How to write an award-winning bestselling first novel | Nathan Filer | TEDxYouth@Bath
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Or at least be happier whilst trying!
This is Nathan's guide to novel writing in 7 easy (ish!) steps.
Nathan won the Costa Book Prize in 2013 with his debut novel, The Shock Of The Fall. It has been translated into 27 languages. Nathan worked part time as a mental health nurse in Bristol and his book’s narrator is a 19 year old boy with schizophrenia. He graduated from Bath Spa University in 2010 with an MA in Creative Writing and is now a lecturer in Creative Writing at the University.
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'Write drunk, edit sober.' - Hemingway
It sounds like a funny aphorism, but... shit does it work.
Not for everyone. Basically, Hemingway is saying, write with creativity and edit logically.
Yes, that's correct
'Write the first draft with your heart and the second with your head.'
Lego Brickology yes that's the way simple and quick.
Nathan is a wise man. However, might I suggest another strategy. Stephen King.
I have been writing stories, essays, books and poems since I was 8 years-old. Writing is a very lovely sickness for me. I also grew up in an environment where the dream of becoming an author, let alone a bestselling novelist, were just not fostered. No one knew what to tell me, or in what direction they should point me. I nearly gave up that dream when my first child came along. Either I go back to school, or I start writing. I choose school, but prayed about it that night. The next day, I installed cable for a published author. He flippantly told me that he would read my stuff and let me know later if I had the 'chops' to be a writer. The day after, I installed cable for a lady who asked me if I needed any books. She gave a bag full. One of those books was Stephen King's 'On Writing: A memoir of the Craft.' Those two consecutive days were the greatest of my life.
The published author contacted me and said not only did I have chops, but I was there! I was ready! I just needed something more than two short stories. I read King's book. In it, he states these truths:
-Some people who write are not writers.
-If you're a writer. Write.
-Write everyday. Set daily goals (His is 2,000/day)
-If you wait around for inspiration, you will die of hunger. Just write and hit your goal - everyday.
The last truth is so profound that it must be explained. Those words you write when you have no inspiration, are padding. They will be cut out later, but you have to start somewhere. JUST START! As you start hitting your goals (My goals were 2,000 words/day, and 120,000 in two months) your story will come alive before you. I blew passed 120,000 words. In my novel, The Dark Trail, I finished with 156,000 words and I had to remove 50,000 words (In other words, I had to throw away nearly a month from my life). The words I started with were long trashed, and the book that resulted was crisp.
Another thing, there is joy in writing. If you can not find joy in our craft, find joy elsewhere, but find 'your' joy. I'm a big ass southern man who likes guns and fishing. But, as I wrote the part of my female lead and the situation she found herself in, I had tears streaming down my face. My character was alive and had a past, and I created that.
I hope that my novel becomes a bestseller. Until then, I can't tell you how to do that. But approach writing like a 9 to 5 job, the faster you finish, the quicker you get off. Like the video said, "make reasonable goals" If you polish off 1,000 words in an hour and it felt good, step it up to 1,250, or 1,500 the next day. Give yourself incentives for meeting certain goals. If I didn't type 2,000 words, I didn't eat until I did (And I held myself accountable to that). When I hit 20,000, I bought the watch I wanted. When I hit 100,000, I had a fancy meal.
If you have questions about being a writer, DO NOT HESITATE! Buy Stephen King's book. He doesn't address specifics in the craft, just what it takes to be a writer... and it's an awesome autobiography (Spoiler alert: He threw his first published novel 'Carrie' in the trash and had given up the whole writing thing. His wife took it out, started reading, liked it... and the rest is history).
Stop reading. Start writing!
+William Mose By the way, for those of you interested in suspense thrillers, check out my novel 'The Dark Trail' by Will Mosley. [Updated] www.amazon.com/dp/B00XIXUPKG
William Mose "Read a lot, write a lot." - Stephen King, "On Writing"
William Mose By all means, if you are going to advertise your story, and someone is interested (me) wouldn't you rather get that person to the site immediately instead of making me dig through google searches?
William Mose
Thanks, will have to check out your work. :)
+William Mose Dude, thank you a million much for this insightful write up.
1.) Have specific goals - 2:45
2.) Make sure your goals are achievable - 4:15
3.) Be prepared to fail - 6:05
4.) Base your affirmations on fact - 8:07
5.) Be flexible in how you get there - 9:16
6.) Take responsibility - 10:11
7.) Focus on what you can control - 11:16
At 2:34: 'How to write an award-winning
bestselling first novel'
He forgot the comma between 'award-winning
bestselling', so he did. Bad punctuation.
