I honestly can’t wrap my head around the fact that you have a full time job, an active UA-cam channel, and a traditional publishing career. It feels like you must be the most productive human on earth!
One thing that I’ve done that’s helped me with my first draft is talking about it with my husband. This is less to get his opinion and more to hear how my book/ ideas sound out loud. Through that I’ve occasionally noticed certain subplots or ideas that didn’t make sense or were missing an element to them that I needed to work on. I think just hearing myself speak about (and getting questions from my husband every so often) helped me creating enough suspense, guiding my readers and even with world & character development!
I'm definitely the hopping and procrastinating drafter. Mostly because I tend to forget that rough drafts aren't supposed to be perfect. Thus, I decided to stick to my current draft until I actually finish it, even if it sucks in the end. At least I'll be able to learn from a complete process and have an actual finished draft under my belt. It's different for everyone, but consuming authortube videos, and writing craft content (books, blogs, etc) gives me the "want to write" hand wiggles and helps me not procrastinate. Putting on writing sprints and live write ins can be useful as well!
I'm 16k words into my "palate cleanser" project at the moment. I completed a 90k+ word first draft of another book, but put it on the back burner for the time being because not only does it have a ton of issues, but it's also YA sci-fi, and we all know what the market is like for those right now. :P My main fear is that my new WIP will take me as long to write as my first attempted book did (i.e., multiple years). I'm turning 35 this year and feel awfully anxious seeing all the 20-somethings out there who already have multiple books under their belts.
I totally understand what you mean, I'm 30, and it's taking me multiple years to finish a novel (still needs a ton of work and is frankly mentally exhausting) I've realized that that finishing a much shorter project would mean the world to me, and I shouldn't be afraid to write a novella. Beginning something with the goal of 30k or even 20k and FINISHING it (even in one weekend if I pushed myself) would mean so much for my writer self esteem.
I totally feel you! I'm 30 and my dream, since being a kid, was being a novelist. Life got in the way, unfortunately, and seeing all the young people with their bibliography does make me feel a bit bad about myself. BUT! What's important is not what other people do or achieve, but what YOU do. Because I was too anxious to go full-on novel writing with how my schedule is (work, family time, caring for a toddler, etc.), I chose to concentrate myself on a smaller goal: writing a collection of short stories about mythological creatures from around the world (mythology
Market for genre's like YA Sci-fi, are always come and gone before anyone knows it. The market for such a book is measured in months not years and if you are traditionally published, you are either really lucky or you hit the right day - not month or season - but, day. to submit and get it on the shelf before the market is over. It is better to just avoid the YA Sci-fi, by making it adult.
I'm 34 too. I just started writing novels this past year. I know so many writers (we write strictly for entertainment - what I call "throw away" novels. So nothing literary, just a good, fun story.) who haven't started writing novels until they were in their 30's and are making a living writing. Don't be anxious. It's never too late. There's even more authors who published their first book after retirement. The biggest mistake in life is thinking it's too late or you're too old. Though, 90k+ book! Wow. I do 40k - 60k. Guess it depends on genre
When I first started in like...1999 I was a fanfiction writer, that's all I did and I wrote just Sailor moon crossovers (yes, it's okay to laugh) I had like 50 ideas going on at the same time so I very much connect with the first point. When I finished that first one there was such a rush and it made me realize which projects were worth continuing and which had nothing to stand on, since then I wrote an original novel that ended up being REALLY bad and did a palette cleanser with writing adult books (and surprise that's my niche I had no clue) and my first adult book was ironically one of my more successful fanfictions but I think I did a really good job filing away the serial numbers on all of it, it could be better but the common person wouldn't be able to see the inspiration I had. Anyway, the reason I'm rambling is that after that project and a few other original ideas (because as I wrote I started to get the hang of things like pacing and with every book I challenged myself on something I struggled with to be the focus) is that I went back to that original work that I first did and am rewriting it and it's an entirely different beast and just so much stronger and works better than that it was. My main issue is getting out of the first draft stage to really iron my work down, I've tried so many editing processes and nothing sticks for me, I'm about to break everything down into a dozen folders and list what goes on each chapter in terms of plot, pacing, characters, sub plots, powers, timeline etc etc etc I rambled far too long, but thank you for this. I felt this entire video so much and if I would have had access to this when I first started writing I would have saved myself SO MANY YEARS of ineffective writing. I really hope people take your advice and save themselves from the same frustrations and time wastings. Thanks for everything you do you're an inspiration and I always stop everything to watch your videos because you're one of the more relatable people on author tube
Oh gosh I agree...I've met so many people on FB that make their "finally finished" announcement but say they took 7 years to write it... worse, when they are looking for help with their plot and they've been working on it for 10 years!
Young people that have been working on the same world for 5 years and have only 20k to show. Sometines telling you they have 100.000 years of history in their story and 5 story ideas in that world but just never work them out.
8:55 This part was really interesting, because at the moment I am writing (yes, WRITING) a story based on a show I love, and I've just recently left my fandom, but now I'm so happy because my story can stand on its own! I made so many changes to the original show that it was based on that now it's not even the same thing.
The best piece of advice I got when I was too timid to start drafting original fiction after being a fanfic writer was "thinking about writing is not writing". It sounds so obvious but it was the kick in the butt I needed to actually commit words to paper and not just daydream about the idea constantly.
YES TO NANOWRIMO. I was number 1 and wasn't making traction on a single project but kept hopping. Doing Nanowrimo in 2018 was what helped me because I didn't have time to get distracted by a shiny new idea XD. The more I wrote the more I realized that I COULD write. I had subconsciously decided I was the person who "could never finish anything" and every day I was proving that lie wrong. It was super hard though, and I haven't done Nano since but I also haven't given up on the manuscript and am now a girl who can complete novels :D I've also been the one who takes notes and notes and notes and never writes... and moving on was it exactly what I needed to do. Their wasn't enough story there despite all meticulous "planning". And thanks for the shout-out. It wasn't expected but I appreciate it.
"if you're not ready to move away from your fandom, are you ready to write original fiction" i'd say that depends on the writer tbh, i wrote exclusively fanfic for a looong time before i started writing original stuff and i don't necessarily think it has to be one or the other. i'm writing a lot of original stuff now but i still write fic on the side for fun, you know? i definitely think there's a comfort zone there and sometimes it is hard to take a step back, but i think you can still love fandom and be involved and be able to write original works as well, it just takes some prioritising. also, writing AUs helps 😂 cos it's a LOT harder to change a fic substantively if it's grounded in a specific universe rather than if you've just plonked the characters in a coffee shop or made them into lawyers or something haha
Hi Alexa, don't know if you'll see this. I really enjoy your videos. Finding you on UA-cam at the beginning of October is actually what pushed me to finally finish my outline, which I had been struggling on for years. But something you seemed to have left out for points 2 and 3 is the problem not being the story someone is working on for gobs of time, but with their understanding of the writing process. I've been working on my current WIP for 8.5 years now. I only made a coherent outline and started writing a clear first draft this past October/November. The reason for all that time had little to do with the story I was writing. It had almost everything to do with me not understanding how character arcs work to drive the story (among other outlining and structure truths I've learned in the past four months). The other big reason is that I came up the idea for, and starting writing my current story when I was 14. Being that I'm now 22, while the original germ of idea is the same, the character development and events are almost unrecognizable. Your channel gave me the motivation to get ready in time for NaNo, you also led me to Save the Cat - which changed EVERYTHING for me as a writer. I am now almost up to my break into 3, and I'm really proud of everything I've written in this draft so far. So to conclude, I understand where your advice in this video is coming from, but there's a difference between ruminating over the same story for years because of attachment issues and sticking with a story for years while you try to figure out how you're supposed to write a book - any book.
