Wattpad Interviews

GraceSClarke Interview by Sanya

Hey guys! Sanya here, interviewing GraceSClarke, who is the author of 'Alpha Bloodlines'. She is an avid blogger, you will see her hosting multiple giveaways on her fb page, and she also published a short story recently. I have known her for the past two years, and will forever be grateful to Wattpad for introducing us <3 ! Be sure to check out her profile and her blog. If you need someone to promote your work, she is the one for you ^^ !

Grace

*How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since I was a child. Initially it all started with poetry and short stories. However, I had taken a break of two years until I discovered Wattpad and considered writing full length novels.

*What according to you attracts a reader to the story?

I would say a good cover and blurb are the crucial elements. When I walk into a book store or read online, I certainly judge the book not only by it's cover, but also by its blurb. The short and crisp summary is enough for me to dive into the book.

*Who introduced you to Wattpad? Do you like it here?

A friend of mine introduced me to Wattpad a couple of years back and yes, I certainly love the orange world of books. It is fun here with great readers and writers around.

*Which writing style do you prefer most - third person or first person? Why?

For me the style depends on the genre and plot. If I am writing a Fantasy novel, I choose to write in third person since it gives me a free reign to build my world and let thee readers know what exactly is going on everywhere, but at the same time slowly unveiling the secrets.

When it comes to romance, I prefer working with first person because it is necessary for the readers to connect with my main characters and also I want them to feel as if the story is really happening and there is a possibility of it happening in the real world. That way I can take my readers to wonderland, but also show them the real world.

*Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?

I prefer writing stories which strong mystery and thriller plots. Since childhood I've been made to read detective novels and I am so glad that it happened because I've fallen in love with them. A good mystery novel keeps you on the edge and is always healthy for the working of your brain. The scenarios you imagine, the anticipation of the next page, a good and thriller cliffhanger - I want my readers to feel this. No matter what genre I write or experiment with, there will always be a mystery.

*How did you come up with the idea for 'Alpha Bloodlines'?

I like my female characters to be strong and not weak. I wanted to break free from the notion that only "Alpha Males" exist. A strong and independent she wolf running a pack seemed like a pleasant idea to me. I love the genre of werewolf and personally don't mind having to read about Alpha Males, but I wanted something different. I wanted a female to save the day. Initially I was quite hesitant about posting Alpha Bloodlines. Most of the story was written long before it had been posted on Wattpad, and what I feared, happened. People till date still prefer Alpha Male over an Alpha Female.

*Do you have any favorite characters in the 'Alpha Bloodlines'?

My favorite characters in a story are always the supporting ones. But in Alpha Bloodlines, there is an exception. It is Zachary Walters, the male protagonist. Alpha Bloodlines does not entirely focus on Zachary because it is the story of his mate. And here I've shaped him into the supporting character who is possessive, strong, understanding, yet flawed. He is flawed not only on the inside, but outside too. That makes him more realistic.

*Do you make an outline before every book you write? How does it help you with the story?

Yes, I always make a rough outline so as to not stray away from the plot. I get new ideas all the time and to make sure that I don't edit the story every day and drive it into a different direction, I make sure to make an outline and stick to it. It helps a lot. There are times when I cannot write for two months straight and when I have to come back to my story, the outline that I long made comes handy and I don't have to freak out about forgetting the plot.

*Which genre/theme are you most comfortable with, in terms of writing?

Hands down mystery/thriller and action! But apart from that my interest in romance novels has increased since I've to read manuscripts on daily basis and they most of the times turn out to be romance.

However, I like the theme of a strong female character who is all feisty and gives a hard time to everyone including the male protagonist.

*Where do you get your inspiration/ideas from?

My inspiration usually spring from the books that I read or the writing style of my favourite authors. Sometimes I just come up with an entire new idea that is a mixture of several genres, like my story, The Killing.

I would have never considered writing contemporary, but I like a book which was well written and it touched my heart so I experimented with the genre. My great inspiration is the genre. I always experiment before diving in completely.

*What are the last three books that you have read?

Christmas Jinx by Natalie-Nicole Bates (it was a manuscript I was editing)

Saved by Her by Michelle Horst

Worth the Chase by J.L.Beck

*What subject(s)/genres do you find you cannot write about and why?

Humor. I can include comic moments in my book, but an entire book of laughter? I cannot do that.

*If you were not an author what would you be?

I don't think I would have it any other way. I have struggled a lot to be where I am. I would have chosen the field of science (almost did), but after doing two years of science, I didn't find the happiness and content I was looking for. I then joined humanities and asked my parents to give me one chance to prove my love for writing. They happily gave me one and to be honest I was surprised. They were hesitant at first, but I still got my chance and I worked hard. I made the most of it. There were hurdles, huge ones, but I fought through them, fought through the criticism and here I am, a soon to be published author.

* What advice would you give fellow writers?

Write, don't think about criticism. Don't think about how you write. An editor can always fix all the mistakes you make. A good story depends on the plot first and then the editing. Write every day, improve every day and read a lot for inspiration. Good command over the language is necessary to make everything work out soon. Do not write for the people, write for yourself, love what you are doing and people will love your work.