The Bootcamp Mentors are proud to present a spotlight interview with MusicalKehleigh, author of Aurablade. Check out this writer's works and give them a shout out in the comments.
BCM: What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad and what do you like most about the platform as a writer?
MusicalKehleigh: I started writing on Wattpad in 2016 as a way to finally start putting my imagination on paper. For years, I had ideas for stories but didn't have the discipline to write them down. It helped to have a goal in mind: to be able to publish an entire fiction story on the platform. I took a break for several years but returned in 2019 and was motivated to write again by entering contests.
It's easier to write when there's a goal in mind, and Wattpad provides many goals to strive for. One may be to just finish an entire novel. Another is to enter a contest, like ONC, the Wattys, or short story contests. Another is to connect with new readers. It also helps to put myself on a posting schedule because it forces me to write, at a minimum, one chapter every week. I also love the community aspect of Wattpad. It enables me to connect with readers, providing extra motivation to finish a story. I've also gotten awesome feedback on my works, which has helped with editing.
BCM: How did you discover the Bootcamp Mentors and what have you found most valuable about this Wattpad community program?
MusicalKehleigh: I saw announcements about the Bootcamp Mentors on Wattpad and Discord and thought it'd be an awesome way to improve my writing! I've found the program so helpful in making me think more deeply about who my characters are and how they develop throughout the story, which has helped me to flesh out my world building and plot even more than before. I am usually more of a pantser, so taking the time to dig into different elements and work out potential plot holes has strengthened the story a lot. My mentor has been super supportive, provided excellent resources that make me think and reevaluate things, and has been awesome at brainstorming ideas whenever I'm stuck.
BCM: What motivated you to write the story you're working on with your mentor?
MusicalKehleigh: I got the idea during ONC 2024. I really wanted to write a cyberpunk thriller, but because I was writing on a deadline, I didn't feel like I did the story or characters justice. I'm so grateful to be expanding it during this mentorship program and finally turn it into the story I first imagined.
BCM: If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
MusicalKehleigh: Action, cyberpunk, conspiracy
BCM: Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
MusicalKehleigh: I think digging more into character motivation will be something I do in future. It has given me so many more ideas for the story's direction compared to when I gave them less attention.
BCM: Share two Wattpad story recommendations.
MusicalKehleigh: There are so many amazing stories that I've discovered! It's hard to choose, but here's just two of them: The Dreamweaver's Daughter by emc_scribbles and A Fallen Homekin by ToWolfKin
Thank you, MusicalKehleigh. We wish you all the best in your writing endeavors.
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