Girly, let me just say i go through this all of the time! Now, in my writing journey I am nowhere near ready to do a debut novel or share my work with the world. However, every artist doubts themselves. I understand starting a novel and feeling unqualified to tell that story and that's okay. All of this is a part of your journey. I think too many times we focus on the destinations as writers, whatever that destination is for us. for some its publishing, others it's just being able to become content with themselves as a writer, and others it is getting the courage to just write. I appreciate your vulnerability, and courage Becca. Now as for the question: should stories have meaning? yes and no. I think of moods, when i watch Netflix I am not always in the mood for something deep or heavy. Other times I am. Thats why we have selections. I think YOUR job as a writer is to share YOUR stories with the world from your POV. There is only one Becca Tobar, only you have the gift to tell a story how YOU tell it. You have to be okay with your writing voice and your quality of writing. It won't be for everyone just like everyone's story won't be for you. Yet, someone will come across your work and say wow this is great! your voice matters. Stories have lasted for generations, and they never get old. We need authors, writers, artists, in every generation who have the courage to put out their work. There's a reason people love stories; they are a part of the human experience. So, I encourage you to keep writing because not everyone even has that little fire in them to tell stories it's a true gift and you should embrace the unique power God gave you! Write away!
I've struggled so much with the question of whether the books I write must have meaning in order to be worth writing. But I've come to the conclusion that a story "having meaning" doesn't necessarily mean that it needs to have some grand philosophical argument or profound lesson about life. Sometimes, a story's "meaning" is being fun or cathartic or just a bit of escapism -- and that's enough. I think we get so in our heads about being taken seriously as a writer, then turn around and beat ourselves up for not writing the way "Everyone" says we should -- while simultaneously putting down books and authors who are finding success even when the story isn't some deep, nuanced philosophical exploration of something. Some books are for soul-searching, and others are for disassociating from reality. We can have -- and do -- both. Great vlog! Good luck with the new story!! 🎃
I absolutely agree with this! I think I view story ideas more in terms of "theme" and moods like you said. I find that can help understand the direction & purpose of the story, harness the kind of character arcs that might fit, but those themes and moods can be small and gentle or huge and overarching, or anywhere in between.
I am binge watching so I’m just now seeing this but I am so proud of you! Your vulnerability is brave and your self-awareness is incredible. As a fellow empathetic and overly emotional person…. I just get it. I once heard authors talk about how when you’re writing about your personal mental health or if you’re really connected to something it is good to tell the story when you have some distance! I’ve been thinking about that for what I am planning for my first novel. Anyways I am so happy the internet brought us together and you have my love and support! You’re beautiful! 🤍
I feel this sooooooooooooo hard. My personal opinion is that there's something to be said about stories that provide escapism, joy, and thrills. The ones we don't have to think too hard about are sometimes exactly what we need in this challenging, hectic world! That said, I also believe that all stories have themes, but they just might resonate with some more than others, which is ok too! For me, I see Fourth Wing as fun escapism, but also a commentary on challenging the beliefs we always clung to and learning to discern truth for ourselves, vs what others are telling us/wanting us to believe. I enjoyed this because of my background and personality, but to others it might not have meant much. And obviously Twilight is a cautionary tale about dating someone who thinks you smell tasty ;) But, I do think each of us as writers have to find what resonates with US, because if it doesn't, we'll lose motivation (in my experience at least). It took me a lot of shelved projects and trial and error to find the themes and characters I felt like *mattered* to *me.* But MAN it's SO hard, because it feels like time wasted (even though it's not) and every time I shelve a project, I'm convinced I'll never care about another story again!! Getting back to low-pressure, exploratory drafting and reigniting my creative joy again makes such a difference, and eventually a new story finds me. So glad you're finding the fun and joy in creating again!!
🎃🎃🎃 I don't always think that a story needs to have a meaning or a message. Sometimes I just want to get lost in a story and the characters and go on their journey with them for a while. Good luck with this new story! It sounds really interesting and definitely something I would pick up and want to read!
