Ten Tips - Writing Short Stories

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  • Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
  • Last week I threatened this! If you’re stuck at home, you have paper and pen, well, you may enjoy journalling (which is also likely to be of real interest to you and your family in years to come), but if you don’t, perhaps you could try your hand at writing? Here’s ten tips on how to write short stories.
    If you enjoy my videos and would like to support the channel, please consider joining my Patreon project at / mj150520 - you’ll also find more films and blogs about writing, about my work, even about my dogs!
    Don't forget: please like, subscribe and share! And if you have your own specific ideas for videos, do please leave them in the comments section below, or message me on one of the links. I'm often on Twitter and the other social media, so you should be able to track me down!
    To find out more about me and my books, look at: www.michaeljeck...
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    Disclaimer - I have not been paid for making this video!
    Cheers for now!
    Mike

КОМЕНТАРІ • 171

  • @sarahhouse7607
    @sarahhouse7607 4 роки тому +45

    I am a 76 year old “writer always wanted to be”! I just received the beautiful SeaRite by Astrohaus. Your comments on writing the short story made my day. Getting a bit tired of staying in and not seeing friends. Your love of writing is contagious. Thanks for the wonderful tips!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +11

      HI, Sarah, and many thanks for replying to me video. I'm SO glad my little film tempted you into trying to write! I really hope you continue to write. Don't forget, Mary Wesley (Camomile Lawn) didn't start writing until she was about your age. She's given you a bit of a line to cross! Best of luck, keep safe and keep in touch!

  • @bigphilly7345
    @bigphilly7345 Рік тому +11

    Thank you for this video. I’ve always loved reading short stories and my 2023 Resolution is to write one short story per week for the entire year. As Ray Bradbury said, “It’s impossible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.”

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  Рік тому +2

      You can do it - er, writing one a week, I mean, not that you'll manage 52 bad ones in a row. Mind you, I could - I'm rubbish at the whole idea of concision!

  • @kennethlawson6257
    @kennethlawson6257 4 роки тому +23

    I've been writing short stories for years. For me its the Opening line. I usually like a nice short opening online, or sometimes two lines that almost read as one line.
    From there, I drop the reader into the middle of the action. I don't go much for descriptions in the short stories, only what the reader must know for the story to make sense.
    Speaking of making sense;
    Many of my short stories end with the situation being something completely different then what the reader thought it was at the begining.
    .Ie; The surprise ending.
    I should also note that I'm a pantser. I rarely have any idea what the story will be until I'm well into it.
    I don't plan the story in any way. This is what the opening lines are so important to me.
    I build the story one line and paragraph at a time each building on the ones before it. Until I find the final solution and that becomes the ending.
    I'm also a watch geek and enjoyed your video on the Rolex.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +5

      I do agree, Kenneth. And I'm a pantser too. I like to have an overall "feel", to get an atmosphere, and to have a rough idea of where I think the story will go, but rarely stick to it. Generally, I believe real characters arrive on the page when they are well-defined and cannot be constrained by the author's master plan!

  • @feliciaconner
    @feliciaconner Рік тому +2

    Thanks for this! I’m going to give a short story a go :)

  • @ScotlandHistoryTours
    @ScotlandHistoryTours 3 роки тому +3

    Came for the tips. Felt a kick in the solar plexus when you described your mug as having a map of England

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      Whoops. Apologies. As a southerner, I do often make that mistake, seeing equality for the nations across the constituents of the UK. Consider me rapped over the knuckles!

  • @gristlevonraben
    @gristlevonraben 4 роки тому +8

    I added this video to my playlist, Writing Secrets and Tips. I also got your book, The Dead Don't Wait, in the mail today. Have a great day.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      Many thanks, Gristle! Really hope you enjoy the Dead Don't Wait, too!

  • @stevecarter8810
    @stevecarter8810 Місяць тому +1

    Love the attitude you bring. The subtext of all of it is: you, dear listener are competent and there's plenty of time. Try these things if you like. As a first time fiction writer this is more valuable even than the material hints you gave.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  Місяць тому

      So glad you liked it! Please, let me know if there are other topics you'd like me to cover to help you.

  • @sovereigngracebaptistchurch
    @sovereigngracebaptistchurch 4 роки тому +4

    Thank you. This short 'workshop' on crafting short stories is both entertaining and helpful.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it! I wasn't sure about it at first, but people seem to have really enjoyed it, thankfully! Best of luck with your own writing!

