Today we have julietlyons, the writer of Dating The Undead with us.

Warm regards Juliet. Welcome to an official interview from @TheCRYPTIC_ . It's our honor to interact with an inspiring writer like you. We hope that you'll have a great time.

First of all, tell us how you stumbled upon Wattpad and when.

I first heard about Wattpad in a magazine article about Abigail Gibbs, the young author who got a publishing deal after posting her Dark Heroine series on Wattpad. I thought it was a great idea and signed up. I didn’t post anything until 2014 though. That’s when things really took off for me.

Wow! So what do you think about THE CRYPTIC's theme? What are your views regarding dark fiction?

I’ve always enjoyed the darker side of fiction and it’s great to have a Wattpad profile specially dedicated to celebrating the genre. I’m thrilled to be included for this interview!

What do you like to read? Do you have a favourite genre or any specific likes?

My favourite genre at the moment is probably fantasy. It started with Cassandra Clare’s Mortal instruments series. But really, I’ll read anything with good characters. Characters are really important for me, plus there has to be at least a little bit of romance. I also like the classics and Dystopian.

What compels you to pick up a pen and scribble down your thoughts? Do you have any inspiration or motivation?

I’ve always needed an outlet for my overactive imagination. I am an escapist and the real world often isn’t enough for me. I need the words and the page and the multitude of possibilities that exist in between.

Being a writer, what's the easiest part of writing and which aspect do you consider the most challenging?

The easiest part is letting my imagination run riot. The hardest part is being disciplined enough to sit down and write on a daily basis.

What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

My desk in my room. It’s Peaceful and I can look out of the window. Wherever I write has to be quiet and secure with minimal disruption. I couldn’t write in a cafe like many writers do. I would be too distracted with everything going on around me.

What's your first piece of writing, if you can remember? What thoughts does it bring to you when you look back at it?

I wrote the beginning of a Dean Koontz inspired horror story when I was thirteen called ‘Dark Endings’. It was about a girl whose mother was trapped in a mirror. When I look back on it now I mostly laugh. I wrote things before this but that was my first attempt at a book.

Tell us about your growth as an author.

If you had told me three years ago I would be on the brink of becoming a published author I would never have believed it. Wattpad gave me confidence and motivation to try. It was through Wattpad’s Submit to Sourcebooks scheme that my now editor Cat Clyne spotted my book. Since then I’ve learned heaps about the writing and publishing process. It really is a never ending learning curve.

Do you have a favorite author or book?

I have loads which include The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes, The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. My favourite vampire book is The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause. It was this novel that inspired me to write in the genre. I also like Hunger Games, Harry Potter, One Day, Jane Eyre… Marian Keyes is my favourite author. She is just magical. Talking to her on Twitter was by far the greatest fan girl moment of my life. 

Besides writing, do you have any hidden talents?

I speak Spanish and can ride a horse. Other than that I don’t really know. I never see myself as talented.

You're sitting in front of a brand new aspiring writer, what do you say?

Kiss goodbye to a decent night’s sleep! Kidding. Maybe, don’t get so swept up in your own ego that you actually forget to write.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Don't be afraid to tell us something funny, we won't tell.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family obviously. I don’t get to watch a lot of TV lately because of my writing commitments, so if I fancy watching a favourite film of mine, rather than watch the whole thing I just google my favourite scenes and watch them in five minute clips on Youtube.  

Now, the most awaited question of every young reader, do you have any childish habits? Do you like cartoons or chocolates?

I’m still obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. If I’m out shopping and I see something with an Alice theme, I have to have it. So far I am the proud owner of Alice in Wonderland socks, t-shirts, jewellery, and a pocket watch. I’m looking forward to seeing the statue in Central Park when I visit New York this year.

Do you prefer sweet or salty?

I like my popcorn sweet and my books salty.

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