I am writing a manuscript in a novel form which my artist friend hopes to turn into a graphic novel series. To be honest, there are days I feel confident and other I just WANT TO QUIT. I am a free writer, not knowing what will happen next cause that's life. In other words, I don't know what to do. I know my character's and their faults and what makes them tick. I am them to develop and grow and have a happy ending. It is a cross between sci-fi and science fantasy, a cross between futuristic and the past. I over think and have multiple ideas flowing through my mind erasing tropes and wanting to refresh them. Doubts and hope battle in my thoughts. What should I do? Thank you.
@@markmunroe-hz8rf I can only make suggestions about the idea overload - and it was sort of addressed in the video - write them down. I find if I write things down they're no longer stuck in my head on an endless loop and I can step back a little more and make a more informed choice :P Rooting for you, your project sounds interesting.
@@punpkinpi2015 next step, beta readers. Okay, the math nerd in me has to say it: The circumference of a pumpkin divided by its' diameter. Not as nerd as Q t Pi, but close.
@@punpkinpi2015 What genra is your story? I have a sci-fi romance at 165k words ready for beta testing. I'll read anything but slasher books; most of them are bloody awful.
@@JustinDLink Awesome. I found outlining is easier if I write a 200 word synopsis of the novel first, it helps me get the entire book in my head at once.
@@OlettaLiano I like the synopsis writing route as well. I never took to traditional outlines but I can bang out a good 2,000 word synopsis no problem.
My online creative writing teacher loves you so much, we watched so many of your videos as assignments. It was pretty great since I was already told about you by my mom
@@wisterwilson8774 Damn, wish my school offered something like that. 'Bout to get out anyways, so I suppose I can search for similar classes afterwards.
Jenna: "Usually, my thought dump process takes about a week". Me, after 9 months of intense thought dumping and, as result, about 97 pages of notes to the story: *nervous laughter* I suppose I'd better get started on the writing itself...
I'm the opposite, my thought dump is actually writing the book, and then when I get to any part I wasn't tremendously hyped about, I just freak out and go cry in the shower. And then people ask me why the hell I have tens of unfinished projects in my "discarded" folder.🥲
@@ferrin6326 YES! The best 1k words that hit my page was from midnight till noon, and became the core of a book; the problem was digging into Google for the data. But once the bones are established, once the story goals (outline) is reasonably firm (because it WILL change) writing dialog and action is transcribing and describing what I'm watching. Being able to watch the same second several ten times while the facial expression is translated to verbal poetry, and then turning the mental camera to see the responding dialog, and to get it on the page as well... the speed of transcription becomes an issue. spelling be damned! get it on the page! inevitably the spell is broken by someone (who knows exactly who she is) saying something like, "The chickens only gave us four eggs today! Why do you think that is?" and after two hours my concentration is suddenly shattered. Rage follows! Anger isn't about this time; it's about making sure it doesn't happen next time. "When you see me typing full speed, don't interrupt! When you see me reaching up to grab a handful of ethereal myst and stuff it into the keyboard, don't interrupt! When creative juices are boiling out of my brain into the word press, don't interrupt! When the magic is happening, don't interrupt! Leave the coffee without words, I love you, but don't interrupt! Don't ask me what kind of sandwich I want (I don't). If you choose to feed the maniac, fine; don't wiggle his arm while he's carving words into the page!" And (this actually happened back when I was married) when the response is, "If you're going to be antisocial, take the computer to the garage and type your stupid stories." anger happened.
This video was exactly what I needed. I've been trying to write a book for half a year now, but I'm still no further than one page and lots of incoherent ideas. Soooo thanks Jenna!
My first draft took me about two years to write, with an extremely rough outline, changing the villains motivation halfway through, and pantsing most of the story. It was fun!
I thought I was a 'pantser' but haven't got anywhere in like 100 years, so I'm now working on an outline. So far, there is already an improvement. Who could of guessed?
Girl! I’ve been binge watching your videos all day! I’ve been working on a book for the past year and a half, and you’re videos have really been helping me edit it through and make sure it’s not a piece of crap. I’ve been really smacking my head lately because I haven’t been able to work on it a lot because I’m still in school, but I’m determined to make sure it gets done.
I relate so much to this. I hate social media with a passion. I prefer being anonymous. I think I'd be happier as a ghost writer than someone known, recognized, etc.
I needed this! I’m on my fourth draft of my book and I’m still struggling a bit on the overall structure and plot of my book and this video helped me figure out what I could improve on
I see everything as a movie trailer in my brain. I have a hard time translating that to words sometimes. Timing is also hard for me. Anyone else have these problems? I am 14 and I love making stories. My mom is an author, and (though we write different genres) she inspires me quite a bit. Also, I came 2 hours after you posted this.. so if you see this... I love your content so much.
