Your not the only one! It took me two years to come up with an idea and I’m recently working on the first chapter. I always felt insecure about my own writing because a lot of famous booktubers And my favorite authors I know can write a book in less then five weeks. I stopped comparing my writing to others and just started writing and thus a book is forming!
It took me 20 years to write my debut novel #thenephilem talking about life getting in the way hey! I'm currently planning to take 5 years to write my next! :)
How did you stop comparing your writing to others?? I can hardly write at all because of so high standards from myself. I was a very promising writer, did a uni education and everyone told me I would get published. Now I hardly dare to write because I know it must be publishing quality. I've never published a book due to mental illness, writing is the only dream I still have and I need to publish something.
@@MrSwilson13 Yes!! What do you do when life gets in the way?? I have severe mental illness and my symptoms stop me all the time. I cannot write more than 1-2 hours a day tops, so how am I supposed to finish a book in 5 weeks? I've wanted to publish a book since I was 10, and now I'm 35. Still no published book and I feel so utterly ashamed and like a failure. My illnesses have definitely been in the way for me.
@@isabellascott3443 Everything certainly hasn't been done before! My books have quite unusual themes that aren't written about often at all. That's why I really want them published, they are needed in this society. And I'm not happy with my work, that's the problem. I believe I have higher standards than a publisher. I never even get to the publishing stage because I'm not satisfied with my texts. Thank you for trying to help though...
i started plotting because i was terrible with continuity and constancy 😅 i find talking about my ideas with friends to be really helpful with writer's block!
@@HannahLeeKidder it's funny because I literally can't do that with shorts. I need some outline for short stories. But when I write novels, I all I need is the basic premise, and the rest just happens. (With a lot of inbound editing lol)
lol, I forgot I was writing a book for two years until I recently opened up my file explorer and found a folder called "books/poem". Don't remember writing it but it seems pretty good. I'm actually impressed.
That's so fun! You are literally a different person now (from living more life). That distance in time is such a precious gift to really evaluate your work. But speaking for myself, going through old notes for a novel 1/3 written is like going through someone else's stuff and has been hard to work through after a two year break. 😂
I tried Novelpad because of your video about it and I've since bought an annual subscription. I haven't managed to write a novel in 5 weeks yet lol, but I am writing much faster than I was. I normally would've given up by now because of all my notes being a mess, but Novelpad makes it easy for me to keep things organised.
So excited to hear that! We're constantly improving NovelPad, so if you have any ideas on how we could make the organization even better - we're all ears.
I have been writing for some years and the short outline, minimal character sheet, and temporary summary helped me to start many books after "writer's block." The good system you developed. Love your video. Very constructive and positive.
1) 1:58 Short outlines & minimal character descriptions Basic premise, worldbuilding, characters, story/genre beats - these can be sparse and loose to allow these to evolve ad you write and become better acquainted with the characters and their stories 2) 3:40 Writing whatever’s fun Include all the fun and silly moments :) 3) 4:39 Temporary summary If you get stuck, sum up what you want to happen and then continue writing as if you wrote it properly. Usually the way to write it will naturally occur as you continue writing forward. Make sure you return to these summaries and expand upon them before moving onto the next draft, ideally by the end of that chapter. 4) 6:16 Prioritising Not always feasible for everyone but prioritise between your responsibilities/hobbies to spend more time on your story 5) 6:34 Tracking Set your overall word count, i.e. 60k by the end of November. In Novel Pad's tracker, as you update your progress, the program can adjust word counts accordingly. (Novel Pad's tracking tool can automatically calculate what's needed to achieve goals/targets based on inputs) Track your progress through word counts; map your actual outputs against your target outputs. 6) 7:09 Writing first thing Write when you're most creatively productive. Find the best time for you and write then. This may be in the morning or a different time for you. 7) 7:49 Writing in order Write a chapter at a time, in order. This depends more on your preference. If you share with friends they can provide feedback or just general motivation to keep writing. This is easier with a linear story, can also streamline your writing, and help with continuity. 8) 8:32 Revising your story Go back every 5 chapters for an edit. Depends on preference. Go back to earlier chapters and set things up that are explored in later chapters, can fix continuity issues early on. 9) Create all the chapter headings in novel pad Write out the headings with a sentence or two explaining what you want to happen. 10) 9:47 Handling distractions Manage distractions while you work. Write when there's the fewest distractions. Noise cancelling headphones. Distraction managing phone app (Pause For). Use a less noisy writing platform (Novel Pad)
I've been trying to get myself to write a book - ANY book - since I was about 20 years old. I'm turning 33 in July. I have not finished a single story to this day. You are not the slowest writer in the world.
Omg same! I started a book (series) when I was 13, that's when the first ideas came to me. I'm 27 now. One day we'll get there lol, that's what ya call ~divine timing~
Same here. I've had a number of ideas, but nothing finished. I've finally taken up my idea again, but it's much different than the original idea. Started in my early 20s, and I'm 35 now. I plan on finishing this story now due to life circumstances. However, I don't know what will happen after. I'm a perfectionist and worry it might never be good enough.
I wrote a 4-book sci-fi series in 2004 when I was 18. I felt it wasn't good enough eventually and gave up on it. In 2016 I started making a game with RPG Maker called The Secrets of Sorsa, and in 2021 I began The SoS book series. Somehow, I wrote book 1 in a month. It took me a year to finish books 2 and 3, and I wrote half of book 4 before starting revisions on Book 1, which are now nearing completion. It literally took me 20 years to be close to something publishable from the time I stared writing, and I haven't even begun that process yet. Making the game kinda got me back into story telling. Maybe try something like that.
Great insight into your process. These are all solid. One of my favorite authors, Michael Moorcock, got his start in the pulp magazine era, and he was writing all the time, sometimes multiple stories a day, sometimes under different names, sometimes stand-alones, sometimes serials, and in various genres. When he started writing novels, he frequently wrote one in only a few days, with little more than a list of interesting names, ideas for elements, etc, and a basic idea of the type of story he was telling. Whenever he got stuck, he'd turn to the list, pick something, and keep going. I can't imagine being that good, but it is inspirational to think about.
3. Your temporary summary tip is something I've figured out for myself and done for a few years now! It really does help and do what you say, and like for you, if I keep writing after it, I eventually think of the way to fix it, and it's great! I love it! For me, since I usually already have the problem line/etc written down, I just **bold** that part, and then I come back to it later! It's great!
For me, what works best is only writing when I’m in a flow state. I can easily write for twelve hours without even noticing, but as soon as it’s over I’m done. No matter how much I want to write, it’s not gonna come out lol I have to be very careful about avoiding distractions during them
I used to prefer writing this way, but fortunately I'm a dad these days and while it certainly poses challenges like not being able to get into those flow states very often since there's distractions CONSTANTLY, I've found that writing can still be done on a routine. It's not my preferred way, but routine writing during writing blocks of 20 to 60 minutes (depending on my mood) do get the work done. And occassionally, not often these days, but SOMETIMES, one of these blocks will transform magically into a flow state and I'll write for 3 or 4 or 5 or more hours instead. Either way, the writing gets done and that's the only part that ultimately matters in my mind.
My problem is just maintaining inspiration. I plan it out all fine and hit my word goals just fine it's just maintaining that inspiration to continue. I am 16 so it's understandable I'm very easy to distract, my phone goes off etc. However I did finish my first book a while back, 50k words and i got it published on amazon kdp. I don't think it's very good but I am so proud I did it. So if you're struggling to do it just keep trying because there will inevitably be that one story that pulls you in.
Congrats! Cannot wait to read it! I recently finished the 2nd draft of my fantasy novella. I have also been weirdly productive recently even though I usually struggle to focus.
every story is different which means every writing process is different, sometimes I need less or more information to write the first outline of different genres, different lengths etc.
I wrote a 190k word fantasy novel in 4 weeks in 2021. Since then, I've written 2 sequels, and I'm halfway through book 4, but I have not been able to duplicate that speed. It can be tough to stay that focused. Characters do come to life and do things you don't expect, because you get into their personalities, which are different from your own. I used a short outline too, for the exact same reason.
So tru like you start with a basic idea and then next thing you know your 11 year old character is giving a demonstration on how to do crack in front of middle schoolers. Good luck on your books though :+)
@@lizxu322 idk if you want to write faster but if you do, I can tell you what I do. I pretty much block out the real world and live in Sorsa. I also treat it like a job in that I force myself to write even if I don't feel like it. It's harder, my writing isn't as good, and the parts I force myself to write need more revisions, but as long as it's on the page I can keep going so I don't get stuck. Not that I never have a block, but they don't happen often because I push through the procrastination. Try writing something else or looking at how much time you are giving yourself to write and how much of that is spent actually writing. I can waste entire days scrolling if I don't watch myself. I always tell myself I can do more than I have before. I was writing 10k words per day when I wrote the first draft of book 1 but I still wanna see some 20k days. Always believe that you can do more, write better, or whatever you want to change or improve. It starts with what you tell yourself and then turns into how you push yourself. Also, don't pat yourself on the back too much if you do meet or exceed goals. I've found that when I get to feeling too high on myself my progress slows. The best mindset is an even one. I can do this - I did it - I better do it next time too. I can do this - I failed - I better do it next time.
