How to Write a Strong First Chapter

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  • Опубліковано 1 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 932

  • @VivienReis
    @VivienReis  6 років тому +149

    Have a suggestion for a new video? Add it here and vote for your favorites: bit.ly/VivienVote

    • @polljones8921
      @polljones8921 6 років тому +4

      I would love to have watched this video because you seem to be well informed but, oh lawdy lawdy, that cheap background music made me run after just 90 seconds in. Please listen to feedback - do yourself a favour and just speak on your own next time. No muzak schlock, no annoying jingles - just you.

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  6 років тому +2

      This is an old video 😊

    • @LoveBugDavis9263
      @LoveBugDavis9263 6 років тому

      Vivien Reis what bout horror? I use to write horror and scare people and would like to know how to start the chapter with a good note :D

    • @vjayproductions3710
      @vjayproductions3710 6 років тому

      Hey Vivien, I find your videos very helpful and inspiring. I would like a video where you tell us about your journey from where you started to like writing to getting your book released. A video where we get to know you a bit more. Who is Vivien, why does she like writing and what is her goal? :)

    • @tiffanynield6914
      @tiffanynield6914 5 років тому

      @@VivienReis mabey so but keep cheking the coments!!!

  • @wesleypatterson3286
    @wesleypatterson3286 7 років тому +1117

    "So take a page from J.K Rowling..."
    *tears out first page of Sorcerer's Stone*
    "Not really, that's illegal"
    "now she tells me......"

    • @glassofmilk7141
      @glassofmilk7141 7 років тому +15

      😂😂😂

    • @Zivlix
      @Zivlix 6 років тому +11

      69 likes

    • @aliciarichardson7342
      @aliciarichardson7342 6 років тому +6

      Well....xD

    • @disenchanter
      @disenchanter 4 роки тому +8

      Rowling is overrated. Colfer. Pullman. Lewis. Funke. There are so many better authors out there to be inspired by ☺️

    • @KrishaUdeshi
      @KrishaUdeshi 3 роки тому +3

      @@disenchanter do you think you can dream up a whole world with elements that no one else has ever seen except for her? Do you think you can make up characters, settings, times, sounds, places that are so gripping that they feel real, like you're in the world? Do you think you can make thousands of readers stay up unknowingly till three AM because they can't stop reading your book? If you can, then I applaud you, because you are a miniature J.K. Rowling

  • @nannanuggetzzz5829
    @nannanuggetzzz5829 7 років тому +1933

    If you are scared to write, just remember;
    Rose are red
    Violets are blue
    Your writing is unique and beautiful
    And so are you

    • @totallyrealcia
      @totallyrealcia 6 років тому +19

      KillMeNowPlease Thank you, almighty loaf.

    • @Jack-Oates
      @Jack-Oates 6 років тому +64

      Also
      Roses are red
      Violets are blue
      Your love story
      Is better to twilight.

    • @yas8372
      @yas8372 6 років тому +3

      xD

    • @zanetheman3829
      @zanetheman3829 6 років тому +9

      Your username is me

    • @TheMadGod
      @TheMadGod 6 років тому +5

      And that’s not true

  • @frodobaggins4794
    @frodobaggins4794 7 років тому +1061

    Actually, it's "curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." So many people seem to forget that it's not meant to be a negative saying, but encouraging!

    • @hopieworldy7767
      @hopieworldy7767 6 років тому +15

      I guess it could go both ways :)

    • @tristanneal9552
      @tristanneal9552 6 років тому +20

      I always thought the second part was added later

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  6 років тому +33

      It was! :)

    • @SoniCido
      @SoniCido 6 років тому +3

      The world is in a negative slump... time to bring them out of it so they can see what you mean :)

    • @jonellwanger7258
      @jonellwanger7258 6 років тому +1

      Soni Cido i REALLY HAVE NO IDEA, what I am doing here. But your statement, could not be any more true!! Its so aggravating to have avoid it.

  • @deffdefying4803
    @deffdefying4803 6 років тому +689

    “Even though curiosity killed the cat...”
    The whole quip is “Curiosity killed the cat, *_but satisfaction brought it back_* “
    So go kill that cat.
    Not literally, that’s illegal.

  • @devilishmorgue6969
    @devilishmorgue6969 7 років тому +962

    *when your just writing a fan fiction*
    IM A REAL WRITER I SWEAR

    • @iamloslucha
      @iamloslucha 5 років тому +20

      I hate fan fiction

    • @WrenchMonkey91
      @WrenchMonkey91 5 років тому +53

      you're*

    • @thegalaxyfox8148
      @thegalaxyfox8148 5 років тому +115

      I'm writing a fan fiction piece right now, and I'm going seriously with it, like, IN DEPTH, WITH BACKSTORY AND FAMILY HISTORY AND PLOT POINTS AND EVERYTHING

    • @rosesmith2341
      @rosesmith2341 5 років тому +101

      @@thegalaxyfox8148 yeah fanfic gets a lot of hate but it can really good

    • @thegalaxyfox8148
      @thegalaxyfox8148 5 років тому +135

      @@rosesmith2341 exactly. fan fictions have really bad reputations because people always think they're just cringey stories written by 10 year olds who don't know anything about plot and whatnot. which, yeah, it can be like that, but those aren't the entirety of the community. It annoys me when people automatically think your writing isn't serious because you're making a fan fiction

  • @segoleneroseline9225
    @segoleneroseline9225 6 років тому +356

    when your thirteen and trying to write a book your a holy angel sent from heaven vivien

    • @doubleblack8498
      @doubleblack8498 5 років тому +19

      lol I'm thirteen XD

    • @dz.m2852
      @dz.m2852 5 років тому +17

      Im 12 almost 13 😂

    • @goldenbunnies4143
      @goldenbunnies4143 4 роки тому +5

      I’m ten..........oop-

    • @winterspectre
      @winterspectre 4 роки тому +8

      @@goldenbunnies4143 if you're ten that's bad, coppa is punishing us

    • @bic.550
      @bic.550 4 роки тому +12

      I'm 12, and 1 month, and 2 days. Our generation is going to change the world, and we are YOUNG! #genzrocks!

