Introducing... eve_j_agirl

What is your Wattpad username?
eve_j_agirl

what is the title of your winning book(s)?
Clay Hearts

When did you get the idea to write your winning book?
I entered a writing contest where they gave us some prompts and a word limit. I chose the one about a shapeshifter falling in love with a girl.

What are your inspirations for writing this book?
I used my own love life with this such as the main characters interests and picky demeanor.
I was also inspired by a comic I read on Webtoon called "Axed". Monsters and humans live together, and I just fell in love with that concept.

Are there any special dedications for your book?
I dedicate this book to my friend who introduced me to Wattpad when we first met. She's inspired me to write a lot, and I based the protagonist's friend on her.

How old were you when you began writing this book?
I first wrote this book when I was 14. Which was only last year.

What do you believe the strongest and weakest part of your writing is, in general?
I think I have a knack for making stuff fall into place without much effort which is why I haven't been outlining like I should be. My weakest point I'd say is making my writing seem real or alive. I'm a drama kid and I tend to over "do" dialogue or scenes. My writing is also pretty wordy.

How many drafts of this story do you have? If applicable, will you continue to rewrite? If applicable, do you think you will do a rewrite if you haven't already?
I've had one draft. The one up right now was edited, but only for grammar and spelling. I will work on it some more and expand the story since I'm no longer on a word limit. I lost the contest I started on.

What is one reason why you believe everybody should check out your book?
It's short and sweet. I feel like it's a quick laugh while you're on your way to school or work. I love stories like these.

If someone were to offer you a publishing deal tomorrow, would you take it? Would you still leave your work for us to admire on wattpad?
I wouldn't take it. Not for this book. This one is a milestone for me and a sweet short story for others. It was never meant to be sold but to be shared.

When writing, do you have a plot in mind, or do you write it on the fly, as you come up with it?
My process, as I like to put it, is: Idea, write, draft, revise, publish. Some might think it's reckless, but I find that it works for me.

What, if anything, do you do to help yourself concentrate when writing?
I usually have to be in the mood, or get myself into the zone, and I just stay in that zone as long as I'm writing. To get into the "zone" I inspire myself by reading my comics daily.

What is the best piece of advice that you can give other writers?
Whatever you think, write it. No matter how abstract the idea is or how little people read it. Write for you not for them.

This could get very weird very fast, be honest, what, exactly, were you doing when you learned you won first place?
I was logging on to check up on my cover workshop and realized the contest book updated a couple of days ago. I was late to my own party in a sense.

What was your reaction when you read that you won?
I was so surprised because I completely forgot I entered. I even made the cover and stickers and everything.

Do you have anything to say to your fellow genre competitors?
Thanks for participating in community run contests! It brings the little people like us closer together.

Is there anything else about yourself or your writing that you would like to add?
I'm no professional. I'm a teenager with a laptop. That shouldn't stop anyone from doing what they want. Don't listen to the people who'll tell you you won't make this your career. Just keep practicing.