Author: Choco_Late8

Genre: Teen Fiction

Tags: #abuse #broken #brokenfamily #chicklit #dellanafamily #drama #fake #fiction #heartbreak #highschool #hurt #love #mona #newadult #notperfect #poc #projectdepression #quartzawards2020 #romance #sad #secrets #teenageromance #teenfiction #thewildflowersawards #youngadult

Monalisa Del Lana, popularly known as Mona is someone everyone wants to be like. She has everything; the perfect family, the perfect friends, and the perfect boyfriend. Everyone loves Mona or the person she claims to be. Beneath the beautiful girl with a smile full of life and joy lays a broken girl and beneath that happy perfect family lay a broken one who cares more about appearance than repairing themselves. 

After a long time, even the most talented actresses get tired of living an act. Then comes Dwayne Blacke, the new transfer student who sees through her lies and mask and is determined to uncover who Mona truly is. But with his own fair share of secrets, can he help her or will he fall as the last person did? A heartwarming story or a heartbreaking reality?

Follow Mona and Dwayne in their journey of discovery as they both try to find the light in their dark dark tunnel. This is a story of love, pain, betrayal, hurt, and self-discovery of two teenagers. Immerse yourself in their emotions and daily trials. Take a look inside, who knows what you might find?

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𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 :-

Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Korede, and I'm a 17 years old Nigerian amateur writer. I'm a Christian and I love food, music, hoodies, cute babies, and anything red. I'm a mix of introvert and extrovert and K-dramas and K-pop are precious to me.

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Hi Korede! It's nice to meet you! I also had a friend in school called Korede. She was quite smart lol. So, when did you realize you wanted to start writing?

You too. I started writing when I learned how to. I remember driving my mom crazy with my stories of Barbie with alternative endings. Writing has always been a part of me.

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That's amazing. Even as a kid, you had that wild imagination. What inspired the title of your book?

I guess so lol. The title Saving Mona was the first thing that came to me when I got the inspiration for the book. The title tells the story in a way but doesn't divulge much enough to know what the book is about. Right from the title, you already know Mona is the main character and she's in a situation that needs saving. All that's left for you is to dive right into the book to find out more.

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That's pretty smart, and it also makes one curious. What inspired you to write the book?

I didn't actually plan in writing Saving Mona; it just happened after listening to and reading the lyrics of Lana Del Ray's Carmen. The lyrics struck me and got me thinking. Before I knew it, Saving Mona was both with a mind of its own. It was supposed to have a maximum of 17 chapters, but ideas kept on streaming in, the plot started thickening, and so I continued writing more chapters.

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I can see music inspires you. That's wonderful! What else inspires you?

Thank you. I can't say I have a particular source of inspiration. It comes from any source. It could be a song, a dream, or I'm just randomly imagining stuffs or playing a scene in my head and boom! New book lol

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Lmao! It's amazing how the brain works. Deriving such a good work from a single act or moment. How do you select the names of your characters?

That's the easiest part. It doesn't take much work. A little thinking or research because I name my character with names that associate with them. The names of my characters from Saving Mona didn't need much thought; they just sounded right.

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That's nice! What's the main thing you try to express through your writing?

My characters' emotions. I always try to make sure my characters are thoroughly expressed to the point my readers can relate with them as they relate to real people.

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I can attest to that. I felt every bit of Mona's pain. What do you like to do while writing?

Thank you. I either listen to music or act out the scene in my head. It makes it more real and easier to put in words.

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That's wonderful. What are your hobbies?

Well I love singing, dancing (if moving qualifies as dancing), cooking, making covers, and reading. I also love learning new things but that doesn't last long lol

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Lmao! For us, who can't dance for the sake of our lives, I definitely agree that dancing qualifies as moving. Who's your favourite character in the book and why?

Lol. I don't have a favourite. They all have their strengths and weaknesses but I'm torn between Mona and Carmen. I admire both women because of their strengths despite what the world had thrown towards them. The only difference between them is their approach to problems; that's what makes the villain and the hero.

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True. Carmen has been through a lo,t but she puts out her anger and frustrations on Mona, which is unfair. Are you more of a reader than writer?

That's true. That depends; some days, I'm more of a reader than a writer.

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Lol, considering all the books you've read, what do you think makes a good story?

The writer's ability to communicate his/her characters to the readers. The ability to make a figment of imagination real to the readers.

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That is surely important. What does your family think of your writing?

My family is unaware of my books on Wattpad, except for my older sister. I don't think I am going to break the news to them unless necessary.

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I understand. It's hard revealing this part of yourself to people close to you or the people you know. I take it your older sister supports you then?

Yes, even though she's not a fan of novels. That makes me appreciate her support more.

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That's amazing. Well, I thank your sister for her love and support. It's nice to know someone important to you actually appreciates something you're passionate about. Can you tell us one thing you've learned in creating your books?

Thank you. Yes, creating characters and adding depth to them is something that must be done delicately. Rush them and they will be flat.

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True. What's the first book you've written and how old were you?

I was probably 6 when I wrote my first book. I think it was about mermaids and fairies. I like to believe I was in a phase.

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Lmao! It couldn't be as bad as mine. I used to believe that I was a vampire! What was the hardest scene for you to write in Saving Mona?

Lol. So far, I think its Mona standing up for herself after Rebecca spilled her secret to the whole school. It was hard because I had to be very careful not to rush everything and still maintain the flow.

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Amazing. I really like Mona. She's truly a strong character. Do you believe in writers block? If yes, how do you overcome it?

Thank you. I also believe so. Many people wouldn't have been able to face what she has gone through.

I do believe in writers block. Although, I am quite fortunate to have encountered it once or twice, I know enough that it's the bane of every writer. The last time I had it was when I was writing Jenna. I forced myself to write a chapter, but at the end of the day, it ended up being flat. I think I lost the flow of the book after that. But by the time I had fully recovered, I was done with the book. I probably would go back to rewrite it one day. There has been sometimes I had close calls with writers block but engaging in creative things helps to bring me back on track. Even something as simple as playing out the scenes in your head helps because, that way, more ideas stream in, and you'll be able to identify what needs to be added and removed.

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That's brilliant. I might test that out sometime. What feedback do you get from your readers?

That would be appreciation on my writing skills. I get so happy whenever I get feedback like that. It makes me happy that people enjoy my writing and anytime I'm not feeling motivated to write a chapter, feedback like that reminds me that people read my books and would be disappointed if I stop. So, in a way, comments from readers is where I draw strength to continue writing.

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That definitely warms the heart. Knowing something you're passionate about is appreciated. It's amazing that your readers are your strength. I hope you get more love and support! Sadly, this is the last question. I truly enjoyed this time we had together. What advice do you have for other upcoming writers?

Thank you very much, and I hope so too.

I don't think I have much as I'm still growing and trying to break through in this app, but to those who are amateurs like me and are starting their books, I would like to say patience is the key. You have to exercise patience in your writing. It takes more than days to build a steady group of readers and it definitely takes more than one night to be recognized as an author in this app. Never give up on your writing and interact with other writers. Not everything has to be a competition. Make friends, have fun and learn some things on your writing journey 

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Thank you Choco_Late8 for giving Team Anna a chance to interview you. We hope you've enjoyed every second of your time with interviewer .

Have a great day! <3