Years ago my son wanted to read a book I had mentioned. He was fourteen at the time. Instead I recommended some solid action books. My son was kinetic, and even the plot in a book had to move. A decade later he read the other book, and said I was right to make him wait, that in high-school he wouldn't have appreciated the slower pace. Being young I'd recommend a short story format. It's not to stop you from writing big stories, but to get something completed and published. Preferably several somethings. Good luck!
@@roul4842 Jenna says, "small goals." I agree, especially for young authors. Somewhere else in the comments I challenged another writer to a one hour goal, and I matched it. One scene of 800 words, and to do it in under one hour. Seek and ye shall find. Have a nice day, but don't be blind.
ah yessss, more things for me to use to procrastinate ACTUALLY writing :))) deadass these are helpful tho and im SO glad i do most of these before starting already
After writing several chapters I now discover this video. Me: Sigh...time to rewrite everything, cry into a pillow, pick myself up & get back on track.
write scenes with consistent characters. Then you aren't re-writing, you're shuffling cards into place. A cool plot is important, but what readers remember is the people, and how they handled adversity. .
Before knowing your channel I didn't outline, and let me tell you my first manuscript was a complete mess. It was so hard on the middle of the book to remember if I had already explained certain things. Your videos enlighted me and now I outline like crazy cause it makes writing sooooo much easy and such a better experience! Thank you!
Reading/ consuming your book's genre is a big help. My novel's genre is one I'd never heard of until I got stuck trying to make certain elements work and went searching for similar stories.
That of plot structures, outlines, and goals is a great recommendation. I love using outlines myself because it keeps my book in full detail. Of course I've studied a lot about the plot structure and outlining here on the Internet. Jenna, everything you mention I agree. I'm just not a fan of social media; I'm more like an introverted writer.
I’ve already completed my first draft - and all of these tips still apply! Thank you! I’m going to binge your videos for more advice in self-publishing. I’m so glad that I found your channel. 💖
As far as goals go, so far I have concept designs for characters and basic storylines for the overall series. Now I just have to do a million other things then I can finally start!
Storylines for the overall series? Im going to guess you are getting a bit ahead of yourself and planning a saga. Let me see if I can help out. Let's start with the basic parts: What will be the final goal and the conclussion of the story for the main character? Will they get what they want? How will they be when they get there? How will they HAVE to change to achive it? What journey do you want him/her to go trough? Will they go alone? What will be the main thing that steps in the way? BTW I'm asuming you intend on having a single main character, if you want to have more you have to know all of this for each one plus how they all connect and affect eachothers story, so ask yourself, you really need them all for the story you want to tell? Now you should have a basic general plotline you got point A, point B and an overview of the kind of road between them, are you sure you can't fit it all in one book? How much of the journey can you put in? Do you think that is a satisfying conclussion for your readers to wait on for another year +? If no then try to find one that is, remember that bigger doesn't always mean better or more satisfying and that any cliffhangers will need a payoff later on. Ok so now you got a point to cut the story for the first book, write everyting else and put it aside, where it will be safe. You got a first draft to make! Start figuring the key points of the story, write them down on a timeline until you have a solid structure, then start just dumping words on the page, doesn't need to be perfect just needs to be there, youll clean it later. Wow i got carried away, sorry if i seem pretentious, i just get exited for this kind of stuff, oh and i don't actually expect your answers, the questions are just a general guide of what to work on. Best of lucks.
I love this channel, but I’m so sick of being told how to “make it” in the arts by people who are trying to commodify creativity. There’s no one-path-fits-all to creative success. That’s what makes it creative. And becoming a true master of your craft means discovering or inventing your own process and learning to trust your instincts. In my opinion, this is best done through experimentation - i.e., by doing, not by reading and researching and agonizing over “the proper way” to accomplish your goals. There is no “proper way” to achieve artistic merit. We base “the proper way” on people like Shakespeare and Austen and Dickens, who had no guide but themselves, and then we attempt to synthesize their dumb luck into formulas for the masses. Just write your fucking book and pray to God it doesn’t suck monkey balls. Like Jenna said, you’re not a good writer because your mother loves you.
