Intervīews

@Keri8794

Well-known for The Marrying You series.

When did you join Wattpad and why?

I joined Wattpad in 2014 (2 years ago) at the recommendation of a friend of mine. She had actually been on Wattpad for a few months and told me how great the app was and how it's a great way to get exposure on your writing. She knew how much I loved writing and thought it would be something I'd be interested in. I've never looked back since.

How did it feel like when you posted your first story on Wattpad?

It was weird a feeling. My first story was The wasted first kiss; which I've left up on my profile despite how much I cringe when I read it. I wrote the book when I had just finished high school and it was actually the first book/novel that I ever finished and it was only because I was writing it on Wattpad. Before, when I'd written other stories privately, I gave up half way thinking it was a terrible story but, by writing on Wattpad and having only like 10 people in the beginning enjoy the story, it was motivation to carry on and actually finish. Posting that first story was liberating and despite how many issues I may have with my first works, they're a reminder to me about where I started and just how beneficial being on Wattpad has been. That first story started everything and it gave me the confidence I needed to believe I could really be a successful author one day.

Who/What influenced your writing?

What got me interested or serious in writing was actually my high school English teacher. She gave us a lot of essays to write and I found I really enjoyed it but, it wasn't until I saw a friend's older sister writing on her computer for fun that I thought I should try it out too. I was 14 when I started writing stories that weren't homework assignments and when my family found out, they then started encouraging me to take it more seriously. I fell in love with writing stories ever since.

Your inspiration?

I can't truly say that there is anyone in particular who has influenced my writing. My influence or inspiration generally comes from the things around me. I pick up ideas or concepts from hearing songs or seeing the way people interact or say. The Marriage Theory was inspired by a TV advert but some of my other stories were inspired by relationships I've seen. To me, it's all about using what's around you and letting your imagination do the rest of the work.

Your reaction when your book became successful?

In one simple word, I was floored. I couldn't believe that my story actually reached 10k views. I thought I was dreaming. I was even more shocked when I reached the first 100k views. It's been increasing ever since and I still can't believe it. The Marriage Theory is probably the story I'm most proud of writing because to me it's the best example of how much I've grown as a person and author and to see my hard work pay off is an unbelievable feeling. If nothing else comes from writing that story, I will always be grateful to the people who supported me with it because it's been the assurance I needed to stick with being a writer and one day achieving my dream of being published.

Your advice to the younger generation of writers?

If I could give any other advice to those who want to be writers and want to achieve I say- write what you love! It sounds simple but it's harder than you think. On a app like Wattpad it's easy to lose sight of what you enjoy and to write what you think will get you the most views. Following trends is fine but, writing is a personal thing and if you're writing what your heart isn't into, it shows through your stories. Also, never stop reading! Also research writing by reading. Read genres and stories that are similar to what you want to write. Read and see what makes them successful. It might be in the way that they describe their characters, their plot development or strong ability to leave cliffhangers everywhere, whatever it is that makes them successful, learn from it, practice it and make it your own.

By the courtesy of Keri8794
~Anna