TIMESTAMPS! 1:25 Starting to draw my graph of my old & current stories and where they’re at in the process (this continues until the end of the video) 6:05 Intro to my fear of failure (querying, changing goals, Meridian Maps as a whole) and how having an audience affects that 10:24 Start of the discussion on my current skill set and/or lack of skills regarding the later stages of revision 18:43 Holy crap, there are so many projects here. (“If you focused on a single story, you’d be published by now.”) 19:52 How my marketing and business decisions factor into all of this and how Kate Cavanaugh will not be the first pen name I publish under.
Thank you for sharing. I run Aconite Cafe, so if you'd like help as you shift into the publishing and marketing phase, please let me know. Regardless, best of luck! We need more Texans in publishing.
@@gimpygunner7954 You'd be surprised how much of writing includes having a strong social media presence and connecting with your fans. It can be solitary if you want, but it doesn't have to be.
@@buttersnjelly6956 I agree. Having 30K people who have gotten to know you and follow you in all your endeavors is a HUGE marketing advantage. Having a successful UA-cam channel is good marketing, not necessarily playing around. Writing takes time, editing takes time, huge learning curve, but that’s only half the story. The other half (the bigger half???) is marketing, and having 30K followers who are authors and readers is very advantageous.
The fear of failure or my writing being bad is one of the reasons I hate telling people I’m writing, even those in my family, because I know I’m not ready to share my stories with anyone yet and I worry that when I do it won’t be good
Morgan Mills I feel exactly the same. My sister always introduces me as a writer and it always makes me cringe because I’m not comfortable with my writing to show anyone yet.
You shouldn't worry about the quality of your writing. It's very sad that this is where the writing community has gone - ultra critical, shaming anything that's not a publishable standard. Art is subjective. There is no such thing as "objectively bad" writing (because it is art). I often have more fun reading fanfictions written by 13 year olds than "classics". You should try to see the best parts of the writing - read into it as if you're in english class, see it as a masterpiece :)
Thanks for this video, Kate. I wanted to offer some encouragement to anyone who is reading the comments. I was approximately 30 the first time I ever typed "THE END". I did not complete a revision of that novel. I did not type "THE END" again for another 20 years after that. I was 51 before I ever completed a revision. I am constantly amazed at the energy, drive and creativity of the people in this community. If you are reading this, you need to be proud of all you've accomplished. Keep pushing, the world needs your voice.
Wow I can just see how Kate is going to publish a bunch of books at once and take the book world by storm on all the genres and it’s going to be great. It’s worth the wait. I hope that someday I’ll read your books translated to my language or maybe even help with translation myself haha
I actually agree with the plan to outline or rough draft the hole series first to make sure that every thing goes together well I'm actually doing this with my own stories I have an anthology that has many trilogies, duologies, and standalones that all happen in the same world and I'm doing extensive outlines for all of them before I begin the actual writing
@@ducknoisesintensify8007 still working on the outlines. I go through 3 to 4 outlines for one book. when I finish 1 or 2 of them I move on to a new story for awhile to start on it. But I'm just about to finish the third outline of one of my stories so YEAH! =D
Wooo!! I love listening to your process and honest you are about the projects you’re working on. I don’t even want to tell you how many books I’ve started and stopped over the years. LOL. It happens! Also, thanks for the shoutout! ❤️❤️ Publishing is a marathon, not a race, though it can often feel that way. You do you!
Hi Kate! Just wanted to pop in and say thank you! Watching your videos inspire me to write more, which is something I need right now. My current goals seem so measly compared to what I previously set for myself, but I decided small steps (currently aiming for 200 words a day) that I can actually accomplish is far better than large goals that I consistently fail at. And when I am just not feeling it, watching one of your videos actually helps motivate me (like tonight). I also enjoyed the Lion King reference, it took me a second to place it but once I did I had a good laugh.
I think it’s actually good that you haven’t published yet and in the long run will make you a better writer! Im pretty sure it’s super normal to write a ton of projects before getting one that you want to publish and feel like your skill set is ready for publishing. :)
Oh Kate, I feel you. The multiple genres, the hybrid author-thing, the different pen names (but for me, also writing and publishing in different languages ;) ) I feel like the longer I write, the more I learn (about things I had never thought about!) and I am so excited to see what kind of books I will write in 10/15/20 years! Not having a "deadline" to my career is so relieving! We truly have all the time we want to take
I'd like to ask a question, you said you publish in different languages, right? Do you know if it's plausible to live in a non-English speaking country, but write in English and publish traditionally in, let's say, UK? Just asking cuz I hoped you could redirect me to some resources, as I can't find much documentation about this particular situation.
@@ioanam.2374 I don't know if this question or better the answer to this question is still of interesst to you, but just in case try Alyssa Matesic's more recent Q&A Videos she answered that question from a few different angles in some of them and in another older video about international publishing.
Oh, man. The question “Why aren’t you published yet?” is up there with “Why are you still single?” and “Do you have children?” Makes you clammy with cold sweat. Great video though! 🌸
I definitely want to publish but I think I'm more scared of the self publishing aspect, and then failing at that. I know there are a lot more avenues you could potentially explore, but think I have the exact fear you have, just on the other side of the coin 😂😂
Kate, really, take your time with publishing. Whether it's in two years or twenty, I'll want to read what you put out and I'm willing to wait until you are 110% happy with it! It's totally up to you, we're honoured to come along for the ride.
Never think you are a failure. You have done so much and inspired a lot of people. Even if your first book doesn't sell well, continue. Never give up on your dream! I really want to read one of your book one day!
This is really inspiring. I think one of my favorite things about you and your channel is that you’re so excited about your stories and don’t let your doubts stop you from continuing to work towards your goals. It’s really refreshing to find writers who have yet to publish a book share their experiences and knowledge as they learn new things and meet new milestones. It really has helped me find different approaches to my stories and has helped me be comfortable with each stage I’m at! Your channel really highlights the fun in writing, and I’m so happy to have found your channel! (I can’t remember when it happened, but I’ve been around for awhile now on different accounts! I haven’t always commented though ☺️)
Kate, even though I don't have a following I also feel this way especially with my family when they ask me why I haven't published anything. I suffer from that same fear of failure but in a way I think it's protecting us from jumping the gun, and I think recognizing that we aren't quite ready for it is an important step! As you said, just because you haven't published yet, doesn't mean that you won't! You will be published one day!
Hi Kate, I just wanted to say thank you so much for making this video! One of the things I find so valuable about your channel is that it's kind of a "real time" look at an author's career. It's one thing to hear a published author talk about the YEARS of hard work they put into writing and revising before they got published, and another thing entirely to SEE that work being put in on a serialized basis from someone in the thick of it (aka Authortube). We have this false notion of overnight success, and it's videos like this that really drive home that everyone's paths are different and that there's no one way to approach your writing career. I'm so inspired by your drive and positivity, and I hope you never feel pressured to publish before you are ready - I for one am willing to wait if it means I get to read something that I KNOW you put your heart and soul (and hard work) into. Everyone fears failure, and I'm sure it's even more terrifying with 30,000 eyes on you, as you said. But public failure is also inspiring, especially when you don't let it stop you from trying. Just keep doing what you are doing! You have come so far and made so much progress and we will be here to support you when you're ready to take the next step, whatever that might look like for you!
"I also have some visual representation for you," you're always providing for us Kate, lol! "And I'm mad that I'm not good enough at it yet. But I will be. Someday." PUT THAT ON A T-SHIRT!! You are so quotable. And also relatable. I could feel your fear/frustrations through this so hard. But also your excitement about getting further on this journey - which I'm loving following you on btw. ❤ I feel like a failure when I don't write for a couple of days (today marks the sixth day I've been unable to write anything coherent lol). But if it takes me a little longer, like you said, it's going to take a little longer! #ItsNotARace
I squeed when I saw this, and my husband was like 'what', and I was like 'Kate's made such a difficult video, I'm so proud of her'.... This was wonderful. Thank you for being vulnerable with us.
Loved this video. It always drives me a little batty when most people don’t realize that it often takes years to hewn and develop one’s craft before your skills can catch up with your vision. You’ve put so much blood sweat and tears into your craft and it’s downright inspiring. Love all the projects you have going! Rock on and keep killing it!
