Interview with Colette Amelia
As interviewed by Little Miss Journalist
Little Miss Journalist: When you write your stories, what do you find inspiration in the most?
Colette Amelia: I would have to say the books I read. I read a lot of teen books, so I would like to think I know what it takes to write a good one.
LMJ: Do you have a favorite story of yours? If so, which one and why?
CA: I have two favorite stories (I can't choose!). The first one is "No More Secrets" by liveonpurpose. I really like this story because it is well written and it always keeps me guessing. The other story is "Blurring the Line" (in the Teen Wolf category) by newbie93. I really like this story because of the way the author weaves flashbacks into her story, and the author's descriptions. I wish I could write descriptions at least half as beautiful as hers!
LMJ: How old we're you when you wrote your first story? (Childhood) Do you remember what it was about?
CA: I wrote my first story when I was in first grade. I'm not exactly sure, but I think it was about a girl who went ice skating with her dad.
LMJ: Do you like to read stories one chapter at a time or all at once?
CA: Kind of in between. If I can, I like to be able to read at least two chapters at a time. I don't like to read the whole thing in one sitting, because if I did then there wouldn't be any more to come back to later!
LMJ: Which story are you most and least proud of, or are they all equal?
CA: I am most proud of my "Secrets on the Shore of California" story. I love writing the chapters and seeing what readers think
LMJ: What first gave you the idea to join .net in the first place?
CA: I discovered fanfiction a few years ago and visited the site periodically to read stories. A couple months ago I was reading a story and I realized that I could write one too, so I joined.
LMJ: Have you ever based one of your characters after someone you know? If so, wo was it?
CA: No, but if I know I want my character to have a specific personality trait that someone I know has, I might take note of some of the things that person does to help make my character more realistic.
LMJ: Do you like to write stories on paper first then transfer it, or write it on the computer and edit and publish it?
CA: I tend to write stories on the computer so I can revise the chapters as I go, even though it usually takes me longer to write that way.
LMJ: Which do you find more frustrating- when you have time to write but no inspiration or when you are inspired but have no time?
CA: I would have to say when I am inspired but have no time to write. I sometimes find myself in the car thinking of all these great ideas but with no place to write them down. I am afraid I will forget them and forgetting good ideas is the most frustrating thing to me.
LMJ: Do you have a writing a publishing scheduele? If so, do you usually stick to it?
CA: I usually plan around 3 chapters at a time. Once I know what is going to happen in each of those chapters then I try to get them written within the week, which is a goal that I don't have trouble sticking to. It's when I don't know what will happen next that there are larger gaps in my updates.