@@TheSecretsOfSorsa I like some of what you said, including the pushing through procrastination and treating it like a job. However overall without being able to read your finished product, forgive me for saying but i cannot judge the quality of writing. I overall appreciate quality over quantity with the intent of splitting my words into a trilogy and getting traditionally published.
Seeing all the chapters and scenes laid out at 9:20 made me realise how easy it would be to visualise different ways to structure your book. If you do move a scene, do you usually need to make a lot of changes to the transition in and out of that scene, or can you write scenes to be fairly self-contained? Thanks for the video!
For me, it depends! For this book, the story is pretty simple, and I did a lot of the scene swapping pretty early on, so I often didn't have to change anything in-scene. For my fantasy novel, I move things around a LOT, and since there are so many more characters and subplots, sometimes I end up messing up the continuity. I've got a very sharp editor who keeps me in line, because I'm so clueless when it's a project I've been working on that long ☠️
I’ve been watching all kinds of craft related YT videos and have a couple of books I will read and some others I intend to get based on repeat recommendations I keep seeing. I am on the journey to write my first novel - not a screenplay; but I’ve been watching screenplay craft videos too. It’s interesting how the two mediums differ and require slightly different structuring when it comes to execution but at the end of the day, story is story regardless of the medium. What I really like watching is the videos where the interviewees and posters of screenwriter craft videos talk about the construction of scenes. I zero in on the people who are actually script consultants whose job it is to take a script, figure out why it’s not working and then help the writer to fix the problems. Either that or they fix and further develop the script for the studio after the writer has been paid for it and they are no longer involved with the project at all. Script doctors 😂 One such says he often initially only asks to see the writer’s scene list…ehich is apparently just what it sounds like. It is a list of the story’s individual scenes summarized in order from start to finish. The guy said many times he can spot the trouble just by looking at that. This isn’t a full blown outline in my opinion but the concept of a scene list as PART of my outlining process got me thinking. If I write out a scene card which includes: whether it is a plot point of my chosen story structure or if it’s a part of a stage of structure and if so which one; the POV character’s goal in the scene; the author’s (my) goal for the scene including the cause and effect connection to the scenes before it and after; OR a notation that it is subplot scene and might not flow as directly from the scene before it or into the scene after it. Using a different color ink, I would then write two to three sentences about what events happen in the scene and whether it “touches on” or in some way reflects the character’s main inner conflict i.e. shows how the unhealed wound or fatal flaw or misbelief is affecting their decisions and how they live their lives. That aspect should be in the majority of scenes I think to show the transformation as the story progresses. Then I could lay those cards out in front of me and have a Birds Eye view of the story, of scene sequences- everything! THEN, with the cards displayed out in order, I think I will record myself reading only the two to three sentences summarizing the action /events and thus speak out loud the external plot of the story. On the playback, I should be able to pick up on missing plot (or holes), continuity issues, pacing issues, and I should also get a feel for whether the beats expected are coming across. I might even play the recording for friends or relatives to get their reaction and to see how much they are able to glean if the internal conflicts and the why of the scenes. I might even word at least one of the sentences on each scene card to specifically address the character’s inner conflict. For instance: Because of Jack’s deep rooted fear of rejection, he asks Jill out to dinner under the guise of talking about the work project they have been assigned. His goal is to convince his colleague to go out to dinner without revealing his true intent and feelings - to spend time with her outside of work because he is interested in her. After hemming and hawing he finally asks her out and to his surprise and delight she says something like “Sounds great! But maybe we don’t have to spend the whole time talking about the project?” The next scene shows her getting ready for the date - tearing apart her closet looking for what she can wear to send the message that she’s interested without looking like she’s TOO interested. I really like this idea because I can alter an index card to address any problems I hear myself or feedback I receive. Or I can move them around to work in suspense by switching how soon information is learned and survey for continuity issues etc. etc. Then I can read / re-record the new / altered summaries sentences and experience the changes. I look at this like a friend telling you about a movie they just saw. You tell the friend there’s no way you’ll have a chance to watch it yourself so tell me what happens. This recording is that. This is quick time beta fare / not having someone read the 300 page manuscript yet but rather listening to a ten minute or so recording to experience the story you’re crafting. Then once I can’t see any issues myself or don’t get any feedback pointing out issues, I’d ask would you want to read this book based on what you know and why or why not? Based on that I’d either continue to tweak or go ahead and start writing the novel scene by scene using the cards in their final order. Even after I start if I think of an element I want to add or change, the cards come out again and I work it out on the cards before taking it to the page. This is the process I plan to use. It’s a mixture of several author Tubers’ approaches and knowing myself as a visual and tactile person. Trying to do this on even the best writing software would not work for me. It will continue to evolve I’m sure but I’m excited about trying it out. This is super late but let me know what you did and whether you made some progress- and if you have any suggestions for process. Thanks!
Niice. It's very rare that I find a person who writes pretty much how I write, in terms of when I am at my best and most focused. lol. It's cool. A good reminder. Especially when I'm starting to feel discouraged and less focused. I think I'm going to keep this video on tap so I can watch it to remind myself how to stay on track.. thanks! 🙏 ❤
Okay, I'm only like a minute into your video, but I already know I HAVE to read this book. GG and SV are two of my favorite things in this world. I'm a little awestruck... I know, dramatic. But I'm not even exaggerating. That is how excited I am!
Love this. I've been trying to write my first book and I've been way overdoing certain parts of my process and I keep second guessing myself but your video has some really great info and I'm excited to put some of this into practice.
I have finally gotten back to writing. This time im trying a vague outline and beats. Ive also learned that trying to multi-task is not a thing that works for me. If i want to write, then i need to set everything else down and write. Writing in the morning is better for me but unfortunately I can't wake up any earlier for work and be able to function. So I try when I get home to write some. Most writing happens on days off though.
I can vouch for the early morning thing. Started writing this morning around 5 wrote about 1,700 words before work 7:40am. With a half hour break in the middle. As a person who struggles to get 1000 words a day in during a vacation this...was a godsend.
@@HannahLeeKidderwhy the hell ? Do people say that ??? It's been a minute when it's been awhile that gets on my nerves I keep thinking someone is actually talking about an actual minute.?
OOF. I'm about as bad as you, I can assure you. Writing my novel Giraffic Tales (please look for it later it must be published), is SO hard and SUCH a slow process. Don't feel alone. I'm here. :D
I've taken 7 years to world build my novel, and I say that loosely lol to be fair I was in my early 20s when I came up with the idea and I was more focused on having fun than writing. I'm finally working toward cementing my ideas and building a writing habit instead of just writing when I have a certain scene in mind or when I feel like it.
Similar! I think the longer you put into planning especially if it's an intricate world system, the better the novel will be in the long term. That's what I tell myself so it doesn't feel like all the years r for nought lol
I came up with my characters when I was 13, I have had so many break throughs for my story in the last couple of years and I will be 24 this year. It is crazy how easily it can explode and the words just flow perfectly. I'm planning on it being a series and so I'm trying to blend everything perfectly. Would love tips on how to set up for future books in the first book though?
@lovelylost4649 Ahhh, I'm so happy for your breakthroughs! I came up with my characters at 11 and getting my story to be even the mess it is now has taken so many years, but this is extremely encouraging- thank you!😭
Omg some of these comments here are SO relatable! I started my story when I was 13 and it's going to be 3 or 4 books. I'm 27 now. I know a lot of what's going to happen but there are also many holes in the later parts. I basically know how it's all going to end. But it's weird cause sometimes I really feel like "girl just go finish that first book, you baaasically know everything that needs to happen in there" but then sometimes I have a epiphany which makes me think of how to match that idea up with the rest or how to place hints or the groundwork in the first book (if it's something that really goes down in later books). Gosh, I'm manifesting that I'll get there someday but it has been a long time already. A lot of story I keep stored in my brain lol @OnaiwaGamon2004 also good luck to you!
@@SecondFloor2311 we have the same problem apparently 😂 I've been testing different ways to get myself to actually write and I've gotten to 19,000 words so far.
@@SecondFloor2311 @SecondFloor2311 Gosh, my writing goes the same way! I know so many major plot points, but there are still big holes that make me feel like I don't have hardly enough figured out, even though I have so much. Then a revelation comes and everything changes or is expanded upon. And thank you! Good luck to you as well! 💖
can't wait to read the novel! am currently stuck on page 10 of a feature and ik novels and scripts aren't the same but i can't wait to try some of these
0:20 excited to hear how you did this, but currently admiring your hair. Perfect balance of coif're and tossle, oof. Hoping my mild mullet approaches such deceptive ease.
