Second Interview with Author Lauren Chow

Today's guest made an appearance here back in 2017 (when it was EA: Creatively Creative) to talk about her debut novel, Chosen. Till this day, that interview has received the most views (so far) out of all of my blog pages. Today, she returns, but for the first time in the Literature Lounge. I welcome back, author Lauren Chow.

LL: Welcome to the Literature Lounge, Lauren.

LC: Hello! Thanks for inviting me.

LL: The last time we spoke, you were releasing your first ever novel, Chosen. How's the book coming along since its release?

LC: It’s been phenomenal. I’m genuinely surprised at how well it’s still going. I thought that after a few of months people wouldn’t really care about it. It’s now been almost two years and I’m still receiving messages about how people enjoyed the book and asking for the release for the sequel. It’s a strange but amazing feeling knowing that your piece of work impacted someone else in the world.

LL: What have you learned from your experience so far in your young career?

LC: I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from writing is that you can’t please everyone. You should always be proud of the work you poured your heart and mind into. However, there will always be haters and people looking for flaws in your work.

In one of my works called “Rosaline” on Wattpad, there were some users that commented or messaged me, accusing me of supporting abusive relationships and that I was anti-feminist. The comment that stood out to me the most said that I should “check my morals” if I am writing stories like this and gave me a set of instructions on how I should change my story. I remember being shocked and rattled by these messages, thinking “where in the world is this coming from?”. I never thought I would experience this and now it slapped me right in the face.

Immediately after that, I posted a warning and defended my beliefs. When it still didn’t stop, I didn’t write for a solid month and deleted the app. During that time away, I began to realize there will always be people who want to knock you down. I don’t need to satisfy these strangers and let them demand how I write my book. I know my beliefs and what I write doesn’t have to reflect who I am as a person.

When I finally downloaded Wattpad again, I was overwhelmed by the support and love I got from fans when I posted another chapter. “Rosaline” is one of my most popular works and I don’t regret how I wrote it. It’s my book and I’m proud of it.

LL: Knowing what you know now as a writer, is there anything that you would do differently?

LC: I personally wouldn’t change anything. Each book taught me a lesson and helped me find my writing style. If I changed anything, who’s to say I wouldn’t have created Chosen in the first place? I may not be the writer I am today if I didn’t make mistakes or changed my way of thinking.

LL: I understand that you're working on a sequel to Chosen. Would you tell us the name of it?

Yes! I’m happy to declare that the sequel to Chosen is called Risen! I have been working on this book for years! Initially, I finished this book around 2017, but I’ve constantly been editing and changing the plot. It’s safe to say that I am finally satisfied with it.

LL: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

LC: Be patient and take your time writing your stories. Remember that you’re not going to write an entire novel in a day. It’s okay to get writer’s block, so don’t just write if you feel pressured to keep going. Pressuring and rushing yourself to finish your book can cause your plot to get wonky (I speak from experience). Writing is a way for you to express yourself and your imagination. If you rush to the end, you’re missing the adventure. As cheesy as it sounds, just have fun!


LL: Finally, can you give us an idea of what readers can look forward to in the sequel?

LC: I don’t want to spoil it too much. But in the sequel, we are flash forwarding eight months after the end of Chosen. The readers are about to enter a world filled with fear and hopelessness. While the readers are going to find out what happened to Clara and her family, it doesn’t mean they are safe and sound. Be prepared to go on a rollercoaster of emotions as you’ll finally get the conclusion to Chosen.

Epilogue

"You can't please everyone" is one of the golden rules of this business/industry, and you must embed it in your mind quickly. I have a story of my own to illustrate that example, but I've talked about it enough, so I'll pass on this one. 

Going back to Lauren's WattPad experience, this is why I have the "screw them"-- and I'm being very politically correct-- mindset that I have. Obviously, there are some things one should consider when writing. For example, I wouldn't write romance material for a children's book. Some things should be common logic.

To change your work or style due to someone's opinion/criticism will cause you to overthink: "Is it too political?" "Is it too this or too that?" Not only that, if you're not careful, they will take over your story-- or at least attempt to, as shown by the individual who had the unmitigated gall to give instructions on how to change her story. Man, screw that! Again, that's not the word I want to use, but I try to keep it PC here. I'm not referring to those who give honest and fair criticism, but I think you should vet those as well.

