To improve my writing and receive some formal feedback on my techniques I entered some writing competitions at the beginning of this year. To my absolute amazement I was declared the winner of two of those genre novel short story contests for The Hybrid Chase, a novel I have not yet completed. This has given me the push I needed to continue on with this story despite my hectic life. Making time for writing is a choice. Even a page a day is important. Sometimes it's easy to get trapped thinking that your writing isn't good enough but let me tell you - it is!
So I have recently discovered the beauty of Wattpad, an online story-telling site which encourages readers and writers to post their work and accept feedback from others. I have to say that I think this is a fantastic idea. No feedback is more constructive than that of your peers. It's readers you want to hear from - readers you are ultimately trying to engage! I find it difficult not to spend too much time reading through other people's amazing stories because there are so many! Just about all the feedback I've seen regarding people's works and libraries is positive with little emphasis on writing styles and grammatical errors. People are really interested in the characters and the plotline and even given suggestions on occasion.
So I definitely think anyone with a love for reading and writing should navigate this site - even if you don't create an account. I think it's really positive and it shows the inner workings of the mind of a writer; amateur and professional. For as long as I can remember I have adored books and movies. I was especially intrigued by fantasy fiction and young adult novels. I have grown to enjoy a wider range of subtypes and still read fervently. I am a strong believer in the journey towards recovery and that recovery is possible for everyone no matter how long they have suffered. I use my writing as an escape and sometimes as a form of journaling. I would strongly encourage others to do the same, even if nobody else ever reads it.
I have written many books of my own; unpublished and unwitnessed, and it still gives me pleasure to re-read those works. I have written about mental illness, angels and demons, witches, spies, post-apocalyptic action and young adult fiction. My first published work, The Angel and the Devil By My Side is available through Xlibris. |