Meet the Authors Edition #1 (Nov 2017 To July 2018)

interview 18 @Cameron-R-Lewis

1 How would you spend a rainy day?

Well, depending on my mood I would probably be either reading a good book, writing my own stories or watching Netflix. Reading other books and watching movies and series usually give me inspiration to write!

2 whose your favorite author outside Watt pad?

Hmm, that's a tough one! I'm a huge fan of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, but Brent Weeks is also very good and (to throw in a female writer) Robin Hobb is pretty awesome too. I must say I'm not that picky when it comes to writers, as long as the story is enticing and the writing pulls me in, I'm a happy girl.

3 What inspired you to write?

We'd have to go way, way back to when I was just a kid. I've been into writing for as long as I can remember. I can still remember one vacation together with my mother and brother where I had just finished the His Dark Materials Series by Philip Pullman and I felt really inspired to create my own fantasy world and write my own stories. I spent that entire vacation writing away in my journal and reading it out loud to my brother who was almost as excited about it as I was. So, I don't really have a specific thing that inspired me to start writing. Just stories, movies, even music usually give me a thought or an image that sets my mind into thinking mode and then I just have to write down whatever comes out of it.

4 What's one tip you would give a newcomer?

Just believe in yourself and don't let anyone discourage you from doing what you love. People won't always support you. Whether that's in real life or online. If you truly love writing though, you shouldn't let that stop you from creating the stories that you want. That being said, you should also be open to the people around you. When you start out writing your stories won't be perfect (trust me, they really won't), but with practice comes perfection and especially on Watt pad people are only trying to help you improve your writing and your story. You might not always like what they have to say, but listening to them once in a while might help you create the best story possible!

5 What's one of your Watt pad goals?

Well, getting that number 1 spot in fantasy of course! But I think that's just something to strive for on the side. What I really want to do is create a beautiful story with dynamic characters and great imagery. A story that reader will love and will inspire them to create their own stories. I love writing and as long as I still enjoy writing and people enjoy reading it, I guess I'm happy!

6 What do you enjoy most about Watt pad?

I think the community is very supportive. I very much appreciate all the comments I've had over the past few months. Not only to encourage me, but also to help me improve. As a non-native English writer it can be hard sometimes to use the right words. I have a certain meaning in mind and I think I have it all figured out, but then sometimes it turns out I totally didn't, haha. It's nice that the Watt pad community points those things out without being nasty about it.

7 How would you handle a bully?

Like I would in real life: tell them I love them. I still remember a time in high school when this guy behind me tapped me on my shoulder and said: Honestly, why haven't you killed yourself yet? I just looked him straight in the eye and said: I love you too. Then I turned back around and let him sit there with this confused frown on his face. He didn't say anything like that ever again. He even apologized a few years later I believe, saying he was a real jerk back then. Anyway, I think most bullies are just insecure themselves and have no other way to feel better about themselves than to lash out to others. If you have an online bully, don't get angry or start a verbal discussion with them. Just say something like: Thank you for your feedback! Or I'll definitely look at that, thanks! Whatever makes you comfortable. Ignoring works too, of course.

8 What's your daily writing routine like?

Well, if I had one I'd probably be a few hours after dinner. I like to write with fantasy music on to get me into the mood. Sometimes I also look for reference pictures to give me an idea of how the world would look if I would be standing in it. I myself have never been on a battle field for example, so to make it as real as possible for readers I look up information on how that worked in Medieval times and how it looked like. That sort of thing. Then I'd just start writing and let the words flow out. Usually that works pretty well.

9 What's your dream vacation?

I like a mix of relaxing and activity. But who doesn't want to go to the Maladives and have their private little hut on the water? I went to Venice last year in winter and that was pretty awesome as well. So, I guess as long as the weather is good, the food is even better and the company is great, I'm down for whatever!

10 What's one of your favorite dongs? By who?

I'm just going to assume it's supposed to be songs here. I really enjoy listening to the top 40 when I'm at work, but when I'm writing it's usually fantasy music. Soundtracks from Skyrim, Game of Thrones, that sort of thing. I'm a huge fan of Hans Zimmer (to name one of the great ones) and Two Steps from Hell. Brunuhville is also one of relatively new ones that I enjoy listening to. Basically all their songs are awesome when writing!

11 What's one of your favorite snacks?

Pff, what snack don't I like? You can't go wrong with snacks! It really depends on the mood I'm in what I want. But, there's not really anything that you can wake me up for in the middle of the night. I like my sleep way better than any snack!

Request time!

Well, I would hope people are willing to check out my book 'A Crown of Lies'. It's the first book in a large series that I have planned out. It's filled with interesting characters, beautiful imagery (if I may say so myself), plot twists I hope you don't see coming, and lots and lots of action, drama and of course magic. I promise that if you're a fantasy fan, it won't disappoint you!