These are the voices of our mentors and mentees from past and present. They've provided their insight about the program, their processes, and have shared their favorite Wattpad stories. Grab a cuppa and sit down with us as we get to know the writers...
The Bootcamp Mentors are proud to present a spotlight interview with NDeMeer author of Morgan le Fay Institute For Magic Check out this writer's works and give them a shout out in the comments.
BCM: How did you discover the Bootcamp Mentors and what have you found most valuable about the program?
NDeMeer: One of the mentors recommended it to me, actually! I shared the news of my completed fanfiction on my message board. A mentor congratulated me and suggested I should try out for the Bootcamp Mentorship. At first I thought that wasn't for me, because I figured a fanfiction wouldn't be chosen so quickly, but it turns out I was wrong! Lucky for me, another mentor loved my story ideas and chose to help me improve it. What I find most valuable is how much I'm learning from my mentor. Even since our very first conversation I've gained new insights into my story just by thinking through the questions she asked. It's been brilliant.
BCM: What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad and what do you like most about the platform as a writer?
NDeMeer: I first started writing for myself and soon realised that I didn't know how to improve. When I read an article about someone finding a publisher through Wattpad I thought, that's the place to be! The way you can interact with readers and other writers appeals to me the most. I love that authors help each other grow. One of the first things I did on Wattpad was sign up to a book club. I learned so much from that! And I've not stopped learning since.
BCM: What motivated you to write the story you're submitting to the 2022 Wattys?
NDeMeer: My story is a Harry Potter fanfiction. For me, the wizarding world has always been a sort of escape. So when people kept saying "I'm still waiting for my Hogwarts letter", I thought, "What does happen to those young witches and wizards who haven't gotten their letter?" That question was the spark that started this story. The story is all about second chances. This is a very personal subject to me, because I recently changed careers (completely – all the way from psychology to chemistry). This story was written during the process of changing careers, which felt exactly like a second chance in life for me. A journey to a place where I could actually belong. That's exactly what my characters are looking for.
BCM: If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
NDeMeer: Magic, scars, and overcoming. My main character has a ton of scars, mostly on the inside but also plenty on the outside. But with her magic she overcomes them in the end, growing stronger from it.
BCM: Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
NDeMeer: One thing I really need in my writing process is structure. I am very much a plotter, and I need to have worked out my plot before I can start writing. I do this using a technique called the Snowflake Method. This means that I start small, with just an idea, and then slowly build on it and expand it until it becomes a fully developed plotline. Keeping structure in all of this helps me make sure there are no plot holes and that everything flows well. Then I start writing.
BCM: Share two Wattpad story recommendations.
NDeMeer: Oh man, I have so many, I don't know which to choose. Well, let's start with Deep in the Forest by Space_Queen_Q This is an amazing story based on Bigfoot myths and legends, filled with awesome paranormal activity, some science-y stuff (which I'm always a big fan of), and a ton of friendship and diversity. It's a beautiful story that I'd always recommend.
Another fantastic story is Hunter's Shadow by EmmaConnolly379 I first read this for a book club, but I've fallen in love ever since. It has recently been completed and I cannot WAIT to finish reading those last few chapters. This, too, is filled with supernatural adventures, love and friendship, surrounded by a ton of mystery. Besides, both of these authors are awesome people who deserve every bit of support.
Thank you, NDeMeer. We wish you all the best in your writing endeavors.
Keeping watching this space for more spotlight interviews.
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