《Meet the authors showcase edition volume #2 Est. 6/5/2020》A showcase with @MaggieFinnegan, author of All I have
Advertisement
I started writing this story when I was eleven years old, so such a long time ago! When I first started the story, everything (and I mean absolutely everything!) was different, down to the outcomes, the plot line and even the names! I think, if I think back far enough - it comes down to a film I saw about the President's daughter, and how difficult it was to be the daughter of someone powerful, and it's spiraled for years and years to what it is now! I'm incredibly glad that it's progressed because that first draft was terrible!
Because I'm a romantic soul through and through, I knew exactly the pacing and events of the love story that I wanted, but what I really struggled with was the adventure plot (which stupidly, I made the most important part!). I've recently finished the book, but finalising the end finale, which included a plan, then a revised plan was so difficult to write! Everything felt too simple, or too overused and I sat for days with little cards with each aspect written on them, just trying to find an innovative way to end the story! I really struggled with that.
My favourite chapters are the ones that just let the fluff flood in! When I was younger, I had such a different opinion of love and always thought it needed to be completely obvious and outright, and as I've grown up, I realize there is so much more to be said in the things you don't say, than the things you do. I love being able to write chapters that have something happening, especially romantically, that no one dares to say out loud. I also can't resist writing scenes where people argue - I have one chapter that is set in an English class, and entails an argument about famous quote, and it was fun to use my English major to be able to work that in. Anything feel good that I write, makes me feel all happy and content, so they're definitely my favourite.
Advertisement
4
I'm actually yet to have any negative feedback, which is outstanding! (Watch a huge influx come now and prove me wrong, touchwood!). I've had people commenting that they love the book, and I've had it reviewed a few times and apart from minor details (such as the blurb, which I've always struggled with!), everyone has seemed to say that they enjoy the book and can't wait to see where it goes - and I can't either!
Originally, the book was supposed to just be one stand alone book, with the potential that I might write a sequel - although I never considered what the plot line might be for that. However when it actually came to write it, I was 500 pages in and nowhere near finished with the plot! I realized it would take another 500 pages to fully finish the book, and after um-ing and ah-ing over and over, I eventually made the decision to split the book into two parts. The first book is definitely capable of standing alone, and I think (once I've written it) the second one will be too, in spite of the way they fit together. They're set back to back and book two will focus on the continuation of the first book, and after that who knows! I like to write little 'one-shots' about the characters, just to get to know them better and I've gotten carried away with a few that are set in the future - so watch this space!
I just aspire to make people smile. When I was younger, I used Wattpad as a crutch to help me escape the world I was living in, and I was amazed at how people could write something at home on their laptops, and here I was - reading it! It really helped to boost my confidence and aspirations, and if I can inspire one other person, that would make my world. I've had one comment from a lovely girl in the community who sent me a wonderful message to say that she'd had a really bad day, and read my book and it had distracted her enough that she felt worlds better. In my mind, I've already completed my goal - I might as well pack up now! I would like to be a friend, and hopefully a help to other people who are reading like I was all those years ago.
Advertisement
The best thing I could tell you to do would be to plan, plan, plan. I have like, seven notebooks filled with background information that I know will NEVER, ever even be part of the story, but might get a mention here or there. Knowing your characters inside out, knowing your setting and your surroundings in invaluable too. I've written things from 100 character development questions, world development questions, topography information (what the actual country is like; weather, customs etc), to actual research on real historical events and people who I think could influence my work. I could even tell you the physical limits of the human body in multiple different environments! Research is such a huge part of college, and being an English major, it highlights quite how important history is on literature, and I think it's so vital. I wouldn't have gotten this far without planning. If anyone needs recommendations for really useful websites, then please feel free to message me at @MaggieFinnegan I have a huge list of almost everything possible!
Some, but less than I'd like! I wish I were more like my main character, but I think that's why I can write her so successfully, and learn about her - because we're so polar opposite. There are some instances where we're similar, such as a huge love for family, a duty to be a good person, and a wicked sense of humor, however her whole attitude is so bad-ass, and she's not afraid of anything! She's got the strongest backbone (which, later in the book is shown to be very, definitely ironic!), and sometimes I wish I were able to have the self confidence she does! I think the reason she works so well is because I'm not basing her on myself, and so I'm not limited by anything I think or am scared of!