@@JennaMoreci Thanks and I will do it! I also want to thank you for your video about self doubt and writers block, I have had some serious issues with doubt and writing anxiety but your videos helped me a lot with that. Your videos have helped me a lot, more than almost anything else I've watched or read. I think part of it is that not only are your tips really good but you are also really funny. Keep up your good work Jenna! It helps a lot of people like me
"It's okay to break your book-writing down into smaller goals and take time with them." Thank you, Jenna. That's just what I needed to hear right now. I'm coming back to my book after life and other projects put me on hiatus for a month. Staring at the mountains of both writing and non-writing things I still have to do is indeed overwhelming, but your advice for Tip #10 reminded me to pause and breathe and that I can indeed get these goals done, slowly but surely. Thanks again. :)
I don’t want to write a book I’m watching your videos because I love them, you’re so funny and entertaining 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ HAPPY NEW YEAR JENNA 🥳🥳🥳
It's like writing songs. There are the different stages that leads to a bridge to the outro climax. I think these song writing sections are structured yet an epic song with no music
If I could add one more item to this list, it's not to be in a big hurry to publish before you're ready to do so. I'm ashamed to say that I have experience with this faux pas. Anyways, excellent video, Jenna! :)
I keep coming back and watching your videos, but not for writing advice, as I do not need that, but to see just how crazier you have become. 😃Keep out of the rubber room as long as you can, JM!
Thank you SO much for this video. I felt like I was going in the right direction but you really helped me figure out what I was doing. I’ve written so many short stories but writing a book feels like such a beast to conquer. I feel like you’ve equipped me with the sword to start. Thank you!!!
Outlining helped me actually write. It also helped me with developing more all the characters, since I got the main story written down and could add and remove parts that developed them one way or another.
Jenna, it's good to be back here listening to your wonderful writing advice. I'm about to start my second book and I'm relearning all of the tricks and skills that I forgot when I went off for university. I'm glad to see you're still as informative and funny as when I first found you. Here's to you and Round 2, cheers.
I'm more of a hobby/for-fun writer. So, I probably won't be publishing my books. But, I love your videos and advice. I find the info and guides very entertaining and helpful. And, on this point: 7:18, I've been binge-reading a book series that I almost literally can't put down. .....For the past three weeks or so, I've been up into the early morning reading the last book in the series (for now). The books took a hold of me very quickly and won't let go.... Lol
"Let me guess, you wanna write a book" Actually its more of a screenplay that i need to polish a bit more, but you give usefull advise anyway, so who cares!
Always enjoy your vlogs. I'm a old dog with not many new tricks left but the thing that has me at a complete stand still is being asked for gain ARC readers for book launch day. My god, where? I don't have a big social media following, and even if some agree, I doubt many will follow through. I gather it's like creating a street team? Not so easy in a ghost town. I've found a critique partner and a few beta readers but this marketing stuff has me shaking in my boots. It's been a real kick in the nads.
Just *finally* started reading TSC and I literally can't put it down!! Jenna just be putting her characters in the shitiest positions ever... I love it! All that blood and violence, I live for it
In my experience, there are really two types of writers: those who like planning out stories more than actually writing them - I myself am this type. Then there are the others who prefer to plan as they write, which can work sometimes (very seldom lay, however).
If you don't know how to garden then following the flow is brutal and you still need to understand the stages your plant/story will hit and what it will need to bloom into something beautiful. I literally can't do writing like an architect, it becomes limiting and suffocating to me. I like to create a few different parallels and will blend them to get the story to where I want but if you are not well practiced in working in a state of constant Flux its very easy for things to spin out of control. That has been how my mind has worked since I was a Child and it clashed hard with how society tends to work. Outside of my time spent in a war zone writing like this has been the only other place I've felt peace and at home. I do not recommend this style, it took me decades to even figure out how to translate and write the chaos.
I can attest to the need to learn structure. My first two novels were pieces of junk because I wasn’t familiar with concepts like “scene.” Robert McKee’s book on Story will help with the nitty-grittty of structure. Thank you Jenna.
You are like the writer mom I never had. Knowing all the cringe/inexperienced/newbie writer thoughts even though I try to hide it as hard as possible. Then you destroy all of those thoughts and give me the info and guidance I need :D and Hannah Lee Kidder is like the mean sister that crushes all my hopes and dreams. But she also gives me the info and guidance I need. XD
Ok, I'm all for having a dedicated social media presence, but you have to maintain it. Any tips on how to do this as someone who's still working on their first novel? And how to prioritise vs actually writing? Love your vids ❤
happy new year sister jenna. I hope this next decade is successful 4 both you and brother cliff. have a great nite. many blessings n hugs 4 you both. :)
As a pantser, I agree with #4. You have to outline. My outline is like one or two pages, and I keep track of character development and any backstory I mention. That way I can refer back to them if needed. I sometimes outline as I go. But my characters write the story based off of a single line or two. Do the worldbuilding first. It makes pantsing and outlining easier. There are too many things to keep track of. If you have 500 pairs of pants, you won't be able to remember which one your favorite is.
Lol my outlines are interesting to say the least. I'll start off vague, then get super detailed if I have an idea I want to write out so I don't forget it, then vague again until I hit another tricky part.
