I think Neil Gaiman said it best: “The only goal of a first draft is that it exists. You can improve bad writing, but you can’t fix it if it’s never been written.” Paraphrased, but hopefully you get what he meant even in my bad retelling of it. Another bit of good advice I read somewhere was “don’t worry about if people will like your story, focus on if you yourself like it”.
This is one of the reasons I am a big proponent of Becca Syme and her strengths-based approach to writer coaching in her Write Better-Faster Academy - some people, with specific strengths, absolutely can (and need to, to produce at their best) "edit" a blank page, but so much advice for writers tells them they are wrong. If you're familiar with Gallup's CliftonStrengths, people with Intellection in their top 5 (of course, depending on the rest of their top 5) *need* to think about their story/words, and do it a *lot*, before they start writing. The biggest piece of advice I have for writers, as a published writer, is that writing advice is not one size fits all, and to not be afraid to discount advice if it's not working for you... Especially if you are making forward momentum and producing. All writers are just not the same, and what could be the worst advice for one person might be the best advice for another person. The writing arena in particular is filled with a lot of very damaging "should"s that feed into the paralysis people can have and emphasize that they are wrong (when they aren't).
I'm writing a five part series. I began knowing I'd probably scrap everything I wrote for the rough drafts so that one day I can tell these stories with the skill they deserve. It's a long road. Understanding that failure to write well at the beginning and that effort will pave the way for excellence has been one of the most important lessons I learned.
True, that's great advice, because I just realised I do that constantly with my own work, and that's literally the EXACT reason I don't get any writing done 😅
I clicked on this video with the thought "ok, let's see what I'm doing wrong" and here was the answer: obsessing about what I'm doing wrong! Thank you so much for posting this, it really helped. I'm writing my first novel, I'll be participating in NaNoWriMo and now I'm gonna tell myself to enjoy it and stop obsessing. Thank you guys!
“Analysis Paralysis…” is genuinely a problem. I always have to ask myself what is causing that fear and either deal with it or learn how to ignore it. I used to think beating fear meant beating it, but as I’ve aged, I’ve learned that fear only has power when I pay attention. Once I learn to ignore it, it often withers. Granted not every fear falls into this category, but more fears than I thought do.
The being scared to make mistakes thing really hit close to home. I've been really scared of writing bad stories, so much so that I haven't written at all recently. It feels like there's been so much pressure, like "oh, what if someone reads this and doesn't like it!" Whenever I talk to people about my ideas they're never as excited, or I didn't explain it well and I'll no longer want to write. Now I really wanna write and make mistakes! I've been drawing all my life and getting better but writing is newer to me and I don't have as much experience. I'll always miss the days when I was drawing as a little kid not having such high standards for myself, just having fun. With the knowledge I know now I hope I can try to write like that. Sorry for the minnie novel lol
Analysis paralysis. Yep. The more I learn (which is important info), the more I realize I hadn’t considered, the more I say “Oh no…I don’t have a good enough hook or inciting incident or (fill in the blank).” So, I end up endlessly journaling ideas, other possible backstories, other possible characters, etc., & never end up with any flow toward an actual chapter, much less a full book. Oh my!
I never refer to the stuff I'm actively writing as mistakes; instead, I prefer to call them "iterations". I know for a fact that, as I get more stuff onto the page and it's able to sit over time, I'll find a way to improve it in the next iteration. About the only time I refer to something as "a mistake" is writing myself into a corner, then trying to figure out where it went wrong, and doing some degree of backtracking and scrapping. But even then, if I'd never made that attempt, I likely never would've found the "right way" out. Good video and good advice! It's good to make mistakes; I learn better from screwing up than I do succeeding, often times.
I think this problem is caused mostly by beginner writers struggling to with the idea that their story has to be pleasing to the reader, and it has to be that way from the beginning, like from the moment they put pen to paper and start writing, it has to be appealing. I think it's that sense of judging one's self by how they envision the reader to react to their "flaws" that makes that anxiety so crippling.
" You don't write A Book - you _live_ this Story with Us " - Love, your character *this* Ladies & Gents is my GAMECHANGER!!🃏🔥 It's real for us.. we have the whole MOVIES Rent free - eh right but then yeah.. there's this grammatic & striving to be perfect problem .. steals A WHOLE LOT of our fantasy isn't that true .. * Also you're so right. YET, and especially for us writers who only write what we want to be written.. but then and that's the point : Still what's written needs to be 'read' one day and, now all Together i think agree.. we wish our writings to sound good. And trust me, i've learned in your head it can never be so special. Why? You not only know your next step.. you're also completely aware of your writing STYLE .. no Surprises - no "magic" and that's awful . - That Moment though ; you're "breaking silence" and no, not you re reading it for the 100th time my lil novel ninja - i mean listen it on AUDIO , your Book is A "WHOLE NEW STORY " . I promise. That day trying with an audio system, i actually listend.. that bich listend that's right 💀 without editing every bit of A second. . for the first time ever . (unless it's like Launguage wrong-wrong 💀 ) NO.. honestly i listend.. i had fun :) AND was surprised.. with that Interpretation of this computer - narrator person 💀 - AS I SHOULD. Remember your reader not only doesn't think like the author - he won't even _read_ your work like you did.. thinkin of all these tiny "trash parts" you'd better throw away to infinity . Don't mind all that.. it's only in your MIND. Readers can't read our mind - 🥁💀 Yo i was able to LET GO. Who wrote this was it me? Wait it's casually okay when brought OUT 💀. Don't bother to understand how A reader reads your words they're not their Thoughts. Anyways.. * this all comes from someone who would brutally - bully *BURRY* their every single WORD 🏺💀. it's not that deep. just don't get in that rabbit hole of endless trying to be their "Wonderland" - Make *Yourself* wonder. And yes you are wonderful.
@@jesus1stmylawislove that's so true. You literally summed up my entire situation just a couple weeks ago. Like, I was in this rut where I was literally so careful with each word because I was thinking of how the reader will read into it that I completely lost the zing that comes with writing for the love of it. Thanks man👍👍👍
Thanks for this. I am in my mid thirties and have written a dozen unfinished books due to everything you are saying. Im finally feeling like I have a story that would be worth my full attention and creativity and have been re-watching all your videos, reading back into Save The Cat and more....I have broken down some basics about the story, but I keep procrastinating because I feel like I still need to refresh on knowledge and ensuring Im writing everything correctly. I feel like I still need more details of my story and characters and I continue to find reasons to not just start! I wonder if the excuses are valid or if Im just scared of making mistakes and it now being good....We are our own worst enemy.
I totally agree. Don't make the mistake of worrying about making mistakes. Especially on the first draft. First drafts are more of an idea pad. Just get the words down as fast as you write and don't edit anything until the first draft is finished. Then put it away for a few weeks and start writing something else. After a few weeks you can look at what you've written with fresh eyes.
I needed to hear this girls. I way over judge and analyze my work and it causes me to get into a snag. And the way you compare it to making bread because I do that too made a lot of sense to me. Thank you ladies!
