Wattpad Interviews

@SummerSurfs

SummerSurfs is a highly accomplished writer on Wattpad who has written books like 'Secrets of the Deep' which has 976k reads, and 'Can't Get Enough' which has over 800k reads. It was really great to interview them, and here is what they had to say!

Why did you start writing on Wattpad ?

I opened my first Wattpad account back circa 2011, when I was homeschooled and had way too much time on my hands.  I spent hours on the computer writing fiction and planning story lines.  I wasn't content with just typing up stories for myself; I wanted to share and receive feedback, and Wattpad was a great place to connect with other writers my age.  Plus, I have met some very cool people on this site, and the plethora of writing has really broadened my mind and my writing style.

What's been your proudest moment on Wattpad ?

My proudest moment was when I submitted my story Secrets of the Deep to be Featured, and got accepted! That's when I began seeing a lot more reads and comments pouring in.  I realized, wow, people actually enjoy my writing, and it was such an encouragement.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My inspiration is threefold.  First, it's always easiest to write from experience.  That's why all my protagonists have been teenagers (and typically teenage girls), and hence the fixation with the ocean and surfing that appears in literally every chapter.  I am also inspired by these images and scenarios that randomly pop up in my head.  I am an incessant storyteller.  I can look outside and see two people talking and instantly create a fictitious dialogue between them in my head.  Finally, reading inspires me! I absolutely love the classics, especially 18th- and 19th century Victorian literature.

Which book has been the most fun to write?

Hands down, Can't Get Enough has been the most fun book for me to write, because in a way it encapsulates the things I want most in this life: great friends, great waves, nonstop surfing, travel, and growing closer to Jesus.  I had to hold myself back in a few parts because I just couldn't wait to write more descriptive passages about surfing.  I could talk and write about the sport all day long.

What's the hardest part about writing on Wattpad ?

For me, the hardest part of writing on this site is the temptation to tailor my work.  I have to remind myself that I'm not writing for other people; I'm writing because this is my way of expressing myself, and these are the ideas I want to get across.  I'm not supposed to be a people pleaser.

What are the most fun chapters to write and why?

Honestly, the most fun chapters to write are the ones jam-packed with the most emotion.  I love sitting down at my computer knowing that I can spend the next two hours venting a character's frustration, or grieving loss, or confusion and surprise.  I don't know, is that morbid? Putting characters through twists and turns is so fun in my opinion! And cliffhangers are the best to write.  I can't resist.

And finally, what advice would you give to a new writer on Wattpad ?

For anyone who has just started on Wattpad, or is thinking about starting to write, make sure that you are doing this for yourself.  Write what you are interested in, not what mainstream Wattpad is interested in.  Write because you have a message to get across, and because you have created characters so in-depth that you think about them night and day, as if they were real people.  Write with humility, always! Don't ever think that your novel/short story/poem is complete, because it's not.  You will always have room to improve.  Thank those people who give you criticism, because you need it.  We all need it.  Write because you love it!

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That was my lovely interview with SummerSurfs !

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