Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

XVII. Terrible Advice

Depending on who you talk to, you're bound to hear different opinions and views. It's nice to receive advice from certain people, especially professional writers. They may sound helpful, neutral or just plain awful.
    Here are some top advice that really gets on my nerves (and hopefully others can relate to this):

1) "Don't draw/write with your emotions."

I may have mentioned this already in the past, but it sounds like whoever talks like this just seems spiteful to me. Nobody should tell you how to feel. It's not illegal to show negative emotions, people!
   Heck, I don't care if a book on Wattpad is fueled by personal experiences as long as the author is able to write a coherent story and tackles certain subjects with care.

2) "Keep them to yourself."

This is similar to the first one and usually thrown at people who make vent art/posts/unpopular opinions. It's kind of like saying you're not allowed to talk about your personal experiences with mental health and trauma because it's gonna upset your readers.
Let's not forget that freedom of speech exists and you're bound to come across different expressions on the Internet that you may or may not like.

3) "I suggest you go back to school and return if you're ready."

Sounds familiar?

Not only does it sound condescending, but also gives a tasteless message that the person isn't good enough. They're able to finish college after obtaining many skills for years and have all of their hard work rewarded.
   They've made it to the next level. You learn a lot outside of the typical school setting. Maybe tell them how they could do better without doubting them.

4) "If I were you, I'd call it quits!"

This is a clear example of 'projecting' and no, it's not gonna help anyone do better but upset them.
Imagine an art teacher telling his students to quit painting because he doesn't think they're good enough. He already expects them to be like Salvador Dali or Picasso by eighteen as it was easier for him when he was at their age.
Not everyone is gonna be in the same league and have the same mindset as the other. Always be humble, folks!

5) "Work hard."

We get it. It's what everyone is doing right now. When someone is sharing their struggles, try to listen and show a bit of sympathy.

6) "Maybe try something else."

No, no, no! If the kid believes he can be a good artist and eager to learn, it's best to give him the opportunity to engage in that skill. Another example is if I were to be a writer on Wattpad, I shouldn't be discouraged from pursuing that career because it doesn't meet others' expectations.

7) "Don't post unless you're already good enough."

There are a lot of books and artworks on the Internet showing different levels of skills. Heck, it's this kind of bad advice that convinced my childhood self that only Ivy League pros with Photoshop skills are allowed to post stuff.

8) "Don't be sensitive."

Sensitive people exists to teach us how to be mindful with our words. Whatever you think is inoffensive may come off as distasteful to me. Trying to "gaslight" someone will only drive people away.
The term actually means to convince the other party that they're in the wrong instead of admitting one's own faults (e.g. "I never said that!" or "You're the crazy one, not me!")

9) "You're responsible for how your works can influence kids."

Sure, I am aware that authors should add a little disclaimer on their works or posts just to give young unsuspecting netizens a heads up! They must also be prepared for the possible consequences and mixed reactions brought by their creations.
    However, these authors on Wattpad shouldn't be seen as replacements for good parenting or babysitting. It's a shame that everyone on the Internet gets blamed for little Timmy's misbehavior.

10) "Just stick to writing/drawing instead of making emotional posts."

Wattpad is a place where everyone can share their personal thoughts and experiences. Everyone deserves to be heard.
    Imagine if you were to talk about how your dog got sick, then someone told you to quit being sad and work. You're currently not in the mood to do anything and all you wanted is a bit of motivation/sympathy. This is why I leave encouraging messages on other people's emotional posts.