Interviewee: MichelleJoQuinn

Name/nickname:Michelle Jo Quinn
Birthdate: Haha good luck getting that out of me!
Birthplace: Philippines
Civil Status: Married
Nationality: Canadian

How did you start your writing career?
- My career started in Wattpad, but I have been writing off and on since I was a teen.

Who/what inspired you to write 'The Bliss Series'? (those are my favorites)
- I'm a sucker for Romantic Comedy movies. I had envisioned a story about a wedding planner but I wasn't sure where I was going with it. Basically, I just let the characters build that for me.

What is the hardest part in starting to write a story?
- Starting to write a story - that's the hardest part. I'm a pantser through and through. I don't outline my books beforehand and I only get to know my MC (main character) while I'm writing him/her.

With all your stories, which one is your favorite and why?
- That's like asking which of my kids is my favourite. I love each and every one of them. Equally.

When you already started to write, did you ever expect that your story will reach thousands or even millions of reads?
- Never! I've been lucky to have received such support from Wattpaders all around the world!

Have you ever experience being bashed because of your work? If yes, how did you deal with those negative comments?
- Yes! As a published writer, I get bad reviews. I try not to read them anymore but when its a well though out critical review, I don't mind it. I never respond to them. I do what I want - write - and I'm well aware I won't be able to please anyone. Life is too short to take in all the negativities. Now, on Wattpad, if there's a reader comments in somewhat abusive tone, I ask them politely to go read something else.😃

What is the hardest part of being a writer?
- The hardest part is the time I put into writing. I can be fast if I'm fully inspired but my writing can suffer as well because of life. Having to find that good balance is tough. Writing - and publishing - is a business after all. You have to wear many hats. Some you'll succeed on, some you won't.

Can you give us tips on how to start writing a story?
- Yes, sit and write. Don't worry about what other people will think, yet. You can do that when you're done with the first draft and you're doing edits with an editor. Just write the first draft with an open heart and embrace the possibilities.

What do you think should be written on the short description to excite readers?
- A well thought out hook, a quick rundown of who your main character is and what possible dillema/conflict they may have. And end with a bang that would catch the reader's attention.

How do you deal with writters block?
- How? Very unsuccessfully. Lol! But if I have a deadline looming, you get past it and just write.

What makes up an ideal book cover for you?
- Oh that all depends on the story. It has to match the genre, theme and mood of the book. You'll have to consides the right images, the typography and font etc etc.

Define a good story.
- A good story will have its hand come out of the book and grip you until the very end.

What/when did you realize when you already gain avid readers of your book?
- When they started asking for more faster than I could write! Lol

What's the secret in creating a storyline with a lot of twist?
- There is no secret. You add a twist that make sense and develop it throughout the book.

How did you pick your characters name?
- Mostly from the internet. Baby names and their meaning and sources.

First thing that writers should do when writing stories?
- First thing anyone who wants to write should do is read a lot of books.

As a reader, whose work do you find close to perfection? (Referring to wattpad authors)
- There are tons of amazing writers here, each one with their own merits. It all depends on what genre I feel like reading. I have enjoyed the works of EliseNoble, AmieStuart and Liz Durango aka MorrighansMuse and RSKovach to name a few.

Who is your favorite author? And what makes him/her different from other authors?
- I love the works of Sierra Simone and Louise Bay. Their works are similar to art. Beautiful pieces that reaches your soul.

Motto as a writer.
- #oneday This is too hard to explain but it's basically my motto.

If given the chance that your story will be in the big screen,  who do you think can best play your story's character?
- Ugh! I'm so out of the loop when it comes to actors. I do think Kristen Kreuk (sp) would make a good Veronica.

What is your message to all aspiring writers  who are dreaming to publish their work in the future?
- Work. Write. And be prepared to work more. Writing is only the beginning.

What are your tips to those who wants to be a writes like you?
- See above!

What is your own definition of a writer?
- A writer is someone who loves to write and puts pen on paper. I know I know, it's such a BS answer. Anyone can be a writer but not everyone can write for their heart.

Aside from writing, what do you do in your liesure time?
- I read and watch too much Netflix.

What is your greatest struggle in writing and how did you surpass it?
- The greatest struggle is finding that balance between life and writing. I have kids, a husband, a dog, work, etc etc. My life doesn't stop when I'm writing. And while I'm living my life, the voices in my head don't stop talking either.

What is your most memorable experience in Wattpad?
- I've been one of the lucky ones to experience a lot of memorable things. The first and foremost is hitting that 1M mark. It blew my mind!