Wattpad Interviews

@UnderTheBlueSkies

UnderTheBlueSkies is an account home to some great 'Dolphin Tale' fanfictions. Her book 'Dolphin Tale 3' has 45k reads and it was a pleasure to interview her!

What made you start writing on Wattpad?

Well, I started writing on Wattpad because a) I discovered that I had a passion for writing; b) there were a lot of ideas that were floating around in my head and I felt the need to, in a sense, "put them on paper"; and c) I wanted to share my stories so that I could get some feedback - which I find invaluable - on what I could improve, etc. So when I found out about Wattpad through one of my friends, with a little bit of encouragement and peer pressure, I began writing and posting.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from many things/people/places (pretty cliché, I know). But the truth is, I find inspiration in everything; something someone says or does, a quote I particularly like, a photo, other books - I get inspiration from all these things, which might actually be the reason I have so many stories lined up to be written someday.

What's your favourite book on Wattpad?

There are simply too many to choose from because I believe that the books on Wattpad - especially the ones I have read so far - all have meanings embedded within the storylines, and they all seem realistic and relatable. However, I'd say the book that resonated the most with me was "The Curves Ahead" by Blondeanddangerous, because the storyline and meaning behind the actual story was something that I could relate to, especially as I have trouble with embracing who I am, and what I look like, and the concept of inner beauty. I felt as though this book helped me understand a little more about myself, and it also helped me, in a sense, love myself for who I am. I would 100% recommend this book.

How did it feel to hit 10k for the first time?

I'm not going to deny the fact that it was exhilarating - I hit a milestone I thought was even more impossible than touching the stars. But hey, I guess nothing's impossible. And to me, it's not all about the reads and the votes, and this kind of touches on the next question a bit, but it's about having a "family" - for lack of a better word - who is always there to support you, to provide feedback, and to lift you up when you're down and doubting yourself.

What's been your proudest moment on Wattpad?

My proudest moment, aside from hitting some milestones regarding reads, has been helping others in a variety of ways. I'm always willing to help others, and it always makes me feel good when I manage to brighten someone's day or help them with a technical issue, etc. Also, I don't really speak that much in real life, so I'm proud of the fact that I've been able to communicate with so many amazing, down-to-earth people here on Wattpad, whom I am proud to call my friends.

And finally, what advice would you give to a new writer on Wattpad?

Be yourself - don't let others' opinions of you or your writing change who you are as a person. Write what you want to write - don't let others pressure you into writing something you're not passionate about because it will show in your writing and you'll feel as though writing has become more of a task/job, than something you'd normally enjoy. Engage with others - this will probably help build your confidence, and it could lead to the making of new friends who will be there to support you whenever you need it. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. And finally, just have fun. Wattpad, in my opinion, is an accepting community of people from all around the world. Even if your stories don't reach the "milestone million", as some call it, straight away, it doesn't really matter, because as long as you enjoy writing, the people around you will help you improve. Just remember to be kind to everyone, because some day, you might just realise that they're even more important to you than something as volatile as votes, comments, and reads.

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Thank you so much to UnderTheBlueSkies for that amazing interview!