I’m totally planning to write in multiple genre and I’m planning to use at least 2 pen names. I’m so excited and you make me feel good for not yet completing my current WIP from 2015.. each day I work on it I discover a world I’m writing and it makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks for your continued support and motivation. I truly appreciate it 🥰
TL;DR - You’re awesome and you inspire Hey Kate, I love that you brought up “fear of failure” I think that is something that myself and a lot of people suffer from but don’t know or know why. At 42, I’ve always described myself as a collector of hobbies, I write, draw, paint, photography, Photoshop…and a myriad of other things…turns out I have ADHD, so I tend to hyper fixate on things for days, weeks or even months. The only things that remain a constant are art and writing. I have been doing both since I could hold a crayon. Even stories come and go…but one, this one I’m writing now, I’ve started Sept 25th, 2012, I still love this story idea. It is YA and I know there is a place for it on a bookstore shelf someday. I have picked away at it over the years, writing chapter chronologies up to chapter 12, drawing concept art for things in the chapters and cover ideas and hopefully finishing chapter 4 today. All this to say, I really appreciate your honesty with the process and struggles that you face. You inspire me to stay the course and keep at it. You offer great advice that is real and meaningful and transparent. As for Pen names, though old, and I do not know where I heard it, I love the idea of “Sue Denim”
I just did a stats sheets for my own work I started in 2017 finished 3 drafts revised 2 of them have 2 WIPs, which one of them is a slumpy one right now I have plans /partially outlined 2 books + countless short stories But I also still fight against sending things out for querring, even though I know that nothing can take my efforts away from me. You're not alone in your fears Kate. Thank you for the video :)
This is super random on a video from months ago - but I really appreciate that you don't wear makeup. Nothing against people who do wear it regularly, but I love having more people in a visual space who's normal is no makeup. It really helps normalize the look and helps give a frame of reference for people so instead of asking "why do you look so tired?" someone will actually recognize and think 'oh, just no makeup.' I've noticed it more around UA-cam these days and always makes me happy. Anyways, love your videos. All your stuff is very relatable and you do a great job of staying succinct, and solid editing - always helpful and entertaining and usually the exact kick in the pants I need to go hack on some more chapters. 10/10
Thanks for sharing about where you are on that journey with writing and looking at publishing. Primarily it's important that people enjoy writing as its own reward first and foremost. Should you never become published, still write for years and enjoy the discovery of story-making, that is something to celebrate in itself. But it's good to stretch yourself and look towards sharing those stories with others, and then they become something else with them. You don't know what good it'll bring to someone else, and sharing our stories enriches people. You will become a better writer for making that brave step and sharing it with others and looking to getting published.
FYI. I have been following you for a couple years.. just wanted you to know.. YOU ARE AWESOME 🤗. Your truths and experiences always fill me with Inspiration, even when I want to quit. Thanks for all you do and share. It is amazing how every sentence you say, I’m like.. “yup, yes, aha, I agree. Girl I’m having the same problem. I thought I was the only one”..lol😂. Thanks again and I look forward to your continued humorous and informative videos. You go girl. And publish!!!! 🥰
I think you are underestimating how many people are rooting for you, and how you have some room to make mistakes because you have a lot of support. You are a great authortuber and I would buy your books just to give back! (which doesn't sound reassuring, I realize, just that you have a lot of support and people who love watching you grow)
It's interesting that people have judged you for not publishing yet because it's one of the reasons I really enjoy your channel. You are taking the time to refine your craft before starting your career. That's smart!
First, off Kate, I wanted to say you were the first authortuber I followed and to this day I never miss one of your videos. I have watched your backlist. I started to follow you and then others you mentioned 2 years ago. I find you real. I admire you for being able to talk about your perceived or real weaknesses and I certainly understand the fear of failure. I am 63 years old and when I was 17 I submitted my first piece of writing to a magazine. I got a rejection slip and it tore me up and I quit writing for 30 years or more. Around 9 years ago I finally got up the courage to write again and created a blog to post my stories and poems on. Today was my 9 year anniversary for that first blog. I wasn't going to use a pen name. I agreed with Becca C. Smith on that, but then it dawned on me that the name I was using wasn't my family name. I was using my married and now divorced name and it was difficult to spell or pronounce. I created an authortube channel and since it is new changing my name wasn't as big a deal as it was on my blogs. I created a pen name of Tessa Dean. My first name's nickname (Teresa) and my maiden name (Dean). I have been told it has a nice ring to it and it is easy to spell and pronounce. So NOW I am using my family name. I write in many genres and have started many books, but as a pantser, I simply write off the top of my head. I have not come near to finishing any of the books I started. I am trying to learn to outline to see if that helps, but it isn't. I am a true pantser. I mostly write short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I just created a new website/blog for my pen name Tessa Dean. I don't intend to have a different name for the different genres I write in. I am sorry this is long, but you asked several questions and I thought some background was needed. I am probably one of the oldest authortubers out there and I am having to relearn grammar since I haven't written for so long. I am afraid people won't take me seriously since I am so old. And I do remember your dad and that he is writing now as well. Good luck to him. By the way, I don't write YA, fantasy, or historical. I do know that Kate Cavanaugh is a pen name and now you are considering using a new one. Your choice, but if you have the courage to publish under a new name and not take advantage of your notoriety on youtube, you are one strong cookie despite all your fears. Good luck to you as well.
Just wanna say I believe in you and that I truly enjoy following your writing journey! You inspire me to try new things and to keep writing! Thank you for always being so candid and transparent about your process, ups and downs, and your journey!
A fear of failure is completely understandable! Also sounds like you're a total perfectionist and putting loads of pressure on yourself to get it 100% right when you take the plunge. But it's a learning process and you can only do what you can do. I hate that whole "only write the first in a series if you want to traditionally publish" and ignored it. I wrote the second book while querying the first. I failed in finding an agent but signed with a publisher directly so it is possible. I think if you believe in your story, write the series! Do what you love! That's what makes writing such an exciting journey :)
This was so interesting! I think it goes to show how much you care about your stories and characters. When the day comes that we get to read your works will be a scary day but also such an amazing day. Thank you
“When I was a young warthog” aaaand now the song is stuck in my head 😂 I love this whole chat, so many great points. And I think “failure” or not meeting our goals is really important to talk about, especially on AuthorTube. So many more eyes on us and our work makes it feel like there’s so much pressure, and I think a lot of us really feel that pressure and get hard on ourselves. So I love seeing people talking about this 💜
You know, something I really love about your channel is that you feel like one of us. I don't come here for writing advice from on high, I come here because I want to see a writer I like do/make cool things and go through the struggles that we all go through and remind me that I'm not alone. All your failures help me realize that I'm not the only one going through those hardships, and all your successes give me the confidence that I can do those things too. So, thank you, for your honesty and for basically everything. And best of luck, with all your work and all your ambitions
I like how honest you are in this video. It's also nice to see someone doing things the "nontraditional way". I feel like so many people claim there is a specific step by step guide of how you have to publish and how you should be working on your books. Thanks for sharing!
Honestly you help so many people, ignore anyone who wants to criticize for no reason. Chances are these people are not doing the same thing they're criticizing you about. P.s. you also have an awesome fun personality that's always fun to watch
Yeah that's something I really get worried about the unlikelyness of a series getting picked up for trad publishing, and I'm writing a trilogy, not a five book series 😂. I still love that project purple is pink! You are such a prolific writer! Thank you for being vulnerable about fear and failure! Great video!
You're working so hard! Can't wait for the Meridian Maps, you'll definitely get a reader for it in me. Also, I just want to say that even when I'm incredibly tired, your videos inspire and help me get back to work. It's like my brain cools down a little and finds new energy
I just want to say I love you so much. For some reason, I always thought you were published. Haha. I totally relate to you and thank you for sharing your writing life. You help so many people, especially us writers! 💙
Hi Kate!! I am like 11 rn ( yes...a bit too small right?? >~< ). I want to be a writer in the future!! So rn, I am like writing a bunch of essays and short stories ( about 1000 words each ). I’ve learned a lot from you!! Thank you so much for your videos!! Edit: I want to ask like do you use a typewriter to write or just write by hand? I know it feels weird, but like...idk it seems kinda time-consuming for handwriting and I have too many documents...
Foundationally, you have describe valid fears that every writer has. However, as you grow as an author, and as a marketer (if you are lucky or dedicated enough to doing that), many of these fears do become minimal. For example, your main fear is failing with your first self-publish book...but you have close to 35,000 followers. You'd have to work very hard to fail at selling this book when you'll have thousands of people who will simply buy it because they like you, your channel, and wish to say thank you for all your content. I've seen this happen to big authortubers over and over, and once you hit 30-50k, you're in that initial phase of "big authortuber". So, sale-wise, you're going to do 35,000 times better than a writer without a fanbase. The other side of failing is your writing just not being good. Also valid! But at this point in your writing life, you have written dozens of books, many of which have been edited, revised, beta'd, queried, etc. That is all to say, if you sucked as a writer, which I sincerely doubt, you'd have someone in that chain go: This just isn't very good. You're just not there yet. And even if that happened in that past, I'll bet it was years ago, and many books ago, so eventually, yeah, you go get to that space where Becca says, you're just spinning your wheels on fear. I do think it's smart for you to work on a series, but instead of working on a series and multiple other projects, the best strategy would be to work on your series exclusively so it can be done in 1-2 years time. Otherwise, at this pace, you will maybe have *ONE* standalone to query in that same 1-2 years, and everything else will probably be done in 3-5 years OR LONGER! Which given that you already have everything to be successful: a massive audience, talent, and loads of experience, why would you prolong success 5 years???
She mentioned how she would publish her first book under a pen name very specifically *because* she already has 35,000 followers (over 41k now, yay!!) I completely understand where she's coming from. That idea that you want your stories to stand on it's own instead of just people reading it because they like you personally, ya know? Also I don't mean to be rude but who are you to tell her the best timeline for her own career? If what she feels is best for her is working on multiple projects at the same time, then thats what works best for her. Who's to say success looks the same to her as it does to you? Maybe she already feels successful with all she's accomplished (as she should!)
