Interviewer : Just_Me_Pooja

Interviewee : Oxviola

Interview Questions : Chante_Inge

'23 RGAs Winner - First Place Overall & First Place in LGBTQIA+

Let's dive straight into the world of storytelling! Who are you, beyond the name on your profile?

I'm Andrew (I know, not ox-related at all), a writer and general dork from the north of the UK! Love coffee, video games, the outdoors, or medieval and early modern literature? Then we'll get along swell.

Wattpad is a universe of stories waiting to be explored. What drew you to this platform, and how has your journey been so far?

I wasn't drawn as much as I was pushed. A close friend introduced me to Wattpad in 2021, but it wasn't until the following year that I really started to engage with the platform. I was on and off for a few months, but once I'd made a few connections with some fabulous users I'm lucky enough to still interact with today, I never looked back. (Well, I've thrown a few glances back here and there, but I've generally stuck with it.)

Creativity is a flame that ignites stories. What sparked your passion for writing, and how do you keep that fire burning?

I've been into telling stories for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a rural area meant I learned early on how to keep myself distracted on slow days, and I did that by making up stories based on whatever I'd seen or read recently. As time went on, I started writing them down to look back on and share with friends. Showing other people my writing was one of the most nerve-wracking things I've ever done, but it's also been a source of motivation like no other. When you get to see other people enjoy the work you create, it's easy to stay in love with the magic of storytelling.

Winning the Rose Gold Awards is a remarkable achievement! Could you paint us a picture of the story that captured hearts and minds?

My winning entry is 'Turn of the Tide', a sapphic coming-of-age romance set in a sleepy, picturesque fishing village. It follows the unexpected relationship between quiet local girl Sally and the adventurous, carefree Flick, a new arrival that brings plenty of emotional baggage with her. As they grow closer, their antics attract more ire from the villagers, and Flick's past begins to catch up with her in ways that test their new bond to its limit. It's cosy, it's fun, and it's packed with pure heart!

Every story has its roots. How did the seed of your award-winning story first sprout in your imagination?

For the setting, I took more than a little inspiration from the sights of my childhood family holidays to the seaside. Flick and Sal's story partly unfolded from the setting too, both in its anonymity and in the wantaway dreams such remoteness so often prompts. Mixing all that with the spirits of stories I've admired for years like 'Life is Strange' and 'FLCL', all I needed was the ONC prompts to spark me into writing!

A story is like a road trip; it's not just about the destination but the journey. How long have you been on this writing adventure?

I started 'Turn of the Tide' for the ONC contest held right here on Wattpad, so I had to imagine, plan, and write it pretty quickly. The two months I spent getting it ready for the contest involved some of the most intense, exciting, and exhausting writing sessions I've ever had, for better and worse. Along the way, I made sure to share the chapters with friends and in book clubs, both for helpful feedback and the kind of motivation that only validation can get you. (Hey, I'm only human!)

Characters are the heartbeat of a story. Who is your literary soulmate in your award-winning tale, and what makes them so special?

There are big parts of me in both Sally and Flick, but I'm definitely closest to Flick at heart. Bright, witty, and affectionate, Flick's always looking for ways to make the people she cares about smile, very often while burying her own feelings and problems in the process. She's the definition of fun and good humour as a defence mechanism, and I think I'm not the only person who recognises that behaviour more than I'd like.

Chapters and scenes are like brushstrokes on a canvas. Which part of your story holds a special place in your heart, and why?

There's a moment in chapter three where Sally's taking a picture of Flick against this stunning backdrop of the morning sun over the calm sea, yet all Sally can focus on is how far she's fallen for Flick already. Like so much about Flick, the crush catches Sally totally off-guard, and it evokes such an honest, heartfelt reaction that I still love looking back on now. Plus, it's immediately followed by one of my favourite comic moments in the whole story, because hanging out with Flick is never, ever dull!

Your story is a gem in the literary landscape. What shines brightest about your tale, making it a must-read for others?

I'm endlessly proud of Sally and Flick, both as individuals and the character moments they create between them. They uncover so much depth and inspire so much growth in each other that it's hard (at least for me) not to root for them. A huge chunk of the life in this story comes from their relationship, and I'm so happy with the way their bond lives on in the mind long after the story ends!