I’m SO proud of you, bestie! There is nothing wrong with shelving a project and starting a new one. I can quite literally see the JOY pouring out of you when you talk about this new story and you seem to be having the best time writing it! I can’t wait to hear more about this cozy project the next time we chat! 🎃
Ugh, I just LOVE listening to you talking about your writing (process)! As someone who struggles with finishing her stories I get how you feel. But stories doesn't need to have a purpose, if you don't give them one, your readers will and everyone thinks differently about them anyway. I also think we always give them a purpose tho, even if we do it unconsciously. The important thing is that you enjoy the process and love what you do because one can feel if a story is loved or not. I would definitely read this novella! Enjoy writing and thank you for the vlog! 🎃🎃🎃
It takes A LOT of courage to shelf a wip that you were so passionate in the beginning and there is nothing wrong with putting it aside for now. Love your honesty, Becca! Follow your intuition and write something you feel strongly about and I’m excited to hear about it in your future vlogs (and omg a novella!? I'm gonna work on a novella soon too!! Twinsies!) ♥️🎃
aww thanks jas! yeah, i think my priority is "how do i keep writing sustainable for me? how do i make sure i don't burn out?" and yessss novella twinsies! i think they're so underrated :p
I think what’s most important is that you enjoy what you’re writing ❤ wishing you a smooth re-discovery journey and that the distance provides the clarity you’re looking for!
thanks, jenn!! yeah, i think this whole thought process started because i really just wanted to make sure writing was sustainable for me. more than anything that's my biggest goal.
Sometimes stories are just that, they don't need to have a higher meaning. Love your vlogs, they are helping me get some motivation to get through the editing hell.
I was 19 chapters (about 60k) into my second manuscript when a dream (that's now all my ideas come to me) consumed me. I had to park the second book and write what became my second book. Putting a WIP down happens alot, and its okay. Especially when those sudden pivots become a best seller. I struggle to plot, I'm very much a pantser, 6 books in and almost finished a series that's being released at the same time, I still can't. The reason why 3rd person (either omni like Dune or limited like the bridgertons) feels more natural is because there is more opportunity to create an atmosphere. In 1st POV your asking the reader to be behind the eyeball of the character and when there's more than one POV, that can get complicated. It's why 1st POV is a modern pivot, probably (though I haven't checked) came about with RPG games where you are the same - behind the eyeballs, not birds eye watching.
This was really exciting to watch! While I'm sure it's hard to temporarily shelf a project, it's also encouraging for me, and I'm sure other writers, to see how you are excited about starting something new when one project is no longer enjoyable to work on instead of forcing yourself to continue it. 🎃
love the moodboard becca!!!!! makes me so excited for october 🎃 if there's anything i've learned in the past few months, it's that you should follow your heart when it comes to writing. it can be hard to ignore the pressure you put on yourself, but sometimes we just have to say screw it and enjoy being creative again
Just discovering your channel and am so happy to be here! I get that it can be hard to step away from something you've put so much into, but just because something is shelved doesn't mean you can't come back to it later when you're feeling more inspired! I'm crazy and end up working on multiple projects at once which I get is not the norm, but we sometimes need that breath of fresh air! (I'm working on a thirteen book series, so sometimes I need a break from it!) All words are important, whether or not they get shared! (aka, outlines, characters interviews, etc.) As a strong and proud writing planner, I write thousands of words that will never be shared. But knowing those depths of my stories and characters help the actual writing of the story flow so much more easily. I'm so excited for you and your new project and am looking forward to hearing more about it and getting to read it someday! (also, no apologies necessary about no makeup! You're beautiful, own it!) :D 🎃🎃🎃
ah! i'm so glad you found me! happy to have you here (: i applaud people that can work on multiple projects at once -- my brain power could never. thank you so much for watching
🎃🎃🎃 thank you for sharing your journey! i love seeing other authors putting in the work, and there is nothing wrong with pivoting! i shelved three projects so far cuz i bit more than i can chew, realized the story takes more skill than i had, but doesnt mean we wont grow and get back to it ✨ also, i dont think a story needs to have a grand message to be good, i think it has more to do with telling any story truthfully, meaning, that it has some inherent logic, not even necessarily plot logic (khm twilight) but emotional logic, even if the story is very simple or random, if it portrays emotion authentically, i think that is what makes it meaningful to readers
Great video. Shelving a creative project has always felt like more of a pivot for me. It’s just where your creative focus is on to give what the project is requiring of you. It’s like a change in priorities. Keep doing your thing 🎃
this story sounds so cozy and delightful! as someone who loves autumn, self-discovery, and character-driven stories, I just know I would love this! best of luck with this project
ok i tried not to just word vomit a comment, but this video was SO lovely 💗- I think this is so great to show that it is okay to shelve a WIP and move to something else. I am LOVING THIS NEW PROJECT AS WELL - what a fun thing to write in the -ber months! 🎃🎃🎃 the if a book needs a higher meaning is such a good conversation. I personally think that everyone embeds their own outlook and perspectives and takes on life in their writing whether they realize it or not - I personally do think that a story needs to "mean something", but I feel like every single book I read does mean something, to me, the reader and that's what matters!! thanks for this Becca
I love this! I have been in the same boat, I have had an idea for a romance for years but every time I sit down to plot it, I realize it just isn’t the right time. I don’t get as excited about it actually writing it as I do other stories. Maybe some day I will, but for now, it’s not the right time! Good for you for being vulnerable about it!