I have a book idea from when I was twelve and I’m so attached to it. I know it can be something good but also that I don’t know what I’m doing well enough to finish it yet. I put it on the back burner and started a new novel for camp nanowrimo so I can just finish something that I’m less attached to. After this, I’ll probably finish some other WIPs before returning to my childhood idea so maybe I’ll be a good enough writer to execute it.
I have quite a few unfinished drafts, but I generally only have to put 3k words on paper or spend maybe three hours on something before I know whether a project is worth it or not.
I came to the realization that I had been working on the same novel for 6 years. I'd re-written it from scratch three times. Have never gotten to the point of querying. While I still love the story (and am gonna continue revising) I recently decided to start something brand new. And it is incredibly difficult. It's completely different from that story I worked on for 6 years (from age 16-22). I saw your video a while back where you talked about young writers working on stuff from when they were 16 and I felt SOOOOO called out. XD While I still sorta have hope that the book could go somewhere in the future, I know that I need to actually try something else. I need to develop new characters, new story arcs, new STUFF. Or else I won't get better. I'll just get worse XD
Some potential problems (such as beginning character explanation, establishing a "language" of your book, or writing the bones of the story instead of details) will be shared, but readers might also have other potential problems depending on what you read. For example, a lot of fanfic -- particularly shorter fanfic -- attempts to cultivate an emotion like a song (e.g. fluff or angst) versus put different emotions in dialogue with one another like in a longer work (think "melancholy" in Because of Win Dixie). There could also be less of a process/plot-focus (i.e. what does this machine or power do) and more internal (psychological, emotional, or interpersonal) focus in fanfic. I've mostly seen these elements effect how I introduce characters and how I explain "what's" going on in my writing; I assume the audience knows more than they do.
Abe no Seirei I think writing an original novel isn’t harder per se, but fan fictions and original novels have different sets of problems. Fanfics have the luxury of already knowing who the characters are. Just tell us the setting and the plot and we’re good. Original novels need to explain who characters are and why we should care. I’m not sure if I answered your question, but I hope I helped!
I’m very much in favor of the draft-something-new advice. Not only will you gain new skills and perspective on your previous project, you’ll gain confidence in yourself. “I can do this! That first book wasn’t just a fluke!”
When I was stuck, it definitely helped to start another project. It helps to come up with new ideas and is a way I now deal with writers block. Even if the new project is just a short story it's a good thing to try :)
If you need to keep to a schedule: take a creative writing class that puts you on a schedule. Or even go to meetup writers group so you have to have something ready every week
Ah, project hopping... For the longest time, I thought I did that because I just was not ready, but the truth is, I was just not using the method that works for me: aka the ever present plotting vs. pantsing debate. I thought I was a pantser, and worked like one, but I'm not (ah, point 3, then, lol, just in the reverse). I need a structure, I need my ideas outlined so that I do not stray into a wormhole of side quests in my projects, lol. I'm planning to come back to 4 of those, because the ideas were great! And what I reread was good! Lots of potential... and I still remember where I want to go with them. I just need to finish the project I'm working on right now and when that first draft is done, it's back to brainstorming, plotting and outlining one of those. And plotting backwards seems like the way to go for the one I'm thinking of revisiting, honestly, because I KNOW what happens in the climax. It was because of THAT SCENE that I wanted to start writing it, but I was lost in how to go from point A to that scene, and I feel it with that first draft, lol. Anyway, yeah, brilliant idea. Oh boy, n°3... I relate so much... I've had an idea for a novel that's been in my head for more than 15 years... and erm... it's never been finished, nor really written down (just a few thousands words here and there over the years) but the way it evolved looks nothing like the idea I had as a teen, lol (which is good, because the original idea was very LOTR-esque with a big element from more urban fantasy). I'm scared to write that one, honestly, because 1) don't know what I want to do with it, 2) it's biiiiig, with lots of stuff and elements, 3) if I ever do decide to really write it, like really reaaaaally write it, it'll be a pain in the brainstorming and outlining phase, I just know it, lol, and, finally, 4) it's a mess, hahaha! And yeah, I write other things, because that one... that one... I'm not in a place where I'm able to write it, I think. Oh, the point about fanfiction so interesting to me, because I began dabbling into fanfiction AFTER first starting to write novels. It seems like the difference was seen by the readers, as they usually commented on the differences in the way I write compared to the usual fanfics of that particular fandom out there (in my mothertongue, though). I found the experience interesting for myself, because I didn't have to invent characters or a whole universe...
I have been writing my second novel since November 2019. I wanted to finish the first draft by the end of March, but it's likely to be end of April now. I hope Camp can push me to finish (i.e. write Act 3); my brain is currently tackling Act 2. Bad things definitely happen to my characters. My genre is thriller or murder mystery, draft 2 will finalise the genre. My first novel was from my college/early university days and is 65K words (written over 2-3 years) of rubbish.
I attempted NaNoWriMo last November and I actually managed to write the 50k! The problem? I scrapped the book afterwards. Rip all those hours of work, but at least I managed to develop a 1-2k-word daily average afterwards that I’ve managed to keep it up for two and a half months now.
That's how it works for most people. People might discard 3, 4, etc etc books before they find the right idea that works. It's never a waste because every word you write helps you get better.
One of my favorite writing quotes is by David Eddings: "Start early and work hard. A writer's apprenticeship usually involves writing a million words (which are then discarded) before he's almost ready to begin. That takes a while." Even the words you scrap are valuable experience. Keep at it!
I’m a Multiple stories I never finish/Stuck on same story for five years writer haha 😆 It’s so interesting to hear about the differences in writing process! For me, my “palette cleanser” is the book I’ve been stuck on forever. I kept changing the story or world but keeping my characters until I found something I was passionate enough to stick with. Sounds bizarre, but through all the different (and incomplete) drafts, I learned how to write better. I learned what worked for me. But I also HAD to learn that sometimes throwing away your favorite scenes and stories are necessary evils. I never would’ve gotten to where I am now if I held on to ideas that didn’t work and wasn’t open to throwing things away and starting fresh.
I need to work on a palate cleanser right now. I also agree i think i might be a pantser with a little outlining. I've finished a first draft but i'm struggling with revisions.
6:35 Thanks so much for pointing this out! More people like me need this shoved down their throats asap. I've actually discovered, a month ago, that I was one of the exact people you are describing here I'm very logical, I love abstract models of how things work, and fantasize grand plans for things all the time, so you'd think, or at least I thought for 3 years of intensely trying to develop my story telling skills, that outlining would be my method. But I never got any books even close to written. So at the beginning of this year I decided I would force myself to write, so I hit the books and had great success learning outlining strategies that actually just failed miserably. But luckily some advice had stuck "sometime you need to just write when you are stuck" I've been listening to a lot of Brandon Sanderson lectures lately, and he describes "discovery writers"/pantsers as outliners that write an outline that is longer than what the finished product will be, and move forward with that, typically just rewriting the entire thing now that they knew how the story went. I always thought of pantsers as the free spirit types that believe writing technique and conscious understanding would ruin their artistic creativity. But no. I'm a pantser because I can't write the story until I know how it goes, and outlining always feels like I'm missing something important. Honestly I dream of there being some grand calculus that computes my story ideas into formulas for artistically satisfying stories, but we aren't there yet. The best I can do then is figure out my stories in a less general and more specific way by writing it off the top of my head. I've written many many many times more words this year so far than I have in my previous three combined, and I'm more satisfied with my writing ability than ever.
I love this. I'm struggling through my WIP. Was trying to do two WIPs at once, and it was overwhelming. I know my ending, and I just need to push through past this 37k mark.
