The official Coffee Community book for exclusive interviews and advice from Wattys winners, Wattpad Stars, Ambassadors and various upcoming authors and poets. Peak inside, we have cups of Ristretto too!
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The top five of ONC 2021 includes two winners, who have taken the fourth place - One of them being Van, who is known as Van_Carley on Wattpad, with their story Carmela + Amos.
Here's what Van told us about their writing and ONC experience!
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Hi there!
So, to begin, tell us a little bit about yourself as an author on Wattpad. For anyone who hasn't met you before, how would you describe your fiction?
I discovered Wattpad in 2012, which was a game-changer because it gave me to the opportunity to share my work with others. I mostly kept to myself, but would join contests as often as possible, and made friends through them. Over the years I've gone from writing scifi, fantasy, to romance, and then found a nice groove writing action-packed books that encompass a little bit of everything. Most people know me for writing wasteland/post apoc themes and morally grey characters. I love morally grey characters! They're just so much fun to write.
When did you start writing and what does writing mean to you?
I can't pinpoint when, but I started writing at a very young age and I just knew I wanted to become a writer when I grew up. So, mission accomplished! Lol. To me, writing is everything. I have ADHD so my head is constantly buzzing with thoughts and sometimes it's overwhelming. Writing gives me an outlet to escape and turn those thoughts into something creative that others can enjoy. Now, if only I had the ability to write super fast!
How has your writing journey been so far? What are your goals as a writer?
It's been slow-moving over the years, but like I said earlier, discovering Wattpad in 2012 was a game-changer. It's given me a space to consistently work on my craft, improve my skills, get feedback, and form bonds with other writers. In 2019, I was invited into the Star program and it's been an amazing experience so far. I've learned so much from my Star peers and I've even had the chance to participate in cool opportunities too.
My goals as a writer is to just keep writing, keep improving my craft, continue learning as much as possible, and hopefully earn some money from my books one day. A more immediate goal is to expand Carmela + Amos into a novel for the Wattys. I've never won a Watty, so it would be amazing to win with this story. But the ultimate goal is to see my work on the big screen or on TV. That would be such a dream come true!
How did you find out about Wattpad and what do you like the best about the platform?
I discovered Wattpad while browsing through the app store! After college, I didn't have an outlet to share my writing anymore and I missed having that interaction and feedback. So when I came across Wattpad, I immediately downloaded the app and haven't looked back.
What I like best about Wattpad is the connections I've made. Writing can be lonely, but over the years I've become friends with amazing people and sometimes I think they understand me better than my IRL friends. Lol. Only writers understand other writers and the madness of needing to write—to create. So I'm very grateful for the community.
Why did you participate in the Open Novella Contest?
I love using ONC to start off the new year with a new book! Participating pushes me to stick to a deadline, and write faster than usual. Plus, it really feels like the community pulls together to cheer each other on, so it's very encouraging. And we all need encouragement sometimes.
Which prompt(s) did you choose this year?
Just one, #29 - I am in the mood to dissolve in the sky.
Besides the prompt(s), what else inspired you to write your ONC winning story?
I've had this thought tumbling around in the back of my mind for a while about a hidden journal and dual POVs, but always brushed it off for other stories. When I saw the Virginia Woolf quote, it struck me, and I knew right then, it was time to finally give life to this idea. However, what I came up with, what I wrote, is so much more than I imagined, and I love how the SG Gibson became a centerpiece tying things together.
How did you experience your ONC journey?
It was cathartic! The words flowed and took on a mind of their own, and I was there for the ride as the characters came to life before me. While writing this novella I was feeling pretty down about my writing and life in general, so I took a lot of what I was feeling and fused it into the story. Doing that really helped me tap into the characters and give them emotional layers. So, I'm proud of what I accomplished with it, but especially with where Carmela and Amos begin their journeys and where they end up. I love their growth!
I'm also proud of myself for pushing through each milestone because, in the past, I've dropped out before the 20k milestone. But this time I didn't and I'm glad I pushed myself to complete the book.
Give us your ONC winning speech!
First, I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read Carmela + Amos. It's been a thrill reading your comments and reactions to the characters. Second, I'd like to give a special thanks to Kaiddance! She motivated me to finish, and if it wasn't for her being such an amazing and encouraging person, I probably would have dropped out. Lastly, I'd like to thank the judges for believing in my story. Winning top 5 and placing fourth was a huge surprise! I am so grateful to have been chosen from such a vast sea of talent. Thank you all!
Thank you for the interview! We wish you all the best for your future writing endeavors, Van. ☕
