The Things I've Learned On Wattpad.

Hi friends!

If you don't know me my name is Violet and I am a fellow wattpadian, currently trying to write something that somebody may want to read. I decided to create this post because I know i struggled with my first year on wattpad, especially when I was creating things. So, here you go! A simple post about things everyone should know.

One of the most common things I used to do was overthink what I was creating. I used to think that I needed all these things to be able to write and I didn't, I just needed an idea and a place to write it down. It's honestly that easy, I swear.

A lot of the time I would spend hours trying to make sure every little detail of my story was perfect, but the beauty of writing is that you don't need to fine-tune every little aspect of your story. A first draft is supposed to be horrible, it's supposed to take time, and it's supposed to need improvement. Any great writer can tell you that you need at least 2 drafts before you can even dream about 'final draft'.

Writing is no fun if you spend the whole time worrying that you are doing it wrong, and if you are- it doesn't matter! have fun with whatever you do, because if you don't, you will be unhappy and eventually stop writing. If you don't want to do a whole bunch of planning- don't! The beauty of writing is that it's YOUR child, as odd as that may sound.

One reason I think many people don't enjoy writing is because in school, you can't usually write about what you want. It's usually an essay you've been assigned or a project that's been given to you that you don't really want to do but it's worth 40% of your grade so you have to.

The beauty of creative writing is because it's, well, creative. This means that it's your own little world and you are aloud to do whatever makes you happy! Does writing fan fiction make you happy? how about writing about new worlds? well do it! Don't restrict yourself to a genre/form of writing that's popular, you won't have fun that way!

For a long time, I focused mainly on the votes and views of my story. If it wasn't getting enough fame? trash it! if you go into writing and wattpad with this frame of mind, you will never write anything. Sure, it's okay to feel happy when a kind person leaves a vote or a comment but don't get swept up in needing that to be your reason for writing. Don't rely on the "fame" to fuel your art.

I know this may seem like it contradicts the one that says "have fun", but when you write anything don't do it half-way. That would be like a baker creating a new recipe but only baking their new kind of cake for half of the time they should, it just doesn't make sense. Put effort into your writing, it still won't be perfect but it will have been something you worked hard on- and that will make you want to work even harder on it.

Something I did (and still do) is quit a project after the second chapter. Either I get writers block, or I get bored. A way to help with this is to focus on a random project and then come back to your current one, maybe change the plot a bit to spice it up to make it more fun, but always come back to it. And let your readers know why you are taking a break, they will understand.

Alright! that's it! is there something I missed? Let me know a few things you did/do struggle with regarding wattpad or just regarding writing in general. As always, is appreciated.