One of our members who is acting as a temporary interviewer, Tate, had an insightful conversation with CroodsGirl

An author whose favorite genre is fantasy has been writing for twelve years, since the 4th grade. She aspires to become a professional author one day with her writing style similar to that of a screenwriter to carry her through.

Thank you, Victoria for letting us interview you.

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Hello there! I'm Tate and I'll be your interviewer today. It's a pleasure to meet you.

So how are you doing today?

Pleasure to meet you too. I'm doing well. What about you?

I'm doing good too, thank you.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? What first got you interested in writing?

It's actually a bit strange how I got into it. I was in 4th grade, and my mom was getting her hair done. I was bored, so she told me to just write something in my school notebook (because I was annoying her). So, I did just that. The story I wrote ended up being ninety-six pages long, and ever since then, I've loved to write.

Wow, you seemed to be really creative from a young age. Did you ever publish this story?

No, I didn't, but I still have it, even though it's torn up and in bad shape. It's also very poorly written. However, it's fun to return to that story as an older, wiser individual and see how much I have improved.

Hmm, I see that you've written many stories, is there a book of yours that you like the most? A favourite perhaps?

I have two favorite books, both which are on Wattpad: Through the Wormhole and The Green Guardian. They are very old and have endured intense re-writing and editing over the years. The Green Guardian is the oldest. I wrote the first draft all the way back in 5th grade. As for Through the Wormhole, I wrote the first draft in 8th grade.

Any specific reason why they are your favourites?

I love The Green Guardian because it's nostalgic and is/was part of a series of ninety-six stories I wrote during elementary and middle school. Through the Wormhole is special too because I did three years' worth of research to write it. I think both stories have unique plots and fascinating characters. I've worked really hard on them, and I want to share them with the world-maybe even get them published one day.

I wish you all the best for publishing them someday :)

Thank you!

What is something or someone that inspires you?

My dad. He had been listening to my stories ever since 4th grade. I have memories of us crowding into my room at night, and I would read him the Pinta Country stories (the ones that The Green Guardian are part of). He is a huge fan of Through the Wormhole and has told me that he can see it becoming a movie one day. Currently, he and my mom are on the lookout for possible places where I can get published.

That's wonderful, they seem really supportive of you.

They definitely know how much writing means to me. Even my younger brother knows. He, actually, was the one who told me to start putting my stories online.

You are really close with your family then?

Well, I am definitely "Daddy's little girl." I get along with him very well, as well as my younger brother. So I guess, yes, I am close to my family. Strangely, though, they are not my real family. I was adopted at a young age from Russia. Despite this, we still have a lot of fun together.

Oh well in the end I guess it's the bond and love between the people that matter the most.

Yes, I agree.

What is your favourite genre to read and write?

Oh, that's an easy question. Fantasy. I adore Fantasy, especially Dark Fantasy. My family tells me that I have an imagination like none other, and it's present in my stories. Fantasy is the genre I have written the longest. Hypothetically, though, Fantasy is one of the harder genres to write. It takes many years to learn how to write it well. I'm still learning new things about it to this day.

Agreed, fantasy requires a really impressive imagination. It always fascinated me how people create their own worlds and creatures, it's really impressive.

What do you enjoy most while writing a story?

What I enjoy most about writing is creating a world that will draw my readers in. Setting and world-building are very important to me as a writer. I hope that my readers won't want to leave the worlds I've created.

Is there a message you wanted to convey through your books?

Each of my books has a moral lesson. After all, a tip that one of my writing teachers gave me is that a book is not a good book unless there is something at its core. The lessons I incorporate are lessons I've learned in life. They may be hard to pick up, but they are definitely there.

Do you have a favourite author? If yes what book of theirs do you like the most?

I really enjoy Shannon Messenger and her Keeper of the Lost Cities books. Messenger reminds me so much of myself. Her writing style is similar to mine, so I have a lot of fun reading her books. The first book in a series is always the best, so I adore the first Keeper of the Lost Cities. If there is an author I wish to meet one day, it's Messenger.

As you've said you have been writing stories for quite some time now, in this period have you ever had to face writer's block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Oh, yes, writer's block is my worst enemy. This is why I have so many unfinished stories. The system I go by is a bit funky, but it works. I work on one story until I get writer's block with it, then I move on to another one until the same thing happens. It's a pattern. Also when I get writer's block, I usually got out and get some fresh air. It helps clear my head. I do have a prompt book that I like to write in too.

That is an interesting method, I'll keep it in mind for the next time.

As an author who has published her books to the public, have you ever received any criticism? If you have, has it ever discouraged you?

Yes, I have. I enter a lot of awards in order to get constructive criticism because I want to keep improving. Since 4th grade, I have attended plenty of writing camps, classes, and workshops, so criticism doesn't discourage me too much. However, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and a straight-up bully. Writers need to learn the difference between the two.

Yup, the line between them is really thin indeed.

Are there any tips or messages you would like to give to new and starting writers out there?

Yes. Of course, the first one is to learn the difference between constructive criticism and a bully. Second, you need to be patient. Nobody becomes a famous author overnight. Keep practicing and make your story the best it can be. Never give up. Writing is a process, and that is why it is just as powerful as a star gone supernova.

True words :)

Who is a character that you've written who you would bring to life if you had the chance and why?

Oh, gosh, this is the complete opposite of the last question. It's difficult because I love all my characters. I guess my top three though would be Dan Matton in Through the Wormhole, John the Red-Crowned Crane in The Green Guardian, and Tracey Freeburg in a series I'm working on now, Metamorphosis. All three of these characters have vast personalities and life goals, but they struggle to fit into their world. All three of them have been injured one way or the other (I have a bad habit of hurting the characters I love). They mean good in their hearts. I've always dreamed about bringing them to life.

Well, let's hope for a miracle that brings them here :)

They are here. They are in my stories. I am thrilled to have created them.

What do you say we conclude this evening with a small game of sorts. It's a simple game,  I'll say a word and you just have to respond with the first thing that comes to your mind when hearing it. Okay?

Yes, we can end with a game.

Great! First word: Ink

Pen

Words

Create

Art

Painting

Love

Family

Beauty

Weather

And that brings us to the end of this interview. It was great talking to you this evening, I wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

It was great talking to you too. I had fun. Thank you for the opportunity.

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