While I love watching the tips and suggestions, one thing that is always missing is mastery of your keyboard and word processing program. You have an incredible tool and should be in complete control of the mechanical part of putting words on the screen, manipulating the words on the page, basic editing, and, I think something people forgot, mad speed typing. Work to type at least 80 wpm.
We finished our book last week (excluding the obvious edits that come after an agent) and our resolution is to do everything in our power to acquire an agent and get published!
"Let me guess, you wanna write a book? That's why you're on my channel."
*You truly know me, Jenna*
I can read your mind!
@@JennaMoreci Psychic Cyborg Jenna. Someone needs to make that their Twitter @ as soon as possible.
Writing with Jenna Moreci indeed😇
I am writing a manuscript in a novel form which my artist friend hopes to turn into a graphic novel series. To be honest, there are days I feel confident and other I just WANT TO QUIT. I am a free writer, not knowing what will happen next cause that's life. In other words, I don't know what to do. I know my character's and their faults and what makes them tick. I am them to develop and grow and have a happy ending. It is a cross between sci-fi and science fantasy, a cross between futuristic and the past. I over think and have multiple ideas flowing through my mind erasing tropes and wanting to refresh them. Doubts and hope battle in my thoughts. What should I do? Thank you.
@@markmunroe-hz8rf I can only make suggestions about the idea overload - and it was sort of addressed in the video - write them down. I find if I write things down they're no longer stuck in my head on an endless loop and I can step back a little more and make a more informed choice :P Rooting for you, your project sounds interesting.
*literally just finished first draft of novel after a year of work*
Jenna: *uploads what to do before ever writing*
*sweats heavily*
I'm curious, how many words?
@@alexandernorman5337 just about 141,000 words total
@@punpkinpi2015 next step, beta readers.
Okay, the math nerd in me has to say it: The circumference of a pumpkin divided by its' diameter. Not as nerd as Q t Pi, but close.
@gerald frost I actually am looking into beta readers! Also, that math joke is super cute lol
@@punpkinpi2015 What genra is your story? I have a sci-fi romance at 165k words ready for beta testing. I'll read anything but slasher books; most of them are bloody awful.
Before I began outlining, I was the queen of writing chapter 1, over, and over, and over.
Same
@@JustinDLink Awesome. I found outlining is easier if I write a 200 word synopsis of the novel first, it helps me get the entire book in my head at once.
I used to be like that, lol
i outline and i'm still like that : (
@@OlettaLiano I like the synopsis writing route as well. I never took to traditional outlines but I can bang out a good 2,000 word synopsis no problem.
Step 11:
Cry... A lot
Make a snack basket to keep on ha d full of your favorite goodies. It will... kinda help with the tears.
Your pfp matches this comment perfectly
*1st step
“Mind Vagina” 😂😂😂😂 That totally fits with my “your book is the child you birth and raise” analogy.
lol exactly!
Guys can have mind vaginas too!
(If you are what you think about most, a lot of guys are there already.)
birth is painful, many people forget that part of the analogy
writing the book is painful, so that's no exception
Okay, seriously Jenna, Imma need a "But Jeeennaaa!" t-shirt/sweater/hoodie in 2020.
you can get it in my merch store!!!!!
@@JennaMoreci Omg, you read their mind too. All hail the Psychic Cyborg Queen. 😂😂 😂😂
HELL YES! DON'T FORGET THE COFFEE MUGS!
Am I the only one that wants this shirt with a pocket? I love having pockets on my shirts... Guess I'm just odd.
"Or complain in the comments, whatever."
Well now i don't want to...
My online creative writing teacher loves you so much, we watched so many of your videos as assignments. It was pretty great since I was already told about you by my mom
this is amazing! thank you so much for telling me, I'm honored!!!!
That sounds incredible! Holy craperoonie where do I sign up?
No seriously, an online creative writing class sounds awesome. Details pls and thx you.
@@ExploreImagineDefineCreate I'm in high school lol. It's a creative writing class for freshman as a credit.
@@wisterwilson8774 Damn, wish my school offered something like that. 'Bout to get out anyways, so I suppose I can search for similar classes afterwards.
@@ExploreImagineDefineCreate True lol, happy writing my dude!!!
Here we go again, Jenna The Psychic just *knows* what I need.
It's part of my cyborg skills :P
Welp! I wanna be a cyborg now (´⊙ω⊙`)！
Thanks, now I want to name a book "A series of unrelated events I/the author call/s a novel"
LOL I love that
It would be an anthology of short stories.
Do it
Jenna "you can just write a series of unrelated events"
Cats "am I a joke to you"
Was a series of poems first, then a stage musical, then an abomination of a movie
Lemony Snicket: a series of unrelated events (the spinoff)
Yes.
