Xérès Éveillé, from CLN, had the honor of interviewing an amazing author, victoriaStephan. She is the author of Temples and Tablets: the Eyes of the Jaguar and Your Weight in Gold.

Hello victoriaStephan I'm Xérès Éveillé, an interviewer from the Crazy Late Nighters Community. One of your wonderful readers, Krippy93 nominated you for an interview! Before we begin, what pen name or name would you like to go by and what is your preferred pronoun?

Call me Victoria and she/her is fine! I am excited! This is kind of a surprise to me but of course, I'd love to be interviewed! Thank you for doing this.

It's my pleasure, Victoria. You have a really beautiful name by the way, it's quite classical. How are you doing today?

Thank you! I'm doing great, how are you?

I'm doing good as well! Would you mind telling me a little bit about yourself, Victoria?

I'm a university student myself, having spent the past few months in front of my laptop in pajamas being at 'school'. Anyway, I'm a newbie writer who just started writing on Wattpad this year. I like to read fun things and my absolute favorite trope is time travel!

You like time travel? That is so cool! And for a newbie writer, your writing is certainly quite smooth! But I'd like a little insight into you as a person, Victoria. How would you describe yourself?

I just find it (time travel) an enjoyable way to add some history to things. Thanks for the compliment by the way! Now to describing myself: A bit slow and I just love the ridiculous!

I'm really enjoying your sense of humor! Do you incorporate it into your stories?

Thank you and yes, I very much try to be humorous in my stories. Basically, all of them are tagged as such!

I must say you make them sound incredibly interesting! Say, what kind of stories do you usually write about?

Well here it gets kind of tricky: I mean the main things you can always find are humor, a bit of adventure, a dash of mystery and some good ol' history. I'm a huge fan of slow burn romance so in none of my works has it come to fruition yet. I mean in some it's not even on the horizon. Also it might be good to know that my 2nd book on Wattpad is an interactive adventure story in the Panamanian jungle.

I pity your readers, they must be so anxious!

I don't think it's that bad though, at least since the stories aren't mainly romance!

Well, we'll just have to wait for their responses, won't we, though I'm sure they'll be enjoying your story too much to mind! I've always been curious about interactive stories. How do you go about writing one?

It involves a lot of planning; I can tell you that. But first you need an idea that you like and that can be well developed. I went a very classic route with a jungle adventure and a search for an ancient temple but still it's quite hard! Nevertheless, it's so much fun to write since I gave myself the creative freedom of being as ridiculous as possible! There are just so many different ways to fall into a snake pit, I can't stop making it happen!

Which is a good thing! Whoa, sounds interesting, especially about the many different ways one can fall into a snake pit! I'm assuming you have to carry out a lot of research for this so how long does it take for you to come up with a rough outline?

Yes, I research quite a lot to make it at least borderline realistic, of course there are still inaccuracies but I try to keep them at a minimum. Well the outline took me quite a while if I'm honest. There's coming up with the plot lines and then sorting them into chapters in a way that makes sense. I worked on it over the course of days and still have to tweak here and there.

Sounds like a very long - winded process! But does this mean you have a strict flow, or you just let your writing go?

Well, the actual writing can be described as more wild and free spirited. Most of the planning consists off "He has to fall off a cliff here, so he can wash up on the river bank there." And then the writing part has to make it happen in an entertaining way

Okay, I think I understand. It's just certain ... landmarks of sorts, correct?

Yes, mainly plot prompts. Since most storylines overlap, some chapters have to work in multiple scenarios and make sense.

I have to say, it sounds quite challenging. How did you manage to get such inspiration for your story?

My story was inspired by a mixture of things, you got the classic adventures of Indiana Jones, then the Jumanji movies and then the Goosebumps books from my childhood.

Well, the only thing I can relate with here is the Goosebumps book, it was a satisfyingly eerie series! Personally though, I don't really like Jumanji. It seems as though you're quite the adventure fanatic.

Yeah, I guess. But honestly the reason the story even came about is this: In the very first chapter of my very first book "your weight in gold" one of main MCs is a historian who later in life writes a adventure novel that becomes movies thar are an international success a la Indiana jones(edited) At the time I just came up with a spoof name and spoof plot ... Temples and tablets: Dr Steve and the jaguar of Stonehenge I called it! And well if you haven't guessed yet: my interactive adventure is an installment of exactly that joke I made like 5 months ago .I don't think anyone knows except me; which makes it even more funny!

