Welcome to Wattpad: How May I Help You?

Getting Started on a Book

So, you want to write your very own book on Wattpad? Congratulations! So what's your idea?

There are a few steps you want to take before starting to write your first book... or any book for that matter. I suggest before you even go to the Create section of Wattpad you open up a document on something (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notes, etc.) and start a process I've come to call Thought Dumping. (Disclaimer, I'm not the one that came up with that! It was Jenna Moreci. She's an Author/Vlogger.) In this process, you basically write down any idea that comes to mind about your book; anything at all. I always have a folder with the name of my book on it to keep all my documents in, because you'll need quite a few things. Once you've spent a few days writing down whatever ideas you have, it's time to start plotting your book.

This is the part that a lot of people like to skip, but I find it's very critical to writing a successful book. Not everyone needs a plot, but most people do, and using one will help to eliminate plot holes and develop a story everyone will love. It will also take away the ability to use "I have writer's block" as an excuse to not update your amazing story! 

There are many different ways to plot a book, and I could write a whole chapter on that, but that's not what this chapter is about. (Let me know if you want to see a chapter like that.) Try different plotting methods, which again is something I would go over in another chapter. Once you've plotted your book from beginning to end, you can either get ready to start writing, or you can make sure you're ready to start. There are several people here on Wattpad (Including me) that would read the plot for you and point out any plot holes that need to be fixed. This step is optional but recommended.

Alright! Now you've plotted out your book, and you're ready to begin writing. If you don't already know how to begin a book, I'll give you a short lesson.

Phone Guide:

1. Click the little pencil at the bottom of the screen, but maybe finish reading this, so you know what to do once you do that.

2. Click Create New Story

3. Fill in Title

4. Click Next

5. Wait for further instructions.

Computer Guide:

1. Click the Create button at the top of the screen.

2. Click New Story.

3. Type in your title.

4. Wait for further instructions.

Alrighty! Time for further instructions. Now that you've created a book, it's time to write, but don't get ahead of yourself. Think about the perfect way to start your book that will really draw in your readers. The first chapter is very important because it's what will make your readers either love or hate your story. If you need help with this, again, the Wattpad community and I are usually pretty willing. 

Now! You've got a perfect idea and it sounds incredible, so this is the scary part. Start. Writing. I know this is the moment you've been waiting for. The moment where your story can really start coming to life, so enjoy it, but make sure it's good. I repeat. Make. Sure. It's. Good. Nobody wants to read:

Sally went to the store and got eggs. When she got home, there was a man in her kitchen. He pulled out a knife and stabbed her. The next morning her sister came over. She called the police.

That is not good writing. I'm sorry to break it to you, but that will get you nowhere. Try something like, and I'm not writing out this all because it could be a chapter on its own, but something like this:

The man's brooding expression made her heart beat so loud she couldn't hear anything going on around her. Sweat ran down her face, sticking her hair to her skin. The echoing of her heart was so overwhelming she couldn't hear the sound of the wood on wood creaking open. Or the sound of the freshly sharpened stake knife scrapping against the counter top as the man pulled it from the drawer. The last thing she saw before the cold metal was plunged through her stomach was the horror on her face reflecting off of the knife as her eyes pleaded the man for mercy.

That was intense, and kind of dark. I could go on about this, but you get the point. I'm not going to go into the whole process you need to go through before posting your first chapter. Let me know if you want a chapter on that because I'd love to do one. My next big thing is to make a cover. Lucky for you, I have a cover maker on my account, and I'd love to make you a cover for your book, or you can make your own. Just make sure you have an appealing cover. This rant could go into a chapter about helping your book grab people's attention, another potential chapter, so I'm not going into that either. Next is your description. 

I can't tell you how much I hate reading something that starts with "In which a girl is found dead in her apartment." That doesn't sound interesting to me, does it sound interesting to you? Maybe? I don't know. That's a personal opinion, but I'd rather read:

After the shocking discovery of Sally Who's death, the entire town is on edge, worried that the assassin will come for them next. Her sister, Detective Wilma Who is pulled into the mess, determined to find out who killed Sally. She finds herself as the next target.

I don't know why this is getting so dark, so we're going to move on. My last point is to add tags. Tags help your book belong. It will also make it easier for readers looking for a new book to read find your book. 

Okay, well, I've said all I have to say for this chapter. Let me know if you'd like to see a chapter on:

Plotting your Book

Getting People to Read your Book

What to do Before you Post your First Chapter

Getting Reader's Attention

I hope I helped you out! If I did, please vote for this chapter to let me know I did. I will see you guys next chapter. Make sure to comment or PM me if you need help with anything, and I'd be happy to help. I will see you all later. Bye!