I’m really glad I wasn’t taking a drink when I read this.
yes you are
Jenna: "Usually, my thought dump process takes about a week".
Me, after 9 months of intense thought dumping and, as result, about 97 pages of notes to the story: *nervous laughter*
I suppose I'd better get started on the writing itself...
That’s me 😂
I'm the opposite, my thought dump is actually writing the book, and then when I get to any part I wasn't tremendously hyped about, I just freak out and go cry in the shower. And then people ask me why the hell I have tens of unfinished projects in my "discarded" folder.🥲
“I don’t care if your mom calls you special.”
Ha, jokes on you, she doesn’t. Wait-
Took me a month to write my first 10,000 words! You're always spot on Cyborg Queen!!
Keep at it!!!!
I'm addicted to about 800 words a day, at which point I force myself to stop and have a life.
@@geraldfrost4710 have you ever spent 7 hours writing 6000 words and been disappointed you didn't get more done
@@ferrin6326 YES!
The best 1k words that hit my page was from midnight till noon, and became the core of a book; the problem was digging into Google for the data.
But once the bones are established, once the story goals (outline) is reasonably firm (because it WILL change) writing dialog and action is transcribing and describing what I'm watching. Being able to watch the same second several ten times while the facial expression is translated to verbal poetry, and then turning the mental camera to see the responding dialog, and to get it on the page as well... the speed of transcription becomes an issue. spelling be damned! get it on the page!
inevitably the spell is broken by someone (who knows exactly who she is) saying something like, "The chickens only gave us four eggs today! Why do you think that is?" and after two hours my concentration is suddenly shattered. Rage follows!
Anger isn't about this time; it's about making sure it doesn't happen next time. "When you see me typing full speed, don't interrupt! When you see me reaching up to grab a handful of ethereal myst and stuff it into the keyboard, don't interrupt! When creative juices are boiling out of my brain into the word press, don't interrupt! When the magic is happening, don't interrupt! Leave the coffee without words, I love you, but don't interrupt! Don't ask me what kind of sandwich I want (I don't). If you choose to feed the maniac, fine; don't wiggle his arm while he's carving words into the page!"
And (this actually happened back when I was married) when the response is, "If you're going to be antisocial, take the computer to the garage and type your stupid stories." anger happened.
This video was exactly what I needed.
I've been trying to write a book for half a year now, but I'm still no further than one page and lots of incoherent ideas. Soooo thanks Jenna!
happy to help :)
"I know you thought writing a book would be straightforward, but that's because you're a wee bit dumb"
This channel is so god damn quotable
My first draft took me about two years to write, with an extremely rough outline, changing the villains motivation halfway through, and pantsing most of the story.
It was fun!
I thought I was a 'pantser' but haven't got anywhere in like 100 years, so I'm now working on an outline. So far, there is already an improvement. Who could of guessed?
Girl! I’ve been binge watching your videos all day! I’ve been working on a book for the past year and a half, and you’re videos have really been helping me edit it through and make sure it’s not a piece of crap. I’ve been really smacking my head lately because I haven’t been able to work on it a lot because I’m still in school, but I’m determined to make sure it gets done.
you can do it! I have faith :)
Writing with Jenna Moreci thanks! 😊
"You cannot write a series of unrelated events and call it a novel."
*laughs in Ulysses*
and cats
"You wanna write a book. That's why you're here, on my channel."
Oh, Cyborg Queen, you know me so well
You're making a draft,
you're checking it twice!
Decide in advance
who's naughty and nice!
Cyborg queen is coming to town!
Jenna: Use social media !
Me, having zero social skill / friends: .....Uh....
I relate so much to this. I hate social media with a passion. I prefer being anonymous. I think I'd be happier as a ghost writer than someone known, recognized, etc.
i knowww
Same
Me too but I also wan‘t to publish. Ahhhh
Damn, my list is going well. Thank you, gave me a good feels boost.
yay, I'm so glad!
@Kelly Reid patrons see videos early! patreon.com/jennamoreci
I needed this! I’m on my fourth draft of my book and I’m still struggling a bit on the overall structure and plot of my book and this video helped me figure out what I could improve on
Haven’t click on a video so fast in my life
LOLOL awww
Love this! This is literally EVERYTHING I’m doing right now! 👏🏻
that's fantastic!
If you’re an indie author, congratulations! You get to pay for everything yourself!
Truth. 😂
My goal is to finish. I got drafts. Self-editing is taking forever.
I see everything as a movie trailer in my brain. I have a hard time translating that to words sometimes. Timing is also hard for me. Anyone else have these problems?
I am 14 and I love making stories. My mom is an author, and (though we write different genres) she inspires me quite a bit.
Also, I came 2 hours after you posted this.. so if you see this... I love your content so much.