  • @IceRiver1020
    @IceRiver1020 8 років тому +728

    I hate writing first chapters, so helpful!

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  8 років тому +51

      I'm so glad! Happy writing :)

    • @ElaysiaAriel
      @ElaysiaAriel 7 років тому +23

      IceRiver1020 I love writing first chapters, but hate writing the plot

    • @lyndonlucier791
      @lyndonlucier791 7 років тому +7

      think opening to an 80s movie ! thats what i do ! the begining of a book cant go wrong with the 80s movie opening vibe

    • @lyndonlucier791
      @lyndonlucier791 7 років тому +5

      i also find making the prologue the ending of the book helps hook the reader ! and its also a big F you to the readers that dont read the prologue lol

    • @AtOutoftheBlue
      @AtOutoftheBlue 7 років тому +4

      Lyndon Lucier You mean "in medias res"? That's right, I read TvTropes

  • @candylover1232
    @candylover1232 6 років тому +266

    Could you do a video on how to END a novel.

    • @arnavibaidya5650
      @arnavibaidya5650 5 років тому +21

      These are the questions that need to be answered

    • @sorofeo629
      @sorofeo629 5 років тому +13

      Kill the main protagonist.

    • @von3689
      @von3689 5 років тому +7

      Give the protagonist trauma or kill them off or maybe the love interest :)
      But that's illegal

    • @yashasgangadhar2109
      @yashasgangadhar2109 5 років тому +13

      '......and I woke up from my dream'

    • @citruscomb
      @citruscomb 4 роки тому +5

      If you're still struggling with this, think of it as the tying of the knot. It's the part where the themes have been clearly expressed, and the the final nail has gone into hammering the themes in. When you wrap up the themes then hopefully the plot and character development will follow in suit, since they should all be interlinked.
      So, the ending is whatever you need to do to wrap up the themes, and by extention the plot and character development, in a little bow. That's basically what my two cents is on it though, don't take my every word and do what you feel is right.

  • @mizzlemay8388
    @mizzlemay8388 6 років тому +270

    Your eyes are gorgeous

    • @mrsrana79
      @mrsrana79 5 років тому +7

      Omgoshhh ikrrr

    • @ryujin422
      @ryujin422 4 роки тому +5

      It looks so good I'm honestly wondering if they're actually contacts.

    • @rbsnap7684
      @rbsnap7684 4 роки тому

      Then you just se my common ugly Brown shet eyes

    • @nathplayz3237
      @nathplayz3237 4 роки тому

      Um 😐
      Ok mr MizzleMay

    • @prachi5616
      @prachi5616 4 роки тому

      true!!!!

  • @1951jmds
    @1951jmds 7 років тому +139

    Great video. My only disagreement stems from a warning from one of my writing instructors. "Never let anyone review your book that knows less about writing than you do, especially your mom unless your mom is Editor in Chief at Harper Collins."

    • @maywenearedhel
      @maywenearedhel 6 років тому +26

      Michael Swedenberg I agree, but ultimately, who is going to be buying it and telling their friends? Harper Collins or Mrs. Jones from three houses down? If Mrs. Jones hates it, you aren't going to get far.

    • @lordoftheducks332
      @lordoftheducks332 6 років тому +25

      I feel like the target audience should critique the book, mainly because they are the one most likely to buy it

  • @Artomedics
    @Artomedics 8 років тому +531

    my phone farted, i just cracked

  • @dangelaf.lucarelli8270
    @dangelaf.lucarelli8270 8 років тому +267

    *You've just wasted*... not a single second of my my life!
    Seriously. this is extremely useful. I was so motivated while watching the video that I thought : I must get writing! You just earned yourself a new sub :D

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  8 років тому +31

      Yaayy! Thank you for the kind words. You scared the bejesus out of me with that first line haha. Happy writing :)

    • @dangelaf.lucarelli8270
      @dangelaf.lucarelli8270 8 років тому +4

      Haha sorry about that :) No problem. You deserve them :3 Keep it coming!

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому +1

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @NAUDIYA_NICOLE
    @NAUDIYA_NICOLE 5 років тому +21

    TYSM I’m 11 years old and writing a story about a girl who was kidnapped by a cult and this helped me start off 🥰

  • @yardencalif241
    @yardencalif241 7 років тому +187

    Something that always ruins a first chapter for me is when the writer spends that entire time describing the MC and dumping exposition about their life. It's dull, and I've seen it countless times before. That's why in my first chapter, I give no exposition, no description of the MC, NOTHING-- only what he's seeing as he stumbles through the woods, losing his mind and having an insomnia-fueled panic attack before coming across the catalyst of the story (the other MC). Instead of having them stand in front of a mirror and tell us about their appearance, I have them describe one another, and what we get is only what they see. Same for exposition- the only things we get are what they're willing to tell one another.

    • @XtoriezNovel
      @XtoriezNovel 6 років тому +5

      What is MC?