Excellent points. There are no rules to writing. There are some guidelines in how to make sure the text gets the desired effect. Mistakes are only mistakes when we realize the unexpected result had unwanted effect. But that is part of the creative process and learning new ways in conveying art, emotion, information, and stories to a reader. We invent and discover new things by daring to write whatever we feel like in the moment. Smiling, relaxing, and just letting all the little moments fill the pages. That is a wonderful experience. Not worrying about guides, mistakes. Just lean into desired effects. We can reach the hearts of our audience in any way we like. Thank you for this pearl of wisdom, Katie, and Abbie Emmons. 📝
I used to watch this channel and I found it to be the only writing channel that explained the concepts in a way that I could concretely understand. I'm glad to see Abbie even having ads.
I wrote my first novel in the nanowrimo challenge 2023 and did 5600 words. I really loved doing it and I love my story. One thing that surprised me was that I didn't know what my main character was going to do next, which seemed strange, since I was in charge of writing what would happen next!. I was half way through the story before I knew what my ending would be, and then when it came to me I was so excited. It was almost like I was reading someone else's story instead of writing it.
Thank you both. This is me on so many levels. I feel my stories could have been on shelves years ago, but fear of mistakes and more keeps me from that. I wish it didn't. Afraid of making mistakes, failure. afraid of what others will think or feel after others belittled my writing. Fear of self-doubt big time. I keep editing over and over trying to improve and make better than I had, over doing it big time. Rather than just finish and be done. I feel that is why my stories sit on my bookshelves in binders. Fear controls.
Chase what you desire, believe in yourself, and embrace the writing spirit. Believe in what sparks your writing creativity and you might start getting books on the shelves.
Hi Abbie! I am a eleven year old female who is into writing books. I'm in chapter four of my recent book, Arrow. I am really gratefull for this video because it can help me write more. Thank you for making these amazing content! Love from the Philippines ❤❤❤
Let us know when it publishes! I'm interested in picking up a copy. I teach primary school and Anytime one of my students sell their art work or writing I always try to invest and encourage those students to keep them motivated, practicing and doing their art. Keep it up!
I’ve always struggled with being profoundly afraid of making mistakes, so this podcast really helps. It’s so true that the only way to get better at something is to just dive in and actually do it. I’m reminded of a meme I saw recently that said, “Be willing to suck at something long enough to get good at it.” Thanks, Kate and Abbie!
Excellent podcast, thank you so much. I loved what you said about not being a creator and a critic at the same time. That really hit home. My biggest problem at the moment is thinking that I am not cut out for being a writer because any criticism I get hurts so much, and I don't see how I can overcome this. What I write so personal to me, and I am terrified of being judged, either on my story or general ability. Anyway, thank you so much for all the videos from you both. They have gotten me to write 20 chapters in one month. I can't believe I've gotten this far, but it's in huge thanks to you both. Xxx
Around 11:00 I think that's an important distinction. I know the times I feel the most discouraged is when I write something I feel happy with then come back a few days later and go, this is terrible. Whereas if it's "terrible" from the start I can go, lol, yeah, I know it's bad, I'll just fix it later. Or maybe I'll even come back to the bad part later and find, oh, this is actually much better than I thought. Thanks for these discussions😊❤
Yep, I'd say this is, roughly speaking, the biggest thing that has held me back in writing. It's not even that I can't stand to make mistakes in the writing at the time, but that if I make mistakes in the beginning and discover better information later in the story, going back and fixing those holes would be so hard to do that I tend to feel like I have to know everything I can possibly know from the start. Couple that with my discovery writing method on my initial draft and I have a recipe for stagnation. I've been trying to teach myself some of these things currently. I find it hard to get through the initial draft because that's where I coalesce my disparate ideas, and that's a naturally chaotic and messy process. I tend to write something clunky and obsess over that. I want to be at the point where I just write through the clunkiness, get the scenes down, and move forward as I understand more and more of the story, knowing that the next draft will effectively be the first draft, possibly completely different based on the knowledge I have accumulated through the initial draft. I also find myself getting obsessed with perfection in my organization techniques as well. I organize my book using Obsidian, with a ton of add-ons, and I can make rather pretty pages with lots of information. I spend way too much time trying to find good art as illustration props in the documents, hunting out music tracks to link to on the character page, and setting up databases with every possible character trait or whatever when I should be taking what I have, dumping it on there, and prettifying the data as I refine it through writing.
I talked about a couple of different points, so I'm not certain which one you want elaborated, but I'll attempt to do it all. I am a discovery writer. That means I start writing prose initially. There may be some planning or idea gathering beforehand, but I typically just start writing and see where it takes me. I find it leads to a more organic story, where I don't go into it with too many presuppositions and I can see what works and what doesn't from the ground level. But it also means the story will change drastically as I go along, and I find it difficult not to go back and start again so that I can get the new info in from the start, because that might lead me in an even different direction. I face the same issue even with the tools I use, as I don't start out with a full understanding of each character. That comes as I go through the discovery draft. But I find myself agonizing over incomplete information, and having to update character and location databases and information sheet layouts as I determine new information. This is entirely a neurosis of my own making, but not having the full information I want right from the start has frequently kept me from going through the process that gets it. I just need to hunker down and get through my discovery draft, then take the new information into a new draft.
3:10 timeskip to the thing they're trying to adress Quick note: *Mistakes are subjective.* You might think starting your story on a slow morning might be a mistake, but that works amazingly well for other authors. Figure out what you do and don't like. There's no mistakes when being creative, only discovery and progress
Yeah, I edit too much while writing. I just feel like when I don't change a big thing right away but have it in the back of my head and write the story as if I had already changed it and then when I edit it it turns out that change doesn't even work, my characters just won't do that thing or I realize it will make a plot hole, then everything will be a huge mess because I wrote the story as if it worked. And I always use reading and mini editing the chapter I wrote last before starting a new writing session. It helps me get into it. I think editing on the go is kind of part of the process, but I will be more mindfull to when I go overboard. Which mostly happens when I watch a "first chapter mistakes every fantasy writer makes" videos or something of the sort that makes me go back too far. So I guess I'll just put those into a "watch when editing" playlist and then actually wait till then. I think what I might try is to make a list of big, plot relevant things that need changing and then edit them after I finished the act they are part of. Then I will know what works before going into the next act but it won't take me out of my process as much because there will be a designated time for editing.
The way you guys describe mistakes makes me keep thinking the best word for it is "experimenting." When you go back and notice something wasn't written well, you can go back and experiment with a new idea in its place. It definitely makes the whole process seem less intimidating. Thank you for your videos! 😊
This is so true. I only recently have begun changing my mindset about mistakes and forcing myself to make everything perfect. Perfectionism can really kill your self-confidence. It did, for me. I've struggled with it for a long time, but thankfully it's better now, and I've been able to actually enjoy writing so, so much more. It really took time to change my mindset, but it can be done!
I’m writing a book called “Hunter”. I’m only on my second chapter, but your videos have been very helpful! I’m slightly new to your channel, so I don’t know if you’ve posted a video about this, but if you could post a video talking about something along the lines of ‘how to make the reader cry’, then that would be more than helpful for me 💖. Love your videos!
Most powerful concept here is that in this endeavour of story telling, it's not your role to criticize the work. There are other people for that. Really great advice that never would have crossed my mind, and very much taken to heart. Kate was unbelievably profound with that, Abbie couldn't have picked a better word for it.
