I needed these reminders! As a mum and someone who’s had to go back to work recently, writing seemed like the last thing I wanted to do but I know deep down I do want to do it.
I'm so happy to have come across your channel right as I am making the transition of retiring from teaching middle school English to pursuing my creative dreams! This video was great! Best wishes to you and your family as 2024 takes root.
Yeah, ONE HUNDREDDDD PERCENT agree re: reading… I honestly don’t believe you can write well without consuming other WRITTEN stories one page at a time! Pacing, plotting, grammar… what NOT to do? All from connecting those words on the page to your brain! 🙌 This was a good one, Bethany! ♥️
I would add prayer. God tends to lend clarity and vision to our stories so they transcend our limited ability and hopefully bring joy and bless others. 😊
Hey Bethany! Every time I watch one of your video's it's like I'm seeing a friend again. 💯You not only have some experience to impart, you have some great new ideas from what you have learned or are learning. That said, I need to start making deadlines. So will re-watch this video a few times and take some notes. ✍Thanks for everything you do, Bethany, and Happy New Year🎉
I love these videos so much! I've learned so much from you. I'm about 2/3 through my first book. Full time working mom so hoping to get done by summer. Do you have a video that breaks down the steps that you take as far as publishing? For example 120 days out of book dropping these things should be done. 90 days out these should be.
Thank you for this video! I have really been wasting my time over winter break (sleeping in late and watching UA-cam shorts) when I could be reading or writing. Your video really got me thinking (and feeling guilty) about all the places I could cut my time wasting. Thank you for another amazing video and I can't wait for book three to be released!
One thing I do is go to the gym in the mornings after daycare drop off and I've turned that into my reading time! Instead of listening to music or watching videos while I'm running/biking, I'm slowly working my way through my TBR pile! I also do sprints with friends in Discord so it becomes a fun group activity! Thank you for the great tips!
Oooh LOVE that strategy and how you built in a really strong habit between other amazing habits! I will make note of that because I need a good workout / reading habit! :D
I’ve done time audits and…I’m literally busy 16-17 hours a day. 😂😂 I don’t watch TV, and while I could praise myself for always trying to do more and be better, it was a wake up call that I need to take some things off my plate. 😊
I originally wanted to publish 4 books this year, but getting sick right at the end of 2023 had me realizing I need to slow down. 3 books sounds so much better, especially since I was to do P&T again, try and build UA-cam, recover my books, WORK and be a MOM 😂😂 Thanks for these tips!
I’m determined to self publish this year! This tips are very helpful. I’m pretty sure I’ve been doing some of them as an unconscious choice (just something in straight-on doing without thinking about it so much) and so far it’s been working well for me since last year 😁👍🏾
Ok I’ll get back to editing when I’m fully awake…let’s give myself the deadline of 8am to start (currently 7:10) Oh look! A new video from Bethany! “Pay attention where you use your time!” 👀 I feel scolded and think I should open my laptop right now… After I finish the video! 😅
Fantastic advice, especially about reading more. It sounds kind of vague; how can spending more time reading help you spend more time writing? But the wider range of books you’ve read, the more you realize your way of doing things is valid, and it’s one of the most encouraging things a writer can do.
