What did you learn this Writer's Camp?

[violin]

I saw the other thread on thoughts regarding the end of Writer's Camp and for me, I feel like regardless of how the camp turns out, I really learned a lot through the experience (same with the first camp!) so I wanted to share my thoughts here and see what other folks feel like they have gained!

Some things I have learned:

1. Proper comma usage (thank you @kybrehowe!!)
2. A lot about host/hostess clubs and the water trade (nighttime entertainment industry) in Japan, while doing my research
3. Difficulties in coordinating with a musician and how one might communicate your ideas to one another when working in such different mediums. Still learning but it's a fun collab so far!
4. Writing scenes, deciding how/when/where and what takes place in the scene as it pertains to the story... my first writer's camp I just made most everything up as I went, but this was a much more structured story with a specific plot in mind, so I had to really think about what was the best way to introduce these characters, when they ought to meet, when to reveal key pieces of information etc. I still don't quite have the hang of it yet but I definitely feel I've progressed on this since before I started on the camp!
5. I began engaging a bit more with the Tapas community and discovered that it is quite social, there are discords and stuff

Here is my story, please feel free to share yours as well and what you have learned over the past couple months!

A Tokyo Summer | Tapas

[kybrehowe]

Ha-ha-ha! No problem, Violin! I'm glad I was able to help.

Getting engaged with the writing community is definitely the best part about the competition (at least to me). It's wonderful to keep in touch with like-minded creators who are all about telling the best stories in the best possible ways. Not to mention, the support system truly helps me finish that daunting marathon called publication.

I love your story! And I will definitely continue following it after the competition. Let me know if you ever want me to help you with some edits, again.

And I guess if you're all right with sharing stories, I'll share mine too. It's gonna be fun catching up with everyone entries after this week!

The Long-Lost Youth: Frightful & Delightful | Tapas

[jiemae]

this is a cool thread idea!

things I've learned this camp:

1) lots of Italian phrases ahah
2) this isnt something i learned, but i've been able to put to practice a lot of things i've been wanting to experiment with in a story, namely creating story arcs within an overarching storyline and making it work
3) finally got to using the forum despite being a Tapas user since 2015 ahah, there's so many friendly people, should've gotten involved a lot sooner
4) again, not something i learned, but im really happy i got to writing about the themes i chose for my story, it's really near and dear to my heart so i'm glad i got the opportunity to do it finally

where are these discords? i'd really like to join :o

here's my story

Do Not Resuscitate | Tapas

[violin]

There's Tapastic United created by @Bones. edit: updated the link, should work now

Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers

And Tap Creators Avenue by @ChristodeBoyet

Discord - Free voice and text chat for gamers

I haven't been on them that much but it seems like Tap Creators Avenue has more comic artists where Tapastic United has more novelists

[jiemae]

the tapastic united discord's link is invalid D:

[jiemae]

nvm found another link that works for it

[Penni]

Things I learned...

1. Deadlines are a huge motivator. I've never written so much in such a short time frame.
2. I have more than one story to tell. To be honest, I thought the only thing I would ever write was What Lies Within and maybe a short story every now and then. It never occurred to me that my brain would ever think of anything else...and then the Camp came along again, and I decided to give it a go! Now not only do I have two novels in the works, but I have a third in my head waiting to be written down.
3. The community is way better than I thought. I, of course, love our community, and I can't preach enough about how helpful and open we are, but the Camp highlighted this even more. Even while in a competition we've all come together to support each other and I think that is such a point for humanity
4. I learned how much I need writing in my life. I enjoy writing, I always have, but this new novel has really opened up my eyes to just how important it is for me in my life.
5. My grammar is always going to be bad. Thank you, Grammarly

Fox Trap | Tapas

[Azeddy]

Oh, I've learned bundles.

• Knowing the story's ending beforehand is a lifesaver.
• However, editing each chapter the morning of posting can mean accidentally starting a new plot twist at any time.
• Having long sections of italics is. Very. Difficult.
• Posting on a regular schedule is hard, but rewarding! And interacting with my regular followers is a literal joy. (Looking at you, @Peni)
• Having a real, supportive community that gives solid advice and won't give up on you is... so... LIFE-GIVING. Just thinking about my fellow novelists, and how supportive they all are, makes me happy.
• This really gives me a sense of purpose. I've been scattered with my writing in the past year or two. I mean, I've been doing a lot, but it hasn't seen much return. This is my first taste of schedules and websites and marketing and design, and it's not just a fun thing I do on the side. It's investing in my future.

