I have an over active creative mind, I come up with a plot, start writing it, and then I think of something that could work better, and so I start rewriting, rinse and repeat until my plot looks nothing like the original story. Damn ADHD and Dyslexia sucks enough as it is, it’s not like I need anything else.
I have a similar problem, and even worse, I’m VERY slow at it. I also keep thinking of new stories and new characters, when I should be focusing on the current one!
Same here! My plot was originally going to be about a girl that was dead trapped in a painting and now it’s about a 16 year-old trying to kill six kids because they have powers and are destined to save their world…he has the same powers as said six kids since he’s the brother of one but isn’t included in the prophecy
This is going to sound weird, but I draw the artwork first, and I write the script afterward. I draw pictures, and I make a story out of them. I am a visual learner, and my brain works like that.
Same while I don't paint I build the world first a world I'm so in love with it's is easier to write stories and characters for it , it becomes hard to fit all your writing everything down when there's so many hours in day.
I imagine the story being made into a movie. That’s why I tend to be a little more detailed than necessary because if I should be so lucky to have my books made into movies, I don’t want any kind of confusion. Plus it might be easier to see what I imagined come to life 💜
I really like the “Trilogy Structure” (there’s probably a better name for it, but idk what it is lol). Basically, the whole book has one large climax at the end, but it has 2 smaller climaxes spaces roughly evenly within the rising action. So it works a lot like a trilogy of books, but it’s in one book if that makes sense
Ooh I enjoy that structure as well. However it's difficult to balance it so that the final climax has the most impact while keeping the other climaxes interesting enough to be memorable
@@iferawhite7661 Yeah. I generally space them out with “Boss Fights”. Obviously the final boss has got to be the most powerful and more important, but also the most cathartic to beat. I generally make the two climax’s with small antagonists which- while it feels great to beat them- still aren’t as relieving as when the fins boss is defeated.
Oh so this is a thing? I've been torn between having one slightly bigger book or two smaller ones because it does just that. I've got a few story arcs within the one book and didn't know if it was too chaotic to even work
@@catherinelunn8995 maybe write it as one and see how long it is? You might want to split it or keep it as one depending on the word count. Also- idk if it’s actually a thing or not, it’s just a pattern I see in my writing
I originally wanted to make a comic with my story but watching your videos made me think about writing it as a book. I’m still thinking about it but you’ve been great help
I'm in a similar situation, I'm an artist so I want to make a comic someday, but I'm thinking about writing it as a book first because it seems easier and I think it will help me if I ever end up making the comic... So Jenna is basically saving my life
That's kinda me too, except I started by planning to write books. I love art tho, so I started planning one of my stories as a comic cause I suck at description and it might be easier, but then recently I edited the beginning of my story and it turned out super well (even added enough description) so now I'm split. Luckily structuring is needed for both, so I can use this but idk which one to doooo.
Well hey, these plot structures still work very well with comics. So remember whether you make a book or a comic, thorough plotting is always a good idea :) And don't stress out too much about it. You could always write the book first and then make a comic based off of the book
Same here I love webtoons and love some of the story tropes I’ve read so I wanted to create my own comic but after realising how long the drawing process would take I decided that maybe doing a light novel would be best and have drawings part way through.
One thing I am currently doing with my graphic novel is I wrote the ending first, then the beginning, and then the middle. I call it the 3, 1, 2 rule. 3= end. 1= beginning. And 2 = middle. It made to writing process so much easier.
I have ADHD, and I find it really hard to structure my essays and stories; I know what I want to say, I just don’t know how to articulate my jumbled up ideas into something that makes sense. Thanks for the vid, Jenna! Sending good vibes to you, Cliff, and Buttercup!
I love when Jenna explains her personal writing process. There's so much information out there, and it's super helpful for me to see how people actually interact with that basic process and make it their own. Basically, answering a lot of "whys" alongside the "hows." There's a lot of critical thinking involved, and just following an article on the internet isn't particularly helpful by itself.
Omg. I just finished the 1st draft of my first novel and wanted to start something else while I let it rest (have a lot of free time at work lately that I could write instead) and this will help so much with trying to start it!
I'm literally facing problems with my plot right now. I had my book plotted out to the very end but now I keep wondering if I should change some things because I don't want to end up triggering people due to certain topics in it and I'm scared people might think the plot is drawn out
Don't be afraid to make changes, but you should only be making them because you think they'll make your story better. So you gotta ask yourself what makes the story itself better?