    • @iknowfacebutidontknowname5880
      @iknowfacebutidontknowname5880 6 років тому +10

      Xtoriez Novel main character :)

    • @ashnikfield4224
      @ashnikfield4224 6 років тому +4

      I don’t describe my characters main looks until about the middle of my story when he’s talking to his crush and she tells him how much he looks like his dad then describes the characteristics.

    • @FairyPrincess
      @FairyPrincess 5 років тому +25

      AshNicFeld idk... tbh as a reader I hate when that happens because by that point I already have a mental picture of what the character looks like
      When the description is introduced so late, I kind of ignore it and continue with my own mental picture
      Don’t let this stop you! It’s just something to keep in mind when writing

    • @ollysmith7404
      @ollysmith7404 5 років тому +10

      @@FairyPrincess
      It's real weird to have a mental picture of a character and then the authors like, 'by the way, they're eyes are asymmetrical and their face is hella long.'
      But, at least they don't shove EVERYTHING down your throat at once, oi.

  • @ellanielsen7005
    @ellanielsen7005 6 років тому +218

    0:05, did anyone else see the cute husky in the background? Like the comment or comment back if you did. And by the way, nice dog!

    • @sophiandidi9065
      @sophiandidi9065 6 років тому +6

      I had to rewind because I missed what she was saying while watching the cute little pooch

    • @AmethystWoman
      @AmethystWoman 5 років тому

      Her animals were magical. Popping in and out. There was a cat on the back of the sofa for a minute. I missed some of what was said for watching the animals come and go. Funny.

    • @issh1n
      @issh1n 4 роки тому

      Hufflepuff sucks

  • @cat5220
    @cat5220 8 років тому +96

    The one thing I absolutely dread writing is the first chapter. So many expectations! So much worry! :o my mother always tells me "the first line has to be amazing, otherwise readers will assume that the book will be terrible"

    • @Dani_1012
      @Dani_1012 8 років тому +6

      90009kitkat I'm pretty sure those would be words my mother would say XD

    • @knighthawkprime6534
      @knighthawkprime6534 6 років тому +7

      Totally agree, at the very least the first line has to be memorable; how many people have forgotten the first line of Philosophers Stone? ( hint: not many).

    • @cadethumann8605
      @cadethumann8605 6 років тому +9

      Katia Lei You write what you want and/or think it may be appropriate. For instance, many stories start off describing the setting to give an idea of how the scene looks.
      There's still a good chance that many readers would like your style. In fact, no style is for everyone. Just write what you want and have fun with it. You can always go back and reedit your story.

    • @kur0m125
      @kur0m125 6 років тому +4

      Katia Lei, I'm 10 but REALLY want to be an Author when Im older. I knew I wasn't the only one but after writing like, quite a few books (none of them are complete ) Ive not forgotten any of the first sentences.
      I try to first describe either a setting, emotion or sound. In my opinion these are the best to begin with!
      hope you found the tips useful * wink wink * bye

    • @multitasked9512
      @multitasked9512 3 роки тому +1

      @@Dani_1012 armyyy

  • @timothypage252
    @timothypage252 8 років тому +56

    The beauty of the Prologue...

  • @theredadmiral1043
    @theredadmiral1043 6 років тому +16

    Even the first line in 1984 is just so intriguing to the point where it's become iconic, "It was a bright, cold day in April and the clocks were striking 13".

    • @psychwolf7590
      @psychwolf7590 4 роки тому +1

      There is no 13 on the clock 👀😱

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому +1

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @grayblackhelm8196
    @grayblackhelm8196 7 років тому +50

    Outlines suffocate the work. Create the world. Create the characters. And set them loose.

    • @juicyjuustar121
      @juicyjuustar121 5 років тому +2

      This is my #1 new rule

    • @Ananamitron
      @Ananamitron 5 років тому +10

      I do a combination. I have a rough idea of the storyline. I call it the tree trunk. For example, Star Wars a new hope would be "Evil empire has planet killing space station, it will be destroyed." Is the trunk. I then create the characters and start somewhere. Around the halfway mark I take what I have written and create an outline for it.

    • @jjbb84x
      @jjbb84x 5 років тому +3

      That's why I do multiple drafts of the outline!
      First draft is the wild "let it out" draft. Go creative, just complete it. Each chapter features events, dialogue snippets, some world building notes and/or character development notes.
      Second draft -- the "blending" draft-- is where I smooth things out with more intentional development and foreshadowing as needed. That neat concept/idea that didn't get introduced until chapter 15 of the original draft? Go back and at least apply some lip service to the idea in chapter 3, even if it's a simple mention in passing in that conversation between two characters at that early point in things. This version is also a great place to check for any unnecessary redundancies in plot points or story beats that need to be altered or removed.
      Third draft is the FINAL draft. The working version of the outline. All the creative jitters and squirmies should be out by then. At this point, the outline is far from restricting your creativity, it is CEMENTING it, to the point where it is conceptually a rough draft of your novel itself. If this draft still doesn't meet your standards, refine it in as many more cycles as necessary. Just...try not to get locked in a revision loop. But even if you do, it can potentially be more productive than the equally distracting research loop!

    • @r.u.s.e3586
      @r.u.s.e3586 4 роки тому +2

      I think this has to do a lot with the kind of writer you are. The planning style of writer would probably find this the most helpful. But the writer who tends to write by...well not whim but come up with ideas on the spot and work from there wouldn't make so much use of an outline like this I think. Either style can work it just takes different skills to make it work.

