Meet The Authors edition #9 (March 2022 to the November 2023)

interview #11 A chat with @TheQueenofGremlins

1. When do you begin your writing routine? (morning, afternoon, day, evening)

I write whenever I get the time. So generally I begin in the morning then kind of pick at it all day when I get the chance. My favorite time is at night.

2. What do you need for your writing routine? (laptop, notebook, ect)

My laptop is my main writing tool, but I'll make do with a notebook or sketchbook especially for plotting and charting. I also love to have music on in the background, so I need Spotify, or if no music, I have trash reality TV going in the background.

3. What is your main focus, when you're working on a story?

I like to focus on the characters and their unique experiences. No two people experience the same situation a like, so I love showing how different people respond or what they think about the same experience.

4. What is something important you've come to learn, since you've begun writing?

That it's ok to not be perfect, especially the first time around. There's always room to edit and revise.

5. Do you believe having some sort of writing routine is helpful?

I can see how others would find it beneficial. I am kind of a chaos gremlin and do best working whenever I feel like it in sporadic bursts.

6. What is a writing strength of yours?

I think my strength is getting into different characters' minds and psychology so that when I put their POV on the page, the reader can hopefully see where that character is coming from in their thought process even if they're a villain, or they don't agree with them. They don't necessarily need to forgive or sympathize with them (I have some characters that are pretty irredeamable), but ideally they'll get a peak into that character's brain.

7. What's is a writing weakness of yours?

I think I can belabour a point a bit too much and go over the same concept too many times. I also struggle with fight scenes, and usually have to edit them quite a bit.

8. Do you ever share your writing outside Wattpad? (other social media platforms, family, friends)

I use to, but not for many years. I used to put short stories on Deviant Art back in the day, and while in University I did slam poems and wrote some articles for the university and high school paper.

9. What's a good piece of writing advice, when it comes to beginning a new story?

To just follow your instincts and have fun!

10. Who is an author you admire and why? (on or outside wattpad)

I really admire Stephen King. He is so prolific, and has such a great way of evoking horror in the reader.

11. Do you believe an author interacting with their readers is important?

Yes, of course! I love answering comments on my story and talking with people about it. It makes me so happy when people love the book as much as I do, or they care enough to leave suggestions and corrections. I truly appreciate it when people take the time from their day to engage with my story.

12. How do you believe a writer can build a fanbase?

I think writing what you're passionate about, and engaging with readers can help build a fanbase.

{Story overview}

Title "Creature of Creation"

 status: Complete (but under construction) 

 Genre: Sci-fi, speculative fiction

Summary: Clay, a genetically-modified human weapon and her only friend in the world, an avian-human hybrid named Anpiel escape GreenerPastures, the lab that created and held them captive for the first nineteen years of their life. When a winged creature is spotted in the York Creek nature park, amature paranormal investigators Zach and Gabriel discover the two escapees. They attempt to write and publish an article that could help expose and shut down GreenerPastures. Clay wants to move on and forget her past, and hopes her powers do not progress to the dreaded phase-two. Anpiel has a zest to experience all life has to offer and wants to fly, risking exposure and potential recapture. The two girls struggle to maintain their relationship and overcome their trauma.

Why should someone consider reading it?

I think if anyone is craving a dark sci-fi that explores themes on humanity, identity, and trauma, or is just overall into character driven stories with action, angst and drama, they would enjoy "Creature of Creation."

What inspired the overall idea of the story?

I was originally inspired by 'X-men: The last stand' when I was 12 / 13 years old. I was really interested in how society would respond to mutants, but I also wanted to tell a story centered on super-powered characters not at all interested in either saving or destroying humanity, but simply wished to exist to love and be loved in return.

Is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series?

It was originally intended to stand alone, but I felt there was just too much I wanted to explore so I began writing a sequel.