+EnySpaceCaptain: Thanks, you saved me watching this!
thanx man
i cannot fucking control the clients sense of urgency. i cannot fucking control how a girl i like feels about me. i cannot fucking control the drudgery of the circumstances that hold my financial status. but i can fucking control what im writing. i can fucking control that. I am so tired
+badfoody True.
When I finally publish all I will need is one person to enjoy the novel for me to be a success. I already know my mom will love it so I'm good.
What an awesome attitude!
Hey there, I'll be in the line too, just reveal the name of the novel
u don't need to go through tje pain and drudgery if getting an agent and publishing traditionally if thats all u want.
Well the feedback you get will b horrible and biased since your mom loves you. If your serious about writing, then get advice from someone who is not biased towards you is much more valuable since they’ll tell you your truth about your work.
i don't want to be praised for my writings. i just want the reassurance that there is a book on my shelf that i wrote.
first rule to write a good book is probably to write not to become rich... write a book to deliver a message. something deeper
first rule is to finish a book
Lmao I was thinking to write a best selling book that will turn to a movie that will give me fortune
I just wanna write to make the reader feel, the way I feel when I watch a great movie
Love this!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 💯 🎯
James Patterson was rejected by 34 publishers before he found the one. He is currently the best selling author.
+morningmayan Patterson deserves it. He also largely doesn't write his own books anymore. He was a marketing guy and has built a kind of book writing pyramid scheme. Takes advantage of new authors and says they can get a pittance if they write pretty much the whole thing and they slap his name on as well as theirs (his name always in largest print) as a "co-author". He has even said some of his own stuff was bad. Like the women's murder club ones, and has been negative toward his own readers about liking his work!
+morningmayan Damn right, sugar!
harsh
There are many ways to get there and stay there. Patterson followed HIS dream and he sure landed. He is not for me but good for him. Gone with the Wind was rejected many times and I think Harry Potter was rejected also. Who knows what makes a hit?
Ps...I'm a cable guy too.
hi guys. would someone of you please explain to me why particilary you like Pattersons books? i never heard of him, but i would love to read your opinion
I had a guy come to my school, said he was rejected over 100 times, but he finally got published.
Ricky Carraway
100? LOL....i've sent over 800 queries without even a hint of interest. 100 times...lol....that guy was so damn lucky. these days you gotta be a masochist to become an author. you have to enjoy rejection. i'm not even kidding.
@@roflmows Maybe your story just isnt very good
He deserved more laughs...Pretty nice guy
Yeah - I laughed when he said he wrote 1 page, then just deleted it. I don't know what's with the audience.
There's a kind of visual and vocal cue that signals the audience that it's ok for them to laugh, the humor was there, the presentation not quite. Which is understandable, being that he's a writer.
trenches
y
The merange scene line was funny.
"when you get 6000 rejection letters THEN you can consider giving up on it."
- Stephen King
+Dubnium Studios *then FTFY
+Dubnium Studios You did this just to hurt me didn't you?
6000 rejection letters. LUXURY.
When I was young we had to have a minimum of 25000 rejection letters. If not our dad would come home and murder us in cold blood and jump up and down on our graves singing hallelujah. 6000, pfft, luxury
Charles Wright so？
Seth, did king really say that?
I think what resounded most with me was his line, "You need to savor those moments. It may be your private burden to suffer the anxieties of writing, but it is also your unique privilege to be the first in line to enjoy what you create." It really did bring a reminder to myself that I am creating the book that I want to read--and while it's nice to have others enjoy my work, that book I am writing is for me because I am writing it for my own enjoyment. This man has some very good points, and I have thoroughly found his talk very enjoyable and helpful. Especially with that line. Thank you, Nathan!
I wrote 150 letters before being accepted by a publisher. You develop a thick hide, or you give up.
wtf is a letter
Query letter. You don't send your entire novel.
Jean Marie Ragus can you explain in detail?
