Hello!
As a new campaign we've been welcomed so grandly and it's much appreciated. We're so thankful to the followers and supporters we have gained in such a short time. It's amazing!
We've been getting a lot of questions about if your book fits with our campaign. If your book has any characters (main, supporting, or minor) that has any of the following, then you're going beyond the box. However, beyond the box doesn't limit you to any of these. We want you to go beyond the box, which means, you can go beyond this.
Does your plot include any of these?
- A mental health topic/disorder
For example but not limited to: dementia, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, etc.
- Body type that is not represented much on Wattpad
For example but not limited to: anorexic, obese, etc.
- An interesting backstory
A lot of people may be surprised by this, but if your character has a past, then it belongs with our campaign! For example, maybe a character in your story has watched someone die, or maybe they've been in a car accident, etc.
- Sexuality
In our campaign, a character's sexuality does not have to be limited to cisgender heterosexuality. Maybe a character in your story (does not have to be the main character) is lesbian or wants to have a transgender operation.
- Cultural diversity
For example but not limited to: a Korean character or South African character. By cultural diversity, we mean the exhibition of culture that we do not usually get to see in books. If you have an Italian character and we get to see some of the Italian culture in the book, then your story is absolutely a part of our community. Every place in the world has its own unique culture, and we acknowledge that.
- Flaws
No one's perfect, so why should our characters be perfect? What if your character makes bad decisions sometimes, doesn't always do the right thing, overreacts, or is maybe even vain? You're still going beyond the box.
- Break stereotypes
Do you have a character in your story that breaks stereotypes? For example but not limited to: a cheerleader who isn't mean or dramatic but is in fact really sweet and caring; a smart blonde; an Asian who really doesn't care about his/her grades; a girl who likes shopping but isn't materialistic, etc.
Some other examples of common stereotypes on Wattpad: the good guy getting the girl, the cheerleader ends up with the boy, the 'gay guy' in the story is not always the main character's best friend, etc.
- Spirituality
Maybe a character in your story is dealing with religion problems. Maybe he/she has been born into a religious family but feels restricted. Or maybe your character is a Muslim who feels as if he/she is being religiously persecuted.
- Insecurity or lack of self-confidence
We are all beautiful, male and female. But we all have insecurities. This isn't represented enough on Wattpad.
- Bullying
Does your story cover the topic of bullying? Even if it's just in one chapter? You're still stepping out of the box. (Bullying does not have to be physical, it can be verbal, online, etc.)
- Anxiety attacks/depression/self-harm
If your story covers any of the above or anything related to them, you're going beyond the box. Remember to approach these topics sensitively.
- A 'villain'
A villain is a person whose story has to be told. Are you telling their story? Are you telling the story of a bully? What goes inside their head? Maybe it's about a girl who accidentally kills someone, or maybe even about the vain cheerleader that no one likes.
- Peer pressure
If your story covers peer pressure in any sort or form, feel free to tag your story with #BeyondtheBox.
- Sexual harassment
Does the plot of your story cover sexual harassment? Sexual harassment can be anything from Eve teasing to rape. An example of Eve teasing is being the subject of an unwanted remark or touch of a sexual nature by a man or woman in a public place. We don't just mean females experiencing sexual harassment, but males too.
- Gender roles
Males cannot wear wake up. Females have to know how to work. If a male puts effort into his appearance, he's 'gay'. Those are just some examples of the gender roles created by society. But we don't need to abide by them. Men can cook. Men can put effort into their appearance. Men can be air hostesses. Women can be CEOs. Women can do labour work. We can do whatever we want. If your story covers anything related to gender roles, please tag your story with #BeyondtheBox.
- Equality
Does your story tell us that men and women are equal? For example but not limited to: a female being a CEO; if a man gets sexually harassed, he deserves justice too; if a child is born, both the parents have equal rights over the child; the mother isn't more important than the father and vice versa. Men and women are equal in our society, so let's show that.
- Slut shaming
The word slut is a derogatory term used to describe a woman with several casual sex partners. If a girl decides that she is confident enough to wear a crop top, it does not mean that she is a 'slut'. If a female has sex, it does not make her a slut. If a girl dates a lot, it does not make her a slut. If your story covers slut shaming, then please tag your story with #BeyondtheBox.
As mentioned before, you are not limited to any of these. Go beyond these. If you're still unsure, let us know and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy Writing!
Beyond the Box