Express yourself completely as you see fit for your story. Yes, you want to write something compelling for the audience, but it has to be compelling to you first and foremost, regardless of what they think. By the way, I'm anti-feminist myself. At the end of the day, you can't please everyone, and neither should you try.

Anyway, that's enough of my rant, I'd rather save that for my social commentary blog. Being patient during the writing/creation process is key. It can be very tempting to work on a story for a while, and get the urge to rush to get it out of the way. To be fair, most readers can detect when one rushes a story. I've witnessed it from their comments on other authors.

"Writing is a way for you to express yourself and your imagination. If you rush to the end, you’re missing the adventure." I couldn't have said it any better myself, and most definitely have fun doing it. Enjoy the process. I want to thank Lauren again for stopping by the Literature Lounge. For more on Lauren, and her written works, visit her website at https://www.lchowbooks.com.

17,000 Views Edition: Interview with Author and Director Celine Terranova

This evening, EA: Creatively Creative speaks with a woman who made her name in Fan Fiction before becoming a full-time writer, but prior to that, she received her Masters in Physics and moved to Switzerland for a short period of time to continue her work in that field. Along with writing, she's also a director, who has directed several short films in French and English. Her stand-out film project, up to date, is Sherlock Holmes and the Stolen Emerald, which was a tribute to the silent film era, with a steampunk twist.

Currently, she's working on her first Sci-Fi novel, as well as another short film project (more information on that will be released in the upcoming future). She's Belgium born, currently living in London, I introduce author and director, Celine Terranova.

EA: Thank you for your time. To begin, when did your love for stories and writing begin?

CT: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to appear on your blog! I feel like I've always been a writer, even when I didn't know how to write. I have always loved stories, crafting adventures and making them feel real. Books were my companions very early on, and I knew that one day I would write stories too. I started my first novel very young, when I was 11.

EA: Over the years, you've written several Fan Fiction stories. The one that seems to stand out is Eternal Snow, which has received over 300,000 views and over 1,200 reviews. What is the story's concept, and what are your thoughts on your work having a such a positive reaction and feedback?

CT: Eternal Snow started as a Harry Potter short story (in French) that I wrote for a challenge on a forum that I was managing at the time. I liked the concept so much that I decided to add a few more chapters to it. The idea was to write my version of the last Harry Potter book before it came out. Eight years, and 250,000 words later, the story became a full fan fiction novel with quite a lot of readers. I never imagined that it would be so popular, and it makes me immensely happy when I still receive reviews years after the story finished. I think it was so well received because I put a lot of energy and a lot of myself into that story, while I was having some of the toughest years of my life. It allowed me to be real, and the readers could find an echo of what they were living too.

EA: For our readers/viewers who may not understand or even heard of this particular genre, what exactly is Fan Fiction?

CT: A fan fiction is a work of art that is based on someone else's world. For example, I have written stories based on Harry Potter, Stargate, Star Trek and NCIS. These stories are mostly published online, and commented. There's a lot that has been said about fan fictions: some people like them, some people hate them. Some authors forbid fan fictions based on their creation, some encourage them. My personal take on it is that fan fictions are a formidable way of working and improving your skills as a writer, and at the same time to build a community around you. It made me the writer I am today, and I can't be grateful enough for everything that I have learned while publishing my stories.

EA: It's also my understanding that you're currently writing your first Sci-Fi novel. What is the title of the story, and would you tell us a little about it?

CT: My novel is called Healers. It is a dystopian young adult book set in a world destroyed by deadly diseases. It is the first book of a series that centers on two main characters: Alaina who has to free her mother from prison, and Gabriel who is kidnapped by an underground tribe. I had the idea years ago and I first tried to write it as a script for a TV series, then a web series, before settling on a series of novels. I am very excited about it, and I'm currently finishing the second draft. I hope to be able to publish it by the end of this year or early next year.

EA: Who are the biggest influences in your life and career?

CT: Besides my family, friends and my partner, who are obviously huge influences on my life, I am also very inspired by people throughout history who chose their own path. I recently listened to a podcast about Jane Fonda, and how she reinvented herself several times over the decades. I admire women who worked so hard and against very strong resistance to leave their mark on history. They taught me how to be authentic, how to do the things that scare you, how injustice can be fought. I love learning about all of these stories.