I thought you were supposed to send a manuscripts or first chaptee but "letter?" Haha
Philip Mann I thought you just put down 150 letters (you know, alphabet letters) and thought you made an r/humblebrag
How to Write an Award-winning, Bestselling First Novel, or at Least, Be Happy Whilst Trying:
1. Have specific goals
2. Make sure your goals are achievable
3. Be prepared to fail
4. Base your affirmations on fact
5. Be flexible in how you get there
6. Take responsibility
7. Focus on what you can control
+Heather Toomey Could've saved me 15 minutes.
thank you
+Heather Toomey hmm number 3
+Patrick McDougal That's a big part in any thing really, the fact is you will always fail the first time, so you have to know were you did wrong and retry again corecting that errors... ;) This is applicable with any sector.
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I would rephrase his first his point about goals: emphasise "processes" over "goals". Writing a page a day is a process, being a successful author is a goal. You can control processes, but not necessarily the achivement of goals. A goal is a wish, and a process is a method that moves you towards your goals. So processes are very important.
I just want to point out, that James Patterson's first novel was rejected 31 times by 31 different publishers...
Tom Clancy's first novel was published by a company that did not publish fiction. They took a chance on him. The book was so successful, the Department of Defense and the FBI investigated him! They along with the CIA wanted to know where he got his technically accurate information from.
The novel became a top selling movie called "The Hunt for Red October".
Now, who says your story can't get published and you can't be a success. If Clancy with his boring, techno-babble filled books can get published with movie deals, anyone can!
Exactly!!
I'm writing my first novel, but one looks at the content of best-selling novels, especially those that make it to a big screen, they are laden with research. Even if it's fiction, as long as the info is legitimate or based in reality, the events can be completely fiction. And it's the accurate info that makes a story great.
When I read a sci-fi or a thriller and it's filled with behavior that never happens in real life, or science that isn't based in reality, I just can't get into (and apparently neither can most readers). But put some real-life facts in there, mixed with a great (but fake) story, and you have the ingredients for a best-seller. Doing this does not guarantee a best-seller, but real information is included in almost all best-sellers. In other words, neglecting real research and study into the whatever subjects your novel possess is a guarantee for failure (in most cases).
He sent it to a publisher who only published navy manuals and books. Somebody read it it, took it upstairs and they loved it, and published it.
Pres Reagan got a copy and reportes asked him what ya reading, and he told them, and aaid it was terrific...the rest is history. Clancy was an insurance guy before he became a superstar in the publishing world.
we have in Russia one write like this too. well, we had. He was found dead after his few novels, and his laptop missing. he was also writing about russian secret services stories.
youre forgetting how many video games are made from his novels xD
Yeah, like Splinter Cell etc. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) there hasn't been a new Splinter Cell game in 5 years.
Nathan, thank you. I have absolutely cried twice. I want this so badly, it was so good to hear someone affirm that it is hard! Thank you so much for sharing with me, and thus the world, that rainy Spring day. God bless and every happiness ~ NAR
I enjoyed this presentation, it's inspired me to at least start that story I've been meaning to write.
This was one of my favourite Ted talks. Thank you Nathan. You're easy to listen to and engaging and have given my some inspiration to start getting on with my writing.
Writer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Jack Canfield - took over 30 rejections from various publishers. So, even after 30 - your stuff might still be good, just keep going when rejected. :)
30 rejections means your books isn't any good?
As a literary intern let me counter with
OR
You just haven't sent to the right agent yet
OR
Said agents have full lists, or just took on a novel similar to yours, or are having a hard time selling XY and Z, or are having a shitty day, or dislike your character as a matter of personal opinion or...I could go on
OR
You just need that one agent to give you thorough, useful feedback to improve your manuscript so that is ready for representation. I'm also a writer and personally got to 36 rejections before I got said feedback with an R&R, after that I had multiple offers. If you're watching this, take lots of this great advice but PLEASE don't think 30 rejections means your book isn't good.
i wanted to know whom would need to give their writing in order to get a decision ?
What decisions? Are you asking about what literary agents to send to?
+E. Latimer yeah pretty much
thank you!
He did say "there's chance your novel's not very good".
The unspoken implication is that perhaps it is good.
I'm 16 and working on my own novel . Hope it will be something beyond my imagination. Hope it will be my Great Perhaps
This is the definition of a tough crowd.
Good advice for more than just writing.
These are all excellent points, not only for writers to keep in mind, but for all those involved in creative endeavors. The last point, "focus on what you can control," is especially important. So many of my author-clients feel they have no control in getting their books published or even what happens to them after publication -- but there is so much that they do have control over, and that's what keeps them writing.
