Thank you for this. This will help on second book. I did a bit too much pantsing on the first one. And yes!!! Physical flash cards work so well for some reason.
One question I have for you----among many others, possibly----Vivien, Is what exactly DO these, "flash-cards," look like, and how do properly go about making them?
I always use the back of old business cards as mini-flashcards. They're very mobile & just feel like the right size. Also love making use of those hundreds of cards gathering dust!
Hi Vivien. For the past couple of years I've been working on my first novel (a sci-fi thriller) but lately I'd been really struggling to find the motivation to write. I was just filled with self-doubt, to be honest. Then I found your videos, and I found them super helpful. Your tips and guidance are fantastic, and you've encouraged me to start writing again. Thanks to you, I've finally made it past 100,000 words! So I just wanted to say thank you for helping me get my inspiration back! :)
Just added you a couple of weeks ago your videos are great couldn’t find a better writing guide on UA-cam, looking forward to catching up to your current video
Vivien - great work, as usual. I particularly enjoyed the part about the Conclusion. It can often seem like the story just fizzles out after the climax, but there are important story elements in there (or at least there should be). You mentioned the wrapping up of the change your main character is going through, and that's well put. I might add that there should/could be some form of closure or validation related to the main character's original motivation, etc. Regardless, I really enjoy your videos. Keep it up!
Thanks for the tips, I'm beginning to let loose my ideas and stop holding them back and this has been a very useful tool to organize the ideas and continue the story line with sense and to not deviate the plot from the main goal.
Excellent video. I've watched/read from a bunch of sources on this subject, this video was a great refresher and very concise. Definitely informative for those new to this as well. I am happy I found your channel!
I found this very helpful, thanks! A few thoughts about terms, for consistency elsewhere: Your Catalysts are what I've seen called Plot Points. I think the 8 you are calling Plot Points are more like Beats or Major Events. What you call the Anti-Hero is I believe, usually termed an Antagonist. An Anti-Hero is a type of hero, who usually does NOT achieve a clear win at the end, e.g. a Noir detective or Rick in "Casablanca." This way your advice will sync up with other teachers like Syd Field. I'll be viewing a bunch of your videos, I can tell!
I really enjoyed this outlining method. Just went ahead and applied it to my novel and it's much more efficient than my more haphazard ways of the past.
Thanks Vivien for another great video. Still stuck on the brainstorming part. Yeah, I know.. been super busy and working night shifts kills my creative juices. Hope you expand this passed the outlining stages into a A to Z on writing. First class stuff.
I enjoyed all of it, especially the general outline of a combative hero's journey you gave as an example in stage 3. Not my cup of tea for a Noir and Cyberpunk and Romantic Poem buff (Romance as in Poems inspired by the movement Romanticism in previous works such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) which don't often have a clear antagonist. Though I suppose the Hero's Journey being the most common story- and most marketable- is a good example to post. I doubt half of anyone reading my comment has read the poem I mentioned prior. Still awesome.
This is amazing advice! Thank you! Although I need to modify the formula you’ve introduced because my current project does not include a straight hero vrs. villain plotline, but a less actioned-packed personal journey for the protagonist. However, I now have a place to start.
Hey ^^ I still did not get the flashcard thing ? can you axplain it again for dummis like me ? The rest of the video was absolutly helpfull, thank you very much :D
Hiya, i love your way of teaching! so helpful! i'm writing a romance and am wondering if this would fit my genre? i don't have an obvious antagonist and the story doesn't fit this plan so well. i love it, but am wondering if you'd go by a different plan for romance? i've always been a pantser so am pretty new to actually planning it haha! thanks :)
Abbie Persson Maybe instead of an antagonist it could be a threat in the relationship, such as a lie. I don’t know if this is too late but that would really invest readers in their relationship.
