Ladies and Gentlemen, today I have one of Wattpad's upcoming super stars!

I am talking about the author of 'Wedding effect', 'Rotten' and so many others including tips on how to Wattpad better!

What I haven't mentioned is that our guest is the 1st Runner up Winner of the just concluded season of the Open Novella Contest Africa 2021 (ONCAfrica 21') organised by ambassadorsAF; with her book, 'UNDEAD'

I mean she is so talented and a total– VIBE queen!!

Yesss!

She brings the heat🔥 to the flames!

Funny how she doesn't melt!

Wonder why?

Well, people, this guest I am talking about is no ordinary Wattpadian. . .she is the Chocolate realm Queen🍫🍫🍫 y'all are gonna get a lot of free chocolates today!

I promise this is going to be an interview like none before it!🍫🍫

Without wasting much time, let's welcome her Chocolate highness, AOFunke!🍫

(Crowds goes wild🥰🥰🥰 as a chocolate bomb explodes on them🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫)

🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫🍫

AO: *Walks into room with a mocha in hand, sunglass covering eyes*

Hey Lilly!

Lilly: Hello your majesty🥰 How are you and how have you been?

AO: I'm great, thank you.
It's been quite a busy week though, school spanning me here and there; But I remain focused😁

Lilly: Yes oh! Focused all the way baby!

AO: Ha!
How are you?

Lilly: I am good girl and I am super excited to have you here, finally!

Like I mentioned, this is going to be a little different from my other interviews because we'll be touching a little of everything about you.

So, first question: How long have you been writing and How has the Wattpad experience been like?

AO: Oh wow! This question runs far far back, to about four years ago. . .or is it five🤔

(Someone help me calculate the number of years between 2017 and 2021. Hehe. I put my brain off for tonight. It needs the rest😁😂)

Nat: It is Four years, ma'am.

AO: Ha! Thank you. Here is a chocolate🍫.

Okay, seriously now, I had an account years ago (before 2017) where I usually just read books.

Then suddenly, one day, while I was staring at the home page, I saw that little pencil button and discovered I could write!

Nat: (Inserts The Flash's Theme song🎵🎶)

AO: This was so huge for me because I have always loved writing since I was like seven-

Lilly: Really seven?😌
What did you write about at that age?

AO: I had this book called  'The Old Witch Wicked' – and no, that is not an error.

Lilly: 😂😂😂 The what!
We should call it 'The OWW' soooo cool.

Okay, so how did it go on Wattpad after you found the create icon😂

_Nat! Don't even think about it!🙄_

AO: Yeah, after that, I was so pumped. It was a huge thing for me.

I wrote a book within one week. A chapter was about two hundred words long and as at then, I felt it was a great achievement.

Lilly: 😂😂😂😂 – I am sorry I shouldn't laugh but whaaaatt!? Was it a poem?😂😂😂

AO: The entire thing wasn't even up to five thousand words, but I posted it.

And then I waited.

And waited.

And got 72 reads, 0 votes and 0 comments.

I deleted the book and deleted the account.

Lilly: Oh my God!😧 I am so sorry. That was sad– Thank goodness you are still here though. Is this your second account?

AO: Oh not even close😌
I returned in 2017 with another (really short and terrible) book. This one got to a hundred reads and like two votes (*snort*)

Lilly: That deserves some celebration! Hit the bell Nat!😂

Nat: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

AO: Not so fast Lilly😩

Lilly: What happened again?😧

AO: I deleted the book, lost the password to the account and that was it.

Lilly: Oh dear🤦🏽‍♀️

AO: You can find the dead account here pelinalee

And on a brighter note, my last post was, "who loves books?"

*Facepalms*

Lilly & Nat: 😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

(Mad!)

AO: Aside that cringy, weird, awkward and very hopeless beginning, I gave Wattpad another go in 2019, and this time, I actually read stuff before trying to post anything.

And for the first time in my history, my first actual novel, "The secrets that bind us/The melancholy/The Prime Empire" hit 1k reads before completion.

Nat: Was that the actual title?😳

Lilly: Shut up Nat! She deserves the bell🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

AO: Yes Nat. That was my title.
The highlight was when I saw it on the homepage under "trending"

I almost lost my marbles, guys!😂

The happiness was just too much.

But it was short-lived.😧

Nat: Awwww, what happened?

AO: Eventually, I entered a contest, lost. Entered a few more, lost again and then got a negative comment that led to the deletion of that book from Wattpad.

Lilly: I don't know why some people love sharing negative comments about people's hard work!

I mean if it's so bad, DO NOT COMMENT AT ALL if you can't say something nice.

Some now go around doing it in the name of constructive criticism! Ladies and Gentlemen even that needs to be done with a lot of positivity and encouragements!

Cross-Warrior will tell us in the Dreamland Workshop to find something that the writer has done right and praise them about it, before talking about the parts they had done wrong. Even at that you need to do it with love!