The future is a blank page waiting to be filled. What dreams and aspirations do you have for your story? Will it remain a digital gem, or do you see it on bookshelves one day?

I love this story, and I've definitely thought about expanding it into a full-length novel before. Even if I decide against doing that in favour of pursuing different stories, it'll stay available online for the foreseeable future, and I'm sure it'll keep influencing my future stories in this general fiction genre.

Accomplishments are like stars in the sky, each one unique and twinkling brightly. Apart from the Rose Gold Awards, what other milestones have you achieved with your story?

'Turn of the Tide' made the shortlist for ONC 2023, which I'm still stunned about to this day. On a personal note, writing this novella was my first foray into the genres of romance and general fiction, so it was massively encouraging for it to be such an enjoyable project to write that turned out so well. It's been a big step forward for my writing style, and I'll always be proud of it!

A writer's mind is a treasure trove of stories. Are there other tales brewing in your creative cauldron? If so, what can you reveal about them?

My current main WIP is another general fiction story that keeps developing the character, setting, and emotional skills I showed in 'Turn of the Tide'. 'Chasing Memories' is almost completed, too, so that'll be my focus for the immediate future. After that, I first went into my ONC entry for this year, 'These Hills Called Home', with ideas on how to expand it into a full novel, so I might try that. I've also had the urge to take the writing style I've cultivated with these recent stories and get back into a fantasy setting – I'll always be a dork at heart, it seems!

Creativity often blooms from experiences and influences. What life events or authors have shaped your writing style?

My upbringing had its fair share of challenging moments, from money problems to sudden tragedies, and I think that early exposure to raw, intense feeling greatly affected the way my stories understand and process emotions. As far as literary influences go, the great stock I put in the elemental power of place comes partly from authors like Benjamin Myers and Philip Pullman. I owe Madeline Miller credit too – reading her sensitive prose and characterisation has taught me plenty!

Writing is a journey of discovery. What surprising twists or turns has your story taken as you've developed it?

The close relationship Sally has with her brother, Ronan, came out of nowhere during the writing process. I'd planned the story as something of a 'Flick and Sal against the world' narrative, yet during their first scene together – which also happens to be the novella's very first scene – Sally and Ronan came across more as supportive siblings than anything else. I'm glad I stuck with it, as that familial connection provided unique routes into Sally's character that a newcomer like Flick might not have had the tools to access.

Every writer has a unique process. Can you walk us through how you plan and write your stories?

I start a lot of my stories with images, whether they're photos I've taken or pieces of art I've seen online that inspire me. 'Turn of the Tide' began with, among other things, a memory of a lighthouse I used to see on my family's coastal holidays, and my thoughts about how it could serve as a guide through personal as well as weather systems. I'm not the most meticulous planner, though; I'll usually come up with outlines for how the story progresses from its beginning to its endpoint, then let the personal arcs of my characters and events in the setting shape the precise path. It's a lot of pressure at times, and it also comes up with some of the most striking scenes in my stories, as well as ensuring I'm always working with, imagining around, and getting excited about my stories. I'm a big believer that when an author's enthusiastic about their narrative, you really can feel it in the writing!

The writing community on Wattpad is vibrant and supportive. How has being part of this community influenced your writing journey?

I'd be writing a lot less if it weren't for the other writers I've been lucky enough to come across and get to know on here. Sharing stories with people like them is what keeps me going even when I'm tired or my confidence is low. With their support and feedback, I've come far in figuring out my writing style and learning to (I hope!) consistently put out entertaining and memorable stories.

Feedback is crucial for growth. How do you handle criticism, and how has it helped you improve your writing?

Criticism is never easy to hear, even when you know it comes from the best, most constructive place. I try to avoid giving into knee-jerk reactions, and instead step back and do something else while my emotions settle. Once I'm calm, I go back to the feedback and see where it's coming from, what it's looking for, and how I can incorporate that response into my writing. Good criticism is so valuable, and for me personally, it's helped me spot crutches I didn't even know I was using in my writing and drill down into characters' thoughts and responses to key events. It wasn't fun to read at the time, but I'm so grateful for that kind of feedback now!

Beyond writing, what other creative outlets do you explore? How do they influence your storytelling?