I can only work on one project at a time, keeping one on the back burner for the times it is out of my hands so you blow my mind! I don’t know how you keep everything straight in your brain but I’m amazed by it.
When you were a young warthog! 😂 I bonded with one of my best friends in high school by singing The Lion King soundtrack, so am a big fan of all references.
Been working on the same story for at least 15 years. It lives in the back of my head most of the time. As i have improved my writing, it has improved. It has a long way to go but i like looking back on it and seeing how far it has come, showing me how far ive come. Nothing is a race and your talk here is important. :) thank u
Yay! Another video!!! After I watch, I’ll edit my comment and add some thoughts. [hugs] First of all, you have completed 6? 7? 8? manuscripts with The End on the last page. You are hereby not allowed to use the word “failure” when talking about your efforts. *grin* “You are from this day forward proclaimed to be Beyond Failure!” You’re doing everything right. When I was your age (pre-computer, much less pre-Amazon) I was writing nonfiction articles and fan fiction along with my original stories. I did the query thing for years (I’ve mentioned before that the stack of my rejection slips is taller than my papillon). I’ve been to many conferences, dressed for success, and read the first chapter of my paranormal to an editor who loved it so much, she wished her publishing house did that genre. By the time Amazon came along, I had revised and rewritten and all that jazz. My fifth published book found an audience, first in a series, and I just published #11 in that series while also publishing in other genres. When you are ready, go for it! My Unsolicited Advice: Publish under Kate Cavanaugh, because you have established that name already. It took 3 years to establish my name as Regina Duke. (You may ignore this advice, of course. Just sharing my experience.) Can’t wait to read your books!!! And thanks for another great vlog! :D
Momma Kate you worked hard to get where you are. You are like an inspiration for me to persevere, and put my heart into everything. You are amazing! Rock on.
I'm so glad to hear this from someone who I see as one that's been working consistently with a detailed plan, since I often feel like I've either taken on too much to not make enough progress in any one of my projects or I feel lost amid all the business-y side of writing: marketing, social media, networking--none of the things I decided to become a writer in the first place. Super reassuring to see, and hope this video turns things around for me, even at least for today! Thanks Kate
This is one of my favorite of your videos. Whoever called you a failure can go drink cold tea in a corner. You're probably a few years ahead of me, but other than the multiple pen names (I haven't decided) this is very close to where I'd like to be down the line. Thank you for reviewing your process, projects, and fears with us. 💖 As much as I would like to read your work I will be patient because your explanation for why you want to wait to announce to us when you do publish is so completely relatable and probably really smart 💕.
This is your path, do what you think is best, taking advice is helpful, but if you don't want to jump in at the deep end don't let anybody push you in.
So, I self-published in adult historical fiction, first-person past tense. But, I'm now writing a fantasy trilogy based on Gaelic and Celtic folklore in third person omniscient past tense. I plan to write a spooky thriller in the future. Genre hopping is totally fine and fun! I also made mistakes in self-publishing, but everyone was so kind. I got wonderful feedback and glowing reviews. I am now about to re-publish a more polished version of my first book. So, if fear is holding you back, jump in! It's ok! If not, and you are just happy on your path, then that's fine too! I look forward to being able to read what you have written!
I'm not actively pursuing a career in writing, although I do write, and it is a dream. For me, it's always been clear that if I'd publish, I would go the indie route. I don't really see the traditional as a realistic option for me. But, the indie route is daunting too. I have watched the videos of Derek Murphy in YT, and he gives a lot of practical advise on indie publishing (and writing too). It's clearly a lot of work on top of the actual writing and editing, and it feels like it's still a lot of luck, having the right type of story ready at right time and getting it in the eyes of right audience. And that's why I'm not pursuing this. When I have entertained the thought though, I have wondered whether I should be learning the other skills related to indie publishing, alongside learning writing and editing. This is why I have thought whether it might be best to start indie publishing with a series of short stories, not with the idea of making money on them, but more with the idea of getting familiar with the process from beginning to end by publishing the short stories separately before moving into my bigger work. This is just so that I would be more "ready" with the technical side too, before publishing anything that took me more time on the writing and editing side. Plus, publishing would force be to put an end to the endless editing and force me to face the fear of failure... Having said all this, I obviously know nothing, and different things work best for different people. Just a thought, as you are moving on in your path as an author.
It's interesting to think that, before NaNo 2019, I mostly wrote in modern fantasy, but recently I've tried out Medieval Fantasy and Sci-Fi. It really does go to show that you write what you love. I've also been thinking of publishing under a penname, only because I'm not planning on making writing my full-time career, at least not at the moment. And that's actually why I think pennames are a good idea, not just to hide who you really are, but if you're not writing as your career, you don't always want your name out there for the world to see.
I’m writing a 6 book paraquel novella series on Wattpad (I’m up to book 4) and I feel you on the “I had no idea what I was getting into” thing. It is fun though. Like putting together a puzzle. It’s awesome when things all come together. Definitely add me to your list of writer fans who look forward to your books 😊
finishing a draft that never becomes a published book is never a failure, you've achieved more than ~99% people :) edit to add: thank you for talking about the "finishing" skill-set! I've never actually finished a book, and this really motivates me just to get one done so unlock it and get that confidence
Personally, I plan to write both in English and in my native language, Portuguese. I like switching between different genres, form adult fantasy to magical realism. However, I don't feel ready yet to be published and decided to focus on developing my writing skills. Of course, most of my friends and family don't understand why I would wait, but the thing about writing is that it is not a race, as you said. I think there's a fear of being left behind, and it affects the way we as writers see our craft. I want to be able to enjoy writing, to fall in love with my stories and enjoy writing them. And I if that means waiting a little more to be able to tell them the best way possible, I will wait.
Yeah those people suck. I'm sorry you deal with them. I've been binge watching your channel and it's been really nice while I gather my own writing thoughts. And start focusing more on original work and putting my fanfiction more on the side. Of course, I love fic and I want to write it forever, but I want to work on original stuff now more too. So thank you for making this. It was really enlightening.
I totally understand your strategy to publish first under a different name and see the process and numbers without telling youtube. It makes a lot of sense, and we will all wait anxiously to read it! Love from Denmark. :)
I am on the same page as you with publishing in different genres under different pen names. My poetry would have a totally different audience from my fiction, which of course could have several different audiences within different genres there, and it just makes sense to me to compartmentalize them under different pen names.
Hi Kate! Wow. So many things you touched on in this video aligned with things I've learned/discovered/decided lately . The whole indie publishing thing for series. (Mine is 7 books, and it will probably be about 10 years before I publish. Whee.) Indie publishing because the big story is the one I want to tell, and not the books as their own thing. Having to delete characters (even though that came vicariously through a friend who deleted a character from the first draft I critiqued for him to the second draft he's writing now.) Writing things to learn how I write and what my process is and how to edit. Other people not understanding why I'm doing it the way I'm doing it. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
I feel this video so much. I plan to publish for the first time this year and I’m using multiple pen names as well. I feel pressured just from family and friends. I can’t imagine the pressure you feel having a UA-cam channel. But you will rock this when you do publish.
I know the series fear sooo well as someone who's currently re-writing a whole series I'd already set a pre-order (and since canceled) for the entire series, and now that the first book is done and published, I'm already freaking out about the rest of the series which are in various stages of re-writes and edits based on beta feedback. The fear is real! That being said, you are doing sooo well, and I don't think you should fear failure as much as you do. You've put so much more effort into your work than most people. You've got this.
Do you plan to write in multiple genres? Yes. I typically write paranormal romance under this pen name. I also plan on doing fantasy/fantasy romance under this pen name. However, I also write contemporary romance and erotica. For those two genres, I have two other pen names planned.
Do you want to take on multiple pen names? And do you think that's a good idea of a bad idea? (Generally and just for yourself bahaha.) Answered this prior a little, but yes. Good/bad idea? I have no idea. I see both good and bad feedback about this. I think having a separate name for erotica is definitely important for me. I don't mind my kiddos (currently 8 & 9) reading my books, but I don't want them reading my erotica anytime soon. And I want other readers to be able to do the same.
Has your publishing path or plan changed over the years? How? Most definitely. When I first started my channel, I was traditionally-published with a small press that's since closed. Now I'm aiming for indie publishing for my novels and a couple small trad publishers for anthology submissions, and that's pretty much it (for now).
Do you have a story you keep returning to as you gain more skills as a writer?? I completed my first fantasy novel in 2007/2008 in high school. I wrote the entire thing during one of my computer classes with the instructor's knowledge and permission. I come back to it a lot over the years as I'm never satisfied with it. I've had multiple epiphanies about it. Someday, I'll write that final "first draft" and actually start the editing process toward publication with it. Someday.
I can relate to so much in this video. I have multiple similar charts in my journals trying to keep my projects and priorities straight. My plans and priorities have definitely changed multiple times since I wrote "the end" on my first novel draft. I have probably ten different projects in progress right now, and one of those is also a sci-fi novel that I've tried writing three different times over the past ten years. It's currently on the back-burner because I'm still not sure I've got it right. This video definitely made me feel better about my own process. :) Thanks for sharing this!
