Writer's Guide 101 (Wattpad Edition)

LVII. The Wattys Experience + TCOTRB Updates

The Wattys 2023

Ever since I joined the platform, I have always dreamt of joining the annual Wattys. The problem is that none of my works back then were qualified. Now in the summer of 2023, it finally happened. I entered "The Case of The Red Bubble" aaaand ... I didn't make it!
   
To those wondering how to join, the Wattys banner would automatically pop up in your story once you've reached 50,000 words. This is actually the form where you enter the title, characters, summary, logline (a.k.a. a brief introduction of what the story is about) and other details pertaining to your book. I remember the first thing I did upon waking up early in the morning was submit it.
    Because this was my very first time, I wasn't sure if I was writing my summary and logline right. I also got confused with a few questions that went something like "What chronological order is it?" or "Can it be read alone?"
    From my mere understanding, I stated that it's the first part of a series and cannot be read on its own.
    It is also important to know that once you've submitted, you can no longer change anything. You have to remove your stories from other platforms and keep it up on the site for the entire year. Also, if you're under 18, I heard it's required to provide consent from your parents or guardians.
    They later announce the Wattys Shortlist by October and the winners on December. All I could think of at that time was "Regardless if I win or not, what matters is the experience." I may have that five thousand dollar prize money, but it can never replace the lessons and support I got throughout the journey.
     Now, moving on to the updates regarding TCOTRB ...

TCOTRB Updates

I have actually changed a few things in TCOTRB. For starters, the Red Flower Academy or RFA is now set in Mantel City — which is situated right next to the town of Aspin. I also realized that a prestigious school built in a poor town just feels out of place.
    Now, I know some people may not like the latter's town name but here's the thing:

Aspin used to be a rough part of an old city. Following Super Typhoon Angela in 2040, all records containing the names of these former cities and towns have been wiped out. As a result, the authorities have decided to give the remaining places these random names to mark how exactly they remembered them.
    This is also to establish how out of place Milo feels in this new neighborhood and being surrounded by already street-smart kids.