Today we interview annkreeves , winner of The Sunflower Awards 4.0 in the science fiction genre. Join us as we learn more about their writing style and inspiration. They actually won two genres, so check out the next chapter for their interview about their teen fiction story!

🌻

What made you decide to write "We the Orphans"? Did you have any sort of inspiration?

I actually wrote a short story version of "We the Orphans" in a New York City contest and loved the concept so much that I decided to develop it into a novel. At the time I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed by how our world's elected officials brush off the global warming issue. From there I read a few articles written by several different theorists as to how our planet might look in the near future. When the idea of genetically modified food, animals, and people popped up, that's when I decided to really have fun with the concept--as you will see when you read. :)

Why did you decide on science fiction as the genre? What do you like about the genre?

I've been getting more into Scifi as I get older. What I like most about the genre is the ability to imagine the future. Playing around with technology, societal progressions/degressions, etc. is also a lot of fun.

Did you experience any setbacks or obstacles while writing "We the Orphans"? If so, what were they?

Yes, several setbacks. The main one being the amount of research. For me, writing Scifi means diving into the scientific community and seeing what currently exists and what might possibly exist in the future. I'm thankful to my readers who helped raise questions and point out inconsistencies. There was also one point where I introduced a new species and then later added a few more. It became clear that my world building grew as my story grew. Thank God for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th drafts, right? ;)

Do you have a favorite scene from "We the Orphans"? If so, what is it? No spoilers!

One of my favorite scenes in writing this book was when Andi, the main character, is getting chased by a pack of "megawolves". I believe this is chapter 6. I felt such a rush while writing it!

How did you feel when you found out you won?

I was absolutely over the moon to find out I won! Placing first, second, or third in contests are extremely validating and keep me writing. :D

What's your writing process?

I'm becoming more of a plotter rather than pantser during my writing process. For me, usually an idea will strike. I'll make a playlist for inspiration so I'm constantly thinking about the story and scenes I want to write. Then I make a rough outline, which always ends up getting revised as I write.

Where's your favorite place to write?

My favorite place to write is in complete silence at home... LOL However, because my life is usually a lot more demanding than that, I also write on the go. On work breaks, while waiting in line somewhere, in a car ride, etc. Gotta make it work or I'll never find the time!

When did you start writing?

I started writing when I was 11yo. I remember walking to a gas station store and purchasing a diary and filling it with stories. Haven't stopped since!

What's your most recent read (on or off Wattpad)?

I'm reading so many awesome stories on WP right now--all of which I'm thoroughly enjoying. Some include (but are not limited to) "Unpleasant Ladies" by MarCafeWrites , "The Land of Blood" by JordanTheScribe , and "Lord of the Night" by spelunkadunk . I highly recommend each of these stories!! <3

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I think the only thing I am qualified enough to give advice on is just to keep on writing! We're all on this journey together and we can't make it in this highly competitive field unless we continue taking risks by putting ourselves out there! It can be harmful to compare your work/creative process/writing journey to other writers. So take a deep breath and celebrate writing something that no one else in this world has written before.

🌻

Thanks again for chatting with us, annkreeves ! We wish you the best.

Check out their books on their profile and give them some love! :)