When I think about my career in writing, it was influenced by J.K. Rowling, Philip Pullman, Pierre Bordage, Alexandre Astier and many more. I feel like everything I read influences me one way or another, and it's a good thing! You should never stop learning and getting inspired.

EA: Do you consider writing to be an easy process?

CT: It depends on the day. Some days, writing is a breeze and I'm really enjoying the process. Some days, it feels like getting you teeth pulled by a sadistic dentist. On thing is for sure: writing takes a lot of work, much more than people imagine. Every writer is a trooper, going through the ups and downs of the creative process. 

EA: Are there any upcoming projects on the horizon?

CT: Apart from Healers, I am also working on translating my non-fiction book, How to Write a Fan Fiction that is aimed at new writers who want to try that genre. I have also a science fiction short story that is going to be published in a magazine very soon. Finally, I am toying with the idea of a supernatural fiction podcast that I've had for quite a while now. As you can see, I don't lack ideas, my problem is to find the time to work on them!

EA: Prior to pursuing a career in writing, you received your Masters degree in Physics, and actually relocated to Switzerland to continue working in that field. Would you tell us about that experience, and how does it compare to writing? By that, I mean which career is more challenging?

CT: I studied Physics because I was good at it in high school, and at the time I didn't think I could build a career in writing. Studying for my Masters was challenging, but it was at that time that I discovered fan fictions, so I felt like I had a good balance between the two. After my Masters, I moved to Switzerland to study for a PhD in Particle Physics, but I soon found out that I was not really passionate about it. It was really hard because without passion I didn't have the necessary motivation to continue, especially after going through very hard personal issues. 

I quit my career in Physics in the middle of my PhD and, while I am still very interested in new ideas and experiments in that field, I think it was the best decision I've ever made. The difference between science and writing is that I feel like I am meant to be a writer. It's a need, it's who I am, while science was just a job which is why I struggled with it so much.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

CT: Writing is a muscle that needs to be trained regularly, not only to progress but also to silence that nasty little voice in your head that sabotages you. It's a hard but extremely fulfilling process, and you will have to learn patience. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, not destroy your hopes. If you don't have that support at home (I certainly didn't at first), you can always find it online. Be bold; don't be afraid, do it, even if it is just one sentence a day. Ask for advice, vent, cheer up other writers. Be mindful of your mental health. Us artists are more at risk of depression, anxiety, eating disorders. Ask for help. You are not alone.

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Healers will be a must-read.

I think the readers who love dystopian stories will be very pleased with Healers. There will be a lot of action, a lot of science, a fully realized world, a slow-burn romance and complex characters. I'm putting all my heart in my stories, because I want my readers to have an awesome time reading them.

Epilogue

I share the same problem as Celine, as far as having a myriad of ideas, but seemingly so little time to work on them. Her statement: "Writing is a muscle that needs to be trained regularly, not only to progress but also to silence that nasty little voice in your head that sabotages you," is an essential aspect of writing, and I couldn't have put it any better myself.

Speaking of "essential aspect," Celine's  mentioning of putting a lot of herself into Eternal Snow while facing the toughest years of her life, and how it allowed her to be open and honest, as well as it being a story others can relate to, is a penchant of all writers and authors, and the therapeutic common bond we all share. A final word from Celine:

You can find more info on my projects on my website: www.celineterranova.com , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CelineTerranova and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loufocaceline/ 

Interview with Author Lauren Chow

In the second of back-to-back interviews, I sat down with a writer who started writing her first novel, Chosen, as a junior in high school. She's (currently) the youngest author ever interviewed by EA: Creatively Creative, Lauren Chow.

EA: What inspired you to become a writer? Are there any authors who further inspired you to write?

LC: I have always been a daydreamer. There was always a story happening in my head, whether if it was about everyday life or fantasy. Reading books from different authors such as Shelly Crane, Alexia Praks, Kristie Cook, and Kaitlyn Hoyt, not only increased these ideas but developed them. These daydreams inspired me to write them out on paper. Writing almost seems like my dream diary to me.

EA: Who are your biggest influences?