Love your perspective on setting writing deadlines and making it work for you. Definitely adopting that perspective this year. And instead of setting yearly goals, I am setting a six to eight month goal. I know where I want to be by the end of summer of this year. If I don't meet it then I will just adjust my goal. But like you said, the point of setting a deadline is to get moving on your goal. Thanks for your insight, Bethany! Happy New Year to you! 🎉 P.S. Loved the Bible Verse you used! 💙
Happy New Year, Bethany! Gosh, you're always my bookish guardian angel, posting just what I need to see when I need to see it :) That golden number "2" in the background for the first tip totally distracted me because my nephew had a golden number "5" for his birthday last year :P Thanks for the tips, I just recently discovered that I'm actually not an enneagram type 4 (like I thought) but I'm a type 7 which basically means that I have TONS of ideas but very little to no follow-through. And if I may add to the Atomic Habits tip, for me to incorporate routine in my life, I need to make it FUN (it's the only thing that works for me whether it's working from home, exercising, or co-parenting a rambunctious 5 year old). If I sense that my freedom is being restricted or I'm being deprived / limited in any way, I will try to escape (whether literally by taking a walk or driving somewhere or mentally in my mind by watching TV or listening to music). With that being said, now I know how to apply these tips for my type and FINALLY publish my first novel in 2024! That tip about reading, gosh so true! I have so many books cued up on my Kindle that I could be reading instead of watching Netflix. I have been good about reading when I'm waiting in line or deep conditioning my hair under the dryer. I just need to read a bit more during the day :)
Thank you! So many moments I was like, "Yeah, that sounds like me." Especially with watching shows and wasting time on other things similarly! Thanks for being so genuine! I'm working on NO MORE EXCUSES. I teach full-time and write too, but it's so true. There is time if I look at how I use my time! Love this video ❤ All the best with your writing journey! Happy New Year, Bethany! Have a blessed and big 2024!
Great video. There were some great tips here. I do find myself comparing myself to other authors and wishing I was as successful as them. That's something I have to work on. Reading is very important for me too. I actually ourchased one of your books. Book one of the Stolen Kingdom series. Looking forward to reading it. Happy New year and hopefully it will be a great one for us all.
The opposite is me, I used to say I didn't have much time to read, then I kept reading, found out I have more time than I thought and can knock out a book of my tbr way faster lol I read 29 books in 2023 (27 on Goodreads, it didn't have two of them) and my goal is one book a week now, but if I read one under 300 pages, I feel like I can knock out two a week with that :D And I plan to publish the sequel in my duology at the end of the year, along with a childrens book, book 3 in my middle grade series and possibly a short story/novella about a janitor named john lol
I love Romans 12: 1-2! I think I've heard it being used to speak against comparison before. The tip that I struggled with, but am now more excited about, is making deadlines. Instead of looking at the whole picture, breaking them down into smaller goals takes the pressure off. I also hope to do a lot more reading this year. This video feels like a fresh start, and I pray that you and all of your viewers continue to level up on your writing journey! God Bless!
Hi Bethany. Love that you admitted about bedtime reading. I had to literally stop for a while reading because docs told me I needed to get more sleep.😅 Finally starting back up due to audiobooks. I fall into books too easily.
Seriously, I WANT to write but I've a full family with mouths to feed and it's almost impossible to make money on a single book. Sadly, its a time vs. income thing for me and ive not found a way to square that circle 😥
I totally understand the time crunch, believe me! I think when you already have a career and kids, pursuing a career in writing is probably not the best fit like you said, BUT you could absolutely write at a different pace and fit in what you enjoy creatively in little pockets - that's what I do and I have been shocked how much I can get done on my books in a very small amount of time!
@@judgmentday1210 and nobody would have paid me for them. Self publishing is a single, younger person's game. I have dependents. It matters that my income is guaranteed. Trust me, I wish it wasn't so.
Is it too late to do ads for books if they've been published for a long time? I've seen people say to start ads as soon as you do the preorders. I really want my books seen, but I'm not sure if I should do ads or just stick to trying social media like tiktok to get sales and connect with readers. I love all your tips and can't wait to see what else you do through your author journey.
Is it absolutely necessary to write a synopsis for a series, if asked of it from an Agent or Publisher? (Or can you refuse to do this?) Doesn't this defeat the element of surprise which is what the summary and first 50-pages (for e.g.) should compel the Agent to want to read more? Thanks in advance.🙏
(1) I’m self published, but (2) if you don’t follow their required guidelines I’d be willing to bet big money they never read any pages, so yeah I think it’s necessary. They don’t need surprise, they need to know if it’s a book that will sell.
