Quiet by lorilacy

Book of the Year (1st) in Solo Yoongi Category

1.) What made you decide to make a BTS Fanfiction?

I've been writing stories for as long as I can remember. Everyone in my family was so sure I'd be an author someday. But at one point in my life, I walked away from it. I left that part of me behind because it just wasn't something that made me happy anymore. When I stumbled upon the world of BTS fanfiction, it was like a spark ignited in me that I didn't know could ever be lit again. And before I fully realized what I was doing, I was writing again. Ideas and chapters and characters just came so easily to me, and I thank my love for BTS as well as my experience on Wattpad for reminding me how much I love to write. Now, I couldn't imagine writing about BTS not being a part of my life.

2.) What was your inspiration from your storyline?

One thing I have always loved is music. I dedicated years of my life to learning about different instruments and falling in love with the sounds that could be created with those instruments. One instrument that has always held a special place in my heart is the piano; I would sit in my bedroom for hours sounding out simple children's songs on my tiny keyboard until I would master it. I loved how easily emotions could be portrayed through it and how when words couldn't do it justice, piano always understood. And then I started to wonder: "What if music is ALL someone had? What if they couldn't use words to express themselves?" And it just blossomed from there. I also knew it would be a Yoongi story from the very beginning because he so clearly has that deep connection to music; I knew that he would be a perfect main character choice for this story.

3.) What message or word of encouragement you might like to share with your fellow writers?

Do NOT give up. I walked away from writing for so long because I felt defeated and I felt unheard. Reading other stories on Wattpad and seeing all of these amazing authors doing what they love and not worrying about how many people read it showed me that writing is about more than pleasing your readers. If it is something that makes YOU happy, then you should write to your heart's content and know that, even if it takes time, your hard work and dedication will pay off if you put your heart into what you write.

4.) Can you give a word of advice to your fellow writers in terms of writing a story? or publishing a book?

My advice would be to take your time. Don't dive right into writing a story; you need to take time to develop each character. Give them back stories and depth; turn your characters into real people in your mind. Stories become so much more powerful and impactful if the characters feel REAL. Don't be afraid of the commitment; good things take time to develop and you have to be willing to dig deep and put your imagination into it; develop the characters beforehand and also develop the plot as much as you can. You'd be surprised at how much easier things flow when you plan ahead!

5.) Last question, how do you personally deal when you've experienced a "Writer's Block" What do you do?

Writer's block can be terrifying, and I say this from experience. Just recently, I had no motivation and I didn't feel that spark inside of me that made me want to continue writing. It terrified me. There was a thought in the back of my mind that was saying "What if the inspiration never comes back?" And for a while, I was lost. So, I did the only thing I could do: I walked away. I took a break and I let my mind rest. I read other stories and just took that time to relax. And that definitely helped me; coming back to my stories with a rested mind and fresh eyes, I was able to ease back into it! Don't be afraid to take breaks. Sometimes, your mind is just overworked and needs a rest, and that's okay! Take a step back and indulge in some relaxation and self care, and you'll come back when you're ready.