Hello to all Wattpadians!
This book is a dedication to all our winners of The Oasis Awards 2020. The prizes that include a special shoutout of all winners and interviews of the first-place winners will be posted here.
This contest was created with...
1. Can you briefly introduce your story and tell us why you think it won first place? Why do you want readers to consider reading it?
What I conclude from the readers that have read my book is that they find my characters to have depth and can show raw emotions, like real people; thus get the readers attached to them. Some have said that they found my writing very "calming" and "soothing". Another thing is that I deliver a fresh twist to an overused trope. You know how most arranged marriages in historical fiction is almost always depicted as abusive, with the husband being cruel and a cheater, especially if he's a King. I've received compliments from my readers that my male MC, Cal Leroy Sr. is the "kindest King (Emperor) they've ever read". Cause hey, shouldn't we start rooting for the gentlemen instead of the assholes? My book also has a multicultural background with a diverse cast. The culture is not set aside or forgotten but incorporated into the story so that the readers could feel as if the world-building is real. This week I even released a chapter special for the country aesthetics and flags. I designed all the flags myself, inspired by the House Banners in Game of Thrones. Last but not least, we have Cal Junior's irresistible charm. I and my editor were both surprised by how he could pull everyone into his orbit, how he could steal the attention from his father the Lead Male, because... hey, he's 7! I thought we should wait at least when he's 16 to get some Junior fangirls but he's already established a cult of readers on his early age (Yes, a cult). I even had won first place in another award because the judge "loves Junior so much".
2. Have you always had an affinity for writing?
Yes. I've started writing when I was 9 years old.
3. Have you ever thought of pursuing writing as a profession? Or are you currently planning to do so?
I have signed a contract with a representation of Webnovel.com and is currently in a process of publishing in the platform as a paid story.
4. Do you have any other passion or talent besides writing?
Lots! Photography, digital arts, digital imaging and design. You can check out my work on my Instagram at merion.s!
5. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I am heavily inspired by Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, obviously. His work is a perfect balance of historical drama, fantasy and political intrigue. The characters, the worldbuilding is so vivid and detailed. I also look up to authors like Stan Lee and J. K. Rowling (although I do not support her political stance), how they could create a solid universe like the MCU and Wizarding World. But before I came across all of their great works I used to read the Korean Manhwa "Princess" by Han Seung-Won when I was 9. It has a perfect mix of historical romance, drama and politics; just like GOT without dragons. It's started my fascination with historical fiction. So it's not exclusive to books and novels.
6. What comes first, the plot or characters?
For me, I've always love to develop the characters first and then solidify the plot. Because changing the characters is harder than changing the plot. But the process might be different from everyone else.
7. What is the hardest thing about writing?
Marketing your book. Hahaha.
8. What is your favourite genre to write in? Any new genre you want to attempt?
I have always been partial to historical romance. This genre is my forte. Though currently, I'm attempting to do a YA Rom-com for a future project.
9. Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My readers, of course!! I would never have gone this far without their support! Every votes and comment from readers always made my day!
10. How do you balance the demands of writing with other responsibilities?
By setting a specific target for each day. Make a checklist. That's how you will not spend a day being not productive.
Fun questions section:
11. You are about to get into a fight, what song comes on as your soundtrack?
Against All Odds - Ramin Djawadi (GOT Season 7)
(You might want to skip to 4:35.)
12. What color do you mostly see in your closet?
Dark blue and black. It used to be lots of purple and red when I was a teenager.
13. What would a world populated by clones of you be like?
Oh my god, please no. Then everyone would be at each other's throats
