Xin-Yang

back from a 2year wattpad hiatus... life got on the way.

dontknow_u

I was wondering if you could r4r or f4f?

dontknow_u

That’s ok (^^) 
            I hope you can sometime in the future
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Xin-Yang

Im only doing f4f at the moment since i'm so busy with my studies ;-;
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dontknow_u

Yeah ^^
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Xin-Yang

(1 of x) This is going to be lengthy, but I do believe that this platform is the best in there to share these thoughts.
          
          Recently, a multi-awarded and brilliant writer who is recognized by prestigious awarding bodies in this country posted a statement about his (I believe) criticisms against writers in Wattpad, and this site as platform for novels and "literature" in general. 
          
          He said he is observing around Wattpad since 2017 and stopped since then because of the content he cannot bare to read. He pointed out completely valid points. This platform has been overpopulated by smuts, and considerably trashy content. He shared his beliefs against writers and the validation that comes with fame and number of reads. He labeled authors as (for a lack of better term) writer-wannabes, and they (I mean- we) indeed. There are a lot of writers who does not even know their proper grammar, syntax, spellings—even while writing on their own native languages. The use of metaphor and other literary devices are poor. 
          As someone who teaches 21st Century Literature, as someone who writes textbooks, and someone who is a mentor in a prestigious university (not to mention his Palanca Awards), he has the every right to criticize us and this platform. 
          
          I considered his post as critique, because despite his sharp comments, he was challenging us young “writers” to step up more and go outside this online platform. 
          
          I have found myself agreeing on his spicy remarks about Wattpad and its writers, momentarily blinded by his colorful vocabulary, satirical comments, and shining credentials as an established author. But there is something bothering me, and I cannot brush it off. I tried to blame it on my guilt, for taking part of his observations. I tried to blame it on his unkind and bloody honest criticisms, but that was not it. 
          
          After few minutes of reflection, staring at his post with countless numbers of acknowledgements, I found out what was bothering me all along.....

Xin-Yang

(CONT..) (8 out of x)
            
            We are still growing young storytellers. Some of us may end up being excellent writers that can satisfy your taste someday. But until then, don’t draw a line between us. Don’t degrade us in the process of our growth.
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Xin-Yang

(CONT..) (7 out of x)
            
            Staying in Wattpad exposed me to different types of stories, and this had helped me to distinguish cliches. I am still in the process of my own development as a storyteller, but because staying in this site helped me, I have recently got two of my stories (scripts) acknowledged. One performed in a stage facilitated by a theatre company that produce shows internationally, and one acquired by a film company here in our country for potential production. See? My Wattpad experience does not even led me to the literary field. But it sure aided me in studying my style, my stories, which lead me into my medium.
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Xin-Yang

(CONT..) (6 out of x)
            
            I am a young writer only starting on my twenties. I have been here since I have not even had my monthly periods (yes, that young).  I started reading here because traditionally published books are expensive. I learned how to earn money and bought my own books. I got on and off Wattpad and got on and off in writing. I have “published” and unpublished works, because I somehow managed to see mistakes and errors as I progress through my phases of learning. 
            I grew with the community, and I have seen stories improve too. What is in the surface are the trends; those who had million reads. But a million readership does not equate to good writing. Fame does not equate to skill. I began to write here again when my motivations began to shift. It started from “I want to have reads” to “I want to learn more” to “I am gonna write, regardless of the reads to learn more”.
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