MEET OUR WINNERS – Helena Krmpotić

Q1: Tell us a little about yourself. What are you up to at the moment?

Q2: Tell us a little about who your creative inspiration or mentor is and why?  This might be a favourite author or place to work.

I have always loved to draw and paint. That was my biggest passion for the past thirteen years. I gave up on that when I was in seventh grade, maybe eighth. I also wanted to be a vet since I was three years old, but I also gave up on that dream for unknown reasons. In the whole eighth grade, I didn’t have any hobbies. But now I have a lot. I have swimming classes, write stories, and recently started playing the electric guitar. Honestly, I don’t read books that often, so I don’t have a favorite author. My inspiration comes from the music I listen to. Sometimes it only takes me to hear a melody to be able to imagine a scenario. Sometimes I listen to the lyrics and catch a particular word that makes me imagine characters, places, emotions, etc. At first, I didn’t take writing seriously. I would write very short stories, if you could call them that, without a plot, and I would put in as little effort as possible. Then I stopped writing at all because I thought it wasn’t for me. Then I got into it again but this time with a lot of practice. I would ask my friend to send me four random pictures she could find on the internet, and I would turn that into a story. I wrote a few of those, but then I realized that I write the best stories when I’m emotional. So, whenever I was sad, I would sit in front of a computer and pour my emotions into a text. Most of those texts were sad. And after all of that, I started writing ‘normal’ stories. I write because that is one of the few ways I express my feelings. After all, I can make any of my ideas come to life. I can write anything I want. I feel free when I write. Nobody can tell me what I can write and how I should write.

Q3: Why do you write? Would you rather choose prose or poetry? Why?

I would rather choose prose because I’m better at writing that. I tried to write poetry in the past, and it wasn’t the best I’ve done. I also enjoy writing prose more.

Q4: What are you writing next? Might this story be the first of a collection?

This story isn’t the first I’ve written, but it sure is the first one anyone has read besides my friend. I’m already writing an idea I have had on my mind for a few weeks now, but my most significant idea so far is the one I have had since 2020. I have been saving it until I reach the level of my writing skills that I like, and I think I’m going to wait a little longer.

Q5: What are your aspirations as a writer?

I tend to make people feel emotions that they have never felt before. I also wanted my stories to have a sad end so people could let out a few tears because I feel like that’s the only emotion you can see someone express while reading. For example, I have never seen someone laugh hysterically while reading a book.

Q6: Does the place you live or are from inspire you in your work or life, and if so, how?

The places around me don’t inspire me at all. The things I see around me don’t inspire me at all. Only the things I hear can be made into one of my stories.

Q7: What would you like the reader to take away from your story?

I would like to make readers of my stories feel emotions so strongly that they can’t stop thinking about my stories. I want them to keep coming back to read the same story again and again and again. I want them to like not just the story’s plot but also how I write it. I want them to like my writing style.

Q8: Did you learn anything about yourself by writing your story?

I wouldn’t say I learned something about myself while writing this story, but I sure hope to learn some interesting about myself while writing something much more serious.

Q9: What are your 3 top tips for writing a short story?

My top three tips for writing short stories are:

1. Never repeat the same things you already wrote
2. Use many adjectives

Don't stress; enjoy every last bit of it, inspiration will come by itself and don't push yourself with writing something if you don't have the motivation.