《Meet the authors showcase edition volume #2 Est. 6/5/2020》A showcase with @MaggieFinnegan, author of All I have
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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.
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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.
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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!
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- In Serial16 Chapters
Wanderer's Blade
Strife is a world of war and conflict. A person's place in society is determined by their might and the size of their coffers. Brigands and cutthroats rove through the countryside, reaping the lives of innocents. But above all, stand the divine artists. Individuals who can utilize qi, the natural life force of Strife, as weapons, either for good or terrible evil. Sometimes both. However, some are fortunate enough to be spared from the rigors of Strife. One such boy is Sezha, the scion of a nouveau rich family of merchants. But he holds a terrible weight on his shoulders. Spurred by the hope of redemption, he must embark on a journey away from all he holds dear. Notice: Updates will be irregular as I have college admissions to focus on. Please understand that I can't dedicate more than a few hours a day to this.
8 155 - In Serial12 Chapters
Spirit Cultivation
Liu Xuefeng was a normal boy who had it all planned: get to the same university as his best friend Tianshi and win her love, spending the rest of his life with her.Too bad, even though she liked him too, her rich parents opposed their relationship.The school trip to the mountains was supposed to deepen their relationship, but...An accident broke them apart.He saved her from falling down the cliff but ended up falling to his death himself and ended up reincarnating into a Cultivation World, full of dangers and mysteries.He didn't know though that Tianshi died as well and followed after him, entering the same world.Will the two meet again and share their love without any restrictions?Or will he succumb to the world's temptations, thinking he will never meet her again? Uploaded by Piokilek - Original Author of Spirit Cultivation
8 145 - In Serial18 Chapters
Smoke - The Fallen Reaches
Civilization has collapsed, and humanity has once again fallen into the dark ages. In this dystopian future, Knight Commander Jack Storm is a man of duty and dedication. Forged from an audacious young boy into the prince's blade, he has begun to unravel a conspiracy that could reach deep into the kingdom's aristocracy. With gun and blade he will battle his way to the end of the thread to find those who would try and bring down the Monarchy, regardless of the cost.
8 178 - In Serial9 Chapters
Erika's musings
Erika: "My name is Erika Tempest. I'm a beautiful and talented enchantress that is trying to rebuild her magic shop after it was destroyed by Ilomathians."
8 98 - In Serial18 Chapters
Idle Gaming In Another World
A girl addicted to idle games found herself in another world after getting into an accident. She woke up with an ability to play the idle games that she have in her phone.This is a story about the girl who was transported in another world, along with the myriad of characters and things in her idle games.
8 198 - In Serial12 Chapters
Re:ant
Mark is a normal man,leading a normal life.But that changes when he gets hit by 12 trucks.Then suddenly a window pops up and it asked:Do you want to have another chance at life???? yes / noHe didn't think when he pressed yesThis is just me having nothing to do sooooo yeahit could be a one shot or mature really I have no planes 4 it whatsoever
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