Author Interviews

Interview with @outsides

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

Although I only have one book in process at the moment, I have had other stories in the past (which have obviously been deleted). But still, even so, Avery Watson from Virgin has been my favorite character to create and develop. She is independent, and as most women who engage in sexual matters are labeled badly, I find that her character shows that as long as you're not damaging yourself or those around you and that you are safe, there is nothing wrong with any sexual activity or being independent. I think that that is a strong message to show.

What activities other than writing do you enjoy taking part in during your free time?

Outside of writing, I do dance. I have done dance all my life and it's something that I'm very passionate about, just like I am writing. The music gives me ideas too, so in some way it is connected to writing. Also I love watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Vampire Diaries, and I also enjoy procrastinating yay.

Do you have a process or specific steps you take when writing and updating?

Not really. When I publish a book, I have the main plot in mind. But for each chapter I get ideas and plan about three chapters ahead so I know what I'm writing about. I don't have a schedule or anything, and I try to make my works as best as I can, even if it takes a week to write.

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

Yes I love reading comments! Although I love the votes people give me, a comment means more to me. I don't answer all comments, mostly if it's a question or it really stands out to me. But I do read every comment and they really do make my day to know that people enjoy reading what I write. J

Is there any type of scene that you find more difficult to write than others? Love scenes, action scenes, etc.

I think bonding scenes are the hardest for me! I always struggle to think of enough dialogue and thoughts and actions to put into it. I find love scenes and fluffy scenes my favorite to write haha. J

What is the most important thing that you've learnt from reading and writing over the years?

As cheesy as it sounds, doing something you love - like writing! - Always makes you happy. Writing is a healthy hobby for me and lets me express myself through characters I've created myself, and it's always good to know how to handle any emotions you have through something you find to be healthy and enjoyable. J

What do you think makes a good story?

A unique and engaging plot is always important to me. Clique story lines, personally, make reading a book boring and predictable, which is why I always try to think (as lame as it sounds) outside of the box. Having a story build up is also important. A story without climaxes of fallouts can, for me personally, get uninteresting. A good story is also made up by how much you enjoy writing it. If writing a story seems more like a chore to you than anything, you can definitely see it reflected in your work. Make sure you love what you write!

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?

Honestly, if you like to write and you're gaining reads, then good for you! "Smutty" plots will always get reads because when people think "smut" they think, like, Fifty Shades of Grey, and no one cares if it's well written or not as long as it's sexy :'). But I think that there are many underappreciated authors on here who write beautifully, and have brilliant "smutty" works, and they are the ones who deserve reads.

How do you think reading affects someone's writing?

Reading other people's works can broaden tour vocabulary and improve your writing skills in general. You can pick up on things and widen your range of ideas, also gaining inspiration.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying regarding reading/writing?

I only found this recently, but, "Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul." By Joyce Carol Oates. I just really love this, because it's very true and relatable, and I strive to make my characters so that people can step into the shoes of the character and be who they are.

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

Good covers are very important! Covers are what draw readers in and gain attention to your story, and they make your story seam appealing. But some people get so caught up in covers that they forget that it's the writing what really matters.

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

I am very emotionally invested in my work. I will a lot of the time put little situations that have happened to me in my stories. I do find little bits of me in my characters, although I like to create them to be a whole different person unlike anyone I've met.

Describe your feelings towards reading/writing in one word.

Intense??? Like intense love you know. :')

Are there any implicit messages in your work that you would like your readers to get?

I feel like my characters are mostly independent and I would like to give the message that you don't need the "love of your life" to come save you. Depending on yourself to do things means that you can rarely get let down, and makes you happier! J

What book/s are you reading right now? Any recommendations? (Inside or outside of Wattpad)

On Wattpad, I am currently reading a Luke fanfic called "Remember to Forget" and it's so good and so sad wow okay go and read it. I honestly don't read much outside of Wattpad, mainly because I don't have a job which means no money to buy books haha. I know a lot of people are annoyed by John Green books, but I just finished reading "Paper Towns" and I thought it was fantastic.

Thank you outsides for answering our questions.