  • @latoyamatson6197
    @latoyamatson6197 3 роки тому +3

    This is the first video I've found on short story writing that ACTUALLY had advice and not the beginning, middle, and end videos. Stuff we know because most writers have common sense. So I want to thank you for this. I've put my dream of writing off for 30 years....I've wanted to write since I learned to read and couldn't even write. (I was two) so I'd tell stories. As soon as I learned to write I started writing stories and my teachers would laminate them and place them in our school library. As soon as I hit second grade I was allowed to try for Young Writers Conference and I won 5 years in a row. As soon as I hit high school I allowed puberty to get in the way. The thought of writing never left me though. It was always floating around in my head. And I'm tired of not living for me. So I'm going for it. Thank you for taking time out of your life to help those who need a little extra help. Your greatly appreciated.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому

      Hi, LaToya,
      Many thanks for that. It's so difficult trying to make videos which give advice, are relevant, and which don't bore people. I'm really glad if this one helped. If you have questions, do please let me know and I'll see what I can do to help with a video addressing your points, if I can.
      Happy writing!

  • @douglasmattingly1250
    @douglasmattingly1250 4 роки тому +2

    Thanks for the opportunity to sit with an experienced writer and gather a little of your wisdom about the short story.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      Thank you, Douglas. I do hope you'll pick up a keyboard or pen and paper and try your hand now!

  • @NOopulence
    @NOopulence 3 роки тому +1

    This is honestly one of the best fiction writing short video's I've seen. Down to earth and practical. Sometimes when I sit down with an idea for a story I have a hard time developing it because my brain is stuck in some kind of tunnel vision about the basic idea that I find it hard to think outside of it. Sometimes I find discovery writing and trying not to overthink what I put on the page works well, but sometimes its good to gradually think about a situation by being asked questions or asking questions of yourself like what you explained with the dead body.

  • @oldproji
    @oldproji 4 роки тому +4

    I have just finished a short story - "The Witchford Child." Short story writing isn't as easy as some make it out to be. A novel can be padded with loads of back-story. A short story is about brevity. Only give the reader essential information, each sentence moving the story forward (no extraneous waffle). I use the three act structure for my stories. First act contains the hook and introduction - throwing the readers straight into the deep end. The second act, the escalation of action. The third act, and shortest of all, is the denouement. My advice is sketch out a plan of each act and then use it to kick-start the story. Have several endings to choose from. I had three endings for my current short story, and planned the ending before starting. Also, the most important of all in my opinion, is to eliminate all passive voice. Stick to active voice. Your readers will get a much better read that way.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +5

      Very good points, Oldproji. Concision and brevity is all. Although real experts like Saki and Conan Doyle fitted a lot into their stories, they were experts at leaving things out. I always think that those who are good at writing short stories tend to be poets: they can pick the right words and get the story down. For me, short stories are really hard work!

    • @oldproji
      @oldproji 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitteringsThank you so much for replying. Writing is hard work for me too. I think you are right about short story writers being poets. Edgar Allan Poe instantly sprang to mind. His advice for those that write for pleasure, like myself, or for profit, is as sound as it gets.
      Know the ending before beginning to write.
      Keep it short (the 'one-sitting' rule).
      The choice of impression.
      Choose the tone of the work.
      Determine the theme and characterisation of the work.
      Establish the climax.
      Determine the location.
      I could never be a professional writer, simply because I am rather slow at it and could never work to a deadline. I enjoy doing it as much as I enjoy street photography and it has been a 'godsend' over these months of lockdown. www.faena.com/aleph/articles/edgar-allan-poes-seven-tips-for-writing-stories-and-poems/

  • @evergreensceptre
    @evergreensceptre 4 роки тому +6

    This is a godsend thank you! I’ve been meaning to get back into writing Fanfiction. A very old hobby of mine. I was a bit lost on how to start on my idea but this has helped me get onto an easier track and quite excited to write a short story instead of the daunting task of a novel length fanfiction. I think my short story will start - with a letter... hehehe

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      Thanks so much, Sebastian! It's always so refreshing to see that a video has hit the mark, and that people appreciate it! Really glad you've got the bug for writing again - I hope it continues for you! Best of luck.

  • @paulaakhile9983
    @paulaakhile9983 3 роки тому +2

    Thank for your teachings, I like the simple way you go about it.
    Thanks so much.
    Paula.

  • @Amrold
    @Amrold 2 роки тому +1

    you had me at, "how very uninteresting, nevermind!" Melted me into listening. So inviting.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому +1

      Sorry, Amy, I have a terrible sense of humour!

    • @Amrold
      @Amrold 2 роки тому +1

      @@writerlywitterings oh it's fantastic!! 😊

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому

      @@Amrold You're saying all the right things!