    • @kaytamurray
      @kaytamurray 4 роки тому

      It depends on the type of writer u r

  • @madelynnrichard1225
    @madelynnrichard1225 8 років тому +122

    First of all, I love how clear, concise and interesting you are in your videos. :) Your charisma really makes things amusing and actually quite hilarious. XDDD Secondly, I was wondering if you have or are thinking about making a video involving the steps into creating a well written main character, or characters in general. I noticed that you have '16 characters you should have in your novel', but I don't seem to find any videos on how to actually WRITE one, and the steps/tips in order to do so. @~@

    • @492lautaro
      @492lautaro 6 років тому

      M

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @theversatilegeek7244
    @theversatilegeek7244 7 років тому +52

    One of my favorite authors always has amazing first chapters. I've grown to expect this from him, so a week ago when I started reading a book he wrote 25 years ago, I nearly had to check that I had the right author. It was an interesting setup but the style was a mess and the first sentence had nothing to draw the reader in. It's amazing how far practice and hard work can take someone. In a weird way, it inspired me to keep trying.

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому +1

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @annarcki
    @annarcki 6 років тому +45

    "Honestly sometimes he wondered how some people, or spirits in this matter, could be so mind numbingly, annoying."
    Have i got you hooked yet?

  • @JoyStar
    @JoyStar 7 років тому +29

    Found this video in my recommended videos while watching Jenna's. I do see similarities in style (in fact to be truthful I thought your video was one of hers until I clicked it and watched a bit), but I really like how you both cover different topics (and you don't swear). I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of your videos!

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @amxzingseries1848
    @amxzingseries1848 5 років тому +11

    Is anyone else out there writing down some scenes of the beginning, some of the end and so on, but never writing a whole chapter?

  • @kaff1229
    @kaff1229 7 років тому +88

    So I'm getting really invested in the video... then dogs keep appearing in the background - and my focus is gone XD
    Nice instructive video though, I absolutely hate writing first chapters

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  7 років тому +12

      Thank you! My dogs (fortunately? unfortunately?) appear less in my more recent videos because of my new house set up. You can hear their claws clicking on the tiles though, which I haven't been able to successfully edit out :/

    • @laphone7
      @laphone7 7 років тому +3

      Vivien Reis i liked your dogs ;-;

  • @mirthfulArtist
    @mirthfulArtist 7 років тому +13

    Literally hook your readers fingers/eyes? 😱

  • @redgeoblaze3752
    @redgeoblaze3752 7 років тому +14

    My first chapter: with vague, and muffled memories, the main character wakes up in a shaking sweat. he appears to be stuck in a prison cell. when a guard comes in, Dera-lynth asks the obvious questions, to not many answers. He devises a cunning escape plan, and puts it into motion, only to find that the prison has better security than he thought. (Red Herring ID numbers, an ever changing security phrase to prove you're not an escapee in disguise.) and he uses his brain and unexplained power to escape, and it ends on a cliffhanger where he passes out and falls off of a floating island.

    • @glassofmilk7141
      @glassofmilk7141 7 років тому

      +Sleepless G exactly

    • @ComedyLoverGirl
      @ComedyLoverGirl 7 років тому +7

      Sounds too confusing. Not enough cause-and-effect established.

    • @linkzelda8610
      @linkzelda8610 4 роки тому +1

      RedGeoBlaze also, its absolutely not bad, but dont you think waking up somewhere is a bit clichee and overused?

  • @JustAFace_InTheCrowd
    @JustAFace_InTheCrowd 6 років тому +5

    You just gave me the idea of a lifetime...... I’m writing your channel down right now so I can remember to thank you when (or if) I publish my book 😭 lmao

  • @rani2562
    @rani2562 7 років тому +21

    Boos herself. I would totally base a likable character after you!!

  • @joditiarsutrisno5556
    @joditiarsutrisno5556 3 роки тому +3

    Is it only me or her mouth and my ears kinda disconnected

  • @ghostpurr9570
    @ghostpurr9570 6 років тому +22

    I don't see the vines anymore .
    They come back every time I walk away from the girl with the black hair and blue eyes .
    The room looks brighter and cleaner but I don't want to stay here .
    I want to go anywhere else but she refuses to leave .
    Is this okay?
    It's the second draft
    If people still see this video even
    Though it's old and read the comments ... is it interesting ?
    Would you keep reading ?
    And is the English okay ?
    It's my second language

    • @sarcosmic6982
      @sarcosmic6982 6 років тому +9

      gony paz Okay, first of all, please stop putting spaces before the final punctuation of each sentence and starting each sentence on a new line, unless you're writing poetry. Other than that, your grammar and spelling seem fine, at least in the story part.
      Your hook leaves me wondering what the significance of anything is - the creeping vines, the girl, the mostly undescribed room that the main character wants to escape for some reason. Why do any of these matter, why does the reader care? Work on establishing those. :) A few sentences isn't enough to judge whether your story will be worth reading.

    • @NoName-dh6zb
      @NoName-dh6zb 6 років тому +3

      gony paz if I'm being honest, I don't know if I would still read.

    • @brynnl6101
      @brynnl6101 6 років тому +2

      I’d take away the here after stay

    • @beausinclair4605
      @beausinclair4605 5 років тому +1

      Gony Paz, good on you for having a crack. It's very difficult to understand the subtleties of another language and even more difficult to write poetically in it. You may need to have your work translated by a native speaker of English for it to make sense. You have poetry in your heart, which is a great start.

  • @anneasteriaford
    @anneasteriaford 7 років тому +11

    I've been writing my first novel for a few years now and I just discovered your channel, and I think it's super interesting because you share a name with my protagonist. Same spelling and everything, and it's not a common name to come by so I'm really pleased haha

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @ramyfili1434
    @ramyfili1434 8 років тому +13

    Not literally, that's iligal XD

  • @vhfootball9275
    @vhfootball9275 2 роки тому +2

    Start your first chapter off with humor! My first line is:
    “VNRER NGOAG VEIG OYU PU!”
    It does draw the reader in in a funny way.