I've always wanted to go to Stonehenge and it certainly is growing to become a very popular joke if so! Now your readers and me know as well, I feel so privileged and I'm sure they would too!

No need to, I think it just goes to show you can take inspiration from absolutely anywhere!

Indeed, I'll have to keep that in mind! How did you come up with a title for your story?

If only the me from 5 months ago would have known that what I came up with on a whim would create a probably year – long project I literally tried to make it as generic as possible!

I have to say it is a catchy title, and you have an equally catching cover! What was the initial response when you first put your book up on Wattpad?

Yes, I'm so grateful to ferret-bird for making it, it's ridiculously good I think the initial response was good! A common reaction I got though was that people thought it was going to be serious. It was not so.

Yeah, the title does suggest something along those lines! Personally, I thought it would be along the lines of Mayan mythology based off the title and the vibes I received reading over the blurb. What did you readers have to say about it? Can you tell me something they said that really surprised you or was unexpected?

The thing that surprised me was people saying this was the first time they had read a story like this (interactive) and that they had never expected a story written in 2nd perspective to be this enjoyable! This format was very new to them or they hadn't been interested in it much before. The thing that made me the happiest to hear though was that people did enjoy the humor and that they actually fell into my snake traps!

That is pretty shocking! Well, to be honest interactive stories never really got me either, I just couldn't wrap my head around that method! But I'm glad you got such a wonderful audience! Why did you choose to write an interactive story? Any particular reason?

I decided on it since I didn't see too many of these kinds of stories on Wattpad. I thought it would work really well on the platform and would be something entertaining anyone could read

Looks like your intuition was spot on!

I hope so.

It definitely is, not to worry! By the way, what is your writing schedule like?

It's very random. Whenever I have time or feel like it. My real – life schedule is always different so I can never count on having time then and then

Oh. Well, how often do you update in a week?

Before the beginning of June, it was roughly every week. In my studies I have very long exam sessions and assignments. Also because of the virus things have been moved around a lot. So now I have exams and my update schedule isn't fixed. Pretty much whenever I get the chance.

I can understand that. How has the pandemic affected you writing - wise?

Ironically it has given me the chance to write more, but also just being indoors so much has I think caused adventure to have such a strong presence in my stories! Like if I can't go out then my definitely characters will!

Living the scenarios we wish would happen through writing, I'm sure many can relate!

Yes, in a way! Like if I can't go to my local grocery store, then fine, my character will travel into the past, end up on a different continent, get mixed up in ancient Egyptian magic, solve a murder and find a hidden temple! So be it!

You make me want to cry! (In a good way)

Sorry

Don't worry about it, it's happy/longing tears! I'm eager to know about your writing style! Do you have a specific one?

I probably very much do but I can't define it myself As I continue to write, I literally notice myself getting better at it and I'm starting really to find my "groove". I think when you first start out, you have lots of ideas know exactly what you want to say but still have problems putting it into words What I mean with finding my "groove" is that it's become easier to do that and now when I start it really "flows" This sounds so cliché and vague but alas 'tis true ...

I'll take it as it is, I'm sure many can relate! Moving on, who is your favorite author or favorite book? Have they or these influenced you in any way?

Off the top of my head: I've got none. I read incredibly much as kid, basically anything that you handed me and in high school I took a literature course so the pile of books I had to read for that is almost as tall as me Overtime everything's meshed into one and I've completely lost track! Like I think in school alone I went through at least 7 Shakespeare plays and truth be told, if you really get to know some of them, they are seriously funny!

Whoa! That's incredible! I'm still trying to get my hands on one. Well, what does your family have to say about your writing?

They don't really know, like it's my personal hobby

Are you going to tell them anytime soon?

Probably not

May I know why?

I just something I like to do on my own

I'm guessing that the only people in your life who know about your books are your readers then?

Yes, pretty much. It's hard to explain or it might come off as rude or something. But I don't want them involved much 'cause they are meddlesome! Like I'll be stuck on a 40 minute phone call about why I made the main character fall off the Rock instead of making him fall into a river!

That doesn't sound very pleasant! Well, what about your friends?

I know they know but I mean there's nothing really to say about it, they haven't read anything and I don't think they will?

Why not?

Because I haven't told them how to find it!

Don't you want them to read it? Sorry if I seem pushy, I'm a very curious person!

It's fine really and nope. I don't need them to read it. It's my own work and personal hobby and I'm mainly doing it for myself. It sounds very selfish I know But I just really like to write 'anonymously'.

