Interview of CheshireTrove
First runner up of Fantasy Genre 

Writer of Eldritch.

1. When did you join Wattpad and where did you learn about it?

I joined a few years ago, but I didn’t start writing on the site until this past year. I can’t remember how I learned about it; I’ve been floating around online writing sites for nearly a decade now (as a reader), and must have stumbled across Wattpad at some point.

2. What inspired you to try your hands on writing your own book?

I’ve always loved coming up with stories. I can’t say for certain what inspired me to write my own; probably Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. I wrote a horrible, fanfic-y version when I was in third grade, but I had my own characters, my own sense of magic, and my own plot. Books have always provided a sanctuary of sorts for me, and I’ve always wanted to give back in that regard.

3. When you first started writing the book what thoughts did you have in mind?

Interestingly enough, Eldritch was born from Disney’s real-life film Cinderella. (I guess I just have a weakness for Cinderella stories haha.) The end result is nothing like what inspired it, though.

4. Have you got some writing schedule or do you write when you feel like it?

I try to write whenever I can, but I’ve discovered I write best in the early morning.

5. Is there any character in your book that you can relate to and why?

At this point, my characters are still shiny and new, but I think I can relate to Jacque the most. He’s critical, sarcastic, and always tired.

6. What are your favorite books so far on and off Wattpad?

My favorite books off of Wattpad are probably The Faery Reel by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, and then The Princess Bride by William Goldman. I haven’t read many books on Wattpad, but so far my favorites have been Tombtown by KarateChop

7. Do you write for fun or do you intend to pursue it in the future?

I intend to pursue it in the future.

8. In what kind of atmosphere do you prefer to write?

Somewhere quiet, with a table and a chair. Couches and beds are the worst place for me to work because I’m guaranteed to 1) fool around on the internet and then 2) fall asleep.

9. What are you currently doing or studying?

I’m currently pursuing a career in medicine.

10. How did you come to know about Galaxy Book Contest and how do you feel about what you have achieved?

Someone tagged me in the contest, and I thought, “Why not? Let’s give it a go.” I’m pretty stoked about reaching second place—it’s an absolute honor, and I’m happy that the work has paid off so far. :)

11. Any piece of advice you would like to give to the fellow writers?

It’s okay to write horribly. It’s okay to write notes to yourself between bits of dialogue, to use every cliche under the sun, to write a disastrous first draft. Revisions are a thing and they’re most effective when you’ve already taken a go at the story. Give yourself the permission to make mistakes, to create the space needed to learn, and you’ll accomplish much more than you can ever imagine.