LC: There are multiple influences in my life when it comes to my writing. A lot of my ideas came from different books I read throughout the years, such as The Prophesized Series by Kaitlyn Hoyt, Dorothy Must Die by Rebecca Elise, and Red Dawn by Alicia Michaels. These books made me think of different plots and stories. The person who really influenced me was my high school English teacher, Ms. Winder. I always loved her passion for English and she has taught me a lot about grammar. In class, we read multiple novels, plays, and myths that helped develop my stories. I wouldn’t have been able to create my stories without her.

EA: Would you consider writing a novel to be easy?

LC: Writing a novel does not happen in a day. First, you need an idea, which is easier said than done. There’s so many ideas you would want to write about and it can overwhelm you at times. Once you have an idea, you use it to develop the plot and characters. When I was writing Chosen, it took me weeks to figure out how I wanted a chapter to play out. Writer’s block is a huge issue an author has when writing a novel. There could be plot holes, bad development, or the story can seem unoriginal. I have redone Chosen multiple times so I could make it an original story.

EA: What is the concept of Chosen?

LC: Chosen is about a girl named Clara Evans who was being bullied and harassed by her classmates. She becomes isolated and is known as the “Freak” of her town called Ford, where her foster parents care more about their reputation than her needs. Clara was counting down the days when she would graduate and leave Ford for good. However, things begin to change for her when a transfer student named Jay Woods, joins her school. If things couldn’t get any stranger, when Clara reached her eighteenth birthday, she discovers that she has been chosen by fate to stop a civil war. Fate has then graced her with magic powers to stop the reigning darkness from taking over the world and enslaving the humans. With the help of new friends, Clara trains and prepares herself for the final battle to come.

EA: Were there any overwhelming thoughts or feelings, writing and having your first book published at such a young age?

LC: I started writing when I was sixteen years old. I never thought anyone would read my work. Imagine my surprise when I started to gain fans. It was a shock that thousands of people were reading my work and encouraged me to write. I am forever grateful for their support or else I wouldn’t be here. When Inkitt said they wanted to make a publishing deal, I had to reread my email multiple times to make sure it was real. I was only seventeen years old when they took interest in my story. To me, having my book published didn’t seem realistic for me, especially at my age. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I still am. However, I am proud of what I have accomplished and I feel like this is my first step into adulthood.

EA: I understand that you're currently enrolled in California Lutheran University, studying to become an art therapist. Would you educate the readers on what that profession entails?

LC: Sure! This profession is for someone who is passionate about art and social science. Art therapy is a therapeutic method to improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Instead of sitting and talking, an art therapist encourages you to draw and paint. It’s a creative process to resolve issues artistically. For an art therapist, their job is to help you find the hidden meanings behind your artwork and help uncover unresolved issues. It helps control your behavior and feelings, self-esteem, and reduces stress.

EA: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

LC: If you put the work into your story, you will go far with your writing. Don’t write something you think others will like so your story will become popular, write something original that you want to write about. I learned that the hard way with all of my stories. It takes a lot of time and effort, but eventually, it will all be worth it. Always be proud of your work!

EA: Finally, tell the readers why Chosen is a must buy.

LC: Chosen is a book that relates to everyone, especially teenagers. This book has action, magic, humor, romance, and teaches you to love yourself. The main theme I tried to express is the idea of self-worth. In my story, you see the main character question her potential constantly, even when others contradict her. There are always trials in our lives and I believe we all have questioned our worth. This book can relate to these issues and hopefully send a message to the readers.

Epilogue

Till this day, I constantly envision a story, its characters, how everything is going to play out, and making sure the story makes sense. From Lauren's description of art therapy, writing could be very well be included in that process. Writing is very therapeutic; it is an option where an author can vent and resolve issues, in this case. It can help others who can relate to what the author and/or character(s) is going through.

I couldn't agree more with Lauren's advice. Though it may be tempting for some authors to write what others want to them to write, but I believe that hinders them from a creative standpoint. One of the essentials of writing is not only the therapeutic aspect, but the having the creative freedom to express yourself, and allowing the story to flow the way you want to, not by the dictation of others. Everyone-- even those who have overcome it-- at some point in their lives has dealt with doubting themselves. Faith and persistence is key.

I'm definitely thankful for the opportunity to speak with Lauren. I'm impressed by her maturity, and I can see why she gaining such a fan base. I hope the best for her in her journey as an author and art therapist. For more on Lauren, or to purchase Chosen, visit her author page in the hyperlink below.

Amazon Author Page: Lauren Chow