Welcome to The Stars Interviews | Wattpad Creators where Abhipreeti (@_abhipreeti_), the Head & Founder of Celestia Cove, authors who are in the Wattpad Creators Program, Paid Stories Program, a Watty Winner, Verified Author, etc. about them, their...
Hello fellow Wattpadders! Today we have with us, AJ (ajArnault), a Wattpad Creator, 5x Watty Awards Shortlister, and a Wattpad Originals Writer.
I am Abhipreeti (_abhipreeti_) and I have interviewed AJ.
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AJ is a thirty-something-year-old with a passion for telling stories. Her writing journey began in 2019, when she started writing HPFF. After gaining confidence, she began writing original fiction, and has been shortlisted for the Watty awards five times. Her series, Strip in the City, was picked up by Wattpad Originals.
How would you describe yourself as a writer?
>>Plot-focused. Curious. Flexible.
What was your reaction or how did you feel when you were first invited to join the Wattpad Creators' Program? Did you ever expect to receive the invitation previously?
>>I've been very honored to be a part of the Creators program. Sometimes it still feels surreal. For a long time, getting paid to write seemed so far out of my reach. But, two and a half years later, I've started to believe in myself and my craft.
I was expecting to receive an invitation to the Creator's program due to my previous involvement in the Stars program and another program that preceded creators. However, that didn't stop my excitement for the adventure.
Wattpad is a home to millions of users. As a result, it is only natural that every writer on this platform would like to receive reads, votes, comments, etc. and be recognized by Wattpad someday. What would be your advice to those writers?
>>You must define your goals to achieve them. Are you on Wattpad to hone your craft and make friends? Are you passionate about sharing your stories and growing your platform? Do you want to have a million reads? Become a creator? Or something else? Whatever your goals are, put all your effort into accomplishing them and don't look back.
If you just want to hone your craft and meet friends, look into different community groups like WCX or Bootcamp Mentors, or different ambassador-run contests like ONC. If you want to share your stories and grow your platform, perhaps look into advertising your stories on social media, or check out CrystalAndFelicity YouTube channel. If you want to have a million reads on a story, you need to write something very appealing to many readers, follow tropes, and be really lucky. If you want to become a creator, I advise doing all of the above, submitting to the Wattys, and closely following their content Verticals.
Can we please have some book recommendations which are not on Wattpad?
>>Some of my favorite authors are Leigh Bardugo, Tessa Bailey, Danielle L. Jensen, and Emily Henry.
What genres do you specifically specialize in? Do you hope to create books in other genres as well, someday? How long does it take for you to complete a novel (approximately)?
>>I write spicy romantic comedy and paranormal romantasy. It generally takes me 6-12 months to complete a story–unless I'm inspired the good idea fairy and have the time to obsessively write.
There is a famous quote, "Don't judge a book by its cover." However often, books do get judged on the basis of covers, by readers. What is your opinion, from the viewpoint of an author, regarding this?
>>Books are very much judged by their covers. You should really think about what you put on yours. You spend a lot of time writing a book, so don't ignore the cover.
When did you first begin writing on Wattpad? How does it feel in the present, when you see yourself recognized officially by Wattpad?
>>I posted my first story on Wattpad in September of 2019 on a whim. I had no idea what Wattpad was until I heard about it on a fanfic forum and decided to crosspost a Dramione story of mine. Nearly four years later, I'm still writing on Wattpad! It feels very validated to not only be recognized by Wattpad but to be compensated for my stories. If you would've told me back then that this would be my future, I wouldn't believe it!
Often, especially young, budding writers on Wattpad, confuse themselves between constructive criticisms and spread of hatred. What would be your advice to them? How can they differentiate between the two?
>>Drs. Julie and John Gottman state, "There is no such thing as constructive criticism." I wholeheartedly agree. If you ask someone for feedback and all they do is lob criticisms at you and expect you to be grateful for it, it's completely understandable that you would be upset. If you want constructive feedback, ask specific questions from an impartial party, like a critique partner you respect.
Some examples of specific questions are: What do you think about the pacing? Do any chapters seem unnecessary? Does the opening chapter hook you? What do you think about the romance arc?
Many writers on Wattpad feel disheartened and think of quitting after not receiving the achievements they hope for, even after trying for years, in many cases. What would be your advice to them?
>>Again, this goes back to defining your goals. If your goal is to get noticed by Wattpad and you're not, then maybe it's time to redefine your strategy. Wattpad has a lot of resources to follow to make your story stand out as something they are looking for.
As an author, are book reviews important to you? If yes, then why?
>>Yes. They can provide valuable insight into your story.
Do you think there are any difficult parts when it comes to writing a book?
>>Every part is difficult. Writing a book is emotionally demanding and incredibly time-consuming. You put in all this work hoping that someone will find meaning in the words. You are showing your vulnerability for the world to comment on. That is difficult. And if you're brave enough to do it over and over again, you should be incredibly proud of yourself.
For new readers, please guide them to your profile (for example your books, in which order they might read the books, genres, etc.).
Strip in the City is a spicy, contemporary romance series about a group of best friends who fall in love with male strippers, one at a time. The series is interconnected, but each book is a stand alone.
Book 1: Dance Around It(Forbidden romance, working together, slow burn)
Book 2: Dance For Me (One night stand, enemies to lovers, working together)
Book 3: First Dance(Friends to lovers, angst, only one bed)
I'm also writing a paranormal romantasy calledFated to the Vampire Prince. (Slow burn, enemies to lovers, fated mates)
Thank you for agreeing to do this interview! It was an honour to have you here and may you receive more success as an author, both off and on Wattpad.