Great advice. I’ve been thinking about writing for years but I always end it before it starts. Always what seems to be a rational excuse why I’m not qualified or experience in this field. Thank you for making this video. I hadn’t looked at this journey from that point of view.
@@nicodiangelo6788 by joining her ptrn (at any tier) you get access to that server as well [hope you get it cause my comment keeps getting deleted if I write the name out]
Analysis paralysis totally halted me writing my last chapter. I'd tried to many plans of that chapter and when I went to my writing group to ask for help, they gave me the best way to defeat my villain. A simple straightforward solution. I'd gone into overdrive trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak. I'd made it too complicated and got myself scared to go with a route that would be satisfactory for them. I'd recommend talking with other writers to get rid of some analysis paralysis.
It was really helpful. I was always fighting with those self judgments inside of me. So many times i was starting to write story and in the very beginning starting to like disapproving the way i write. This video definitely helped me🫡Thank you so much for inspiration and keep it up💪
One of my favouritr things of returning to writing as an adult is looking back to what I wrote as a teenager and appreciate all the ideas I had. While they weren't executed well, I can now take the things I really like from what I created back then to make them their own, improved work - and I'm sure that I'll do the exact same thing in a few years when looking back at what I'm writing now! :)
There is so much here to take in. I started writing, perhaps a bit foolishly, by drafting a three novella series. This was to be the intro to my very own comic universe filled with my own original characters. It became overwhelming to me. There are a lot of characters and a lot of story arcs happening that will eventually play themselves out in the comic titles. It is a LOT for a first time author to think about. So, I pulled back from that even though I still keep coming up with new ideas and jotting those down. What I'm doing now is writing a single book. This one has far fewer characters and is a much simpler story, mainly because its a self contained story without the idea that this piece of work will lead to another as with a series or something. I decided to do this to allow myself time and the creative space to really learn the craft of writing/storytelling. I think just the sheer magnitude, the width and depth of what i started was all too much for a novice like me. So I'm starting smaller. All of that to say, my initial idea isn't a "mistake." On the contrary, it's a wonderful idea (I think, anyway) and I do plan on finishing it. But stepping back allows me to focus on the basics first. There's always a time to write the other stories later, hopefully. I'm less than a year from turning sixty and tomorrow is promised to no one. Anyway, thanks for this video. It has offered me some perspective on my own writing I wouldn't have otherwise had.
I think this is a great and very important video. It pertains not only to writing, but to life as a whole. I really needed this reminder, thanks a lot! Will try to keep this in mind as much as I can
I have been learning about writing, for quite some time, especially from your channel, and it's overwhelming. Especially when I am trying to apply everything I learned in one shot, whenever I am at the chapter writing session. I feel that there is so much to consider and apply, and that really distracts me, blocks me eventually. But now, watching this, it all comes into place. I can now breathe and write whatever I have on my mind, I am not afraid, I can make mistakes, I can write with my instinct. I can then revisit, re-write, focus on what I learned, point by point. Creative First, Critic Second, alternating them. Girls, you are brilliant, thank you for such a tip that is so simple and so profound at the same time. I am a big fan already, and now I am bigger and bigger fan. ❤👏👏
I am Going through all these problems, but not anymore. Thanks to you guys you always filled me with a lot of positive energy. You solved a lot of my problems and it's a great thing. Your work is so admiring keep going going on.
Thank you both for this gif. 🎉 I really thought I was not being productive whilst writing self help, how-to and health guides, five years ago. I stopped writing after creating seven 40 page e-Books. I was overwhelmed with the thought of “am I manifesting the right things to help people.” I am big on what I bring forth into fruition with my thoughts, actions and words. I am back now! I started back November, 2023. I completed 8 ebooks, finally. It's been 2 months of a gorgeous and free journey! I did syke myself out again for a month, however. I kept critiquing, correcting and proofreading, until it became redundant. I'm up and running now, yet still figuring how to build my own stores, for digital downloads! Dropshipping is next in line. Any ways, thank you both! You gave the best insight on a true love of mines that I kept pushing to the back! Now it's water to my thirst and the food to nourish my thoughts. ❤
Love you videos, but! Could you please work on one that delves into the don'ts of what's copy-written, when you can and can't use other artists creations for inspiration, what toes the line between inspiration and what is legally considered theft of work, etc!:) you're so good with explanation, I feel as though you'd help so many new writers avoid mistakes we may be unaware of.
In every facet of my life, I've replaced the word mistake with the word lesson. In recognizing those mistakes as lessons, we grow, learn and become better for it.
I have made plenty of mistakes in my work over the past five years, but I've slowly but surely gotten better over that time (largely thanks to creative writing school). Now I am working on my grimdark novel which is awesome. I recently studied the 1915 novella 'The Metamorphosis' which is a source of inspiration for my novel with its themes of nihilism, which is a core theme of my book.
As a Star Wars fan, I’ll quote this from the game Jedi: Fallen Order “We will always struggle. But that IS the test. It’s the choice to keep fighting, that makes us who we are.”
Thank you so much! Trying to go strong with writing this fairytale story even when i see the flaws and everything in plot and so much things that seem to be missing! I'm even trying to worldbuild and making things up is so much fun but not easy at all!
My grandfather used to say happiness is gained through success but nothing is learned through success. Failure is the instrument that teaches. When someone fails they ask alot of why questions allowing for knowledge growth.
This is definitely the thing that held me back in my script writing. Thank you both for uploading this, I always enjoy listening to your advice. Also, I love Abbie's sweater, I just simply adore the designs on those sets.
This video made me feel like I was sitting down with two very good friends enjoying a cup of coffee while they gave me the advice I really, really needed to hear right now. Thank you so much for this video and for all the knowledge and advice you share with the world.
Richard Bach has many great quotes on writing. A professional writer is just an amateur who didn't quit. I believe he had an teacher or prefessional give him advice when he didn't think there would be an audience for his books. The teacher told him there is always someone who will want to read what you write. Some books are beloved by everyone. Of course all writers want to be well received, well reviewed... but there are books I've liked that others haven't. Some authors writing style I connect with more as a reader and some author I struggle to connect with and just don't enjoy. It doesn't necessarily mean an author is a bad writer.
This hit so close to home haha. Right before you said it I thought... "I hope it's not related to some internal conflicts and insecurities I have". But this is very helpful to hear and well worded ❤
Thank you so much Abbie and Kate. I was so scared to continue the book I was writing and dropped it for more than 6 months because I thought everything was not going right. Suddenly I want to pick up and start writing the book after watching your video. Your motivation also linked to other aspects of my life that I've been having issues with. I feel grateful upon stumbling on this video
8:48 Allowing mistakes can sometimes inspire you. It happens to me sometimes when I'm free to write or draw. Then my mind goes "Omg that would be so cool if I changed it to this instead!"
I am shocked I was so early to the upload! This was JUST what I needed! I was working on my book and struggling with this first draft, but the comment about choosing between being the creative or the critic, really hit home. I’m excited to rework my mindset and dive back in! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you... Writing is very scary, you feel more vulnerable with it than other forms of art. It's your thoughts on a page; there for everyone to see and criticize.