This is 100% relatable in so many ways! Thank you for being inspirational. I'm determined to start posting videos on my channel before the end of the month. (If I could just get past these technical difficulties with editing lol)
Wow you've written so much! I'm on my second novel and I've gotten so stuck at the moment. I just can't figure it out. :/ I'm surprised you haven't published, but it's your choice entirely. I love how you share your process so in detail and that's admirable. Xx
I publish everything under my own name purely because I like to look back and say "Yeah, It's me. I did that". But I do know that some of my work should be under a pen name; its completely different from some of the stuff that I do and if people find it first, it could skewer their impressions of me. I am scared of failing, after 34 stories self-published I've not had many sales; it's feeling like I have failed BUT I know why. I am terrible at marketing and getting myself out there. I don't really have an audience but I am trying my best to fill that up.
Totally random, but : what a cute t shirt, the logo " je t aime " , so sweet ;0)) it s awesome to witness your creative process and your Art. You keep going Kate, you will succeed! 💐
Omg we use the 'when I was a young warthog' reference all the time too! 😂😁❤️ And love! You got this and totally understand the fear of failing. I'm still nervous of letting people read my work and working on finishing still. Love your channel! Sending hugs! 🙌
You know, I've thought about this before as it applies to you. In some ways, it might be comforting to have 30,000 people who are watching your work and a decent amount of those who want to actively read what you put out, but I also think it adds to your pressure to succeed on a first attempt. I don't know if this helps you but I've had a talk with myself and it's really helped me. I realized I was avoiding certain things because I was afraid to fail, and so I played devils advocate. We all obviously would love to be published, and well loved by readers, and well compensated, and in demand, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying or craving any of that. But I asked myself "If I never ever publish a book, will I still be okay with that?". I had to think a while and consider, but it helped me realize that--right now-- I have been working for my lifetime and I've never published anything. Publication, money, recognition, readership...I don't have any of those to drive me. And writing novels is an INSANE amount of work. So why am I doing it? I do it because it fulfills me. I love stories, and I love to make stories, and I know now that if I die at the end of my long life and nobody has ever read my stories beyond betas, that I would be okay with that because a lifetime of writing has given me a lifetime of joy and satisfaction. That really freed me. Now I don't write for anyone else but me, and I'm more productive than ever. Any of that money or publication or recognition or readership I might get now is icing on an already sublime cake. And I love me some cake. I hope that helps you, or somebody that reads it. Okay, answer time. I do plan to write novels in multiple genres! I have written novels in multiple sub genres of Fantasy. Namely a high fantasy, a heroic fantasy, a humorous fantasy and a paranormal fantasy. I've written mostly Fantasy short stories but those also include sci-fi, mystery, slice of life and a fantasy romance. I really want to get a good mystery novel going someday but I just haven't hit upon the right story for it yet. I might take on multiple pen names, just because I think it helps writers write in other genres more easily, and I hadn't thought about your point about it-- that you can literally start anew. The thought of having to run the marketing/social platform/finance side of multiple pen names gives me anxiety though. I don't even want to do one lol. I have a novel that I submitted to about 8 agents and then stopped for a little bit. The reason was that life was super hard and I hadn't figured out how to balance submission with other writing work. I've promised myself I won't go back and work on that novel (although man I could make it so much better) because I believe it's important to finish something and stop or I'll keep tweaking it forever. That said, I don't have a finished story I keep returning to, but I do have some favorite story ideas that I return to. So far I've decided not to write them because they're missing something or, in that favorite one's case, because I'm not skilled enough to write the story it deserves yet. I've had that idea for 15 years and I'm a lot closer now to doing it justice, but I'll be able to feel when the time is right to pull it out and get to work on it. P.S. Thank you for the videos. They are a source of joy and inspiration for me. P.P.S. Brownie points for "Project Purple-- it's pink, it's fine."
I also write because I want / need / have to tell stories or go crazy. LOL All of this sounds so familiar to my own experience. I submitted to agents and publishers in the Old Days (80s, etc) and they took forever to even get back to me. (Pre-computer, pre-email) Once I could retire, Amazon was invented, and I went full bore on indie publishing. I don’t have time to wait for the traditional route. LOL Also, I share your love of Kate’s videos. Refreshing and encouraging.
7:23 - "30,000 eyes watching you fail." I feel like a lot of your audience are also writers and it would be extremely foolish for us to judge you even if you did "fail". I also feel like no author with successful published work has gotten there without "any" failure and understands it's part of the process. 30,000 eyes all cheering you on no matter what happens! 🥳💛
This was such an uplifting video, Kate! Loved hearing your thoughts bc I can completely relate to them. I, too, didn’t write “The End” of a first draft until my junior year of college (this past Camp Nano!). I’m taking a short break from that story and am currently working on multiple projects all of which are in different genres. Like you, I hope to write with different pen names bc I think it’s not only fun but also invaluable to have the opportunity to dabble in different types of stories and reach a variety of readers. And yes, yes, yes, writing is never a race!
I definitely feel your struggle. At least we are not alone 🙋🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😅🌸 self doubt and ambivalence is apparently synonymous with being a writer 🥴 and listen, I’ve been working on my first book for 10+ years. It’s an epic fantasy, so it takes time to build. I much rather take my time than publish something half assed. And how can people not like you? You seem so sweet ☺️ trolls will be trolls and 🖕🏻 them 😃 Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰
if most of us have two eyes, that's more like 60,000 eyes watching!! but also 30,000+ brains behind those eyes, rooting for you and cheering you on💪🤗💪 also: so much amazing info packed in here. what you have accomplished so far is incredible. your candidness is maybe even more incredible-and its certainly super inspiring. we appreciate you!!
let me start by saying that I think these are a lot of projects for 3 years and you have done amazing progress on all of them! I do think that it is important to have a marketing strategy for when you publish and setting up your schedule is a business decision and should not be based on popular requests. However, I think that it may be a little weird to be following an authortuber for over 3 years and having NEVER read ANYTHING written by them. Not even a short story or a blog post. This is only my opinion and, I promise you, it is meant to be constructive. I definitely believe that not publishing doesn't make anyone a failure. But I feel it is a little bit like ending up in the friend zone when you are romantically interested in someone: If you are an authortuber who never posts ANY type of writing by them, then you may end up just an entairtaining UA-camr.
I agree with you - but I’ve also been disappointed as a viewer when I’ve loved someone’s videos and advice and then realised that I really didn’t like their writing. I can understand the fear as those particular authors have lost a lot of credibility to me. I still enjoy their content, but I take it with a grain of salt. I like this in between 😂
I love seeing an overview of everything you're working on, and it's great hearing your perspective on the process! Your honesty about everything is so helpful! I can't wait to read your stuff when it's published and whenever you choose to share it, but I also totally get you wanting the unbiased audience for your writing 😊 it's really great to get an insight into your process and writing journey!!
The only thing I ask is that when you publish with different pen names, to please one day have a way to find all your books in one place. I’ve been following your for a while now and I really want to see the final product of all this effort you document here, and would love to further support your content.
You're so chill and honest. Can't stand the preaching of some other authortubers, but I swear I could watch you for hours. Wish we were friends. Thanks for all the wise words.
This was entertaining and relatable! Thanks for reminding all us aspiring writers that everyone works at their own pace! I look forward to reading Meridian Maps someday!
This was so lovely! It's so fun to see all of your projects and the way you've juggled them over time. Totally makes sense to take your time in this process!
At first I was like "That is a lot of projects, so close to being done. Then she hops to another project, and then to another." Then you hit us with 6:05 and I agreed. No judgement - I have my own writing challenges and I'm taking a do-over. Meaning I shelved all projects, created a calendar and I'm focusing on a single project and FORCING myself to complete it before touching another story, another shiny object. Good luck on your progress! The joys of being a writer, lol.
TIMESTAMPS!
1:25 Starting to draw my graph of my old & current stories and where they’re at in the process (this continues until the end of the video)
6:05 Intro to my fear of failure (querying, changing goals, Meridian Maps as a whole) and how having an audience affects that
10:24 Start of the discussion on my current skill set and/or lack of skills regarding the later stages of revision
18:43 Holy crap, there are so many projects here. (“If you focused on a single story, you’d be published by now.”)
19:52 How my marketing and business decisions factor into all of this and how Kate Cavanaugh will not be the first pen name I publish under.
Thank you for sharing.
I run Aconite Cafe, so if you'd like help as you shift into the publishing and marketing phase, please let me know.
Regardless, best of luck! We need more Texans in publishing.
Ooooh, thank you Zara! I'll try that next time too. :)
@@gimpygunner7954 You'd be surprised how much of writing includes having a strong social media presence and connecting with your fans. It can be solitary if you want, but it doesn't have to be.
@@buttersnjelly6956 I agree. Having 30K people who have gotten to know you and follow you in all your endeavors is a HUGE marketing advantage. Having a successful UA-cam channel is good marketing, not necessarily playing around. Writing takes time, editing takes time, huge learning curve, but that’s only half the story. The other half (the bigger half???) is marketing, and having 30K followers who are authors and readers is very advantageous.
"Project purple. It's pink. It's fine." I feel like we haven't heard this line in a while and I kind of missed it.