What really helps me with distractions is when I longhand write with white noise on blast on my noise canceling earbuds. Energy drink ready. (Caffeine makes me 100x more productive.) I have an issue getting distracted by my phone, but I am about to start turning off my phone or just hiding it from myself and use my laptop for white noise since I already downloaded a website blocker. But I get hella writing done compared to it being typed up.
I have those same noise cancelling headphones and they are a game changer! Definitely one of my go-to’s. And now I’m going to try out Novel Pad because it sounds amazing! I used Scrivener years ago but the interface was so complicated that it distracted me from actually writing, ha.
They're so good! I just had to change the battery in mine because the life wasn't as good, but it was super easy and they are perfect again haha. Same experience! NovelPad is so super straightforward. I hope you like it!
I am indescribably excited for this for u I am so so so pumped it’s so good and ur absolutely smashing it and I love that necklace with that sweater and the lighting looks fantastic here and
wow thank u for saying so, i've been working on building outfits that r either Cool or Warm toned for the season, here u can see a brink of winter assembly,
I've been working on a book since earlier this year. (Still in the first draft phase.) One thing that's helping me so much more than previous book projects is doing a chapter by chapter outline.
I recently discovered i am super competitive so it would help me a lot if i had someone i could look at words written daily. It would give me lots of motivations to do better and have more words then them. Especialy if they are competitive too and would try the same. Unfortunatly i dont have a person like that in my life
The temporary summary point is a really good one, I have those spots where I get hung up on something and lose momentum /all the time/. Also it's wild how the subconscious just keeps hacking away at a problem while we move onto something else in our active thoughts. Brains are wild. I get why zombies want to eat them so much (happy Halloween)
"For lack of a list, lies work just as well". And while I am shamelessly participating in giveaways: a little turtle in his first pair of boots is an incredibly cute analogy.
It's been three years, and I'm still on the conceptual phase, I finally have more of a world I like to focus on and more or less a magic system, I just keep having a problem with creating characters and what they want. I also have been changing ideas left and right so that's delayed my progress😣. I more or less realized my problem, I forgot to have fun and I was stressing myself out and I have a hard time establishing what my character wants and motivation.
I write children's chapter books, and currently I've set a 1-month deadline per book. Thankfully, since they're shorter books for like 8-11 year olds, each book is only around 10k-15k words so it's a pretty manageable goal... but I'd like to eventually write novels that are a little more substantial, so it's nice to hear another writer's perspective! Great vid.
I understand this is an old video but it's honestly fantastic. The story I'm currently planning, the basic plot is pretty simple, but as a writer I've found this was better. At least for me, especially since this will be my first try at completing something of a novel length. Through focusing on the simplicity of the project, the world I was creating gradually started to become more believable and real (a main theme I'm implementing into the magic of it is that everything revolves around being organic in nature to the realm of which it resides in) and with that, accompanied by the simplicity of the premise, I find myself without too many demanding restrictions on my creative flow for the project and as such, everything I discuss about my process to my parents, grandparents, etc I've noticed that I tend to create more story opportunities relating to the plot of my story and how it relates to the characters than I do just sitting around and mindlessly thinking about it. This was just my odd little input into the process of my writing that I felt like sharing after hearing you had discussed your own. Take away and of it what you will I suppose. Great video btw, I'm new here and I'm quickly coming to love the community you've established! It's great! Thank you for sharing your journey in this video!
My dear, you are a writer after my own kidney, (hearts get too much publicity). I haven't heard of another writer who works best in the morning before you mentioned that. And so many of your other tips have made my heart sing! (I had sympathy on my poor heart and decided to give it an analogy too;)
I'm a first-time writer and it's very hard for me to come up with the character and keep with the story and it's like I like to come over one book but where type again hope snyder
ima try to use novelpad sounds interesting to use, i feel distractions and doubting what im currently writing is what keeps me on a loop of not wanting to write.
ha! i loved the "adopting a racoon and getting high and swimming in a magical pool", honestly half my writing recently has been about my characters stoner shenanigans--- it's VERY fun!
I really like these tips. I have no idea how I wrote Witch of the Evergrove so fast. I just did it. Maybe if I keep this list of tips I can recreate that speed. Great video!
This is making me think my outline is too strict. I had been doing awesome, nearly three hours a day, but then I hit a block in my outline that just didn't vibe with me so I stopped. But I could just,,, change it and do something else in the story so that it's more fun to write. I used to use Write or Die for sprints maybe I'll do that again.
i'm sprinting my little legs are going as fast as they can!! i'm hopping through a revision for this one, sending it to my first round of beta readers, and getting on the next 5 fantasy chappies for u while they're reading :D
Thank you for sharing this video that was amazing. I am a fictional author as well. When I write/type I listen to focus music on UA-cam, it really helps. Great video.
☠️☠️☠️ Dude I'm Floored by how much quicker I've gotten at actually writing. I used to just pitter around and get a few hundred words in an hour, but after straight writing all day for a couple weeks, I could just sit down and type without stopping. Practice is real and provides results and I think that's rude.
@@HannahLeeKidder 😂Very rude how we can't just instantly be good at whatever we try. Actually imagine a world in which you knew from the first try whether you were good or bad at something. That would be a wild place. Or a very boring one, I guess. Might be an interesting thought to explore for a story 🤔 (this is also part of my problem)
My biggest issue is that I either have the main plot outline and can't come up with characters/settings I like OR I have the perfect characters/settings/scenes and I can't figure out how to put them together for the life of me
Your biggest issue is that you think of plot and character as something separate. They are not separate, your plot comes from your character, from their wants, motivations and needs. It’s not that complicated.
@@hsuehejjw1731 not really, my point is that I get really cool moments that perfectly fit my characters and it all ties together but then I can't seem to figure out the main plot/conflict that I like to put it all together nicely
Great video! And congrats on finishing the book so fast, i admire that a lot! Also, could you drop a link to the productivity/pause app you mentioned? I tried to find it but I failed hahah
...I could probably stand to write first thing in the morning. In my last therapy session we were talking about how I tend to do things backwards (i.e. rewards first, work second) because so much of what I need to do is stuff I do later in the day (which may also be a factor in why my sleep schedule is a h*ck). So putting something like writing as an early thing is certainly worth trying out. Though at the same time my absolute peak of motivation (sometimes creative, sometimes "I need to get my life in order) tends to be when I'm on my way to bed (and should probably have /been/ asleep already) and inspiration strikes. Still gotta figure that part out. But anyway, discipline > motivation, at least for consistency and actually getting stuff done.
The way I've been pulling for a Timber Morning Routine, plEASE. Something very nice about doing creative stuff in the mornings. if I'm doing non-writing work or revisions, I'll usually work on a poem in the morning cuz they're short n nice n keep me in the habit of idea formulation.
@@HannahLeeKidder 😂 You and basically everyone else who knows me. It really doesn't help that I tend to be a night owl (or at least, I have a much easier time staying awake at night than I do making myself wake up). But I will admit that the times when I wake up (especially early early) it does feel nice to have that kind of quiet around. Plus having the whole day ahead is nice. Maybe it's one of those things that will just kind of sort itself out when I actually get tested for what's going on in my head and possibly medicated. (Soon, hopefully)
@@HannahLeeKidder Fingers crossed! First step is getting tested to see what we're really working with in this neurodivergent soup. Well, first step is doing the research to figure out which place is better and affordable of the few I've looked up. But then after that it's off to the races
I hear people say 3000 words for a chapter in a romance novel, and most of my chapters (in my rough draft) are between 2000 and 2200. I plan on 25 chapters (based on what I have, may change when I add a second POV), but 3000 would put it at 75k which would work if I stuck to single POV. With going 2 POV, I'm looking at 30 chapters probably (A few chapters will change to the 2nd MC POV, and I'll add a few chapters for him.) So long story still long, I think I'm gonna have 2200 per chapter unless I want a 100k word debut. :)
May I suggest you get solid guidance on the industry standard for debut novels? I just read about how exceeding the word count conventions for your genre can really hurt you if you’re a new writer trying to get published. I think it’s assumed you don’t know any better which is a red flag. Different rules apply for established authors - they can often break the rules but debuts are different. At least that’s what I read. Perhaps Hannah could guide you on that. For instance, I think romance convention is 50k without regard to number of pov characters. You wouldn’t want to do 75k if it’s a hard and fast industry standard for debut authors to write 50k. If it’s “essential” to stick to a genre specific word count you don’t want to waste time overshooting the mark and you will craft your story to fit within the boundaries - instead of having to rewrite it to shorten it. I’d be curious to know what you find out if you look into it further and also what you decide 🤔😀. I’m still learning craft so I’m not yet drafting…but I’m getting closer! You sound excited for your project. I wish you good luck with it! 😀.