I totally get the need to change projects. I wrote a lot of darker stories pre pandemic. But life was dark enough, so I switched to paranormal cozy mysteries - and I'm much happier, and productive since I made the change. I wish you luck in your new project! I love both Kikis Delivery Service and Haunting of Bly Manor. That combo sounds so bizarre, but totally fun at the same time.
ah thank you! i like to keep the template simple. if they get too complicated i stop using them. I haven't shared them before! no one has asked lol but i can definitely share a link to it in my next video if that's something you'd want!
lmao Twilight definitely has a deeper theme and impactful meaning. It’s about love and how love is something that’s so vulnerable in a way that forces you to sacrifice your comfort. The danger of Edward being a vampire that wants to kill Bella initially relates to the emotional damage you open yourself to when you fall in love. The fact that Edward can’t read Bella’s mind means he can’t know for sure how she feels about him and he has to put himself at risk emotionally in order to be with her. It’s not well executed but the meaning is there. Fourth wing also has meaning. All stories do whether the author intends it to be that way or not. As long as your characters exist, make decisions, and have emotional arcs then people will interpret meaning regardless of what you intend. Hope this helps
Meaning can be a product of writing, rather than the motivator. It's still valid. I recommend watching Local Script Mans videos about character and theme, I think his stuff is really helpful!
Absolutely sure that Twilight was definitely expressing Mormonism haha. But I do think they usually end up being about something, if you have nothing that you're expressing even through the characters, then are you sure you're even connecting with them? That you know them? If my characters aren't expressing something I'm pissed about or find important, then I know that my book is missing problems and conflict. And sometimes those things can be really small scale! It doesn't sound like you definitely need a break from your project. A new project is always so fun!!
you're so right about twilight lol and i said this in now way to demean twilight or fourth wing (I love those books). and yes! that's my biggest problem is that i'm having such a hard time connecting to the characters. i'm still unsure of the story i'm trying to tell. it began as one thing and then, as i wrote, i realized that wasn't the real story at all. it's something else that i can't quite figure out. i think just a little time away from it will help to clear the mind (:
The great thing about stories is that we as readers can prescribe meaning to them. For example, you mentioned Fourth Wing which got me through a very dark time today. As writers we have the ability to use our stories to talk about themes and things we care about or think matter but when the book is in the hands of readers they will give it their own meanings. What we take from stories (and put into them as writers) are based on our experiences as individuals. I think larger meaning can be added and highlighted as you move through the writing process but I don’t think writers need to go into a story with a higher purpose. “Because I want to tell this story” is just as valid as a why that has a higher purpose.
That's such a great way to put it! I feel like my relationship with books/reading has changed since i started writing and not for the best. It's like I've begun to look at marketability instead of simply enjoying stories for simply being. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and watching 🤍
it does indeed but i feel so inspired by this one that i think it's a good move. and i know I'll come back to the old project one day(: thanks so much for watching!