Nat: It's okay Lilly, do not get emotional😞 (gives Lilly a hoy glass of milk)

Lilly: Thank you Nat.❤

So, Funke, how did you turn out to be one of Wattpad's upcoming star after such a hard beginning?

AO: It wasn't until recently that I got my writing legs again and put up the 'Wedding effect' in January this year, Undead in February and Rotten in March.

So to answer that question, being on Wattpad has been very testing for me. I've been defeated a couple of times, but i'm here, aren't I?

Lilly: Yes you are!

Nat: (wipes a stray tear off her face)
🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔

AO: And if you read that awfully long and boring story of mine, you'd find that I began writing around the age of seven. Over a decade ago *covers face* wow! I am old! Ha!😂😂

Lilly: Your story wasn't boring. I think it will inspire a lot of us. Especially those of us that are still struggling with our reads and votes and just getting a voice on Wattpad, your story taught me to not give up, ever!

________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT I:

Please share what our super star's story has taught you in the comment section and let's take this party to another level!

------------------------------------------>

_________________________________

Moving into the part everyone wants to read about😁

(Crowd goes wild, as the continue taking chocolate🍫🍫🍫🍫)

In your ONC Africa entry, you picked the prompt with the ghost. Why did the prompt about ghosts speak to you?
–What inspired you and have you had any previous experience with ghosts?

AO: There was this time I was so obsessed with writing. I was writing five stories simultaneously, *no cap*(don't do it guys!)

Lilly: My poor brain can't even manage to pull it off🤣🤣🤣

AO: That thing is deadly I tell you!🤦🏽‍♀️

Lilly: So how did it end for you?😁

AO: But I kept having ideas and I wanted them all written down and shared with others.

Eventually I got tired and took everything down. Then this idea for a teen fiction where the guys ex returns and is obsessed with him came up late last year. I rejected the urge to write it then.

However, seeing the prompt for the ONC Africa 2021, felt like a divine affirmation for me to write it finally.

And the ONC was so nice in the sense that it helped me actually complete the novella in time.

Lilly: They sure did!🔔🔔

AO: Yeah, so about my ghost experience🤣🤣🤣 I've only had ghost experiences in my dreams.

One time, one white cloth was chasing me around my grandparents house, I was so scared!

But that was years ago, guys, I know no ghosts now. Well. . .except Bukola. Hehe👹👹

Lilly: 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😂 terrible!!

_________________________________
ANNOUNCEMENT II:

Have you had a ghost experience before? Either in your dreams or in real life?
Please share!
--------------------------------->

________________________________

Now, tell us about your cover for 'UNDEAD'. . .

AO: Titles and covers are always hard for me. Ideas for them just keep coming and each seemingly better than the last.

So, I always change these things like I breathe the action.

Lilly: I do not possess the talent in naming things or books😅😅😅 so I understand your point. . .

AO: . . .But for Undead it was different. The cover never changed, it was always black and white with two hands reaching for each other in significance of how thin the line is that separates the living from the dead and how it's easy to cross that line.

Lilly: Wow that's so deep meaning!😊 I should probably ask my cover artist what my covers mean😆

Next question says; Why did you settle with 'Undead' for the title?

Initially you had 'Effusive love', so why did that change?

AO: At first, it was 'EFFUSIVE LOVE' but then I realized, Bukola's love for Jacob wasn't Effusive. It was Obsessive. It had become a need.

And effusive was too soft to describe it.

I also considered 'OBSESSIVE LOVE'  but it didn't hit right.

Then I came across the word 'Undead' in the dictionary.
(Don't judge me I read the dictionary for fun sometimes.)

Lilly: *spills milk* you whaaat?! 😱 who else reads the dictionary for FUN!

Mau: I do☺️

Cameraman: I do *raises hand*👆🏽

Lilly: 😳😳😳 Yo- wh-
Okay, I will just ignore this. . .
Funke carry your band of nerds behind ya when ya leave😂. . .

So why 'Undead'?

AO: *takes chocolate and puts away her pocket dictionary*

It encompasses everything!

Bukola isn't alive or dead, she's existing there. She can be seen, she can be felt, but she can't be touched. Her love burns.

Undead just summed up the story. I also like the eerie vibe in it😁

Lilly: Absolutely! Undead is more thrilling, especially for readers like Sophie who hate anything 'Love' in a title😂

So, who was your favourite character in the story?

AO: Believe it or yes😁 it was Yemi for me. I love that guy! Anytime I remember his character, I either crack up a smile or laugh because he's just like my real life brother.

And they have the same name *covers eyes*

He's so stubborn! He's too determined. He's not afraid to say whatever it is, even if it's total rubbish. He'll even be proud as he is saying it. I just loved working with him.

Lilly: Nice! Now who was your least favourite character?