This formular came at just the right moment! Thank you so much! I have a question though. Do your supporting characters have to follow the formular "strictly" aligned with the protagonist, since I had hoped for the supporting character to be the initial drive to get the protagonist out on his journey after his initial breaking point? Should I perhaps try and find another guiding vessel for their journey to be initiated? Also come to think of it, if I have the driving force come from the supportibg character, will that incentivise him to be the "leader" despite the protagonist actually becoming the leader, or is that "allowed" if I dynamically make the protagonist find his strength and assume the leader role? (Trying to write my first story and getting anything down on my outline looks soooo terrifying... especially because in note forms the plot look a bit dull :( - also I might be a peasant and haven't noticed this sort of video, but could you advice on or make a video about the concept of story problem/series problem in a bit more depth? Like the transitioning from a satisfying story problem solution to a new story beginning?) Oh yeah... I totally am a peasant since I've only ever read like a couple of books. I am going through the harry potter series now though and absolutely love it! - Don't kill me, I am sad I haven't been reading more through my life :( Thanks in advance for any constructive replies :-)
Vivien Reis, first of all: love your videos! Second: what advice would you give to someone who took a long break from not looking at a story after two drafts yet now he's having trouble getting back in the groove of this particular story? The goal is to go over it one more time to polish it up for publishing, yet as he starts to review it...he finds his heart is not in it? It's like I go into it with fresh ideas/hopes, yet they don't feel like they fit...sorry if that's confusing.
Question - I'm struggling to get stuff into the first 20% of the novel before catalyst 1 - should this just be set up / world building? Don't really understand
Thank you Vivien. I do have a question. I feel guilty when I can write the outline of my novel in just a matter of minutes. Will that also affect the quality of my story?
Thank you so much! I'm creating a playlist of good writing tips for my friend, who's starting to get into writing. Like, she started brainstorming for the first time yesterday. Although you ramble a bit, this is very informative and helped me quite a bit! :)
This video is super helpful, but I am having a hard time creating all of these steps with an antagonist. All these bad things are happening to the protagonist, so a lot of what the antagonist actually wants is coming true. If my antagonist is also a POV, how do I go about doing this?
Lucas Shirley I think it’s just how you can physically move them around and edit them to fit each scene into the story in a better way, and you can read them out loud and at each gap between cards, you can ask yourself “now does this scene fit here? Has it been linked to? Does it link to the next one well?” If yes to all three, move on. If no, edit.
Loved this video (as always) and you, but this could've done a whole lot better without the cussing. I know it sounds so elementary, but I watch your videos because all of the other channels just cuss every other word and it gets so annoying (and because you're just better). Please don't turn into that!
Is it weird that I was taking notes during the whole thing? Love your work ethic, and delivery! Teach on!!
I did too
Same :D
Brom Harlock nah, I did the same lol
i did too lol
Same
Thank you for this. This will help on second book. I did a bit too much pantsing on the first one. And yes!!! Physical flash cards work so well for some reason.
Have your finished your second book yet cuz its been 4 years now
One question I have for you----among many others, possibly----Vivien, Is what exactly DO these, "flash-cards," look like, and how do properly go about making them?
I really liked your layout of plot points! Even though I'm a plantser, this is extremely helpful. So happy to get multiple videos from you lately!
I always use the back of old business cards as mini-flashcards. They're very mobile & just feel like the right size. Also love making use of those hundreds of cards gathering dust!
Finally a Vivien who spells there name with an E and not an A! This actually makes me so happy, and I found this very helpful. Thanks :)
Thank you so much, I’m trying to start my journey as a writer and you’ve been a tremendous help in communicating what’s really important!
Hi Vivien. For the past couple of years I've been working on my first novel (a sci-fi thriller) but lately I'd been really struggling to find the motivation to write. I was just filled with self-doubt, to be honest. Then I found your videos, and I found them super helpful. Your tips and guidance are fantastic, and you've encouraged me to start writing again. Thanks to you, I've finally made it past 100,000 words! So I just wanted to say thank you for helping me get my inspiration back! :)
Bigfoots Son Search for The Story Grid Podcast. Its really useful.
This just helped me realize I know exactly what I'm doing and I'm so excited to finish my book. Thank you.
Same I did some of this not knowing it was right or not, but there was somethings I definatley learnt like the 8 steps to your characters.
I'm really excited to use your formula because it fits my novel's plot like a glove, especially the 3 catalysts. Thank you so much :D
Just added you a couple of weeks ago your videos are great couldn’t find a better writing guide on UA-cam, looking forward to catching up to your current video
Hi, can you do a video about about coming up with a Title for your Novel? Thanks!
