A guide. A short one. What to avoid when writing for Wattpad--and writing in general:
1. Sudden changes in point of view. Before you write anything, decide first on what point of view (POV) you are going to use for the whole story or a particular part of the write-up. It may be the 1st person, the 2nd or the 3rd. This way, you can easily be guided as to how the lines and narration would sound. Make sure to be consistent in your chosen POV. This would avoid confusion to the readers’ minds.
2. Confusion on character identity. The characters are most important in a story, and their identity gives life to the story. Each time a character does or says something, the story starts to have its shape. The reader would begin to realize the role of the characters in the story. However, if the characters are uncertain of their own identity, meaning there’s no consistency on how they play their roles, it would lead to further misunderstanding on the readers’ part.
3. Inconsistency in emotions/feelings. In connection to the previous, when characters are certain of who they are in the story, there would be consistency on how they express themselves. Keep your characters away from being lost in their own role. Your characters must be able to hold on to their emotions for as long as the story needs.
4. Unsupported statements. Details are but as important as the main idea. They give further information about and support the thought of the story. But if statements are not well-sustained and details are left hanging, questions would arise, thus making the reader feel displeased. Make sure you write details and statements which you could support and explain in a logical and relative manner.
5. Unrelated narration. This is in connection to the previous--again. Stories don’t need long narrations just so it could be considered good or qualified to a certain standard. When writing narrations, you must remember to keep it related to the main thought. You need not elaborate things that don’t need elaborations. It would just make your story redundant, thus boring to read. Keep it simple but direct to the point.
6. Copied/adulterated ideas and/or lines. Originality is still the best key to achieve a goal in writing. Readers don’t patronize stories that have been told over and over again. Readers seek for unique and new stuff to read. Avoid copying/borrowing ideas from other writers or stories you have read. Keep it your own.
7. Laying your cards right away. Make readers intereseted in your stories by adding on some excitement. Do not give away all the details in one shot--unless it is a one-shot story. Keep in mind your goal in writing, and I presume, that is to give a nice story for the readers to read.
There!:) These are actually my soft reminders to myself, but I decided to post it here. This guide might help you in one way or another.:)