  • @JN-hg5wn
    @JN-hg5wn 2 роки тому +1

    Hi and thank you so much sir 😃
    I am pretty new to the craft, so advices like these are more then golden of worth to me!
    I actually finished my second story yesterday - started on it way back in 2014, but Finaly did it. Have written here and there. The fear and all that was holing me back. But after a lot of hard thinking I know how to overcome it.
    So now I do writing, and will never let it up. Nothing in this world, gives me that feeling as writing does. It's magic really!
    Looking forward to see more from you. Thanks again!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому +1

      Many thanks for this. I'll see what I can do in terms of more videos on writing.

    • @JN-hg5wn
      @JN-hg5wn 2 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings Alright sir I couldent be happier, if so 👍
      Thanks again and be well!

  • @simonmichaeltanner
    @simonmichaeltanner 4 роки тому +2

    Enjoyable as ever! I've always seen short stories as in a way more difficult than novels. Different skill, at least. I particularly love Conan Doyle, John Mortimer, M.R. James and Somerset Maugham, but the latter's in particular are absolute gems. The ability to hone down just enough, to create atmsophere and character with a few deft strokes, and to develop an interesting situation in a limited space is a rare one.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      I adore Somerset Maugham's stories. People are scathing about him, because like Kipling he was always associated with empire, but for me his stories are about the human spirit. I do admire those who can write good shorts, though. Much harder (I find) than novels!

  • @minerva5025
    @minerva5025 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Michael, don't know about your Rolex story ! Yet, I will watch your video about it. I just found you when searching for different people's perspectives on short stories and there you were, thank you for sharing your thoughts, I'll come back for sure.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому

      Thanks, Minerva! It's really simple, really - my Rolex was a bog-standard watch when I bought it in 1986, and it's been on my wrist ever since. But recently our insurers changed underwriters, and asked for it to be valued. To my horror, I was told that the valuation (an annual requirement) would be some £300; I was also told that I would need a new bracelet (£1,000). Then I was told that the watch was worth over £10,000. I don't want to wear something worth that much on my wrist - I don't want to pay that much to get it insured, and don't want to have to pay that much annually to keep it insured. Then again I see no point in a useful tool sitting in a safe and not being used. So logically the best thing to do is sell it and buy a cheaper watch. So now the Rolex is deposited in Sotheby's, waiting for their next auction, and I have a £50 Lorus watch on my wrist!

  • @brandonfindlay2249
    @brandonfindlay2249 Рік тому +1

    Happy to find this, a bit late, but valuable none the less. Cheers!

  • @GetReal521
    @GetReal521 7 місяців тому +1

    Thank you! This was very insightful as I attempt to make my foray into short story writing. I just published my first book: an historical non-fiction, much different in many ways from a short story. I thank you again, and I subscribed to your channel. I plan to revisit regularly. It just so happens that I am also a pen collector. Lovely combination.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  7 місяців тому

      You're very welcome! Glad it was helpful. I think I ought to update this with some other comments on writing. Have a great week!

  • @johnmooney9403
    @johnmooney9403 Рік тому +1

    Hi Michael just bought The Last Templar book 1.Will look forward to reading your work.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  Рік тому +1

      Awesome, John! Thank you so much - I really hope you enjoy it
      !

  • @sistergoldenhair0727
    @sistergoldenhair0727 4 роки тому +2

    What a lovely video! I always love seeing your different mugs and I appreciate your advice on short story writing. The one beef I have with Agatha Christie is that often she would not reveal the killer until the last couple of pages and many times it ends up being a person we weren’t introduced to previously or some clue that wasn’t referenced earlier. I feel ripped off when that happens. Anyway, loving your videos. I look forward to your next one !

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      Thanks, Tracie! Any author who introduces a stranger as the murderer in the last pages is a cheat!

  • @beccaboyes4665
    @beccaboyes4665 3 роки тому +1

    Such a refreshing video! I feel some of the writing tips on youtube nowadays are filled with filler and self-promotion and ill-explained tips - so I'm glad I've stumbled across this channel, you seem lovely and very helpful!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому

      Huge thanks, Rebecca! You're very welcome, and I'm particularly glad that you and several others have recently started following these writerly videos - I'll have to start thinking of some more topics!

