At the age of 14 I came up with the idea of this book. When I was 15 I published the Prologue of The Night Children. When I was 17, I finished the Epilogue of the Night Children for its first draft.
Long story short – It's been a long journey.
I was familiar with Wattpad werewolf books, being a fan when I first joined this app. But it didn't take me long to realise the general trend of that particular genre.
They were full with rape, abuse, dominance, domestic violence and incredibly stereotyped characters. I couldn't find one popular book that didn't have any of these traits, and it soon hit me that I needed to do something to change this. I was sick of reading rape stories that were sexualised in a way that readers agreed that this treatment to girls was of the ordinary. At the age of 14, I shouldn't have been reading those types of books.
I have nothing against those writers who put time and effort into this books, I just wanted to see a change.
So I began to plan The Night Children. I am not a huge fan of planning, so I only listed my characters and the four main plot lines. Everything in-between I made up while I was writing. I am not a believer that you need to plan every single sentence of the chapter – I believe in creativity and imagination. That I think is what makes you a good writer.
This book is not perfect; in fact it is far from it. But for someone who began to write this at the age of 15, and having stuck with this book for three years, I am proud to say I have done my best.
For those fans who have stuck with me from day dot...thank you. You all mean the world to me and I couldn't have completed this book without you guys by my side. I love to hear your responses on my chapters and your thoughts and opinions. Thank you for every individual read, comment and vote. It truly means the world to me.
A little insight into my book.
Every single character represents someone in my life. Renee, the middle name of my sister holds traits that I see in my sister and some of my friends. I wanted her to display the stereotypical traits of the books I despised in the beginning of the book only to develop into the resilient character much like the idol character of Clary from Cassandra Clares books where I based most of my writing techniques from.
Aleena, also the middle name of my other sister is sharp tongued but has a soft centre – much like my sisters. Although she is only a minor character in this book, she still holds a unique purpose.
Fin, similar to the name of my very close friend
Aaron, the name of my brother who passed away at birth
Brookefield (aka Brooke), the name of my close friend who first encouraged me to publish my books on Wattpad
Every character has a purpose, even if they only appear a few times. I do agree that a lot of characters have been killed off, but this was always part of the plot line.
What is in store next:
Depending on whether I can balance Wattpad and school, I will be going through and creating a second draft to erase errors and also establish better character development particularly between Aaron, Renee and Isaac. I feel sometimes that Isaac and Aaron are too similar, and I want to bring out Isaac's sarcastic side more often than not. As for Renee, she doesn't show some key traits that I would like her too, so I will work on this.
Some of you have asked about a second book and my answer is... we will see.
1,400 reads is a hell of a lot and I do appreciate all of them. If others find The Night Children and add more reads and also ask for a second book, I may take it into consideration. If I was being honest, I have already done up a plan for the second book before I was even half way finishing this one, but it really depends on if you guys want to read another one or not.
For now, I will edit The Night Children until I am happy with it (which is probably never), unless other readers want me to create a second.
I ask that each and every one of you share my book if you feel the need to. Let your friends know of it and ask for them to give it a chance. I would love all the extra support :)
If you have managed to read this book until the very last page – congratulations
You have read 429 full word document pages
275,582 words
And over 300 hours of my work
Thank you :))
I will add a FAQ's chapter if there is a lot of comments. In the comments during the book you can ask questions, comment on events or characters or even just let me know if you are confused. The more feedback the better – even if it is negative.
But thank you once again. Thank you for making The Night Children the book it is today. Thank you for being there, for giving my work a chance and for reading the journey of Renee. Although this book is done, the next chapter of my writing is not finished (pun intended)
I will make this book a series if the majority agree.
So please do not forget about The Night Children or me :)
Stay tuned
Xx Fang
10/12/19
Update (2/04/20):
The Hunted Children (Book Two of the Forsaken Series) has been published and is up and ready to read! I'll do a chapter about this book and whats in store a bit later but this isn't what I am focusing on today.
We are now up to 3.2K reads! Holy smokes guys, thats amazing!! Thank you for all of the support, I am amazed. I've been doing editing on The Night Children and I am going to have to change the plot ever so slightly, so if you're bored, go check out the edited parts :)
Book Covers is my focus today. Now let me be completely honest, I suck at making them, and the photo I am working with for The Night Children has proved difficult but I am in love with it and it took me months to find it so I would prefer to keep it. Nonetheless I have put up an alternative and I want you guys to comment which one you prefer.
Now for The Hunted Children. I currently have up a very bad cover but I kinda like the photo but once again, its hard to work with. I would love you guys to comment which one you're favourite is:
Happy Reading and I'll update soon :))
xx Fang