Hello everyone!

Today we have RachelS8766 the writer of "Lured by the Hunt" with us.

Warm regards Rachel. Welcome to an official interview from @TheCRYPTIC_ . It's our honor to interact with an inspiring writer like you. We hope that you'll have a great time.

First of all, tell us how you stumbled upon Wattpad and when.

I first discovered Wattpad in early 2013 after reading a short article about an author who'd landed herself a publishing deal. I'll admit, I forgot about it until I was sitting in the middle of my English exam a few months later. And as you do -- especially when you're trying to distract yourself from thoughts of failure -- my mind drifted and I thought back to the article. Intrigued, I decided to join May, 2013 and four years on, it's a decision I'm extremely pleased I made. There are not quite enough words to explain how grateful I am for this wonderfully, orange website. 

Wow! So what do you think about THE CRYPTIC's theme? What are your views regarding dark fiction?

I think it's brilliant and I'm honoured to be part of a great profile like this which showcases how awesome dark fiction is. Dark fiction for me is what keeps me on the edge of my seat. Anything which explores fear, death and the dark side of human (or not so human) nature keeps me hooked.  

What do you like to read? Do you have a favourite genre or any specific likes?

I'll read anything that tells a good story and keeps me guessing to the very end. But I do perhaps read Fantasy more than any other genre. I love world building and Fantasy caters to that love. I can quite happily get lost in another world. Also give me a novel with a gritty villain with characteristics that are 3D and I'll be your fan for life. I don't mind romance either if it's realistic and intertwines with the character's growth. 

What compels you to pick up a pen and scribble down your thoughts? Do you have any inspiration or motivation?

My motivation is often fleeting and inspiration can be difficult for me to retain but if I do find both, it's usually through artwork. As an amateur graphic designer, I'm often on Pinterest and Deviantart and browsing through photo manipulations sometimes inspires me. 

What really motivates me though is a challenge. An amazing friend of mine has struck a deal with me to write 1000 words a day and if we fail, we give one another some form of punishment (not as sinister as it sounds XD). We just need to get back on track... 

Being a writer, what's the easiest part of writing and which aspect do you consider the most challenging?

I think the most difficult part of writing for me is getting my ideas down onto paper. I'm a slight perfectionist and have the tendency to scrutinise every sentence I write. It interferes with the pace of my writing and some days I don't enjoy writing as much as I should. It's a feeling I'm trying to shrug off, but my inner editor is not one to stay quiet. 

The easiest part would have to be world building. I go crazy. Doesn't matter if it's maps or lore, I will plan it all within an inch of its life and re-plan until I'm satisfied.  

What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

If I could write outside in my back garden every day I would, but Scottish weather is temperamental so I'm usually forced to do my writing in my bedroom. I don't mind that either since it's warmer, drier and quiet but it doesn't beat the outdoors for me. 

What's your first piece of writing, if you can remember? What thoughts does it bring to you when you look back at it?

Oh gods. I think those two words sum up my first piece of writing well. The first thing I wrote began with the typical alarm clock scene that would quite literally make you snooze and then delved into the equally cliche "you are the chosen one: go save the world" scenario. Throw in some elemental powers and my MC would have you cringing from the get go.  Not to mention the ridiculous grammar (I swear I invented my own rules). But we all start somewhere and I know my writing has improved drastically since then. It's not perfect but it's better. With time and practice, I know there's room for more growth. 

Tell us about your growth as an author.

I'm definitely still growing and have a long way to go but I like to think my work is less predictable than it was when I first began writing. I try to flesh out my characters, focusing greatly on their development and I try to give them flaws. They have imperfections but they also have talents and they make stupid mistakes just as we do. I'm desperate to make them feel more human and while they're not perfect, when I compare to how flat my characters used to be, they've grown a lot.  

My grammar is still a work in progress but I no longer invent my own rules... I'll take that as a positive. I'm beginning to learn to leave rewriting for the editing process too. 

I also do not begin opening chapters with the alarm clock. Never. Again. 

Do you have a favorite author or book? 

Favourite author has to be hands down FlaminUnicornofDeath. Although a regular Wattpad user like the rest of us, I'm in love with her writing style and I would love to see her work on a shelf for people to buy. Her plots always keep me guessing with their intricacy, her characters relatable with their quirks and her knack for worldbuilding is amazing. Plus, she gives me spoilers and I love spoilers.

Besides writing, do you have any hidden talents?

I'm a bit of a boring person so not really lol. I mess around with graphic design but compared to other designers, I'm very much an amateur and not that talented. 

You're sitting in front of a brand new aspiring writer, what do you say?

Just write. Don't worry about what you're writing. Just keep going and edit later. Ignore whatever doubts you have about the quality of your writing as they can be dealt with later and most importantly, always write for you. 

I just need to take my own advice. xD

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Don't be afraid to tell us something funny, we won't tell.

In my free time, I dabble a lot on Photoshop and make covers. I have a habit of making myself more covers for my book than I actually do chapters. I also like learning and I'm currently trying to teach myself Korean and Italian. And sleeping. Sleep is good. Plus, of course, like most on Wattpad reading and writing take up a chunk of my time. 

Now, the most awaited question of every young reader, do you have any childish habits? Do you like cartoons or chocolates?

Do you prefer sweet or salty?

I have a sweet tooth so definitely sweet. 

It was nice talking to you. Thanks for your precious time. We really appreciate it and hope you'll prosper leaps and bounds.

COVER

BLURB

The world fell when the gates of hell opened. From Edoum, the Bul-Gae Hunters rose and shattered peace between mankind and Fae. They advanced: lured by the hunt, to feast upon the flesh of Fae, and as society crumbled they began to play their game.  

Populations dwindled. Cities collapsed. Days grew hot. Nights cold. Forced to flee from Taeyang, Ria Akintola, bearer of the Sun, ran towards fool's hope. For her brother, her kingdom, her future -- she'd sworn to save them. But it was all a lie. 

Unable to admit the impossibility of salvaging her Kingdom from the ashes of the dead, Ria unites with the Moon to assassinate the host before the King can rise from a sinner's flame. 

It comes at a cost. 

She must endure the twelve trials of Joesung, or risk the tethers which bind her to life being destroyed. But when the tethers are already fragile, it's not long before they break, and the Sun slowly slips from the horizon.