The fear of failure or my writing being bad is one of the reasons I hate telling people I’m writing, even those in my family, because I know I’m not ready to share my stories with anyone yet and I worry that when I do it won’t be good
Morgan Mills I feel exactly the same. My sister always introduces me as a writer and it always makes me cringe because I’m not comfortable with my writing to show anyone yet.
Just do it. It’s honestly so freeing when you finally get your work out there. People will like it much better than you think.
You shouldn't worry about the quality of your writing. It's very sad that this is where the writing community has gone - ultra critical, shaming anything that's not a publishable standard. Art is subjective. There is no such thing as "objectively bad" writing (because it is art). I often have more fun reading fanfictions written by 13 year olds than "classics". You should try to see the best parts of the writing - read into it as if you're in english class, see it as a masterpiece :)
Thanks for this video, Kate. I wanted to offer some encouragement to anyone who is reading the comments. I was approximately 30 the first time I ever typed "THE END". I did not complete a revision of that novel. I did not type "THE END" again for another 20 years after that. I was 51 before I ever completed a revision.
I am constantly amazed at the energy, drive and creativity of the people in this community. If you are reading this, you need to be proud of all you've accomplished.
Keep pushing, the world needs your voice.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Alvin!!
You work so hard, Kate. I wouldn't let the question bother you too much because you are heading in the direction you want to head into.
Thanks Carrow. 💜
I agree, you're still young and have time. Also, you've already fullfiled one goal just through this channel.
Wow I can just see how Kate is going to publish a bunch of books at once and take the book world by storm on all the genres and it’s going to be great. It’s worth the wait. I hope that someday I’ll read your books translated to my language or maybe even help with translation myself haha
“So many eyes...” *takes a big gulp of wine*
Wow, I really felt that lol
I actually agree with the plan to outline or rough draft the hole series first to make sure that every thing goes together well
I'm actually doing this with my own stories
I have an anthology that has many trilogies, duologies, and standalones that all happen in the same world and I'm doing extensive outlines for all of them before I begin the actual writing
Did you start writing yet
@@ducknoisesintensify8007 still working on the outlines. I go through 3 to 4 outlines for one book. when I finish 1 or 2 of them I move on to a new story for awhile to start on it. But I'm just about to finish the third outline of one of my stories so YEAH! =D
"I'm hoping to make a lasting career out of this..." Yes!! This is spot on. Things take time. Inspired by you.
Wooo!! I love listening to your process and honest you are about the projects you’re working on. I don’t even want to tell you how many books I’ve started and stopped over the years. LOL. It happens! Also, thanks for the shoutout! ❤️❤️ Publishing is a marathon, not a race, though it can often feel that way. You do you!
Hi Kate! Just wanted to pop in and say thank you! Watching your videos inspire me to write more, which is something I need right now. My current goals seem so measly compared to what I previously set for myself, but I decided small steps (currently aiming for 200 words a day) that I can actually accomplish is far better than large goals that I consistently fail at. And when I am just not feeling it, watching one of your videos actually helps motivate me (like tonight). I also enjoyed the Lion King reference, it took me a second to place it but once I did I had a good laugh.
I think it’s actually good that you haven’t published yet and in the long run will make you a better writer! Im pretty sure it’s super normal to write a ton of projects before getting one that you want to publish and feel like your skill set is ready for publishing. :)
Oh Kate, I feel you. The multiple genres, the hybrid author-thing, the different pen names (but for me, also writing and publishing in different languages ;) ) I feel like the longer I write, the more I learn (about things I had never thought about!) and I am so excited to see what kind of books I will write in 10/15/20 years! Not having a "deadline" to my career is so relieving! We truly have all the time we want to take
I'd like to ask a question, you said you publish in different languages, right? Do you know if it's plausible to live in a non-English speaking country, but write in English and publish traditionally in, let's say, UK? Just asking cuz I hoped you could redirect me to some resources, as I can't find much documentation about this particular situation.
@@ioanam.2374 I don't know if this question or better the answer to this question is still of interesst to you, but just in case try Alyssa Matesic's more recent Q&A Videos she answered that question from a few different angles in some of them and in another older video about international publishing.
@@pbspbs4882 Oh, thank you so much! I'll check out those videos for sure.
Oh, man. The question “Why aren’t you published yet?” is up there with “Why are you still single?” and “Do you have children?” Makes you clammy with cold sweat.
Great video though! 🌸
Haha can't wait for this, love your honesty in every sense
I definitely want to publish but I think I'm more scared of the self publishing aspect, and then failing at that. I know there are a lot more avenues you could potentially explore, but think I have the exact fear you have, just on the other side of the coin 😂😂
Kate, really, take your time with publishing. Whether it's in two years or twenty, I'll want to read what you put out and I'm willing to wait until you are 110% happy with it! It's totally up to you, we're honoured to come along for the ride.
Never think you are a failure. You have done so much and inspired a lot of people. Even if your first book doesn't sell well, continue. Never give up on your dream! I really want to read one of your book one day!
This is really inspiring. I think one of my favorite things about you and your channel is that you’re so excited about your stories and don’t let your doubts stop you from continuing to work towards your goals. It’s really refreshing to find writers who have yet to publish a book share their experiences and knowledge as they learn new things and meet new milestones. It really has helped me find different approaches to my stories and has helped me be comfortable with each stage I’m at! Your channel really highlights the fun in writing, and I’m so happy to have found your channel! (I can’t remember when it happened, but I’ve been around for awhile now on different accounts! I haven’t always commented though ☺️)
Kate, even though I don't have a following I also feel this way especially with my family when they ask me why I haven't published anything. I suffer from that same fear of failure but in a way I think it's protecting us from jumping the gun, and I think recognizing that we aren't quite ready for it is an important step! As you said, just because you haven't published yet, doesn't mean that you won't! You will be published one day!
Hi Kate, I just wanted to say thank you so much for making this video! One of the things I find so valuable about your channel is that it's kind of a "real time" look at an author's career. It's one thing to hear a published author talk about the YEARS of hard work they put into writing and revising before they got published, and another thing entirely to SEE that work being put in on a serialized basis from someone in the thick of it (aka Authortube). We have this false notion of overnight success, and it's videos like this that really drive home that everyone's paths are different and that there's no one way to approach your writing career. I'm so inspired by your drive and positivity, and I hope you never feel pressured to publish before you are ready - I for one am willing to wait if it means I get to read something that I KNOW you put your heart and soul (and hard work) into. Everyone fears failure, and I'm sure it's even more terrifying with 30,000 eyes on you, as you said. But public failure is also inspiring, especially when you don't let it stop you from trying. Just keep doing what you are doing! You have come so far and made so much progress and we will be here to support you when you're ready to take the next step, whatever that might look like for you!
"I also have some visual representation for you," you're always providing for us Kate, lol!
"And I'm mad that I'm not good enough at it yet. But I will be. Someday." PUT THAT ON A T-SHIRT!! You are so quotable.
And also relatable. I could feel your fear/frustrations through this so hard. But also your excitement about getting further on this journey - which I'm loving following you on btw. ❤
I feel like a failure when I don't write for a couple of days (today marks the sixth day I've been unable to write anything coherent lol). But if it takes me a little longer, like you said, it's going to take a little longer!
#ItsNotARace
I squeed when I saw this, and my husband was like 'what', and I was like 'Kate's made such a difficult video, I'm so proud of her'.... This was wonderful. Thank you for being vulnerable with us.
Loved this video. It always drives me a little batty when most people don’t realize that it often takes years to hewn and develop one’s craft before your skills can catch up with your vision. You’ve put so much blood sweat and tears into your craft and it’s downright inspiring. Love all the projects you have going! Rock on and keep killing it!
I’m totally planning to write in multiple genre and I’m planning to use at least 2 pen names. I’m so excited and you make me feel good for not yet completing my current WIP from 2015.. each day I work on it I discover a world I’m writing and it makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Thanks for your continued support and motivation. I truly appreciate it 🥰
TL;DR - You’re awesome and you inspire
Hey Kate, I love that you brought up “fear of failure” I think that is something that myself and a lot of people suffer from but don’t know or know why. At 42, I’ve always described myself as a collector of hobbies, I write, draw, paint, photography, Photoshop…and a myriad of other things…turns out I have ADHD, so I tend to hyper fixate on things for days, weeks or even months. The only things that remain a constant are art and writing. I have been doing both since I could hold a crayon. Even stories come and go…but one, this one I’m writing now, I’ve started Sept 25th, 2012, I still love this story idea. It is YA and I know there is a place for it on a bookstore shelf someday.
I have picked away at it over the years, writing chapter chronologies up to chapter 12, drawing concept art for things in the chapters and cover ideas and hopefully finishing chapter 4 today. All this to say, I really appreciate your honesty with the process and struggles that you face. You inspire me to stay the course and keep at it. You offer great advice that is real and meaningful and transparent.
As for Pen names, though old, and I do not know where I heard it, I love the idea of “Sue Denim”
I just did a stats sheets for my own work
I started in 2017
finished 3 drafts
revised 2 of them
have 2 WIPs, which one of them is a slumpy one right now
I have plans /partially outlined 2 books
+ countless short stories
But I also still fight against sending things out for querring, even though I know that nothing can take my efforts away from me.