All in all, this has taught me that contests are just launching points. I've been active, engaged, and dedicated in a way I haven't been since I first started NaNoWriMo. Again, it's given me such purpose. I live on that, and I think many other writers do, too.

Feel free to check out "Object and Objective," a 31-part sci-fi novella based on a string of continuous prompts!

Object and Objective :: Chapter 1 - Unopened | Tapas

[SilverLugia456]

There were a lot of things that I learned this writing Camp.

• Biggest one is that I can write multiple short chapters for a novel series in a matter of days if I put my mine to it.

• Tapas is an awesome site to share my story ideas through the format of a novel with a great community that is very supportive.

• There are a lot of amazing novelists and artists on the site.

• I'm reignited my passion for writing novels again in a great format.

My first novel is only one of a few that I have planned to publish for this site, but right now its going to be my main one. So many different directions to go and no ending in sight yet.

The Pirate's Chronicle | Tapas

[ratscout]

1. I learned to really put myself out there and actually post my novel on the forums this time! I just marketed better in general
2. Really learned how to keep chapters short and pithy
3. I think I really improved on character construction in general and most importantly on describing scenery--my bane!
4. I really pushed myself to read other people's lovely entries and a lot of them returned the favor which is beautiful. <3

I just had a lot of fun~!

[OneHappyChap]

Mine will be random, you have been warned...

1) Using the forums in a more productive way.
2) Sprints are fun!
3) Writing is fun!
4) The average length of a sparrow.

Android Affection | Tapas

Here is mine. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) /

[diestreve319]

What did I learn this Writer's Camp?

1. To write, write, and write ahead of time before the Camp starts
2. To post frequently in the forums and communicate with fellow writers
3. To read many stories of the Writers Camp that are really amazing! Supporting each one of them.
4. To find new friends and gain their support.
5. To find a perfect time to post episodes of my short stories
6. To finally enter in a contest for the first time ever and it is super fun!
7. To complete all the requirements of the camp.
8. To enjoy every minute and day of the Tapas Writers Camp Contest.

Here's my entry:
The Love We See in the Stars is a compilation of short stories based on true events and one fiction

The Love We See In the Stars | Tapas

[violin]

@Peni That is so true about the deadlines lol. That and the fact that I'm not setting them myself... if I set deadlines myself they seem to crawl further off into the distance every time I procrastinate. I keep hearing people talk about Grammarly, maybe I should check it out!

@Azeddy Another NaNovelist! I did NaNo a few times but have never managed to win on years when I am either working or studying full-time... I kind of like Tapas's contest, because the requirements are so much less than NaNo and it's still achievable even with a full work schedule

@SilverLugia456 Yay! Good luck on your story, it seems like you're on a roll~~

@ratscout I think I did the opposite... I had short chapters the first time around but this time around they ended up being longer and I definitely paid for it lol

@Beau_Van_D #4 - um, what? OK XD

@diestreve319 Did you ever find the perfect time for #5? I am interested to find that out too lol.

[OneHappyChap]

I told you it would be random. ¯_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯

[diestreve319]

@Violin
Usually, the traffic for my stories was during Monday or Wednesday.

[kaiwang868]

Hmm, what did I learn?

1. Deadlines are God
2. Deadlines are a way of life
3. Deadline is a religion
4. Deadlines are like vegetables mom makes you eat - you hate it, but you also know it's good for you

Anyways, here's my entry

Elina | Tapas

[laiscnogueira]

1. Deadlines and I have a love-hate relationship. I don't like them all of the time, but they keep me going.
2. My brain has a self-sabotage function for when I'm ahead of schedule. Not cool.
3. Planning an outline for the chapters really helps. I'll do it every single time in the future.
4. Characters sheets are great. Maps too. Any form of reference you use to make your life easier must be God's manifestation on Earth.

It Takes A Hero | Tapas