  • @pamelaboxall7015
    @pamelaboxall7015 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you so much for such an inspirational video, I'm going to watch it again tomorrow and take notes. I've always enjoyed short stories as a reader, having devoured the likes of H G Wells, Robert Heinlein, and Dorothy Parker in my impressionable youth (a phase that has lasted at least half a century). I'm working on a short story at the moment which started out as a little practice exercise using a writing prompt and I fell totally in love with the idea so decided to keep with it. I think you have to trust your instincts when finding the 'right' length for any piece of writing. A bit of good description can work even in a short story, but it depends on the type of story you're writing and, I suppose, on the type of description. Now I need a cup of tea (your videos tend to get to me like that). Thanks again.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      You and I have very similar tastes - although I'd have to add Saki to the mix. I still regularly reread his works on the basis that everything to know about short story writing is in there!

    • @pamelaboxall7015
      @pamelaboxall7015 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings Ooh, thanks for the Saki tip.

  • @HawkIjr
    @HawkIjr Рік тому +1

    Sharp of whit, you are, you are! Thank you for sharing these tips! Write for yourself really resonated with me, so I'll try that. In my head there is always a running dialoged playing out different versions of past conversations so made more character back an forth rather than fluff is the way to go! I hear Elmore Leonard wrote stuff like that, so maybe I'll check that out as well.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  Рік тому

      I think a lot of successful writers tend to work to that principle - Elmore, Stephen King, Karen Maitland, Iain Rankin - it's one sure way to get yourself interested. Best of luck.

  • @sinthaporthen3853
    @sinthaporthen3853 Рік тому +1

    Thank u for this beautiful video🙏

  • @phyllisjoseph9962
    @phyllisjoseph9962 2 роки тому +1

    Your tips are great advice😀. Thanks so much!

  • @lynnettejalufka2682
    @lynnettejalufka2682 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this timely video. I'm in the process of revising a short story for publication. I just had a short story published in With Words We Weave: Texas High Plains Writers 2020 Anthology. I'm very proud of it because I made a medieval story fit the theme and the 2,500 word count in a non-medieval collection.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      Well done! I always find a word count a real issue. I've got to edit my current short down, because incomplete I reached 6,500 before I checked and saw that it was supposed to be 2-4,000! Editing in progress!

    • @oldproji
      @oldproji 4 роки тому

      I try to judge the length of piece according to how many characters populate the imaginary world. I usually like to give around 500 -750 words per character. Of course, this isn't a precise science, but it seems to work out that way for me. My current story runs for 3750 words and there are 4 main characters in the story and two that appear right at the end.

  • @itsmeLori
    @itsmeLori Рік тому +1

    This video was very helpful, thank you!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  7 місяців тому

      Many thanks, Lori! Glad it was helpful
      Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines!

  • @SureshKumar-sd4fy
    @SureshKumar-sd4fy Рік тому +1

    Please talk about writing space and writing best practices

  • @holistic7980
    @holistic7980 Рік тому

    Very useful tips. Thank you.

  • @angbane
    @angbane 4 роки тому +2

    Looking forward to the Conway pen review. Some helpful advice for short stories. I often start out writing a short story, but then it ends up being a full length novel. Tips on writing synopsis would be welcome.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      I'll have a think about writing a synopsis - not sure whether I have done a video on that already, but I'll have a check! Best of luck. Yes, all my shorts tend to try to become novellas at the very least, but I force them down in size! I just find short stories often take as long as a novel to write! Best of luck!

  • @brrryan2908
    @brrryan2908 7 місяців тому +1

    Witty and informative! Thanks. :)

  • @michellestephenson1680
    @michellestephenson1680 4 роки тому +1

    This was wonderful! I’m glad I found it; I wasn’t able to watch the day of release. I think my issue will be writing rough
    first drafts into notebooks that I want to keep forever. I need to view the notebooks as less sacred, I suppose.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      Ah, well the best thing to do is to keep your notebooks! All my first drafts, synopses etc are in my loft. It's got the manuscripts for all my 46 odd novels as well as my short stories and ideas for collaborations! Don't worry about it, just keep them all!

  • @ElisabethIceCream
    @ElisabethIceCream 4 роки тому +4

    Please more about writing novels! I’m going to be a writer, but my current novel idea (2 years in the making), is hard to actually write down. I have 3 notebooks for it and I write scenes and research and so on, but I am having a hard time getting my handwritten notes into Scrivener. Tips to how to get the «job» started?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +3