I feel like you can make it longer if you spend enough time showing the characters working through the certain topics I feel it's safer to do so than to rush it because you feel some readers will feel it's drawn out. If you get the target audience right then you will great reader (like me) who appreciate the time taken. I know lots of friends who don't like thongs being drawn out with many books we are polarized on. The best books have lovers and haters.
Im kind of in a similar boat. I wrote 2 chapters and then life kind shit in my cheerios and I haven't quite felt the same for my initial Idea and went back to drawing board and came to a a point where I love my story again. Granted I still need to restructure and replot a good chunk of the novel but it's worth it.
On the side of "triggering" people: it might be a good idea to research how to write your topics respectfully, if you haven't. Sensitivity readers exist, too. A content warning could be thoughtful, so people can decide whether they're in a good headspace for your story, or whether they want to read a story with those topics. I don't have experience with this, but I imagine that if you do the above, you should be pretty okay. I don't know what your topics are, but they're probably part of reality. It can be powerful to acknowledge and show these things. Happy writing!
really gotta thank you for the milanote ad. I've always hated that I had to write my notes so linear when typing and it's hard to go back and change things too often when I write them out in a notebook.
I literally was considering using my wall and index cards again(the first time didn't work out so well) when you brought up Milanote...which is exactly what I was looking for. Plus I just got Save the Cat from my local library. Cosmic timing. :)
My brother majored in literature. It's been years overall, but I'm finally taking another serious go at writing my book. It's tough, and it's only been two weeks, but I haven't missed a single day, at least 500 words a day. I hit 10,000 yesterday.
She upgraded her cyborg interface to tap into the internet and gain herself access to our devices microphones and history, so she must have remotely overheard you.
I started using Milanote yesterday and lemme tell you guys... I was on it for 12 hours. It is so fun putting together everything for your to-be-book. 💞😋
Some of this is roughly translated from my language but for the case of the structure you mentioned, I'd like to share the one I've known which is a little more complicated. Impact The start of the story Presentation The story is set in motion and presented to the reader Elaboration The plot is elaborated on Point of No Return The mc has come to the point where there is no turning back Conflict escalation The conflict of the story escalates almost reaching it's climax Climax The climax of the mcs story happens Fade The conflict is resolved and the story ends
I just signed up for Milinote and downloaded the app. Thanks Jenna! I would love to see a video for your personal story structure. That would be amazing!
Thank you so, so much. I have been generally adhering to the hero’s journey structure without knowing it, but struggling with the last couple plot points. The fact that you put me on to this plot structure will help me figure out how the last bit should go, sequentially speaking
Jenna, this was a great tutorial. I took three pages of notes. As I was writing, I saw all these great movies (and books!) in my head that were classic 3 Acts and the Hero's Journey. Thank for the instruction...and of course, I'm going to FINISH my novel in 2021! Say a prayer!
I’ve been in a writing slump (at least for writing a novel) due to emotional turmoil with some stuff in my life - but this video has helped put my brain back on track, or at least has started that process again. Thank you for the information and the humor!
If you read Campbell's "The Hero's Journey" he goes to some length to point out that the journey varies in various myths throughout the world over thousands of years. So it can be even more complicated, or flexible. Star Wars (A New Hope) is the classic example since Lucas used Campbell's book as the guide for writing the script. It is a very common blueprint, but it is really just one of many.
I use to write winging it. While this became useful finding new things, but didn't see the whole thing through. I studied JK how she structured how she plot her books. It just revolutionized how I did things and made things far more organized.
I'm not a writer, more of into fanfic but I think what helped a lot with my structure is music. There is a piece of music which inspires all 100k words and it actually helps keep one unified idea since in lyric structural there's a lot of repitition so listening to that same song again and again while i read helps.
The way I plotted is simple, but filled with pros and cons. My plot was done in daydreams. I did this with my maladaptive daydreaming. I would see the story multiple times, over and over, again until I knew the basic structure. I also used location to make what is basically "episodic." I knew where it was going with the end themes and morals. The problem came when my mind would wander and I wouldn't write stuff done. I knew the basics, but the flesh and details would sometimes be lost. I wouldn't say it's a humble of ideas, I would consider what should be in the story, but or less threads that may or may not have come together. When my daydreaming sticks, I think of some great stuff that excited me to continue. If I don't, you get a year of frustration and guilt. I learned a lot of my process with the first book I'm working on and what I need to do whenever a second one comes around. Right now, I'm taking the recommended month before reading my first draft, but I'm also getting my stuff together and write it done. I'm also attempting to read It because my description and specifics suck.
