I've got a strange/odd story to tell ya. One most people simply shake their heads at when I tell them about my writing, and why I write. You see, the basic fact is, I don't want to be a writer. I've always been a visual artist, drawing and painting, and not liking writing at all. In fact, I hated it when I was younger and in school. Anyway, when I was 23 and in college, I started working on a story as a pass-time. I had in mind to make it into a graphic novel, if I did anything with it at all. It was one of those things I worked on when life allowed, working up character profiles and descriptions, doing research on various things that were a part of it, and laying out the story in general. I did this for quite a number of years, and worked on sketches and drawings to help set what I wanted it to look like. And then somewhere in there, a few years ago, I looked at everything I had done, all the material I had accumulated... and realised there was no way in hell I'd ever get through drawing all of that out in a way that would make sense. It was just too much work for any one person to do. Plus I'd still have to script the thing out. So... I collected all my notes, dusted off my word processing program, and started typing. That was just a few years ago, and I have something on the order of 500,000 words done, and maybe another 400,000 to go. It will certainly have to be broken up into shorter volumes, and I have no idea when or if I'll ever get it done. But at this point, I simply want it out of my head and out where the rest of the world can see it. It's more or less a personal challenge to get it done in some form and not simply have it disappear with me, whenever I finally give up the ghost and call it a life. I mean, can anyone really see letting what is almost 35 years of work at this point simply be for nothing? So there ya go; my reason for writing is that I trapped myself into it by intending to do something altogether different. lol Oh, and I have let several people read what I have finished in the last couple of years, and so far no one has said it was horrible. In fact everyone has encouraged me to finish and publish it.
Not as strange/odd as you may think. Many visual artists become writers (and vice versa). There is something about the creative mind that cannot contain itself and the floodgates open. There is no stopping it and it finds expression in many mediums. You are wise in breaking up your work in smaller portions. I's suggest you find a chunk of 80,000-100,000 words and focus on editing that down to novel of 60,000-80,000 words. Focus on that one novel is the key. When that is complete, you can mine other gold in the tailings of what you have mined. Best wishing for competing at least one novel.
@@VelocityWriting - Thanks for the response. At this point, my goal is to finish out the entire story, then cut it up into the appropriately-sized chunks. I already know that each segment will require at least some re-writing, along with even more editing. ( I currently use a process where I go back and edit everything I've written every now and then, in addition to editing the last couple of chapters once I take a break from writing. I think I probably spend more time editing than I do writing, most days. lol ) Anyway, I know that even for as far as I've gotten, I still have a very long way to go with the whole process. In the end, the one real bright spot is that when I'm finished, I won't have just one novel, I'll likely have at least half a dozen. ...and hopefully won't be too old to appreciate the accomplishment. 😬 P.S. There's one thing about this story or world I've created that I can't decide if is a good thing or bad; The more I write, the more it seems to write itself. That's the good. The part I think could be a bad thing is that it shows no sign of stopping. I think I could literally write about this world forever, and not run out of things to say.
Dear D.L.Hughes, I just discovered your channel and subscribed about a week ago. It does help. It does inspire me. I have clicked 👍🏼 every time. But this thumb-up is insufficient to say “thank you.” This is a good occasion, for this and for all the previous videos. Thank you!
Your videos are enlightening! I've been writing for 5 years, and have observed my skills enhance dramatically with the art of repetition, and honing my skills. I daydream and create my novels like a film reel in my head. I use actors from my country who I can envision in the role of my protagonist, and this gives my storytelling so much punch when you have the vision on top. Your videos are helping me integrate and fuse even more into my writing. Thank you very much
Intention only reaches a reader that is capable of understanding or accepting that writer's intention, what most "writers" forget is that it is a collaborative effort between themselves and the reader. If your focus is on creating the best story possible, in both fiction or non-fiction, that is truly all you can strive for, the reception lies with(in) the reader. Money, fame, and everything else that may or may not follow is incidental at best. My favourite part of this video was when you were describing Paddle to the Sea; there was a palpable excitement as you related the story and its effects on you. The STORY superceded the ephemera of other aspects you highlighted throughout your video.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Sorry, we're going to have to disagree about "collaborative effort" with the reader. It is the responsibility of the writer to "enchant" the reader (please see ua-cam.com/video/WQUGTnagn9c/v-deo.html). Readers, by their nature, almost always resist allowing their consciousness to be altered. The responsibility falls on the writer. Writing is more like fishing than anything else. The angler's bait and technique must be excellent because the fish has other things on its mind and is disinclined to jump into the boat.
These videos are very helpful. Not all "authortube" videos go this deep and have this quality of content. I'm glad that your channel is growing, your content is valuable and unique. Thanks!
Hi..four years ago I watched these videos...completed a Novel Writing Diploma..and started serious writing. my dream was to..one day..read my OWN BOOKS. Currently completing 2nd and 3rd books.. Thankyou so much!!
