Meet Wendy (WendyyWolfe). Born in the Radical 60's in Houston, Texas she remembers the days of 'The Peace Corps' and 'Save The Eagles,' campaigns. Her love for writing began at the age of eight with a eccentric array of mystery and adventure stories such as Arrowheads and Indians, The Legend of Smiling Jack and The Tinderbox Boy.

Today, her books continue to uphold her childhood exploration, spanning the genres of Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction, Dystopian and Apocalyptic trademarked with a bit of witty dialog for fun.

Her novel 'Night of the Crane' won the grand winner title in the 2024 Nano Watt Award in the science fiction category and follows frenemies Lacy and Macallan as they save their small town home from an alien invasion.

Lacy just wished she hadn't seen what she did in the distant night sky over the small country town she called home.

But she had seen it.

In her mind she relived the events she had witnessed tonight, and yet all explanations fled except for the one that made the most sense to her.

They were being invaded.

As Brew Town devolves into anything but normal, thrusting life long frenemies Lacy and Macallan together for better or worse the whole town stumbles along with them to fight an unseen terror that threatens life on earth in ways none of them could have ever imagined.

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Congratulations on being a grand winner of the 2024 Nano Watt Awards! How does it feel to be in the top 9? Did you think you'd make it this far?

I had no earthly idea, because let's be frank, there are some amazing and talented writers here at Wattpad and The Nano Watt is the go to place you'll be finding them!

In your own words what is your winning entry about and what was the inspiration behind it?

Night Of The Crane is about small town America. Where friends are really more like family because you've known them so long. I wanted it to seem like anyone's experience, not too fancy but real. I wanted it to be a serious adventure but when Macallen and Lacy took over as I wrote it, their characters kind of took the reins and I just flowed with it!

The inspo for this book? Would it be a surprise to hear 'I don't know?' The entire premise came out of nowhere. I have never read sci-fi as a go to genre but the entire cast of the book just popped to life from Macallen and Dylan's bar fighting background to the Sargent's loudmouthed persona and military comradery. They made me laugh within and I hoped it would be enjoyed as just that type of story.

What was the journey like taking your book from idea to finished product? Were there any challenges or pleasant surprises along the way?

The hard answers are, it had it challenges. Those challenges arose from not fully understanding the platform. As a long time writer I had not used a platform like Wattpad. Being old-school, I typed all my books out manuscript form. So this was all new to me. With lots of encouragement from some very special followers (now friends) I mushed on.

I wrote at work, during breaks and lunches, every moment I could find. I had a time of hardship about 3/4 of the way when both of my parents and my mom-in-law passed away a month apart but eventually I pushed through and finished. It was a momentous journey for sure! The pleasures are when someone reads and comments. Those are heartwarming captures that cannot be matched!

In terms of its genre, How would you say your book defies or compliments its expectations/tropes?

In the genre of Sci-fi, I would say my book coined its own catch phrase of 'sci-fi lite.' In that aspect it defies the common trope and in its humor. And that was fine with me because I want readers to enjoy the read.

If there was one character that potential readers had to read your book just to meet, who would it be and why?

All signs are pointing to Macallen. He showed the most raw vulnerability in the situation. Being a young man thrust into a scenario he had no control over, he wasn't a superhero trope. He had the most growth as a person, learning as they went.

If you could have a crossover between your book and one of the books of a favourite published/ Wattpad author, who would it be and why?

I have to say, Walker Z, A Zombie Apocalypse Story by Gavin Wilson TheOrangutan. I loved the premise of his book and the natural flow. I think the cast of NOTC could evolve with his crew of zombie fighters to save the world from aliens and zombies!

When it comes to writing style and storytelling what authors and/or creative media have influenced you throughout the years?

Romance author Johanna Lyndsey, Horror writer Stephen King, Mystery writer Janet Evanovich, Robert Kirkman of TWD and so many others. And let's not forget Disney-- I love animated movies!

And what's one hack that's been consistently helpful in your writer's journey? Your holy grail, if you will.

Prompt contests. I know that may not be the answer you were seeking (or if it's a hack) but prompt writing is a fabulous study to enrich your imagination. Prompts also give you the chance to write outside what you typically write and that's always good! Writing on the fly with a time limit seems to really get the brain ticking. Challenging myself in this way has helped me tremendously to see a project through to the end and taught me so much about keeping your writing tight and to the point. I love them.

What other works or stories in the works can readers look forward to from you?

Ooh! 2025 is going to be the year of romance! Love is in the air! I am currently working on something exciting for romance lovers which I plan to introduce soon. Does anyone love romance/family saga/collections?

Now that the award season has ended, what can you say on your Nano Watt 2024 experience? Can we expect to see you in 2025? 😄

This has been the most satisfying, nerve-racking, thrilling Wattpad experience! I totally loved every chapter of the NanoWatt Book! I feel so honored to have been a part of it all and have met the most wonderful people! Thank you all, for hosting, your hard work really deserves an award of its own! You can definitely plan to see me next year!

And before you go we must know....cereal before or after the milk?🥣🥛

Before ...... You get more cereal that way!

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Thanks again Wendy for chatting with us and congrats on your win!

You may find her winning entry Night of The Crane in our TNW GRANDWINNERS 2024 reading list or visit her profile at WendyyWolfe