Abbie! I've been struggling with my health and managed to start writing something whilst i was sick, now i am one chapter down and yes i dont like what ive written but i did read a lot whilst sick and I dont feel what Ive written is bad anymore but i still dont have the direction I want it to go, i have the things i want to happen but im hoping with the recent poor health i can continue be happy with what i write from now on so i can continue the journey
I am stuck in the loop of I love what I’m writing and when I get a little ways through my intrusive thought comes in to say that my idea is dumb. This was helpful and I want to work on getting that intruder out of my head
Haha this hit exactly where it should. Just before I clicked play, I was thinking about "should I really watch another video about how to avoid misstakes, or will it do more harm than good?" 😅 I guess you just answered that question for me, at least for now.
I’ve really been struggling with this, I’m always trying to write the perfect sentence to the point that I haven’t got much done and I can’t seem to shut off the critical side of my brain while I’m being creative. It feels like a paralysis tbh it’s frustrating
I love your videos, especially these with your Sister, I can tell you both are very close. I learn so much fron you Abbie, I am applying what I learn from you into my story I'm writing. I'm in the 5th chapter where the 2 Protagonists finally join forces and wreck havoc on Evil.
every time I write a story outline, I'm set this is the road I want to go down, and then I can't get my mind back in the same space so I just add the outline to my research files, I used to see my simple mistakes as falling as a writer, however, I have learned in my personal life, The life is too short, just go for it, and if you fall flat on your face, just get back up and keep going.
I have a friend who wanted to write a book. He really wanted to do this. He read books about writing, watched videos about writing. He sat down to write and wrote one sentence. It wasn't perfect, so he erased it. He did that over and over, write, erase, write erase. He ended up without one single sentence. It literally made me cry, that he was so hard on himself and that he was never going tp achieve his goal. I told him to never erase anything, never throw anything away because even if it's not perfect, it can be altered and refined later. He could not allow himself to be imperfect and gave up. To me, throwing away what you write is like throwing away yourself. I felt terrible. But I guess writing just wasn't something he was meant to do. :(
I'm catching this a little late in the game, but as a recording artist, I find that mistakes often open things up for more creativity. For instance, an accidentally-flubbed guitar chord can have an other-worldly sound that takes a song to the next level.
It's been a while since I thought that way. Of course, I'm afraid of my self future, but analyzing everything, I grew a lot with this draft, and I loved it. Now, I'm leading with the wholes that I left behind, new ideas that appeared changing my perspective about characters and their relationships. I'm supposed to put the end soon. But I want to burn the latest part I wrote. It's the part after the amazing climax. I'll need help. And I'll try my best until the end. 😊🎉🎉 Hope I'll be able to read your books soon.
That drum roll wasn't bad . I played the drums in school. I didn't expect you to say what the mistake was. It made me laugh ..and relieved 🤣 I've been paralyzed with fear ATM. This so relevant to me. Thanks 🙏🌷
As a person with autism I naturally fear doing stuff wrong. But when I write, I treat each story like a chance for improvement. Mindset of “forget about mistakes, ignore quality, just accept that things will be changed, and finish the story”
I’m in the brainstorming stage of a memoir, but I’m also asking big questions of the reader, asking them to consider questions they likely wouldn’t want to think about if not confronted with them in the book. I know I need to find a way to “show not tell” before I can earn the right to ask big questions of them. I know this need to make them care first. I’m trying to think about myself and the others in my story and develop character profiles as if this was a novel. Honestly, I’ve not really started, but I’ve “pre started” in starting to fill out the character profile worksheets you offer. Here is my question. Is there a method to figuring out what “style” to write a story, in the same way the way there is a method to finding a characters misbelief, or inciting incidents? What I mean by style is should I narrate it, as in the movie stand by me, or should it be set up like an interview as in movies like titanic? Can part of it be fiction? Like if I start the book slightly bin the future and use a court proceeding or conversations with lawyers lead the true memoir? Should it be clever journaling as in Griffin and Sabine? Or do I need to just try one, see how it feels, and go from there? Basically, is trying to figure it out an excuse to not start, or should I spend time working it out because there is a “way” to think about it in a productive way?
This is great. I'm lucky that I studied as a math and history major. In history it's not a mistake, it's just not clear. How can I make it clearer. This has helped me as a writer and focus on where to improve instead of stating they are mistakes.
Mistakes are thing I know I should not do and did on accident, like forgetting to capitalize the start of a sentence. Everything else is just making an attempt to bring my story to life. I might keep or throw things out, I might move it around. Otherwise most everything you do is not a mistake because a mistake means something you explicitly understand and know not to do and did anyway without intention.
Good afternoon, Abbie! Thanks for posting and sharing this new video with interesting and inspirational tips to go by. You look beautiful, Abbie and your sister looks very nice, plus I've missed watching your Writers Life Wednesday videos on here, Abbie. Are you still doing them? Have a wonderful week to you and your sister.
Im working on a graphic novel and am still stuck on the outline after a year working on this story and i just hesitate thumbnailing scenes or outlining the first chapters in fear it wont be good enough
I think Neil Gaiman said it best: “The only goal of a first draft is that it exists. You can improve bad writing, but you can’t fix it if it’s never been written.”
Paraphrased, but hopefully you get what he meant even in my bad retelling of it.
Another bit of good advice I read somewhere was “don’t worry about if people will like your story, focus on if you yourself like it”.
This is one of the reasons I am a big proponent of Becca Syme and her strengths-based approach to writer coaching in her Write Better-Faster Academy - some people, with specific strengths, absolutely can (and need to, to produce at their best) "edit" a blank page, but so much advice for writers tells them they are wrong. If you're familiar with Gallup's CliftonStrengths, people with Intellection in their top 5 (of course, depending on the rest of their top 5) *need* to think about their story/words, and do it a *lot*, before they start writing.
The biggest piece of advice I have for writers, as a published writer, is that writing advice is not one size fits all, and to not be afraid to discount advice if it's not working for you... Especially if you are making forward momentum and producing. All writers are just not the same, and what could be the worst advice for one person might be the best advice for another person.
The writing arena in particular is filled with a lot of very damaging "should"s that feed into the paralysis people can have and emphasize that they are wrong (when they aren't).
If I stopped writing when I was happy with my stories, I would never stop writing. I am never never happy in the slightest 😥
Even having one person like it is a win for me
@@neofulcrum5013agreed!
I'm writing a five part series. I began knowing I'd probably scrap everything I wrote for the rough drafts so that one day I can tell these stories with the skill they deserve. It's a long road. Understanding that failure to write well at the beginning and that effort will pave the way for excellence has been one of the most important lessons I learned.
I started with the same knowledge (even though it kinda hurt haha) but seeing yourself, your skills and your story develop naturally is so rewarding
@@VibingMeike It feels so vindicating
@@abelturner2999Are your books published? If so, what are they called? :)
@@VibingMeike * _sUPERnaturally_ ! :)
#writerfortheAuthor
👑✏️†
Thinking outside the box is considered as a real mistake by some classical people, until they see the results....
Love the advice "You can't sit in the seat of the critic and the creator at the same time."
True, that's great advice, because I just realised I do that constantly with my own work, and that's literally the EXACT reason I don't get any writing done 😅
I clicked on this video with the thought "ok, let's see what I'm doing wrong" and here was the answer: obsessing about what I'm doing wrong! Thank you so much for posting this, it really helped. I'm writing my first novel, I'll be participating in NaNoWriMo and now I'm gonna tell myself to enjoy it and stop obsessing. Thank you guys!
