Welcome back! Today we are here with the wonderful EllaMooreAuthor to find out more about her and her story Fry's Touch, which won 1st Place in the Science Fiction category of our awards. Let's get on with the interview!
1. What was your inspiration for your winning story, Fyr's Touch?
I've always been highly sensitive to touch and a recent break-down meant I could no longer bear to be touched for a while, not even by my kids. It was one of the scariest experiences in my life, and it triggered the question in me: what if we could no longer touch? What would it do to a society? What if you craved touch with your entire being despite the constraints imposed by that society? And so Fyr was born. The entire story explores the importance and consequences of touch.
2. What was your favorite part of writing Fyr's Touch, and what was the most challenging part?
My favourite parts were the interactions between Fyr and Billy, her AI friend, as well as the small windows in the story that allow the reader to see the leaders of the society Fyr lives in. I loved keeping the balance between intrigue and these bits of info for the readers to reflect on.
The most challenging part was the scientific part of the story. I researched a lot about AI, hacking, virtual reality technology, and most interesting and challenging of all, time travel and its many paradoxes. I learned a lot from my research, but it took a lot of time. Most challenging was to integrate it into the story in a compact, interesting and accurate way. I hope I succeeded.
3. If you had to pick one song that you feel represents or speaks to your story, what would it be?
The story that triggered a lot of my ideas for Fyr's Touch was the 'Radioactive' cover by Pentatonix. Both the text and the rhythm spoke to me.
4. Where do you get the inspiration for your characters?
My stories always start from a character, and it often begins with a specific feeling I get about what that character could be like. For Fyr, it was this longing for touch that ruled her entire life. From there, more elements come to me, especially while I write the first chapters. Once I've written a few chapters, I know my character well enough to start thinking through more of their trademark quirks, thoughts and appearance, before I continuing writing the rest of the story.
5. What advice would you give to a writer just starting out?
It's nothing new honestly - just write, every day, and ideally without editing. It doesn't truly matter what you write - your inner thoughts, ideas for a story that's swirling in your head, details about the character you have in mind, or actual parts of your story, in whatever order you want to write it. (Note. I often start my books with a starting scene, an important end scene, and some bits and pieces I can already envision, before I write chronologically). Editing comes later. It's a different skill and a different part of your brain you use, so ideally you either focus on writing or editing, not both at the same time.
In the past eight months, I've seen my writing evolve by writing almost every single day, and it's a joy to discover that practice does make (eventually) perfect.
6. How do you handle receiving negative feedback?
The ability to do so comes from a growing confidence about your writing skills. The more you realise that your writing is good, the less negative criticisms affect you. Of course, there will always be readers who dislike your story or your character or your writing style. It would be boring if everyone shared the same taste. It's a question of not taking it personal.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still working on that part, but I find it works better with time.
7. Where do you see your writing journey going in the future?
I know I'm turning writing into the next step of my career. What I haven't figured out is how, but I have plenty of time to find out. I hope to see my books published. I dream about making a tiny difference for as many readers as possible. And I hope to inspire new writers on their journey. How that will all come together, is part of the next exciting part of my journey.
8. How has your writing style changed since you first started writing?
I get more secure in my writing voice with every page I write. The biggest change though is in the process of writing a book. I've been writing stories since I was six, but writing a book is a different skill. I now have a process that works for me, and the great thing about that is that my first draft is a lot better by the end, meaning there's a lot less editing to be done.
9. If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
I recently did a little exericse, and the animal that seemed to fit with who I am was a cat. Mostly because of its curiosity, and its ability to balance the predatory focus it has with a pure enjoyment of life. The image of a cat basking in the sun relaxes me.
10. How many cats is too many cats?
*CANNOT COMPUTE*
Uhm. There can never be enough cats. And that's final.
Do I want an infinite number of cats to cover me while I sleep? No.
Do I want the world inhabited by furry creatures who have mastered the art of living? Hell yes!
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The Black Cat Awards 2019 Interviews
RandomWelcome to The Black Cat Awards interviews! Inside you'll find interviews with the first place category winners from our awards.