Interviewing: JessicaMarie_

Books: Total drama island fanfics

Q: What Influenced your to write your total drama island fanfics?

A: Well when the first episode premiered in like 2009, I missed it, but then around the 6th episode I think my friend got me to watch it and I fell in love. By the middle of season one I started creating a character; Alex, in my head. I really loved Duncan's character so I wanted her to kind of be like him & but at the same time reflect myself; preppy and all that. Then around the time TDA started I saw other people did this too but actually wrote it down, that's when I learned about fanfiction. Also I always loved writing original stuff before TD Fanfics, so that just added into it. I actually wrote TDA first, not TDI, cause I wanted to post them as the episodes came out. I was 11 at the time and they were all so awful lol, that's why last year I went over every single season and edited them. Sorry I rantedD: But I guess I always loved writing original works, then once I found out about Fanfiction I thought it'd be so cool to have my version of TD out there.

Q: Got any tips for writers out there?

A: I am today because writing is awesome. And never quit. I mean if you truly hate it sure give it up, but if you love it and are finding it difficult please don't quit. I quit once and went back to it a few months later. I've given up on countless stories, but let me tell you, after I got all three seasons of TD up, it was just such an accomplishment and it feels amazing. When I fully finished Harper's Island (Another Fanfic of mine) I felt great. And last; accept criticism whether it be good or bad. I've gotten one bad comment on TD so far, this guy didn't like me adding in Alex and breaking up Gwen and Duncan. I mean I'm sorry to the guy that he doesn't like it, but I took the criticism and didn't get angry or upset or anything. Not everybody will love your work, so accept what anybody has to say. Please space your writing. Nobody likes one gigantic clump or words together, it's annoying to read. If you can, get Microsoft Office and write on that, then post your stories here. It gives you corrections on grammar and spelling and if you type annoyingly or unproper it's a HUGE turn off to a reader. I think for first time writers read a lot of books. On Wattpad and books at a store or library, just learn how to write. I know I'm not perfect yet either, I need to expand my vocabulary and write sentences the right way and all that. Also, writing out numbers is a big thing, it looks way more professional. With years and times though it's okay to have a number. And please, oh god please NEVER make a billion exclamation or question marks. You never see that in real writing. The most I've honestly seen is about two. It just looks too crazy and unprofessional when it's written like that. There are a lot of mistakes amateurs make, but I feel like young, new writers have to make them, so when they're older or more experienced they can look back and be like Oh god, this sucks, and re-write it and see how much better they've gotten. That happened to me and it may be annoying to edit over stuff, but it's a good feeling once it's perfect. Also, don't stress if your book isn't getting crazy amounts of views. Honestly it takes time. I know I'm not one to talk kind of because my fanfics have gotten alot of attention in under a year, but views and fans will come. Don't let attention be your only motivation to write, write because you love to. Example? Yes my fanfics may be doing very well on this site, but my original stories?...Eh, they're getting better with views, but not nearly as high as my fanfics. But because of that I won't just stop writing. Because those are the things I want to publish one day. If people end up adoring them like my fanfics that's awesome, if not, whatever. I love writing fanfics and original stuff. If I didn't even get one vote ever I'd still be where

Q: What do you plann on doing for the rest of your life (job)?

A: I'm in 10th grade now, so I gotta finish out school, but I definitley wanna go to college and major in writing. My dream school is the University of Southern California. But schools in Florida or Virginia would be 2nd choice, I need to go somewhere warm ahah. And since I can't write actual real books on Fanfiction and sell them, I want to become and author with my original stories. I've actually never finished an original story, but the two I have going now I'm determined to finish no matter what cause I want to write for the rest of my life. I'll probably stay on Wattpad forever too though and write Fanfics for fun, because I love them. But since most authors have an actual job I was thinking possibly a journalist of some sort for a magazine or news paper, possibly a teacher, or maybe a therapist or psychologist cause those fields really interest me. I'm not 100% on a job yet, but whatever I do I know I want to be a published famous author one day.