AO: I think it's that guy selling HIV-curing drugs 😁 I just can't pick any of the MCs. Even Bukola is a cool character.

Lilly: Lol, they are everywhere mehn!😂😂

AO: That guy represents the ignorance being spread in my country. There's someone who legit sells Drugs that cure HIV in front of my street! Like, what? And people are buying this nonse--🤬

I hold my peace here *sips coffee*

Mau: There is one that plays a radio non-stop telling people how his drugs cleanses the body of any ailment even Covid-19!
And people are buying this crap😤

Sophie: Have you guys heard of the one that sells drugs for Ulcer saying, 'If your ear dey do hum hum yem yem, na ulcer dey do u, na ulcer they do u!'
😂😂

Lilly: Like Funke said, these guys feed off of people's ignorance and it's heartbreaking the way people fall for these fake drugs!

Back to the story, my least favourite character was definitely Stephan!
There is something wrong with that guy, I swear it!🙄

AO: Stephie was a good guy nauuu😂😂😂😀😀😂😂

Lilly: You would defend him🧐

Anyway, what scene was very difficult for you to write?

AO: The most difficult scene🤔

The last scene!

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!
❌❌❌❌❌❌

My favorite character died!

It felt like I was throwing away dominos chicken and beef extra large pizza. . .

Like all the air was being slowly sucked out of me. I just couldn't.

But I had to!

For good reasons, which shall be revealed at the end of this interview😉

Prepare yourselves!

Sophie: Sometimes I wonder who is being interviewed here😂😂😂
Funke you legit sound like you can do this job!

Lilly: I told you guys we were going to receive the number one vibe Queen on Wattpad😂😂– No Dull Moments!!

What did you learn during the course of writing this story?

AO: While writing 'Undead' I learnt that, there is nothing you can not do. As long as you just do it, you've been given the accessories to reduce mountains to nothing.

This was my first time writing a paranormals romance story.
I had to do tons of research for it.
And I'm still doing the research because I'm still gonna edit the stuff.

I finally understood what people mean when they say you're only a slave to what you don't know.

And you won't know unless you try.

Lilly: Preach baby! I didn't know I brought in a motivational speaker oooh! 📢

I hope you guys brought in your pens and papers! 🤓

This is entertainment at it's Best!🎛🎸

AO: Yeah, doing new things is what got the world to where it is today.

I say no more.❤

Lilly: Okay, so how do you feel about being the 1ST RUNNER UP for the ONCAfrica 2021? How did you even react to the news when you got it?😀

AO:  I feel happy for myself. I feel happy for not pulling out halfway. . .but I also feel a lot of people deserve this position more.

I'm very grateful for the ONC, it kinda boosted my courage and confidence in myself.

When I got the news I screamed! My roommate looked at me like, 'what's wrong with her?'

Lilly: She 'dun' know about it😂😂😂😂😂😂

AO: This is the greatest achievement I've gotten.

Really, it felt so unreal.

Even today, I still go back to check if I didn't dream it up or something😂😂

Lilly: 😂😂 You be like
'Is it still my name?'

'Oh it is my name'

😂😂😂😂

I feel you deserved it, your book is amazing!

I remember I kept telling you that and then you'd say 'oh lemme just write this round before the organizers send me packing!'😂😂😂

Now look at you! 1ST RUNNER UP for the entire CONTINENT!

I am so proud of you!

Once again, CONGRATULATIONS!

AO: Thank you❤

Lilly: Now tell me, what do you think made your story emerge at this position?

AO: Honestly, I have no idea.
Like I said before, I feel there are better books that deserve the spot more.

I have no clue what the ambassadors saw in my book.

(Drops voice to a whisper)
Am I even sure it was my book they read?

*looks around with wide eyes*

Lilly: 😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Funke is literally cracking me up!

And no, I didn't make any of this up!

It's all her😂😂🤣🤣🤣 Sophie is right, maybe she should be an interviewer too🤣🤣🤣

So what advice do you have for next year ONC participants?

AO: My advice for the next year's participants is that you guys, just write it. That's the major lesson I've learnt.

I didn't want to write this story, but I did and i'm still shocked about the results.

And don't write it because you want to win the ONC, write it because you want to tell that nagging story at the back of your head. Write because it's what you love doing.

While writing, make sure you put your entire self into telling that story.

Do not delete your book because you didn't get into the next level of the ONC.

Just write it.

Tell your story.

Be ready for improvement that will come with a few downfalls and you'll be fine.❤

Lilly: Wow! If you miss the lessons in this interview, I'm sorry but Wattpad is going to get harder🍫🍫🍫

Thank you so much Funke for this amazing message.

Now before we draw the curtains, I have a personal question: Why did you kill Yemi?! Whyyyyyyy😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it was suppose to be a 'they lived happily ever after!' But you killed him!😡

AO: 😀😀haha** to answer your question, I'll like to announce that there will be an epilogue and  a second book!

