Hello everyone!

Today we have Alecc0 the writer of The Grid Runner with us.

Warm regards, Alex. 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 over two years ago, when a friend of mine sent me a photo of a news article. The headline was about a guy who found fame and fortune after he started posting a story on a website called Wattpad, which ended up exploding into something big. My friend knew that I was writing a story, and after some thought I decided to check out the website that the article mentioned. And, as they say, I haven't  looked back since!  

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

I love it! I'm perhaps more of a fantasy/adventure storyteller, but I love the darker aspects of storytelling, and exploring some very dark themes and places. I'm not afraid to go graphic if a scene calls for it. It's not something I set out to do, but if things get bloody then I don't shy away from the details. I think people can relate to and appreciate a darker toned story more than a colourful fantasy world where good and bad are polar opposites. 

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

I'd definitely say that fantasy is my biggest genre, with a magical space opera adventure feel. I don't mind blending technology with magic, or aliens with faeries. Something that pushes the boundaries and doesn't try to be another 'epic long journey to save the world' or 'magic school' type story. I try to be character-centric in all my work, as I feel they are the heart of any story and the most important element to get right. I've been on a Stephen King binge lately and also trying to check out a few of the new Star Wars novels as I've heard good things about them.  

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

My main motivation is that I just want to tell stories. I love the idea of transferring my thoughts out there, and eliciting emotions and feelings from people all over the world. It's quite a cathartic process also, as writing can be a way of subconsciously (or intentionally) dealing with how you're interpreting life and the world around you.  It's a powerful thing. The main thing that drives me to create something (whether that's a written story, a cartoon show, animation, game, or short film) is that I want to make a difference to the world, in any small way I can. A Walt Disney quote has kept me motivated ever since I heard it: "Think beyond your lifetime if you want to accomplish something truly worthwhile." I may not be destined for great things, but I'd like to make some kind of difference for the better while I'm here. 

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

I really enjoy the planning stages. Figuring out the tone and themes of a story, what journey the characters will go on, how the 3 act structure will play out, obstacles and character arcs. Working out how a story will go is such an important factor too, which some people can skip. They might have a great premise and jump headlong into the story, without really knowing where to take it or how it'll end, and then lose interest in finishing it (know the ending first, folks!). I like to bullet point the main parts of a chapter before I start writing it, like a rough guideline so I don't get too lost in the words. The actual writing part is the hardest for me, as I'm always thinking about the edit, and if something sounds right or if it's too long or too short, or if I'm missing character motivation or sensory descriptions. I don't like leaving blank spots to come back to later. I also enjoy the editing stage, and I like critiquing other people's writing, which can strengthen my own. So it's all good for me, apart from the actual writing! :/ 

What kind of environment do you prefer to write in?

I try to be adaptable to any environment, although at the same time I realise I am very picky. I do most of my writing in coffee shops, as I can't sit at home or in my bedroom and just write. It's all a paradox, as I like to be out with people, but be lost in my own head, with noise around me which I drown out. There's something compelling about being hidden in a crowd. And a place needs to have wi-fi and plug sockets, not too small that I am the focus of the staff, not too busy but not empty either, where I can be forgotten about and get on with my writing. It's a good way of exploring and finding cool new coffee shops too. 

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

As far back as I can remember, there was a period in school where myself and a few others got into writing horror stories. The challenge was to write the most scary and gory thing we could. One of mine was about flesh eating bats. So you could say that my writing started in horror. I remember doing well in English tests, particularly with creative writing (one time I ended up asking for more blank pages during an exam and writing a whole short story right there!). My first attempt at a novel was a trainwreck. It was about me and two friends who went on holiday together, and ended up being transported to a fantasy world in turmoil where we had to be heroes to save the land. I didn't even finish it. I found it a few years ago and began typing it up with the aim of putting it on Wattpad for fun, but it's really so bad I'd rather just burn it and forget it exists! 

Tell us about your growth as an author.

It's been an interesting experience for me, as I have never done any formal training or courses or studied writing that much. I've learned everything as I've gone along, making a lot of mistakes and learning as much as I could from wherever I could. I did things the hard way, and that was to just write and see what happens. The Awakening of James Island went through countless changes and drafts, where the original idea is almost unrecognisable, and it took over ten years(!), writing on and off, to finally finish it. I do feel though that I have advanced greatly from when I first started out, and critique groups have been a huge help for that. Having other people point out all the big and tiny issues with my writing, and then learning from them and transferring that knowledge to other people, has been the biggest factor for my writing growth. 

Do you have a favorite author or book?

Hmm I might have to go with Stephen King, as he has a way of writing such compelling stories and characters, both in a big epic scope and in the mundane every day. I try to read as much fantasy and sci fi as I can, but the list probably isn't that extensive. I've recently read Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy and loved it. I have a soft spot for The Great Gatsby too, going into classics. 

Besides writing, do you have any hidden talents?

My main career (at the moment!) is in animation. I'm an animator for children's television shows (anyone know Doc McStuffins?), and so that keeps me busy enough when I feel that I should be writing. My goal is to develop my own cartoon series, which I'm working on right now. I have a lot of side projects! 

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

I would say to never give up and to keep moving forward. If you're truly passionate about writing then you should learn as much as you can, soak everything up, and keep writing. Read as much as you can and keep writing. No one likes the first things they write, unless you're one of those special people like J K Rowling or that kid who wrote Eragon. Just keep writing, reading and learning and eventually you'll find your way. 

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

I'm a big film buff, so I'm usually watching a film or a TV series. I workout often too (have to balance out all that office/writing sitting) and enjoy training and various classes - but no sports, never been a sports fan. I also love to travel and see new places - maybe that comes from all the advice of a writer having to live life. I've been living in Dublin for two years now and try to get out and see the rest of Ireland, which is a beautiful country with some great hills and lakes and coastal towns. 

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

Although I'm in my thirties, I still don't really think of myself as a full adult, and like to think that I'm a bit of a jokester and childish still (whether that's a good thing or not). Being into animation, I do like my 'cartoons' - Rick & Morty, Archer, Gumball - but don't have the time to watch as much as I'd like. One of the perks of growing up is learning the ability to bake, which means I can eat all the brownies, banana bread and muffins I want - I just have to make them! :) 

Do you prefer sweet or salty?

Sweet for sure. But the best popcorn flavour is both sweet and salty together. 

It was nice talking to you. Thanks for your precious time. We really appreciate it and hope you'll prosper leaps and bounds.

In a dead world, machines have kept civilization alive for centuries. But when those machines suddenly stop working, a young boy is thrust into a dangerous game of survival. Hunted by demonic assassins, he has to uncover the truth behind the dormant machines before everyone's time runs out.