I've read a whole mess of books and my answer to "do books need a bigger message/commentary to make an impact/be successful" is NO. Books that stay with me can be due to a variety of reasons (i.e. I connect with the character, unique plot, adore the prose) and rarely do those reasons ever overlap for the same book. I'd say, write what makes you happy because you're never going to make every reader happy. So many love Fourth Wing and it might be one of the worst books I've ever read, but hey, that's just not the type of book I usually gravitate towards. So be selfish. Write for you and no one else. You will find your readers :)
🎃🎃🎃 I have also been struggling with my own ideas and what I actually want to write right now. So nice to see a perspective where someone is really taking that into account and making writing a sustainable pursuit!
I think that whether or not you intend to put a theme into your story, one will show up in your writing simply because you as an individual have values and moral convictions. One thing I try to keep in mind as I write is that my characters may have different values and morals than I do, and I need to make sure that they behave in a way that is consistent with those values and convictions. 🎃🍂🍁
🎃 Really appreciate seeing how you plan a story out. A lot of videos I see are just too general for me. I am also realizing the story I'm working on might not publish worthy because I don't have enough understanding of the subjects yet.
thanks for the feedback! sometimes i worry i'm still being too vague but i just try to share what works for me. as for stories being publish worthy, someone else in the comments mentioned that a story can be publish worthy simply because you want to tell it. if you're willing to but in the time, energy, research, and thought into the craft, I think we can all get there (: thanks so so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! 💚
Pausing at 0:46 because you accidentally said “I’m so excited to be Black” and this made me crack up laughing! (I’m Black. Not offended or anything. I just find it hilarious.) 😂
I think for me books should have meaning because I think writing is quick to get lost if there's not a meaning. I don't like reading something and not have meaning because it just makes me go what's the point of me reading this? I think while Twilight, Fourth Wing, etc don't have meaning like Hunger Games or classics like idk the Great Gatsby doesn't mean they lack meaning fully. I don't like twilight and forth wing so it's hard for me to find meaning in those things, but for people whose favorite book that is could most likely tell you a meaning, like Bella dealing with grief and Fourth Wing deals with war I believe? So even if it isn't THAT deep there's still something there. At least imo 😊
the responses to the question i posed have been so different and varied and the conversation that's arisen is incredible! i love hearing how you all view and assign "meaning" to the stories you read. thanks so much for providing your input! it means a lot! 💚
I don't feel that books need a deeper meaning, books can be enjoyed just as they are. There is no shame is shelving a concept until you feel you are in a position to do it justice.
I think that stories do have to have meaning, but it isn't up to the author to find or define. Authors should focus on themes, such as family trauma or lost love, but readers are the ones to discover any meaning in the text.
No, it doesn't matter! You don't need to write to speak about something and address some bigger topic. In fact, I think it might be more controversial that you'd be using your platform to do that. Too many authors try to slap on meanings these days and while that's cool, I think it also largely depends on the story itself that you're trying to tell - the story, not the message. Are you only writing a story for this message? What would happen if you stopped focusing so much on this message, and more on telling the story?
this came to me at the perfect time .. i haven't felt like i've had the heart that my current wip needs and deserves 🥺🤍 i love your character graphics! did you make them yourself?
Girly, let me just say i go through this all of the time! Now, in my writing journey I am nowhere near ready to do a debut novel or share my work with the world. However, every artist doubts themselves. I understand starting a novel and feeling unqualified to tell that story and that's okay. All of this is a part of your journey. I think too many times we focus on the destinations as writers, whatever that destination is for us. for some its publishing, others it's just being able to become content with themselves as a writer, and others it is getting the courage to just write. I appreciate your vulnerability, and courage Becca. Now as for the question: should stories have meaning? yes and no. I think of moods, when i watch Netflix I am not always in the mood for something deep or heavy. Other times I am. Thats why we have selections. I think YOUR job as a writer is to share YOUR stories with the world from your POV. There is only one Becca Tobar, only you have the gift to tell a story how YOU tell it. You have to be okay with your writing voice and your quality of writing. It won't be for everyone just like everyone's story won't be for you. Yet, someone will come across your work and say wow this is great! your voice matters. Stories have lasted for generations, and they never get old. We need authors, writers, artists, in every generation who have the courage to put out their work. There's a reason people love stories; they are a part of the human experience. So, I encourage you to keep writing because not everyone even has that little fire in them to tell stories it's a true gift and you should embrace the unique power God gave you! Write away!