I decided that I will FOCUS on or my intention will be to research in order to solve problems, mainly in topic areas of goal-setting and accomplishment and metaphysics and New Thought. And I will present my findings or solutions via writing. My focus is also NOT for approval (anymore) but when I write, I will write for myself to solve my own problems. If I find it solves my problems or increases my understanding, then it should also be of VALUE to others, which will as a BYPRODUCT make me successful. But I will no longer pursue success as the main thing in itself. (I also decided I will let go of the other writing genres I previously considered, such as children's picture book writing, poetry writing (though I took a poetry course and recently had a poem published) and no longer pursue them. This way, I will have more energy and time to devote to my FOCUS as stated in previous paragraph.
Yes! I am a writer, a creative, an artist, and this channel is so-o-o refreshing! It has helped me give myself permission to refer to myself as all of the above : )
Thank you Sir ; Please keep the great work you are doing on your videos. I like them very much . You are helping to finally start writing the thought and adventures of my life. You made it easy for me to think and take action towards writing my life stories. Thanks again.
Thank you for your website and all the time you've spent putting it together. I discovered it yesterday and spent a few hours mining your gems. Will be a regular from here on. Very much appreciated.
I just stumbled across your UA-cam channel, and I'm so happy that I did! Thank you for sharing your advice and wisdom on writing. It is very inspirational. I'm definitely subscribing, keep up the good work!
I write the kind of books that I would like to read. When people compliment me on my writing, it feels really good, but that’s not the main reason why I write. Overall, money is not my primary concern, but if I have to make money to live, I might as well earn it from my passion.
The individual who is determined to write ONLY for self is welcome to fill a thousand diaries with material that fails to communicate with the world around him/her.
I've got a strange/odd story to tell ya. One most people simply shake their heads at when I tell them about my writing, and why I write.
You see, the basic fact is, I don't want to be a writer.
I've always been a visual artist, drawing and painting, and not liking writing at all.
In fact, I hated it when I was younger and in school.
Anyway, when I was 23 and in college, I started working on a story as a pass-time.
I had in mind to make it into a graphic novel, if I did anything with it at all.
It was one of those things I worked on when life allowed, working up character profiles and descriptions, doing research on various things that were a part of it, and laying out the story in general.
I did this for quite a number of years, and worked on sketches and drawings to help set what I wanted it to look like.
And then somewhere in there, a few years ago, I looked at everything I had done, all the material I had accumulated... and realised there was no way in hell I'd ever get through drawing all of that out in a way that would make sense. It was just too much work for any one person to do.
Plus I'd still have to script the thing out.
So... I collected all my notes, dusted off my word processing program, and started typing.
That was just a few years ago, and I have something on the order of 500,000 words done, and maybe another 400,000 to go.
It will certainly have to be broken up into shorter volumes, and I have no idea when or if I'll ever get it done.
But at this point, I simply want it out of my head and out where the rest of the world can see it. It's more or less a personal challenge to get it done in some form and not simply have it disappear with me, whenever I finally give up the ghost and call it a life.
I mean, can anyone really see letting what is almost 35 years of work at this point simply be for nothing?
So there ya go; my reason for writing is that I trapped myself into it by intending to do something altogether different. lol
Oh, and I have let several people read what I have finished in the last couple of years, and so far no one has said it was horrible. In fact everyone has encouraged me to finish and publish it.
Not as strange/odd as you may think. Many visual artists become writers (and vice versa). There is something about the creative mind that cannot contain itself and the floodgates open. There is no stopping it and it finds expression in many mediums.
You are wise in breaking up your work in smaller portions. I's suggest you find a chunk of 80,000-100,000 words and focus on editing that down to novel of 60,000-80,000 words. Focus on that one novel is the key. When that is complete, you can mine other gold in the tailings of what you have mined. Best wishing for competing at least one novel.
@@VelocityWriting - Thanks for the response.
At this point, my goal is to finish out the entire story, then cut it up into the appropriately-sized chunks.
I already know that each segment will require at least some re-writing, along with even more editing.
( I currently use a process where I go back and edit everything I've written every now and then, in addition to editing the last couple of chapters once I take a break from writing.
I think I probably spend more time editing than I do writing, most days. lol )
Anyway, I know that even for as far as I've gotten, I still have a very long way to go with the whole process.
In the end, the one real bright spot is that when I'm finished, I won't have just one novel, I'll likely have at least half a dozen.
...and hopefully won't be too old to appreciate the accomplishment. 😬
P.S. There's one thing about this story or world I've created that I can't decide if is a good thing or bad; The more I write, the more it seems to write itself.
That's the good.
The part I think could be a bad thing is that it shows no sign of stopping. I think I could literally write about this world forever, and not run out of things to say.