There is science to back up that you can retrain your brain. You can actually physically change how your brain looks on a scan, by your thought process.
"Feelings follow focus" is a game changer. It's so easy to feel led by your emotions, but consciously directing them when possible is a great idea!
Yes! So glad it was helpful!
To be fair, watching movies also helps me grow as a writer- as long as I don't overdo it 😊
Haha love it! Movies can be fantastic examples of good story (I love them too! :)
Agreed! Movies are great for story telling and inspiration.@@BethanyAtazadeh
Same here. It’s why I got into writing in the first place, so I hold on to that and reading for my skills to develop 👍🏾
@jacksonconnell yes! And in a way, it helps to learn how NOT to write a story :)
I needed these reminders! As a mum and someone who’s had to go back to work recently, writing seemed like the last thing I wanted to do but I know deep down I do want to do it.
You've got this!
I'm so happy to have come across your channel right as I am making the transition of retiring from teaching middle school English to pursuing my creative dreams! This video was great! Best wishes to you and your family as 2024 takes root.
Thank you so much, that means a lot! Happy New Year to you too!
Yeah, ONE HUNDREDDDD PERCENT agree re: reading… I honestly don’t believe you can write well without consuming other WRITTEN stories one page at a time! Pacing, plotting, grammar… what NOT to do? All from connecting those words on the page to your brain! 🙌 This was a good one, Bethany! ♥️
Yesss it's so helpful! So glad you liked it!
I would add prayer. God tends to lend clarity and vision to our stories so they transcend our limited ability and hopefully bring joy and bless others. 😊
Hey Bethany! Every time I watch one of your video's it's like I'm seeing a friend again. 💯You not only have some experience to impart, you have some great new ideas from what you have learned or are learning. That said, I need to start making deadlines. So will re-watch this video a few times and take some notes. ✍Thanks for everything you do, Bethany, and Happy New Year🎉
Aww yay thank you so much! So glad you appreciated the video and hope it'll be super helpful. Happy New year! :D
I love these videos so much! I've learned so much from you. I'm about 2/3 through my first book. Full time working mom so hoping to get done by summer. Do you have a video that breaks down the steps that you take as far as publishing? For example 120 days out of book dropping these things should be done. 90 days out these should be.
Thank you for this video! I have really been wasting my time over winter break (sleeping in late and watching UA-cam shorts) when I could be reading or writing. Your video really got me thinking (and feeling guilty) about all the places I could cut my time wasting. Thank you for another amazing video and I can't wait for book three to be released!
Happy to help, and glad you enjoyed the video! (And there’s a time for relaxing too, we need that sometimes!)
One thing I do is go to the gym in the mornings after daycare drop off and I've turned that into my reading time! Instead of listening to music or watching videos while I'm running/biking, I'm slowly working my way through my TBR pile! I also do sprints with friends in Discord so it becomes a fun group activity!
Thank you for the great tips!
Oooh LOVE that strategy and how you built in a really strong habit between other amazing habits! I will make note of that because I need a good workout / reading habit! :D
I’ve done time audits and…I’m literally busy 16-17 hours a day. 😂😂 I don’t watch TV, and while I could praise myself for always trying to do more and be better, it was a wake up call that I need to take some things off my plate. 😊
Love that!
Audio books are what helped me get back into reading. There is a lot that I have learned from what others have done.
Love that!
Some great tips in here, good reminders for me!! Much appreciated
Thanks Cassie! So glad it was helpful!
I originally wanted to publish 4 books this year, but getting sick right at the end of 2023 had me realizing I need to slow down. 3 books sounds so much better, especially since I was to do P&T again, try and build UA-cam, recover my books, WORK and be a MOM 😂😂
Thanks for these tips!
Yes absolutely, if we take care of ourselves, we'll enjoy it all so much more
Great suggestions! The deadlines have been a game changer for me.
