Tethered Interviews | Hosted by The Tethered Community (Closed)

Interview #1 | @OnceUponALily

8.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? Be more original. Definitely. Because I create plot twists out of thin air. Anyone who's read my Tethered Series can see that. 

9.

How long does it take you to write a book?

This depends on everything that I have going on around me. I started writing a time-travel book in 2013 and did not finish it until 2018. Then on Wattpad, I wrote fanfiction in 2019 of my favorite International series, Skam, and the book was finished in two weeks, ending at 68 Chapters. My second book for Wattpad, Tethered Souls' original version, took five months and ended in a hundred chapters, 500,000 plus words.  When I revised it a second time, it took four weeks to complete, ending in eighty-four chapters and 350,000 words. Now I am rewriting it and hopefully ending it at sixty chapters or less. The 2nd draft is a mess. However, that is what it takes to be a dedicated writer. You have to have a drive for success.

10.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Plot first. Stay with the plot. Don't veer off the plot. Stop throwing many twists in one story that could be placed in the second or third books, especially for book series. Just slow your roll, Lily. 

11. 

What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel on Wattpad? Elements by Muaazics. His writing is like floating in a parallel universe, one that's mystical, where you're never wanting to leave. I can't get enough of his writing. My feedback shows it. 

And the same question for off of Wattpad? There are so many, many books out there that are magnificent choices. It's hard to choose one right now. I'll come back to this question.

12. 

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

I would say animals that create. Such as a spider. Even though I dislike spiders, and am deathly afraid of them, they can weave a web so beautifully just like authors can weave a story. It can be well-crafted. 

Some birds build a nest to live in and pick up twigs here and there, similar to telling a story. Although, I also like owls because they can see in the dark. As an owl, you can see things about life and humanity that others can't. Owls can also fly inches from their prey without being detected. Many writers do the same. They watch and observe their surroundings for inspiration. Don't dare think I wouldn't put someone I know in a story. I enjoy weaving my web and observing my prey. It's the beauty of creating.

13.

What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters? When I meet someone interesting, I find a muse for my story. I love putting people in my books. Especially my two friends, who have helped me on my writing journey, Eithne_01, and Muaazics. The characters in my book, Tethered Souls, are Enya Stavros and Cyrus Shah. 

14.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? I am consistently researching for my books. Especially for Tethered Souls. Because my storyline is multicultural and interfaith. I have to make sure I have the right information written about those cultures and faiths before airing it. Which I struggle a lot with. 

15.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? It's actually easy for me to write about men. I write about them in the way I hope real men could be. Kind, accepting and has a good heart. All my readers enjoy Amir's scenes in Tethered Souls, along with the other male cast members. Some male cast members are horrible "entities", as readers' have commented. Writing all characters go well for me. I have a problem with balancing my story, though. I'll work on that. 

16.

If you had to give up either snacks and drinks during writing sessions, or music, which would you find more difficult to say goodbye to? Hm. Probably food. I need diet juice and music to get me through a writing session. 

17.

If you had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world for a year while writing a book that took place in that same setting, where would you choose? Pakistan! My storyline in The Tethered Series is based in Pakistan. I'd like to travel there, then to India, and also to Nigeria. I'd like to get a feel for all the locations inside my story. 

18.

Picture this: You feel uninspired and you’ve sat at the computer for an hour without conquering any words. How do you get your creativity flowing? Either I watch a show I am catching up on and trying to find inspiration for, or I read a published book that I've been reading. Sometimes, I will find inspiration through stories on Wattpad. Yep! We have the world at our fingertips here!  

19.

Do you feel like it's most important to have A) Strong characters B) Mind-blowing Plot twists or C) Epic settings? B. Mind-blowing twists. That's how Tethered Souls was crafted. Many stories have epic scenes and strong characters, but very few have twists that you'll always remember for years to come. I love twists! They keep me on the edge of my seat! 

20.

What is your favorite genre to read, and why? Romance, and also Science Fiction. Especially when combining the two. I love the thrill of what Science Fiction can do for my mind, and I enjoy well-developed romances that make my tummy flutter. Sorry. I'm such a sap! 

21.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most? I can read 50 published books in a month, and 70-75 books online WHEN I am not concentrating on reviewing them. That slows me down a bit. Also, I drink everything through a straw. Hot coffee and cappuccinos and all! 

22.

Is there a classic book you enjoyed reading if you read any? I enjoy many classics. I find myself inspired by them. I love Charlotte Brontë. It's something about her work that makes me smile.

23.

Give a shout-out to a fellow author on Wattpad. MKPrin8

24.

How do you think being a writer has helped you as a person? Yes! I have gotten to see the world through another lens. Especially while writing Tethered Souls. Reading about how some regions of the world have different laws, customs, and lifestyles, plus the wars each one faces, not everyone has it as easy as some. I believe in unity, and I hope that can be achieved one day. Everyone embraces one another, regardless of their differences.  

25.
What other authors are you friends with on Wattpad, and how do they help you become a better writer? Each one of these people has helped me grow as a writer. I love that I have met them. There are more, and too many tags. Lol.
ChasMedaries The_Book_Smuggler07 Eithne_01 Muaazics marsaumell cat_mama2019 special brighteverafters MysticDream_ SweetFantasy69 Osasucyy111 c_collinseditor tin2rh7  McSidney The_Dreamers_Society TheGemCommunity

26. If you could be any day of the week, what would you choose?

Satunday. It's the day between Saturday and Sunday. And the world needs an extra day on the weekend.