@CraigDavidson-ir2tw creep
“Analysis Paralysis…” is genuinely a problem. I always have to ask myself what is causing that fear and either deal with it or learn how to ignore it. I used to think beating fear meant beating it, but as I’ve aged, I’ve learned that fear only has power when I pay attention. Once I learn to ignore it, it often withers. Granted not every fear falls into this category, but more fears than I thought do.
Ohhh that's so great I've never thought of that before ❤
Yeah, uninformed anxious fear versus in danger because of someone intentionally sabotaging something you enjoy or do.
I completely understand what you're saying and you make a pretty good point about analysis paralysis.
The being scared to make mistakes thing really hit close to home. I've been really scared of writing bad stories, so much so that I haven't written at all recently. It feels like there's been so much pressure, like "oh, what if someone reads this and doesn't like it!" Whenever I talk to people about my ideas they're never as excited, or I didn't explain it well and I'll no longer want to write. Now I really wanna write and make mistakes! I've been drawing all my life and getting better but writing is newer to me and I don't have as much experience. I'll always miss the days when I was drawing as a little kid not having such high standards for myself, just having fun. With the knowledge I know now I hope I can try to write like that.
Sorry for the minnie novel lol
I agree , when u put perfectionism and expectations in the mix , things can stop being fun.
Analysis paralysis. Yep. The more I learn (which is important info), the more I realize I hadn’t considered, the more I say “Oh no…I don’t have a good enough hook or inciting incident or (fill in the blank).” So, I end up endlessly journaling ideas, other possible backstories, other possible characters, etc., & never end up with any flow toward an actual chapter, much less a full book. Oh my!
I never refer to the stuff I'm actively writing as mistakes; instead, I prefer to call them "iterations". I know for a fact that, as I get more stuff onto the page and it's able to sit over time, I'll find a way to improve it in the next iteration.
About the only time I refer to something as "a mistake" is writing myself into a corner, then trying to figure out where it went wrong, and doing some degree of backtracking and scrapping. But even then, if I'd never made that attempt, I likely never would've found the "right way" out.
Good video and good advice! It's good to make mistakes; I learn better from screwing up than I do succeeding, often times.
I think this problem is caused mostly by beginner writers struggling to with the idea that their story has to be pleasing to the reader, and it has to be that way from the beginning, like from the moment they put pen to paper and start writing, it has to be appealing.
I think it's that sense of judging one's self by how they envision the reader to react to their "flaws" that makes that anxiety so crippling.
Realising the first draft might be a huge mess and you can edit later whenever has helped me so much
@@VibingMeike couldn't agree more. This podcast has really helped me in dealing with my biggest problem in writing so far.
" You don't write A Book - you _live_ this Story with Us "
- Love, your character *this* Ladies & Gents is my GAMECHANGER!!🃏🔥
It's real for us.. we have the whole MOVIES Rent free - eh right but then yeah.. there's this grammatic & striving to be perfect problem .. steals A WHOLE LOT of our fantasy isn't that true ..
* Also you're so right.
YET, and especially for us writers who only write what we want to be written.. but then and that's the point : Still what's written needs to be 'read' one day and, now all Together i think agree.. we wish our writings to sound good. And trust me, i've learned in your head it can never be so special. Why? You not only know your next step.. you're also completely aware of your writing STYLE .. no Surprises - no "magic" and that's awful .
- That Moment though ; you're "breaking silence" and no, not you
re reading it for the 100th time my lil novel ninja - i mean
listen it on AUDIO , your Book is A "WHOLE NEW STORY " .
I promise. That day trying with an audio system, i actually listend.. that bich listend that's right 💀 without editing every bit of A second. . for the first time ever . (unless it's like Launguage wrong-wrong 💀 )
NO.. honestly i listend.. i had fun :) AND was surprised.. with that Interpretation of this computer - narrator person 💀 - AS I SHOULD. Remember your reader not only doesn't think like the author - he won't even _read_ your work like you did.. thinkin of all these tiny "trash parts" you'd better throw away to infinity . Don't mind all that.. it's only in your MIND. Readers can't read our mind - 🥁💀
Yo i was able to LET GO. Who wrote this was it me? Wait it's casually okay when brought OUT 💀.
Don't bother to understand how A reader reads your words they're not their Thoughts. Anyways..
* this all comes from someone who would brutally - bully *BURRY* their every single WORD 🏺💀.
it's not that deep. just don't get in that rabbit hole of endless trying to be their "Wonderland" - Make *Yourself* wonder. And yes you are wonderful.
@@jesus1stmylawislove that's so true.
You literally summed up my entire situation just a couple weeks ago.
Like, I was in this rut where I was literally so careful with each word because I was thinking of how the reader will read into it that I completely lost the zing that comes with writing for the love of it.
Thanks man👍👍👍
Every artist is their own worst critic
Thanks for this. I am in my mid thirties and have written a dozen unfinished books due to everything you are saying. Im finally feeling like I have a story that would be worth my full attention and creativity and have been re-watching all your videos, reading back into Save The Cat and more....I have broken down some basics about the story, but I keep procrastinating because I feel like I still need to refresh on knowledge and ensuring Im writing everything correctly. I feel like I still need more details of my story and characters and I continue to find reasons to not just start! I wonder if the excuses are valid or if Im just scared of making mistakes and it now being good....We are our own worst enemy.
I totally agree. Don't make the mistake of worrying about making mistakes. Especially on the first draft. First drafts are more of an idea pad. Just get the words down as fast as you write and don't edit anything until the first draft is finished. Then put it away for a few weeks and start writing something else. After a few weeks you can look at what you've written with fresh eyes.
I needed to hear this girls. I way over judge and analyze my work and it causes me to get into a snag. And the way you compare it to making bread because I do that too made a lot of sense to me. Thank you ladies!
Excellent points. There are no rules to writing. There are some guidelines in how to make sure the text gets the desired effect. Mistakes are only mistakes when we realize the unexpected result had unwanted effect. But that is part of the creative process and learning new ways in conveying art, emotion, information, and stories to a reader.
We invent and discover new things by daring to write whatever we feel like in the moment.
Smiling, relaxing, and just letting all the little moments fill the pages. That is a wonderful experience. Not worrying about guides, mistakes. Just lean into desired effects.
We can reach the hearts of our audience in any way we like. Thank you for this pearl of wisdom, Katie, and Abbie Emmons.
📝
I used to watch this channel and I found it to be the only writing channel that explained the concepts in a way that I could concretely understand. I'm glad to see Abbie even having ads.
I wrote my first novel in the nanowrimo challenge 2023 and did 5600 words. I really loved doing it and I love my story. One thing that surprised me was that I didn't know what my main character was going to do next, which seemed strange, since I was in charge of writing what would happen next!. I was half way through the story before I knew what my ending would be, and then when it came to me I was so excited. It was almost like I was reading someone else's story instead of writing it.
Yes, that is great! Another fun experience is knowing the ending first & discovering how your characters get there. ❤
You always made me cry. I really needed to hear that
DON'T BE AFRAID OF MAKING MISTAKES wow
Same 😅 i make too many mistakes and then blame myself cuz it's my fault that made that mistake.
