Meet Cocosghost!

Writer's Relay:
Dear Cocosghost, we are super excited to have you participating in this unique collaboration with your fellow writers. Let's take this opportunity to know more about you, your writing journey, and your thoughts on Wattpad and the Writer's Relay event.

So, let's start with some warm up...

What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad, and what do you like most about the platform?

Cocosghost:
That's a great question. Initially, I wanted to see if anyone liked my writing. I soon discovered Wattpad was wonderful community of reader and authors. I didn't realize what great friends I would make on the site.

WR:
Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.

Cocosghost:
I write one or two lines of dialogue, then craft my chapter around them. Initially, I tried to write stories I thought people would like to read. Now I write stories I like to read.

WR:
Which author has influenced your writing the most?

Cocosghost:
There's many, but I'll reference three outside of Wattpad. There's so many on Wattpad there would be too many to list. The first is Jane Austen. Whenever I'm facing challenging times, I read "Pride and Prejudice". I'm inspired by Elizabeth Bennet's determination to live in the moment, despite impending ruin. Darcy observes she's "tolerable, but not handsome enough". Her mother tries to push her into a creepy marriage. Her best friend betrays her and she's going to become homeless. What's her epic response? She laughs the problems off, stands by her family, and won't compromise her ideals. Austen wrote a timeless story. All of her flawed characters could be modern day people we encounter in our lives.

The second is J.R.R. Tolkien. He transports me into a pastoral world which is a haven from our nonstop tech and information deluge.

The final one is Elmore Leanord, "the undisputed king of dialogue". His writing tip that I use the most is, "Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip."

WR:
Where, would you say, do you stand in your writing journey?

Cocosghost:
I read the most important aspect of being a writer is their voice. I believe I'm halfway there to finding mine. I still have to work on technicalities, but I feel if I could find my "voice", it would motivate me to be a more disciplined Panster.

WR:
Which of your own stories is closest to your heart?

Cocosghost:
"Ghost" is my favorite story because I incorporated parts of myself into the heroine. Every time someone reads the story, I feel like the ostracized, overweight and insecure little girl I was growing up has been seen and heard. This is so important to move on from your past and let go of painful memories. I would never have finished this story without the gentle encouragement of a Wattpad reader.

WR:
Share two Wattpad story recommendations. Include the usernames of the authors and why you enjoyed the stories.

Cocosghost:
Reading "Rhodoreef" by SuVida777 is like looking at a beautiful Monet. The descriptions, the colors, every paragraph is mesmerizing and gorgeous. It's also a new tech masterpiece, but my favorite aspect of Rhodoreef is how it educates the reader about preserving our beautiful oceans and marine life. I've never read a book that combined all three criteria so perfectly. 

The second Wattpad recommendation is "White Orchids" by FrostVarg. The world building, specifically the beautiful imagery, is incredible as well as the voice. The story resonates in my mind like a large, Tibetan singing bowl.

And then, "The Dangers of Winning the Game" by Hockhayal They wrote an amazing Dark Hero story with wonderful science and futuristic tech and world building.

WR:
There is one question that many authors may have asked themselves, you included... But could there be one simple single answer? Let's hear from your thoughts...
What would be the perfect recipe for the next greatest novel of all time? One you would write or read...

Cocosghost:

Public interest in the subject matter. A relatable protagonist. The Karmic Boomergang event. An epic setting.

WR:
Now that we know more about you, we are curious about your involvement in the Writer's Relay adventure.

What was your first thought when seeing the Writer's Relay call for participants? Did you apply straight away or did you take time to ponder on your possible involvement?

Cocosghost:
I was excited to be invited to participate, but also fearful that I would appear foolish in front of everyone if I couldn't write a decent chapter. I wanted to apply right away, but waited until after I finished proofing my ONC entry.

WR:
What do you hope to gain from collaborating with other writers on this Writers Relay initiative?

Cocosghost:
I was hoping to improve as an author and also to engender the writing community. To give and receive support as a writer. The Writer's Relay Initiative felt like a writing workshop with all the resources, input and guidance from the other authors and the organizers. I learned to implement structure and technique. I'm so glad that I entered.

WR:
Now that you are well into this relay race, what do you think of your role in the collaboration?

Writing as a group is a bit like musicians performing in an orchestra. What is your instrument in this philharmonic? And what kind of symphony will come out?

Cocosghost:
My instrument of choice would be the viola d'amour. "Its half dozen strings are matched by a second set of strings, strung below the fret board, which, which literally vibrate in sympathy with the ones being massaged by the bow." (www.strad.com) I tried to echo the earlier chapters during an intermezzo. I feel like the story is personified by Ruslan and Ludmilla's (Overture) by Glinka. "Glinka's opera includes, monsters, magic and a wizard name Finn-and the overture...is gauranteed to leave you with a (manic) smile on your face." (www.classicfm.com)