6:45 YES! That's me. I finally figured out that I was a pantser just a year ago. I'd have written stuff for years if I had only known earlier. But I thought I HAD to know everything, and I couldn't do that! ;_;
Yeah outlines don't give a complete picture, so they can't possibly help you write if they don't tell you everything. Nothing wrong with needing to have a full picture before making it into a proper story, and I think this is why some prefer the term "discovery writer".
@@Ouvii I think people like "discovery writer" better because it sounds fancier than "pantser". XD I don't care. It is what it is. Some people need outlines, some don't. Both can produce great books. :)
I started my current novel as something different. Got to 80k words and realized that no one would take it the way it was written and started over. Now 25k words into the new formats 2nd draft.
Really wanted to do the first one though...*sighs* it was an epic idea that I'd never seen published before and would have worked had the story was not set up the way it is. Lol
Good luck! And that's kind of what happened when I tried to outline.... and I changed everything after 3 or 4 chapters... I didn't know how more I am going to change that. I am hopeless, I know.
@@sharonefee1426 I'm a hopeless pantser lol I couldn't outline a book if I tried! (And I have multiple times) My main problem is self doubt kicks in at about 50k word mark and I decide it's all shit and start something else. I've kicked myself in the butt over this one though and told myself if i give up on this project before its completely finished I might as well not write at all. So far its done the trick.
I'm currently doing this. I had about 60k words written for a book that I was writing purely for enjoyment, but now I have decided I would like to self publish it once completed. Soooo now I have to go all the way back and rewrite everything because lets just say the original had some extremely touchy subjects that I don't think would appeal to most individuals.
Thanks for this, Alexa. Great advice and #realtalk from start to finish. I'm currently in the camp of "have an idea but haven't bothered to take the time" drafting right now, and I'm ok with that because if I ever do write the thing, it'll be for the joy of it. Having said that, I learn a lot watching videos like yours and Shaelin's, so that when I do come to write the thing, it'll be (I hope) a better experience - as in more enjoyable and with a potentially better outcome (ie a story someone else might like reading too, with characters who do stuff and stuff happens and whatnot) Anyway thanks and good luck with all your drafting and editing in the future
I don’t think it’s a problem to work on the same story for 5+ years if you are a hobbyist. Do what you love but if you haven’t finished at least one draft of the story within that time it’s worth thinking about if this is still a story you want to write and why. Maybe you fell out of love without realizing it.
These are some really great strategies! I wasted YEARS trying to outline my first novel. Then after I'd written six books (with a mix of Pantsing & light structural outline), I TRIED to do the outline-thing. (Because that's what a good writer is supposed to do!) I wasted another few full-time months trying to "Outline." In the end, I still believe experimenting is really important. One thing that helped me break of my "figure it out first" mindset was fast-drafting my second book, and allowing myself to write literally anything that came out of my fingers. I believe this to be one of the main benefits of Nanowrimo. Second, writing another book when you're struggling with one is one of the best tools! I've had to do this a few times while revising my middle grade epic fantasy series. I'd add that studying writing techniques is often underrated. Sometimes an aspect is hard, simply because you haven't really learned how to do it yet, or how to level-up that area. #ADHD Author
Im a chronic unfinisher- Ive gotten a bit better as I actually have over 50k of my current project written but Ive still only ever finnished two 7-10k short fanfics. But what Ive found is I seem to need multiple palette cleansers/drafting different things to keep myself going and get distance. My real issue is that my hybrid of pantsing/planning is time consuming. Basiclly i have a loose outline, then I mostly pants by hand then type up my first draft/first edit pass on the computer so everything takes my about twice as long which is a pain. But ive tried doing it on computer and i just cant so...*shrug
I can’t tell you how critical it is to just move on and write something new that you’re not attached to. I started writing a novel in middle school, and I was working on it all through high school. If you let yourself get so attached to something that you can’t stop reworking it, you’re going to get stuck in a very deep rut. If all else fails, do NaNoWriMo. It completely changed my approach to writing, and since my first NaNo in 2019, I’ve drafted a complete first season for an audio drama and a novel.
I jump around between projects when I get stuck or frustrated. I learned I can tinker and overwork out of a need to do something when I don't know where to go next. So when I hit a snag with my paranormal piece I can flag areas for research needed, and then switch to my SciFi murder mystery comedy, or jump to a short story. And I find critiquing other writers helps me recognize where, in my own writing, I'm making mistakes, and excuses. But I'm finally learning how I write and work best which has been a very long process
Something I’d be interested to hear you address is the theme-driven story. It seems like 99% of your focus is always on plot-driven storytelling. Like, that’s one approach, but it’s always felt like the softer approach to storytelling. One of the primary differences between plot and theme-driven stories is in the way they’re told. Like, beginning, middle and end are about the theme, not about a plot. You walk away satisfied not because A led to B led to C, but because you experienced the examination of a thing to a satisfying conclusion. Just would be interested to hear your take on other styles and approaches to storytelling.
I actually am a character-driven writer! But plot has to happen to facilitate character-driven stories :) (I actually consider plotting a weakness of mine, and have definitely faced criticism for my books not having enough plot) Theme-driven storytelling is very interesting though. I tend to feel that theme should emerge from a finely tuned, character-driven work, as characters should embody and contrast to whatever the theme is. But I see what you're saying, re: using it as an approach. Since I'm allergic to planning too much ahead of time I'm not sure it's the approach for me, but I can noodle on it, re: talking about it.
Alexa Donne I feel you 💚 My approach is definitely to just let flow too. :) www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/inventing-incidents-/beginnings00/viewer?title_no=29697&episode_no=56
For me, the biggest drafting issue is just figuring out how should I place events in the story that's tightly knit enough that it doesn't mess up the pacing. Goes hand in hand with a constant revision habit as I write the first draft
Oh, wow. Apparently you know me really well. 😂 Thanks for the tips. I appreciate that you can levy advice to me specifically. I really value your take on things in the creative realm.
I have an idea I’ve been developing and mulling for years. But I’ve realized I’m just not ready for that yet. So for NaNo 2019, I switched gears and wrote something totally different. It was so much fun! And felt so good to actually finish something :)
I am literally number 3. but I also never made it my top priority. feel a little sad though, because I love the world and characters so much that the idea of never finishing the story is just the saddest.
It took me seven attempts before I finished my first novel. The problem was that I was treating it like a science project instead of telling a story. I was already a short story writer (still am) and I just went with a tale that got me out of bed in the morning and kept me up late writing. I essentially treated each chapter as a short story (which they usually are) and strung them together in episodic fashion. The worst thing a writer can do is over-think which leads to under-writing. I'm not a great writer but I've drafted 15 novels in four years. I work with many superior writers whom I know will never finish a first draft because they over-think it.
I tried taking the "plunge" on a book recently. It was a challenge, but it worked. It got me through the first draft of the first act and allowed me to start fleshing out a second draft of said act...but there was always one thing missing: One series of events that I just never figured out how to fill in...
Is there a Video about how to traditional publish? Like how to get in contact with them etc? Currently thinking I’m gonna self publish as English books isn’t traditionally published in my country
I think your right. I am afraid of messing up. But I have found a remedy for my inner editor through dictation. Do you think you could make a video about dictation?
I'm sorry but I don't agree with you with 4 and 5 because I have written a first draft of my time travel book series. It took years to find out what the plot was. I've started 03. I needed to grow up with the story to understand the world. I tried writing something else but I always return. I know the whole story.
Also taking notes of your ideas is apparntly bad. (i think I got this from a Stephen Spielberg video, but I have absolutely no idea) Its much better to allow ideas to nest in your head. An idea, that you keep remembering, that you keep being excited about every once in a while, is the one.
