One of my favorite things to do on Wattpad is the Featured Author Contest. So far, 19 authors have been picked, and I couldn't be happier with the results. As of December of 2017, I have decided to add on to this contest by picking an 'author of the year' from those who have been featured in 2017. This will shed an even brighter light on one incredible author, and will hopefully give them the extra exposure they deserve.
The best thing about this contest is getting to see how each of our authors of 2017 are doing since their feature; how they've changed, what they've been up to, and which stories we'll be seeing next!
This - is the Featured Authors of 2017 roundup!
Below are my six interviews with each of our participating featured authors of 2017. If you wish to learn even more about a particular author, I've linked their previous features as well!
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
RR: I don't honestly think it did. It was the later ones that changed me. Those were the ones where I got feedback and advice. Those changed me.
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
RR: I would tell myself that no one style of writing is the "right one".
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
RR: Well, I'm more of a poet than a chapter-style author, but it is always hard to end the poem correctly. When I get to this part, I usually think through all of the ways I COULD end it, and choose the best of the bunch.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
RR: Writing on Wattpad has introduced me to many new ways of writing. It has inspired me, and encouraged me. It has helped me in more ways to count, but most importantly it has shown me that I can write, and do it well.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
RR: Yes. Getting that award meant that I was chosen. It meant that I was worth it. So my writing improved, wanting to live up to that.
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
RR: This will sound super cheesy, but don't give up. It took me months to finally win, and when I did, it was worth it.
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
CL: Publishing my first book changed my whole perspective on how I judge what a good chapter is. I've had my chapters pulled apart by some readers and it's had a positive affect on me as a writer. I hope to definitely better my skills and become an expert in this craft.
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
CL: Younger self, learn to be more descriptive. Readers don't have your mind's eye, so show. Don't tell.
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
CL: My hardest scene to write was having Jeremy come home. I wasn't sure exactly how to tackle that scene. It was rough and I wasn't sure how much to or to not put it in.
However; I worked through the chapter very, slowly. With each line I put myself into the scene and wondered how would I react. What would I say. What would I do. I even put myself in the shoes of Jeremy. How would someone react after what he's gone through. After I incorporated all of those narratives I finally got the perfect scene for me.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
CL: Writing has done more for me more than anyone can know. It has become an outlet for all of my emotions and deepest thoughts. Writing allows my being to jump out into the world unchained and be free. I wouldn't be the person I've come to be without it.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
CL: Winning the writing contest has affected me to a degree. It really made me confident to keep writing and get better. I would definitely do it again and I would be better this time.
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
CL: Future Author, as you go on to your writing path, to make a good story, surrender yourself to your craft. Mentally become your characters. Have their emotions. Think their thoughts. Feel their pain. Cry their tears. If you give in to your characters and their words, nothing can stop your writing from being the real thing. No one or nothing can stop your writing from its natural flow. Dedicate time and hard work and you will be on the fast line to excellence.
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
SKYE: Well, I wasn’t much of an author before I published my first book. It’s not the best story in the world by far, it’s not my best work and I recognize that. I was inspired by authors on Wattpad like AvaViolet, I didn’t write what I wanted, I wrote what I thought other people wanted. It changed me because after I finished the second half of it, I realized that I didn’t really care to write in that style and I would rather write what I want to write. So, it got me to try out different styles in writing (sci-fi, fantasy, mystery) and even in reading. I’m not as in love with my first story as I am with others, but I would never delete it. It’s important to remember where you come from and where you started.
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
SKYE: Don’t let anyone stop you from writing what you want. Especially not yourself! You are your worst critic and never forget that. Do what you want to do, don’t do what you think you should do. Don’t write sappy romances because that’s what you think will go down the best with an audience. Let your imagination run wild! Also, here’s a big one...listen to your teachers! My English teachers have given me some AMAZING writing advice and I’ve improved because i actually listened to them and took their advice.
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
SKYE: The hardest scene to write was probably the scene in Dark Disney where Chris and Jen go to Chad’s house to investigate Jay’s murder. They find out that they were in love and we watch Chad’s breakdown. It was hard to write because I had never really experienced a loss like his. I am also an extremely empathetic person, and putting people through pain (even fictional people) is hard. To overcome it, I just put myself into the situation, imagined how I would react and the pain that would follow.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
SKYE: Oh, more than I can possibly say! It’s helped me with my confidence levels especially. I can live and breathe my heroines, keeping them in my heart. They make me stronger and a better person. I give them traits that I would like to acquire and then I try to apply them. My characters have helped me through hard times, when I struggled with body image and self esteem. They gave me the support I couldn’t seek out in the real world. I also must give credit to the amazing REAL people on Wattpad. The friends and people I have met through this platform are incredible too. They are truly amazing and I wish all the votes and comments in the world on them.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
SKYE: Yes and Yes. I would do it ten times over and then some. It helped me prove to myself that I really could do it. That I could accomplish something that was important to me. It definitely made me a better author, because i knew that if I worked hard enough there were merits to be gained. I must thank Shay for giving me that opportunity to discover myself a little bit.
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
SKYE: Be you. You all deserve it just as much as I do, if not more. So I’m not going to say here and say that I deserve it more than you, because I would be lying. You all got to this point because of the hard work and dedication that you put in. We’re all a team here, nobody should’ve bash anyone, if anything we should encourage each other’s successes. Because is Natasha Preston can get three books published then it means that there’s hope for the rest of us. Be you and don’t let you get in the way of anyone else or yourself.
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
LUCY: Quite a lot, it was the first time I felt like I’d done something real and out there, as beforehand nobody had seen my work except me and it really built up my confidence to go on to publish the amount of stories I have.
