This began as a fun activity in which you have to write 20 things about yourself. Now it's been turned into a place where I spill my thoughts about daily life and issues and share rants with you.
I hope you enjoy reading this. It's open to discuss...
There's a whole bunch of contests and writing challenges on Wattpad in different languages on every category. They can be originated directly from HQ, sponsored by an international brand, publisher, editorials, or movie franchise; run by ambassadors, category official profiles or by eager writers and active members like you and me who want to have some fun. For prose or poetry, all of them bring innovative writing prompts in the form of a quote, phrase, idea, theme or media. That opens a venue for inspiration and a playground for the muses.
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Joining a writing challenge or a contest is to step out of the box. Leaving the comfort zone of the secure niche the category in which you write supplies is always a safe bet. Don't fear. Challenging your writing abilities would never, ever make you fail, only to improve and to be a better writer. A competition always would make you stronger, even you win it or lose it. A great new world will be created, a story you thought incapable to write will emerge from a place you thought inexistent, unreal, unknown.
Most of my stories are born after joining a challenge or contest. I've won -luckily I guess- a few and lost some others, but taking that risk I've written poetry, horror, paranormal, vampires, fairytales, light romance, chick lit, fan fiction, historical and non fiction both in English and Spanish, being Spanish my native tongue. This had served me to polish grammar, spelling, vocabulary and narrative skills in a language I don't use in a daily basis. (I thank NyhteridesKarlOConnorDanielaCriadoNavarroLynnS13 as individuals for hosting great challenges for me to partake and have so much fun as I venture in new and different writing dimensions).
So, why joining a contest or writing challenge?
1. Don't make it for popularity, but you'll see you will gain more readers after joining a contest. So everybody wins. 🏆🎖🏅
2. Wattpad is a very supportive community. You'll get free advice and it's the norm that all the people involved in the activity read each other's work, vote, comment and share. ❤️💛💚💙💜
3. You'll become a better writer. A 100% sure you will enhance and develop your writing skills. 👏🏼
4. Meet other writers (and readers). You'll end with so many new friends and supporters that even you win or not, partaking in a contest will definitely make you happy. 👦🏻👧🏾👳🏾👨👩🏼
5. Self satisfaction: a well organized contest usually involves a set of rules and guidelines, a theme or writing prompt and a due date. Finding yourself capable of creating a new story in a determined time following an idea other gives you will prove you as an artist! Not every contests involve a prize or $$$ or fame (some do and it's amazing to be remunerated for your hard work), but in the end it's a rewarding experience. 😄
6. It will engage you in the activities of the site, that will give you more exposition, specially when the story involves a hashtag. 👍🏻
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A final advice: read carefully the rules and guidelines. If you think you can't cope with it, don't do it. Find one you feel comfortable to begin with in terms of time and theme because everyone has a life outsides Wattpad. Little by little you'll make it. But make it! Challenge yourself and you'll be a winner!