I would like to thank you for giving us a preview of next week's video, because in mentioning your structure, of course we're going to want to see it. All hail the cyborg queen.
Loved this video, since I am in the middle of plotting :D I was wondering, could you maybe make a video on practical things you do, like techniques/tips and exercises you yourself use to create and improve world and characters?
Hey Jenna, just wanted to say how thankful I am for your videos! They've helped me so much with improving my writing. On Monday, after a week of writing and revising, I finished my first short story that had an ending to it, and your videos are what helped me push through to get it done. And I'm also rewriting said ending, because I came up with one that feels more natural, and will tie into my next short story much better. Your videos rock and are massively appreciated!
Thank you so much for that Milanote link. I'd seen it in a previous video but at the time didn't have a computer to use it on, and after only couple of minutes using it I already love it. Love your videos!
I went to Milanote because of your recommendation, and as much as I like it. It is not free. When you sign up, it gives you a 100 space storage, and if you want any more space you have to be 10 dollars a month. And I am still not certain that this program is worth 10 dollars a month, being someone who needs a visual workspace for brainstorming makes Milannote great to have so I can have tabs open and notes open. However, I am on a fixed income and 10 dollars a month seems pricey.
Thanks for this information. My budget is reaaaally tight too. It ducks because it looked like this app would be great for someone visual like me (and you ).
To anyone uncertain about Milanote: I tried it (Free ver) and it's actually pretty fun to use. I used for notetaking and it was the most organized program for it that I've ever used. I could create "containers" and sub-containers within that so it didn't look like a mess of words. Rather I could look at my chosen pictures and go "ahh, that's x" quickly. As someone who has used mindmaps and digital notebooks like Evernote and OneNote to little success, Milanote worked best for my easily distracted brain. I wouldn't ever use it for actually writing my stories, but for the plotting or organizing? Heck yes. Plus it's less learning curve than Scrivener. Cons: 1) the limit on storage will get filled up quickly, grinding my plotting to halt. 2) Saving. Be very careful when you do and triple-check. I had multiple times where it didn't save my notes. I had to figure out the wiggle to get it to do right.
It was me learning bout story structure in middle school that made me really really wanna become a successful writer one day. Thank you for the clearing up n extra details
Thanks for telling us about Milanote! I am a visual person and I love to create my own personalized working sheets and stuff. But once they are done, they are "fixed" which can be a bother. And I always have random ideas, at random times and out of order for my story. So this seem like a perfect solution for people like me. About structure, this was useful, clear and interestin. It would be great if you could make this a mini-series where each episode you break down a different story structure, with exemples. Including a special episode with your own personnal structure, of course.
Jenna, you saviour. I was just rereading the saviour's champion and getting inspired to do some writing myself when you uploaded. This is just what I needed 🤩
It may need structure. But it doesn't need to be preplanned (at least not much). I legit quit writing for 10 years because I thought I HAD to know the ending before I wrote it. But I just couldn't figure it out. Then, poof, I just sat down and wrote the darned thing. It was easy. I realized then that I was a pantser and that what had stopped me was thinking I had to do something that my brain refused to do (you know, the pre-planning thing). That said, I had a beginning, and certain happenings planned. Though I didn't know how to get to them, or anything. XD
@@Lilitha11 Indeed. :) But we gotta work it the way our brains function. I usually have a scene or something pop up in my head, and then I go from there, more ideas forming as I'm writing.
I appreciate you so much. I listen. I learn. I laugh. Thank you for the work you do on this channel. Good advice. High quality production. Entertaining.
been researching on writing an antagonist that is a psychopath (one of the two last things I needed to gst out of the way before I begin to outline my story), and then this video popped in my notifications. So I can afford to take this "break" before I head back to work.
The writing advice is also helping me with further structuring books 1 and 2 of my first book series Chronicles of the old West: that I’ve been writing for a little over two years now for book 1 and a year for book 2
Been using Milanote since you last recommended it in a video, atm just for character building cuz I'm trash at being a functioning human so it's nice to have your list of character building questions to help think of how to make a rounded character. Also it's just fun to use, so thanks for showing it off.