You're not alone in your fears Kate.
Thank you for the video :)
This is super random on a video from months ago - but I really appreciate that you don't wear makeup. Nothing against people who do wear it regularly, but I love having more people in a visual space who's normal is no makeup. It really helps normalize the look and helps give a frame of reference for people so instead of asking "why do you look so tired?" someone will actually recognize and think 'oh, just no makeup.' I've noticed it more around UA-cam these days and always makes me happy. Anyways, love your videos. All your stuff is very relatable and you do a great job of staying succinct, and solid editing - always helpful and entertaining and usually the exact kick in the pants I need to go hack on some more chapters. 10/10
Thanks for sharing about where you are on that journey with writing and looking at publishing. Primarily it's important that people enjoy writing as its own reward first and foremost. Should you never become published, still write for years and enjoy the discovery of story-making, that is something to celebrate in itself. But it's good to stretch yourself and look towards sharing those stories with others, and then they become something else with them. You don't know what good it'll bring to someone else, and sharing our stories enriches people. You will become a better writer for making that brave step and sharing it with others and looking to getting published.
FYI. I have been following you for a couple years.. just wanted you to know.. YOU ARE AWESOME 🤗. Your truths and experiences always fill me with Inspiration, even when I want to quit. Thanks for all you do and share.
It is amazing how every sentence you say, I’m like.. “yup, yes, aha, I agree. Girl I’m having the same problem. I thought I was the only one”..lol😂. Thanks again and I look forward to your continued humorous and informative videos.
You go girl. And publish!!!! 🥰
I think you are underestimating how many people are rooting for you, and how you have some room to make mistakes because you have a lot of support. You are a great authortuber and I would buy your books just to give back! (which doesn't sound reassuring, I realize, just that you have a lot of support and people who love watching you grow)
Oh my gosh Kate. When you said "when I was a young warthog" it 100% made my day!
It's interesting that people have judged you for not publishing yet because it's one of the reasons I really enjoy your channel. You are taking the time to refine your craft before starting your career. That's smart!
First, off Kate, I wanted to say you were the first authortuber I followed and to this day I never miss one of your videos. I have watched your backlist. I started to follow you and then others you mentioned 2 years ago. I find you real. I admire you for being able to talk about your perceived or real weaknesses and I certainly understand the fear of failure. I am 63 years old and when I was 17 I submitted my first piece of writing to a magazine. I got a rejection slip and it tore me up and I quit writing for 30 years or more. Around 9 years ago I finally got up the courage to write again and created a blog to post my stories and poems on. Today was my 9 year anniversary for that first blog. I wasn't going to use a pen name. I agreed with Becca C. Smith on that, but then it dawned on me that the name I was using wasn't my family name. I was using my married and now divorced name and it was difficult to spell or pronounce. I created an authortube channel and since it is new changing my name wasn't as big a deal as it was on my blogs. I created a pen name of Tessa Dean. My first name's nickname (Teresa) and my maiden name (Dean). I have been told it has a nice ring to it and it is easy to spell and pronounce. So NOW I am using my family name. I write in many genres and have started many books, but as a pantser, I simply write off the top of my head. I have not come near to finishing any of the books I started. I am trying to learn to outline to see if that helps, but it isn't. I am a true pantser. I mostly write short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I just created a new website/blog for my pen name Tessa Dean. I don't intend to have a different name for the different genres I write in. I am sorry this is long, but you asked several questions and I thought some background was needed. I am probably one of the oldest authortubers out there and I am having to relearn grammar since I haven't written for so long. I am afraid people won't take me seriously since I am so old. And I do remember your dad and that he is writing now as well. Good luck to him. By the way, I don't write YA, fantasy, or historical. I do know that Kate Cavanaugh is a pen name and now you are considering using a new one. Your choice, but if you have the courage to publish under a new name and not take advantage of your notoriety on youtube, you are one strong cookie despite all your fears. Good luck to you as well.
Just wanna say I believe in you and that I truly enjoy following your writing journey! You inspire me to try new things and to keep writing! Thank you for always being so candid and transparent about your process, ups and downs, and your journey!
A fear of failure is completely understandable! Also sounds like you're a total perfectionist and putting loads of pressure on yourself to get it 100% right when you take the plunge. But it's a learning process and you can only do what you can do.
I hate that whole "only write the first in a series if you want to traditionally publish" and ignored it. I wrote the second book while querying the first. I failed in finding an agent but signed with a publisher directly so it is possible.
I think if you believe in your story, write the series! Do what you love! That's what makes writing such an exciting journey :)
I'm cheering you on to the PUBLISHED finish line! 😁
It’ll be interesting to see your perspective on your projects and see behind the manic typing on the laptop we see in vlogs! I’m excited for this one.
I read that as "see behind the maniac ...we see in vlogs" lmao
This was so interesting! I think it goes to show how much you care about your stories and characters. When the day comes that we get to read your works will be a scary day but also such an amazing day. Thank you
I'm not a writer but I'm here watching you as a reader because I like your personality and want to eventually read what you write.
“When I was a young warthog” aaaand now the song is stuck in my head 😂
I love this whole chat, so many great points. And I think “failure” or not meeting our goals is really important to talk about, especially on AuthorTube. So many more eyes on us and our work makes it feel like there’s so much pressure, and I think a lot of us really feel that pressure and get hard on ourselves. So I love seeing people talking about this 💜
TehBuggy Yup. It’s stuck in my head, too.
Yay! New video!! Notifications from your channel, get me all happy and excited every single time!!! Thank you so much!!!
Your so brilliant and funny- such a breath of fresh air :) completely resonate with you with the fear and love your videos
Also a multi genre and multiple project writer here :) I like having different storylines to focus on :)
You know, something I really love about your channel is that you feel like one of us. I don't come here for writing advice from on high, I come here because I want to see a writer I like do/make cool things and go through the struggles that we all go through and remind me that I'm not alone. All your failures help me realize that I'm not the only one going through those hardships, and all your successes give me the confidence that I can do those things too. So, thank you, for your honesty and for basically everything. And best of luck, with all your work and all your ambitions
I like how honest you are in this video. It's also nice to see someone doing things the "nontraditional way". I feel like so many people claim there is a specific step by step guide of how you have to publish and how you should be working on your books. Thanks for sharing!
Honestly you help so many people, ignore anyone who wants to criticize for no reason. Chances are these people are not doing the same thing they're criticizing you about. P.s. you also have an awesome fun personality that's always fun to watch
I just really have to say, the books I'm awaiting the most are Project death and Meridian Maps because GIRLLLLL they really reached my heart
Yeah that's something I really get worried about the unlikelyness of a series getting picked up for trad publishing, and I'm writing a trilogy, not a five book series 😂. I still love that project purple is pink! You are such a prolific writer! Thank you for being vulnerable about fear and failure! Great video!
You're working so hard! Can't wait for the Meridian Maps, you'll definitely get a reader for it in me. Also, I just want to say that even when I'm incredibly tired, your videos inspire and help me get back to work. It's like my brain cools down a little and finds new energy
I just want to say I love you so much. For some reason, I always thought you were published. Haha. I totally relate to you and thank you for sharing your writing life. You help so many people, especially us writers! 💙
Even if you don't become a writer superstar you're still a great online writing buddy
Hi Kate!! I am like 11 rn ( yes...a bit too small right?? >~< ). I want to be a writer in the future!! So rn, I am like writing a bunch of essays and short stories ( about 1000 words each ). I’ve learned a lot from you!! Thank you so much for your videos!!
Edit: I want to ask like do you use a typewriter to write or just write by hand? I know it feels weird, but like...idk it seems kinda time-consuming for handwriting and I have too many documents...
Foundationally, you have describe valid fears that every writer has. However, as you grow as an author, and as a marketer (if you are lucky or dedicated enough to doing that), many of these fears do become minimal. For example, your main fear is failing with your first self-publish book...but you have close to 35,000 followers. You'd have to work very hard to fail at selling this book when you'll have thousands of people who will simply buy it because they like you, your channel, and wish to say thank you for all your content. I've seen this happen to big authortubers over and over, and once you hit 30-50k, you're in that initial phase of "big authortuber". So, sale-wise, you're going to do 35,000 times better than a writer without a fanbase. The other side of failing is your writing just not being good. Also valid! But at this point in your writing life, you have written dozens of books, many of which have been edited, revised, beta'd, queried, etc. That is all to say, if you sucked as a writer, which I sincerely doubt, you'd have someone in that chain go: This just isn't very good. You're just not there yet. And even if that happened in that past, I'll bet it was years ago, and many books ago, so eventually, yeah, you go get to that space where Becca says, you're just spinning your wheels on fear. I do think it's smart for you to work on a series, but instead of working on a series and multiple other projects, the best strategy would be to work on your series exclusively so it can be done in 1-2 years time. Otherwise, at this pace, you will maybe have *ONE* standalone to query in that same 1-2 years, and everything else will probably be done in 3-5 years OR LONGER! Which given that you already have everything to be successful: a massive audience, talent, and loads of experience, why would you prolong success 5 years???
