An interview with the astounding Jakayla Toney, known as Ms Horrendous on Wattpad. I am actually currently working with Jakayla on a project, and can honestly say that she is the nicest, quirkiest, most down to earth person, especially considering her immense talent and overall success. Click that follow button guys.

Why and how did you get into writing? What made you pick up the pen?

I've always read horror books but only few were able to scare me. I thought, "If I was a writer, I could write something scarier than this."

Why horror?

It's the genre that clicked for and was the easiest to write for me aside from the other genres I tried out. Also, I'm a big fan of horror. I love the different possibilities of creatures and monsters you can create. There's no limit!

How do you go about scaring people with your words?

By giving my characters realistic emotions. It's easy to say one was scared, but when you really break into how a character feels when they see something terrifying, it really makes your readers almost feel the same way. I sometimes pretend I'm in the situation as my character and describe how I would feel.

Most people aspire to become a Wattpad star with thousands of followers and millions of reads. As someone who has achieved this, what is Wattpad to you?

To me Wattpad is more than just followers. It's a safe place for me to be myself and to grow myself as a writer. Wattpad is second home. It's like a world for aspiring writers. We may not be good at first when it comes to writing, but with Wattpad you can always get feedback and constructive criticism and valuable authorship. You can make up any world you want on Wattpad!

What is your favourite piece of your own writing and why?

Violet. It was the first time I could actually express so much about myself without others knowing the book was based on my life with my stepdad. And up till this day not many fans know that. It's amazing. Writing about it and having so many relate to you and your experiences. Reading the comments from Violet always made me feel less alone.

Favourite horror book and favourite horror film...?

Favourite horror book: Wait Till Helen Comes. Film: Conjuring & Annabelle

Who is your favourite published/well-known author, and who is your favourite Wattpad author?

Mary Downing Hahn and on Wattpad - The Notorious Kelly Anne Blount <3

What is your writing process? Where do you write? How long for? Noise or no noise?

Sadly I don't have a writing process and I hate planning out my writing because I constantly change things. I think of a blurb/story description and from there I create this crazy fiction story lol It usually takes me 6 months to a year to finish a story. No noise is ideal however, sometimes me and my author friends skype without talking. We write together over skype and ask each other what sounds good.

How important is social media to your writing?

This is going to sound sad, but social media is a big part of my life. However, that's why I'm so largely known, because I constantly find ways to connect with people and those people later check out my books. I make book covers on Canva and post them on FB or IG or Snapchat, fans see them, ask for one, then later shout me out on their Wattpad or IG. Social media is very important and benefits me a lot especially in my Wattpad life.

How does it feel to have such amazing fans who read and interact with your work every day?

My readers are my world. They've changed my life in ways you wouldn't think having readership and people who support you would. I just wish I didn't have hand and nerve problems because it's harder for me to get back to messages. It builds up each day and I hate missing out on what my readers say.

How did you build up your profile?

Being there for my readers, talking to them, giving them advice, making them covers-treating my fans and readers life friends instead of fans has helped me build up my profile. When you make it a point you care for the people supporting you while coming out with books on tips, or YouTube videos to help them with their books, or make them book covers the fans stick with you for a long time. It's been years and I still talk to the same fans I have worked with or helped. I also keep things clean and try to void from arguments like with politics and what not unless I feel the need to express myself. I'm not saying you shouldn't be political on Wattpad or with your fans or whatever, I just try to stir away from arguing online. I update my book covers and make sure they look good. OH STAYING ACTIVE IS VERY IMPORTANT. I had a huge drop in followers once I became sick with my health and my hand problems while being a fulltime college student. My profile isn't as active as it used to be. But I'm trying to win the people back lol.

What advice would you give to those just starting out?

To take criticism as feedback and never stop writing. To reach out to other writers and have writer friends online to support you. Make friends in writing groups. As authors, it's very easy to just give us because we're our harshest critiques. Know there is know perfect writers. Know there are editors, even for the best writers, Understand writing is a learning process everyday! Once you know this, it's easier to believe in yourself as a writer and keep pushing with your new projects and ideas. Also, never limit your writing especially as a fiction writer. The possibilities are endless.