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Digital storytelling platforms: How aspiring writers can kick-start their careers
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Potential income: Digital storytelling platforms offer a way for aspiring writers to get their work out there and gain a loyal following, while some platforms also offer pay to popular writers. (Unsplash/Daniel Thomas) (Unsplash/Daniel Thomas)
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igital storytelling platforms have become the place to look for up-and-coming writers of every genre, from chick lit to fantasy dramas. Young and aspiring authors use these platforms to show off their work and hopefully, launch a writing career.
Digital storytelling platforms like Wattpad, Dreame and Innovel have beomce a familiar sight, actively advertising their content on social media and browsing apps.
These platforms usually employ an algorithm that matches users’ individual tastes with one of its top-viewed novels, offering a tantalizing chapter or two. Many users eventually relent, installing the app and getting drawn into a seemingly endless list of titles on offer.
Kristiyawati has been an avid user of digital storytelling platforms for the last two years, a perfect escape for her free time as a migrant worker in Doha, Qatar.
“Goodnovel, Wattpadd and Dreame,” said the 38-year-old, listing the platforms she has tried so far. “But the only ones I keep installed on my mobile phone are Dreame and Innovel, I’ve deleted the others.”
For Kristiyawati, digital readers have replaced physical books.
"I purchased a lot of coins the first time I downloaded Innovel. I spent hundreds of thousands of rupiahs on my [credit] card," she said.