  • @miguelsanchez496
    @miguelsanchez496 6 років тому +9

    My story is called TIME: The Irregular Man of Enigma. The first sentence is literally "The ATOMS was speeding past Neptune."

    • @davidreno6
      @davidreno6 6 років тому +1

      Mega sonic teenage-What that’s awsome

    • @not_briana
      @not_briana 5 років тому

      I need that book in life.

  • @NoName-dh6zb
    @NoName-dh6zb 6 років тому +2

    I'm not that old, I'm not even a teenager so I don't think I'm super qualified to write. But I do want to write as a living someday, this is helpful 😊

    • @iclynnx
      @iclynnx 4 роки тому +1

      If you start practicing writing now, you'll be able to start earlier! :) Just saying in case you aren't writing just because you're young, but remember, age is just a number; it doesn't equal your skills.

  • @HoodedRiceCrispy838
    @HoodedRiceCrispy838 7 років тому +43

    THE DOG IN THE BEGINNING

  • @-paolo-8309
    @-paolo-8309 4 роки тому +2

    Lmao most of these writing videos I don't watch before I write the first chapter, I find them after and watch them just in case I should burn my manuscript to the ground

  • @nathanielplacide4119
    @nathanielplacide4119 7 років тому +7

    What!! I feel the same way I started writing in 2015 April, as of 2017 May my writing has improved in so many ways and I'm well over 100,000 words. It's fun going back piecing it together, revising it and I now have a clearer direction for my book. I love your channel.

    • @nathanielplacide4119
      @nathanielplacide4119 3 роки тому

      @D Frazier I’ve been working a lot, so I don’t have too much time, but I’ve done soo many revisions I’ve seen my stories come to life and I love the new direction. It was really good too see where I was in 2015 2017 vs 2019-2021.

  • @boogiestreet594
    @boogiestreet594 7 років тому +21

    i don't tweet. im great at coming up with concepts for books or short stories. but what im terrible at, is the filler. the boring court room scenes, the boring people standing in the kitchen trying to get their kids to eat their breakfast, the boring metting in the board room etc... how do you write those. (also the boring business meetins, the boring dinner dances or balls or boring candidate trail election meetings and fundraisers that everyone hates... how do you come up with what just seems random banter and whats mostly the boring parts of your books?

    • @genericdude1546
      @genericdude1546 7 років тому +11

      Anthony Quigley I agree. I had the same struggle. I am not trying to be a smart alek but the answer is: don't let there be any boring parts. I got this advice so maybe it will help you. In the court room scene your character notices a crazy person who keeps changing their socks "this is weird" he thinks but it makes him think of how the antagonist is changing account numbers on accounts he's embezzling from, or this simply foreshadows it. The election you mentioned has a candidate who is a complete fraud who says his voters are idiots, he's always drunk yet he always wins. Any boring thing can be made interesting when you add the nuances of the human personality and ironies of the human condition. The humdrum things contain characters That foreshadow things even if it isn't apparent to the reader it adds depth, and in so doing it invokes the complexity of the real world making your writing seem more organic and not formulaic. Also remember the most interesting thing is the human being and how he/she responds to adversity.

    • @beausinclair4605
      @beausinclair4605 5 років тому +1

      It's not about the scene, bud, it's about the people and the air around them. Start from an idea, a sound a smell; "The table knew; it had experience. Bored executives in two-hundred dollar shirts leaning against it, feigning importance. They'd leave, others would come...(a boardroom scene).
      Feel the texture of a scene. Clear your mind and allow it to seep in. Be vulnerable. Find beauty in the banal. Feel the rhythm, like a song. Find your own style and trust yourself. Soar.

  • @clubadv
    @clubadv 7 років тому +42

    I see you being compared to Jenna Moreci, and don't see it. I can tell you have wisdom and tallent when that girl doesn't even follow her own advice (read her book if you can). Glad you are hear to help motivate writers like me. One small criticism...You said "literally need to hook your readers fingers". Is that a very rookie mistake to say literally when you clearly mean figuratively? OK, I won't beat you up as the connotative meaning of literal is changing based on its miss-use.

    • @kayciejones5239
      @kayciejones5239 7 років тому +8

      I don't see it either. I like both channels, and have watched every single one of Jenna's videos. I think people say that because they both have very cleanly edited videos (music in the background, well timed cuts, well organized discussion). That's not copying. That's taking time to make your video watchable. Most vloggers do the same thing, its not like Jenna invented it.

    • @absolutetrash8118
      @absolutetrash8118 7 років тому +5

      David Geffeney I can see why they are compared, but I don't get why she's a knockoff.
      they are both energetic writers who have simular speech patterns.
      they both give different advice, and are looking from different angles.

    • @christyjohnson1799
      @christyjohnson1799 7 років тому +2

      David Geffeney I don't see a resemblance at all

    • @PXLF1970
      @PXLF1970 7 років тому +3

      I think is that both explain things effectively. Other than that, is anybody's guess....

  • @larsjrgensen3461
    @larsjrgensen3461 5 років тому +4

    I don't really have a hard time writing the first chapter. Honestly, to me, that's always the easiest part. The first chapter is where I put all my creative ideas and it's usually the first chapter that is the best and the most exciting to write! The hardest part is to continue writing chapter 2, 3, 4 and so on... I always loose inspiration so quickly, after the first chapter.