      Hi, Elisabeth - a longer reply for you!
      It really depends on how you want to work: whether you are a detailed planner, or whether you are just start writing. If you have all the notes set out, but still cannot start, it could be that you're more like me, and need no notes, but just take a point and start writing.
      My strong advice to you would be, to set all your notebooks aside. Take one of your characters, and form a scene for him/her. Write that without referring to notes, but letting your research and knowledge of that person fill you. Write it entirely from his/her perspective: what they are thinking, why they react in that way, everything. It could be an argument, it could be the character going to the shop. It doesn't matter. What you are aiming for is a scene that will grip the reader. Perhaps you could write a separate short story to test the water with that character - it's one of the things I try when inventing a new character or story - I write a short story to see how I get on with the character concerned.
      Try that - you may find it frees up your writing.
      The other side is, you may only be able to work through pen on paper. Nothing wrong with that, but it does mean you have to write the stories in notebooks first and then type them up later exactly as they are in the notebooks. It's slower working that way, but it may be helpful.
      Finally, it could be that you are best suited to typing on a keyboard, but you're being distracted by all the other things going on - twitter, facebook, emails etc. You might be better off seeking a second hand computer which you can use as a drafting tool. Buy the machine and remove all email and other software so you can type without distractions. Or look at buying an Astrohaus Freewrite or similar for drafting. I use one, and call it up to my Apple for editing in Scrivener whenever I start a new book. I find it leaves the mind more free to range over different ideas.
      There are some ideas. Let me know how you get on - and best of luck!

  • @kinslowrainer3982
    @kinslowrainer3982 4 роки тому +1

    No lockdown here in Taiwan, but I imagine there are, in one form or another, in pretty much every other country in the world.
    Nice video. I enjoy your pen, ink, & paper videos, but it's nice to see a writing-related one every now and then, too. I'd be interested to know about resources for medieval research if you think some of your other viewers would also be interested in that.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      I'll be very happy to - but it'll likely be not until we're out of lockdown. I'm trying to help people shut indoors with small projects that can maintain their sanity just now! Feel free to remind me in August or September. Is there a specific period you're thinking of?

    • @kinslowrainer3982
      @kinslowrainer3982 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings I understand. That's a good idea. As for history, I'm mostly interested in the 12-14th centuries.

  • @mattjones2003
    @mattjones2003 3 роки тому +10

    came for the tips stayed for the accent (and tips)

  • @alicobby4916
    @alicobby4916 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for a very informative video. I am trying to put a short story collection together and it was very useful. I write mainly science fiction but the principles are the same.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      I think the principles of short story writing are independent of genre. To be honest, though, the main thing is to sit down and start writing!

    • @alicobby4916
      @alicobby4916 4 роки тому +1

      writerlywitterings yes, that is the best advice! Am hoping to have some more finished by the time I can go back to work!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      @@alicobby4916 Excellent idea! I'm hoping to have a second short finished in the next week, and then it's back to a new novel. Strange how this lockdown (for authors) really is little different from every other day! Best of luck!

    • @alicobby4916
      @alicobby4916 4 роки тому

      writerlywitterings thank you! I don’t have an excuse not to write at the moment!

  • @CarolynEllisQtEllis
    @CarolynEllisQtEllis 3 роки тому +1

    I love this. Thanks X

  • @the7thseven873
    @the7thseven873 3 роки тому +1

    The man with the Tea

  • @baconfabian
    @baconfabian 4 роки тому +1

    Great content once again, love it. Thank You

  • @patriceduval1722
    @patriceduval1722 4 роки тому +1

    Great insight into writing.

  • @JBFire97
    @JBFire97 4 роки тому

    Yes please for the other watches! Thank you as always.

  • @bsilcott
    @bsilcott 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you sir.

  • @ShaifN
    @ShaifN 4 роки тому +2

    Thank you for this video, i hope you and your loved ones are well. In this quarantine i am bunch watching Hercule Poirot, loving every movie. I have read a lot of the books, but i am just watching around 3 episodes a day. Keep well, and greetings from The Netherlands.P.s. Do you have a writing routine? Do you listen music? or.....

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      Hi, Shaif,
      We are all fine, thank you - although I wish I could watch Poirot like you!
      My usual routine is somewhat eroded just now, with wife and two children at home all day, but I try to be at my desk for 10.00, work till about 1.00, and then work from 1.30 to 5.00, and from 5.30 to 7.00 - and then from about 8.00 to 11.00 - but the last is variable just now!

  • @martinmcconigley5583
    @martinmcconigley5583 4 роки тому +1

    Great video. I often listen to Vonnegut’s advice on writing a short story. Always fascinating to hear a writer’s views. Have you read Claire Keegan or Kevin Barry? In case you’re interested in the contemporary Irish SS.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      I'm interested in all forms of writing - I'm not at all discriminating - but haven't read their work yet. Thanks for the suggestion, Martin. I'll look them up.

