The Bootcamp Mentors are proud to present a spotlight interview with glowingspacedoctor , author of Equilibrium. 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?
glowingspacedoctor: In my day-to-day life, I work with math and science as a Research Engineer, a profession that I love very much. But I also have a strong literary side that has always been there and needs an outlet. I started in fanfiction, celebrating other people's worlds and enjoying the community of it. Over time, I developed my abilities as a storyteller and original works began forming in my head. Some aspects of my stories have similar underlying themes to my fanfiction, while the rest was what I felt I had to offer that was entirely my own. So, where to put these writings of mine? Interestingly, I heard about Wattpad from a book I read. It was a teen romcom about an aspiring writer and he found community on Wattpad before eventually meeting publishers and finding success. So I looked it up and it was real! I was ecstatic. This was just what I had been looking for for years. What I like most about Wattpad is the connection I get from fellow writers and readers. I'm a member of the Rainbow Book Club and Other Worlds Bookclub. We share advice, vent our frustrations, have considered debates, and have so much fun along the way!
BCM: How did you discover the Bootcamp Mentors and what have you found most valuable about this Wattpad community program?
glowingspacedoctor: I was already a follower of SG Gardner ( OwlieCat )'s when I got their notification about the program. I truly enjoy their masterful combination of fantasy, action and humor, and it's something I endeavor to emulate. And when they posted an announcement for Bootcamp Session 2 and noted that they were slated as a mentor I immediately knew I wanted to apply. Even if I wasn't picked as a mentee this time around, I knew I could find a critique partner. I had nothing to lose and much to gain in reaching out! Direct access to Wattpad writers who have forged success on the platform, especially one I see myself in, is a great step forward in my growth as a writer. My feedback has shown me that my mistakes are common to writers, that I can correct them, and that I really do have something. It just needs a little polishing. This has been a great boost to my confidence and motivation to keep it up. I've also made some new friends and deepened my connection with members I already knew.
BCM: What motivated you to write the story you're working on with your mentor?
glowingspacedoctor: I begin the story with a quote by the Dalai Lama, and it's resonated with many readers so far: "The planet does not need more 'successful people'. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers, and lovers of all kinds." This is the primary message that I hope to demonstrate over and over through this series. The other theme is community and the truth that everyone has a part to play and has opportunities to make a difference. Their world, and ours, won't be saved by a 'chosen one' or a small elite group of people. Lastly, it's a queer story because I wanted to write what I wished I could read. Strong representation told through a compelling story is important to me.
BCM: If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
glowingspacedoctor: Hopeful, Electric, and Funny.
BCM: Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
glowingspacedoctor: Write what you're in the mood for. My first chapters flowed the most quickly and easily, but as the complexity grew and more POVs were added, I had choices about tone and perspective to wade through. I played to my moods while trying to reach the overall balance of fantasy, technology, drama, humor, and slice-of-life I was looking for. So, for example, if I didn't want to deal with a heavy scene one day, I could write one of the lighter scenes coming up instead.
glowingspacedoctor: A Failure of a High Elf Book One, by erifnidne .
The Cost of Conjuring: A Bargain Beyond Blood, by Easterhead .
Thank you, glowingspacedoctor. We wish you all the best in your writing endeavors.
More BCM spotlight interviews are on the way!
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