@@nikkinewbie6014, thank you so much. I think 50k might be too short for what I'm trying to accomplish. That would be 2200 words per chapter and 22 chapters. What I've researched is romance tends to be between 50k and 90k, which I should be able to accomplish easily. Once I'm done and get it into the hands of my beta readers I'll have a better idea. So far, chapter 1 went over well with an editor, a few who are interested, and so I think the length and pace is good. My meet cute happens in chapter 3. It will be a slow burn romance, so it will take a little longer to get them together. So, I think as long as I stay under 70k, I should be golden. :) I hope.
@@JoleCannon Ahhhh okay! Real world experience and industry professional interactions and feedback trump anything I’ve read “here and there” for sure 😂😂. That being said, after I posted I read another citing of 90K being a “Sweet Spot” assuming this would be a debut for you. Just goes to show Google isn’t the end all be all of industry research 😂😂😂😂😂. I did also read about industry standards relative to the larger production costs for longer word counts for debut novels and the inherent risk because the author wouldn’t be established yet. But it sounds like you are already laying your groundwork with folks in the know about these things! Early congratulations for making those connections. You could have dropped the mic after you said you had beta readers and an editor 😂😂. It sounds like you not only have guidance in place but it sounds like you’ve done your due diligence as well. Super! No wonder your excitement with your project is coming through in your initial comment. I am thoroughly enjoying my journey including learning craft, the research, the story ideas that are coming to me while I wash out my coffee cup and even reading and communicating with writers like yourself. I love your genre pick! Slow burn romance is delicious! I am in learning mode but have decided to attempt a Romantic Thriller. It will be Hate to Love on the romance side. On the thriller side, my understanding is that a thriller is a combination of the detective and horror genres. Not Slasher film horror, but horror in the sense of personal danger with a need to escape or defend against death or lesser harm. Lots of expected “beats” there that have to be twisted and tweaked to make it unique - but I’m excited to try it. Such a combination of genres should help generate narrative drive to keep the story moving and keep the reader engaged - that is if I do it right. It will be a challenge for sure. I’m so new I’m still developing my individual overall process for writing. It’s going to be a hybrid of all or most of the aspects that speak to me during my research. I’m still deciding on a story structure for instance but at least now I know that the genres I’ve chosen will by their natures lend themselves to some structures better than others. I do have an overall theme (actually a few but one main one) that I want to weave into my story. I have a premise that I think can sustain sufficient conflict. I’ve got some character pots cooking on the stove - still building profiles but I’ve got a good idea of what the main characters’ desire lines, fear/wound and flaw/misbelief about the world are. So feeling good about internal conflict. Got a good handle on my opponent/ villain - in fact started on him first. I know his desire line / goal which is the opposite of the protagonist’s goal which puts them in direct conflict. So that will drive the external plot. So I’m developing the various aspects of my story as I learn the concepts and letting that guide me. I have discovered that I’m a born plotter so I will start outlining when I think I’m far enough along to attempt a first draft. Still many considerations to make including POV. I’m thinking third person limited but that might be tricky when it comes to parsing out certain information relative to the thriller aspects. As a reader I always took POV for granted - but it is a major upfront consideration. And there are rules to follow for each kind apparently 😂😂😂 I’m not necessarily writing towards publishing. I’m just acting on a lifelong dream to write a novel but who knows? If I find I’m able to produce good story, I might give it a more official shot. But for now I’m just doing this for me. Good talking to you. Keep it going on your story! Feel free to post back on your progress if you like - it will be inspiring to read. Best!
Maybe this is a silly question, but I'm not sure how to go about getting the full month NovelPad trial, when I click through the link it just shows the regular 14 day - do you have to enter a code somewhere or wait until November 1st?
Best piece of advice I ever heard: "Don't worry too too much about character descriptions. You can always put a picture or drawing of them on your website."
Hi Ninabomb - sorry to hear you are having issues connecting to NovelPad! Please send an email to us at support@novelpad.co, or reach out to us in our Discord discord.gg/wBEsQza and we'll get this resolved for you.
I think Novelpad looks really nice, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to support my writing language (norwegian) for spellchecking and such, so I settled on Scrivener instead. Novelpad looks more user friendly, but the language thing was important for me.
@@HannahLeeKidder By the way, your videos are very helpful. I am a newbie writer (nothing published), and you inspire me to write more. I have an idea for a sci-fi novel I am currently developing and it's really fun to write.
2 years AND a full time job? That’s fast, not slow 😂 Took me 10 years to write 2 novels while I was also working & learning the craft. Gotta cut yourself some more slack ya little perfectionist 😉 But not too much, lol.
Earlier in the video I was like "I really really need to get better about letting myself write stuff out of order so I can knock out the stuff that's fun (or easy) first and fill in the gaps later. " and then point 7 hit to directly contradict that 😂 We're really all just out here trying to figure out what works for us, huh?
Hahaha I've never written something linear all the way through (save a couple short stories) and didn't realize how much easier it is to just go in order. But that might be different for me for a different genre! Writing advice is borderline meaningless lmao
@@HannahLeeKidder Yeah and pretty much all I've tried to write (while being unsuccessful at Staying On Task) has been longer-form narrative and like. Probably should try to work on more short stories or something. But yeah it really is just a coin flip what works for someone. Which is why watching advice videos (especially entertaining and concise ones) is beneficial. If even one tip ends up working for someone it was worth it.
It took me ten years. But it’s finally coming out in April. My first novel, called The Maps of Camarines, under Penguin Random House.
Congrats !
I am so proud of you! Congratulations!🎉❤❣️❤️🔥😍💗
WOW!!!
Wow congratulations!
My first novel took ten years too! Worth it ❤
Doing literally NOTHING and being present in the moment with the senses also helps blossom creativity. This can also include going for a walk.
Tru
I disagree with this. Stillness is not the same thing as sitting still.
"Multi-tasking is not a thing, it's just... doing one thing while distracted" SO TRUUE
Your not the only one! It took me two years to come up with an idea and I’m recently working on the first chapter. I always felt insecure about my own writing because a lot of famous booktubers And my favorite authors I know can write a book in less then five weeks. I stopped comparing my writing to others and just started writing and thus a book is forming!
It took me 20 years to write my debut novel #thenephilem talking about life getting in the way hey! I'm currently planning to take 5 years to write my next! :)
How did you stop comparing your writing to others?? I can hardly write at all because of so high standards from myself. I was a very promising writer, did a uni education and everyone told me I would get published. Now I hardly dare to write because I know it must be publishing quality. I've never published a book due to mental illness, writing is the only dream I still have and I need to publish something.
@@MrSwilson13 Yes!! What do you do when life gets in the way?? I have severe mental illness and my symptoms stop me all the time. I cannot write more than 1-2 hours a day tops, so how am I supposed to finish a book in 5 weeks? I've wanted to publish a book since I was 10, and now I'm 35. Still no published book and I feel so utterly ashamed and like a failure. My illnesses have definitely been in the way for me.
@@SamirCCat just write! Just think about this: everything has been done before, so as long as your happy with your own work that’s all that matters!
@@isabellascott3443 Everything certainly hasn't been done before! My books have quite unusual themes that aren't written about often at all. That's why I really want them published, they are needed in this society.
And I'm not happy with my work, that's the problem. I believe I have higher standards than a publisher. I never even get to the publishing stage because I'm not satisfied with my texts.
Thank you for trying to help though...
i started plotting because i was terrible with continuity and constancy 😅 i find talking about my ideas with friends to be really helpful with writer's block!
Pantsing is so good for shorts, then I tried for novels and was like I'M LOST IT IS SO DARK IN HERE
Yess talking it out is so helpful
@@HannahLeeKidder it's funny because I literally can't do that with shorts. I need some outline for short stories. But when I write novels, I all I need is the basic premise, and the rest just happens. (With a lot of inbound editing lol)
lol, I forgot I was writing a book for two years until I recently opened up my file explorer and found a folder called "books/poem".
Don't remember writing it but it seems pretty good. I'm actually impressed.
you have reached ✨pEaK Of WRiTiNg✨
That's so fun! You are literally a different person now (from living more life). That distance in time is such a precious gift to really evaluate your work. But speaking for myself, going through old notes for a novel 1/3 written is like going through someone else's stuff and has been hard to work through after a two year break. 😂
Writing that book was a fever dream that you repressed lol. Are you going back to work on it?
I tried Novelpad because of your video about it and I've since bought an annual subscription. I haven't managed to write a novel in 5 weeks yet lol, but I am writing much faster than I was. I normally would've given up by now because of all my notes being a mess, but Novelpad makes it easy for me to keep things organised.