I am 67 and write because I love it. I am increasing my speed and wrote 10.000 words in 38 hours
Dear D.L.Hughes, I just discovered your channel and subscribed about a week ago. It does help. It does inspire me. I have clicked 👍🏼 every time. But this thumb-up is insufficient to say “thank you.” This is a good occasion, for this and for all the previous videos. Thank you!
And thank you so much for being so helpful to us all!!
Comments like this fuel my soul. Thank you.
Your videos are enlightening! I've been writing for 5 years, and have observed my skills enhance dramatically with the art of repetition, and honing my skills. I daydream and create my novels like a film reel in my head. I use actors from my country who I can envision in the role of my protagonist, and this gives my storytelling so much punch when you have the vision on top. Your videos are helping me integrate and fuse even more into my writing. Thank you very much
Intention only reaches a reader that is capable of understanding or accepting that writer's intention, what most "writers" forget is that it is a collaborative effort between themselves and the reader. If your focus is on creating the best story possible, in both fiction or non-fiction, that is truly all you can strive for, the reception lies with(in) the reader. Money, fame, and everything else that may or may not follow is incidental at best.
My favourite part of this video was when you were describing Paddle to the Sea; there was a palpable excitement as you related the story and its effects on you. The STORY superceded the ephemera of other aspects you highlighted throughout your video.
Thank you for your kind remarks. Sorry, we're going to have to disagree about "collaborative effort" with the reader. It is the responsibility of the writer to "enchant" the reader (please see ua-cam.com/video/WQUGTnagn9c/v-deo.html). Readers, by their nature, almost always resist allowing their consciousness to be altered. The responsibility falls on the writer. Writing is more like fishing than anything else. The angler's bait and technique must be excellent because the fish has other things on its mind and is disinclined to jump into the boat.
These videos are very helpful. Not all "authortube" videos go this deep and have this quality of content. I'm glad that your channel is growing, your content is valuable and unique. Thanks!
Hi..four years ago I watched these videos...completed a Novel Writing Diploma..and started serious writing. my dream was to..one day..read my OWN BOOKS.
Currently completing 2nd and 3rd books..
Thankyou so much!!
I'm glad I have helped encourage you, even if only in small ways. Keep at it!
Absolutely agree! Thanks for the advice.
I decided that I will FOCUS on or my intention will be to research in order to solve problems, mainly in topic areas of goal-setting and accomplishment and metaphysics and New Thought. And I will present my findings or solutions via writing. My focus is also NOT for approval (anymore) but when I write, I will write for myself to solve my own problems. If I find it solves my problems or increases my understanding, then it should also be of VALUE to others, which will as a BYPRODUCT make me successful. But I will no longer pursue success as the main thing in itself.
(I also decided I will let go of the other writing genres I previously considered, such as children's picture book writing, poetry writing (though I took a poetry course and recently had a poem published) and no longer pursue them. This way, I will have more energy and time to devote to my FOCUS as stated in previous paragraph.
Speaking for myself. I appreciate your videos because I am interested in writing and your videos have been the best online tool. Thank you.
Thank you for your encouragement.
I really love listening to your videos...I am an aspiring writer...plz post videos on nonfiction writing, eg- memoirs....
Wow...Thank you so much!
Yes! I am a writer, a creative, an artist, and this channel is so-o-o refreshing! It has helped me give myself permission to refer to myself as all of the above : )
Paddle to the Sea! Such a lovely book. Thanks for another super video. Off to check out your website. :)
Thank you Sir ;
Please keep the great work you are doing on your videos. I like them very much . You are helping to finally start writing the thought and adventures of my life.
You made it easy for me to think and take action towards writing my life stories.
Thanks again.
Thank you for all of these videos! 🖤 They are fantastic and I have learned so much.
Thank you for your website and all the time you've spent putting it together. I discovered it yesterday and spent a few hours mining your gems. Will be a regular from here on. Very much appreciated.
I just stumbled across your UA-cam channel, and I'm so happy that I did! Thank you for sharing your advice and wisdom on writing. It is very inspirational. I'm definitely subscribing, keep up the good work!
Welcome!
I write the kind of books that I would like to read. When people compliment me on my writing, it feels really good, but that’s not the main reason why I write. Overall, money is not my primary concern, but if I have to make money to live, I might as well earn it from my passion.
Same. Thanks!
Why is this guy so quickly likeable and immediately familiar?
Help others...l like it@
Well I’m glad you make videos, they’re great and have inspired me 👏🏻
I'm glad they inspire you. Thank you for sharing that.
I just recently found your channel. Thank you for your great work! Greetings from Sweden
Thank you! Greetings to you from Southern California.
Self esteem and self respect. Of course it’s always nice to be paid.
True. Nothing bolsters self-esteem and self-respect like getting cash for your creativity.
Emily Dickenson, There is no greater frigate than a book to carry you far from where you are.
The individual who is determined to write ONLY for self is welcome to fill a thousand diaries with material that fails to communicate with the world around him/her.