I've been writing all my life but only recently decided to take the plunge into the professional scene with the hopes of becoming published in the not-too-distant future. Anyway, I've really found these videos informative and if it's not too much to ask I thought I might request your experienced perspective on whether or not you should include your prologue in your synopsis. My instinct is not to, but I also realize that the point of a synopsis is to convey all essential plot elements (summarized of course) from start to finish. Thoughts?
When you're a idea hopper who has managed to fall so in love with an idea you realize 105k words in that it's not working for you (I had a very depressing reason). You then take five months off, decide to redraft it, realize you were going to take it too far and destroy all of the good of the old draft, and then plot it out all over again...in a span of three and half years. Great fun. I've not had my palette cleanser novel, and trust me, I've looked for it. Considering this is a hobby I plan on using in the future separate of my career path, I don't put too much weight on it. I do love this book immensely though, and know that it won't be the first thing I ever publish if I decide to start querying one day. If I get this book into the world, I may never publish a book again, I fear. Best save it for last.
I dont agree with the first point. Some people work best when they can jump between projects to avoid getting burned out on one. Of course, dropping all your projects would be a bit different.
Omg just while listening I had a couple scenes idea and how I can fix their conflict. You are awesome. Off this topic... do you have anything on author website building?
I would say try to create a routine. Set alarms and don’t do anything else for 15-30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be every day at the beginning, maybe once every 3 days or every other day or just Mondays and Thursdays. Once you’re comfortable with it, slowly add more days. If you get the motivation to write on a day you’re not scheduled, do it! If you don’t feel like it during the time you set aside, do it anyway! Even if it’s not perfect! Establish that routine! I have really bad ADHD and routines/alarms save my life.
I’ve been playing around with character ideas and interactions on and off for over a year now and I only recently managed to force myself to write something down two or three weeks ago. I have way too much difficulty when it comes to getting things started. Not sure if it’s due to a lack of confidence in my ability to write or I rely too much on the word of others to improve. :X I feel as though I need to look into videos like these or try to find a craft book (still need to look for one) so my writing doesn’t turn out as hot garbage or something. Also need to search more into screen reader friendly writing apps.
I can totally identify with that. I did finish something quite long (50 A4 for a 14 years old is very good in my opinion, even if it took me 2 years), but other than that I started a lot and didn't finish. A year and a half ago I realized there are actually videos about writing and here I am, miraculously, after the first draft (next week I'll start my second). So... everything is possible.
I got really good at writing short stories before I even considered tackling a novel. Even short scenes like random blurbs are good starting points. Not everything has to be fancy/purple prose. That said, my thesaurus app is my best friend. Maybe you could make a script first? You could add actions later, then form a plot around that, answering questions like “how did they physically (or emotionally) get here?” and “Why are they doing this?” I hope this helps!
MaidOfPasta What I’ve managed to put down so far was one that was 300 words and another about 1200 words. I’ve been meaning to write down the character interaction ideas and make small scenes from them as a way to improve my writing and see what might or might not work out. I should probably get a thesaurus app myself to help with my limited vocabulary. A script could potentially work. I’ll have to give it a try. I appreciate the advice.
Won't lie, I laughed when you said that a pitfall for fic-to-original writers is that it still feels too much like 'XYZ', because... this story started life as Pokemon XY fic. (I do think it's ready to be properly rewritten, though! It's sat for two years, I'm no longer in the fandom, I've written a ton of other stuff since then, I've developed the plot, the world, everything. Fingers crossed!)
I feel like wheel spinners might also have the issue of thinking they need to fit into a certain method etc. They think they need to fully understand save the cat etc before they can write anything. I say dive in without a life jacket. Just write the damn thing and worry about the technical stuff when you've got a bit more experience.
For your first point, all I could hear was Kylo Ren telling Rey, "No, stop, you're holding on. LET GO." 😂 I have to admit that I find myself in that position right now, though. I'm 30k words into my novel, and I just...I don't even know. It's not working. I need to let the past die. XD Wow. Clearly I need to get a Star Wars fanfic out of my system before I can even consider doing something original. In fact, I often wonder if I'm really cut out for anything BUT fanfiction. And that makes me so sad, but...gaah, originality is hard. It's damn hard.
You need to be able to fall in love with your own creation and not someone else's. The good thing is you can inspire characters or plot ideas off beloved IP. If you're into reylo, you can use some of the same tropes to create something similar-ish, for example.
I've finally finished writing a book and am gonna start querying soon enough. I've had an idea for a while that I've tried writing before but haven't really gotten into. I like the idea, the characters and the world and feel like I can do it some justice now. Should I, or should I move onto another?
Any tips on how to write believable romantic relationships? Perhaps help with pacing so that it doesn't end up like some whiplash, unbelievable insta-love situation?
ramona robot I would say write what you know. If you’ve ever dated someone before you had feelings for them, draw your experience from that. Or ask friends who have significant others or are married. Observe, but don’t be creepy about it. Maybe if one is shy, have some moments of anxiety like “what if they say no?” and “what if I embarrass myself?” I think it’s inherently funnier if both parties have the same anxious thoughts at the exact same time about the exact same thing. Have the characters go on *several* dates. Make them talk about everything, even if it’s trivial things like food or getting to know the other person’s favorite color. Maybe you could force them into a situation where they have to work together to escape or solve a problem by using their words? I hope this helps!
An additional pitfall to finishing a draft that wasn't mentioned?: Watching videos about the pitfalls of drafting instead of actually finishing drafting! (But seriously, thank you, Alexa, for the "kick yourself in the pants" advice, which I clearly need!
Someone I knew back in the Livejournal days struggled for YEARS trying to file the serial numbers off this fanfic that got all the comments, so that she could be a "real writer." In the end, she decided she was a lot happier writing about Buffy and Angel than spending the equivalent amount of time and energy trying to turn her story into a publishable romance novel. There are a couple of stories that I probably won't ever go back to, but telling myself that I wasn't abandoning them, I was just "putting them on hiatus" to work on something else let me move on. And who knows, it's always possible that I will one day figure out a whole new take on them that will actually make them viable again. (But probably not.)
Oh shoot, I accidentally hit the dislike before I realized it and changed it to the like - sorry! But I liked this video a lot! It's really helping me get through some of the slower parts of my drafted fic where I know what needs to happen and how but I just need to go into it.
I honestly can’t wrap my head around the fact that you have a full time job, an active UA-cam channel, and a traditional publishing career. It feels like you must be the most productive human on earth!
Answer for every problem: *finish the damn thing or move on.*
Or start something new and move on lmao
#2 really calls me out lol, been working on the same idea since elementary school
I feel called out lmfao
Me too!
One thing that I’ve done that’s helped me with my first draft is talking about it with my husband. This is less to get his opinion and more to hear how my book/ ideas sound out loud. Through that I’ve occasionally noticed certain subplots or ideas that didn’t make sense or were missing an element to them that I needed to work on. I think just hearing myself speak about (and getting questions from my husband every so often) helped me creating enough suspense, guiding my readers and even with world & character development!
I'm definitely the hopping and procrastinating drafter. Mostly because I tend to forget that rough drafts aren't supposed to be perfect. Thus, I decided to stick to my current draft until I actually finish it, even if it sucks in the end. At least I'll be able to learn from a complete process and have an actual finished draft under my belt.
It's different for everyone, but consuming authortube videos, and writing craft content (books, blogs, etc) gives me the "want to write" hand wiggles and helps me not procrastinate. Putting on writing sprints and live write ins can be useful as well!
I'm 16k words into my "palate cleanser" project at the moment. I completed a 90k+ word first draft of another book, but put it on the back burner for the time being because not only does it have a ton of issues, but it's also YA sci-fi, and we all know what the market is like for those right now. :P My main fear is that my new WIP will take me as long to write as my first attempted book did (i.e., multiple years). I'm turning 35 this year and feel awfully anxious seeing all the 20-somethings out there who already have multiple books under their belts.
