Interview by taetebts

• How was your experience of judging in Just One Day Awards?

Not only me, I think most of us read the stories which are being recommended to us. Especially the ones with much reads and except we read our friends' books.

And here, I've enjoyed reading some good books by unknown writers. Thanks to @armykoyola for hosting this wonderful Award Show where underrated authors get the chance to shine.

I tried to give true feedbacks and suggestions which can help you improve and if any of you do have any queries please let me know, I'll try to help you as much as I can.

• What's your take on healthy awards or competitions?

There should be equalism. We should respect each other here. Everyone is learning something every time they take participation in any kind of Award Show. It shouldn't be judged according to the views or popularity of the book but rather by the quality of it. Judges should refrain from using harsh comments and most importantly hosts should allot experienced judges on their Award Shows. I've seen people filling up 'judges' forms with zero writing experience. No matter how many books you read, if you don't have any experience in writing. you would never be able to judge a book properly. And I believe as readers are doing their payments according to the rules, they deserve honest and helpful feedback from the judges. And this Award Show is amazing all because of my sweet friend aka the host of this book. It's a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful journey.

• What was the first book you liked after you joined Wattpad? And why?

I didn't have the slightest idea of Fanfiction. I never imagined there would be something exist like this (yeah, I know I was a baby). The first book I read was Tom Hiddleston's. I became a crazy fan of Marvel back then and I grew a soft corner for Loki's character. I opened my first Fan Account on Instagram which I still have and there I made many friends. One of them requested me to read her newly published book and I was awestruck after I finished reading it. From there my journey began on Wattpad. Wish I could mention that book but she deleted it and sadly I lost contact with her afterward. I also wrote a book on Loki but didn't have the guts to post it. It wasn't good as I was unskilled and naive however I have a thing for writing. It makes me happy when I get the chance to express my thoughts.

Afterward when I got to know about BTS from my elder sister, Lol, again I opened a fan account of them on Instagram and made many army friends. I used to read all of my friend's books along with some popular Fanfictions here. I don't remember what was my first book but I loved reading 'Melody in the Darkness' by @Lily_Flint. It's very thrilling and good to read. It has some adult stuff that is not so hardcore but I started to lose my innocence after I joined this fandom :') she followed me back and we used to talk too. She's such a sweet author but sadly she's not updating now for some reason. I hope she's okay. I loved reading 'House Call' by @Smol_hard_stan_. I was addicted to it. Unfortunately, her book got deleted and I would have never been so sad.

There are other books also which I loved reading like Captain Jeon 'Since 1894', Addicted, Unknown, Teach me Mr. Perfect (lol I know what you'll say but back then I didn't know what I was getting myself into >0<) Satan and so on.

• What inspired you to begin writing?

Never have I ever thought I would become a writer. It never crossed my mind because I wasn't good at English and used to feel insecure about it. Still, I'm trying to learn this language and as I love reading language-literature stuff, I've taken English Literature as my major in college. I like reading books and writing a book is just a addition to it. Some stories I want to end according to my imagination and I won't get bothered if people don't agree with my way of thinking. Because at the end of the day, it's only me and I want to experience everything I want to.

• What suggestions would you give the authors

from your writing journey?

Umm, as a writer I still need to learn so many things. However, I want to share what I've realized and what influences me to keep writing.

Self Realisation: First I would like to say understand your flaws, where you're lacking, and why you're questioning your writing style after reading a wonderful story. It happens when we read something beyond our imagination and start comparing it with us. So, here is what I do, I take tips and I study how it's different from my perspective. I'm not talking about the plot because I think even though there are so many stories with the same concept, people still search for similar stories and end up reading over 20 stories with that same concept. What differs here is your way of explaining things and most importantly how you cover up every point which helps your reader to breathe through your story.

Understand Your 'Comfort Genre': I think it's very important for you to understand what you're good at rather than complaining about what you're not. As for me, I like sci-fi and any genre with a good plot. But I know I'm not compatible with writing in the Sci-fi Genre instead I write tragic stories. Even I'm not good at writing. I try to learn and get inspired by other writers to improve myself. And I think if you really wanna write something outside of your suitable genre, you can. It'll take time but it's never late to start anything. Take notes and see how people write or portray in those kinds of genres and come up with your unique plot.

Find Your 'Own Perspective': This point is important as well. I've read brilliant long stories (like novels) and also short stories with a mastermind plot. So, it does not always depend on the quantity, the quality matters a lot. As for me, even though I can think of a long storyline, I end up getting 'writer's block' and sadly leave the story mid-way. I prefer to write one-shots and I try to explain the story within a chapter. I've seen judges cutting marks on my book as they say "You write very complex things for a one-shot, I wanted more, I wasn't satisfied" or "You need to improve more, try to write a full book"...things like that. So, these things hurt a little when they use harsh words to criticize my writing style. They hurt a lot. But the good thing is I'm trying to accept all the comments and I would like to stay with the writing style, I want. And along with that I will improve my writing aspects and come up with a unique plot every time.

Criticism: I think except for our supportive readers, deep within we want to see where we're lacking and in what ways we can improve ourselves. So, these Award shows and Review Shops are where we get what we need to become a better writer and this is the very place where sometimes our dreams get crushed too for some harsh words. I do understand this as I'm not confident with my writing and people say you shouldn't do things you're not good at. Therefore, let me tell you one thing - don't let your self-esteem be so fragile that anyone can break it. People will criticize you always but if you're honest in your path where you're not harming anyone, for your own sake and liking, you should write. It doesn't have to be best compared to anyone but it should be best according to you. Write because you love to, and take time if you need but never rely on votes or views. Don't feel demotivated if you get fewer views. I know it's easy to say but once you look back you'll understand why you started writing in the first place. Write with this passion and I assure you that I'll support you no matter what. Best of luck.

Some Judges: I've seen some judges skipping chapters saying it had bored them or things like it wasn't their liking that's why they had cut marks. I've seen it so many times. In this case, I would suggest the Judges mention their preference while filling up the form and hosts allot the books according to their criteria. Also if something has happened to you as a writer, I would say don't take their words by heart because if it was any other judge who would prefer this kind of Genre they would give you full marks. So, everyone's perspectives are different and you shouldn't judge your worth by some trivial numbers.

If you win any category it's wonderful but in case you don't try to understand why you didn't. Take inspiration from others. I do this a lot. I would add the winner's books to my reading list and would read to see why they won and I accept they deserved it. Everyone works hard, it takes so much effort, motivation, and patience to build up a story.. so be diligent. It takes time to sharpen your skills.

LOL, I've said so many things. I apologize if it bored you. And I wish I could keep these points in my mind also when I feel demotivated :')