Hello Everyone!

We are here today with our fantasy genre winner who is none other than, NDeMeer, the author of the award-winning novel 'After the End'.   

Q: So tell us something about yourself.

A: My name is Naomi and I am 25 years old, working as a psychologist in the Netherlands. I have been on Wattpad for nearly a year now, and I absolutely love it. I have truly helped me believe in my own writing skills.

Q: How were you introduced to Wattpad?

A: I have been writing for about three years now. While doing some research into how to develop my writing skills, I stumbled upon a story about someone getting recognised (and eventually published) through Wattpad. I hadn't heard of Wattpad before, but I immediately went to check it out. I never looked back :)

Q: What inspired you to write and when did you start writing?

A: I always thought I wasn't creative enough to be a writer, even though I've loved reading my whole life. After finishing my degree, I suddenly had lots of time on my hands and figured I needed a new hobby. So I decided to just try it out. I loved it so much, right from the start, even though my first couple of books were terrible.

Q: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration as a writer and why?

A: JK Rowling. Definitely. I love everything she writes, both Harry Potter and the Cormoran Strike series. I'm also inspired by her life story; how she was as poor as one can be in the UK and depressed as well, and used her writing to climb out of that terrible phase of her life.

Q: What books have influenced your life the most?

A: Apart from Harry Potter, I remember one of the first books I absolutely adored was The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke. The twist at the end had me in tears. I loved it so much.

Q: How did you feel when 'After The End' won 1st place in fantasy? 

A: I was elated, of course! Not only did I win my category, but also the Best Plot title. I'm so proud!! It's amazing to see that the judges liked my plot so much that they named gave it this wonderful title.

Q: What inspired you to write, 'After The End'?

A: I know it sounds terribly cheesy, but it was a dream that inspired After the End. I dreamed the first bit, where Alex wakes up in the elevator and runs away from Death. When I woke up in the morning, I immediately wrote that down, so I wouldn't forget. Alex has never left my mind after that!

Q: Are certain events in the story based on your own real-life experiences?

A: I don't think so. Not purposefully anyway. But it is very likely that I unconsciously put my own life experiences into my stories.

Q: Give us a glimpse of your favourite part of the story without revealing much.

A: One of my favourite parts to write was Alex's interaction with Anthony. She was wearing her invisibility cloak, so he could not see her. His responses to hearing a voice coming from seemingly nowhere was so much fun to write!

Q: Tell us about the main character.

A: Alex is a fairly normal teenager with quite a tragic background. I can't tell you too much, because her background is part of the mystery of the book, but it's safe to say that she had some serious issues when she was still alive. After she dies, she is the very same person, but without the bad memories. This makes her a much nicer person, who makes slightly better choices. Though I have to admit she's still quite impulsive by nature.

Q: Is this your first story? If not, please tell us more.

A: This is the first (full-length) story I posted on Wattpad. I wrote some stories before After the End, but they were terrible and no one will ever read them :) I took two years to greatly improve my writing before I found Wattpad and started posting. I truly believe that this has been the best way to do it, for me.

Q: Where do you get your ideas to write stories from?

A: I get my ideas from everything and anything. Especially ideas for short stories. I can just hear a random person say a few words on the street and it could spark something in my mind, giving me an idea. I think authors need to be able to find inspiration everywhere; it's the best way to create stories.

Q: What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

A: Descriptive writing. I know that's my biggest caveat in writing, so I'm working really hard to try and improve it. But that will always be the trickiest part of any story for me.

Q: How has writing affected your life?

A: Writing has become my number one hobby; Wattpad takes up most of my day. I feel like I'm doing something useful when I write. I love that about it.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your readers/fans?

A: A thousand times thank you for all the support you guys give me. I honestly never thought anyone would read a book I had written, and now I've got nearly 5000 reads. That is so humbling. I'm getting wonderful, lovely comments on After the End and those never fail to put a smile on my face and get me through any tough day.

Q: What advise would you give to your fellow Wattpad Authors?

A: Don't give up. Just like me, you'll have to start from the bottom. Your first book probably won't be very good. And that's okay. Keep trying, keep learning, and you'll get there! :)

That's all for the questions.

Thank you so much for being here with us today to help satisfy all of our curiosity. It means a lot! We wish you all the success in becoming a very popular Wattpad Author.

'After the End' was not only a genre winner but it also succeeded in claiming, 'The Best Plot of the Year' title too. It was also nominated for, 'The Best Female Protagonist' title.

It was a pleasure discovering such an amazing novel like 'After the End' and a talented writer like NDeMeer. So, if you are yet about to check this book out, I advise you to not waste any more time but to start reading it already.

You will definitely fall in love with this novel, especially if you are in for a unique plot revolving around topics such as death, ghosts, spirits and the afterlife.