Ok I actually belive all the joke now because this was posted as soon as i was in need of it for a short story assignment, which i needed help to structure since I've never made a completed story yet
I'd love to see your structure since you've found success! I write novellas and short stories mostly, so I am not sure if these structures even work for me.
11:05 I have a five act structure - with third act missing. Act 1 - Susan Pevensie from traincrash and backflashes to her this-world-Rabadash George White (yes, it is a fan fic!) and with C. S. Lewis (no, the "I narrator" who talks to children for instance in comments on VDT is not CSL, it's Digory Kirke, whose papers CSL inherits, as his other friend Indiana Jones is away on adventure) to her Catholic conversion in Italy for a priest in Narni, formerly Narnia (journey courtesy of George White's father) Act 2 - Back in England, she's a sport teacher, she has as pupil Rose Pole (cousin of deceased Jill, whom she also had as pupil in archery and riding and swimming, on recommendation of deceased Eustace), and reconnects to friend George ... as in Georgina Kirrin. Rose gets pregnant by principal who, along with step mother, plots to force her to abortion, and so George and Su help her escape with gipsies (related to George's friend Nobby), wherefore Su gets into archery with police, lands in mental asylum, is helped to escape by George (White!), is further helped to escape by Inklings to Ireland ... Act 3? Act 4, Susan goes into Orient and gets to Bethlehem Act 5, back in England, she helps to fight against child welfare, escapes again, finds her husband, makes George and George meet, and the lodge of Tash to whom George White belongs is destroyed followed by marriages.
I have an over active creative mind, I come up with a plot, start writing it, and then I think of something that could work better, and so I start rewriting, rinse and repeat until my plot looks nothing like the original story. Damn ADHD and Dyslexia sucks enough as it is, it’s not like I need anything else.
ME TOO
I always get new ideas ALL THE TIME, but I just can't decide on one. :/
I have a similar problem, and even worse, I’m VERY slow at it.
I also keep thinking of new stories and new characters, when I should be focusing on the current one!
I recommend writing super short stories at first
Same here! My plot was originally going to be about a girl that was dead trapped in a painting and now it’s about a 16 year-old trying to kill six kids because they have powers and are destined to save their world…he has the same powers as said six kids since he’s the brother of one but isn’t included in the prophecy
write down all your ideas. choose one to start with lol .
“...since when has creativity ever been linear? Brains don’t work like that!” -Jenna 2021
Honestly relatable XD
x
d
Especially my adhd brain
😊😊😊😊
Seeing Jenna’s structure would be so cool.
@Charles Hull dark fantasy.
She did a video a while back on it
@Danilo Saccucci that's illegal
There is a vid on it
My mind went to a naughty place
I know it’s a meme, but this was exactly what i needed. All hail the cyborg Queen
Same! Jenna can read our minds
BUT JENNAAAA, I LITERALLY WANTED A VIDEO OF YOU EXPLAINING THIS STUFF RIGHT THIS EVENING AND NOW IT IS THERE WHAT IS THIS SORCERY
Are you suscribed to this channel?
Same! 😂
I read that exactly in her voice!
@@prinshiahirwar5698 same lol
I'd be interested in learning Jenna's personal writing structure and how it holds to and then deviates from the more traditional types she mentioned.
me too
You could read her books
@@natestadler2352 she asked in the video if we'd be interested and to put that in the comments.
@@aylapantswb oh sorry, I was only half paying attention
@@natestadler2352 >:c
Do I want to know Jenna's personal structural method? Do you have to ask?!? Would love to see that 😂
This is going to sound weird, but I draw the artwork first, and I write the script afterward. I draw pictures, and I make a story out of them. I am a visual learner, and my brain works like that.
I really need to try that, it might help me with my writing.
Good idea. I'm going to try that
Same while I don't paint I build the world first a world I'm so in love with it's is easier to write stories and characters for it , it becomes hard to fit all your writing everything down when there's so many hours in day.
