AKA: Is This a Brilliant Idea or a Potential Disaster?)
So, you’ve written a story. Maybe it’s the next Harry Potter. Maybe it’s a mess of half-finished scenes and characters who all sound like you. Either way, you’re staring at your screen, debating whether to unleash it upon the world via the internet.
On one hand, sharing your writing online could launch your career! On the other hand, it could be a one-way ticket to Cringe City. So, let’s break it down: should you actually do this?
The Pros (Why You Should Hit ‘Post’ and Hope for the Best)
1. Instant Readers = Instant Validation (Sometimes)
Post your story on Wattpad, and BOOM—people can read it immediately. No need to beg your friends to please read Chapter One (only for them to say, “Yeah, I’ll get to it!” and then mysteriously disappear forever). If your story clicks with people, you might get comments like: “OMG, I love this! Write more!!” which, let’s be real, feels AMAZING.
2. Feedback That’s Not Just Your Mom Saying “It’s Great, Sweetie”
Online platforms let total strangers read your work, and strangers are way more honest than your family (sometimes too honest, but we’ll get to that). This feedback can actually help you improve—like realizing your main character is a little too dramatic or that your plot makes zero sense.
3. You Build an Audience (AKA: Your Future Fan Club)
Some authors start on Wattpad and gain a loyal reader base. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next big thing, and people will be DM-ing you, begging for updates. Or, at the very least, you’ll get one dedicated reader who freaks out over every chapter (and honestly, that’s a win).
4. Potential Publishing Opportunities
Believe it or not, some stories from platforms like Wattpad and Inkitt do get turned into real books. (After being aggressively rewritten and edited, of course.) But hey, it’s possible!
The Cons (Why You Should Think Twice Before Clicking ‘Publish’)
1. Internet People Can Be… Harsh
While some comments are helpful, others are just… rude. “This sucks.” “Your main character is annoying.” “Why does this read like a bad fanfic?” Like, ouch. Sometimes, you just want a little encouragement, not a roast session.
2. The Horror of Seeing Your Old Writing Again
You think your writing is amazing now, but wait six months. That beautifully poetic paragraph you were so proud of? Yeah, it’ll make you want to yeet your laptop into the sun. And guess what? It’s still sitting online, haunting you.
3. Plagiarism is a Thing (And It Sucks)
Not to scare you, but there are people out there who steal stories. It doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it’s infuriating. You could try to fight them, but the internet is a lawless place where justice is… inconsistent at best.
4. It Might Not Be Your Best Work Yet
Sometimes, sharing too early means putting out a story that isn’t fully baked. Imagine if your favorite book was published with all the awkward first-draft mistakes still in it. Cringe, right?
So… Should You Do It?
Honestly? If you’re excited to share and don’t mind some chaos, go for it! But if you’re terrified of judgment and want everything to be perfect, maybe wait a bit.
Or, you know, just post under a fake name and pretend it wasn’t you if things go south. 😉
Would you ever share your writing online? Have you already? Drop a comment—I promise I won’t roast you (too hard). And if you have any questions about writing (as a teen or an adult) send your comments below.
Comments
Post a Comment