How did you find out about Wattpad?
I found stumbled across Wattpad when I was looking through the app store. At first I just read on my phone before deciding to check out the website.
What made you first upload?
I had a few ideas and after reading other people's stories I decided to give it a go!
Is writing something you want to do professionally or is it just a hobby?
I would love to write professionally. I plan on trying to get a couple books published, and I'm going to self-publish a couple others. I have no idea if it will be something that could be my job though, I guess I'll just see how it goes.
I could really relate to the character of Oakley in 'Silence', can you relate to any of your characters?
I guess there's a little of me in all my characters. Stubbornness, protectiveness, some of things I say and do, etc. I don't base any character on myself or anyone I know but most of my characters have certain traits from people I know. I can relate to Oakley in the fact that I would do anything to protect my family, even if it hurt me.
Where do you find the inspiration for your books?
Most of my books started as a dream! The Cellar started as me getting kidnapped and thrown in a cellar, and I adapted the idea into what it is now. Silence was a dream that I couldn't talk. Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere though. Other books, TV shows and things that happen in life.
Do you have a favourite author?
Yes, my favourites author is Kirsty Moseley. She's kirsty1000 on Wattpad and has recently self-published her first book so I'm finally able to say she's my favourite 'real book' author too!
Do you have a favourite book on Wattpad?
Nothing left to lose by kirsty1000 is without a doubt my favourite book, on Wattpad and of all time. I love it and have read it more times that I can count!
Do you have any advice for other authors?
Write for yourself, no one else. If you're just doing it because you think it'll get you popular then you won't enjoy the actual writing. To me it's an escape.
Ignore rude people, some just think because they're behind a computer that gives them the right to say whatever they like. However, if someone gives you constructive criticism then take that on board, that's what helps you improve.
Enjoy it!
The popularity of your books is phenomenal, did you expect that level of response?
Heck no! I never imagined my books would get so many reads, it's crazy!!
Any upcoming stories that we should know about?
Oh, I have seven books planned, just need to finish the ones I have now and then find some time to write them! I'm writing another Horror/Thriller which I'm excited about, the last one was fun to write. I'm also giving Paranormal a go, not sure how that'll turn out! The rest are a mixture of Teen Fiction, Non-Teen Fiction, Mystery, Romance and Thriller.
I'll be starting two new ones early in the new year, and another one or two later on. The rest will be sometime the following year!
How would you describe your writing style?
I have no idea! I don't really think I have a style, although I probably do, I just write.
Were you always planning on writing a sequel for Silence when you first started writing it, or did the growing popularity determine your decision?
It was all planned. At first I was just going to have it all in one book but with the four year gap in the story it worked much better splitting it into two books. I'd never do anything just because it was popular. Unless I had an idea for a sequel that I was happy with I wouldn't do one.
Would you like to say anything to your fans?
Thank you <3
How did you think up of the name Oakley? It's really quite unusually beautiful!
I heard it on TV ages ago and when I was trying to think of a name for the character that just popped into my head. I really liked it. I like unusual names and boy's names for girls. I think Oakley is traditionally for boys, although I can only see it as a girls name now!
Which of your books has been your favourite to write?
The Silence books definitely. They mean the most to me. When I was planning the story out I watched shows about victims of abuse and some of the people were amazing. I wanted Oakley to be a strong character underneath this little shy girl. Everyone thought she was weak until they found out what happened to her. While doing some research I found out that a horribly high number of child abuse goes unreported, many women didn't feel they could talk, and ended up telling their story when they were adults or when the abuser had died etc. I think if just one person reads Silence and speaks up about what's happened to them then the whole story would have been worth writing. It's important that the issue is addressed and anyone that is or has been a victim of abuse knows that there is help out there.
Wow, I wrote a lot there. I could have just said Silence! Lol!
Does having a family to support make it harder to write? Or does it increase your inspiration?
My family only found out that I write about five months ago. I was so secretive with it that my fiancé thought I was having an affair being on the laptop typing away all the time!! I told Joe, my fiancé, a while before everyone else. They've all been amazing supportive, especially Joe who puts up with my laptop being practically glued to my fingers! My friend, Kerry, has also been amazing, she's going to read through my stuff when it's edited to see if she can find any mistakes before I publish!
Last question... 'All is fair in love and war' do you agree? Please state your reason.
That makes a good book or movie but I don't agree. If you love someone you would never do anything to hurt them, no matter how hurt you are.
