long. Though, I do suggest not making a chapter less than a thousand words and more than a three thousand words.

Are you proud of how well your book has done? Are you happy with the amount of reads it has?

Yes, I'm quite proud of the positive response I've been receiving for the book. It's actually quite overwhelming to have my readers tell me how relatable they're finding the story. According to me, it's quite an achievement for any writer to be able to build that kind of connection with their readers and I'm just happy I was able to do that. I hope I won't disappoint my readers in the future and would be able to do justice to the story.

As for the reads, I think the book is doing pretty good in that aspect as well. I had first published the story on February 3, 2016 and till date—February 17, 2016—it has about 350 reads. The number, in my opinion, is good enough.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

I would only advice them to first, never stop writing and second, never ignore a suggestion/critique and never getting discouraged by harsh, but constructive, criticism. Writing regularly and constructive feedback, both are necessary for the improvement and development of a writer.

It only took the introduction of this book to grip me, and I honestly love the concept of it! The chapters so far are beautifully written and hold a huge amount of potential within their pages. The author has truly grasped the emotions of the characters and I think that she has done an amazing piece of work so far and I cannot wait for her to continue writing. I really, really recommend her work!