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
LUCY: Don’t give up, you’ll get there someday and it’ll be worth it.
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
LUCY: Oooooh denfinitely the Geniam scene in Chapter 18 of Eyes, I really wanted to connect previous memories of the characters to the moment to really emphasise the intimacy of their friendship and relationship. I got through it by weirdly enough taking a break- it helps clear your head and maintain your focus for when you go back. A clear head can really help and inspire something you never considered the first time round.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
LUCY: It’s definitely boosted my confidence, as before I was a terrified 12 year old before I started writing here but then I saw people enjoyed what I was writing and it really helped me improve- in school too. I found myself using words I’d never have used otherwise and my grades slowly got higher. Don’t be afraid of haters, you’re your own writer! No writer is the same.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
LUCY: You have no idea! I was on the bus when I first received the message and I honestly could’ve screamed out loud. It was the first contest I’d won (and still is to this day) and it made me feel really appreciated and good about myself that I’ve a chance and I could do well. I’d definitely do it again yes, who doesn’t secretly love winning? (Even though it’s about taking part....obviously)
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
LUCY: Don’t sweat it and just be yourself, being someone else just makes you seem you’re trying too hard. We’re all unique in our quirky ways and this contest isn’t just about your writing. It’s about you! And don’t think you’re not going to win- you’ve just as much chance as the next person!
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
MGH: Ohmygosh, I owe pretty much all of my sudden progression into the self-publishing world to Wattpad. I had tried to go the traditional route of publishing and kept getting told no one (agent wise) was looking for “Vampire” stories anymore; to not even send them.
I eventually found an agent who asked for my full manuscript - which was a huge deal to me because maybe that meant my writing was good enough... as a writer you’re always gonna be critical of your work (at least I am). Six months later the agent ended up passing, but told me to fix some things and she would take another look at it. That was the first inkling I got to keep going.
I don’t remember how I found Wattpad... but I signed up and couldn’t believe I could read people’s novels for free. And these were some talented folks. I got inspired to slowly put my own story up: The Outcasts, and from there I started gaining interest and people were actually reading it and commenting... I worked furiously after that to get it in print and on B&N, Amazon, Kobo..
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
MGH: I would probably NOT tell myself anything! If I’d known what a painful, harrowing process this was gonna be beforehand I’d never have signed up for it! I’m joking, sort of ... It hasn’t been all bad, just one of the hardest things I’ve done. This brainchild of mine has been in the works for over five years.
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
MGH: I think the beginning for sure, I mean we’re talking chapter 1. The opening chapters where Larna is getting relentlessly teased was kinda like rubbing an open wound with sandpaper. And going over and over those chapters was equally as difficult. I had many hair-pulling episodes that didn’t end up helping; but eventually my best friend (who is a brilliant writer) had to help me remember those high school days again. To dig into my past and hers as well. I used a few instances from her past and mine that really happened to me as a teen.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
MGH: Definitely opened me up to the experience of strangers reading my work and me being okay with it. Wattpad has been a very safe environment for me. Everyone is so nice and encouraging about writing/writers.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
MGH: Featured Author has been a huge game changer! I feel so very honored to have even been selected in the process. It helps keep me writing and plodding forward. YES! I would do it again in a heartbeat.
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
MGH: Have faith in your work. Keep writing and learning and growing. Be open to constructive criticism... even though that’s one of the toughest things to do. We all want to see each other succeed. Remember that your first draft is as bad as your work will get. You can polish anything with enough work.
SS: How did publishing your first book (On Wattpad or otherwise) change you as an author?
TWM: It definitely made me anxious to have people read and see my work. I really hadn't let people see my writings who weren't my friends and I was nervous for the public's reaction. But once I had gotten onto Wattpad and I had started seeing comments about how much people related to the characters and how much they were hooked on the plot, I got more confident and more relaxed. I started to write more often (even though I slack off on posting often) and actually started thinking about publishing in real life.
SS: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
TWM: Don't give up. Writing is a nice escape from the outside world, where you can fill your head with unimaginable wonder and fantasies. and your writings are probably not as boring as you think your writings are. Fresh eyes are always important when writing too.
SS: What was your hardest scene to write? How did you work through it?
TWM: Oh dang that's easy. chapters thirteen and fourteen. They're totally emotional scenes, and I was really thankful that it was just me and my dog in the house that night. How did I work through it? I just had to tell myself that it wasn't real, and that I had to do my job. and I snuggled with my dog. That helps too.
SS: What do you think writing on Wattpad has done for you?
TWM: I think it's made me a more confident human being. It freaked part of me out to show people other than myself and friends of mine my writings. Instead, I got to see something more. a community of people that support each other through the ups and downs. It made me happy knowing that their were other people who actually liked my story and supported me.
SS: Has winning Featured Author changed you or your writing process? Would you do it again if you had the chance?
TWM: It actually just made me more determined to keep writing and helped me come up with more stories, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
SS: What advice would you give to other authors entering this contest?
TWM: Every author has their own unique and personal creations. a: don't let what you've got go to waste. it's special, and the only one who can do it is you. b: make sure you put your heart into your writings. Why do it if you can't feel the world and characters underneath your fingers? Why do it if you don't love it? So love it with all you've got.
To all six of these incredible authors: I cannot thank you enough for entering Featured Author this last year. You have been such an inspiration to me in more ways than one. Each of you are so unique and know how to write so beautifully - I know each of you will continue to go on and do such amazing things. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and know that you all have somewhere to come back to when you're all rich and famous!
Tomorrow I will be announcing not only our first featured author of 2018, but our featured author of the year! Check back here, or on my Wattpad profile, tomorrow to find out who will be featured next!
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