Years ago my son wanted to read a book I had mentioned. He was fourteen at the time. Instead I recommended some solid action books. My son was kinetic, and even the plot in a book had to move. A decade later he read the other book, and said I was right to make him wait, that in high-school he wouldn't have appreciated the slower pace.
Being young I'd recommend a short story format. It's not to stop you from writing big stories, but to get something completed and published. Preferably several somethings.
Good luck!
@@geraldfrost4710 Thank you! I appreciate the advice. I will do my best! ^^
@@roul4842 Jenna says, "small goals." I agree, especially for young authors. Somewhere else in the comments I challenged another writer to a one hour goal, and I matched it. One scene of 800 words, and to do it in under one hour. Seek and ye shall find. Have a nice day, but don't be blind.
@@geraldfrost4710 That challenge is a good idea. Might have to try that :) Have a good one
ah yessss, more things for me to use to procrastinate ACTUALLY writing :)))
deadass these are helpful tho and im SO glad i do most of these before starting already
Who else thinks we need a "best of 'but Jennaaa'" compilation
This was a God send for my writer's block- thank you
I'm about to start a book. Thanks for the advice Jenna!
you're very welcome!
Nice to see I'm not TOTALLY clueless. Thanks for the pointers. Makes me feel better about the stage I'm at. :)
After writing several chapters I now discover this video.
Me: Sigh...time to rewrite everything, cry into a pillow, pick myself up & get back on track.
write scenes with consistent characters. Then you aren't re-writing, you're shuffling cards into place. A cool plot is important, but what readers remember is the people, and how they handled adversity. .
I needed this!!!! Thank you Jenna!!!!!
you're very welcome!
"... You wanna write a book? That's why you're on my channel."
Me: *Casually covering my camera* She can read my mind! 😶
Before knowing your channel I didn't outline, and let me tell you my first manuscript was a complete mess. It was so hard on the middle of the book to remember if I had already explained certain things. Your videos enlighted me and now I outline like crazy cause it makes writing sooooo much easy and such a better experience! Thank you!
Reading/ consuming your book's genre is a big help. My novel's genre is one I'd never heard of until I got stuck trying to make certain elements work and went searching for similar stories.
She really can read our minds guys... I decided on a new novel project literally minutes before this video popped up. HOW??
The cyborg queen knows your thoughts...
That of plot structures, outlines, and goals is a great recommendation. I love using outlines myself because it keeps my book in full detail. Of course I've studied a lot about the plot structure and outlining here on the Internet. Jenna, everything you mention I agree. I'm just not a fan of social media; I'm more like an introverted writer.
Any favorite sites you could share? I'm discovering not all are created equal
Elizabeth Beard Are you talking about outlines?
Just finished reading The Saviors Champion today. I absolutely loved that massive plot twist, and I KNEW it!
"building an author platform takes years..."
YES THANK YOU FOR TARGETING MY PAIN 😂
ETA: also I love your skillshare classes 😊
I'm literally coming to this presentation a year after it's inception. Thanks for starting my new year on an encouraging note!
I’ve already completed my first draft - and all of these tips still apply! Thank you! I’m going to binge your videos for more advice in self-publishing. I’m so glad that I found your channel. 💖
Thanks for the tips! I hope I’ll be able to use them in the near future!
awesome!!!!
As far as goals go, so far I have concept designs for characters and basic storylines for the overall series. Now I just have to do a million other things then I can finally start!
Storylines for the overall series? Im going to guess you are getting a bit ahead of yourself and planning a saga.
Let me see if I can help out.
Let's start with the basic parts:
What will be the final goal and the conclussion of the story for the main character?
Will they get what they want?
How will they be when they get there?
How will they HAVE to change to achive it?
What journey do you want him/her to go trough?
Will they go alone?
What will be the main thing that steps in the way?
BTW I'm asuming you intend on having a single main character, if you want to have more you have to know all of this for each one plus how they all connect and affect eachothers story, so ask yourself, you really need them all for the story you want to tell?
Now you should have a basic general plotline you got point A, point B and an overview of the kind of road between them, are you sure you can't fit it all in one book?
How much of the journey can you put in?
Do you think that is a satisfying conclussion for your readers to wait on for another year +?
If no then try to find one that is, remember that bigger doesn't always mean better or more satisfying and that any cliffhangers will need a payoff later on.
Ok so now you got a point to cut the story for the first book, write everyting else and put it aside, where it will be safe. You got a first draft to make! Start figuring the key points of the story, write them down on a timeline until you have a solid structure, then start just dumping words on the page, doesn't need to be perfect just needs to be there, youll clean it later.
Wow i got carried away, sorry if i seem pretentious, i just get exited for this kind of stuff, oh and i don't actually expect your answers, the questions are just a general guide of what to work on.
