A little something about Aylie Woods:
Aylie - a West Michigan based resident, living only ten minutes from the most beautiful lake, who discovered her voice and love for writing in the music she loves. She is a self professed music obsessive person with an extensive album and band shirt collection to prove it. I write paranormal/supernatural romance, and a traditional romance every now and again. All of my writing is based on my favorite songs or artists. I wholeheartedly believe in writing what you love and for yourself.
Questions and Answers:
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was about 13 and I had just finished reading the first like 5 books of my favorite series. I wanted to be like the lady that wrote the books I was reading.
2. How long does it take you to write a book? When I actually have the attention span to finish?
Maybe a year. The books I have up on Wattpad that are finished took me a year each to finish.
3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
Pure insanity! I don’t think I sleep more than five hours when I write, because I have to get up early to go to my regular job. I have no balance and I probably should.
4. What would you say is your unique writing quirk?
I’ve never thought about it. Maybe my way of writing descriptive passages within scenes. I get a lot of comments on how I do it.
5. Whether it be traditional, self, or story book apps. How do you find the publishing process?
I’ve not “officially” published anything. A majority of what I have is on Wattpad. I enjoy it for the most part. I think it's a great way of creating a supportive community for when you decide to traditionally or self-publish. I find the book apps need a lot of help with the way the approach the content published and problematic authors, but I think that is a topic for a whole other day.
6. How much of your writing process involves research in your subject matter or plot?
Until I started Hourglass, almost none. I have read so many books and blogs on different views of the afterlife since starting Hourglass.
7. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first whole book when I was about seventeen. I couldn’t tell you what it was about or where it is now, but I know it took up four of those huge 5 subject notebooks.
8. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I’m not writing, I’m usually watching crime shows, listening to music, or at a concert (pre-pandemic of course). I’m not that exciting of a person outside of writing.
9. What does your family think of your writing?
My family actually has no idea I write. My friends are really supportive and they cheer me on whenever I need it.
10.What was one of the most surprising things you learned about yourself in creating your books (characters, location, plot)?
My bipolar disorder influences a LOT of what I write. I don’t consider it a bad thing anymore though. At first I hated that my mood swings were extremely visible in what I was writing, but now I think it makes what I’m working on better.
11.What is it you particularly like about the genre you write?
With fantasy and paranormal, I like the way it’s easier to tackle real life issues. You can take a topic you struggle with and remove it from our realm of reality to make it easier to understand or digest. With Romance, it’s fun to build relationships of all different kinds and watch the dynamics change.
12.Do you have any suggestions to help others become writers? If so, what are they?
Have balance: get enough sleep, have other things you like to do. Create a circle of people you can trust for help and support. A support system is so crucial. Believe in you: your story, whatever it is, is important because you’re important.
13.Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do from time to time. Recently, I got the sweetest message from a girl that read an old book. She said my book had turned her into an avid reader when she wasn’t at all, given her a passion for it, and was now going to university for writing/literature. I mean I can honestly say that I’ve made it as a writer now. I’m so weepy just thinking of it again. Other than that, I get positive comments on the regular about my way of using description and how I build my characters.
14.Do you like to create books for your target audience?
I don’t. I write what makes me happy, what can hold my attention. If I try to write for others, I get bored and won’t finish. So, I write what I like and if other people end up liking it, that’s dope.
15.What do you think makes a good story?
CHARACTERS! When I’m reading, or even writing if I don’t like the characters, can’t relate to them in even one aspect, what’s the point? It takes the joy out of it if you can’t connect to the characters you’re reading/writing about.
16.How do you handle writers block and what do you tell other aspiring authors who may be fighting or fearful about hitting that wall?
When I have issues with writer’s block, I step away for a while. Whether it be an hour or a couple of days, I take a step back. I try to relax and find other forms of media or art to get my brain back into the creative loop. So my advice is to take a step back from it. Put the computer, or whatever you use to write aside and go explore other parts of your creativity.
Final Notes:
Aylie is probably my most favorite Wattpad author. She takes her craft seriously and writes near meticulously. I love her plot of Hourglass. It's unique and just when you think you know where she is going or what is happening, she surprises you. I cannot wait what she plans next. I enjoyed reading this interview. The preparations alone to publish this made me know her and so honored that she's letting us see her vulnerable side - just enough for us to beg for more.