Meet The Authors Edition #5 (Sept. 2019 to March 2020)

interview #23 @EryxAias

1 what inspired you to write?

I've always enjoyed creative endeavors, mostly for fun. Two individuals harangued me about joining Wattpad, probably because they were scared the short story I wrote would end up in the bin. The texts about posting never ceased, I continued with whatever excuse, until created a profile. My primary goal was, and still is, to improve my writing - for myself. Other things, such as covers, may have their moments, but the primary goal will always remain.

2 what's your favorite thing about Wattpad?

 The people and the activities. There may be some reading this that may think, 'but there's loads of nasties.' We've seen these, the chronically-disappointed and malcontent posting negativity on their boards. No, like everywhere, there's going to be some bad, but there's loads more helpful and nice individuals on here than there are bad ones. As long as you sign up to Wattpad with realistic expectations, you'll be pleasantly surprised. If sudden fame and praise is expected, well, you just may be sorely disappointed - unless you're extremely lucky. Do look for the prompt activities from @justwriteit, the Wattpad genre profiles, @BeyondSol, @MajesticIncAwards, @EarnestyCommunity, and onwards, you'll have a whale of a time participating in some of them. Have a bit of writer's block? Try a prompt on those, they could offer some great inspiration. There's also many book clubs and reviews you can join if you're uncertain about the plot, characters or even editing issues.

3 what's a good piece of advice for a newcomer?

 Part of it is above and I can say, 'just write for yourself', but not everyone really wants to read that. It's true that if you don't first enjoy it, then it's not going to work, but I would tell them that if they truly want many reads, it'll require many active hours. Once you write a good portion of your story, submit to reviews, book clubs and critiques, fix what's needed or what you feel should be fixed, then submit to every awards you encounter. Have only submitted mine to four awards, withdrew from one of those, and it still gained some attention.

4 what's your schedule regarding your writing?

My  schedule is so disorganized this month. Been attempting to edit this story with updates on the weekends, and that schedule has been all right, except when something more pressing arises. For certain stories, such as newer non-promptedones, I normally update on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For prompted stories, it dependson the deadline and length, but short stories can be any day.

5 Are you still surprised when you get a new vote, follow or comment?

 I'll always be surprised and grateful someone chose to spend their valuable time reading one of my stories. Comments are entertaining. I enjoy reading and replying to as many as I'm able to. Overall, I'm rather boring really, so a follow certainly surprises me. A genuine follow, not the sort where people insta-follows hundreds of profiles in under a week just to gain a large following, that is.

6 what's your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas! Because ugly sweaters are fun and I can have a bit of fun with yours as well. No, it's the turkey feast with sprouts [I like sprouts], the presents and returning to that childhood anticipation when I'm celebrating with family. If I'm not, then it's a night that will surely end with many regrets but let us not talk about those. Never happened.

7 how would you spend a rainy day?

Spent rainy days out, either kayaking, rafting, angling, or even mountain biking, butlike most, I have often enjoyed reading during them. I suppose it just dependson my mood and what I planned?

8 what's a song you enjoy? Who is the artist?

Anything by M83 and Beach House. There are so many and varied. I'll name five that I've listened to several times this month: Woe is Meee by Ghostpoet, Believe by The Kooks, Life Song by The Black Angels, Lemon to a Knife Fight by The Wombats and Ranunculus by Dir En Grey.

9 what's the best way to handle a bully?

Within every bully is a coward and scared little child. They'll attempt to attack anyone they perceive as weak or that mirror's something they're uncomfortable with. Never encountered very prolonged bullying, myself. An eventual meltdown or one punch and they'd either run away or be a lovely friend from then on. You can walk away, though this is something that doesn't always work. If they persist, you have to stand up to them [this may mean you'll have to hit them - if they're physical towards you - make it a certain hit and warn them the next time it'll be worse]. But if that doesn't work, make friends with someone bigger than them? If they're a psychopath, then silence will only increase their tendencies and feeling of control, others will in danger. Save yourself and others from the pain. Video documentation is splendid proof. Present that to the proper individuals and solve that quickly if it has increased to pure torture.

10 what's your favorite movie?

2001: A Space Odyssey [it's old, slow, but wonderful]. Zero Theorem is another one, I enjoy Terry Gilliam's absurdity very much. This isn't a movie, but I really enjoyed it: Altered Carbon.

11 what's your favorite snack?

Don't end to go for sweets much but finding Flake here is not easy sometimes. I'll choose the second best. Chips orFrench Fries, because you can eat them with some vinegar and

Request time

My works all need editing. Currently editing this story, but if you'd prefer to read something with all its chapters available, I'd say NORP Meets NAT. There's some entertaining characters in it, all different from each other, and their dialogue will certainly make you laugh on occasion. I'm pleased with it, because I attempted to write something completely different to what I'm accustomed. It needs a second drafting and borders on lyrical-style prose. If you'd prefer a more colloquial and well-edited narration, best avoid it then.