Dyson West yes! That would help so much
Just posted one the other day 😊
Vivien - great work, as usual. I particularly enjoyed the part about the Conclusion. It can often seem like the story just fizzles out after the climax, but there are important story elements in there (or at least there should be). You mentioned the wrapping up of the change your main character is going through, and that's well put. I might add that there should/could be some form of closure or validation related to the main character's original motivation, etc. Regardless, I really enjoy your videos. Keep it up!
your vibe it's amazing - love your content
Thanks for the tips, I'm beginning to let loose my ideas and stop holding them back and this has been a very useful tool to organize the ideas and continue the story line with sense and to not deviate the plot from the main goal.
Excellent video. I've watched/read from a bunch of sources on this subject, this video was a great refresher and very concise. Definitely informative for those new to this as well. I am happy I found your channel!
I found this very helpful, thanks!
A few thoughts about terms, for consistency elsewhere:
Your Catalysts are what I've seen called Plot Points. I think the 8 you are calling Plot Points are more like Beats or Major Events.
What you call the Anti-Hero is I believe, usually termed an Antagonist. An Anti-Hero is a type of hero, who usually does NOT achieve a clear win at the end, e.g. a Noir detective or Rick in "Casablanca."
This way your advice will sync up with other teachers like Syd Field.
I'll be viewing a bunch of your videos, I can tell!
I've had the absolute best time outlining my novel for Nanowrimo this year!
I'm planing to try flash cards on my latest work after watching your video. I've heard lots of good things about it and not a single bad thing
I really enjoyed this outlining method. Just went ahead and applied it to my novel and it's much more efficient than my more haphazard ways of the past.
Thanks Vivien for another great video. Still stuck on the brainstorming part. Yeah, I know.. been super busy and working night shifts kills my creative juices. Hope you expand this passed the outlining stages into a A to Z on writing. First class stuff.
I CAN'T STOP WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS!!
you're so helpful, i'm so glad i stumbled upon your channel!
I just watch Django, the outline you just went through is that movie all da way!
Thank you so much, this is so helpful!
Thanks for the great video, added you on Nano! Any extra motivation is always a bonus. Good luck with your own writing! :D
l really like your formula! Will try it for my upcoming script. l love your videos and the new layout. :) Thank you for your awesome advice.
Ive read Save the Cat. It’s great!!
I enjoyed all of it, especially the general outline of a combative hero's journey you gave as an example in stage 3. Not my cup of tea for a Noir and Cyberpunk and Romantic Poem buff (Romance as in Poems inspired by the movement Romanticism in previous works such as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight) which don't often have a clear antagonist. Though I suppose the Hero's Journey being the most common story- and most marketable- is a good example to post. I doubt half of anyone reading my comment has read the poem I mentioned prior. Still awesome.
This is amazing advice! Thank you! Although I need to modify the formula you’ve introduced because my current project does not include a straight hero vrs. villain plotline, but a less actioned-packed personal journey for the protagonist. However, I now have a place to start.
You're welcome! Happy writing!
@@VivienReis 9:49 9:51 😄👍🙌🙏
Honestly, this video helped me soooo, sooooo much! Thank you
I've watched a lot of "story plotting" videos but this one was really good!
Oh my gosh ur a life saver!!!! Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!
LOVE the story beats you use Vivien!! Just what I needed
Author Brittany Wang, good question! I wondered the same.
Hey ^^
I still did not get the flashcard thing ? can you axplain it again for dummis like me ?
The rest of the video was absolutly helpfull, thank you very much :D
Thank you, its helpful. 🤟
Lol "in post"
Thanks, that was super helpful!
Extremely helpful! Thanks!
Hiya, i love your way of teaching! so helpful! i'm writing a romance and am wondering if this would fit my genre? i don't have an obvious antagonist and the story doesn't fit this plan so well. i love it, but am wondering if you'd go by a different plan for romance? i've always been a pantser so am pretty new to actually planning it haha! thanks :)
Abbie Persson Maybe instead of an antagonist it could be a threat in the relationship, such as a lie.
I don’t know if this is too late but that would really invest readers in their relationship.