I totally understand what you mean, I'm 30, and it's taking me multiple years to finish a novel (still needs a ton of work and is frankly mentally exhausting) I've realized that that finishing a much shorter project would mean the world to me, and I shouldn't be afraid to write a novella. Beginning something with the goal of 30k or even 20k and FINISHING it (even in one weekend if I pushed myself) would mean so much for my writer self esteem.
I totally feel you! I'm 30 and my dream, since being a kid, was being a novelist. Life got in the way, unfortunately, and seeing all the young people with their bibliography does make me feel a bit bad about myself. BUT! What's important is not what other people do or achieve, but what YOU do.
Because I was too anxious to go full-on novel writing with how my schedule is (work, family time, caring for a toddler, etc.), I chose to concentrate myself on a smaller goal: writing a collection of short stories about mythological creatures from around the world (mythology
Market for genre's like YA Sci-fi, are always come and gone before anyone knows it. The market for such a book is measured in months not years and if you are traditionally published, you are either really lucky or you hit the right day - not month or season - but, day. to submit and get it on the shelf before the market is over. It is better to just avoid the YA Sci-fi, by making it adult.
I'm 34 too. I just started writing novels this past year. I know so many writers (we write strictly for entertainment - what I call "throw away" novels. So nothing literary, just a good, fun story.) who haven't started writing novels until they were in their 30's and are making a living writing. Don't be anxious. It's never too late. There's even more authors who published their first book after retirement. The biggest mistake in life is thinking it's too late or you're too old. Though, 90k+ book! Wow. I do 40k - 60k. Guess it depends on genre
@@catie052 I agree, it is never too late to tell your stories. While I dabbled in writing all my life I did not dive into it full time until I was 59.
When I first started in like...1999 I was a fanfiction writer, that's all I did and I wrote just Sailor moon crossovers (yes, it's okay to laugh) I had like 50 ideas going on at the same time so I very much connect with the first point. When I finished that first one there was such a rush and it made me realize which projects were worth continuing and which had nothing to stand on, since then I wrote an original novel that ended up being REALLY bad and did a palette cleanser with writing adult books (and surprise that's my niche I had no clue) and my first adult book was ironically one of my more successful fanfictions but I think I did a really good job filing away the serial numbers on all of it, it could be better but the common person wouldn't be able to see the inspiration I had. Anyway, the reason I'm rambling is that after that project and a few other original ideas (because as I wrote I started to get the hang of things like pacing and with every book I challenged myself on something I struggled with to be the focus) is that I went back to that original work that I first did and am rewriting it and it's an entirely different beast and just so much stronger and works better than that it was. My main issue is getting out of the first draft stage to really iron my work down, I've tried so many editing processes and nothing sticks for me, I'm about to break everything down into a dozen folders and list what goes on each chapter in terms of plot, pacing, characters, sub plots, powers, timeline etc etc etc
I rambled far too long, but thank you for this. I felt this entire video so much and if I would have had access to this when I first started writing I would have saved myself SO MANY YEARS of ineffective writing. I really hope people take your advice and save themselves from the same frustrations and time wastings. Thanks for everything you do you're an inspiration and I always stop everything to watch your videos because you're one of the more relatable people on author tube
I knew what I wanted to write but no idea what I was doing. And stick at 200,000 words and no idea how to move. An editor was so worth it.
Oh gosh I agree...I've met so many people on FB that make their "finally finished" announcement but say they took 7 years to write it... worse, when they are looking for help with their plot and they've been working on it for 10 years!
Young people that have been working on the same world for 5 years and have only 20k to show. Sometines telling you they have 100.000 years of history in their story and 5 story ideas in that world but just never work them out.
8:55 This part was really interesting, because at the moment I am writing (yes, WRITING) a story based on a show I love, and I've just recently left my fandom, but now I'm so happy because my story can stand on its own! I made so many changes to the original show that it was based on that now it's not even the same thing.
You always know how to hit me just when and where I need it. Thank you more insight and getting me over hurdle after self-sabotaging hurdle.
The best piece of advice I got when I was too timid to start drafting original fiction after being a fanfic writer was "thinking about writing is not writing". It sounds so obvious but it was the kick in the butt I needed to actually commit words to paper and not just daydream about the idea constantly.
YES TO NANOWRIMO.
I was number 1 and wasn't making traction on a single project but kept hopping. Doing Nanowrimo in 2018 was what helped me because I didn't have time to get distracted by a shiny new idea XD. The more I wrote the more I realized that I COULD write. I had subconsciously decided I was the person who "could never finish anything" and every day I was proving that lie wrong. It was super hard though, and I haven't done Nano since but I also haven't given up on the manuscript and am now a girl who can complete novels :D
I've also been the one who takes notes and notes and notes and never writes... and moving on was it exactly what I needed to do. Their wasn't enough story there despite all meticulous "planning".
And thanks for the shout-out. It wasn't expected but I appreciate it.
"if you're not ready to move away from your fandom, are you ready to write original fiction"
i'd say that depends on the writer tbh, i wrote exclusively fanfic for a looong time before i started writing original stuff and i don't necessarily think it has to be one or the other. i'm writing a lot of original stuff now but i still write fic on the side for fun, you know? i definitely think there's a comfort zone there and sometimes it is hard to take a step back, but i think you can still love fandom and be involved and be able to write original works as well, it just takes some prioritising.
also, writing AUs helps 😂 cos it's a LOT harder to change a fic substantively if it's grounded in a specific universe rather than if you've just plonked the characters in a coffee shop or made them into lawyers or something haha
Your wisdom is astounding. I've never heard anyone vocalize these hangups so insightfully before.
Hi Alexa, don't know if you'll see this. I really enjoy your videos. Finding you on UA-cam at the beginning of October is actually what pushed me to finally finish my outline, which I had been struggling on for years. But something you seemed to have left out for points 2 and 3 is the problem not being the story someone is working on for gobs of time, but with their understanding of the writing process.
I've been working on my current WIP for 8.5 years now. I only made a coherent outline and started writing a clear first draft this past October/November. The reason for all that time had little to do with the story I was writing. It had almost everything to do with me not understanding how character arcs work to drive the story (among other outlining and structure truths I've learned in the past four months). The other big reason is that I came up the idea for, and starting writing my current story when I was 14. Being that I'm now 22, while the original germ of idea is the same, the character development and events are almost unrecognizable. Your channel gave me the motivation to get ready in time for NaNo, you also led me to Save the Cat - which changed EVERYTHING for me as a writer. I am now almost up to my break into 3, and I'm really proud of everything I've written in this draft so far.
So to conclude, I understand where your advice in this video is coming from, but there's a difference between ruminating over the same story for years because of attachment issues and sticking with a story for years while you try to figure out how you're supposed to write a book - any book.
3:30 literally the starter to plot of the horror game devotion
I have a book idea from when I was twelve and I’m so attached to it. I know it can be something good but also that I don’t know what I’m doing well enough to finish it yet. I put it on the back burner and started a new novel for camp nanowrimo so I can just finish something that I’m less attached to. After this, I’ll probably finish some other WIPs before returning to my childhood idea so maybe I’ll be a good enough writer to execute it.
I have quite a few unfinished drafts, but I generally only have to put 3k words on paper or spend maybe three hours on something before I know whether a project is worth it or not.
Thank you so much for this I have been stuck Outlining the third book in a trilogy and today I tried outlining from the end and it's really helped.
