I feel the special snowflake part has a flipside though. We shouldn't assume that we have the most unique idea, but should also know that a never-seen-before idea isn't necessary for a story to be compelling. We shouldn't beat ourselves up about our story being not unique enough or in some ways similar to other stories and assume that because of that our story doesn't hold any value. I like to think that my story might not be something no one has ever seen before, but that it contains aspects that only I could have created that makes my story unique in its own right but standing alongside many different slightly unique stories of other people. It keeps me from being self-infatuated and arrogant but also from thinking I have nothing of value to say.
I loved this. It made me laugh in a really self aware way. I would love a path or roadmap, or just tips on how to learn to write professionally. I'm on draft 7 of a thriller, and it is just now starting to look like something thanks to Story Grid.
I have made so many of these mistakes with my first book. But with the second and third, I kinda started figuring it out. I wish I watched this video 10 years ago!
Thank you for excellent advice. This is why I only take it from writers with white or grey in their hair or beards, as they are the ones with enough experience not to be talking out of their butts. I haven't watched the entire video but a top mistake is not realising you can put in the work, but you still need LUCK.
From the various writing groups I belonged to over the years I've seen stark resistance from writers about growing their craft. Some critique partners, especially, "aspiring writers" just don't see , or will not admit to having craft issues. Others I know reached a particular level and they've flatted out and never improve form there. I am about to pub my 8th book and I'm still striving to do better. The next after this one will be better still. I feel craft is 90% of the battle and tenacity is the rest of what it takes to write well. Writing is not magic. It is hard work.
This is great stuff. If I find myself stalling I've found that paying attention to numbers 1, 5, and 6 are really useful. I've been doing this for a while now in the hope that this will allow me to develop as per number 11 "First, learn to write." I'm enjoying the process that's for sure.
A really great video. Made me think about how I do practice skills, but in a way that would let me keep all, and I mean all, my great characters, who deserve to be in that first book ;)
Hi i really need help, i have always wanted to be a writer and I'm excited about the idea of writing a book, but i have NEVER written anything in my life and i don't know how to start practicing, what should i do?😢
Honestly? Join our next workshop in May: store.storygrid.com/lovers-meet-workshop Happy to jump on a call to discuss: calendly.com/timgrahl/30min - Tim
`I really need to stop watching videos on how to be a better writer ... 'cause all it does is reinforce my imposter syndrome issues. Not gonna stop me, but writing when I'm depressed is not such a wonderful idea ... kills off a lot of characters, some of them actually important.
The skill development one made me laugh in an ironic way as this whole channel is about skill development and we are watching a video about this very thing right now! Also you big up editors - isn't your partner and editor? Can hardly say "editors are dicks" lol or you won't be getting laid! (I am joking around, clearly editors are important, many novels start with a few kind words about their editor.)
This stuff is impossible. Either youre born a Shakespeare or you aren't. You will never be a Tolstoy, Joyce, McCarthy. Why try? Honest question. If greatness is unachievable, why waste time?.
How are you the same person that, two days ago, left this comment: "This training must have seeped into my subconscious; I wrote a bit not long after and saw improvement." You just said you're either born great or not, but also saw improvement in your own writing. - Tim
@StoryGrid true. For a little while I was riding on a pink cloud, but after a day I was back to writing garbage. I think your advice is superlative, but I can't comprehend it, and realized I need to accept that I can't improve. The worst part of it is that I love to write. This is no criticism on you or your channel
I feel the special snowflake part has a flipside though. We shouldn't assume that we have the most unique idea, but should also know that a never-seen-before idea isn't necessary for a story to be compelling. We shouldn't beat ourselves up about our story being not unique enough or in some ways similar to other stories and assume that because of that our story doesn't hold any value. I like to think that my story might not be something no one has ever seen before, but that it contains aspects that only I could have created that makes my story unique in its own right but standing alongside many different slightly unique stories of other people. It keeps me from being self-infatuated and arrogant but also from thinking I have nothing of value to say.
I think he kind of addressed that with #12, focusing on making something truly unique :)
The best, most inspirational writer content on YT.
I loved this. It made me laugh in a really self aware way. I would love a path or roadmap, or just tips on how to learn to write professionally. I'm on draft 7 of a thriller, and it is just now starting to look like something thanks to Story Grid.
Hey what’s your thriller about??
20 year old me feels attacked.
35 year old me knows this is the way.