I would have to say that one of the things that I think sets my work apart from some others in the community, is the structure and style of my work. I never wrote with the intention of publishing on Wattpad, but rather actually publishing! This means that the chapters have been written and rewritten a billion times, and everything there is relevant and important, and the chapters are the same length as actual chapters in novels! I also have never read a story quite like mine - I feel like it has something for everyone; it's comedic, and sentimental, but sometimes gritty and hard to read. I would like to think that draws people in, but if not - just know that it makes me smile, and I hope it does the same for you!
Of course! I can't think of a single writer who doesn't have a million ideas going on at once! I'm currently writing the sequel to 'All I Have', and when I've hit writers block, there's another three books in the works also that could do with some love and attention! I'm hopeful that one day, I'll be able to write for a living, and I can dedicate all of my time to them, however I've got to actually adult for a while before that can happen!
Advertisement
- In Serial1363 Chapters
VRMMO: The Unrivaled
Lu Chen used to be a ranker of the most popular VRMMO game, Spirit of Grief. After a car accident turned his dreams into dust, his disability left him incapable of escaping the pit of mediocrity he was thrown into. Helpless and defeated, his story ended.Two years later, the Eternal Moon Corporation launched a new VRMMO called "Heavenblessed", and Lu Chen stumbled into another terrible accident that left him in a complicated situation far beyond his ability to handle. That won't stop him from rising to the top, however. Not again.Come witness the rise of the sword-wielding zombie and the relationships he makes during his journey to the apex! For riches and bi- ahem, for career and love!He wields a demonic sword from Hell, he dons armor shining with Heaven's light. His boots stride across the sky as his helmet devours the souls of his enemies. On his left side sits the Goddess of Death. On the other, the Angel of Beauty.From the land of ice and death, a generation of Asura Kings rises, their roars reverberating throughout the world.Tremble in fear, noobs!
8 8156 - In Serial1353 Chapters
Refining the Mountains and Rivers
A young man's life changes when he stumbles upon a mysterious item. Qin Yu had never been a lucky person. Weak of body, bullied by his peers, and with only his friend as his family, he struggles day-by-day to live. But everything changes when he stumbles upon a little blue lamp. An immortal and demonic cultivating adventure.
8 3345 - In Serial2455 Chapters
Mortal Cultivation Biography
A poor and ordinary boy from a village joins a minor sect in Jiang Hu and becomes an Unofficial Disciple by chance. How will Han Li, a commoner by birth, establish a foothold for himself in in his sect? With his mediocre aptitude, he must successfully traverse the treacherous path of cultivation and avoid the notice of those who may do him harm. This is a story of an ordinary mortal who, against all odds, clashes with devilish demons and ancient celestials in order to find his own path towards immortality.
8 1054 - In Serial1503 Chapters
Dragon Prince Yuan
Destiny stolen at birth, the prince of the once mighty Great Zhou Empire, Zhou Yuan, has been plagued all his life by a fatal poison, forced to suffer powerlessly until one day when fate draws him into a mysterious domain where he meets a beautiful girl in green, a bizarre dog-like creature and an unfathomable old man in black.Join Zhou Yuan as he is thrust into the whirlpool of destiny while he seeks the pinnacle of cultivation.
8 1059 - In Serial677 Chapters
Ranker's Return
In the early days of the virtual reality game, Arena, meleegod was the strongest ranked player! He deleted his character and suddenly left. In order to restore his bankrupt family, he returned to Arena!"Do you want to create a character?"
8 1715 - In Serial1525 Chapters
Monarch of Evernight
Qianye rose from hardship but was felled by betrayal. From then, one man, one gun; he tread the path between Evernight and Daybreak and became a legend. Even if Evernight was destined to be his fate, he still intends to become the ruler who dictates.
8 22865

