Interviewee: naresteccc

Name/nickname: Cristina Obando (Naristic)
Birthdate: October 20, 2002
Birthplace: Ormoc City, Leyte
Civil Status: In a relationship
Nationality: Filipino

How did you start your writing career?
- I start writing stories when I was 13 years old. Way back 2015. I was inspired by the stories I've read and mesmerized by the thought of possibilities that I can also be the writer of my own story. That, I can also make a book by my own and create a tragic or a happy ending.

Who inspires you to write great stories?
- I was inspired by the books of jonaxx or Jonah Pacala also alyloony or Aly Almario. Their works inspired me to write and learn more from them. Aside from the writers in wattpad I was also amazed by the works of Edgar Allan Poe and William Shakespear.

What is the hardest part in starting to write a story?
- It was the plot which is kinda the hardest. 'Cause every reader was expecting more so as the writer you want the best for them. Lol. You want to give them the best plot created by your imaginations.

With all your stories, which one is your favorite and why?
- My favorite story was the "The Richman's Wife and Son" it was the unexpected story I've been created. It was posted first in a Wattpad group in facebook then it reaches a hundred likes and 1k+ comments as far as I can remember. And, I posted it here in wattpad and I can't expect that my work will be appreciated by the readers. (Thank you guys!)

When you already started to write, did you ever expect that you'll reach thousands or even millions of reads?
- No, when my first story reaches 124 reads. I felt like I did a great achievement 😅 every reads means to me. For me they appreciated my story not that Im famous. Because fame dont ever cross my mind. Im contented of the few people who appreciated my works and Im thankful for that ☺

Have you ever experience being bashed because of your work? If yes, how did you deal with those negative comments?
- I think yes, some criticize the way write. But, I dont really give a time to them. As long as they'll respect me,  I'll listen to their opinions and understand it and I think its enough to deal with them.

What is the hardest part of being a writer?
- As my opinion, I think it is to satisfied the readers of your own story. To make a unique plot that will be appreciated by the people. Aside from that is to brainstorm the scenario in your imagination. Of how you will write of whats on your mind. Because, to be honest. Its easy to imagine a scenario's but its hard to write it the way its supposed to be written 😅

Can you give us tips on how to start writing a story?
- You should know your passion and a have a wide imagination.

What do you think should be written on the short description to excite readers?
- Questions of the characters not literally. Just to give the readers a mystery and dig more about the story.

How do you deal with writters block?
- I dont have one yet.

What makes up an ideal book cover for you?
- Not so daring and can attract a reader.

Define a good story.
- For me, It remains in your mind and gives a warm feeling in your heart when you remember it, no matter how long it was.

What did you realize when you already gain avid readers of your book?
- I was happy and thankful at the same time.

What's the secret in creating a storyline with a lot of twist?
- Your wild imagination will do. Lol.

How did you pick your characters name?
- It comes from my friends name and the others was from the internet.

First thing that writers should do when writing stories?
- Have a connection to your characters and express the emotions. Imagine that you are part of the story.

As a reader, whose work do you find close to perfection? (Referring to wattpad authors)
- I cant pick haha. They are all amazing.

Who is your favorite author? And what makes him/her different from other authors?
- I admired, Jonah Pacala or known as jonaxx. I cant explain why. But, her works was different from the others the way she express the feelings of the characters creates a connection towards the readers and I love the thought of it.

Ps. Elijah Montefalco is my husband.

Motto as a writer.
- Let your passion express the whole you.

If given the chance that your story will be in the big screen,  who do you think can best play your story's character?
- I dont know, yet. Haha.

What is your message to all aspiring writers  who are dreaming to publish their work in the future?
- Take it slow. Work hard. Right time comes and if it is god's will. It will be.
(It was also my self motivation.)

What are your tips to those who wants to be a writes like you?
- Just write. Express what is hidden inside of you.

What is your own definition of a writer?
- To write with no hesitation and to express your imagination into a story.

Aside from writing, what do you do in your liesure time?
- Listening to music and reading different kind of books.

What is your greatest struggle in writing and how did you surpass it?
- Its when you are too busy and forget the things you prioritized such as writing.

What is your most memorable experience in Wattpad?
- I gained friends and it boost my confidence to write more because of the people who appreciated my works.