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @fizzyfuzz7268
    @fizzyfuzz7268 7 років тому +1

    me when it was my 10 year old birthday: IM GONNA BECOME A NOVEL WRITER AND ALSO MAKE NOVELS AND MANGA!
    August (aka now): HOW THE HECK SHOULD I START ALL THESE THOUSANDS OF STORIES I STUFFED IN MY BRAIN?! *sees this video in recommendation list* ... MY LIFE IS COMPLETE!

  • @mathildehirth8408
    @mathildehirth8408 5 років тому +4

    "Curiosity is bliss" "Ignorance killed a cat."

  • @Blastarr1
    @Blastarr1 6 років тому +1

    I have many ideas that my brain has been working on for years I mean decades from with I was 14 to now I am 45. I want to start writing and create something I can share with the world. I start and then stop then restart. I think I have written and rewritten the first chapter for two of the stories a dozen times. And as the many years have passed and me getting older I have changed many aspects of the stories to make them seem more logical. Heck, I changed a huge amount of one story because of logic and after playing a video game on my Xbox. Many ideas have changed from watching your videos and many others.

    • @dendroxden440
      @dendroxden440 4 роки тому

      I know that this comment is a year old, but you perfectly described what I'm going through as well. Hopefully we can both finally put our stories to words

  • @Silver-Frost279
    @Silver-Frost279 6 років тому +3

    wow this was really helpful most info ive ever found +1 sub :)

  • @snilefisk
    @snilefisk 3 роки тому +1

    How.. What .. Where.. Wh.. Why is there not a single comment about how the audio isn’t synced with the lips at all? It makes my brain hurt. Is this only a problem on my device?

  • @CaptnP00pyP4nts
    @CaptnP00pyP4nts 6 років тому +1

    I learned many things from your vid, will watch many more. Subbed and hit the bell. Teach us stuff! I WANNA LEARN MOARRRRRRR!

  • @sebastianholcomb5129
    @sebastianholcomb5129 6 років тому +3

    I loved this video. About halfway through it, I had this aha moment when I realized something that was staring me right in the face for months about my book. I started it at a really boring point. I had an idea about something mysterious happening with the MCs window being open and not remembering opening it hinting at something that was never put into the story. So then I thought why not start the chapter later on in the day when something exciting actually happens, her meeting a mysterious boy that seems to be watching her. He ends up being an important character. There was just something about how you worded this that made me realize that and I wanted to say thank you so much for saving my first chapter. I think if I leave it the way it is now, perhaps people will put it down and not get to the exciting part. Thanks once again and have an awesome day! 😁

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @thethikboy
    @thethikboy 4 роки тому +1

    I don't believe in outlines - neither does Stephen King. I have a general premise, after writing a few chapters, the story acquires momentum and critical mass that directs me through its arc.

  • @jaeyadabutterfly280
    @jaeyadabutterfly280 7 років тому +10

    I really needed this. I've been stuck on the first chapter for about a month or four.....

  • @PhoenixEncore
    @PhoenixEncore 4 роки тому +1

    Not sure if you know. I clicked on your link for outlining and it took me to a dead page. I did find my way through your site for that information. But it did lead to a dead page. I'm assuming because you updated the tutorial and changed its location on your site.
    I look forward to learning more from you! Glad I found you in my search to get started writing a novel!

  • @kevinrubin4864
    @kevinrubin4864 7 років тому +3

    can i start my story or novel with the climax

    • @will19972
      @will19972 6 років тому

      kevin rubin Lol'd 😆😁😂

    • @TheCraftmachine
      @TheCraftmachine 6 років тому

      You could, and then have the character saying "how did I get in this situation? Long story." Or something like that. Checkout Middle School: Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson. It has a similar first chapter.

    • @richielavey1565
      @richielavey1565 5 років тому

      I love it when stories do stuff like this and start in a non-chronological order, watch the movie arrival, probably one of my favorites

  • @potatoproductions1397
    @potatoproductions1397 2 роки тому +1

    I am writing a book about a princess who is framed for her father's murder and has to retake her kingdom from both its own government and the invaders that are actually the reason for her father's death. The prologue is the way a main character broke out of a maximum security prison using abilities granted by the magic system. It's a nice punch of action needed to hold the reader over as the world and characters are established.

  • @benarellano2315
    @benarellano2315 7 років тому +4

    Milla Jovovich.

  • @samlo3798
    @samlo3798 5 років тому +1

    I can't outline... All I do is ask myself a bunch of random questions about the story 😕

  • @bradbland9307
    @bradbland9307 3 роки тому +2

    Is the audio out of sync? Or am I going crazy

  • @SysterYster
    @SysterYster 5 років тому +2

    I find it funny to hear about the importance of outlines. I had an idea in my head, I knew where to start and where to finish and a few things I wanted to happen in between. The rest just happened. I finished my first book ca 350k words in 6 months. (Editing now and trying to shorten it a bit). BUT, I'm currently making an outline for the second book... and I find that I can't seem to get things together, or make things fit or really anything. For me, outlines are more of a break I think, than help. I just need a few jotted down notes and go for it. XD So I wouldn't say you must have an outline. You must have an idea, but that's all. Everyone is different, so just do what works for you. :)

    • @pearlgirl5643
      @pearlgirl5643 4 роки тому

      There are 2 kinds of writers: outliners and “pantsers” those who fly by the seat of their pants sans outline

    • @SysterYster
      @SysterYster 4 роки тому +1

      @@pearlgirl5643 And those who do it a bit in between. :P

    • @pearlgirl5643
      @pearlgirl5643 4 роки тому +1

      Syster Yster I think that’s me

  • @ArtyBilli
    @ArtyBilli 6 років тому +1

    And she has blue eyes *.* (I love 'em)
    Can you please create a video on how to progress from the first chapter. I always get stuck after the first chapter. -_-

  • @نبضالأمل-م8و
    @نبضالأمل-م8و 3 роки тому +1

    Dear Anarabia, can you open the translation of your videos into Arabic?

