Blog of Encouragement

Part 2

Dear Writer,

        Hello again! So here's the second post of encouragment. But before I get to that, let me tell you a story.

        Just this past week, I was having issues with not having as many reads as I wanted to have on my story and no comments. I was really upset about this though I didn't tell this to my friend that I messaged. I simply put, "I think I'm giving up on Wattpad" and let me tell you exactly what is wrong with that. See the words "giving up"? Yeah, that's a definite no no. The words "give up" should never come out of your mouth. I know, I know, never say never but honestly, those words should NEVER come out of your mouth. This is important! What we speak affects our mindset. If you say you're giving up or you're quitting, you're going to think that way.

        My friend replied later, giving me time to think about what I said. As I started to think about it, I didn't want to give up on Wattpad. There are a ton of people on this site and the chances that you are going to get a ton of reads on a story that only has 4 chapters is slim. Not only that but I started on this site 3 months ago! I told my friend that I was giving up because I wasn't having any luck with it and such friend happens to be 1/4 of the Wattpad4 so I threw in that I don't do contests. In all honesty, they scare the living crap out of me. It's like an invitation for someone to completely tear you down. That's how I feel about them. Other people are way more confident in their writing than I am.

        You know what my friend told me? She said that constant posting is the best way to get new readers. Now, coming from a nobody writer like myself, this may not mean anything to you but coming from someone in the Wattpad4, this may mean something. She also said good writing helps. If you're self conscious about your writing, let me tell you something. So am I. So is my friend. If you're a girl, then you're probably extra self conscious. IT'S NOT JUST YOU! We're all in this together and let me tell you, most of us are willing to help out. I met my friend simply because I messaged her about her writing. Another thing that can help you is a weekly chat on Twitter held by the Wattpad4. They talk about everythnig there is to know in writing. You can ask questions or comment and just have fun! It's every Monday at 8pm EST. It really helps. Even if you just want to watch and not participate, it's amazing what you can learn.

        I talked to another friend, who also happens to be 1/4 of the Wattpad4. Getting people to check out your profile is not easy. So, this friend said that commenting on other people's stories is a good way to generate some traffic on your profile. Also, joining clubs or making an appearance helps. Generally, I try to make an appearance on a different group every week to see if I can get some traffic. Not only does it help with that, but it helps you to get comfortable. That's big. While you're on Wattpad, RELAX. You don't pay for this site, so there isn't any monetary pressure. Chill and just write. That's what this is all about.

        The point of this story is to help you guys understand that it is not impossible to make progress on Wattpad. This post isn't going to make you have ultra confidence and feel good about your writing. Only you can do that (had to throw in some cliche there). Wattpad is all about writing and enjoying other people's writing. Don't let it become something you're afraid of or feel pressured to do. That's not what it's for. Have fun with it.

        Well, there you go! Catch you guys next time! Have a good week!     M