She mentioned how she would publish her first book under a pen name very specifically *because* she already has 35,000 followers (over 41k now, yay!!) I completely understand where she's coming from. That idea that you want your stories to stand on it's own instead of just people reading it because they like you personally, ya know? Also I don't mean to be rude but who are you to tell her the best timeline for her own career? If what she feels is best for her is working on multiple projects at the same time, then thats what works best for her. Who's to say success looks the same to her as it does to you? Maybe she already feels successful with all she's accomplished (as she should!)
I can only work on one project at a time, keeping one on the back burner for the times it is out of my hands so you blow my mind! I don’t know how you keep everything straight in your brain but I’m amazed by it.
I love that you have done this video Kate. The complete honesty within it is very refreshing.
I'm so glad! :)
When you were a young warthog! 😂 I bonded with one of my best friends in high school by singing The Lion King soundtrack, so am a big fan of all references.
Been working on the same story for at least 15 years. It lives in the back of my head most of the time. As i have improved my writing, it has improved. It has a long way to go but i like looking back on it and seeing how far it has come, showing me how far ive come. Nothing is a race and your talk here is important. :) thank u
Yay! Another video!!! After I watch, I’ll edit my comment and add some thoughts. [hugs]
First of all, you have completed 6? 7? 8? manuscripts with The End on the last page. You are hereby not allowed to use the word “failure” when talking about your efforts. *grin*
“You are from this day forward proclaimed to be Beyond Failure!”
You’re doing everything right. When I was your age (pre-computer, much less pre-Amazon) I was writing nonfiction articles and fan fiction along with my original stories. I did the query thing for years (I’ve mentioned before that the stack of my rejection slips is taller than my papillon). I’ve been to many conferences, dressed for success, and read the first chapter of my paranormal to an editor who loved it so much, she wished her publishing house did that genre. By the time Amazon came along, I had revised and rewritten and all that jazz. My fifth published book found an audience, first in a series, and I just published #11 in that series while also publishing in other genres. When you are ready, go for it! My Unsolicited Advice: Publish under Kate Cavanaugh, because you have established that name already. It took 3 years to establish my name as Regina Duke. (You may ignore this advice, of course. Just sharing my experience.)
Can’t wait to read your books!!! And thanks for another great vlog! :D
Momma Kate you worked hard to get where you are. You are like an inspiration for me to persevere, and put my heart into everything. You are amazing! Rock on.
I'm so glad to hear this from someone who I see as one that's been working consistently with a detailed plan, since I often feel like I've either taken on too much to not make enough progress in any one of my projects or I feel lost amid all the business-y side of writing: marketing, social media, networking--none of the things I decided to become a writer in the first place.
Super reassuring to see, and hope this video turns things around for me, even at least for today! Thanks Kate
This is one of my favorite of your videos. Whoever called you a failure can go drink cold tea in a corner. You're probably a few years ahead of me, but other than the multiple pen names (I haven't decided) this is very close to where I'd like to be down the line. Thank you for reviewing your process, projects, and fears with us. 💖 As much as I would like to read your work I will be patient because your explanation for why you want to wait to announce to us when you do publish is so completely relatable and probably really smart 💕.
This is your path, do what you think is best, taking advice is helpful, but if you don't want to jump in at the deep end don't let anybody push you in.
So, I self-published in adult historical fiction, first-person past tense. But, I'm now writing a fantasy trilogy based on Gaelic and Celtic folklore in third person omniscient past tense. I plan to write a spooky thriller in the future. Genre hopping is totally fine and fun! I also made mistakes in self-publishing, but everyone was so kind. I got wonderful feedback and glowing reviews. I am now about to re-publish a more polished version of my first book. So, if fear is holding you back, jump in! It's ok! If not, and you are just happy on your path, then that's fine too! I look forward to being able to read what you have written!
I'm not actively pursuing a career in writing, although I do write, and it is a dream. For me, it's always been clear that if I'd publish, I would go the indie route. I don't really see the traditional as a realistic option for me. But, the indie route is daunting too. I have watched the videos of Derek Murphy in YT, and he gives a lot of practical advise on indie publishing (and writing too). It's clearly a lot of work on top of the actual writing and editing, and it feels like it's still a lot of luck, having the right type of story ready at right time and getting it in the eyes of right audience. And that's why I'm not pursuing this. When I have entertained the thought though, I have wondered whether I should be learning the other skills related to indie publishing, alongside learning writing and editing. This is why I have thought whether it might be best to start indie publishing with a series of short stories, not with the idea of making money on them, but more with the idea of getting familiar with the process from beginning to end by publishing the short stories separately before moving into my bigger work. This is just so that I would be more "ready" with the technical side too, before publishing anything that took me more time on the writing and editing side. Plus, publishing would force be to put an end to the endless editing and force me to face the fear of failure... Having said all this, I obviously know nothing, and different things work best for different people. Just a thought, as you are moving on in your path as an author.
It's interesting to think that, before NaNo 2019, I mostly wrote in modern fantasy, but recently I've tried out Medieval Fantasy and Sci-Fi. It really does go to show that you write what you love. I've also been thinking of publishing under a penname, only because I'm not planning on making writing my full-time career, at least not at the moment. And that's actually why I think pennames are a good idea, not just to hide who you really are, but if you're not writing as your career, you don't always want your name out there for the world to see.
I’m writing a 6 book paraquel novella series on Wattpad (I’m up to book 4) and I feel you on the “I had no idea what I was getting into” thing. It is fun though. Like putting together a puzzle. It’s awesome when things all come together. Definitely add me to your list of writer fans who look forward to your books 😊
finishing a draft that never becomes a published book is never a failure, you've achieved more than ~99% people :)
edit to add: thank you for talking about the "finishing" skill-set! I've never actually finished a book, and this really motivates me just to get one done so unlock it and get that confidence
Thank you for being so open, Kate. 💕
Personally, I plan to write both in English and in my native language, Portuguese. I like switching between different genres, form adult fantasy to magical realism. However, I don't feel ready yet to be published and decided to focus on developing my writing skills. Of course, most of my friends and family don't understand why I would wait, but the thing about writing is that it is not a race, as you said. I think there's a fear of being left behind, and it affects the way we as writers see our craft. I want to be able to enjoy writing, to fall in love with my stories and enjoy writing them. And I if that means waiting a little more to be able to tell them the best way possible, I will wait.
Aaa oi ♡
Really great video!
(also, if you ever make merch you should definitely do one with the text "it's pink, it's fine"!)
Yeah those people suck. I'm sorry you deal with them. I've been binge watching your channel and it's been really nice while I gather my own writing thoughts. And start focusing more on original work and putting my fanfiction more on the side. Of course, I love fic and I want to write it forever, but I want to work on original stuff now more too. So thank you for making this. It was really enlightening.
I totally understand your strategy to publish first under a different name and see the process and numbers without telling youtube. It makes a lot of sense, and we will all wait anxiously to read it! Love from Denmark. :)
I am on the same page as you with publishing in different genres under different pen names. My poetry would have a totally different audience from my fiction, which of course could have several different audiences within different genres there, and it just makes sense to me to compartmentalize them under different pen names.
Hi Kate!
Wow. So many things you touched on in this video aligned with things I've learned/discovered/decided lately . The whole indie publishing thing for series. (Mine is 7 books, and it will probably be about 10 years before I publish. Whee.) Indie publishing because the big story is the one I want to tell, and not the books as their own thing. Having to delete characters (even though that came vicariously through a friend who deleted a character from the first draft I critiqued for him to the second draft he's writing now.) Writing things to learn how I write and what my process is and how to edit. Other people not understanding why I'm doing it the way I'm doing it. Thank you so much for sharing. :)
I feel this video so much. I plan to publish for the first time this year and I’m using multiple pen names as well. I feel pressured just from family and friends. I can’t imagine the pressure you feel having a UA-cam channel. But you will rock this when you do publish.
I know the series fear sooo well as someone who's currently re-writing a whole series I'd already set a pre-order (and since canceled) for the entire series, and now that the first book is done and published, I'm already freaking out about the rest of the series which are in various stages of re-writes and edits based on beta feedback. The fear is real!
That being said, you are doing sooo well, and I don't think you should fear failure as much as you do. You've put so much more effort into your work than most people. You've got this.
Do you plan to write in multiple genres?
Yes. I typically write paranormal romance under this pen name. I also plan on doing fantasy/fantasy romance under this pen name. However, I also write contemporary romance and erotica. For those two genres, I have two other pen names planned.
Do you want to take on multiple pen names? And do you think that's a good idea of a bad idea? (Generally and just for yourself bahaha.)
Answered this prior a little, but yes. Good/bad idea? I have no idea. I see both good and bad feedback about this. I think having a separate name for erotica is definitely important for me. I don't mind my kiddos (currently 8 & 9) reading my books, but I don't want them reading my erotica anytime soon. And I want other readers to be able to do the same.
Has your publishing path or plan changed over the years? How?
Most definitely. When I first started my channel, I was traditionally-published with a small press that's since closed. Now I'm aiming for indie publishing for my novels and a couple small trad publishers for anthology submissions, and that's pretty much it (for now).
Do you have a story you keep returning to as you gain more skills as a writer??