  • @Watchingeatingvibin
    @Watchingeatingvibin 4 роки тому +1

    Outline ? but what if you're a pantser????

  • @555droid6
    @555droid6 5 років тому +2

    It is the PHILOSOPHER'S STONE!!

  • @ashimiho
    @ashimiho 5 років тому +1

    I have a character, settings, plot, personality, twist, and all of it is in my mind only, i don't know how to pull it off together. I think i can make it to 3 book/chapter of this story.
    Genre:. Action, sci fi, mystery

    • @toobaali9039
      @toobaali9039 5 років тому

      Same with me
      Dont know what to do now

  • @malhalewell6846
    @malhalewell6846 5 років тому +1

    I’m 13 and I feel like my writing career is already over. My mom says I’m “a natural talent” and I somewhat agree, but I feel like I’m never good enough. Like, even your examples in this type of video are better than I’ll ever be.

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  5 років тому

      What I was writing at 13 was atrocious 😂 Just keep learning and improving!

  • @giancarlo_music
    @giancarlo_music 5 років тому +2

    Now I got to re-write the first chapter 😭😭. It took me a year to do it

  • @syii7841
    @syii7841 4 роки тому +2

    i had an idea for a book 3 days ago and literally already finished an amazing (at least to me) outline! but the first chapter is so difficult (ToT)

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @bonniehancock2379
    @bonniehancock2379 4 роки тому +1

    I couldn't handle these memories any longer. I couldn't bear to remember what I did to him. I'm sure he was dead by now. It was all my fault. I had to do this.
    How was that?

    • @doulahalfalahi6913
      @doulahalfalahi6913 4 роки тому

      SUN AND MOON I think it’s good except that you wrote that the character couldn’t bear it and that another is dead and about the memories then suddenly ended it with “I had to do this” which I think doesn’t fit the sentence.

  • @BreakingArt1
    @BreakingArt1 7 років тому +2

    Was the a malamute or a husky? Sure you covered it but I am new.

  • @patricknull8767
    @patricknull8767 8 років тому +1

    You are such an inspiration, Vivien, not only for your knowledge, but for how you are so comfortable on camera. I made my second video, and it was terrible lol. Great vid!

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  8 років тому

      It takes practice! I'm trying to get into vlogging but it feels so awkward sometimes haha.

  • @xae5341
    @xae5341 6 років тому +2

    You remind me of LDShadowlady😅😍

  • @joshcarn8109
    @joshcarn8109 7 років тому +2

    Hi, I've recently started writing the first chapter to my fantasy novel on Wattpad, but I'm struggling because after writing it, I realised that nothing happens. I was wondering whether or not to do an "earlier that day..." sort of thing to introduce some other features of the terrain in my world. I'm so grateful for your videos, you were one of my biggest aspirations to write :D

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @alsocradlembd5685
    @alsocradlembd5685 5 років тому +2

    I really like your eyes btw, are they blue or grey?

  • @kayciejones5239
    @kayciejones5239 7 років тому +2

    Your videos have been such a huge help to me! Like you, I always thought I wasn't much of a plotter and so I ended up with a lot of unfinished works. Plotting seemed like an impossible mountain to climb, but your advice has really made a difference in the overall quality of my story. Its so much deeper and more meaningful now. Thank you! Please keep up the excellent work!

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @Pineapple_Johnny2
    @Pineapple_Johnny2 6 років тому +2

    Hi Vivien, I am an aspiring writer and just discovered your UA-cam channel! Thank you for all of the awesome content, it is really refreshing.

    • @VivienReis
      @VivienReis  6 років тому +2

      Thank you so much!! I'm glad you found my channel 😄 Happy writing!

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @stardestroya15
    @stardestroya15 5 років тому +1

    I was editing my first book, first chapter and panicked because it sucked. This video calmed me down haha. Thank you for the insight!

  • @AprilLashon
    @AprilLashon 6 років тому

    I am encouraged after watching this video.

  • @jasminevillarba6789
    @jasminevillarba6789 5 років тому +1

    I love ur eyes so pretty😍. I like to listen to ur voice sounds good. New subscriber here😀

  • @JennaHilbishwrites
    @JennaHilbishwrites 5 років тому +1

    😂”sorry my phone farted” great video definitely helps

  • @iusedtomakevideos3202
    @iusedtomakevideos3202 6 років тому +1

    "Talk about your character's overwhelming fear of heights, so when she finds out she can fly, things get interesting."
    Hehe, *cough cough* Thalia Grace *cough cough* I read PJO *cough cough COUGHING*

  • @HoneyxBee-yw7lw
    @HoneyxBee-yw7lw 4 роки тому +1

    I feel like you could play Veronica Sawyer in a heathers musical lmao 😂

  • @kiki-zu6zd
    @kiki-zu6zd 6 років тому +2

    Just read the first chapter of the elysian prophecy and i’m amazed at how well written it is. Can’t wait to read chapter 2. ☺️

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @bmartinssoares
    @bmartinssoares 6 років тому

    This week's post on Creative Writing, and the Critical Decision of the Hero. I speak of SOIF, The Matrix, Jaws and the Sound of Music. Check it out! hyperjumpingblog.wordpress.com/2018/01/27/dragons-monsters-critical-decisions-and-watercooler-moments/
    RESPONDER

  • @ashnikfield4224
    @ashnikfield4224 5 років тому +1

    I'm a REALLY new write and just started kind of close to the end of last year! I'm on the third book of a trilogy I'm writing called Land of the Wanted! I LOVE IT!! Thanks for your tips!!!!!