  • @pragativasisht4432
    @pragativasisht4432 2 роки тому +1

    Take your grandfather's watch to The Repair Shop!

  • @Xxxxxrrr6464
    @Xxxxxrrr6464 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks

  • @cassiemartin1963
    @cassiemartin1963 2 роки тому

    Thank you!!!

  • @ivaroaddogsitting6610
    @ivaroaddogsitting6610 Рік тому +2

    is reading for pleasure a dying art?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  Рік тому

      It certainly seems to be. Too many people are happier to turn off their brains and just watch a show or film.

  • @bracemitchell5062
    @bracemitchell5062 4 роки тому +1

    Like your character thank you

  • @Isdendounabdoun
    @Isdendounabdoun 3 роки тому +1

    Hi, I don’t write much in English. Your videos helped me a lot. I recently finished my short story. But I don’t know where I can get feedback about it. I don’t have any English speaking friends. Do you know any reader forums who could help me? Thanks!!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      I don't, really. I think in the UK you can go to a library, and there you'll find other aspiring writers who would be delighted to help - but I don't know where you live, obviously. You may find a very enthusiastic librarian in your nearest town, but the alternative might be just to search for "writing groups" or something similar on google or facebook? Best of luck!

  • @2Worlds_and_InBetween
    @2Worlds_and_InBetween 3 роки тому

    I've been chipping away at the mountain of my life, about 4 years now. im almost embarrassed at how good a year i have had, but I have started wanting...
    to be there, involved.
    Not the way i was going.
    people (honestly, others that really know) have said i should write a book... or 5.
    not having much schooling past the age of 7, i thought yes, but...
    (think of all the ways you can stop your own self from looking past the stuff you need to get done now,
    im just going to put this in a play list of mine)
    I never thought.
    just start,
    I did it, itwas about an old pen i had just fixed,
    how it felt on the page.
    what i liked about the ink, flow...
    how bad my writing was.
    I did something with my hand writing, the other day, something I never thought i would.
    just start,
    this was going to be about ink,
    and how i found this...
    wonderful 'room'...
    window into
    another's world.
    (hey look no one's gonna ever see, its not like you would ever post a pic of something...
    I dont, honestly know the first things about "how" you write...)
    but
    its starts now
    if you want
    cheers peoples
    all the best

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      Best thing to do, my friend, if you want to write, is basically to start writing and then keep at it!
      Good luck!

    • @2Worlds_and_InBetween
      @2Worlds_and_InBetween 3 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings its been abouts a year... 2 years
      4 years ago...
      something I did was try this new fangled information super highway thing called web 2.0.
      port 80 (now 443...but)
      im an older port 119 user
      (well my/ours were also hidden behind traffic on 27015...old gamers should understand)
      or NNTP (where this is HTTP[S])
      aka Usenet, since.... '87
      a few years after my modded, fission n chipped, sideways RAM/eepROMs bbc mod b
      got a blue bird 300 baud modem... 2 weeks later i' backdoor'ed prestel.
      (ive yet to get to that)
      but an ET notebook has been found from the time.
      one of my escape routes was to Laskys on that salf London high street... when... yeah
      well, sorry about not knowing where the,
      and. bobs....
      go...
      yeah im gonna.
      ive got new playlists to do,
      some old English dude who wrote well...
      about nothing but what he did
      well 20 years later, the answer found me via my magic lamp of learning.
      this broken fone, my blower
      i use for only a few things.
      input
      outputs
      its been 12+ hours a day for years now... but im the kid that has to touch the wet paint.
      to see if the sign
      is true.
      just getting better at it everyday
      at fibonacci (i had to check the speiling) speeds.
      but words... books_
      have joined the rotation...
      look
      ive had no idea, i still have no idea.
      but i am learning
      to love it... I honestly wish everyone could have had the year ive had... its been my... me
      best
      I hope many come to learn... understand... see what
      2020
      is for
      all the best... i gots ink to not spill, and it seems i can take pictures and its almost naughty time (18° below up... or down, depends)
      like i dint say
      cheers all
      live the life you want to see
      (i aint hot time to make it look like i....)
      /waves... and tips hat

  • @stevenweiss7129
    @stevenweiss7129 2 роки тому +1

    Brilliant. (Kept it short)

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому

      Concise.

    • @stevenweiss7129
      @stevenweiss7129 2 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings I am sending this to my son who loves to write. He tends towards dystopian stories.

  • @paulaakhile9983
    @paulaakhile9983 3 роки тому +2

    Hello Michael,
    If you don't mind, can you send us your 10, Ten-juicy Points on writing Short story. I like the way you went about this video. I am looking forward to your second video.
    Thank you very much.
    My name is Paula Akhile.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      I will try to, Paula. I'm very tied up just now with writing and reviews, but I'll try to get to it!