I completed my first fantasy novel in 2007/2008 in high school. I wrote the entire thing during one of my computer classes with the instructor's knowledge and permission. I come back to it a lot over the years as I'm never satisfied with it. I've had multiple epiphanies about it. Someday, I'll write that final "first draft" and actually start the editing process toward publication with it. Someday.
I can relate to so much in this video. I have multiple similar charts in my journals trying to keep my projects and priorities straight. My plans and priorities have definitely changed multiple times since I wrote "the end" on my first novel draft. I have probably ten different projects in progress right now, and one of those is also a sci-fi novel that I've tried writing three different times over the past ten years. It's currently on the back-burner because I'm still not sure I've got it right. This video definitely made me feel better about my own process. :) Thanks for sharing this!
This is 100% relatable in so many ways! Thank you for being inspirational. I'm determined to start posting videos on my channel before the end of the month. (If I could just get past these technical difficulties with editing lol)
Wow you've written so much! I'm on my second novel and I've gotten so stuck at the moment. I just can't figure it out. :/ I'm surprised you haven't published, but it's your choice entirely. I love how you share your process so in detail and that's admirable. Xx
I publish everything under my own name purely because I like to look back and say "Yeah, It's me. I did that". But I do know that some of my work should be under a pen name; its completely different from some of the stuff that I do and if people find it first, it could skewer their impressions of me.
I am scared of failing, after 34 stories self-published I've not had many sales; it's feeling like I have failed BUT I know why. I am terrible at marketing and getting myself out there. I don't really have an audience but I am trying my best to fill that up.
Totally random, but : what a cute t shirt, the logo " je t aime " , so sweet ;0)) it s awesome to witness your creative process and your Art. You keep going Kate, you will succeed! 💐
Omg we use the 'when I was a young warthog' reference all the time too! 😂😁❤️ And love! You got this and totally understand the fear of failing. I'm still nervous of letting people read my work and working on finishing still. Love your channel! Sending hugs! 🙌
Hi!I just discover you and it helps a lot.I'm a writer too (not published) and I can relate with many situations.
Respect.
You know, I've thought about this before as it applies to you. In some ways, it might be comforting to have 30,000 people who are watching your work and a decent amount of those who want to actively read what you put out, but I also think it adds to your pressure to succeed on a first attempt.
I don't know if this helps you but I've had a talk with myself and it's really helped me. I realized I was avoiding certain things because I was afraid to fail, and so I played devils advocate. We all obviously would love to be published, and well loved by readers, and well compensated, and in demand, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying or craving any of that. But I asked myself "If I never ever publish a book, will I still be okay with that?". I had to think a while and consider, but it helped me realize that--right now-- I have been working for my lifetime and I've never published anything. Publication, money, recognition, readership...I don't have any of those to drive me. And writing novels is an INSANE amount of work. So why am I doing it?
I do it because it fulfills me. I love stories, and I love to make stories, and I know now that if I die at the end of my long life and nobody has ever read my stories beyond betas, that I would be okay with that because a lifetime of writing has given me a lifetime of joy and satisfaction.
That really freed me. Now I don't write for anyone else but me, and I'm more productive than ever. Any of that money or publication or recognition or readership I might get now is icing on an already sublime cake. And I love me some cake.
I hope that helps you, or somebody that reads it.
Okay, answer time. I do plan to write novels in multiple genres! I have written novels in multiple sub genres of Fantasy. Namely a high fantasy, a heroic fantasy, a humorous fantasy and a paranormal fantasy. I've written mostly Fantasy short stories but those also include sci-fi, mystery, slice of life and a fantasy romance. I really want to get a good mystery novel going someday but I just haven't hit upon the right story for it yet.
I might take on multiple pen names, just because I think it helps writers write in other genres more easily, and I hadn't thought about your point about it-- that you can literally start anew. The thought of having to run the marketing/social platform/finance side of multiple pen names gives me anxiety though. I don't even want to do one lol.
I have a novel that I submitted to about 8 agents and then stopped for a little bit. The reason was that life was super hard and I hadn't figured out how to balance submission with other writing work. I've promised myself I won't go back and work on that novel (although man I could make it so much better) because I believe it's important to finish something and stop or I'll keep tweaking it forever. That said, I don't have a finished story I keep returning to, but I do have some favorite story ideas that I return to. So far I've decided not to write them because they're missing something or, in that favorite one's case, because I'm not skilled enough to write the story it deserves yet. I've had that idea for 15 years and I'm a lot closer now to doing it justice, but I'll be able to feel when the time is right to pull it out and get to work on it.
P.S. Thank you for the videos. They are a source of joy and inspiration for me.
P.P.S. Brownie points for "Project Purple-- it's pink, it's fine."
I also write because I want / need / have to tell stories or go crazy. LOL All of this sounds so familiar to my own experience. I submitted to agents and publishers in the Old Days (80s, etc) and they took forever to even get back to me. (Pre-computer, pre-email) Once I could retire, Amazon was invented, and I went full bore on indie publishing. I don’t have time to wait for the traditional route. LOL Also, I share your love of Kate’s videos. Refreshing and encouraging.
Fantastic! Everything happens in its own time is something I've always believed.
7:23 - "30,000 eyes watching you fail." I feel like a lot of your audience are also writers and it would be extremely foolish for us to judge you even if you did "fail". I also feel like no author with successful published work has gotten there without "any" failure and understands it's part of the process. 30,000 eyes all cheering you on no matter what happens! 🥳💛
This was such an uplifting video, Kate! Loved hearing your thoughts bc I can completely relate to them. I, too, didn’t write “The End” of a first draft until my junior year of college (this past Camp Nano!). I’m taking a short break from that story and am currently working on multiple projects all of which are in different genres. Like you, I hope to write with different pen names bc I think it’s not only fun but also invaluable to have the opportunity to dabble in different types of stories and reach a variety of readers. And yes, yes, yes, writing is never a race!
oh my, your process and volume of projects are stressing me out! 😅 I only have enough brain cells to focus on one thing at a time
I definitely feel your struggle. At least we are not alone 🙋🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😅🌸 self doubt and ambivalence is apparently synonymous with being a writer 🥴 and listen, I’ve been working on my first book for 10+ years. It’s an epic fantasy, so it takes time to build. I much rather take my time than publish something half assed. And how can people not like you? You seem so sweet ☺️ trolls will be trolls and 🖕🏻 them 😃
Greetings from Denmark 🇩🇰
if most of us have two eyes, that's more like 60,000 eyes watching!! but also 30,000+ brains behind those eyes, rooting for you and cheering you on💪🤗💪
also: so much amazing info packed in here. what you have accomplished so far is incredible. your candidness is maybe even more incredible-and its certainly super inspiring. we appreciate you!!
Yay Kate uploaded my day just got way beter! ❤❤
You do so much work and are always coming up with new ideas. Don't be too hard on yourself and just take things at your own time
let me start by saying that I think these are a lot of projects for 3 years and you have done amazing progress on all of them! I do think that it is important to have a marketing strategy for when you publish and setting up your schedule is a business decision and should not be based on popular requests. However, I think that it may be a little weird to be following an authortuber for over 3 years and having NEVER read ANYTHING written by them. Not even a short story or a blog post. This is only my opinion and, I promise you, it is meant to be constructive. I definitely believe that not publishing doesn't make anyone a failure. But I feel it is a little bit like ending up in the friend zone when you are romantically interested in someone: If you are an authortuber who never posts ANY type of writing by them, then you may end up just an entairtaining UA-camr.
I agree with you - but I’ve also been disappointed as a viewer when I’ve loved someone’s videos and advice and then realised that I really didn’t like their writing. I can understand the fear as those particular authors have lost a lot of credibility to me. I still enjoy their content, but I take it with a grain of salt.
I like this in between 😂
Alexandra Meyer Kate did link to a short story she wrote for Emily Bourne’s character writing challenge last November! It was a lot of fun.
I love seeing an overview of everything you're working on, and it's great hearing your perspective on the process! Your honesty about everything is so helpful! I can't wait to read your stuff when it's published and whenever you choose to share it, but I also totally get you wanting the unbiased audience for your writing 😊 it's really great to get an insight into your process and writing journey!!
The only thing I ask is that when you publish with different pen names, to please one day have a way to find all your books in one place. I’ve been following your for a while now and I really want to see the final product of all this effort you document here, and would love to further support your content.
You are delightful and I enjoy watching your videos.
You're so chill and honest. Can't stand the preaching of some other authortubers, but I swear I could watch you for hours. Wish we were friends. Thanks for all the wise words.
The fear is real, but I'm rooting for you Kate and I'm sure you have 30K other people here rooting for you too 👍
This was entertaining and relatable! Thanks for reminding all us aspiring writers that everyone works at their own pace! I look forward to reading Meridian Maps someday!
This was so lovely! It's so fun to see all of your projects and the way you've juggled them over time.
Totally makes sense to take your time in this process!
At first I was like "That is a lot of projects, so close to being done. Then she hops to another project, and then to another." Then you hit us with 6:05 and I agreed. No judgement - I have my own writing challenges and I'm taking a do-over. Meaning I shelved all projects, created a calendar and I'm focusing on a single project and FORCING myself to complete it before touching another story, another shiny object.
Good luck on your progress! The joys of being a writer, lol.