This was the best tips video on the topic I’ve watched on the platform. Thanks for posting this Bethany! You’re amazing.
So glad you enjoyed it!
I’m determined to self publish this year! This tips are very helpful. I’m pretty sure I’ve been doing some of them as an unconscious choice (just something in straight-on doing without thinking about it so much) and so far it’s been working well for me since last year 😁👍🏾
You've got this! Glad the video was helpful!
Ok I’ll get back to editing when I’m fully awake…let’s give myself the deadline of 8am to start (currently 7:10)
Oh look! A new video from Bethany!
“Pay attention where you use your time!”
👀 I feel scolded and think I should open my laptop right now…
After I finish the video! 😅
Hahaha oh no! At least it was a short video right? ;) So glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic advice, especially about reading more. It sounds kind of vague; how can spending more time reading help you spend more time writing? But the wider range of books you’ve read, the more you realize your way of doing things is valid, and it’s one of the most encouraging things a writer can do.
Thank you Andy! That's exactly right!
Love your perspective on setting writing deadlines and making it work for you. Definitely adopting that perspective this year. And instead of setting yearly goals, I am setting a six to eight month goal. I know where I want to be by the end of summer of this year. If I don't meet it then I will just adjust my goal. But like you said, the point of setting a deadline is to get moving on your goal. Thanks for your insight, Bethany! Happy New Year to you! 🎉
P.S. Loved the Bible Verse you used! 💙
Thanks Haley! I'm so glad it was helpful, and love the idea of setting shorter goals so you can adjust around the halfway point!
Best youtuber when it comes to this writing ish; hope she comes out with some kind autobiography or something,
Aww thank you so much!!
Happy New Year!!! 🎆🎆
Happy New Year to you too! :D
Your videos help me.. I just started writing my first book of my 3 book novel. I got some stuff the world need to hear 👑
Happy New Year, Bethany! Gosh, you're always my bookish guardian angel, posting just what I need to see when I need to see it :) That golden number "2" in the background for the first tip totally distracted me because my nephew had a golden number "5" for his birthday last year :P Thanks for the tips, I just recently discovered that I'm actually not an enneagram type 4 (like I thought) but I'm a type 7 which basically means that I have TONS of ideas but very little to no follow-through. And if I may add to the Atomic Habits tip, for me to incorporate routine in my life, I need to make it FUN (it's the only thing that works for me whether it's working from home, exercising, or co-parenting a rambunctious 5 year old). If I sense that my freedom is being restricted or I'm being deprived / limited in any way, I will try to escape (whether literally by taking a walk or driving somewhere or mentally in my mind by watching TV or listening to music). With that being said, now I know how to apply these tips for my type and FINALLY publish my first novel in 2024! That tip about reading, gosh so true! I have so many books cued up on my Kindle that I could be reading instead of watching Netflix. I have been good about reading when I'm waiting in line or deep conditioning my hair under the dryer. I just need to read a bit more during the day :)
These are awesome ❤ Deadlines are especially helpful for me as an ADHDer. I should set more of those
So glad it was helpful, you’ve got this!
Thank you! So many moments I was like, "Yeah, that sounds like me." Especially with watching shows and wasting time on other things similarly! Thanks for being so genuine! I'm working on NO MORE EXCUSES. I teach full-time and write too, but it's so true. There is time if I look at how I use my time! Love this video ❤ All the best with your writing journey! Happy New Year, Bethany! Have a blessed and big 2024!
Aww yay love that! So glad you enjoyed it, and happy New Year to you too!
Well, these were really valuable tips on how to approach improving my author career this year, as as my main focus, and I always love your content
So glad it was helpful! Thanks Heather!
Great video. There were some great tips here. I do find myself comparing myself to other authors and wishing I was as successful as them. That's something I have to work on.
Reading is very important for me too. I actually ourchased one of your books. Book one of the Stolen Kingdom series. Looking forward to reading it.