Write to Sell Your Book, LLC
Write to Sell Your Book, LLC Walking on Alligators by Susan Shaughnessy
I have an extensive personal library of writing books. This is one I turn to again and again for inspiration, psychic support and deepening my craft. Shaughnessy writes, "All important matters are leaps in the dark. If you wait to start writing until you are sure you have a good idea, a good place to work, plenty of time, and the money to manage while you find your footing, you will never write...if you start writing today you will be a writer. All the pieces may take a while to fall into place. But the leap in the dark will have been made."
This is a pathway to success.. How to succeed in anything. Whether it's writing a book or anything you are passionate about.
Well done man!
Heck the book Filth by Irvin Walsh has a talking tape worm in it and became a best seller.
Wise words indeed. Currently on my second novel and will take Nathan's 7 bullet points to the desk with me.
Thank you.
This is one of the best TEDx talks there are, thank you Nathan Filer
Every happiness to you also, Nathan. Thank you for sharing your victories.
Brilliant. Just started my first novel and now feel better about the feelings and hesitations I have. Thanks Nathan
Recently, I was writing, I I had nine full google doc pages with two chapters. Then, I decided to backspace the whole thing, and start over. I discussed the story a bit with my mom, and she helped me develop it more. This person was helpful and relatable. Thank you! :)
I had to stop and cry. These pieces of advice are simple yet powerful. it's a great philosophy, which means the truthful way of write. I can cleary see the end lines that has been out of reach just by imagination following these steps. Thank you, sir
this is genuinely a really useful ted talk not even for writing a novel like why does this not have more views?
I enjoyed this talk! There are key points to add for anyone's journey, no matter how old or young. Thank you Nathan Filer!
Nathan you are an inspiration , Thank you
A bit dated now and his experience was very fortunate. But the part about setting a goal of writing something every day, spending a certain amount of time every day, is great and lasting advice. Writers write.
He is right though that you're more likely to get somewhere by setting smaller goals more frequently than having just one huge goal. I mean to get somewhere really worth getting in the areas of skill that are truly worth having it takes a lot of TIME and practice, so learning how to practice most effectively for yourself is a huge part of that but for me I know for a fact that setting smaller goals and maintaining reasonable expectations for yourself is not only healthier for you psychologically speaking, you're also more likely to get further on your journey (and faster, too, I imagine) than if you just like, say "I want to be a rockstar who plays lead guitar so I will go buy a guitar and lock myself in a room for 8 hours a day like I heard Slash or did and only practice scales" good luck staying motivated, that sort of thing drains the fun right out of it it would seem like. That's just one example though you can apply it to anything though I imagine.
Nathan, you are a jewel and a sweetheart- all my best to you in 2019. Now, I’m going to go look up your book.
This really motivates me to work harder and be better at honing my craft. Sometimes, i just really felt that everything was not going to work, this really helps
This is legit one of the best talks I've ever seen
Love this guy! Great words of encouragement.
This was a splendid talk and while in no way is it unrealistically optimistic it also is not as pessimistic as it could have been. Well done.
This guy is hysterical. Love him!
Great practical advice, Nathan. Thank you!
Simply awesome. My first short film has so far received 4 rejects from festivals. Your talk is inspiring indeed to start yet again
God - I can so identify with this journey. Sometimes it is just so comforting to realize that others have experiences comparable to your own and that you are not alone. I'm re-invigorated.
Thank you for this. Really has my inspiration and hopes running again, which is quite helpful because I believe writing will be my only way of success in life.
Thank you for this- I needed some encouragement today. And these are really practical tips. Yes - writing is soooo hard! :D Even harder is standing up in front of an audience and speaking - well done you!
I get most of my ideas for stories from my dreams. One I’m thinking of writing now is about a boy who is basically superhuman, faster, smarter, stronger than and average human, but because of the environment he grew up in, he’s terrified to use this power against any living thing. He runs away from the people who tormented him and tries to solve his problems without violence. But that’s not always an option for his survival.
I'd read that! Keep going. :)
What a beautiful man. Thanks for the inspiration!
"Good just might be good enough" is promising and I agree, and it made me smile, although you should aim for your best.
Thanks for the advice sir !!! It was very helpful !!!!
I enjoyed this video. Bravo to Nathan Filer.
Having writing goals is so important. And writing every day helps you to gain momentum while writing a book.
I like this guy. Thank you. A most inspiring talk!
