I was actually creating and selling comics when I was in elementary (Grade 2, I believe). My drawing was terrible even today. I wonder how and why my friends bought it. That was the beginning of weaving my own stories and creating my own world. I got into "writing" when I entered high school. I wrote a story about my two classmates. I remembered, it was only two to three paragraphs and it went viral in our class. After that event, I did write a whole page of stories dedicated to some of my classmates. 

I was in grade 9 and my classmates were always talking about Diary ng Pangit. I was curious about it but I did not have the time to read it because it became a movie. So, my classmates pushed me to upload my stories. I uploaded them on Wattpad because they thought that those had some potential to be known by others. That was the story of how I discovered Wattpad.

I'm most proud of my first ever Historical Fantasy story on Wattpad. Crossing Centuries won the 2020 Wattys and for me, it was a big achievement. I am fond of learning about our culture and heritage that's why writing this story was a rollercoaster since I need some facts to back up some scenes and information in the story. However, some parts of the story are purely fictional. I was learning about our culture and searching articles about our Pre-Colonial history. It was difficult since most of the written history of the Philippines started when the Spanish arrived and colonized the islands. I am proud that I made this one even though I was having a hard time asking for some support from my friends. I was kind of sad because the support they gave, when I started writing back then, was different now. I do understand them that's why I am now focusing on myself and the people who really support me to continue moving forward. That is why this story is also my story. I was struggling while writing this however it was worth it when it was announced as one of the winners of the Wattys 2020.

My favorite experience was interacting with other users when there was a forum on the Wattpad website. I met some amazing persons and we just hang out. We even created a group page on a different social media site to just talk and mingle. It was a fun experience and I will treasure those memories with them.

I am not an excellent writer. I write stories to create a world that I feel I belong to. My stories are not perfect just like the creator. However, I assure the readers that even though it may not pass to their standards, it will give them a different taste and a story where there's a lesson that can be applied to their lives. 

It may be difficult for you since you are just starting and you think that no one is going to read your story. There are ways to get some reads however just focus on your craft and continue learning. Find a group where you can promote your story and share it with your different social media accounts. You will be fine and you are a good writer. Just always think about your goal because writing on Wattpad may seem easy but it may be not. 

The story that is a hundred percent highly recommended is I Love You Since 1892. The plot is just mind-blowing and the twists are jaw-dropping. 

I learned new things and some writing tips from the community. I am also engaging with some of my co-Stars and we feel like a family now. I am ecstatic that I am chosen to be part of this community.

I won the 2020 Wattys and I still feel like it's a dream but it's not. It's real!

Checkout hadji_light's stories here on Wattpad for your next favorite read!