newsfeed

NaNoWriMo is wrapping up in just a few days, but Writer's Camp x NaNoWriMo (which is our 3rd edition of Writer's Camp) is still going strong! We hope everyone has had a fun time writing this month, no matter the final word count. We chatted with writer CJ Young about their plans for NaNoWriMo this year and if they could share any advice for aspiring writers. CJ Young has numerous popular stories on Tapas, with "The Dragon Prince's Bride" recently being adapted into a comic. 

1. Do you prefer plot-driven or character-driven stories?

Character-driven. I often find myself bored with a book when I can't relate to any of the characters. I really feel as if plot comes second in a story!

2. Do you write a little every day, or in big spontaneous chunks?

I write in big chunks, but my stories are always in my head. This helps me work out plot points so that I can be prepared when I do sit down to write. The more you think about a scene, the less you'll have to re-write it.

3. How do you get in the mood to write?

It depends. Music often helps, especially if I'm trying to work on a very dramatic or emotional part. However, watching Anime can get me inspired as well. 

I don't have any favorite artist in particular, but I do enjoy Japanese and Chinese music. It's so dramatic and full of energy!

My favorite Anime list contains the following: School Rumble, My Hero Academia, Sword Art Online, Erased, and Assassination Classroom. 

4. How similar are your characters to yourself? Do you write what you know or imagine things completely new?

I think every character I've ever come up with has a little part of me inside of them. It makes it easier for me to get in their heads and portray their feelings. In a way, it's as if I am experiencing things alongside them. Heartbreak, joy, fear, anger. I feel and express it all as I'm writing. 

5. Favorite literary tropes?

Love triangles, I both love and hate love them in a story lol! XD

6. What was your inspiration for "The Dragon Prince's Bride"?

Back when I was on Wattpad, I noticed an oddly popular genre of "getting kidnapped by Viking." However, I found many of those books to be a little too disturbing for my taste. Still, I decided to take a crack at my own version of that classic "kidnapped maiden" cliché, but with fluff instead of violence. I immediately found myself loving the characters and plot, which kept me going until I had finished three whole books. 

7. Congratulations on the launch of "The Dragon Prince's Bride" comic! What was the process like to reimagine the story as a comic?

Well, it wasn't easy at first. I felt as if I was trying to convey too much information in a single episode. There was just so much to be said and shown! Thankfully, with help from my editor from Tapas, we were able to adapt the story to this new format without adding anything unnecessary or losing anything important. It's like seeing my story from a new, simpler perspective, while still maintaining all the complexity I worked hard to develop in the novel. 

8. What were the most challenging, rewarding, or unexpected parts of the process?

Well, the most challenging part of this was struggling to find an artist who could commit. It took nine months and three replacements before any progress was made. I was really discouraged by the constant delays. But now that things have come this far, I'm glad we took the time to find the right people to work with.

9. Is there anything you've learned along the way?

I think that I've learned how to better visualize scenes and characters. After scriptwriting, it feels easier to condense or simplify my thoughts. I think this is helpful so that things don't end up dragging on or running in too many frustrating circles. 

10. Are there any major differences between the comic and the novel?

Yes, the comic's story has been greatly streamlined for its visual showing. Some parts were even changed completely to condense major plot points. However, I feel as if this adaptation has helped me to express emotions I couldn't convey through mere words. I truly believe readers will come to appreciate both the novel and comic versions! ^-^

11. Is there any advice you'd give to fellow writers and creators?

Whatever you do, write for yourself and not others. If your heart isn't in it, or if you're aiming only to pander to an audience, readers will notice and your story may suffer. Plus, you may become unhappy or unmotivated. So, enjoy what you write and write what you love!

12. For those who haven't had a chance to check out "The Dragon Prince's Bride" comic or novel, how would you describe it in three words?

Sweeping, Heartfelt, Tender.

13. Can you tell us a little about your NaNo idea for this year?

Well, I plan on writing my first true "dangerous love" story, full of suspense and tension. Every step of the way, readers will be left wondering. It's going to be a new experience for my writing and for my fans! >:)

⚡⚡Lighting Round! ⚡⚡

Cereal or Milk First?

Cereal of course! If you put milk in first it may splash out. >~<

Pineapple on pizza, yeah or nah?

YEAH. With ham and deep dish crust!

Friends to Lovers or Enemies to Lovers?

Enemies to lovers. Who doesn't love seeing two souls being thrown together by an odd twist of fate, destined only to entertain us with their constant complications?

Slow burn or fast paced?

I like a slow burn love that leaves you both frustrated and on edge.

Fluff or Angst?

Gotta' go with that ever-sweet fluff. <3

We wish the best of luck to everyone participating in Writer's Camp and hope everyone has had fun during NaNoWriMo!

Stay tuned for more Creator Highlights. See you next time!