Oh, I know why you feel that way! Is this a serious project? I mean are you hoping to get it published some day?

I wouldn't say no, but it was never a goal. I honestly didn't know it was a possibility until a few months Nevertheless I'd say when I write I do take it seriously I'm quite invested

That's great to hear! Would you care to elaborate how you did find out about the possibility?

Well, at the start I didn't know how you got published. I didn't know how the process worked. For me it seemed like something impossible to achieve for myself. Then I came across a lot of forums and people coaching others in communities and I finally understood how it worked.

Ah So ... has your perspective changed regarding this?

Yes! I love that people are making it happen every day! Similar to me, I think many think they can't do it but that's not true It's a possibility for everyone to try

That's the spirit!! Now, I have a couple of specific questions to ask you, requested by Krippy93. I'm particularly interested in knowing the answer to this one: Are your characters based on real people?

Not really no

I must say that is surprising! But moving on, what inspired you the most when writing?

Oh lord... Uhm ... Everything! From food to music, TV shows, the news ... A plant I saw on the roadside, my dog

A plant? How? Gosh, I wish I could get inspiration like you do!!

Well I saw this plant and it looked nice but then it smelled seriously terrible! For my interactive stories I needed some nonsensical scenarios, and sniffing the flower fit well!

That is so weird but cool! I'm sure you must seriously regret sniffing that plant!

The mind works in mysterious ways but it helped give me inspiration, so I'm 50 – 50!

Can't deny that, it definitely does! Well, here's another one: Do you feel like your characters have a life of their own when writing about them?

I think they do, most often they get a significant amount of backstory. Even if I don't end up writing about it, it's definitely there!

Intriguing. I'm sure after this your readers will be asking for more insight to your characters! Considering the factual aspects of your story, have you researched the historical parts beforehand or after you came up with the idea?

I usually have some sort of foundation already that I just have to build on. I know the rough basics and then research for more details. I'm definitely willing to make things up but I want it to fit to the real thing, like even if I didn't really exist or happen, I want it to sound reasonable or even possible

Creates more of a grip if it's believable, correct? Anyways, did you come up with this story because of a specific experience or passion? For example, perhaps archaeology or history?

Yep! And also yes. I definitely love to read and learn about history and archeology. Especially regarding ancient worlds and civilizations. Writing about it is fun because it gives me a reason to research about it more! And when you have to weave it into a story most topics become significantly less dry

You're so diligent, I'm sure many would love to take inspiration from you! Is there a particular message you'd like to send to other aspiring writers out there?

More like high intensity procrastination but thanks and yes! It's to keep liquids off your keyboard and clean your screen! (I know you have to).

I'm not sure what to make of it but I promise to adhere to it! Are you planning any other projects?

Yep! I actually have two more in progress right now. One is for an anthology created by one of the communities I'm part of and the other is a similar story that I just kind of played around with but it's shaping up to be a proper project for me!

(The community is the Olympus writing group and it's the summer Olympus anthology.)

I look forward to indulging in both! Well, here's the last, but not the least, question: What do you, as both a writer and a reader, think makes a good story?

A story loved by the author themselves.

Interesting opinion but I'm not quite sure I follow. Would you mind explaining it?

I'll try my best. Often people say a lot of other things, from plot, grammar, characters, and such are what makes a good story. I've come across many opinions and many forum posts that try to pinpoint exactly what makes a good story. But there are always exceptions. So, what I think applies to all genres and writing is that when the author themselves likes the work they did it makes for a great story since that is the story they wanted to tell. That didn't come out exactly right but it's roughly the idea. If they themselves enjoy writing it, the story usually comes out in its best form!

I really admire that! No worries and I have to say you've changed my own thinking regarding this subject! Any last words for a certain special reader?

Oh sure! @Krippy93 thank you for all the love and support you've given me! It's friends like you that make writing on Wattpad so incredibly worth it!

Thanks for your time, Victoria! Just speaking out for the community, since we're nocturnal, what nocturnal animal would you be?

Thank you for doing this! It was such a pleasure I've never done something like this before but it's really cool! You are a great interviewer! And I would be a raccoon since I love a good snack.

Aww thanks, and raccoons are cute! Plus, who doesn't love a good snack? Thank you for your time, Victoria!

Thank you too! I wish you a wonderful rest of the evening! Good luck!

Thanks and good luck to you too!