Tips for New and Old Wattpadders

Take 5

'Hi gorgeous,' John smiled.

'Hi gorgeous,' smiled John.

Which one is correct? Have a think. You have 5 seconds. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Stop!

The correct answer is: 'Hi gorgeous,' John smiled.  Trust me I read that in a writers book :)

Writers Block

Every writers worst nightmare! A wire in the dark! No matter how talented or inspired you are this beast always has a way of frying your brains. So, what is the cure? Well, simple. There is no, one dose cure. But there are ways to reduce it or quicken the time it takes for you to get over it. 

1. Listen to music- whatever type you like. Maybe something that goes with the scene you're trying to write or the feelings you're trying to invoke in the reader and the characters.

2. Go for a walk- A walk is one of the best ways to let your minds wander and it's good exercise too!

3. Close your eyes and write whatever comes to mind- This gives your mind the freedom to write whatever it wants and not be concerned about making mistakes. It doesn't matter if you can't read your writing.

4. Read a book or magazines or newspaper, anything!- Sometimes you just need a break or a distraction. Who knows, maybe reading something different will inspire you.

5. Look back on what you've written- Now this is something that helps me. When I feel defeated, lacking inspiration or just unable to write, I read through what I've done so far. I feel proud when I read my work and sometimes astonished at my own hard work and ability. It makes me appreciate what I've done and it gives me the determination and hope of carrying on. And it makes me fall in love with my characters all over again and poof! Writers block eliminated.

Research

No matter how well knowleged you may be in your chosen subject, there's always something new to learn. Don't just look on the internet. Look at books by different authors with different opinions, journals, newspapers, documentaries and even films. I've been looking at ancient civilisations because it's a passion of mine and intertwines with my story 'Tempest'. 

Also you don't want to dump a bucket load of facts on your readers- they didn't buy a wikipedia book. Plus you don't want to look as though you're showing off but that you're merely adding substance to the story.

Similes, metaphors

Stating something is fine but when you're really trying to capture the reader and create vivid imagery then use similes and metaphors.

A simile compares two different things by employing the words 'like' 'as' or 'than'.

'he fought like a lion''she moved gracefully like a panther'

A metaphor is like a simile. It commonly uses an image, story or tangible thing to suggest resemblance. 

'Her green eyes were glistening emeralds'

The other day I read a random story on wattpad. One word for it. Bollocks. I was so confused. My brain was literally fried by stupidity. It was some sort of mexican gangster bullshit. Please just leave that kind of stuff to Simone Elkeles. Take a page out of her book- she's the expert. Now I won't name the wattpad writer or the story, which by the the way is as stupid as the flipping story. The whole thing was full of spelling mistakes, terrible grammar and punctuation. Hell, I couldn't even follow the story properly, I had no idea what was going on. I was even confused by the sexuality of the characters! And guess what? It had votes and comments telling the author that it was good and they should upload soon. THEY NEED TO BE SHOT. 

Rant over.