That's awesome!
So excited to hear that! We're constantly improving NovelPad, so if you have any ideas on how we could make the organization even better - we're all ears.
I have been writing for some years and the short outline, minimal character sheet, and temporary summary helped me to start many books after "writer's block." The good system you developed. Love your video. Very constructive and positive.
1) 1:58 Short outlines & minimal character descriptions
Basic premise, worldbuilding, characters, story/genre beats - these can be sparse and loose to allow these to evolve ad you write and become better acquainted with the characters and their stories
2) 3:40 Writing whatever’s fun
Include all the fun and silly moments :)
3) 4:39 Temporary summary
If you get stuck, sum up what you want to happen and then continue writing as if you wrote it properly. Usually the way to write it will naturally occur as you continue writing forward. Make sure you return to these summaries and expand upon them before moving onto the next draft, ideally by the end of that chapter.
4) 6:16 Prioritising
Not always feasible for everyone but prioritise between your responsibilities/hobbies to spend more time on your story
5) 6:34 Tracking
Set your overall word count, i.e. 60k by the end of November. In Novel Pad's tracker, as you update your progress, the program can adjust word counts accordingly.
(Novel Pad's tracking tool can automatically calculate what's needed to achieve goals/targets based on inputs)
Track your progress through word counts; map your actual outputs against your target outputs.
6) 7:09 Writing first thing
Write when you're most creatively productive. Find the best time for you and write then. This may be in the morning or a different time for you.
7) 7:49 Writing in order
Write a chapter at a time, in order.
This depends more on your preference. If you share with friends they can provide feedback or just general motivation to keep writing. This is easier with a linear story, can also streamline your writing, and help with continuity.
8) 8:32 Revising your story
Go back every 5 chapters for an edit.
Depends on preference. Go back to earlier chapters and set things up that are explored in later chapters, can fix continuity issues early on.
9) Create all the chapter headings in novel pad
Write out the headings with a sentence or two explaining what you want to happen.
10) 9:47 Handling distractions
Manage distractions while you work. Write when there's the fewest distractions. Noise cancelling headphones. Distraction managing phone app (Pause For). Use a less noisy writing platform (Novel Pad)
I've been trying to get myself to write a book - ANY book - since I was about 20 years old.
I'm turning 33 in July. I have not finished a single story to this day.
You are not the slowest writer in the world.
Omg same! I started a book (series) when I was 13, that's when the first ideas came to me. I'm 27 now. One day we'll get there lol, that's what ya call ~divine timing~
I... I understand 😭
Same here. I've had a number of ideas, but nothing finished. I've finally taken up my idea again, but it's much different than the original idea. Started in my early 20s, and I'm 35 now. I plan on finishing this story now due to life circumstances. However, I don't know what will happen after. I'm a perfectionist and worry it might never be good enough.
I wrote a 4-book sci-fi series in 2004 when I was 18. I felt it wasn't good enough eventually and gave up on it. In 2016 I started making a game with RPG Maker called The Secrets of Sorsa, and in 2021 I began The SoS book series. Somehow, I wrote book 1 in a month. It took me a year to finish books 2 and 3, and I wrote half of book 4 before starting revisions on Book 1, which are now nearing completion. It literally took me 20 years to be close to something publishable from the time I stared writing, and I haven't even begun that process yet. Making the game kinda got me back into story telling. Maybe try something like that.
Great insight into your process. These are all solid. One of my favorite authors, Michael Moorcock, got his start in the pulp magazine era, and he was writing all the time, sometimes multiple stories a day, sometimes under different names, sometimes stand-alones, sometimes serials, and in various genres. When he started writing novels, he frequently wrote one in only a few days, with little more than a list of interesting names, ideas for elements, etc, and a basic idea of the type of story he was telling. Whenever he got stuck, he'd turn to the list, pick something, and keep going. I can't imagine being that good, but it is inspirational to think about.
3. Your temporary summary tip is something I've figured out for myself and done for a few years now! It really does help and do what you say, and like for you, if I keep writing after it, I eventually think of the way to fix it, and it's great! I love it! For me, since I usually already have the problem line/etc written down, I just **bold** that part, and then I come back to it later! It's great!
For me, what works best is only writing when I’m in a flow state. I can easily write for twelve hours without even noticing, but as soon as it’s over I’m done. No matter how much I want to write, it’s not gonna come out lol I have to be very careful about avoiding distractions during them
I used to prefer writing this way, but fortunately I'm a dad these days and while it certainly poses challenges like not being able to get into those flow states very often since there's distractions CONSTANTLY, I've found that writing can still be done on a routine. It's not my preferred way, but routine writing during writing blocks of 20 to 60 minutes (depending on my mood) do get the work done. And occassionally, not often these days, but SOMETIMES, one of these blocks will transform magically into a flow state and I'll write for 3 or 4 or 5 or more hours instead. Either way, the writing gets done and that's the only part that ultimately matters in my mind.
Oooh already loving the Stardew Valley/Gilmore Girls mix.
This is the first project that I IMMEDIATELY had comparison media for, so marketing should be sssso much easier
My problem is just maintaining inspiration. I plan it out all fine and hit my word goals just fine it's just maintaining that inspiration to continue. I am 16 so it's understandable I'm very easy to distract, my phone goes off etc. However I did finish my first book a while back, 50k words and i got it published on amazon kdp. I don't think it's very good but I am so proud I did it. So if you're struggling to do it just keep trying because there will inevitably be that one story that pulls you in.
I listen to audiobooks from my favorite authors before i write and get ideas that way
Congrats! Cannot wait to read it!
I recently finished the 2nd draft of my fantasy novella. I have also been weirdly productive recently even though I usually struggle to focus.
Thanks! I can't wait for y'all to read it :D
Congrats! That's awesome.
every story is different which means every writing process is different, sometimes I need less or more information to write the first outline of different genres, different lengths etc.
I wrote a 190k word fantasy novel in 4 weeks in 2021. Since then, I've written 2 sequels, and I'm halfway through book 4, but I have not been able to duplicate that speed. It can be tough to stay that focused. Characters do come to life and do things you don't expect, because you get into their personalities, which are different from your own. I used a short outline too, for the exact same reason.
So tru like you start with a basic idea and then next thing you know your 11 year old character is giving a demonstration on how to do crack in front of middle schoolers.
Good luck on your books though
:+)
190k?!? I'm only at 250k after 6 YEARS
Although I know it's not the word count, your fingers must have been smoking at the end ...
@@aceclop That certainly would be unexpected.
@@lizxu322 idk if you want to write faster but if you do, I can tell you what I do. I pretty much block out the real world and live in Sorsa. I also treat it like a job in that I force myself to write even if I don't feel like it. It's harder, my writing isn't as good, and the parts I force myself to write need more revisions, but as long as it's on the page I can keep going so I don't get stuck. Not that I never have a block, but they don't happen often because I push through the procrastination.
Try writing something else or looking at how much time you are giving yourself to write and how much of that is spent actually writing. I can waste entire days scrolling if I don't watch myself.
I always tell myself I can do more than I have before. I was writing 10k words per day when I wrote the first draft of book 1 but I still wanna see some 20k days. Always believe that you can do more, write better, or whatever you want to change or improve. It starts with what you tell yourself and then turns into how you push yourself.
Also, don't pat yourself on the back too much if you do meet or exceed goals. I've found that when I get to feeling too high on myself my progress slows. The best mindset is an even one. I can do this - I did it - I better do it next time too. I can do this - I failed - I better do it next time.
@@TheSecretsOfSorsa I like some of what you said, including the pushing through procrastination and treating it like a job. However overall without being able to read your finished product, forgive me for saying but i cannot judge the quality of writing. I overall appreciate quality over quantity with the intent of splitting my words into a trilogy and getting traditionally published.
I’m an aspiring screenwriter, not author, but this was still extremely helpful, thank you for making this video :)
Just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Novelpad. You weren't joking. It has truly changed the way I write. Thanks!
That's fab! 💜
Seeing all the chapters and scenes laid out at 9:20 made me realise how easy it would be to visualise different ways to structure your book. If you do move a scene, do you usually need to make a lot of changes to the transition in and out of that scene, or can you write scenes to be fairly self-contained? Thanks for the video!
For me, it depends! For this book, the story is pretty simple, and I did a lot of the scene swapping pretty early on, so I often didn't have to change anything in-scene. For my fantasy novel, I move things around a LOT, and since there are so many more characters and subplots, sometimes I end up messing up the continuity. I've got a very sharp editor who keeps me in line, because I'm so clueless when it's a project I've been working on that long ☠️
I’ve been watching all kinds of craft related YT videos and have a couple of books I will read and some others I intend to get based on repeat recommendations I keep seeing.