(You can guess what its about!)😃

Lilly: 😱😱😱 Yemi will be the 'Undead' in the second book?!

AO: In order for that second book to have strong legs, Yemi has to go . . .Kinda (*laughs evilly*)😈😈😈

The name of the book is 'UNREAL' but that's all I'm giving out.😉

Lilly: Wow, this is a good bribe😉

AO: I'm so excited for this one because it's going to answer a lot of questions and a lot of people will finally get the happily ever after they deserve❤

Lilly: Oh and one last question; How come Dami could speak so many languages during her incantations?

Also, what's the relationship between Dami and Stephan?
She calls him Stephie!🧐 are they dating or is she a ghost in an old woman's body? Or maybe his ghost?

AO: Dami is a witch! LOL😀

Of course she speaks many languages.

I actually wanted her to seem like she was "in the spirit" and those different languages were  her own tongues.

The woman surprises even me, sometimes.😬

Lilly: She gives me the creep🥶

So how about my theories of her relationship with Stephan?

AO: Wow Lilly! I am shocked with your guesses😁

Mad theories you've got there😁 but the actual answer to this question shall not be revealed until 'UNREAL' comes out.

Though, I can tell you that there is history between then. More history than you can think of.

Lilly: So when will Unreal be released?

AO: Unreal will be out January next year, because I have tons of stories to complete this year.

Who knows, it could even be my ONC project next year.
(And this time not just for Africa)

Lilly: 🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔🔔YAY!

Finally, before we go, I want you to do a sort of vote of thanks/shout out to all those who some how contributed to this wonderful achievement of yours. . .

AO: **where do I even start from?🤔

Okay, first off, I'd like to thank everyone who read  and who will read Undead.
You all helped me tell the story. You helped me spot typos and helped me when I felt like I was going to fall out of the ONC or something.

PrayerSimeon
lindajennylambert
myrawritess
Evergreen_Ebony
Yin-Mika
Her_Royal_Cuteness
LaFayeJones
cherxxbear
LadySapphire2018
EloperElf
HafsaNaseem
Jalea_es_Raro
LenAiono
Estherville123
PennyEfternavn
danicapcosta
KirtikaArya
hazelgracewaters
Monrosey
HON3Y3D
Carolyn_Hill
kdpeters
storiesbyfenna

And many more who I can't tag now because I feel this chapter is going to be too long to read, 😂😂😂

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, for your support, all the supportive comments, for helping me gain an audience, for being my audience and for reading my imperfect stuff.

I can't even thank you all enough❤.

Carolyn_Hill was the first Wattpad star who made me believe Wattpad stars could ne spoken to. And she's so nice even after having her book converted to a paid story and back.
(Y'all know Fireborn, right? That book is gold!)

But Carolyn isn't the only one.

Monrosey too.

And even my Wattpad FAM who aren't Wattpad stars yet, they're all amazing and I keep thanking God for them every time I stare at my Wattpad page. You guys are the best❤❤❤

Lilly: Awwwww that was so sweeeet🍫
Thank you so much for honoring this interview even after I disappeared for almost a month and came back you didn't decide to ignore this lazy interviewer😂😂

AO: Thank you so much for having me, Lilly. This was honestly an honor (even though I fell asleep at one point) *cricket sounds*

😂😂😂😂😂

I'd have you know that we had this interview at midnight, I have the right to fall asleep.

(Audience: 😂😂😂😂)

Thank you thank you thank you🍫🍫🍫🍫

And Lilly, you are a wonderful writer, an awesome friend and an interviewer who I know will reach very great heights.

Have you even considered applying to be an ambassador?

You could interview authors for Wattpad, guy!❤❤❤❤

Lilly: You are one funny girl, babes😂😂

And

I really haven't considered being an ambassador. . .
(I don't even know how that works😊) but I'll check them out. Thank you🍫

Funke to the Audience;
I love Óshún Unearthed by the way, you should read it Y'all!🍫

________🍫_________

We have come to the end of this exciting, educative, Informative and motivational interview!

This is probably the longest interview I have ever done and actually written completely with almost 4k words at a go (my fingers are in pains😪) but I had so much fun just talking to her🍫

Please go check out Undead and I promise you won't be disappointed!🍫

If you are just discovering this interview shop, it is still very much opened and we'd love to interview your works.🍫

PS: My Birthday is tomorrow, 26th of June (Yeah, I'm Ariana's missing twin😏) I'll really love it if we can get to 5k views. So please share this interview shop so more people can troop in🍫 It will mean the world to me!❤

So tell a friend to tell a friend about us today and get us to the darkest and most treacherous street of Wattpad.🍫

Until next time loves, stay safe and as always, I remain you superstar favourite host, Lilly🍫