Future Words of Yesterday: Issue #8 (#wattys2016)

Author of the Month: @undertones

Justin Case is a fourteen year old who has a sarcastic sense of humour, is very argumentative and likes to debate, loves to play sports, is a lover of a mouthwatering four cheese pizza, and is a procrastinator who could do with some organization skills. When it's time to complete homework or revise, Justin instead prefers to watch YouTube videos into the early hours of the morning, go on Wattpad and come up with story ideas that never make it onto a word document, or binge watch series on Netflix. Justin is currently catching up on OITNB, but out of all the TV shows Justin has watched, Skins (UK) tops them all, followed by Shameless (US), and The Fosters.

1. Which of your characters can you most relate to?

I put parts of myself into all of my characters, but I relate to Curly the most, mainly because of her relationship with food and not being able to stand up to people in the past. But I can also relate to Freckles very well due to my high level of immaturity and trying (but not always achieving) to comfort others!

2. What's your process when you go about writing your stories?

Being the procrastinator that I am, my writing process usually goes along the lines of delaying writing a chapter for a few weeks to a month, until I eventually realise the update's not going to write itself. Around this time, I usually just force myself to sit down and write, write, write even if it turns out badly or if I get a new idea halfway through the chapter. I usually go with the flow - it works best for me! Sometimes all I need is a break away from writing to get the ideas flowing again!

3. Who is your greatest writing inspiration? (Relative, author, Poet, celebrity?)

I've always loved writing stories, but when I discovered the Hetty Feather book series by Jacqueline Wilson, I knew for sure that I wanted writing to be something more than just a hobby. I was completely obsessed with, and inspired by the book series! Another great inspiration that continue to inspire me daily are Wattpad writers. When I used to read books, I saw writing books as something adults did - something that couldn't be achieved by someone of my age. But when I discovered Wattpad, I came across writers around the same age as me, or a bit older, and I knew there was no reason why I couldn't write either.

4. What's your favorite thing to do when you're feeling a little under the weather?

I usually either listen to music (I've got my Spotify playlists at the ready!), or I read poetry or short stories on Wattpad. But sometimes I prefer to just sleep it off.

5. What profession do you see yourself/ or are shooting for in the future?

My vision of the future is pretty blurry, but I'm really into writing and media so it'd be quite nice to combine the two and make a career along those lines. Journalism, perhaps.

6. If you could bring one of your characters to life which one would it be? And why?

Definitely Freckles, without a doubt! I just feel like he'd be so fun and comfortable to be around, with his goofy and cheesy personality. He's most certainly one of my favourite characters I've ever written about! Sometimes I forget he's only fictional.

7. What are your thoughts on feminism? By standing up are we killing chivalry? Or should we continue to fight even though it may upset people?

I think feminism is a great, inspiring motion that unfortunately gets misrepresented in the media. Feminism is in no way synonymous to misandry and it's such a shame it's often seen that way. A man behaving courteously towards a woman (e.g. holding doors open, pulling out her chair, offering a jacket when she gets cold, etc.) is a kind of mannerism expected from men. We're all subjected to gender roles and this is one example. It's not to say that a woman is incapable of doing any of these things for herself. It's just politeness. If anything, I think feminism's involvement in chivalry should mean that a person of any gender should behave courteously towards another person of any gender too. What need is there to slap gender labels on politeness and manners? Yes, we should continue to fight and if the equality of genders upsets people, I personally think that feminism isn't the problem: perhaps they are.

8. What inspired you to write Corpulence?

Before I began writing Corpulence, I had read plenty of stories that were based on the topics of eating disorders, a lack of self-confidence and body issues. But amongst stories about anorexia and bulimia, I hadn't come across many stories about binge eating. I had to write what I wanted to read.

Now, with inspiring campaigns like FreeYourBody, there are hopefully more stories that are based on other kinds of eating disorders, to show that people feeling this way aren't alone - that there are other people feeling that way too.

9. Have you yourself ever been in love? What was it like?

Nope, never been in love before! Everything I know of (romantic) love comes from what I've seen in films and what I've read in books.

10. What are some good tips that you have for starting writers on here?

Find your style! Freewrite - write freely about absolutely anything, JUST LET YOUR WRITING FLOW. As a writer, you're bound to get writer's block. It's frustrating, yes, but don't be discouraged. You can get past it! Write about something that means something to you! Writing should be enjoyable; it shouldn't feel like a chore, so WRITE FOR YOU - not for the reads and votes and comments, etc. You're going to end up writing something you're not happy with, but the more you write and read, the more you'll improve. JUST GO FOR IT. 

Thanks for the interview, undertones ! 

- FWOY :)