    • @goodshepherd3508
      @goodshepherd3508 2 роки тому

      I wrote my first book it is about 23 pages and never worried about the grammar and style.
      Title is " Financial discipline versus constant cycle of bills and payments".
      But I just wrote it because I wanted share very important message with the people who have just finished college and started a job and who lack financial knowledge.
      It is about two main characters John and James how both lose their jobs during covid19 pandemic and one is in financial disaster and other had got financial freedom.

  • @Mary-eo7ir
    @Mary-eo7ir 7 років тому +1

    I feel really sad, I'm reading the first chapter I wrote for my book three years ago and compared to the version I'm writing now and the old one is so much better! How did I become a WORSE writer?

    • @monsterpe9499
      @monsterpe9499 6 років тому

      It might be because it was so good and it made you too confident to care what too write next, so try to take your time to imagine the things before writing it.

  • @atroniac5703
    @atroniac5703 6 років тому

    Me:hmm, what category is my story... Let's see... Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Comedy, Action, Adventure... Okay, I've lost track. Honestly, my first chapter (or prologue as I call it) is kind of seperated from the story, but connected enough to know that it will come up later.

  • @marieyt1332
    @marieyt1332 7 років тому +1

    a person afriad of heights but can fly sounds a lot like the movie "Planes".

  • @shoople
    @shoople 6 років тому

    the best writing advice i've ever been given is just Write. literally, just Get Words On Paper. because if you haven't written anything, youre not a writer, youre just someone with an idea in their head. the hardest thing for me is planning out books for months and never writing them. Write awfully, and EDIT the hell out of it.

  • @noodle1438
    @noodle1438 6 років тому

    You know she's a very hard working and a very good writer because of her eye bags. THIS IS NOT A HATE AND I AM SORRY IF YOU FIND IT OFFENSIVE. 😂 i just found you channel you're a big help to me. 💜

  • @allendimaano2681
    @allendimaano2681 6 років тому +1

    I've been stuck on the first chapter for a long loong time. Thanks.

  • @UHeardMe1stTime
    @UHeardMe1stTime 5 років тому +1

    Dogs keep appearing and disappearing. Great video.

  • @anthonycosentino463
    @anthonycosentino463 Рік тому

    Maybe stop saying LITERALLY so much. I hope you don't do that in your writing...

  • @ericwilliams6486
    @ericwilliams6486 4 роки тому

    What's your background. Williams 1174.

  • @user-hx6du1ux9y
    @user-hx6du1ux9y 5 років тому

    I honestly don't know what to do with my first chapter on Wattpad. I had a reader who hated it. It was originally meant to be a hero conquers villain thing, but I changed it to a love story.... it's really stupid. -sigh.- Maybe I need to rework my book. I don't know where to start.

  • @FatalTrip10
    @FatalTrip10 3 роки тому

    Your video helped a LOT. So thanks. But PLEASE adjust your camera.

  • @jeliarra
    @jeliarra 5 років тому

    No! I don't like it! Your hair is gorgeous more so long. When it was longer it really highlighted those beautiful blues of yours; those big loose curls, well curls are always in fashion no matter how the straight-hair police try to outlaw the curls. I subscribed today, I have been sitting on a novel for well over 17 years now; I've used just about every excuse under the sun not to complete it.
    356k of words, as of a few days ago finally found a stable plot to work with. Without any real editing, about 40+ chapters and this silly book is nowhere near "complete". You have lit the fire under my tail to get cracking again, I'd like to ask you, what do you do when you find "something" silly, uninteresting, pointless, but necessary? In this case the villain's goal? I mean it's always the same thing isn't it? The bad guy wants power, control, notoriety, money, to take over the world or chaos! Never seems to work out for the bad guy, even when a few battles are won, ultimately the good guys always seem to win the war. It's not easy thinking for the insane (antagonist) the villain.
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

  • @irf3628
    @irf3628 4 роки тому

    #2020
    #COVID-19
    I love u as a writer and inspirator!
    This was very inspirational in 2020 and useful, in fact I could turn it into a book myself lol: The Book.

  • @SysterYster
    @SysterYster 5 років тому

    Do you do that? Check the first chapter in the store? :P I never do that. I read on the back to see what it's about, and maybe flick through the book quickly, read a line or two here and there to check the way the author writes. But I never "start" reading it. :D

  • @grant1770
    @grant1770 7 років тому

    Would you be interested in reading over what I have so far in my story? ( a young adult fantasy ) I currently have a prologue, and a chapter and a half. I would really like to know your thoughts about it. My story is on Wattpad. @GrantHazen the story is called Anti - The Affliction: The Crumbling Castle

  • @rileykate3736
    @rileykate3736 5 років тому

    I'm trying to convince myself to write an original, because throughout the past year or so, I've been getting lots of people telling me that if I put my insecurities aside, and have a good base to work from, Id be an amazing writer because all the detail I put into my work in school. Though, I'm a weeb and I prefer art and reading manga, so I was thinking of making a comic/manga, (sorta like webtoon) and maybe even releasing it. This is a very helpful video, and thank you so much!! Anymore tips regarding my path of what I'm thinking of doing? Thanks♡♡