this was such a beautiful response and i'm so thankful to you for sharing it💚 i definitely need to keep this in mind more often
@@beccatobar ofc! I totally understand.❤️
I've struggled so much with the question of whether the books I write must have meaning in order to be worth writing. But I've come to the conclusion that a story "having meaning" doesn't necessarily mean that it needs to have some grand philosophical argument or profound lesson about life. Sometimes, a story's "meaning" is being fun or cathartic or just a bit of escapism -- and that's enough.
I think we get so in our heads about being taken seriously as a writer, then turn around and beat ourselves up for not writing the way "Everyone" says we should -- while simultaneously putting down books and authors who are finding success even when the story isn't some deep, nuanced philosophical exploration of something. Some books are for soul-searching, and others are for disassociating from reality. We can have -- and do -- both.
Great vlog! Good luck with the new story!! 🎃
I absolutely agree with this! I think I view story ideas more in terms of "theme" and moods like you said. I find that can help understand the direction & purpose of the story, harness the kind of character arcs that might fit, but those themes and moods can be small and gentle or huge and overarching, or anywhere in between.
I am binge watching so I’m just now seeing this but I am so proud of you! Your vulnerability is brave and your self-awareness is incredible. As a fellow empathetic and overly emotional person…. I just get it. I once heard authors talk about how when you’re writing about your personal mental health or if you’re really connected to something it is good to tell the story when you have some distance! I’ve been thinking about that for what I am planning for my first novel. Anyways I am so happy the internet brought us together and you have my love and support! You’re beautiful! 🤍
I recently shelved the project I've been working on for the last three years. Currently outlining and world building my new project.
I feel this sooooooooooooo hard. My personal opinion is that there's something to be said about stories that provide escapism, joy, and thrills. The ones we don't have to think too hard about are sometimes exactly what we need in this challenging, hectic world! That said, I also believe that all stories have themes, but they just might resonate with some more than others, which is ok too! For me, I see Fourth Wing as fun escapism, but also a commentary on challenging the beliefs we always clung to and learning to discern truth for ourselves, vs what others are telling us/wanting us to believe. I enjoyed this because of my background and personality, but to others it might not have meant much. And obviously Twilight is a cautionary tale about dating someone who thinks you smell tasty ;)
But, I do think each of us as writers have to find what resonates with US, because if it doesn't, we'll lose motivation (in my experience at least). It took me a lot of shelved projects and trial and error to find the themes and characters I felt like *mattered* to *me.* But MAN it's SO hard, because it feels like time wasted (even though it's not) and every time I shelve a project, I'm convinced I'll never care about another story again!!
Getting back to low-pressure, exploratory drafting and reigniting my creative joy again makes such a difference, and eventually a new story finds me. So glad you're finding the fun and joy in creating again!!
🎃🎃🎃 I don't always think that a story needs to have a meaning or a message. Sometimes I just want to get lost in a story and the characters and go on their journey with them for a while.
Good luck with this new story! It sounds really interesting and definitely something I would pick up and want to read!
I’m SO proud of you, bestie! There is nothing wrong with shelving a project and starting a new one. I can quite literally see the JOY pouring out of you when you talk about this new story and you seem to be having the best time writing it! I can’t wait to hear more about this cozy project the next time we chat! 🎃
Ugh, I just LOVE listening to you talking about your writing (process)! As someone who struggles with finishing her stories I get how you feel. But stories doesn't need to have a purpose, if you don't give them one, your readers will and everyone thinks differently about them anyway. I also think we always give them a purpose tho, even if we do it unconsciously. The important thing is that you enjoy the process and love what you do because one can feel if a story is loved or not. I would definitely read this novella! Enjoy writing and thank you for the vlog! 🎃🎃🎃
that is such a huge compliment omg. thank you
It takes A LOT of courage to shelf a wip that you were so passionate in the beginning and there is nothing wrong with putting it aside for now. Love your honesty, Becca! Follow your intuition and write something you feel strongly about and I’m excited to hear about it in your future vlogs (and omg a novella!? I'm gonna work on a novella soon too!! Twinsies!) ♥️🎃
aww thanks jas! yeah, i think my priority is "how do i keep writing sustainable for me? how do i make sure i don't burn out?" and yessss novella twinsies! i think they're so underrated :p
I think what’s most important is that you enjoy what you’re writing ❤ wishing you a smooth re-discovery journey and that the distance provides the clarity you’re looking for!
thanks, jenn!! yeah, i think this whole thought process started because i really just wanted to make sure writing was sustainable for me. more than anything that's my biggest goal.