Thank you both. This is me on so many levels. I feel my stories could have been on shelves years ago, but fear of mistakes and more keeps me from that. I wish it didn't. Afraid of making mistakes, failure. afraid of what others will think or feel after others belittled my writing. Fear of self-doubt big time. I keep editing over and over trying to improve and make better than I had, over doing it big time. Rather than just finish and be done. I feel that is why my stories sit on my bookshelves in binders. Fear controls.
Chase what you desire, believe in yourself, and embrace the writing spirit. Believe in what sparks your writing creativity and you might start getting books on the shelves.
“You can’t sit in the seat of the critic and creator at the same time.” - Thank you for sharing this. Lightbulb moment as an artist for me. ✨
Y'all will never know how much I NEEDED to hear this! Thank you so much.
Hi Abbie! I am a eleven year old female who is into writing books. I'm in chapter four of my recent book, Arrow. I am really gratefull for this video because it can help me write more. Thank you for making these amazing content! Love from the Philippines ❤❤❤
Good luck on your book!
@@NotThisAnonymous Thank you so much! 😊
Let us know when it publishes! I'm interested in picking up a copy. I teach primary school and Anytime one of my students sell their art work or writing I always try to invest and encourage those students to keep them motivated, practicing and doing their art. Keep it up!
@@isaiahmcclure8894 Thank you! It might publish in two years, depending on how many chapters I'm going to write
@@Foxxy_artz You’re welcome 😊
I’ve always struggled with being profoundly afraid of making mistakes, so this podcast really helps. It’s so true that the only way to get better at something is to just dive in and actually do it. I’m reminded of a meme I saw recently that said, “Be willing to suck at something long enough to get good at it.” Thanks, Kate and Abbie!
Excellent podcast, thank you so much. I loved what you said about not being a creator and a critic at the same time. That really hit home. My biggest problem at the moment is thinking that I am not cut out for being a writer because any criticism I get hurts so much, and I don't see how I can overcome this. What I write so personal to me, and I am terrified of being judged, either on my story or general ability. Anyway, thank you so much for all the videos from you both. They have gotten me to write 20 chapters in one month. I can't believe I've gotten this far, but it's in huge thanks to you both. Xxx
I have 12 chapters their all horrible and I hate them 🙂.
Around 11:00 I think that's an important distinction. I know the times I feel the most discouraged is when I write something I feel happy with then come back a few days later and go, this is terrible. Whereas if it's "terrible" from the start I can go, lol, yeah, I know it's bad, I'll just fix it later. Or maybe I'll even come back to the bad part later and find, oh, this is actually much better than I thought.
Thanks for these discussions😊❤
"whether or not you write well, write bravely." - bill stout
Yep, I'd say this is, roughly speaking, the biggest thing that has held me back in writing. It's not even that I can't stand to make mistakes in the writing at the time, but that if I make mistakes in the beginning and discover better information later in the story, going back and fixing those holes would be so hard to do that I tend to feel like I have to know everything I can possibly know from the start. Couple that with my discovery writing method on my initial draft and I have a recipe for stagnation.
I've been trying to teach myself some of these things currently. I find it hard to get through the initial draft because that's where I coalesce my disparate ideas, and that's a naturally chaotic and messy process. I tend to write something clunky and obsess over that. I want to be at the point where I just write through the clunkiness, get the scenes down, and move forward as I understand more and more of the story, knowing that the next draft will effectively be the first draft, possibly completely different based on the knowledge I have accumulated through the initial draft.
I also find myself getting obsessed with perfection in my organization techniques as well. I organize my book using Obsidian, with a ton of add-ons, and I can make rather pretty pages with lots of information. I spend way too much time trying to find good art as illustration props in the documents, hunting out music tracks to link to on the character page, and setting up databases with every possible character trait or whatever when I should be taking what I have, dumping it on there, and prettifying the data as I refine it through writing.
Elaborate further, please.
I talked about a couple of different points, so I'm not certain which one you want elaborated, but I'll attempt to do it all. I am a discovery writer. That means I start writing prose initially. There may be some planning or idea gathering beforehand, but I typically just start writing and see where it takes me. I find it leads to a more organic story, where I don't go into it with too many presuppositions and I can see what works and what doesn't from the ground level. But it also means the story will change drastically as I go along, and I find it difficult not to go back and start again so that I can get the new info in from the start, because that might lead me in an even different direction.
I face the same issue even with the tools I use, as I don't start out with a full understanding of each character. That comes as I go through the discovery draft. But I find myself agonizing over incomplete information, and having to update character and location databases and information sheet layouts as I determine new information. This is entirely a neurosis of my own making, but not having the full information I want right from the start has frequently kept me from going through the process that gets it. I just need to hunker down and get through my discovery draft, then take the new information into a new draft.
You just described my entire life 😭 I use obsidian too
3:10 timeskip to the thing they're trying to adress
Quick note: *Mistakes are subjective.* You might think starting your story on a slow morning might be a mistake, but that works amazingly well for other authors. Figure out what you do and don't like. There's no mistakes when being creative, only discovery and progress
Ty!
@@Maggie_writes
Ofc, good luck with your writing!
Thank you for this I was just waiting until I saw tour comment❤
Thank you❤
Thank you for posting the time stamp.
Yeah, I edit too much while writing. I just feel like when I don't change a big thing right away but have it in the back of my head and write the story as if I had already changed it and then when I edit it it turns out that change doesn't even work, my characters just won't do that thing or I realize it will make a plot hole, then everything will be a huge mess because I wrote the story as if it worked. And I always use reading and mini editing the chapter I wrote last before starting a new writing session. It helps me get into it.
I think editing on the go is kind of part of the process, but I will be more mindfull to when I go overboard. Which mostly happens when I watch a "first chapter mistakes every fantasy writer makes" videos or something of the sort that makes me go back too far. So I guess I'll just put those into a "watch when editing" playlist and then actually wait till then.
I think what I might try is to make a list of big, plot relevant things that need changing and then edit them after I finished the act they are part of. Then I will know what works before going into the next act but it won't take me out of my process as much because there will be a designated time for editing.
The way you guys describe mistakes makes me keep thinking the best word for it is "experimenting." When you go back and notice something wasn't written well, you can go back and experiment with a new idea in its place. It definitely makes the whole process seem less intimidating. Thank you for your videos! 😊
This is so true. I only recently have begun changing my mindset about mistakes and forcing myself to make everything perfect. Perfectionism can really kill your self-confidence. It did, for me. I've struggled with it for a long time, but thankfully it's better now, and I've been able to actually enjoy writing so, so much more. It really took time to change my mindset, but it can be done!
I’m writing a book called “Hunter”. I’m only on my second chapter, but your videos have been very helpful! I’m slightly new to your channel, so I don’t know if you’ve posted a video about this, but if you could post a video talking about something along the lines of ‘how to make the reader cry’, then that would be more than helpful for me 💖. Love your videos!
Interesting I'm gonna write a book called hunter. I'm a fast writer 😂 jk jk good luck on your book
I agree self doubt is a big struggle for a lot of people. I enjoy your guys enthusiasm and positivity. It really means a lot!
