Tips for New and Old Wattpadders

Take 3

Titles

I find it astonishing how so many people, some of them talented writers, can choose such ridiculous titles that make me doubt the authenticity of their story. Go to WHSmith or whatever bookshop you have in your country and carefully analyse the titles of books across all genres. 

The purpose of a title is to lure the reader not to summarise the entire book- that's what the blurb is for. Sadly it is a sign of poor writing. 

Example of a bad title (not any specific story, I'm not here to attack writers or pick on individuals)

'My mother married an 18 year old that took my virginity' or 'My best friend is a nymphomaniac in love with me! But do I love him too?'

I hope you understand me now. Please? Anyway these types of stories are usually adopted by the Humour & Romance category hence why I stay away from those.

A title should be; either short or long, mysterious, related to the story either closely or loosely and should never give more than maybe two clues about the story, hell it even works if there are no clues. Titles can even by the name of the main character like Harry Potter. They may link in with a theme eg, creatures of the night so the title might be 'At Dawn' or something. Additionally, it could be to do with a metaphor that the protagonist mentioned or frequently mentions or a poem that is mentioned. Eg, A thousand splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a line from an  Afghan poem and it is used as description in the novel.

Remember- titles never sum up the entire story

Humour & Romance Stories- the subject of virginity. 

Admittedly this is more of a rant than a tip. Not many books are about losing your virginity to whoever, not in this generation anyway. And when they are, they are done delicately and with appropriate research and understanding. It seems to be that these types of stories are part of sexual fantasies that young people may have or those who are eager for a partner. All the same I never learn anything from these types of wattpad stories nor do I find them very interesting. Hate me if you want but mate you are not doing it properly. And no neither can I.

Shy Character --> Brave Character

Sometimes the protagonist is initially shy and meek then they grow in confidence. That's good, that's perfectly fine but it doesn't happen between the first and second chapter or even between paragraphs. Usually, it is a moment of clarity, life and death situations, sacrifice, support to another character, or a series of life changing events and revelations that propel this change within a character. Not a single word of humiliation or the need to shut the mouth of a rival cheerleader insinuating anything nor because they were overcome with anger.

Being brave doesn't neccesairly mean violence, no that's far from bravery. It can be a moment when you find the courage to tell the truth, to defend someone, to face your own personal fear or even express your own belief.

Remember- Fortune favours the brave.

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