I came to the realization that I had been working on the same novel for 6 years. I'd re-written it from scratch three times. Have never gotten to the point of querying. While I still love the story (and am gonna continue revising) I recently decided to start something brand new. And it is incredibly difficult. It's completely different from that story I worked on for 6 years (from age 16-22). I saw your video a while back where you talked about young writers working on stuff from when they were 16 and I felt SOOOOO called out. XD While I still sorta have hope that the book could go somewhere in the future, I know that I need to actually try something else. I need to develop new characters, new story arcs, new STUFF. Or else I won't get better. I'll just get worse XD
Question: Would an avid fanfic reader have the same problems writing an original novel as a fanfic writer?
Possibly? I think it depends how ingrained your fandom tropes are.
Some potential problems (such as beginning character explanation, establishing a "language" of your book, or writing the bones of the story instead of details) will be shared, but readers might also have other potential problems depending on what you read. For example, a lot of fanfic -- particularly shorter fanfic -- attempts to cultivate an emotion like a song (e.g. fluff or angst) versus put different emotions in dialogue with one another like in a longer work (think "melancholy" in Because of Win Dixie). There could also be less of a process/plot-focus (i.e. what does this machine or power do) and more internal (psychological, emotional, or interpersonal) focus in fanfic.
I've mostly seen these elements effect how I introduce characters and how I explain "what's" going on in my writing; I assume the audience knows more than they do.
Abe no Seirei I think writing an original novel isn’t harder per se, but fan fictions and original novels have different sets of problems.
Fanfics have the luxury of already knowing who the characters are. Just tell us the setting and the plot and we’re good. Original novels need to explain who characters are and why we should care.
I’m not sure if I answered your question, but I hope I helped!
I’m very much in favor of the draft-something-new advice. Not only will you gain new skills and perspective on your previous project, you’ll gain confidence in yourself. “I can do this! That first book wasn’t just a fluke!”
When I was stuck, it definitely helped to start another project. It helps to come up with new ideas and is a way I now deal with writers block. Even if the new project is just a short story it's a good thing to try :)
If you need to keep to a schedule: take a creative writing class that puts you on a schedule. Or even go to meetup writers group so you have to have something ready every week
Ah, project hopping... For the longest time, I thought I did that because I just was not ready, but the truth is, I was just not using the method that works for me: aka the ever present plotting vs. pantsing debate. I thought I was a pantser, and worked like one, but I'm not (ah, point 3, then, lol, just in the reverse). I need a structure, I need my ideas outlined so that I do not stray into a wormhole of side quests in my projects, lol. I'm planning to come back to 4 of those, because the ideas were great! And what I reread was good! Lots of potential... and I still remember where I want to go with them. I just need to finish the project I'm working on right now and when that first draft is done, it's back to brainstorming, plotting and outlining one of those.
And plotting backwards seems like the way to go for the one I'm thinking of revisiting, honestly, because I KNOW what happens in the climax. It was because of THAT SCENE that I wanted to start writing it, but I was lost in how to go from point A to that scene, and I feel it with that first draft, lol. Anyway, yeah, brilliant idea.
Oh boy, n°3... I relate so much... I've had an idea for a novel that's been in my head for more than 15 years... and erm... it's never been finished, nor really written down (just a few thousands words here and there over the years) but the way it evolved looks nothing like the idea I had as a teen, lol (which is good, because the original idea was very LOTR-esque with a big element from more urban fantasy). I'm scared to write that one, honestly, because 1) don't know what I want to do with it, 2) it's biiiiig, with lots of stuff and elements, 3) if I ever do decide to really write it, like really reaaaaally write it, it'll be a pain in the brainstorming and outlining phase, I just know it, lol, and, finally, 4) it's a mess, hahaha!
And yeah, I write other things, because that one... that one... I'm not in a place where I'm able to write it, I think.
Oh, the point about fanfiction so interesting to me, because I began dabbling into fanfiction AFTER first starting to write novels. It seems like the difference was seen by the readers, as they usually commented on the differences in the way I write compared to the usual fanfics of that particular fandom out there (in my mothertongue, though). I found the experience interesting for myself, because I didn't have to invent characters or a whole universe...
I have been writing my second novel since November 2019. I wanted to finish the first draft by the end of March, but it's likely to be end of April now. I hope Camp can push me to finish (i.e. write Act 3); my brain is currently tackling Act 2. Bad things definitely happen to my characters. My genre is thriller or murder mystery, draft 2 will finalise the genre.
My first novel was from my college/early university days and is 65K words (written over 2-3 years) of rubbish.
I attempted NaNoWriMo last November and I actually managed to write the 50k! The problem? I scrapped the book afterwards. Rip all those hours of work, but at least I managed to develop a 1-2k-word daily average afterwards that I’ve managed to keep it up for two and a half months now.
That's how it works for most people. People might discard 3, 4, etc etc books before they find the right idea that works. It's never a waste because every word you write helps you get better.
@@giuf175 So true!
One of my favorite writing quotes is by David Eddings: "Start early and work hard. A writer's apprenticeship usually involves writing a million words (which are then discarded) before he's almost ready to begin. That takes a while."
Even the words you scrap are valuable experience. Keep at it!
I’m a Multiple stories I never finish/Stuck on same story for five years writer haha 😆
It’s so interesting to hear about the differences in writing process! For me, my “palette cleanser” is the book I’ve been stuck on forever. I kept changing the story or world but keeping my characters until I found something I was passionate enough to stick with. Sounds bizarre, but through all the different (and incomplete) drafts, I learned how to write better. I learned what worked for me. But I also HAD to learn that sometimes throwing away your favorite scenes and stories are necessary evils. I never would’ve gotten to where I am now if I held on to ideas that didn’t work and wasn’t open to throwing things away and starting fresh.
I need to work on a palate cleanser right now. I also agree i think i might be a pantser with a little outlining. I've finished a first draft but i'm struggling with revisions.
Idea-hopping but mostly wheelspinning are my current weaknesses. I'm trying to kick myself and push through, though.
Same
6:35 Thanks so much for pointing this out! More people like me need this shoved down their throats asap.
I've actually discovered, a month ago, that I was one of the exact people you are describing here
I'm very logical, I love abstract models of how things work, and fantasize grand plans for things all the time, so you'd think, or at least I thought for 3 years of intensely trying to develop my story telling skills, that outlining would be my method.
But I never got any books even close to written. So at the beginning of this year I decided I would force myself to write, so I hit the books and had great success learning outlining strategies that actually just failed miserably. But luckily some advice had stuck "sometime you need to just write when you are stuck"
I've been listening to a lot of Brandon Sanderson lectures lately, and he describes "discovery writers"/pantsers as outliners that write an outline that is longer than what the finished product will be, and move forward with that, typically just rewriting the entire thing now that they knew how the story went.
I always thought of pantsers as the free spirit types that believe writing technique and conscious understanding would ruin their artistic creativity. But no. I'm a pantser because I can't write the story until I know how it goes, and outlining always feels like I'm missing something important.
Honestly I dream of there being some grand calculus that computes my story ideas into formulas for artistically satisfying stories, but we aren't there yet. The best I can do then is figure out my stories in a less general and more specific way by writing it off the top of my head.
I've written many many many times more words this year so far than I have in my previous three combined, and I'm more satisfied with my writing ability than ever.
I love this. I'm struggling through my WIP. Was trying to do two WIPs at once, and it was overwhelming. I know my ending, and I just need to push through past this 37k mark.
6:45 YES! That's me. I finally figured out that I was a pantser just a year ago. I'd have written stuff for years if I had only known earlier. But I thought I HAD to know everything, and I couldn't do that! ;_;
Yeah outlines don't give a complete picture, so they can't possibly help you write if they don't tell you everything. Nothing wrong with needing to have a full picture before making it into a proper story, and I think this is why some prefer the term "discovery writer".
