These are the voices of our mentors and mentees from past and present. They've provided their insight about the program, their processes, the Wattys, and have shared their favorite Wattpad stories. Grab a cuppa and sit down with us as we get to know...
The Bootcamp Mentors are proud to present a spotlight interview with darlenerwrites author of Tattooed Hearts. Check out this writer's works and give them a shout out in the comments.
BCM: How did you discover the Bootcamp Mentors and what have you found most valuable about this Wattpad community program?
darlenerwrites: I discovered Bootcamp Mentors on Wattpad. I'd heard about it last year and was too late to join so I made sure to do so this year. I found having someone to check the work and provide feedback, along with feeling like I'm apart of a team to be the most valuable.
BCM: What prompted you to start writing on Wattpad and what do you like most about the platform as a writer?
darlenerwrites: That's a tough question. It's been a long time since I started writing on Wattpad, but I think it's the same as to why I keep coming back. I want to be able to share my writing as I write it. Being an author can get lonely and sometimes being able to share with other readers and writers helps me feel less alone. It's also a great form of encouragement.
BCM: What motivated you to write the story you're submitting to the 2023 Wattys?
darlenerwrites: I was born with TAR syndrome–a rare genetic disorder where you're missing one or two bones in your forearm. Growing up, I felt alone, and for a while, I thought I was the only person like this. I felt different and to be honest, thought I'd never find love just like my FMC. So, I wanted to write a story for the people out there who grew up like me. The romantics, dreamers, writers, and the people who felt alone.
BCM:. If you had to describe your story in three words, what would they be?
darlenerwrites: Inspiring, passion, acceptance
BCM: Tell us one thing about your writing process that has helped you the most.
darlenerwrites: My writing process is all over the place, but if I had to choose something, it'd be taking breaks during the end of each act to revise. It helps me go through, shape up the act I just write, and gets me ready for the next. Sometimes it also brings up ideas I didn't think of when I originally came up with the story.
