Writing Inspiration | #secretreader

@katiecruz

Writer of 'What Vincent Wants'

When did you join Wattpad?

I joined Wattpad back in March 2011.

Did anyone prompt you to join Wattpad?

Before Wattpad, I was with a small writing community that was filled with talented authors that are now on Wattpad as well. It was around late 2011 when plagiarism started happening on the site. Writers got fed up and started migrating to Wattpad, so me and my friends created accounts there just for the sole purpose of chatting. I started posting my teen fic romance and I slowly got feedback from readers. It was a great feeling. I've gotten really comfortable on the site and I was like, I think I found a new writing home, so I convinced my friends to start posting their stories on Wattpad and they did. Most of them have been successful on the site and are now published authors.

How did it feel like when you posted your first story on Wattpad?

I was a bit hesitant at first because my stories are predictable, cliche and have a simple writing style. I just posted my stories online to entertain people. I was pretty nervous. I didn't know what to expect, but with hard work and determination, you'll be able to gain a readership over time.

Who/What influenced your writing?

I've read a lot of Archie comics, Goosebumps, Nancy Drew mystery and romance pocket books when I was young. I told myself one day I'm going to write my own stories. When my husband enlisted in the US Army in 2010, he got stationed in another state so I had to focus on a hobby while he was away. Writing romance was a great distraction. It made my time go by fast.

What inspires you to write your stories?

My family. They are very supportive with my stories and they always remind me to keep going. Reading my online friends' stories. It amazes me how fast they write and that really gets the gears going. When I take long walks around the beach or neighborhood, and when it rains, that's when the inspiration really hits me. I get all these scenes in my head and I just get too excited to write.

What is your advice to new writers?

Keep reading and keep writing. Never give up despite the negativity you get. It's not always peaches and cream in this writing world. You will get hate no matter what you write. Simply brush it off. It will be hard at first, but you'll get used to it. Don't let negative comments be a hindrance for your stories. Constructive criticism is always good and will enhance your writing skills along the way. When you write, make sure you write what you love. If writing is something you want to do full time, just keep going. Build your readership. But always remember to take care of your health.

What do you do when you have a Writer's Block?

I usually watch movies, read books and watch Korean  dramas. Those are the ones that help the creative juices flowing again.

By the courtesy of katiecruz

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