Hello fellow Wattpadders! Today we have ella_rowan with us, the author of the book, Raven and Rue.

I am Abhipreeti (_abhipreeti_), and I have interviewed Ella Rowan, a.k.a, ella_rowan.

Ella Rowan has a perfectly nice life in a sunny seaside town, but for some reason needs to escape into fantasy worlds of her own imagination. She is made from the stars, like everything else, and is determined to finish Proust's In Search of Lost Time no matter how long it takes. Her favourite colour is lilac.

At what age did you realize that you have a special place for writing? Are you currently or do you ever dream of one day being in the writing industry?

>>I started writing poems and stories when I was in primary school, and have a degree in Creative Writing. I have had my work published in magazines, and I have also been the editor of a few small literary magazines (and one based around community health).

Did any story, on or off Wattpad, ever inspire you and help you carve your interest towards writing books?

>>When I was eight I read an old book about a boy who receives a magic potion which gives him wings. It was the first book which made me think I might be able to write a completely imaginary story.

What is the genre(s) in which you mostly write your books? Do you think you are able to create brilliant plots when you write in that specific genre(s)?

>>I mostly write light fantasy romances. My books aren't heavily reliant on plot, but are more character-based.

What advice would you like to give to authors who are writing in the same genre(s) as yours?

>>I can only tell them what I like to read - something different from everything else, with a new slant on popular tropes, interesting characters, and a unique narrative voice.

Do you have any favourite quote or quotes from your book?

>>My favourite line from Raven and Rue is, 'The rabbits all ran away, and the smell of the bluebells grew ever more heavenly, until Pip was almost dizzy from it.'

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

> By then I hope to have completed the sixth book in the Lindensea series. I would also like to try my hand at a historical romance some time.

Now let us talk about your book. How would you describe your story in five words? Could you please give us a brief summary of what your book is about? What makes your book different from other books in the same genre(s)?

A different kind of Cinderella. In short, it's a retelling of Cinderella with a gender-flipped protagonist, set in an alternate version of our own world. I was careful not to read any other male Cinderella stories so they couldn't influence me, so I don't know exactly how it differs from them. However, mine has notes from fictional books, circus riding, a pastry cook heroine, and a complete absence of wicked stepmothers.

Which character or characters of your story do you relate to most? And why?

>>Probably Bernard, the charming prince – he has my messy hair and awkwardness.

How did you come up with such a fascinating plot? Were there any inspirations?

>>I had a very long, vivid and detailed dream one night, and when I woke up I wrote down everything I could remember from it. It took me about forty minutes, and when I read over my notes, I realised in dismay I'd more or less dreamed the plot of Cinderella.

How did you discover Wattpad? And what engendered you to begin writing on this platform? What do you like best about this application?

>>I feel like I was always aware of it. I was on another platform, but wasn't getting a lot of reader engagement, so I swapped to Wattpad. My favourite thing about it is the chance to connect with readers and other authors – I've met so many great people, and participated in fun community events.

When did you start writing on Wattpad? How has your writing journey been ever since then?

I joined a little over a year ago, in September 2022. Since then I've published five books (four complete) in two series, have been featured a few times on official lists, and won some awards. But this is my first interview!

What is your writing process and how do you cope when writers' block hits you?

>>I consider myself to be always 'on' as a writer, and will jot down ideas and bits of dialogue whenever I think of them. I have several writing projects on the go at once, so if I hit a wall in one, I move on to the next, or put my effort into research, or start looking for inspiration for a new story. And I'm constantly looking for excuses to edit and revise what I've already written – I love editing.

Are you a pantser or a plotter? During which time of the day do you usually write?

>>I'm mostly a plotter. I have a general idea of the arc of a story, although rather than plot points, I can see and hear the 'scenes' of a story in my head and write them down as they come to me, fitting them into the timeline of the story as I go. I do sometimes get little surprises as the characters reveal themselves to me though – I firmly believe in letting the characters control the story. My main writing time is at night.

What would be your advice to young and budding authors, who are just beginning their journey on Wattpad and are quite new to the writing world?

>>On Wattpad you can find artists to design your cover, editors to smooth out your text, beta readers to help develop your story, reviewers to critique your work, communities and book clubs for support and promotion. There's so much help available, which is wonderful. But although it's great to get opinions and input from others, always be true to your inner voice, and your personal vision. Nobody can ever write like you, except you.

Is there any author(s) on Wattpad whom you look up to as an amazing writer?

>>Many! I pick obliviablack and AnnamitaMuscaria for their brilliantly original epic stories, while AubreyWhitten and Pollyf79 are humorous romance novelists with a professional polish to their work. My favourite teen fiction authors are Dear_Sonatine and words_for_food, who find the heart in their characters. I am constantly in awe of Mariya_Evans and her powerhouse writing output, honed to perfection like the knives of her assassin heroine.

Could we please have two or more Wattpad story recommendations? What do you like most about these stories?

>>The Great Ellini by obliviablack, which is a sophisticated paranormal romantic adventure fantasy set in an alternate Victorian Britain, and shows the light which comes through the darkness. And Hell is an Empty Heart by AnnamitaMuscaria is a lyrical feminist retelling of Greek mythology which covers every genre and will blow your mind.

What would be the three words to describe yourself as an author?

>>Quirky, charming, delightful.

Thank you so much! It was an honour to have you here for the interview conducted by Kalon Community. We wish you lots of success on your writing journey and may you flourish more. Thank you once again!