Patrick Ryan: Where did you get the idea for “Rain”?

Carys Schiffer: The idea for “Rain” popped into my head some time ago, but it was heavily influenced by some high school experiences, whether they be mine or those of my friends.

PR: How long did the first draft of the story take you to write?

CS: The first draft of “Rain” was written in about three days, but if I hadn’t been studying for midterms I would’ve written it faster.

PR: Do you think you’ll write more stories about Winnie and Hazel, now that they’ve found each other?

CS: It’s definitely possible! I tend to get bored with stories after a few months with them, but Winnie and Hazel have stuck in my mind for a while now. I’m thinking about expanding on them in a longer-form story at some point.

PR: What did you do when you found out you were one of the winners of the One Teen Story Writing Contest Winners?

CS: There may have been some excited screaming, and then I texted my mom. She was very confused because I had just texted her “GUESS WHO WON” with no additional context, but once I explained, she was over the moon about it! Then I went to brag to my math teacher, since I had found out right before seventh period.

PR: What are you working on now?

CS: Well, I’ve been working on a novel for the past two years about a cannibalistic serial killer; it’s called Grease Fire. I promise it’s not as dark as it sounds! I’ve put my heart and soul into it. It’s nowhere near done, but I always enjoy working on it; it’s more of a passion project than something I would try to publish.

PR: What’s the best piece of advice about writing you’ve ever heard?

CS: My mom once told me some advice she heard as a teenage writer: Even if what you’re writing sucks, you have to finish it. I don’t necessarily follow it all the time, but I think it’s worth thinking about. Also, never underestimate the importance of world-building. It can make or break your story.

Carys Schiffer is a 15-year-old living in West Virginia with her twin sister, mom, and two opinionated pets. She is a freshman at Jefferson High School and enjoys English, Chamber Choir, and History. She writes stories with strong focus on queer protagonists, as well as consuming a plethora of horror and dystopian fiction. She is always encouraged to write by her family, as well as by her incredible partner. You can probably find her reading in a corner somewhere or listening to music.