Who Am I:

Van Carley is a Wattpad Star & Creator who enjoys the freedom of bouncing between genres or mashing them together. She's best known for writing morally grey characters in chaotic settings and loves anti-heroes. Some of her achievements include winning the 2021 Open Novella Contest with her book Carmela + Amos, being selected for the Paid Anthology: The One That Got Away, and Shortlisting for the 2018 Wattys with her book Water in a Time of Thirst. When Van isn't reading, writing, or hanging out with writer-friends on Discord, she is watching Netflix with her husband and cuddling with their two dogs. You can find her on Wattpad as Van_Carley, and on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok as VanCWrites.

Read My Books:
https://www.wattpad.com/story/321290745-death-shaken-not-stirred
https://www.wattpad.com/story/240047154-the-divorcee-murder-club
https://www.wattpad.com/story/257372746-carmela-%2B-amos-onc-2021-winner
https://www.wattpad.com/story/171203560-the-water-witcher-completed

Social Media Links:
https://beacons.ai/vancarley

1. What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad and what do you like most about the platform as a writer?

I've enjoyed writing stories since I was little, but in a college, I discovered what it's like to share them with others and receive constructive criticism. However, after that, I no longer had an avenue to share my stories, so they existed in my mind or in notes on my phones. When I stumbled upon Wattpad in the Play Store in 2012, it made me curious, so I downloaded it, and have never looked back. What I love about Wattpad is the community I've become part of, and the friends I've made. We've never met, yet I feel so close to many of them, and like they genuinely care about me too.

 2. What has been your most rewarding Wattpad experience?
Becoming a Wattpad Star! I never thought I would qualify and I didn't think I was a good enough writer to be invited, so when I was asked, it came as an incredible shock. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I actually cried, and responded immediately with a yes, and for the rest of the morning, I couldn't stop smiling.

3. If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
Chaotic. Dark. Realistic.

4. Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
Writing on my phone! When I joined Wattpad, I didn't have a computer, so I had no choice but to write through the app. Adjusting to writing on my phone was one of the best things I did for myself because it gave me the ability to write wherever, and whenever. Most of my writing is done on the go or in pit stops while working my day job, so for the last few years, my writing is done 99% on my phone. It's been a game changer!

5. What is your proudest moment as a writer? Do you have a memory you will never forget?
Definitely becoming a Wattpad Star. But I'm hoping I'll get to add, "Winning a Watty," one day. 

6. Which of your books is your favourite, and why that one?
Carmela + Amos! I got the idea for it years ago, but it never seemed like the right time to write it. However, last year I saw a prompt for the Open Novella Contest that spoke to me, so it finally felt like the right moment. I was also dealing with depression and anxiety at the time, so I poured all of my stress and emotions into it. The end result was very different than what I originally envisioned years ago, but the story I actually wrote is lightyears better than I could have ever imagined.

7. Share two Wattpad story recommendations. 

AndiBlackbird - The Darkness That Consumes the Light https://www.wattpad.com/story/137694136-the-darkness-that-consumes-the-light-%E2%9E%80

AvaLarksen BOUND 
https://www.wattpad.com/story/143367728-bound-1-a-ruin-of-crows-and-thorns