Best of lucks.
Diego R. Thanks! That actually does help!
@@calebgoodman2076 no problem, I'm glad you found it usefull.
I'm was just about to start writing my book. I'm so glad I checked this out first. Thank you, Jenna!
Tell us the hook.
I love this channel, but I’m so sick of being told how to “make it” in the arts by people who are trying to commodify creativity. There’s no one-path-fits-all to creative success. That’s what makes it creative. And becoming a true master of your craft means discovering or inventing your own process and learning to trust your instincts. In my opinion, this is best done through experimentation - i.e., by doing, not by reading and researching and agonizing over “the proper way” to accomplish your goals.
There is no “proper way” to achieve artistic merit.
We base “the proper way” on people like Shakespeare and Austen and Dickens, who had no guide but themselves, and then we attempt to synthesize their dumb luck into formulas for the masses.
Just write your fucking book and pray to God it doesn’t suck monkey balls. Like Jenna said, you’re not a good writer because your mother loves you.
“..There more like guidelines..”
-captain barbosa
dwiggins01 I actually work as a background extra in LA. You should watch the Actors on Actors segment with Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson.
Marcellis Madness All anyone else can tell you is what worked for them.
PREACH GIRL 👏👏👏
That is a smart thing to say. If you start a UA-cam channel I will be your first subscriber.
Well, Luckily I have the amazing Jenna Moreci, to help me create myself my own guide to writing a book. Thank you Jenna!!!
Wish this had come out before I started writing my book. But I can still make use of some of these tips I think, so as always you have been helpfull
you can definitely still tackle them!
@@JennaMoreci Thanks and I will do it! I also want to thank you for your video about self doubt and writers block, I have had some serious issues with doubt and writing anxiety but your videos helped me a lot with that. Your videos have helped me a lot, more than almost anything else I've watched or read. I think part of it is that not only are your tips really good but you are also really funny. Keep up your good work Jenna! It helps a lot of people like me
"It's okay to break your book-writing down into smaller goals and take time with them."
Thank you, Jenna. That's just what I needed to hear right now. I'm coming back to my book after life and other projects put me on hiatus for a month. Staring at the mountains of both writing and non-writing things I still have to do is indeed overwhelming, but your advice for Tip #10 reminded me to pause and breathe and that I can indeed get these goals done, slowly but surely. Thanks again. :)
A BONUS VIDEO AHHHHH THANK YOU JENNA!!💜
you're welcome! my pleasure :D
I don’t want to write a book
I’m watching your videos because I love them, you’re so funny and entertaining 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
HAPPY NEW YEAR JENNA 🥳🥳🥳
Wooo! I'm early! This is so helpful and now I'm starting my second book. I'm confident it's going to go by like the breeze (haha no)!
LOLOL the second book is often easier than the first! keep the faith
@@JennaMoreci How about the forth?
Up to this day your How To Outline Part 2 video is still my favourite on this channel
All your tips are amazeballs!!!
I am so glad I found you before I got too far into writing my book. 😅
You are kicking ass Jenna! Can't wait for TSS!
It's like writing songs. There are the different stages that leads to a bridge to the outro climax. I think these song writing sections are structured yet an epic song with no music
If I could add one more item to this list, it's not to be in a big hurry to publish before you're ready to do so. I'm ashamed to say that I have experience with this faux pas. Anyways, excellent video, Jenna! :)
I keep coming back and watching your videos, but not for writing advice, as I do not need that, but to see just how crazier you have become. 😃Keep out of the rubber room as long as you can, JM!
I love for this selfaware sarcasm😂 its the hard truth, while not being too elite or exclusive
Thanks for the video. Always a motivator for writing a book and self-publishing.
Thank you Jenna! Really been struggling on starting a novel and following through to the end and that’s just the beginning of the process.
Thank you SO much for this video. I felt like I was going in the right direction but you really helped me figure out what I was doing. I’ve written so many short stories but writing a book feels like such a beast to conquer. I feel like you’ve equipped me with the sword to start. Thank you!!!
Outlining helped me actually write. It also helped me with developing more all the characters, since I got the main story written down and could add and remove parts that developed them one way or another.
Jenna, it's good to be back here listening to your wonderful writing advice. I'm about to start my second book and I'm relearning all of the tricks and skills that I forgot when I went off for university. I'm glad to see you're still as informative and funny as when I first found you. Here's to you and Round 2, cheers.
I'm more of a hobby/for-fun writer. So, I probably won't be publishing my books. But, I love your videos and advice. I find the info and guides very entertaining and helpful.
And, on this point: 7:18, I've been binge-reading a book series that I almost literally can't put down. .....For the past three weeks or so, I've been up into the early morning reading the last book in the series (for now). The books took a hold of me very quickly and won't let go.... Lol
Happy new year jenna! You look beautiful!