Like I said before, many of my stories begin as images, so it might not surprise you to hear I indulge in some (incredibly) amateur photography during my downtime. Taking photos is one way I practice looking for stories in the world around me, and it's greatly influenced how I incorporate settings in my writing. I'm also a big fan of cooking recipes, both new and time-honoured, and that's a fabulous way to learn how to engage all the senses at once in your descriptions. Plus, you get to eat the results after, which is always nice!

Themes can add depth to a story. What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I always aim to convey the importance and inevitability of change in my stories, even in their darkest depths. Whether through personal exploration, or mutual honesty, or a deep connection with the landscape, moments of transformation provide a power like no other, for better or worse. Those are the moments when a character could discover a side of themselves that they never knew they had, when a society's rigid structures suddenly break down, and when something new and strange could emerge from old, familiar parts. Change is always coming, and in the right, hopeful hands, it's capable of far more than many people believe.

The future of storytelling is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of platforms like Wattpad shaping the future of literature?

Communities like Wattpad already have a great deal of influence over reading trends, and I can only see that dialogue between readers and authors becoming broader and louder in the next few years. Beyond that, I think platforms like this have a role to play in supporting niche content too, the kinds of work that otherwise wouldn't travel for a lack of marketing potential. I'm a huge fan of weird, unconventional ideas – I think they're the lifeblood of the best writers, and sites like this provide room for writers to experiment alongside their work and keep their inspiration and enthusiasm flowing.

Collaboration can spark new ideas. Have you ever considered collaborating with other writers or artists? If so, what would be your dream collaboration?

I think collaboration can take a lot of forms beyond just simple co-writing or co-producing. Through comments and clubs on platforms like Wattpad, I already exchange thoughts and ideas with a lot of fellow artists, and I appreciate the privilege now just as much as I did when I first discovered it. In terms of outright co-writing, it's always a possibility (it was a very common practice in my beloved early modern drama, after all), but the project would have to be right. Also, there'd have to be another human who could tolerate my sometimes-chaotic working style, which is one massive undertaking!

As a writer, you have the power to create worlds. If you could live in any of the worlds you've created, which one would it be and why?

I'm tempted to pick one of my fantasy worlds because who doesn't want magic on-demand? I think I'm going to have to go with the collection of quiet, earthy worlds that feature in my general fiction stories, however. To me, there's just as much magic in the places around and within you as there is in the highest of high fantasy realms. The real world is endlessly inspiring, and I'd love nothing more than having the freedom to explore it at will like my characters do.

Writers often draw inspiration from the world around them. Are there any real-life places or experiences that have directly influenced your storytelling?

The rural environment I grew up in and around casts a long shadow over much of my writing, both in the settings I choose and in the character relationships I depict. Another big influence comes from the experience of moving homes while growing up and for university. Moving a lot creates a sense of disconnection and isolation, but it also provides opportunities for fresh starts and new beginnings, and these ideas are (again, I hope) visible throughout my stories.

The journey of a writer is filled with highs and lows. Can you share a particularly challenging moment in your writing journey and how you overcame it?

Not so long ago, I decided to scrap a draft of a story I'd been working on for some time. It ran to over two hundred pages at the time, and part of me wanted to see it through to its end, but I knew deep down that the story had too little direction and depth to continue in its current form. Giving that work up, and admitting my mistakes in the process, hit my confidence hard. It wasn't until I spoke about it all with others that I realised that, even though I'd scrapped the story, I hadn't wasted my time at all. The whole process had been a valuable lesson, and in recognising the story's issues and deciding to change course, I'd shown how much better a writer I'd become for the experience. In short, don't keep your worries to yourself! Talking about your concerns often leads to insights you might never reach by bottling things up.

Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring writers who are just starting their own storytelling adventures?

You ask that like I've made it, which I promise you I haven't! The first step is to shake off that "aspiring" label. You're a writer, and you should afford yourself the same respect and support you give to writers you admire. Also, get used to sharing your work with others. I've spoken up the value of book clubs on Wattpad, and I think they're a fantastic way into developing your writing and growing connections that'll keep you going when the journey gets rough. Finally, look after yourself! Don't write yourself into the ground – not only is it generally terrible for your health, but the exhaustion and strain will come through in your writing. By tending to your needs, you help ensure you're ready and energised to write when you do get to work.