  • @mistrynitesh
    @mistrynitesh 3 роки тому +1

    One thing I realised in this recent past is that, the life is very unexpected and you may not be able to say or communicate things that you wanted to, to your dear son in the future because he is too young to understand right now. Also, I delved upon the fountain pen hobby and have also started to learn to handwrite in a bit more aesthetic manner. So one thing that's going on in my mind, combining these three things, is to write letters to my son, such that he reads them at an appropriate time in the future. These letters would communicate values and principles that I would like him to adopt. Not been able to figure out, what or how would I write, that is until now that I watched this video. Now, I think, it would be best if I wrote short stories to convey what I want to. Any of your thoughts or suggestions on this would be most welcome and highly appreciated.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      Ah, I think this is one of those cases where you need to just start writing. Advice is all good and helpful, but in your case, make a list of the points you want to get across so you don't forget them, and then think up scenes that would work in each (or several) cases. But I cannot help you by giving themes or storylines - you have to work them out for yourself. All I would say is, if you can think of something that affected you personally, and write it from your point of view, it's more likely to work for him as well. But the main thing is, start writing. Don't worry too much about the way it reads or sounds, just crack on with the writing. It's the key aspect of this!

    • @mistrynitesh
      @mistrynitesh 3 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings Got it. Now I know how to start.

  • @hemantkothari909
    @hemantkothari909 4 роки тому +1

    Hi, how to write non friction books , would be happy if you could give me some help in s nutshell , I have already got the title of the book

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      Hi, Hemant,
      Really sorry, but there's little I can say. I don't write non-fiction. You have to write and see how it goes, really. But make sure you have all the research in place before you start to write. No editor will accept a book if they reckon it's not entirely accurate.
      Best of luck!

    • @hemantkothari909
      @hemantkothari909 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings Mike,Thanks,infact I have drafted the brief layout about 17 chapters with an in-depth research .frankly I am thinking of taking help from internet,is this a good idea or if you can suggest me something better

  • @janetbaker6988
    @janetbaker6988 3 роки тому +1

    I want to be a writer in the future . I just want to get some tips first .

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      The main tip is, read loads and write loads. There really is no other way to learn - but if you have specific questions, let me know!

    • @janetbaker6988
      @janetbaker6988 3 роки тому +1

      @@writerlywitterings good day sir I am a 16 year old girl . I 've been writing at a small age now I would like to register my stories and poems how can I get it done official? I'm from a Caribbean island Jamaica west indies

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому

      I don't really know what you mean by "register". As an author here in the UK, anything I write is automatically covered by "copyright". I own it, and no one can take it and copy or sell it, or I or my publishers can prosecute them. I think (although I'm not sure) that Jamaican law will offer you the same protections. If you're in any doubt, one thing you can do is publish your work on Amazon Kindle Publishing, so that people can see you have written the works.

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому

      Hope that helps!

    • @janetbaker6988
      @janetbaker6988 3 роки тому

      I'm not interested in publishing my stories and poems in my country . Is there any help you can offer me ??

  • @jlb22173
    @jlb22173 4 роки тому +1

    I was wondering, do you plot/outline or discovery write?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      If it's a short, I'll tend to try to work it out in advance, but generally no: I fly by the seat of my pants. I'm firmly convinced that if you have a rigidly formed synopsis and write to it, you cannot help but make your characters bend their behaviour to suit your master plan. If you have a general atmosphere and sense of initial direction, the characters respond much more believably. I found that while writing my very first book, and I've seen nothing to change my mind over the years.

  • @LukaAl-v8x
    @LukaAl-v8x Рік тому +1

    Do paragraphs sell

  • @laptopreader
    @laptopreader 4 роки тому +1

    How you start your 1st line?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому +1

      It varies every time - usually with an idea, and then I write and rewrite that first sentence time after time until it feels right. Takes three days usually!

    • @laptopreader
      @laptopreader 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings Thank you. So it's not weird for me to dozed around in days. I'm 40 this year and it's my 1st time to seriously write a story after a long 15 years break. It's not too late to start again right? To re-start your life is by picking up the happiest part.
      Once a writer, always a writer, right?

  • @KaRLa66626
    @KaRLa66626 3 роки тому +1

    Have you considered writing one-or-more stories for your watches?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  3 роки тому +1

      No - but that is an interesting idea! It's a good way to get the brain working, writing shorts about specific items, and that could be a good one for when I run out of other ideas!