I imagine the story being made into a movie. That’s why I tend to be a little more detailed than necessary because if I should be so lucky to have my books made into movies, I don’t want any kind of confusion. Plus it might be easier to see what I imagined come to life 💜
Your mind reading powers are out of control 😭😭 I literally just started outlining my book
SAME! How does she always know what I need? XD
It’s magic
@@esteredoveika5765 x d
@@esteredoveika5765 it really is
I was researching this yesterday 😂
@@em-635 hahaha
I really like the “Trilogy Structure” (there’s probably a better name for it, but idk what it is lol).
Basically, the whole book has one large climax at the end, but it has 2 smaller climaxes spaces roughly evenly within the rising action. So it works a lot like a trilogy of books, but it’s in one book if that makes sense
Oh is that a structure? My main character dies at the end so that kind of is the climax, and i was confused since it didn't follow the graph thingy
Ooh I enjoy that structure as well. However it's difficult to balance it so that the final climax has the most impact while keeping the other climaxes interesting enough to be memorable
@@iferawhite7661 Yeah. I generally space them out with “Boss Fights”. Obviously the final boss has got to be the most powerful and more important, but also the most cathartic to beat. I generally make the two climax’s with small antagonists which- while it feels great to beat them- still aren’t as relieving as when the fins boss is defeated.
Oh so this is a thing? I've been torn between having one slightly bigger book or two smaller ones because it does just that. I've got a few story arcs within the one book and didn't know if it was too chaotic to even work
@@catherinelunn8995 maybe write it as one and see how long it is? You might want to split it or keep it as one depending on the word count. Also- idk if it’s actually a thing or not, it’s just a pattern I see in my writing
I originally wanted to make a comic with my story but watching your videos made me think about writing it as a book. I’m still thinking about it but you’ve been great help
I'm in a similar situation, I'm an artist so I want to make a comic someday, but I'm thinking about writing it as a book first because it seems easier and I think it will help me if I ever end up making the comic... So Jenna is basically saving my life
That's kinda me too, except I started by planning to write books. I love art tho, so I started planning one of my stories as a comic cause I suck at description and it might be easier, but then recently I edited the beginning of my story and it turned out super well (even added enough description) so now I'm split. Luckily structuring is needed for both, so I can use this but idk which one to doooo.
Well hey, these plot structures still work very well with comics. So remember whether you make a book or a comic, thorough plotting is always a good idea :)
And don't stress out too much about it. You could always write the book first and then make a comic based off of the book
The laws of storytelling are pretty universal across mediums! Comic or novel, you'll be able to put these ideas into practice.
Same here I love webtoons and love some of the story tropes I’ve read so I wanted to create my own comic but after realising how long the drawing process would take I decided that maybe doing a light novel would be best and have drawings part way through.
One thing I am currently doing with my graphic novel is I wrote the ending first, then the beginning, and then the middle. I call it the 3, 1, 2 rule. 3= end. 1= beginning. And 2 = middle. It made to writing process so much easier.
Funny you should say that. In my case, it's the 1, 3, 2 Rule! :-D
An entire video on "The Heroes Journey" story structure you say?
You don't have to twist my arm Cyborg Queen.
Jenna mentioning "Save the Cat" reminds me of She Ra and The Owl House.
Me too
AGGGHH shera fan!!
same! she ra fans unite
yesss i love shera
wasn’t expecting to find y’all here but hi :D
I have ADHD, and I find it really hard to structure my essays and stories; I know what I want to say, I just don’t know how to articulate my jumbled up ideas into something that makes sense. Thanks for the vid, Jenna! Sending good vibes to you, Cliff, and Buttercup!
I think that Jenna can read our minds. Every time we need advice for something, she posts a video on it!
The only person's videos I like even before watching, is Jenna
After finishing my journal, I need to start working on my writing and stories, and update my wattpad.
I love when Jenna explains her personal writing process. There's so much information out there, and it's super helpful for me to see how people actually interact with that basic process and make it their own. Basically, answering a lot of "whys" alongside the "hows." There's a lot of critical thinking involved, and just following an article on the internet isn't particularly helpful by itself.
1) Butters is the most adorable thing I've ever seen
2) I'd love to see how you structure and outline your videos!
Omg. I just finished the 1st draft of my first novel and wanted to start something else while I let it rest (have a lot of free time at work lately that I could write instead) and this will help so much with trying to start it!
I'm literally facing problems with my plot right now. I had my book plotted out to the very end but now I keep wondering if I should change some things because I don't want to end up triggering people due to certain topics in it and I'm scared people might think the plot is drawn out
Don't be afraid to make changes, but you should only be making them because you think they'll make your story better. So you gotta ask yourself what makes the story itself better?
