Hello everyone!

Today we have TiffanyDaune the writer of Coral & Bone with us.

Warm regards Tiffany. It's our honor to have you as a member of the Cryptic.

Thank you! It's an absolute honor to be part of this amazing team!

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

My sister mentioned Wattpad early 2016. She suggested I post Coral & Bone for readers, since her students love the platform so much. Once I joined, I fell in love with the stories and the super supportive community here. I'm so glad I listened to her. 

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

Dark fiction and horror are my favorites to read. I love @TheCRYPTIC  for showcasing the best of Wattpad's dark fiction and for encouraging writer's to a walk on the dark side.

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

I'm a YA junkie. Mostly, I read urban fantasy and horror. I adore stories with plenty of twists, supernatural elements, a little romance and a whole lot of death and mayhem. 

Why did you decide to join The Cryptic High Council?

Joining felt like home... Bwahahahaha.

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

I have so many notebooks and random scraps of paper with story ideas. I'll never have time to write them all. A lot of my ideas come while I'm in the movie theater. I think the combination of Twizzlers, popcorn and darkness trigger creativity for me. Unfortunately, this usually occurs within the first fifteen minutes and then I spend the rest of the movie trying not to forget the idea. My son inspires me as well. He's a great soundboard and amazing at helping with plot holes. I'd could make a fortune renting him out to other authors. Hmmm..... 

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

Brainstorming is the most natural part of writing. Trying to tame those wild ideas into a story, now that's the challenge. 

What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

Any quiet place that has tea. 

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

I won a writing contest when I was twelve. The story was published in the local paper, so I still have the clipping. The story was terrible and the picture of me even more hideous. I also have some poetry from high school. When I look back, I wish I had pursued a career in writing. I spent so much time just trying to survive life, I forgot what I truly loved. I'm so blessed to be able to do this now.  

Tell us about your growth as an author.

I've always written for myself. I never really shared much with anyone. Then I decided to write a novel once my son was in school. After reading it to a friend, I decided to query publishers. Each time I sent it out, I received a rejection. I wrote another novel. And still I couldn't find an agent or publisher interested in my work. Mainly because the manuscripts were terrible and I wasn't ready to be published. The third novel was picked up by a publisher along with the two more future novels in the series. Unfortunately, when the second book was slated for release my publisher closed their doors. I took the stories to an independent editor and she suggested a rewrite. I spent a few months editing and reworking the  plot, but it felt like trying to restore a house that needed demolishing. So in the end, I shelved the series and set to work on writing Coral & Bone. Since I had built a small audience for the published book , I self-published Coral & Bone. Still, it was hard to find readers on my own. Then I discovered Wattpad. When I joined, I was so grateful just to have someone read my story. Fast forward one year... Coral & Bone won a Watty and I just signed the series with a publisher. The journey continues... 

Do you have a favorite author or book?

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket Series) as well as The Chronicles of Narnia are dear to my heart. Books were my escape from a very strange childhood. These two series fill me with joy even today. I also loved the movie versions. 

Besides writing, do you have any hidden talents?

I am a champion Netflix binge watcher. I'm surprised they haven't sent me a medal. 

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

Listen to your heart and your voice will shine. One of the challenges of a new writer is finding your voice. If you write to please others or to the market, you'll lose the magic. Write that story that keeps you up night. That's the story your heart wants to tell. Also, don't let doubt get in the way of your dreams. Sure your technique may suck a little when you start out, but that's okay! You have to start somewhere. It doesn't mean you're not a good writer. Keep writing and the rest will come. 

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

Free time? What is this mythical creature you speak of? 

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

For me candy is life, but I'm really picky. When I open a roll of bottle caps, package of Goodies or All Sorts, I only eat certain flavors. The rest go into the reject bowl.  No matter how bad the craving, I won't touch them.  

Do you prefer sweet or salty?

Considering I ate a plate of bacon drenched in maple syrup last night, I'll have to go with both.

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

Thank you so much! It was a pleasure. :)

Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame. Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past and can't help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all.