Interview With An Author.

Hello readers!

Today, I am very honoured to announce that Angela W, author of Ten in Two and Ten after Ten, is here for a special interview, and to answer some questions for writers and readers!

1. When and how did you first get the idea for your debut novella Ten in Two?

I was lying on my bottom bunk, staring at the wooden planks and mattress above me, when I came up with a sentence that I thought sounded nice. Then I pulled together a half-made character I had and started writing. The sentence I came up with when I was 13 is the first one of my book, with some slight changes.

# Writing Process and Inspiration

1. Can you walk us through your writing process? Do you have any rituals or habits?

The process is simple:

1. Get inspired (through a song, Pinterest scrolling, a piece of dialogue, hyping up friends, ranting about or drawing a scene/character)

2. Write. 

2. How do you develop your characters and plotlines?

I create the base, name, temperament, how they look and something I'm looking forward to about the plot or character. The rest just happens. (I do make sure there's a level of consistency though)

3. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life?

I try to maintain balance through conscious effort and looking outside of myself. By remembering my responsibilities towards those I love I can put aside writing and focus on my responsibilities, and since in my case writing helps me relax when I'm stressed it's a nice reminder to take a few minutes and rest through prose lol

# Publishing and Industry Insights

1. What was your journey to publication like? Any notable challenges or successes?

A lot of Google, some money, and a drive to get it done. The whole thing was a challenge, and the success was that it all somehow worked.

2. What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to get published?

My advice to aspiring authors would be to talk to other authors and see what they do, but also do your own research because there are always new resources to find that might be useful for you specifically

3. How do you navigate the business side of writing, such as marketing and promotion?

I don't. It's all word of mouth. That'll change soon though. I plan to place excerpts from my books in my short story blog House of Tales, and start a YouTube channel to talk about all things story-related! Who knows perhaps one day I'll have merch too. Noah knows…

# Book-Specific Questions

1. What sparked the idea for your latest book?

Excellent question. I think it was partly that I wasn't ready to say goodbye to some of the characters (ahem’-- Luc). It was mostly just encouragement though, ideas came after.

2. Can you tell us about the main themes or messages in your book?

I was not thinking about messages when writing the first book unfortunately, but if there's anything I think should be taken from it is the importance of Charity towards those closest to us, and to not let familiarity breed contempt.

The second has subtle themes of choice and attachment. The message could be that we don't have to do what is expected, rather what is good. I've never put it into words before lol.

3. Which character was the most challenging to write, and why?

Kat, she wasn't supposed to be that mean I just failed.

4. What do you hope readers take away from your book?

Something good I hope, and perhaps a little motivation to tell their own story, through whatever mode suits them best.

# Personal and Professional Development

1. How has writing impacted your personal growth and self-awareness?

It's pushed my creativity to keep growing, has made me realize the impact something so small can have, and has incited me to be more mindful of the stories I tell.

2. What skills or experiences have you developed through writing?

It deepened my interactions with people, caused me to reflect on my intentions, and placed me in a position of guidance toward others who enjoy reading and writing. (Which isn't terrifying at all I assure you. Not one bit.)

3. How do you handle criticism or negative reviews?

Usually, I appreciate it a lot. Helps me improve. I've been blessed with people who will speak to me frankly and constructively about their opinions on my work, and I am infinitely grateful for it.

4. What's the best writing advice you've ever received?

JUST DO IT - NIKE (and Brandon Sanderson or whatever his name is, and my dad.)

5. What's next for you? Any upcoming projects or releases?

I plan to publish a book every year, so yes. For the Lyndarian world, I have the final book of the main series, a spin-off, and a collection of short stories planned.

# Fun and Lighthearted Questions

1. If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?

I would choose Carlos, he's a character I really enjoyed writing and I felt really motivated to finish his story because he was so unexpected and so good, and I'd wanna apologize for making his life so hard 🥲

2. What's your favourite book or author, and why?

I wouldn't say that I have a favourite book particularly, but if I had to answer (which apparently I do) I would say The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis, because despite not being the book I've enjoyed the most, it's the first book that I enjoyed reading for the sake of it, and spurred me onto further literary adventures. Keep blubbering Digory, and enrich the children's vocabulary. 

3. What's the most memorable or surreal moment you've experienced as an author?

My answer would have to be listening to a song on repeat, seeing it in your mind, and typing like lives depend on it. Just out of this world. 

Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed this special treat!

Please be sure to check out Angela's AMAZING books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DLFYMZ5Z?binding=paperback&qid=1742083154&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tpbk

As always take care and God bless!

-Maya