Happy New year and hopefully it will be a great one for us all.
Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it and wishing you the best in the new year! I'm so excited to hear you got TSK, and hope you love reading it! :D
Great tips! This year I intend to improve my time management.
Thank you! You’ve got this!
The opposite is me, I used to say I didn't have much time to read, then I kept reading, found out I have more time than I thought and can knock out a book of my tbr way faster lol
I read 29 books in 2023 (27 on Goodreads, it didn't have two of them) and my goal is one book a week now, but if I read one under 300 pages, I feel like I can knock out two a week with that :D
And I plan to publish the sequel in my duology at the end of the year, along with a childrens book, book 3 in my middle grade series and possibly a short story/novella about a janitor named john lol
That's so cool to hear, love that! And those are awesome publishing goals! :D
I love Romans 12: 1-2! I think I've heard it being used to speak against comparison before. The tip that I struggled with, but am now more excited about, is making deadlines. Instead of looking at the whole picture, breaking them down into smaller goals takes the pressure off. I also hope to do a lot more reading this year. This video feels like a fresh start, and I pray that you and all of your viewers continue to level up on your writing journey! God Bless!
Woohoo glad the video was helpful, you've got this!
Great video! Couldn't agree with the five points more!! Happy New Year!🎉
Yay, thank you! Happy New Year!
This is a well made video with excellent tips!
Thank you!
Zion probably straight up will play NFL football. Zion Atazadeh sounds like such a football name
Haha that's so fun that you think that, I hadn't thought about it, but that'd be really cool!
Hi Bethany. Love that you admitted about bedtime reading. I had to literally stop for a while reading because docs told me I needed to get more sleep.😅 Finally starting back up due to audiobooks. I fall into books too easily.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t put books down! I have to stop myself from starting a book after about 4pm for the same reason haha!
Thank you
You're welcome
Seriously, I WANT to write but I've a full family with mouths to feed and it's almost impossible to make money on a single book. Sadly, its a time vs. income thing for me and ive not found a way to square that circle 😥
44+ words could have written in the span of your comment.
I totally understand the time crunch, believe me! I think when you already have a career and kids, pursuing a career in writing is probably not the best fit like you said, BUT you could absolutely write at a different pace and fit in what you enjoy creatively in little pockets - that's what I do and I have been shocked how much I can get done on my books in a very small amount of time!
@@judgmentday1210 and nobody would have paid me for them. Self publishing is a single, younger person's game.
I have dependents. It matters that my income is guaranteed. Trust me, I wish it wasn't so.
I decided that 2024 was when I decided to work on my debut novel for may 2025
That's awesome!
Is it too late to do ads for books if they've been published for a long time? I've seen people say to start ads as soon as you do the preorders. I really want my books seen, but I'm not sure if I should do ads or just stick to trying social media like tiktok to get sales and connect with readers. I love all your tips and can't wait to see what else you do through your author journey.
Why would it be too late? I see ads for older books all the time. Glad you like the videos!
Is it absolutely necessary to write a synopsis for a series, if asked of it from an Agent or Publisher? (Or can you refuse to do this?) Doesn't this defeat the element of surprise which is what the summary and first 50-pages (for e.g.) should compel the Agent to want to read more? Thanks in advance.🙏
(1) I’m self published, but (2) if you don’t follow their required guidelines I’d be willing to bet big money they never read any pages, so yeah I think it’s necessary. They don’t need surprise, they need to know if it’s a book that will sell.
@@BethanyAtazadeh @BethanyAtazadeh Awesome!! That is great advice. I can't thank you enough!! 🙏
Step one, get coffee. Got it.
Bahaha YES!
Word is way more intuitive than Scrivener! And it's easier to customize.
I personally like it better too! (Although the cork board on scrivener does tempt me haha)
There is science to back up that you can retrain your brain. You can actually physically change how your brain looks on a scan, by your thought process.
💜💜