I am on the journey to write my first novel - not a screenplay; but I’ve been watching screenplay craft videos too. It’s interesting how the two mediums differ and require slightly different structuring when it comes to execution but at the end of the day, story is story regardless of the medium.
What I really like watching is the videos where the interviewees and posters of screenwriter craft videos talk about the construction of scenes. I zero in on the people who are actually script consultants whose job it is to take a script, figure out why it’s not working and then help the writer to fix the problems. Either that or they fix and further develop the script for the studio after the writer has been paid for it and they are no longer involved with the project at all. Script doctors 😂
One such says he often initially only asks to see the writer’s scene list…ehich is apparently just what it sounds like. It is a list of the story’s individual scenes summarized in order from start to finish. The guy said many times he can spot the trouble just by looking at that. This isn’t a full blown outline in my opinion but the concept of a scene list as PART of my outlining process got me thinking.
If I write out a scene card which includes: whether it is a plot point of my chosen story structure or if it’s a part of a stage of structure and if so which one; the POV character’s goal in the scene; the author’s (my) goal for the scene including the cause and effect connection to the scenes before it and after; OR a notation that it is subplot scene and might not flow as directly from the scene before it or into the scene after it.
Using a different color ink, I would then write two to three sentences about what events happen in the scene and whether it “touches on” or in some way reflects the character’s main inner conflict i.e. shows how the unhealed wound or fatal flaw or misbelief is affecting their decisions and how they live their lives. That aspect should be in the majority of scenes I think to show the transformation as the story progresses.
Then I could lay those cards out in front of me and have a Birds Eye view of the story, of scene sequences- everything!
THEN, with the cards displayed out in order, I think I will record myself reading only the two to three sentences summarizing the action /events and thus speak out loud the external plot of the story.
On the playback, I should be able to pick up on missing plot (or holes), continuity issues, pacing issues, and I should also get a feel for whether the beats expected are coming across. I might even play the recording for friends or relatives to get their reaction and to see how much they are able to glean if the internal conflicts and the why of the scenes.
I might even word at least one of the sentences on each scene card to specifically address the character’s inner conflict. For instance: Because of Jack’s deep rooted fear of rejection, he asks Jill out to dinner under the guise of talking about the work project they have been assigned. His goal is to convince his colleague to go out to dinner without revealing his true intent and feelings - to spend time with her outside of work because he is interested in her.
After hemming and hawing he finally asks her out and to his surprise and delight she says something like “Sounds great! But maybe we don’t have to spend the whole time talking about the project?”
The next scene shows her getting ready for the date - tearing apart her closet looking for what she can wear to send the message that she’s interested without looking like she’s TOO interested.
I really like this idea because I can alter an index card to address any problems I hear myself or feedback I receive. Or I can move them around to work in suspense by switching how soon information is learned and survey for continuity issues etc. etc. Then I can read / re-record the new / altered summaries sentences and experience the changes.
I look at this like a friend telling you about a movie they just saw. You tell the friend there’s no way you’ll have a chance to watch it yourself so tell me what happens. This recording is that.
This is quick time beta fare / not having someone read the 300 page manuscript yet but rather listening to a ten minute or so recording to experience the story you’re crafting.
Then once I can’t see any issues myself or don’t get any feedback pointing out issues, I’d ask would you want to read this book based on what you know and why or why not? Based on that I’d either continue to tweak or go ahead and start writing the novel scene by scene using the cards in their final order. Even after I start if I think of an element I want to add or change, the cards come out again and I work it out on the cards before taking it to the page.
This is the process I plan to use. It’s a mixture of several author Tubers’ approaches and knowing myself as a visual and tactile person. Trying to do this on even the best writing software would not work for me. It will continue to evolve I’m sure but I’m excited about trying it out.
This is super late but let me know what you did and whether you made some progress- and if you have any suggestions for process.
Thanks!
Smart features like the word count goals adjusting based on your progress are super neat bits of programming.
Niice. It's very rare that I find a person who writes pretty much how I write, in terms of when I am at my best and most focused. lol. It's cool. A good reminder. Especially when I'm starting to feel discouraged and less focused. I think I'm going to keep this video on tap so I can watch it to remind myself how to stay on track.. thanks! 🙏 ❤
Okay, I'm only like a minute into your video, but I already know I HAVE to read this book. GG and SV are two of my favorite things in this world. I'm a little awestruck... I know, dramatic. But I'm not even exaggerating. That is how excited I am!
Love this. I've been trying to write my first book and I've been way overdoing certain parts of my process and I keep second guessing myself but your video has some really great info and I'm excited to put some of this into practice.
I have finally gotten back to writing. This time im trying a vague outline and beats. Ive also learned that trying to multi-task is not a thing that works for me. If i want to write, then i need to set everything else down and write.
Writing in the morning is better for me but unfortunately I can't wake up any earlier for work and be able to function. So I try when I get home to write some. Most writing happens on days off though.
I can vouch for the early morning thing. Started writing this morning around 5 wrote about 1,700 words before work 7:40am. With a half hour break in the middle. As a person who struggles to get 1000 words a day in during a vacation this...was a godsend.
o hell yes
@@HannahLeeKidder I'm gonna have to try all the other tips in the video though because I still need a bigger boost.
@@HannahLeeKidderwhy the hell ? Do people say that ??? It's been a minute when it's been awhile that gets on my nerves I keep thinking someone is actually talking about an actual minute.?
OOF. I'm about as bad as you, I can assure you.
Writing my novel Giraffic Tales (please look for it later it must be published), is SO hard and SUCH a slow process.
Don't feel alone.
I'm here.
:D
I've taken 7 years to world build my novel, and I say that loosely lol to be fair I was in my early 20s when I came up with the idea and I was more focused on having fun than writing. I'm finally working toward cementing my ideas and building a writing habit instead of just writing when I have a certain scene in mind or when I feel like it.
Similar! I think the longer you put into planning especially if it's an intricate world system, the better the novel will be in the long term. That's what I tell myself so it doesn't feel like all the years r for nought lol
I came up with my characters when I was 13, I have had so many break throughs for my story in the last couple of years and I will be 24 this year. It is crazy how easily it can explode and the words just flow perfectly. I'm planning on it being a series and so I'm trying to blend everything perfectly. Would love tips on how to set up for future books in the first book though?
Everything that happens in the first book needs to lead up to something important in the future book. Otherwise there’s no point really.
@lovelylost4649 Ahhh, I'm so happy for your breakthroughs! I came up with my characters at 11 and getting my story to be even the mess it is now has taken so many years, but this is extremely encouraging- thank you!😭
Omg some of these comments here are SO relatable! I started my story when I was 13 and it's going to be 3 or 4 books. I'm 27 now. I know a lot of what's going to happen but there are also many holes in the later parts. I basically know how it's all going to end. But it's weird cause sometimes I really feel like "girl just go finish that first book, you baaasically know everything that needs to happen in there" but then sometimes I have a epiphany which makes me think of how to match that idea up with the rest or how to place hints or the groundwork in the first book (if it's something that really goes down in later books). Gosh, I'm manifesting that I'll get there someday but it has been a long time already. A lot of story I keep stored in my brain lol
@OnaiwaGamon2004 also good luck to you!
@@SecondFloor2311 we have the same problem apparently 😂 I've been testing different ways to get myself to actually write and I've gotten to 19,000 words so far.
@@SecondFloor2311 @SecondFloor2311 Gosh, my writing goes the same way! I know so many major plot points, but there are still big holes that make me feel like I don't have hardly enough figured out, even though I have so much. Then a revelation comes and everything changes or is expanded upon. And thank you! Good luck to you as well! 💖
can't wait to read the novel! am currently stuck on page 10 of a feature and ik novels and scripts aren't the same but i can't wait to try some of these
0:20 excited to hear how you did this, but currently admiring your hair. Perfect balance of coif're and tossle, oof.
Hoping my mild mullet approaches such deceptive ease.
What really helps me with distractions is when I longhand write with white noise on blast on my noise canceling earbuds. Energy drink ready. (Caffeine makes me 100x more productive.) I have an issue getting distracted by my phone, but I am about to start turning off my phone or just hiding it from myself and use my laptop for white noise since I already downloaded a website blocker. But I get hella writing done compared to it being typed up.
I have those same noise cancelling headphones and they are a game changer! Definitely one of my go-to’s. And now I’m going to try out Novel Pad because it sounds amazing! I used Scrivener years ago but the interface was so complicated that it distracted me from actually writing, ha.
They're so good! I just had to change the battery in mine because the life wasn't as good, but it was super easy and they are perfect again haha.
Same experience! NovelPad is so super straightforward. I hope you like it!
@@HannahLeeKidder that’s awesome to hear, can’t wait!
This is awesome! I can't wait to read it. This is very similar to how I prep as well.