I appreciate hearing your thoughts!! I love your perspective on writing 🎃🎃
Sometimes stories are just that, they don't need to have a higher meaning. Love your vlogs, they are helping me get some motivation to get through the editing hell.
I was 19 chapters (about 60k) into my second manuscript when a dream (that's now all my ideas come to me) consumed me. I had to park the second book and write what became my second book. Putting a WIP down happens alot, and its okay. Especially when those sudden pivots become a best seller. I struggle to plot, I'm very much a pantser, 6 books in and almost finished a series that's being released at the same time, I still can't.
The reason why 3rd person (either omni like Dune or limited like the bridgertons) feels more natural is because there is more opportunity to create an atmosphere. In 1st POV your asking the reader to be behind the eyeball of the character and when there's more than one POV, that can get complicated. It's why 1st POV is a modern pivot, probably (though I haven't checked) came about with RPG games where you are the same - behind the eyeballs, not birds eye watching.
underrated content creator and writer!!
This was really exciting to watch! While I'm sure it's hard to temporarily shelf a project, it's also encouraging for me, and I'm sure other writers, to see how you are excited about starting something new when one project is no longer enjoyable to work on instead of forcing yourself to continue it. 🎃
love the moodboard becca!!!!! makes me so excited for october 🎃 if there's anything i've learned in the past few months, it's that you should follow your heart when it comes to writing. it can be hard to ignore the pressure you put on yourself, but sometimes we just have to say screw it and enjoy being creative again
Just discovering your channel and am so happy to be here! I get that it can be hard to step away from something you've put so much into, but just because something is shelved doesn't mean you can't come back to it later when you're feeling more inspired! I'm crazy and end up working on multiple projects at once which I get is not the norm, but we sometimes need that breath of fresh air! (I'm working on a thirteen book series, so sometimes I need a break from it!)
All words are important, whether or not they get shared! (aka, outlines, characters interviews, etc.) As a strong and proud writing planner, I write thousands of words that will never be shared. But knowing those depths of my stories and characters help the actual writing of the story flow so much more easily.
I'm so excited for you and your new project and am looking forward to hearing more about it and getting to read it someday! (also, no apologies necessary about no makeup! You're beautiful, own it!) :D 🎃🎃🎃
ah! i'm so glad you found me! happy to have you here (: i applaud people that can work on multiple projects at once -- my brain power could never. thank you so much for watching
🎃🎃🎃 thank you for sharing your journey! i love seeing other authors putting in the work, and there is nothing wrong with pivoting! i shelved three projects so far cuz i bit more than i can chew, realized the story takes more skill than i had, but doesnt mean we wont grow and get back to it ✨ also, i dont think a story needs to have a grand message to be good, i think it has more to do with telling any story truthfully, meaning, that it has some inherent logic, not even necessarily plot logic (khm twilight) but emotional logic, even if the story is very simple or random, if it portrays emotion authentically, i think that is what makes it meaningful to readers
Great video. Shelving a creative project has always felt like more of a pivot for me. It’s just where your creative focus is on to give what the project is requiring of you. It’s like a change in priorities. Keep doing your thing 🎃
this story sounds so cozy and delightful! as someone who loves autumn, self-discovery, and character-driven stories, I just know I would love this! best of luck with this project
ok i tried not to just word vomit a comment, but this video was SO lovely 💗- I think this is so great to show that it is okay to shelve a WIP and move to something else. I am LOVING THIS NEW PROJECT AS WELL - what a fun thing to write in the -ber months! 🎃🎃🎃 the if a book needs a higher meaning is such a good conversation. I personally think that everyone embeds their own outlook and perspectives and takes on life in their writing whether they realize it or not - I personally do think that a story needs to "mean something", but I feel like every single book I read does mean something, to me, the reader and that's what matters!! thanks for this Becca
Ok, irrelevant comment, but your French braids in the intro are so cute!!!