You guys advice has helped me continue with my writing journey and continuing to improve my style and catalog thank you so much for sharing.
Oh my gosh I'm getting so excited to write again! I've been so blocked...your videos are helping me so much!
Thank you so much for this video! I needed to see this and now I have more motivation to make it to the end of my first draft! Appreciate it!
Most powerful concept here is that in this endeavour of story telling, it's not your role to criticize the work. There are other people for that. Really great advice that never would have crossed my mind, and very much taken to heart. Kate was unbelievably profound with that, Abbie couldn't have picked a better word for it.
Great advice. I’ve been thinking about writing for years but I always end it before it starts. Always what seems to be a rational excuse why I’m not qualified or experience in this field. Thank you for making this video. I hadn’t looked at this journey from that point of view.
This was a beautiful video. So many unfinished works. I have a new way to view things now.
This video came at the absolute perfect time!! Thank you both so much!
Wait how do u join the discordddd
@@nicodiangelo6788 by joining her ptrn (at any tier) you get access to that server as well [hope you get it cause my comment keeps getting deleted if I write the name out]
Analysis paralysis totally halted me writing my last chapter. I'd tried to many plans of that chapter and when I went to my writing group to ask for help, they gave me the best way to defeat my villain. A simple straightforward solution. I'd gone into overdrive trying to reinvent the wheel so to speak. I'd made it too complicated and got myself scared to go with a route that would be satisfactory for them.
I'd recommend talking with other writers to get rid of some analysis paralysis.
It was really helpful. I was always fighting with those self judgments inside of me. So many times i was starting to write story and in the very beginning starting to like disapproving the way i write. This video definitely helped me🫡Thank you so much for inspiration and keep it up💪
One of my favouritr things of returning to writing as an adult is looking back to what I wrote as a teenager and appreciate all the ideas I had. While they weren't executed well, I can now take the things I really like from what I created back then to make them their own, improved work - and I'm sure that I'll do the exact same thing in a few years when looking back at what I'm writing now! :)
There is so much here to take in. I started writing, perhaps a bit foolishly, by drafting a three novella series. This was to be the intro to my very own comic universe filled with my own original characters. It became overwhelming to me. There are a lot of characters and a lot of story arcs happening that will eventually play themselves out in the comic titles. It is a LOT for a first time author to think about. So, I pulled back from that even though I still keep coming up with new ideas and jotting those down. What I'm doing now is writing a single book. This one has far fewer characters and is a much simpler story, mainly because its a self contained story without the idea that this piece of work will lead to another as with a series or something. I decided to do this to allow myself time and the creative space to really learn the craft of writing/storytelling. I think just the sheer magnitude, the width and depth of what i started was all too much for a novice like me. So I'm starting smaller. All of that to say, my initial idea isn't a "mistake." On the contrary, it's a wonderful idea (I think, anyway) and I do plan on finishing it. But stepping back allows me to focus on the basics first. There's always a time to write the other stories later, hopefully. I'm less than a year from turning sixty and tomorrow is promised to no one. Anyway, thanks for this video. It has offered me some perspective on my own writing I wouldn't have otherwise had.
I think this is a great and very important video. It pertains not only to writing, but to life as a whole. I really needed this reminder, thanks a lot! Will try to keep this in mind as much as I can
Abbie!! I just got your new book, The OtherWorld from my friends for my b day and I love it so much!!!!! 💖💖
I have been learning about writing, for quite some time, especially from your channel, and it's overwhelming. Especially when I am trying to apply everything I learned in one shot, whenever I am at the chapter writing session. I feel that there is so much to consider and apply, and that really distracts me, blocks me eventually. But now, watching this, it all comes into place. I can now breathe and write whatever I have on my mind, I am not afraid, I can make mistakes, I can write with my instinct. I can then revisit, re-write, focus on what I learned, point by point. Creative First, Critic Second, alternating them. Girls, you are brilliant, thank you for such a tip that is so simple and so profound at the same time. I am a big fan already, and now I am bigger and bigger fan. ❤👏👏
Another one of the biggest mistakes new authors make: not reading enough
You know what, I am so so grateful for this video. Thank you so much!
I literally had this doubt moment yesterday. I'm thankful for this video.
Abbie expresses her passion for writing by gesticulating.
I am Going through all these problems, but not anymore.
Thanks to you guys you always filled me with a lot of positive energy.
You solved a lot of my problems and it's a great thing.
Your work is so admiring keep going going on.
Thank you both for this gif. 🎉 I really thought I was not being productive whilst writing self help, how-to and health guides, five years ago. I stopped writing after creating seven 40 page e-Books. I was overwhelmed with the thought of “am I manifesting the right things to help people.” I am big on what I bring forth into fruition with my thoughts, actions and words. I am back now! I started back November, 2023. I completed 8 ebooks, finally. It's been 2 months of a gorgeous and free journey! I did syke myself out again for a month, however. I kept critiquing, correcting and proofreading, until it became redundant. I'm up and running now, yet still figuring how to build my own stores, for digital downloads! Dropshipping is next in line. Any ways, thank you both! You gave the best insight on a true love of mines that I kept pushing to the back! Now it's water to my thirst and the food to nourish my thoughts. ❤
Love this, ladies! Most of my creative work is in songwriting, and this all still applies! (I do write fiction as well!)
Love you videos, but! Could you please work on one that delves into the don'ts of what's copy-written, when you can and can't use other artists creations for inspiration, what toes the line between inspiration and what is legally considered theft of work, etc!:) you're so good with explanation, I feel as though you'd help so many new writers avoid mistakes we may be unaware of.
Everyday is a learning experience. So glad you brought this to light. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
In every facet of my life, I've replaced the word mistake with the word lesson. In recognizing those mistakes as lessons, we grow, learn and become better for it.
I have made plenty of mistakes in my work over the past five years, but I've slowly but surely gotten better over that time (largely thanks to creative writing school). Now I am working on my grimdark novel which is awesome.
I recently studied the 1915 novella 'The Metamorphosis' which is a source of inspiration for my novel with its themes of nihilism, which is a core theme of my book.
As a Star Wars fan, I’ll quote this from the game Jedi: Fallen Order
“We will always struggle. But that IS the test. It’s the choice to keep fighting, that makes us who we are.”
Thank you so much! Trying to go strong with writing this fairytale story even when i see the flaws and everything in plot and so much things that seem to be missing! I'm even trying to worldbuild and making things up is so much fun but not easy at all!
My grandfather used to say happiness is gained through success but nothing is learned through success. Failure is the instrument that teaches. When someone fails they ask alot of why questions allowing for knowledge growth.
This is definitely the thing that held me back in my script writing.
Thank you both for uploading this, I always enjoy listening to your advice.
Also, I love Abbie's sweater, I just simply adore the designs on those sets.
Thank you, this is the message I needed to hear!
You are amazing, and helpful and encouraging ❤
This video made me feel like I was sitting down with two very good friends enjoying a cup of coffee while they gave me the advice I really, really needed to hear right now. Thank you so much for this video and for all the knowledge and advice you share with the world.
Richard Bach has many great quotes on writing.
A professional writer is just an amateur who didn't quit.
I believe he had an teacher or prefessional give him advice when he didn't think there would be an audience for his books. The teacher told him there is always someone who will want to read what you write.