@@Ouvii I think people like "discovery writer" better because it sounds fancier than "pantser". XD I don't care. It is what it is. Some people need outlines, some don't. Both can produce great books. :)
I started my current novel as something different. Got to 80k words and realized that no one would take it the way it was written and started over. Now 25k words into the new formats 2nd draft.
Really wanted to do the first one though...*sighs* it was an epic idea that I'd never seen published before and would have worked had the story was not set up the way it is. Lol
Good luck! And that's kind of what happened when I tried to outline.... and I changed everything after 3 or 4 chapters... I didn't know how more I am going to change that. I am hopeless, I know.
@@sharonefee1426 I'm a hopeless pantser lol I couldn't outline a book if I tried! (And I have multiple times) My main problem is self doubt kicks in at about 50k word mark and I decide it's all shit and start something else. I've kicked myself in the butt over this one though and told myself if i give up on this project before its completely finished I might as well not write at all. So far its done the trick.
I'm currently doing this. I had about 60k words written for a book that I was writing purely for enjoyment, but now I have decided I would like to self publish it once completed. Soooo now I have to go all the way back and rewrite everything because lets just say the original had some extremely touchy subjects that I don't think would appeal to most individuals.
Noooo I have to study for a genetics quiz but your videos always get me in the mood to write 😂😭
Thanks for this, Alexa. Great advice and #realtalk from start to finish.
I'm currently in the camp of "have an idea but haven't bothered to take the time" drafting right now, and I'm ok with that because if I ever do write the thing, it'll be for the joy of it.
Having said that, I learn a lot watching videos like yours and Shaelin's, so that when I do come to write the thing, it'll be (I hope) a better experience - as in more enjoyable and with a potentially better outcome (ie a story someone else might like reading too, with characters who do stuff and stuff happens and whatnot)
Anyway thanks and good luck with all your drafting and editing in the future
I don’t think it’s a problem to work on the same story for 5+ years if you are a hobbyist. Do what you love but if you haven’t finished at least one draft of the story within that time it’s worth thinking about if this is still a story you want to write and why. Maybe you fell out of love without realizing it.
These are some really great strategies! I wasted YEARS trying to outline my first novel. Then after I'd written six books (with a mix of Pantsing & light structural outline), I TRIED to do the outline-thing. (Because that's what a good writer is supposed to do!) I wasted another few full-time months trying to "Outline." In the end, I still believe experimenting is really important. One thing that helped me break of my "figure it out first" mindset was fast-drafting my second book, and allowing myself to write literally anything that came out of my fingers. I believe this to be one of the main benefits of Nanowrimo.
Second, writing another book when you're struggling with one is one of the best tools! I've had to do this a few times while revising my middle grade epic fantasy series.
I'd add that studying writing techniques is often underrated. Sometimes an aspect is hard, simply because you haven't really learned how to do it yet, or how to level-up that area.
#ADHD Author
Im a chronic unfinisher- Ive gotten a bit better as I actually have over 50k of my current project written but Ive still only ever finnished two 7-10k short fanfics. But what Ive found is I seem to need multiple palette cleansers/drafting different things to keep myself going and get distance. My real issue is that my hybrid of pantsing/planning is time consuming. Basiclly i have a loose outline, then I mostly pants by hand then type up my first draft/first edit pass on the computer so everything takes my about twice as long which is a pain. But ive tried doing it on computer and i just cant so...*shrug
I can’t tell you how critical it is to just move on and write something new that you’re not attached to. I started writing a novel in middle school, and I was working on it all through high school. If you let yourself get so attached to something that you can’t stop reworking it, you’re going to get stuck in a very deep rut. If all else fails, do NaNoWriMo. It completely changed my approach to writing, and since my first NaNo in 2019, I’ve drafted a complete first season for an audio drama and a novel.
Thank you, Alexa. You are the most helpful person on UA-cam. No hyperbole.
I jump around between projects when I get stuck or frustrated. I learned I can tinker and overwork out of a need to do something when I don't know where to go next. So when I hit a snag with my paranormal piece I can flag areas for research needed, and then switch to my SciFi murder mystery comedy, or jump to a short story. And I find critiquing other writers helps me recognize where, in my own writing, I'm making mistakes, and excuses. But I'm finally learning how I write and work best which has been a very long process
Fantastic points 👍
Something I’d be interested to hear you address is the theme-driven story. It seems like 99% of your focus is always on plot-driven storytelling. Like, that’s one approach, but it’s always felt like the softer approach to storytelling.
One of the primary differences between plot and theme-driven stories is in the way they’re told. Like, beginning, middle and end are about the theme, not about a plot. You walk away satisfied not because A led to B led to C, but because you experienced the examination of a thing to a satisfying conclusion.
Just would be interested to hear your take on other styles and approaches to storytelling.
I actually am a character-driven writer! But plot has to happen to facilitate character-driven stories :) (I actually consider plotting a weakness of mine, and have definitely faced criticism for my books not having enough plot) Theme-driven storytelling is very interesting though. I tend to feel that theme should emerge from a finely tuned, character-driven work, as characters should embody and contrast to whatever the theme is. But I see what you're saying, re: using it as an approach. Since I'm allergic to planning too much ahead of time I'm not sure it's the approach for me, but I can noodle on it, re: talking about it.
Alexa Donne I feel you 💚
My approach is definitely to just let flow too. :)
www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/inventing-incidents-/beginnings00/viewer?title_no=29697&episode_no=56
For me, the biggest drafting issue is just figuring out how should I place events in the story that's tightly knit enough that it doesn't mess up the pacing. Goes hand in hand with a constant revision habit as I write the first draft
Oh, wow. Apparently you know me really well. 😂 Thanks for the tips. I appreciate that you can levy advice to me specifically. I really value your take on things in the creative realm.
I have an idea I’ve been developing and mulling for years. But I’ve realized I’m just not ready for that yet. So for NaNo 2019, I switched gears and wrote something totally different. It was so much fun! And felt so good to actually finish something :)
I am literally number 3. but I also never made it my top priority. feel a little sad though, because I love the world and characters so much that the idea of never finishing the story is just the saddest.
It took me seven attempts before I finished my first novel. The problem was that I was treating it like a science project instead of telling a story. I was already a short story writer (still am) and I just went with a tale that got me out of bed in the morning and kept me up late writing. I essentially treated each chapter as a short story (which they usually are) and strung them together in episodic fashion. The worst thing a writer can do is over-think which leads to under-writing. I'm not a great writer but I've drafted 15 novels in four years. I work with many superior writers whom I know will never finish a first draft because they over-think it.
I've done a lot of over thinking. It's my nature. I too, learned the hard way that this is a bad thing when writing.
I tried taking the "plunge" on a book recently. It was a challenge, but it worked. It got me through the first draft of the first act and allowed me to start fleshing out a second draft of said act...but there was always one thing missing: One series of events that I just never figured out how to fill in...
Just wondered how many books you have written and published? Always find your content informative. Thanks
I've seen how so many writers don't realize they are hurting themselves when they think of their book as their child instead of as their craft.
Is there a Video about how to traditional publish? Like how to get in contact with them etc? Currently thinking I’m gonna self publish as English books isn’t traditionally published in my country
I think your right. I am afraid of messing up. But I have found a remedy for my inner editor through dictation. Do you think you could make a video about dictation?
I'm sorry but I don't agree with you with 4 and 5 because I have written a first draft of my time travel book series. It took years to find out what the plot was. I've started 03. I needed to grow up with the story to understand the world. I tried writing something else but I always return. I know the whole story.
I love your videos! Thank you!
Also taking notes of your ideas is apparntly bad. (i think I got this from a Stephen Spielberg video, but I have absolutely no idea) Its much better to allow ideas to nest in your head. An idea, that you keep remembering, that you keep being excited about every once in a while, is the one.