I love this! I have been in the same boat, I have had an idea for a romance for years but every time I sit down to plot it, I realize it just isn’t the right time. I don’t get as excited about it actually writing it as I do other stories. Maybe some day I will, but for now, it’s not the right time! Good for you for being vulnerable about it!
Not sure how this would translate to genre, but what you've shared about your new WIP's aesthetic seems like whimsy gothic 💜
Such a good vlog Becca! 🎃 Writing journeys are different for everyone, thank you for sharing yours!
I totally get the need to change projects. I wrote a lot of darker stories pre pandemic. But life was dark enough, so I switched to paranormal cozy mysteries - and I'm much happier, and productive since I made the change. I wish you luck in your new project! I love both Kikis Delivery Service and Haunting of Bly Manor. That combo sounds so bizarre, but totally fun at the same time.
I loved this video! Good luck with your new project 🥰🎃🎃
I’m really enjoying your videos! 🎃
I'm so glad to hear it! (:
I grew up in the 90s in Connecticut so when I heard your setting my ears immediately perked up 😅 I look forward to seeing where this project goes!! 🎃
that's so cool!! thanks so much for watching (:
I absolutely love your Notion template, especially the beat sheet section. Do you ever share them?
ah thank you! i like to keep the template simple. if they get too complicated i stop using them. I haven't shared them before! no one has asked lol but i can definitely share a link to it in my next video if that's something you'd want!
@@beccatobar I would love that!
lmao Twilight definitely has a deeper theme and impactful meaning. It’s about love and how love is something that’s so vulnerable in a way that forces you to sacrifice your comfort. The danger of Edward being a vampire that wants to kill Bella initially relates to the emotional damage you open yourself to when you fall in love. The fact that Edward can’t read Bella’s mind means he can’t know for sure how she feels about him and he has to put himself at risk emotionally in order to be with her. It’s not well executed but the meaning is there. Fourth wing also has meaning. All stories do whether the author intends it to be that way or not. As long as your characters exist, make decisions, and have emotional arcs then people will interpret meaning regardless of what you intend. Hope this helps
There’s a video on UA-cam talking about the themes of Twilight by MorbidZoo if anyone’s curious
🎃 love your vlogs so much!!
thank you anna :') coming from you that means so much!
Meaning can be a product of writing, rather than the motivator. It's still valid. I recommend watching Local Script Mans videos about character and theme, I think his stuff is really helpful!
Can you make a video about how you organize and start a book in depth in scrinever please? :)
Absolutely sure that Twilight was definitely expressing Mormonism haha. But I do think they usually end up being about something, if you have nothing that you're expressing even through the characters, then are you sure you're even connecting with them? That you know them? If my characters aren't expressing something I'm pissed about or find important, then I know that my book is missing problems and conflict. And sometimes those things can be really small scale!
It doesn't sound like you definitely need a break from your project. A new project is always so fun!!
you're so right about twilight lol and i said this in now way to demean twilight or fourth wing (I love those books). and yes! that's my biggest problem is that i'm having such a hard time connecting to the characters. i'm still unsure of the story i'm trying to tell. it began as one thing and then, as i wrote, i realized that wasn't the real story at all. it's something else that i can't quite figure out. i think just a little time away from it will help to clear the mind (:
The great thing about stories is that we as readers can prescribe meaning to them. For example, you mentioned Fourth Wing which got me through a very dark time today. As writers we have the ability to use our stories to talk about themes and things we care about or think matter but when the book is in the hands of readers they will give it their own meanings. What we take from stories (and put into them as writers) are based on our experiences as individuals. I think larger meaning can be added and highlighted as you move through the writing process but I don’t think writers need to go into a story with a higher purpose. “Because I want to tell this story” is just as valid as a why that has a higher purpose.