33 me has great deal of respect for 35 you
I agree with the last two though. It's my book, of course better is better, but I make no compromises.
I have made so many of these mistakes with my first book. But with the second and third, I kinda started figuring it out. I wish I watched this video 10 years ago!
I keep coming back to this to check my mindset- making sure I am not slipping back into bad habits!
Not only is this hilarious, it's cathartic to hear--I see so many fledgling writers do this stuff on forums all the time.
I felt called out During the Special snowflake part 😂😂😂
Wow thank you for the inspirations! We are in the process of writing our first book - these infos you shared really helped a lot! THANK YOU!!!
You hit the nail on the head .... as you usually do .... Thanks
I appreciate that
Thank you for excellent advice. This is why I only take it from writers with white or grey in their hair or beards, as they are the ones with enough experience not to be talking out of their butts. I haven't watched the entire video but a top mistake is not realising you can put in the work, but you still need LUCK.
From the various writing groups I belonged to over the years I've seen stark resistance from writers about growing their craft. Some critique partners, especially, "aspiring writers" just don't see , or will not admit to having craft issues. Others I know reached a particular level and they've flatted out and never improve form there. I am about to pub my 8th book and I'm still striving to do better. The next after this one will be better still. I feel craft is 90% of the battle and tenacity is the rest of what it takes to write well. Writing is not magic. It is hard work.
Can you tell me the name of one of your books on Amazon please?
This is great stuff. If I find myself stalling I've found that paying attention to numbers 1, 5, and 6 are really useful. I've been doing this for a while now in the hope that this will allow me to develop as per number 11 "First, learn to write." I'm enjoying the process that's for sure.
Glad it was helpful!
A really great video. Made me think about how I do practice skills, but in a way that would let me keep all, and I mean all, my great characters, who deserve to be in that first book ;)
Noooooooo!
How, is always the operative question.
5 (produce and move on) is explicitly how writing is taught in k-12 and universities in the region I live.
Hi i really need help, i have always wanted to be a writer and I'm excited about the idea of writing a book, but i have NEVER written anything in my life and i don't know how to start practicing, what should i do?😢
Honestly? Join our next workshop in May: store.storygrid.com/lovers-meet-workshop
Happy to jump on a call to discuss: calendly.com/timgrahl/30min
- Tim
I have at least half of those thoughts every day
Someone who doesnt understand sarcasms would have a lot of difficulty with this video. Such a strange was to present the information haha
Oh Good Lord, did this man watch me for the past two years? I've done all of this!
I love this. Hilarious and I am so so guilty of many of these. Great tips.
From a bunhc of videos i watched last weekm, no video helped me more than your show-dont-tell walkthru
Great stuff, thanks! p.s. I AM a unique snowflake!
Quite amusing, but I'd suggest starting about 7 minutes in after he finishes knocking down the Aunt Sallys.
`I really need to stop watching videos on how to be a better writer ... 'cause all it does is reinforce my imposter syndrome issues. Not gonna stop me, but writing when I'm depressed is not such a wonderful idea ... kills off a lot of characters, some of them actually important.
Hey, I'm from Indonesia. I can understand in eng sub, but I hope you'are also put Indonesia Subtitle
The skill development one made me laugh in an ironic way as this whole channel is about skill development and we are watching a video about this very thing right now! Also you big up editors - isn't your partner and editor? Can hardly say "editors are dicks" lol or you won't be getting laid! (I am joking around, clearly editors are important, many novels start with a few kind words about their editor.)
"Assume you are a special snowflake" - LOL.
Very enlightening and informative hopefully I'm only guilty of four of these sins.😂
😁
some of us are special snowflakes, that's just the reality of the situation
This stuff is impossible. Either youre born a Shakespeare or you aren't. You will never be a Tolstoy, Joyce, McCarthy. Why try? Honest question. If greatness is unachievable, why waste time?.
How are you the same person that, two days ago, left this comment:
"This training must have seeped into my subconscious; I wrote a bit not long after and saw improvement."
You just said you're either born great or not, but also saw improvement in your own writing.
- Tim
@StoryGrid true. For a little while I was riding on a pink cloud, but after a day I was back to writing garbage. I think your advice is superlative, but I can't comprehend it, and realized I need to accept that I can't improve. The worst part of it is that I love to write. This is no criticism on you or your channel
Hilarious
Mistake #21--Spend all your time watching UA-cam videos on how to be a writer.