I already on Chapter 17 of my first book's first draft but I did at least 7 of these steps already lel. That's good to know 😭
I am about to start my book. Thank you very much for these tips, Jenna. They are going to be helpful to me as I go through the process.
Thank you, Jenna!
"Let me guess, you wanna write a book"
Actually its more of a screenplay that i need to polish a bit more, but you give usefull advise anyway, so who cares!
I'm usually not a fan of outlining but I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that it's a necessary step if I ever actually want to write my book lol
Always enjoy your vlogs. I'm a old dog with not many new tricks left but the thing that has me at a complete stand still is being asked for gain ARC readers for book launch day. My god, where? I don't have a big social media following, and even if some agree, I doubt many will follow through. I gather it's like creating a street team? Not so easy in a ghost town. I've found a critique partner and a few beta readers but this marketing stuff has me shaking in my boots. It's been a real kick in the nads.
Just *finally* started reading TSC and I literally can't put it down!! Jenna just be putting her characters in the shitiest positions ever... I love it! All that blood and violence, I live for it
Outlining saves lives and nerves, and that's the tea
Did you just say “falls right out of your mind vagina!” Lmao. I spit out my coffee. Instantly subscribed.
In my experience, there are really two types of writers: those who like planning out stories more than actually writing them - I myself am this type. Then there are the others who prefer to plan as they write, which can work sometimes (very seldom lay, however).
If you don't know how to garden then following the flow is brutal and you still need to understand the stages your plant/story will hit and what it will need to bloom into something beautiful. I literally can't do writing like an architect, it becomes limiting and suffocating to me. I like to create a few different parallels and will blend them to get the story to where I want but if you are not well practiced in working in a state of constant Flux its very easy for things to spin out of control. That has been how my mind has worked since I was a Child and it clashed hard with how society tends to work. Outside of my time spent in a war zone writing like this has been the only other place I've felt peace and at home. I do not recommend this style, it took me decades to even figure out how to translate and write the chaos.
Hey Jenna, I love your videos. I watch them all the time when I’m planning my story. I love the advice you get and the hard truths you give out too.
I couldn’t write today, so I needed to watch Jenna lol
This was actually helpful. Thank you for making this video!
Another great video. Thanks 4 ur spectacular advice.😁 Her subscribe advice at the ends are the best. Bloody hilarious!😂👍🏼Love it!
I can attest to the need to learn structure. My first two novels were pieces of junk because I wasn’t familiar with concepts like “scene.” Robert McKee’s book on Story will help with the nitty-grittty of structure. Thank you Jenna.
You are like the writer mom I never had.
Knowing all the cringe/inexperienced/newbie writer thoughts even though I try to hide it as hard as possible.
Then you destroy all of those thoughts and give me the info and guidance I need :D
and Hannah Lee Kidder is like the mean sister that crushes all my hopes and dreams.
But she also gives me the info and guidance I need. XD
You have the best videos about making books!
Ok, I'm all for having a dedicated social media presence, but you have to maintain it. Any tips on how to do this as someone who's still working on their first novel? And how to prioritise vs actually writing?
Love your vids ❤
Amen Jenna.
happy new year sister jenna. I hope this next decade is successful 4 both you and brother cliff. have a great nite. many blessings n hugs 4 you both. :)
Early squad where you at???
* raises hand *
Hell. I’m at hell.
I love the threatening outros of each video.
As a pantser, I agree with #4. You have to outline.
My outline is like one or two pages, and I keep track of character development and any backstory I mention. That way I can refer back to them if needed.
I sometimes outline as I go. But my characters write the story based off of a single line or two.
Do the worldbuilding first. It makes pantsing and outlining easier. There are too many things to keep track of. If you have 500 pairs of pants, you won't be able to remember which one your favorite is.
All your videos are so helpful love you Jenna💖
Lol my outlines are interesting to say the least. I'll start off vague, then get super detailed if I have an idea I want to write out so I don't forget it, then vague again until I hit another tricky part.
I always see Jenna's videos on the homepage before UA-cam notifies me. Not sure if UA-cam is incredibly slow or Jenna is incredibly fast.
Thank you for your very helpful video xx
While I love watching the tips and suggestions, one thing that is always missing is mastery of your keyboard and word processing program. You have an incredible tool and should be in complete control of the mechanical part of putting words on the screen, manipulating the words on the page, basic editing, and, I think something people forgot, mad speed typing. Work to type at least 80 wpm.
My outline is super detailed. I even have dialogue in some areas of it.
We finished our book last week (excluding the obvious edits that come after an agent) and our resolution is to do everything in our power to acquire an agent and get published!