Fantastic. Great advice. Thank you Nathan.
I’m at 40’000 words on my novel right now. I’m so excited it’s ridiculous
It's so weird seeing these successful authors that aren't really writers. I mean, I've been writing short stories for years. Never with the intention or goal of being published; I just love it.
great speaker - great topic - very Universal - he's amazing.
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Great Talk man. Simple and to the point. Thanks Nathan!
I only went as far as the first chapter for my novel since last April 2015. need to get it done!!!
Thank you Nathan, this is an awesome talk.
I am so grateful for your advice. I was so disappointed that it was the last chapter of my novel.
This is the first Ted talk that I've listened to that gives good practical advice. Most Ted or TEDx talks are nothing more than fluff. And I'm not even planning to write a novel
Entertaining and funny. The suggestions sounded good enough to follow and have helped me make real progress.
I am finishing up my first novel and let me say its had its highs and lows. In the beginning I was highly motivated then... I lost it somewhere. Then a few weeks would go by and I would have a random idea that would fit perfectly into my book. I would write constantly for a week or so then....writers block again. its been over a year now and I am finally finishing it. My writing has improve dramatically since the beginning of the book, but if I force myself to sit and write or if Im just not in that imaginary mood my writing is crap. Personally I think you have to take your time and when ideas come to you run with it.
Reading always make a better writer" and inspirations thank you
Great talk, one of the best!! Thanks Nathan!
These step can be very help in my writing, and I'm glad I to a chance.
I really liked this presentation. He seems like a very likeable guy.
there is no formula as such but heart touchy novels get top ratings
I will follow your advices :) thank you !
This is really inspiring. Tysm.
Thanks for sharing. Such an inspirational video.
That's a very genuine talk .
I'm digging it.
thank you Nathan x
Very candid and realistic talk
Great energy!
Thank you for this!
I don't look at the "rejection letter," as a failure, of any kind; more a tool that guides me to the right path. The fruition of my goals isn't just getting it out there so to speak, but more getting it to the one or ones, that need to hear what I have to say. Delivery too works best, haha.
Good to see a nice guy doing well.
Thank you thank you, thank you!
Very well delivered and explained presentation. This will help a lot of people ^^
J. K. Rowling got rejected countless times before she got published.
She had a hard life and a busy schedule.
Now she is one of the most successful authors in the world.
Never give up.
I love this guy.
A TEDx talk about writing that was actually about writing.....gets a thumbs up from me.
Amazing advice...appreciated.
That was really really cool. Super nice guy!!! Thanks a lot!!!
Great story, with no payoff at the end.
I think being a success is great, but honestly, I have a story to tell, and I want to write it. This is now on my list of things to do. It's a great story and a cliffhanger, too.
I don't like the title of this video, I think that if you write a novel for it to be a "bestelling" one you're in a wrong path. Of course money is a plus, yet sharing a story which captivates, fascinates your reader is much more interesting than writing one to be sold.
I agree - plus I certainly hope this guy has written more than one book, because if he hasn't, then I can't consider him to be an expert on writing a best selling novel, although his first novel won an award.
"award-winning" and "best-selling" has a lot more to do with the current market. If this year''s book releases are REALLY GOOD books, then your novel probably won't sell AS MUCH or win AS MANY awards. Think of trying to publish a novel now compared to when James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and Jack London were alive. Lol!
That was his point in the end: don't focus on becoming a best-selling author. Just focus on being a writer (that is actively, consistently write). Then, when you've finished your novel, set and act on goals to get it published. That's all you can do. If you focus on "being the best," you will crush under the weight of your own unrealistic expectations and fail to write, period.
Not on the topic: I´ve just finished The Beauty and the Sorry by Peter Englund and want to thank your for the recommendation. I´am deeply impressed.
What I understand is: dream big, and keep your goal small but augmenting.
Thanks Tedx. Great Points to follow.
Matthew Reilly who now has 4 million a year and he just self published it
Thank you. This was helpful
If you get 30 rejections, but you editied your book like ten times and you can't find the flaws in it, even while comparing it to other best sellers . . . maybe rewrite your query letter BUT don't stop trying to publish the book. If you honestly believe in the book you've written then do not stop querying every single agency, and every single agent from every single agency nationally and internationally until you get the darned thing published. They're have been successful authors who have been rejected from over 100 agencies, don't discount their stories. You can still have success from that manuscript.
Thank You
Thank you, is very good.