I can't wait for you to read it either!
I am indescribably excited for this for u I am so so so pumped it’s so good and ur absolutely smashing it and I love that necklace with that sweater and the lighting looks fantastic here and
wow thank u for saying so, i've been working on building outfits that r either Cool or Warm toned for the season, here u can see a brink of winter assembly,
@@HannahLeeKidder YES yes yes the blue and the gray exactly it’s serving chilly it’s serving it’s snowing but we’re comfortable
I missed your videos, you are a spark of life. I am gonna try novelpad.
Thanks for watching 😊
I've been working on a book since earlier this year. (Still in the first draft phase.) One thing that's helping me so much more than previous book projects is doing a chapter by chapter outline.
I recently discovered i am super competitive so it would help me a lot if i had someone i could look at words written daily. It would give me lots of motivations to do better and have more words then them. Especialy if they are competitive too and would try the same. Unfortunatly i dont have a person like that in my life
The temporary summary point is a really good one, I have those spots where I get hung up on something and lose momentum /all the time/.
Also it's wild how the subconscious just keeps hacking away at a problem while we move onto something else in our active thoughts. Brains are wild.
I get why zombies want to eat them so much (happy Halloween)
I agree! I bulleted out summary points for every chapter last nano and I was actually able to (almost) finish it
"For lack of a list, lies work just as well". And while I am shamelessly participating in giveaways: a little turtle in his first pair of boots is an incredibly cute analogy.
It's been three years, and I'm still on the conceptual phase, I finally have more of a world I like to focus on and more or less a magic system, I just keep having a problem with creating characters and what they want. I also have been changing ideas left and right so that's delayed my progress😣. I more or less realized my problem, I forgot to have fun and I was stressing myself out and I have a hard time establishing what my character wants and motivation.
I write children's chapter books, and currently I've set a 1-month deadline per book. Thankfully, since they're shorter books for like 8-11 year olds, each book is only around 10k-15k words so it's a pretty manageable goal... but I'd like to eventually write novels that are a little more substantial, so it's nice to hear another writer's perspective! Great vid.
I really like the idea of temporary summary. Will start trying it out.
I understand this is an old video but it's honestly fantastic.
The story I'm currently planning, the basic plot is pretty simple, but as a writer I've found this was better. At least for me, especially since this will be my first try at completing something of a novel length.
Through focusing on the simplicity of the project, the world I was creating gradually started to become more believable and real (a main theme I'm implementing into the magic of it is that everything revolves around being organic in nature to the realm of which it resides in) and with that, accompanied by the simplicity of the premise, I find myself without too many demanding restrictions on my creative flow for the project and as such, everything I discuss about my process to my parents, grandparents, etc I've noticed that I tend to create more story opportunities relating to the plot of my story and how it relates to the characters than I do just sitting around and mindlessly thinking about it.
This was just my odd little input into the process of my writing that I felt like sharing after hearing you had discussed your own.
Take away and of it what you will I suppose. Great video btw, I'm new here and I'm quickly coming to love the community you've established!
It's great! Thank you for sharing your journey in this video!
Thanks for watching! Happy to have you around. ☺️ Sometimes simple stories are the best ones!
@@HannahLeeKidder
My dear, you are a writer after my own kidney, (hearts get too much publicity). I haven't heard of another writer who works best in the morning before you mentioned that. And so many of your other tips have made my heart sing! (I had sympathy on my poor heart and decided to give it an analogy too;)
Super concise explanation of your process, thank you.
Great Tips, Helps A Lot!
Also, Your Bunny Sounds Adorable!
Ahdhdjjdbdh. So excited to see Hannah again. It’s been too long since video came out
Hi! I missed you guys!! Thanks for sticking around ^_^
I'm a first-time writer and it's very hard for me to come up with the character and keep with the story and it's like I like to come over one book but where type again hope snyder
I kind of want to read this book... great video!
I have several issues that i think you just gave me some ideas on solving. Thank you so very very much
go girl! i just cheked your website and its so amazing you create stuff!
I look forward to reading the new book.
ima try to use novelpad sounds interesting to use, i feel distractions and doubting what im currently writing is what keeps me on a loop of not wanting to write.
My new favourite channel
ha! i loved the "adopting a racoon and getting high and swimming in a magical pool", honestly half my writing recently has been about my characters stoner shenanigans--- it's VERY fun!
I really like these tips. I have no idea how I wrote Witch of the Evergrove so fast. I just did it. Maybe if I keep this list of tips I can recreate that speed. Great video!
This is making me think my outline is too strict. I had been doing awesome, nearly three hours a day, but then I hit a block in my outline that just didn't vibe with me so I stopped. But I could just,,, change it and do something else in the story so that it's more fun to write. I used to use Write or Die for sprints maybe I'll do that again.
Having a flexible outline is pretty helpful!
The temporary summary idea is genius! I need to try it out!
The main character in my fantasy series is named Milena!!! That's all lol
@@HannahLeeKidder woah that's so cool! What's the series?
Interesting. Definitely some things to think about. I'll look into Novel Pad
Heyo, it's the boi!! Can't wait to read more of your writing! Soon, yes?
i'm sprinting my little legs are going as fast as they can!! i'm hopping through a revision for this one, sending it to my first round of beta readers, and getting on the next 5 fantasy chappies for u while they're reading :D
I’ve just found your channel and I’m totally bingeing, great content ❤
i want to read your book now!!!
Hey Hannah. Came to check your channel out after "Hello Future Me" shouted you out on his stream :)
Great stuff!
Thanks for checking it out! 😊
Hello, could you share what's the book you read regarding the hour of peak productivity? Thanks!
Thank you for sharing this video that was amazing. I am a fictional author as well. When I write/type I listen to focus music on UA-cam, it really helps. Great video.
Me seeing this video: "I'm not a /slow/ writer, I just write very infrequently so I don't get much done."
"...wait."
☠️☠️☠️
Dude I'm Floored by how much quicker I've gotten at actually writing. I used to just pitter around and get a few hundred words in an hour, but after straight writing all day for a couple weeks, I could just sit down and type without stopping. Practice is real and provides results and I think that's rude.
@@HannahLeeKidder 😂Very rude how we can't just instantly be good at whatever we try.
Actually imagine a world in which you knew from the first try whether you were good or bad at something. That would be a wild place. Or a very boring one, I guess. Might be an interesting thought to explore for a story 🤔
(this is also part of my problem)
"And a free-range rabbit whose a piece of shit." Best quote of the whole video LMAO
When she called it “Tonka Truck” I cracked up!!!
My biggest issue is that I either have the main plot outline and can't come up with characters/settings I like OR I have the perfect characters/settings/scenes and I can't figure out how to put them together for the life of me
Your biggest issue is that you think of plot and character as something separate. They are not separate, your plot comes from your character, from their wants, motivations and needs. It’s not that complicated.
@@hsuehejjw1731 not really, my point is that I get really cool moments that perfectly fit my characters and it all ties together but then I can't seem to figure out the main plot/conflict that I like to put it all together nicely
Great video! And congrats on finishing the book so fast, i admire that a lot!
Also, could you drop a link to the productivity/pause app you mentioned? I tried to find it but I failed hahah
Tragically, it shut down recently 🥲 but the creator is working on something else that's even cooler and I'll def plug that when it's live!
@@HannahLeeKidder ohhh, that's too bad 😔 but definitely, do let us know when something new drops! :D
...I could probably stand to write first thing in the morning. In my last therapy session we were talking about how I tend to do things backwards (i.e. rewards first, work second) because so much of what I need to do is stuff I do later in the day (which may also be a factor in why my sleep schedule is a h*ck).
So putting something like writing as an early thing is certainly worth trying out.
Though at the same time my absolute peak of motivation (sometimes creative, sometimes "I need to get my life in order) tends to be when I'm on my way to bed (and should probably have /been/ asleep already) and inspiration strikes. Still gotta figure that part out. But anyway, discipline > motivation, at least for consistency and actually getting stuff done.
The way I've been pulling for a Timber Morning Routine, plEASE.
Something very nice about doing creative stuff in the mornings. if I'm doing non-writing work or revisions, I'll usually work on a poem in the morning cuz they're short n nice n keep me in the habit of idea formulation.
@@HannahLeeKidder 😂
You and basically everyone else who knows me.
It really doesn't help that I tend to be a night owl (or at least, I have a much easier time staying awake at night than I do making myself wake up). But I will admit that the times when I wake up (especially early early) it does feel nice to have that kind of quiet around. Plus having the whole day ahead is nice.
