The First Place winner in Mystery/Thriller is user17450679. Check her out!

'Hatched' by user17450679

Interview with user17450679:

1. Can you briefly introduce your story and tell us why you think it won first place? Why do you want readers to consider reading it?

Hatched has been a project of mine for roughly six years. I've been building upon the idea for some time and am currently trying to wrap up the plot and correct any inconsistencies. FBI agent Quinn Jones and marine biologist Robyn Bourke come together to solve murders that span over a decade, in which the assailant might possibly be inhuman. There's a lot of twists involving corruption on the part of the oil rig owner, but I can't give away the juicy ending.

I'm surprised the novel won first, actually, because the ideas are not fully developed and connected. I tend to jump around in my writing when the inspiration hits me and it can lead to a choppy read. I'd like to think a lot of the strength that pulled this to the top is the writing style and character development. I try to paint a picture as I write so the reader can clearly picture in their mind what is happening.

2. What is your favourite genre to write in? Any new genre you want to attempt?

I don't favor any particular genre over another, but I definitely do not have an affinity for science fiction and fantasy. I do have other novels started, including supernatural, fantasy, romance, and action. All of these are at various points in development. My current mood greatly influences which genre I choose to explore.

3. Have you ever thought of pursuing writing as a profession? Or are you currently planning to do so?

I would love to see one of my novels published. It's not something that is do or die for me, but reaching readers and providing them something that tests their imagination is such an exciting endeavor and it would be a shame if nobody else or few others got to see the world the way I see it through writing. It is one of the last great arts and is going by the wayside due to today's growing need for television and internet-based entertainment. If I ever finish a work I plan to submit it to publishing companies and possibly Amazon.

4. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

I do research at the relevant points in my books, but I've read enough material and watched enough how it works type shows that I've got a good idea of how certain aspects need to appear in my novels.

5. Do you have any advice or tips you want to share with other writers out there?

My advice to aspiring writers is to write what you know. That gives you a good basis and requires less research on their part. Also, bring your voice: your style is unique to you, and you alone. Embrace it and love it. You can always become better at grammar, development, vocabulary usage and the like, but the bit of you that you impart on your works is what makes them shine.

6. How supportive are your readers?

My readers are amazing individuals. They all have their own wonderful stories to share and I enjoy seeing all the talent they bring forth on this platform. I love it when someone I've followed gets a publishing deal. It really is amazingly wonderful to have supporters and to support them in return.

7. What elements do you think make a good story?

My inspiration comes from anything, be it a song or a word, or perhaps a painting. When you allow your mind to wander you really tap into subconscious energy that you can do anything with. Sometimes personal experiences, fantasies or fears fuel my ideas.

8. What is the hardest thing about writing?

The hardest part of writing is dragging out the feeling of inspiration. When you lose it, you get writer's block. I'm horrible with writer's block. It drags me down and I have to step away from writing for months at a time.

9. Which one of your characters can you relate the most to?

I think I relate a bit to all of my characters. When I'm penning their personalities, my mind plays out how they look, act and feel as if I'm seeing the world through their eyes. If I had to pick one in Hatched, I'd have to say, Quinn Jones. His intellect is something to be admired and desired.

10. If a film were made of your book, who would you cast in the leading roles?

I wrote and illustrated my first book at the age of six. It was about myself and my pet rabbit, which I didn't actually possess. I really wanted one, though.

Fun Questions Section:

11. If you had to change your name, what would your new name be, and why would you choose that name?

I always wanted to be named Amanda. Not really sure why, it's just pretty.

12. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be?

My biography: Meg, the story of the author who never finished a novel. But I really hope that doesn't become true.

13. What 3 famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party?

My fantasy dinner party would consist of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft and Jane Austen.