WATTPAD INTERVIEW

Interview with NeverTrustaDuck

Another one, and I think this one is particularly important, stick to one story at a time. I've seen so many new writers writing several stories at the same time, and they never finish anything. Without an ending, it's not going anywhere.

Listen to your characters. Don't force your characters into a situation because you think it will be entertaining. Readers are not idiots. They will realise something's off about the story. Don't go for the shock value for the sake of it or it will create the same problem. I've seen so many people wanting to kill off a character and it leaves me feeling more irritated than sad. The same is true for the reverse. Don't keep a character around because you don't want to upset your readers. If the character needs to go, kill him off.

I have so much more, but we'll be here all day if I mention them all. These are the main mistakes I see new writers make so keep an eye out for them in your own stories (and yes, mine are full of them, especially my earlier ones! - well except for the not finishing).

Do you have a favourite author and book? If so, who or/and what is it?

My favourite author used to be Cassandra Clare, until the huge cock-up with the sixth Mortal Instrument novel. Ugh, just no. *shudders* I really admire Richelle Mead. I think her writing is absolutely fabulous, and the rate she churns out novels... she's my hero.

My favourite book has to be The Black Magician's trilogy (I know that's three books, but I'm still going with it). The characters sprang off the page, they were all so intense and all so different and no one was quite what they seemed. And that ending - I think it was one of the best damn endings I have read in a long time. That series gave me the biggest book hangover ever.

Have you ever traveled? If so, what's the best place you've been?

I've travelled to so many places, it's hard to pin down which is the best. I recently went to Barcelona and I loved the history and culture there. I got so many story ideas. I've been to Egypt to see the tombs and pyramids, which I loved. I went back when we could actually go inside the pyramids, and that was definitely an experience. I also thought I would die from the heat! I also learnt to dive in Egypt as well, and that was amazing. I loved Italy, especially their reaction to food. I've only been once though and that was to Milan. I stayed with my cousin and his in laws, and his mother-in-law is an amazing cook. I learnt a lot from her. I really want to go to Rome.

Who's your favourite actor/actress?

I haven't really given that much thought. My celebrity crush is James McAvoy and has been ever since I saw him as Mr Tumnus in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (it was the hooves!).

I love watching Johnny Depp. He brings an eccentricity to his characters that are just fascinating. I would love to see how his brain works.

What's your favourite TV show or movie?

Criminal Minds. Spencer Reid is too adorable. I mostly watch TV with my mum, and she loves crime dramas, so that's one we watch together. Also been watching Castle, The Mentalist, Endeavour (that ending was just cruel), along with plenty of other British crime dramas that I can't name because I tend to come and watch when it's half way through!

I love Big Bang Theory. I'm slowly working my way through Supernatural, but rarely get a chance to watch (I'm still on season four!). I need to catch up on Game of Thrones. I watched the first season then decided I wanted to read the books before the second season started. Saw the size of the book and was too scared to pick it up. I decided not watching the second season until I started would give me the incentive to pick up the book - it's now on season five! The sad thing is I still know what's been happening! I'm terrible that way.

What would you do if a famous director decided to make a movie out of your books?

Probably stare with my mouth wide open and a little drool slipping out. Either that or piss myself. I'm not sure it'll really be a conscious decision.

Which book do you think will best fit into a movie?

Probably A Healer's Fate. That's the only one with enough content to make it work, but I'd have to fix all the plot holes first.

Would you like to say anything to your friends/supporters? Any special shout outs?

I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has read, voted and commented on my stories. You guys have encouraged me to peruse my dreams and made me realise that I can do it. I wouldn't be writing if it wasn't for you.

I also have to say a special thank you to @DarlingDevil, mostly because I think she'll sulk if I don't and also because she has become one of my best friends, even though we've never met in real life (we will one day). She's the first to stoke my ego and the first to tell me off if she thinks I'm slacking. She always keeps me on my toes.

Lastly, just want to say thank you for interviewing me.