Maybe it's one of those things that will just kind of sort itself out when I actually get tested for what's going on in my head and possibly medicated. (Soon, hopefully)
@@TimbrrWolfe ohhhh we love medication congrats! I wish u instant success
@@HannahLeeKidder Fingers crossed! First step is getting tested to see what we're really working with in this neurodivergent soup. Well, first step is doing the research to figure out which place is better and affordable of the few I've looked up. But then after that it's off to the races
I'm sending u every good vibe I've got
Did you say light magic system???
Hello I also want to write a novel about our social issues but I can’t start writing can you help me
Starlight is exactly how I would describe your eyes 🤩
Hi. What’s the latest with this project? I really love the concept.
i want your hair. Not in a creepy way, it's just so gorgeous!!! Thank you for some awesome content!
I hear people say 3000 words for a chapter in a romance novel, and most of my chapters (in my rough draft) are between 2000 and 2200. I plan on 25 chapters (based on what I have, may change when I add a second POV), but 3000 would put it at 75k which would work if I stuck to single POV. With going 2 POV, I'm looking at 30 chapters probably (A few chapters will change to the 2nd MC POV, and I'll add a few chapters for him.) So long story still long, I think I'm gonna have 2200 per chapter unless I want a 100k word debut. :)
May I suggest you get solid guidance on the industry standard for debut novels? I just read about how exceeding the word count conventions for your genre can really hurt you if you’re a new writer trying to get published. I think it’s assumed you don’t know any better which is a red flag. Different rules apply for established authors - they can often break the rules but debuts are different. At least that’s what I read.
Perhaps Hannah could guide you on that. For instance, I think romance convention is 50k without regard to number of pov characters. You wouldn’t want to do 75k if it’s a hard and fast industry standard for debut authors to write 50k.
If it’s “essential” to stick to a genre specific word count you don’t want to waste time overshooting the mark and you will craft your story to fit within the boundaries - instead of having to rewrite it to shorten it.
I’d be curious to know what you find out if you look into it further and also what you decide 🤔😀. I’m still learning craft so I’m not yet drafting…but I’m getting closer!
You sound excited for your project. I wish you good luck with it! 😀.
@@nikkinewbie6014, thank you so much. I think 50k might be too short for what I'm trying to accomplish. That would be 2200 words per chapter and 22 chapters. What I've researched is romance tends to be between 50k and 90k, which I should be able to accomplish easily. Once I'm done and get it into the hands of my beta readers I'll have a better idea. So far, chapter 1 went over well with an editor, a few who are interested, and so I think the length and pace is good. My meet cute happens in chapter 3. It will be a slow burn romance, so it will take a little longer to get them together. So, I think as long as I stay under 70k, I should be golden. :) I hope.
@@JoleCannon Ahhhh okay! Real world experience and industry professional interactions and feedback trump anything I’ve read “here and there” for sure 😂😂. That being said, after I posted I read another citing of 90K being a “Sweet Spot” assuming this would be a debut for you. Just goes to show Google isn’t the end all be all of industry research 😂😂😂😂😂.
I did also read about industry standards relative to the larger production costs for longer word counts for debut novels and the inherent risk because the author wouldn’t be established yet. But it sounds like you are already laying your groundwork with folks in the know about these things!
Early congratulations for making those connections. You could have dropped the mic after you said you had beta readers and an editor 😂😂. It sounds like you not only have guidance in place but it sounds like you’ve done your due diligence as well. Super! No wonder your excitement with your project is coming through in your initial comment.
I am thoroughly enjoying my journey including learning craft, the research, the story ideas that are coming to me while I wash out my coffee cup and even reading and communicating with writers like yourself. I love your genre pick! Slow burn romance is delicious!
I am in learning mode but have decided to attempt a Romantic Thriller. It will be Hate to Love on the romance side. On the thriller side, my understanding is that a thriller is a combination of the detective and horror genres. Not Slasher film horror, but horror in the sense of personal danger with a need to escape or defend against death or lesser harm.
Lots of expected “beats” there that have to be twisted and tweaked to make it unique - but I’m excited to try it. Such a combination of genres should help generate narrative drive to keep the story moving and keep the reader engaged - that is if I do it right. It will be a challenge for sure.
I’m so new I’m still developing my individual overall process for writing. It’s going to be a hybrid of all or most of the aspects that speak to me during my research. I’m still deciding on a story structure for instance but at least now I know that the genres I’ve chosen will by their natures lend themselves to some structures better than others.
I do have an overall theme (actually a few but one main one) that I want to weave into my story. I have a premise that I think can sustain sufficient conflict. I’ve got some character pots cooking on the stove - still building profiles but I’ve got a good idea of what the main characters’ desire lines, fear/wound and flaw/misbelief about the world are. So feeling good about internal conflict.
Got a good handle on my opponent/ villain - in fact started on him first. I know his desire line / goal which is the opposite of the protagonist’s goal which puts them in direct conflict. So that will drive the external plot.
So I’m developing the various aspects of my story as I learn the concepts and letting that guide me. I have discovered that I’m a born plotter so I will start outlining when I think I’m far enough along to attempt a first draft.
Still many considerations to make including POV. I’m thinking third person limited but that might be tricky when it comes to parsing out certain information relative to the thriller aspects. As a reader I always took POV for granted - but it is a major upfront consideration. And there are rules to follow for each kind apparently 😂😂😂
I’m not necessarily writing towards publishing. I’m just acting on a lifelong dream to write a novel but who knows? If I find I’m able to produce good story, I might give it a more official shot. But for now I’m just doing this for me.
Good talking to you. Keep it going on your story! Feel free to post back on your progress if you like - it will be inspiring to read. Best!
Maybe this is a silly question, but I'm not sure how to go about getting the full month NovelPad trial, when I click through the link it just shows the regular 14 day - do you have to enter a code somewhere or wait until November 1st?
Best piece of advice I ever heard:
"Don't worry too too much about character descriptions. You can always put a picture or drawing of them on your website."
I love that it sounded nice and neat and came out nice and neat ☺️ congrats so far, stay suspicious!
Getting my first round of beta feedback soon, so we'll see how it goes! ☠️☠️☠️
Is it an app alreadyyyyy???
My phone couldn't access to the website :(
Try looking on your app store 😊
Hi Ninabomb - sorry to hear you are having issues connecting to NovelPad! Please send an email to us at support@novelpad.co, or reach out to us in our Discord discord.gg/wBEsQza and we'll get this resolved for you.
Slowest writer in the world? You know how long we are already waiting for the next book of Martin's Song of Ice and Fire?
I think Novelpad looks really nice, but unfortunately, it doesn't seem to support my writing language (norwegian) for spellchecking and such, so I settled on Scrivener instead. Novelpad looks more user friendly, but the language thing was important for me.
Aw, that's a bummer! I know they're expanding languages, so I'll be sure to add a list of them when available in my next NovelPad video.
@@HannahLeeKidder By the way, your videos are very helpful. I am a newbie writer (nothing published), and you inspire me to write more. I have an idea for a sci-fi novel I am currently developing and it's really fun to write.
That's so nice! Good luck 😊
@@HannahLeeKidder Thank you 👍
My issue is over thinking and being overwhelmed. It causes me to stutter.
This premise sounds amazing. What’s the name of it? Is it published yet?
2 years AND a full time job? That’s fast, not slow 😂 Took me 10 years to write 2 novels while I was also working & learning the craft. Gotta cut yourself some more slack ya little perfectionist 😉 But not too much, lol.
So you write WITHIN Novel Pad? As in it would replace Microsoft Word? Is that right or am I trippin?
Yep!
Is there anything like novelpad but free or cheaper?
Hi hannah watching your videos after 2 years.. big fan.. you look beautiful..
Hi! What was the name of your housemate's app? Did you say Paws For? Pause For?
Pause For, but it's actually not available anymore
It's not how long it takes you to write, but how long it takes before you do it again.
I need to have this book in my hands, like, now
i swear to you your not a slow writer, im planning a book for my moms bday and it took me 2 months for 2 chapters bro...
Earlier in the video I was like "I really really need to get better about letting myself write stuff out of order so I can knock out the stuff that's fun (or easy) first and fill in the gaps later. " and then point 7 hit to directly contradict that 😂
We're really all just out here trying to figure out what works for us, huh?
Hahaha I've never written something linear all the way through (save a couple short stories) and didn't realize how much easier it is to just go in order. But that might be different for me for a different genre! Writing advice is borderline meaningless lmao
@@HannahLeeKidder Yeah and pretty much all I've tried to write (while being unsuccessful at Staying On Task) has been longer-form narrative and like. Probably should try to work on more short stories or something.
But yeah it really is just a coin flip what works for someone. Which is why watching advice videos (especially entertaining and concise ones) is beneficial. If even one tip ends up working for someone it was worth it.
Does Novelpad work with other languages? Like Arabic?
Novel pad does tracking?
UA-cam recommended this, when I wasn't looking. Congratulations.
I haven't watched the whole video yet but when will your novel be available?