That's such a great way to put it! I feel like my relationship with books/reading has changed since i started writing and not for the best. It's like I've begun to look at marketability instead of simply enjoying stories for simply being. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and watching 🤍
🎃🎃 Having to shelve a project sucks, but I hope you get joy out of writing this new one. I always love starting something new 🥰
it does indeed but i feel so inspired by this one that i think it's a good move. and i know I'll come back to the old project one day(: thanks so much for watching!
I've read a whole mess of books and my answer to "do books need a bigger message/commentary to make an impact/be successful" is NO. Books that stay with me can be due to a variety of reasons (i.e. I connect with the character, unique plot, adore the prose) and rarely do those reasons ever overlap for the same book. I'd say, write what makes you happy because you're never going to make every reader happy. So many love Fourth Wing and it might be one of the worst books I've ever read, but hey, that's just not the type of book I usually gravitate towards. So be selfish. Write for you and no one else. You will find your readers :)
🎃🎃🎃 loved this sweet vidéo!
🎃🎃🎃 I have also been struggling with my own ideas and what I actually want to write right now. So nice to see a perspective where someone is really taking that into account and making writing a sustainable pursuit!
yes! keeping writing sustainable is what it's all about.
I think that whether or not you intend to put a theme into your story, one will show up in your writing simply because you as an individual have values and moral convictions. One thing I try to keep in mind as I write is that my characters may have different values and morals than I do, and I need to make sure that they behave in a way that is consistent with those values and convictions. 🎃🍂🍁
🎃 Really appreciate seeing how you plan a story out. A lot of videos I see are just too general for me. I am also realizing the story I'm working on might not publish worthy because I don't have enough understanding of the subjects yet.
thanks for the feedback! sometimes i worry i'm still being too vague but i just try to share what works for me. as for stories being publish worthy, someone else in the comments mentioned that a story can be publish worthy simply because you want to tell it. if you're willing to but in the time, energy, research, and thought into the craft, I think we can all get there (: thanks so so much for watching and sharing your thoughts! 💚
Loved this set up! I do a similar process but not in Notion 🎃
yes! it's very much whimsigoth, which is my favorite genre of art so it's no surprise i ended up writing a story like that lol
Pausing at 0:46 because you accidentally said “I’m so excited to be Black” and this made me crack up laughing! (I’m Black. Not offended or anything. I just find it hilarious.) 😂
I KNOW OMG i watched it back and was like...."girl, are you ok?" 😂
I don't feel as lonely now 😭
🎃 Best of luck with your novella project!🎃
I think for me books should have meaning because I think writing is quick to get lost if there's not a meaning. I don't like reading something and not have meaning because it just makes me go what's the point of me reading this? I think while Twilight, Fourth Wing, etc don't have meaning like Hunger Games or classics like idk the Great Gatsby doesn't mean they lack meaning fully. I don't like twilight and forth wing so it's hard for me to find meaning in those things, but for people whose favorite book that is could most likely tell you a meaning, like Bella dealing with grief and Fourth Wing deals with war I believe? So even if it isn't THAT deep there's still something there. At least imo 😊
the responses to the question i posed have been so different and varied and the conversation that's arisen is incredible! i love hearing how you all view and assign "meaning" to the stories you read. thanks so much for providing your input! it means a lot! 💚
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I don't feel that books need a deeper meaning, books can be enjoyed just as they are. There is no shame is shelving a concept until you feel you are in a position to do it justice.
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I think that stories do have to have meaning, but it isn't up to the author to find or define. Authors should focus on themes, such as family trauma or lost love, but readers are the ones to discover any meaning in the text.
No, it doesn't matter!
You don't need to write to speak about something and address some bigger topic. In fact, I think it might be more controversial that you'd be using your platform to do that. Too many authors try to slap on meanings these days and while that's cool, I think it also largely depends on the story itself that you're trying to tell - the story, not the message. Are you only writing a story for this message? What would happen if you stopped focusing so much on this message, and more on telling the story?
this came to me at the perfect time .. i haven't felt like i've had the heart that my current wip needs and deserves 🥺🤍 i love your character graphics! did you make them yourself?
i made the mood boards myself but i got most of the pictures off pinterest/canva! i'm planning on doing a video where i share how i put them together!
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