In The Spotlight

Talking with national_anthem

This time I am interviewing national_anthem. He is the author of the wonderfully written, All The Nice & Lovely Things; a sci-fi novel. His work has been extremely well recieved, as it should be, and I would high recommend it to lovers of sci-fi or anyone looking for an excellent read.

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1. What is the first story you have ever written?

The first story I think I ever wrote was, more or less, the biggest copyright catastrophe ever. I was big fan of Sabrina the Teenage Witch at the time, so I based this harmless, teen romance coming-of-age never-ending magical story around a girl called Sam, who I've never forgotten about to this day. Four copybooks, talking cats, witchy aunts; it was 1996 all over again! Sorry, Archie Comics!

2. How did you come up with the plot for All The Nice & Lovely Things?

This novel had a mind of its own. I know a lot of people say that, but I sympathise with the statement a lot more these days. The plot was simple in the beginning - three main points, a few main characters - but every day, another twist, turn, person, merited inclusion. One thought turned into three, and then I had three sections ready to spit out. It was thrilling and exhausting. I needed something elegant, different; I read Teen Lit and did the opposite. I wanted grainy, 1960's characters.

3. Do you plan to make writing your full time occupation or is it more of a hobby?

Writing is the dream, anyway. It's hard, it's difficult, sometimes it wrecks your day, but you can't imagine forgetting about it. Turning writing into an occupation is something that I've dreamed of since spending time with Sam. I'd love it one day.

4. How do you fix your writer’s block?

I have a few weird ones. The most normal would have to be music – get a song, imagine it playing in a scene of the story. Write a scene that fits it perfectly. Download the score of an epic movie – from now on, it’s the soundtrack to your book. Watch interviews with published authors; I watch teen writers, younger than me. My jealousy motivates me! Read awful books, and know you’re better! Watch interviews of your favourite musicians or actors; their passion will motivate you. Ok, this is the weirdest one, but it helps; organize what your character is wearing. Look up some of the most expensive clothes in the world – put your character in them.

5. What styles and genres of writing do you prefer?

I like to read everything; I’m not really picky by plot or author. When I write, I have a clear idea in my head. I like to stay a comfortable distance from my work, but I keep it understandable; my characters will always be my age, be in my school, live down the road from me, etc. For some reason, I always imagined All The Nice & Lovely Things set in the 1950’s, even though marvels of the twenty-first century were always going to be present. I saw glamour, expense, diamonds and beauty, which affected the style of the novel very much so.

6. What is your favourite Wattpad author?

My dear friend roiskate. She actually got me involved on this site, even though it took me a while to get started. Um, I have a few pieces in my library as we speak; Specialness, by Trivstar, sucked me in in no time, and I really enjoyed Bubble Tea Girl, by KateLorraine.

7. What is your favourite published novel?

I would have to pick The Forest of Hands & Teeth, by Carrie Ryan. It’s just genuine. I can say nothing else.

8. What do you hope Wattpad will be like next year?

I hope it will have become more widespread, because, even though I’ve only been on it a little while, it’s fantastic for constructing growth among writers! I’d love to keep my fans, keep them happy, and maybe get some more!

9. Do you base any of your characters on real people?

I didn’t in the beginning; I was kinda in love with the idea of making new people. I think it was when I started to like people, individuals in general, and got involved with having relationships, that I decided I needed to honour instances in my life by putting people on paper. The friends and love interests in All The Nice & Lovely Things are all based on special people in my past; I remember the first thing I ever put into this story that I experienced in real life was early in Book II, set around an instance during April Fools Day. I remember writing it, and knowing that I’d struck gold with this new technique.

10. Where do you get your inspiration?

Nowadays, because the novel is finished, I get inspiration from the events and lives I’ve already written. This is complete cheese, but the characters in this are real people at this stage; they’re that chock-a-block with real-life mannerisms, jokes from my family, and things I’m proud of. It makes me want to continue, it makes me never want to say “I’m done with this.” It makes me want to write a sequel.

11. What does writing mean to you?

Writing to me means having a conversation with as many people as possible. A million people, if you want it to. For me, it’s being as personal and honest as possible, whether you want people to see it or not. It’s an outlet, where anything can go. It also means you’re more special than your friends!

12. How did you discover Wattpad?

The majestic roiskate. She talked about it with such fervour!

13. If you could live as a characters in one of your stories, who would it be?

Beck; he’s doesn’t let anything drag him down. Or Mary Kennedy – her brain is a little more special than ours...

14. What is the reason or inspiration behind your user name?

Lana Del Rey’s song “National Anthem,” by a mile! Love it! It’s also the working title of my sequel, for a different reason.

Would love to thank ScarlettHeart for including me in this fantastic lineup!

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You are very welcome. All the best for your writing future!