Some books are beloved by everyone. Of course all writers want to be well received, well reviewed... but there are books I've liked that others haven't. Some authors writing style I connect with more as a reader and some author I struggle to connect with and just don't enjoy. It doesn't necessarily mean an author is a bad writer.
This hit so close to home haha. Right before you said it I thought... "I hope it's not related to some internal conflicts and insecurities I have". But this is very helpful to hear and well worded ❤
Thank you so much Abbie and Kate. I was so scared to continue the book I was writing and dropped it for more than 6 months because I thought everything was not going right. Suddenly I want to pick up and start writing the book after watching your video. Your motivation also linked to other aspects of my life that I've been having issues with. I feel grateful upon stumbling on this video
8:48 Allowing mistakes can sometimes inspire you. It happens to me sometimes when I'm free to write or draw. Then my mind goes "Omg that would be so cool if I changed it to this instead!"
I am shocked I was so early to the upload! This was JUST what I needed! I was working on my book and struggling with this first draft, but the comment about choosing between being the creative or the critic, really hit home. I’m excited to rework my mindset and dive back in! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you... Writing is very scary, you feel more vulnerable with it than other forms of art. It's your thoughts on a page; there for everyone to see and criticize.
Abbie! I've been struggling with my health and managed to start writing something whilst i was sick, now i am one chapter down and yes i dont like what ive written but i did read a lot whilst sick and I dont feel what Ive written is bad anymore but i still dont have the direction I want it to go, i have the things i want to happen but im hoping with the recent poor health i can continue be happy with what i write from now on so i can continue the journey
Ooo yay! A video on Monday!😄
So... You have to start your own hero's journey of writing.
I am stuck in the loop of I love what I’m writing and when I get a little ways through my intrusive thought comes in to say that my idea is dumb. This was helpful and I want to work on getting that intruder out of my head
Haha this hit exactly where it should. Just before I clicked play, I was thinking about "should I really watch another video about how to avoid misstakes, or will it do more harm than good?" 😅 I guess you just answered that question for me, at least for now.
I’ve really been struggling with this, I’m always trying to write the perfect sentence to the point that I haven’t got much done and I can’t seem to shut off the critical side of my brain while I’m being creative. It feels like a paralysis tbh it’s frustrating
I love your videos, especially these with your Sister, I can tell you both are very close. I learn so much fron you Abbie, I am applying what I learn from you into my story I'm writing. I'm in the 5th chapter where the 2 Protagonists finally join forces and wreck havoc on Evil.
every time I write a story outline, I'm set this is the road I want to go down, and then I can't get my mind back in the same space so I just add the outline to my research files, I used to see my simple mistakes as falling as a writer, however, I have learned in my personal life, The life is too short, just go for it, and if you fall flat on your face, just get back up and keep going.
Hi @AbbieEmmons, is there a video that explains how to write as a group? Thanks 🙏
I have a friend who wanted to write a book. He really wanted to do this. He read books about writing, watched videos about writing. He sat down to write and wrote one sentence. It wasn't perfect, so he erased it. He did that over and over, write, erase, write erase. He ended up without one single sentence. It literally made me cry, that he was so hard on himself and that he was never going tp achieve his goal. I told him to never erase anything, never throw anything away because even if it's not perfect, it can be altered and refined later. He could not allow himself to be imperfect and gave up. To me, throwing away what you write is like throwing away yourself. I felt terrible. But I guess writing just wasn't something he was meant to do. :(
I'm catching this a little late in the game, but as a recording artist, I find that mistakes often open things up for more creativity. For instance, an accidentally-flubbed guitar chord can have an other-worldly sound that takes a song to the next level.
This video really made me think about my story I'm making. Im now gonna go 100% and keep going no matter what
This is ridiculously inspiring. Thank you!!
It's been a while since I thought that way. Of course, I'm afraid of my self future, but analyzing everything, I grew a lot with this draft, and I loved it. Now, I'm leading with the wholes that I left behind, new ideas that appeared changing my perspective about characters and their relationships. I'm supposed to put the end soon. But I want to burn the latest part I wrote. It's the part after the amazing climax. I'll need help. And I'll try my best until the end. 😊🎉🎉
Hope I'll be able to read your books soon.
That drum roll wasn't bad . I played the drums in school. I didn't expect you to say what the mistake was. It made me laugh
..and relieved 🤣
I've been paralyzed with fear ATM. This so relevant to me. Thanks 🙏🌷
"You can't sit in the seat of the Critic and the Creator at the same time..." WOW that hit me where I live.
As a person with autism I naturally fear doing stuff wrong. But when I write, I treat each story like a chance for improvement. Mindset of “forget about mistakes, ignore quality, just accept that things will be changed, and finish the story”
I’m in the brainstorming stage of a memoir, but I’m also asking big questions of the reader, asking them to consider questions they likely wouldn’t want to think about if not confronted with them in the book.
I know I need to find a way to “show not tell” before I can earn the right to ask big questions of them. I know this need to make them care first.
I’m trying to think about myself and the others in my story and develop character profiles as if this was a novel. Honestly, I’ve not really started, but I’ve “pre started” in starting to fill out the character profile worksheets you offer.
Here is my question. Is there a method to figuring out what “style” to write a story, in the same way the way there is a method to finding a characters misbelief, or inciting incidents?
What I mean by style is should I narrate it, as in the movie stand by me, or should it be set up like an interview as in movies like titanic? Can part of it be fiction? Like if I start the book slightly bin the future and use a court proceeding or conversations with lawyers lead the true memoir? Should it be clever journaling as in Griffin and Sabine?
Or do I need to just try one, see how it feels, and go from there? Basically, is trying to figure it out an excuse to not start, or should I spend time working it out because there is a “way” to think about it in a productive way?
I am one with a lot of self doubt - thank you! Great video
SO good! This isn't just for new writers, that's for sure!
This is great. I'm lucky that I studied as a math and history major. In history it's not a mistake, it's just not clear. How can I make it clearer. This has helped me as a writer and focus on where to improve instead of stating they are mistakes.
I need more Ask Abbie’s!!! 😅😩📖
Great vid Kate and Abbie!
How to write a powerful negative role for a beautiful Lady and her defeat as well? Please help me 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Mistakes are thing I know I should not do and did on accident, like forgetting to capitalize the start of a sentence. Everything else is just making an attempt to bring my story to life. I might keep or throw things out, I might move it around. Otherwise most everything you do is not a mistake because a mistake means something you explicitly understand and know not to do and did anyway without intention.
Good afternoon, Abbie! Thanks for posting and sharing this new video with interesting and inspirational tips to go by. You look beautiful, Abbie and your sister looks very nice, plus I've missed watching your Writers Life Wednesday videos on here, Abbie. Are you still doing them? Have a wonderful week to you and your sister.
"The Last Line is the Starting Line of The Process" Holyyyyyyyyyyy. !!!
Thanks!
I HATE HOW RIGHT YOU ARE
Im working on a graphic novel and am still stuck on the outline after a year working on this story and i just hesitate thumbnailing scenes or outlining the first chapters in fear it wont be good enough
I've been struggling with analysis paralysis for years. I guess I'm afraid to trust myself🥺