I've been writing all my life but only recently decided to take the plunge into the professional scene with the hopes of becoming published in the not-too-distant future. Anyway, I've really found these videos informative and if it's not too much to ask I thought I might request your experienced perspective on whether or not you should include your prologue in your synopsis. My instinct is not to, but I also realize that the point of a synopsis is to convey all essential plot elements (summarized of course) from start to finish. Thoughts?
Woo! First! And a really exciting topic!
This was really helpful, thank you!!
When you're a idea hopper who has managed to fall so in love with an idea you realize 105k words in that it's not working for you (I had a very depressing reason). You then take five months off, decide to redraft it, realize you were going to take it too far and destroy all of the good of the old draft, and then plot it out all over again...in a span of three and half years. Great fun.
I've not had my palette cleanser novel, and trust me, I've looked for it. Considering this is a hobby I plan on using in the future separate of my career path, I don't put too much weight on it.
I do love this book immensely though, and know that it won't be the first thing I ever publish if I decide to start querying one day. If I get this book into the world, I may never publish a book again, I fear. Best save it for last.
I dont agree with the first point. Some people work best when they can jump between projects to avoid getting burned out on one. Of course, dropping all your projects would be a bit different.
Hi again, just watched a two year old video of yours.
Great tips!
Omg just while listening I had a couple scenes idea and how I can fix their conflict. You are awesome.
Off this topic... do you have anything on author website building?
I needed to hear this. Thank you. You just gave me the kick in the pants I needed.
I have the problem of never finishing my book mostly due to executive dysfunction..if anyone has any tips for that I’d love to hear
Did you try to plan it? Did you try to find some main points?
I am a discovery writer it can be scary, so I'm no the best person for this...
I would say try to create a routine. Set alarms and don’t do anything else for 15-30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be every day at the beginning, maybe once every 3 days or every other day or just Mondays and Thursdays. Once you’re comfortable with it, slowly add more days.
If you get the motivation to write on a day you’re not scheduled, do it! If you don’t feel like it during the time you set aside, do it anyway! Even if it’s not perfect! Establish that routine!
I have really bad ADHD and routines/alarms save my life.
MaidOfPasta that’s a good idea!! I’ll definitely try the alarm thing out. ADHD is a pain in the ass sometimes lol
Thank you! Great advice. : )
I’ve been playing around with character ideas and interactions on and off for over a year now and I only recently managed to force myself to write something down two or three weeks ago. I have way too much difficulty when it comes to getting things started. Not sure if it’s due to a lack of confidence in my ability to write or I rely too much on the word of others to improve. :X
I feel as though I need to look into videos like these or try to find a craft book (still need to look for one) so my writing doesn’t turn out as hot garbage or something.
Also need to search more into screen reader friendly writing apps.
I can totally identify with that. I did finish something quite long (50 A4 for a 14 years old is very good in my opinion, even if it took me 2 years), but other than that I started a lot and didn't finish. A year and a half ago I realized there are actually videos about writing and here I am, miraculously, after the first draft (next week I'll start my second). So... everything is possible.
I got really good at writing short stories before I even considered tackling a novel. Even short scenes like random blurbs are good starting points. Not everything has to be fancy/purple prose. That said, my thesaurus app is my best friend.
Maybe you could make a script first? You could add actions later, then form a plot around that, answering questions like “how did they physically (or emotionally) get here?” and “Why are they doing this?”
I hope this helps!
MaidOfPasta What I’ve managed to put down so far was one that was 300 words and another about 1200 words. I’ve been meaning to write down the character interaction ideas and make small scenes from them as a way to improve my writing and see what might or might not work out. I should probably get a thesaurus app myself to help with my limited vocabulary.
A script could potentially work. I’ll have to give it a try. I appreciate the advice.
Sharon Efee That seems really impressive. Good luck with the second draft.
@@DimkaSulegnaa Thanks :)
Won't lie, I laughed when you said that a pitfall for fic-to-original writers is that it still feels too much like 'XYZ', because... this story started life as Pokemon XY fic. (I do think it's ready to be properly rewritten, though! It's sat for two years, I'm no longer in the fandom, I've written a ton of other stuff since then, I've developed the plot, the world, everything. Fingers crossed!)
Thank you!
I feel like wheel spinners might also have the issue of thinking they need to fit into a certain method etc. They think they need to fully understand save the cat etc before they can write anything. I say dive in without a life jacket. Just write the damn thing and worry about the technical stuff when you've got a bit more experience.
You are awesome.
For your first point, all I could hear was Kylo Ren telling Rey, "No, stop, you're holding on. LET GO." 😂 I have to admit that I find myself in that position right now, though. I'm 30k words into my novel, and I just...I don't even know. It's not working. I need to let the past die. XD Wow. Clearly I need to get a Star Wars fanfic out of my system before I can even consider doing something original. In fact, I often wonder if I'm really cut out for anything BUT fanfiction. And that makes me so sad, but...gaah, originality is hard. It's damn hard.
You need to be able to fall in love with your own creation and not someone else's. The good thing is you can inspire characters or plot ideas off beloved IP. If you're into reylo, you can use some of the same tropes to create something similar-ish, for example.
Hard advice I needed to hear.
I've finally finished writing a book and am gonna start querying soon enough.
I've had an idea for a while that I've tried writing before but haven't really gotten into. I like the idea, the characters and the world and feel like I can do it some justice now. Should I, or should I move onto another?
Keep going, the title will come to you. i know it's eight months later but how's it going?
Any tips on how to write believable romantic relationships? Perhaps help with pacing so that it doesn't end up like some whiplash, unbelievable insta-love situation?
ramona robot I would say write what you know. If you’ve ever dated someone before you had feelings for them, draw your experience from that. Or ask friends who have significant others or are married. Observe, but don’t be creepy about it.
Maybe if one is shy, have some moments of anxiety like “what if they say no?” and “what if I embarrass myself?” I think it’s inherently funnier if both parties have the same anxious thoughts at the exact same time about the exact same thing.
Have the characters go on *several* dates. Make them talk about everything, even if it’s trivial things like food or getting to know the other person’s favorite color.
Maybe you could force them into a situation where they have to work together to escape or solve a problem by using their words?
I hope this helps!
@@MaidOfPasta thanks!!
lol, I LOVE my characters... but I think I have an equal love of tormenting them. XD
An additional pitfall to finishing a draft that wasn't mentioned?: Watching videos about the pitfalls of drafting instead of actually finishing drafting! (But seriously, thank you, Alexa, for the "kick yourself in the pants" advice, which I clearly need!
Someone I knew back in the Livejournal days struggled for YEARS trying to file the serial numbers off this fanfic that got all the comments, so that she could be a "real writer." In the end, she decided she was a lot happier writing about Buffy and Angel than spending the equivalent amount of time and energy trying to turn her story into a publishable romance novel.
There are a couple of stories that I probably won't ever go back to, but telling myself that I wasn't abandoning them, I was just "putting them on hiatus" to work on something else let me move on. And who knows, it's always possible that I will one day figure out a whole new take on them that will actually make them viable again. (But probably not.)
HI, can you tell us outligher the case of JK Rowling? from a business prospective. Thank you very much for this videos.
Just curious: Which fandoms did you write when you did fan fiction?
Pretty sure it was Harry Potter
Oh shoot, I accidentally hit the dislike before I realized it and changed it to the like - sorry! But I liked this video a lot! It's really helping me get through some of the slower parts of my drafted fic where I know what needs to happen and how but I just need to go into it.
George R. R. Martin should watch you video considering point 3
I’m drafting right now. Yasssss
Only 30 seconds in and I'm getting called out oof
30k of an idea would be nice 😂
J.k Rowling didn't move on.
Cripes - straight out the gate, number one made me cringe.