Author Interviews

Interview with @Izzy61634

Badass cover or what?

Q. What first inspired you to start writing and at what age did you start?

A. Ever since I was a baby, my granddad has read to me and was the first person to really get me into reading and writing, so I owe a big thanks to him. I've been writing for as long as I can recall actually - I remember once writing a one-page long story about a hamster called Fudge when I was five and wanting to get it published ahaha!

Q. What challenges do you face as a writer?

A. I'd say the biggest challenge is updating frequently. It takes me a long time to write a chapter since I am adamant in making it reach its full potential. And I know my slowness often annoys people, but the patience my readers have is appreciated a lot.

Q. Who or what is your biggest inspiration as a writer?

A. That would have to be @JeddieJay. I absolutely adore this man. He writes what he wants and isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in. No one dares insult this man because they know he will absolutely destroy them. Not only this, but his books are absolutely top-notch.

Q. How has writing affected your life?

A. Holy moly in so many ways. My song I had to write for my GCSE music was based on Hunter's struggle with alcohol from my book, Killer Kisses. My media music video was also based on her life. I spend lessons in maths writing so I'm failing in it. Whoops.

Q. Do you see writing as a possible career in your future?

A. Absolutely. I would love to be an author when I'm older - that is honestly my dream job since it is one of the only things that I'm actually decent at haha

Q. Do you ever feel pressured to change anything in your writing because of your readers?

A. Lol nope, I write what I want hahaha! No one has really complained yet though, but just wait until Gory Glory is finished ;)

Q. Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

A. Go for it. Don't worry about what people will think about it, or if it is good enough. Just go for it. You have nothing to lose. There is no greater feeling than having people complimenting your book - your words that you have conjured up and created. It's amazing.

Q. Who is the character you've most enjoyed creating and why?

A. Leila Grey from Gory Glory, without a doubt. I love her so much because she is absolutely badass and acts fearless, but once her character is delved deeper into, it becomes apparent that she has weaknesses. I wanted to make a change from the typical "damsel in distress" and girls always relying on men to save them. Like, no. Women are metal af. A bit of gender-role reversal is so refreshing to me.

Q. What is the most important thing you have learnt from reading and writing over the years?

A. You will write things you will regret. Some things you write. you will look back at and cringe. I've done it, my friends have done it, we've all done it. But that's okay, because it's all about the improvement. And your writing can always improve. So keep trying, and keep practicing.

Q. What do you think makes a good story?

A. A gripping, original plot; no glamorization of issues such as self-harm and depression; reasonably good grammar to a certain extent and a lack of cliches. Oh, and a reminder that when someone constantly pursues another person who is clearly not interested - that's not romantic. That's harassment.

Q. There are many books published here on Wattpad that aren't necessarily well written but have gained popularity and admirers because of a "smutty" plot. What are your thoughts on this.

A. Don't even get me started. I actually despise this issue on Wattpad. There are genuinely good, well-written novels out there that are getting little-to-no attention because they don't contain graphically sexual content. Whereas others are getting movie deals because they show Harry sticking his hoo-ha into Tessa's vajeeper. I actually wrote a short parody step-by-step guide called "Steps To Writing A Cliche Fanfiction" that raises this issue in a sarcastic, comedic way.

Q. How important do you think cover art is for a story here on Wattpad?

A. As guilty as I feel for saying it, I think the cover is pretty important. It is what initially attracts the reader and then the writing is what either encourages the reader to stay and read on, or click off. But I will definitely give a book a chance regardless of what the cover looks like, since there are many books I've seen that have sensational covers but then the story is, well...crap hahaha!

Q. How emotionally invested are you in your work? Do you take parts of yourself and include them into characters or scenes?

A. I am extremely emotionally invested. When I write, I really dive into the scene and imagine how the scene would realistically unfold. Desiree Iverson from Fights, Camera, Attraction is me. Everything about her personality, everything she says, she does, is what I would do in her situation.

Q. Describe your feelings towards reading/writing in one word

A. Exhilarating

Q. Do you have a process or specific steps you take while writing and updating?

A. Not in updating, I am useless at updating. But I do with writing. When I initially first start planning a book, I imagine it like scaffolding holding up a building. The main plot ideas throughout are holding the story together, supporting it, but I just fill in the bits in between as I go along.

Q. Do you read and answer comments? In what ways do they affect you if at all?

A. I do, I answer every comment I receive. It's the least I can do for the people that have taken the time to support my work and help it expand. I am lucky enough to not have received any hate messages, so I have been affected by the comments, but positively. It has really helped my confidence in growing when I hear that people genuinely enjoy my writing.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to say to your supporters?

A. Honestly, I cannot even begin to express my gratitude towards everyone that has supported me through my books. You have changed my life and made me not only a stronger writer, but a stronger person. If you ever want help in me proof-reading your story, reading it, making you a book cover or even just to chat, don't hesitate to hmu on private message aayyy

Thank you Izzy61634 . You seriously need to go read her stories because she's an amazing writer and person. P