  • @toddboothbee1361
    @toddboothbee1361 5 місяців тому +1

    Poems shouldn't be overflowing with modifiers, either. Poetry has to be more effecient than prose.

  • @Deedee-du9tt
    @Deedee-du9tt 5 місяців тому +1

    It’s a picture of Britain , not England

  • @rachelsremedies2602
    @rachelsremedies2602 2 роки тому +1

    Please tell me why you tubers ask for donations. Isn't free for you to?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому

      Sure, UA-cam is free for me to use. But that's not the issue.
      UA-cam is a huge multi-national with millions of users, and they make a fortune out of adverts. The creators who provide the films and make UA-cam all that money by providing videos people want to see make very little - it doesn't cover the cost of production.
      Take one of my films - it can take up to an hour to record a basic video review, but then much of a day to edit it, render it, upload it, run through all the questions and set up items UA-cam needs - and for all that, I might get a total of about fifteen dollars.
      That doesn't cover the time I spend, and certainly won't cover the cost of a better microphone, camera, software suite, lighting, or inks, stationery and pens to review. So UA-camrs tend to ask for support because otherwise we'd have to stop recording.
      To put it into perspective, I have 10,500 (roughly) subscribers on UA-cam. They bring in about £60 per month if I make four or five films. At the same time I earn over £200 from 38 people on Patreon. Naturally it makes more sense for me to work to keep my patreon viewers happy - and to spend less time on UA-cam. The more people who help with donations, the more likely it is that I can remain here producing videos people want to see.

  • @hirofuk4072
    @hirofuk4072 9 місяців тому +1

    What should i do with this body that has inappropriately shown up at my back door?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  7 місяців тому

      Sounds like the first line of a good book!
      Sorry to take so long to respond - ill health and deadlines!

  • @TJ-cg8mq
    @TJ-cg8mq 4 роки тому +1

    With paper and lots of art materials. ..Would you happen to know anyone in need of a book illustrator? !?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      I'm really sorry - I'm a crime and thriller writer, and illustrators aren't generally needed for people like me - and I tend to mingle with other authors in my genre, not children's authors. However, if you get a copy of The Writers' And Artists' Yearbook, there is a list in there of every children's publisher, along with (often) an editor's name and contact details. If you write to them with some samples, you may get lucky, if one of them has a project she is working on currently? The only other thing I could suggest would be to look through all the agents in the same book, pick out those who have children's authors on their books, and send samples to them as well, you may hit someone who's in need of a n illustrator?
      All best of luck. I know that illustrating is as hard to break into as writing nowadays. I hope it goes well - let me know.

    • @TJ-cg8mq
      @TJ-cg8mq 4 роки тому +1

      @@writerlywitterings thank you for you prompt reply! I have that book ( you mentioned) for 2019! - I'll do some digging and... maybe write some short stories of my own - I'm inspired! Thank you!!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      @@TJ-cg8mq No problem, and best of luck!

  • @tonydyer2919
    @tonydyer2919 4 роки тому +1

    Britain!

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  4 роки тому

      Eh?

    • @simonmichaeltanner
      @simonmichaeltanner 4 роки тому

      @@writerlywitterings imagine Tony is referring to fact that you said the picture on your mug was of England, while actually it was of Britain

    • @trevorbailey1486
      @trevorbailey1486 3 роки тому

      @@simonmichaeltanner I thought England was part of Britain? I could make out that part of the blob where England borders the blobs of Scotland and Wales. (Oh that's right, it's the only constituent country now that isn't allowed an identity.)

  • @shahriarshourob442
    @shahriarshourob442 3 роки тому +1

    Sir im a 15 year old
    Who write long poems on depression suicidal thoughts and revival and passion of hardcore love
    Recently i have started to do short stories
    Its for practice as i need to be a freelance writer as i need some money for my expenses as we are kinda poor
    Sir can i send Writings to u in ur email so that u may Check them for me?

    • @writerlywitterings
      @writerlywitterings  2 роки тому

      Hi, Shahriar,
      I'd love to say yes - but I have a pile of books to review, as well as my own books to write (I am behind on two deadlines just now). If you send me one story - the one you think is best, I will try to look at it over the next few weeks and give you a critique, but it has to fit in with my work.
      Best wishes

  • @sachakahn2052
    @sachakahn2052 4 роки тому

    I had a professor who loved reading his crime fiction. He told me once that a scientific thesis is the opposite of a crime story: "You start by giving away the murderer, the victim and the motive, after that you provide all of the clues, one by one." That was rather helpful.