This formular came at just the right moment! Thank you so much! I have a question though. Do your supporting characters have to follow the formular "strictly" aligned with the protagonist, since I had hoped for the supporting character to be the initial drive to get the protagonist out on his journey after his initial breaking point? Should I perhaps try and find another guiding vessel for their journey to be initiated?
Also come to think of it, if I have the driving force come from the supportibg character, will that incentivise him to be the "leader" despite the protagonist actually becoming the leader, or is that "allowed" if I dynamically make the protagonist find his strength and assume the leader role?
(Trying to write my first story and getting anything down on my outline looks soooo terrifying... especially because in note forms the plot look a bit dull :( - also I might be a peasant and haven't noticed this sort of video, but could you advice on or make a video about the concept of story problem/series problem in a bit more depth? Like the transitioning from a satisfying story problem solution to a new story beginning?)
Oh yeah... I totally am a peasant since I've only ever read like a couple of books. I am going through the harry potter series now though and absolutely love it! - Don't kill me, I am sad I haven't been reading more through my life :(
Thanks in advance for any constructive replies :-)
Vivien Reis, first of all: love your videos! Second: what advice would you give to someone who took a long break from not looking at a story after two drafts yet now he's having trouble getting back in the groove of this particular story? The goal is to go over it one more time to polish it up for publishing, yet as he starts to review it...he finds his heart is not in it? It's like I go into it with fresh ideas/hopes, yet they don't feel like they fit...sorry if that's confusing.
Thank you sooo much this really helped me and keep doing youtube pleeaaseee
This is so good!!!
seven is my fav number
NO WAY! EIGHT IS MY FAVORITE NUMBER TOOOO
Beautiful Criatures cited
Question - I'm struggling to get stuff into the first 20% of the novel before catalyst 1 - should this just be set up / world building? Don't really understand
Formulas create predictability. I'm gonna go with instinct.
Do you need to write about the 8 points with a non-PoV character?
15 Beat sheet. Highly recommended
Thank you Vivien. I do have a question. I feel guilty when I can write the outline of my novel in just a matter of minutes. Will that also affect the quality of my story?
Are you doing nano this year?
Thanks in the day of instant gratification unfortunately people dont want large books
Thank you so much! I'm creating a playlist of good writing tips for my friend, who's starting to get into writing. Like, she started brainstorming for the first time yesterday. Although you ramble a bit, this is very informative and helped me quite a bit! :)
Can there are more than 8 plot points?
Thanks a loooot
Can this work of my antagonist is kinda just a supernatural force of nature for most of the plot
Donatello Lolos
Your protagonist has to fight against it at some point so yes
Sometimes I wonder if my stories are too dramatic. Is it such a bad thing though?
This video is super helpful, but I am having a hard time creating all of these steps with an antagonist. All these bad things are happening to the protagonist, so a lot of what the antagonist actually wants is coming true. If my antagonist is also a POV, how do I go about doing this?
hey can you help me for writing my story
What do the flashcards do?
Lucas Shirley
I think it’s just how you can physically move them around and edit them to fit each scene into the story in a better way, and you can read them out loud and at each gap between cards, you can ask yourself “now does this scene fit here? Has it been linked to? Does it link to the next one well?”
If yes to all three, move on. If no, edit.
Nabokov used flashcards or cards
Thanks for the video but this method didn't really click for me.
Appreciate the effort anyway
9:49 9:51😂🙌
OUTLINING IS TORTUREEEE!!!!!!!! (that is why i haven't really done it)
You look like Millie Brady from The Last Kingdom.
My 7th grade English teacher told me the plot elements are introduction, conflict, rising action, climax, resolution/denouement.
Freytag's Pyramid, right?
9:49 9:51
Loved this video (as always) and you, but this could've done a whole lot better without the cussing. I know it sounds so elementary, but I watch your videos because all of the other channels just cuss every other word and it gets so annoying (and because you're just better). Please don't turn into that!
I very rarely cuss in my videos 😊
I'm not mad, just asking if you would please not cuss on your videos. I like your videos and learn a lot.
You are gorgeous... omg
Stop being so dang pretty so I can pay attention!
Another Hero's Journey/Harmon Circle clone. And the original is not that good of an outline anyway.