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 QueenOCups author of Song of a Sophomore. 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?
QueenOCups: I discovered the Bootcamp Mentorship Program by accident, and am I glad I did! I am new to Wattpad, and just uploaded my novel and began following other writers, when I received a notification that one of them was going to be a mentor in this year's program. I immediately read about it and got to work!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with my amazing mentor @nicolenorthwood who has so much experience, not only with writing, but also editing, publishing, marketing, building a community, and applying for the Watty Awards. She is a valuable resource and a wonderful guide as I navigate the Wattpad experience.
BCM: What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad and what do you like most about the platform as a writer?
QueenOCups:Frustration was my motivation for sharing my novel on Wattpad. After months of querying literary agents, and getting no feedback, I decided to change course. My story was living on my desktop, never seeing the light of day, and I knew I had to share it with the world. I love that users can leave in-line comments and I can interact with them. Their feedback is so valuable. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with other writers in the Wattpad community, and of course participate in mentorship programs like this.
BCM: What motivated you to write the story you're submitting to the 2022 Wattys?
QueenOCups:SONG OF A SOPHOMORE is a nostalgic coming-of-age story about a bullied teen's quest for first love and self-acceptance. It is inspired by my fascination with 90s pop culture and music, as well as my real-life struggles being bullied as a teen. Writing the novel was a healing journey for me, but I also had so much fun crafting what is hopefully an entertaining and meaningful story.
BCM: If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
QueenOCups: Nostalgia, romance, self-love
BCM: Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
QueenOCups:Music. SONG OF A SOPHOMORE is centered around mid-90s music... alternative, hip hop, etc. It is about how popular songs of that era shaped the emotions and world-view of the 15-year old protagonist. Each song on my playlist corresponds with a chapter of the book. Tapping into the nostalgic power of these songs helped me craft the characters, plot, theme and more. Also, taking a rest between revisions and coming back to the manuscript with fresh eyes has helped me tremendously.
BCM: Share two Wattpad story recommendations.
QueenOCups: I'm really enjoying another YA romance set in the 90s, a book by david_hullFOR THOSE WHO DON'T BELIEVE IN LOVE SONGS and my mentor's nicolenorthwood YA contemporary romance RAIN ON ME.
Thank you, QueenOCups. We wish you all the best in your writing endeavors.
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