I feel like you can make it longer if you spend enough time showing the characters working through the certain topics I feel it's safer to do so than to rush it because you feel some readers will feel it's drawn out. If you get the target audience right then you will great reader (like me) who appreciate the time taken. I know lots of friends who don't like thongs being drawn out with many books we are polarized on. The best books have lovers and haters.
Im kind of in a similar boat. I wrote 2 chapters and then life kind shit in my cheerios and I haven't quite felt the same for my initial Idea and went back to drawing board and came to a a point where I love my story again.
Granted I still need to restructure and replot a good chunk of the novel but it's worth it.
On the side of "triggering" people: it might be a good idea to research how to write your topics respectfully, if you haven't. Sensitivity readers exist, too. A content warning could be thoughtful, so people can decide whether they're in a good headspace for your story, or whether they want to read a story with those topics. I don't have experience with this, but I imagine that if you do the above, you should be pretty okay.
I don't know what your topics are, but they're probably part of reality. It can be powerful to acknowledge and show these things. Happy writing!
really gotta thank you for the milanote ad. I've always hated that I had to write my notes so linear when typing and it's hard to go back and change things too often when I write them out in a notebook.
I literally was considering using my wall and index cards again(the first time didn't work out so well) when you brought up Milanote...which is exactly what I was looking for. Plus I just got Save the Cat from my local library. Cosmic timing. :)
My brother majored in literature. It's been years overall, but I'm finally taking another serious go at writing my book. It's tough, and it's only been two weeks, but I haven't missed a single day, at least 500 words a day. I hit 10,000 yesterday.
My brother is relevant because he's helping amd motivating me. He helps me feel like I can really do it and it's not a waste of time.
Jenna is the best. Thank you for your advice and your sponsors. World anvil and Milanote have been blessings to me. Thank you.
how come you post the videos I need when I need them? Do your cyborg skills include reading minds?
Yes! i would like too know too-
They definitely do lmao
She upgraded her cyborg interface to tap into the internet and gain herself access to our devices microphones and history, so she must have remotely overheard you.
I started using Milanote yesterday and lemme tell you guys... I was on it for 12 hours. It is so fun putting together everything for your to-be-book. 💞😋
Some of this is roughly translated from my language but for the case of the structure you mentioned, I'd like to share the one I've known which is a little more complicated.
Impact
The start of the story
Presentation
The story is set in motion and presented to the reader
Elaboration
The plot is elaborated on
Point of No Return
The mc has come to the point where there is no turning back
Conflict escalation
The conflict of the story escalates almost reaching it's climax
Climax
The climax of the mcs story happens
Fade
The conflict is resolved and the story ends
I want to see your own structure in a future video.
I just signed up for Milinote and downloaded the app. Thanks Jenna! I would love to see a video for your personal story structure. That would be amazing!
I am plotting my book right now 👁️👄👁️ HOW? Cyborg indeed
me writing:
🎩
📃✍👀👅👀🤏🍵
🦵🦵
Thank you so, so much. I have been generally adhering to the hero’s journey structure without knowing it, but struggling with the last couple plot points. The fact that you put me on to this plot structure will help me figure out how the last bit should go, sequentially speaking
Jenna, this was a great tutorial. I took three pages of notes. As I was writing, I saw all these great movies (and books!) in my head that were classic 3 Acts and the Hero's Journey. Thank for the instruction...and of course, I'm going to FINISH my novel in 2021! Say a prayer!
I prefer structuring my novel by each scene.
Haha. I hope your joking
I’ve been in a writing slump (at least for writing a novel) due to emotional turmoil with some stuff in my life - but this video has helped put my brain back on track, or at least has started that process again. Thank you for the information and the humor!
If you read Campbell's "The Hero's Journey" he goes to some length to point out that the journey varies in various myths throughout the world over thousands of years. So it can be even more complicated, or flexible. Star Wars (A New Hope) is the classic example since Lucas used Campbell's book as the guide for writing the script. It is a very common blueprint, but it is really just one of many.
ever since you promoted milanote a few months ago, I've been using it ever since and will not be going back. IT SLAPSSSSS
I use to write winging it. While this became useful finding new things, but didn't see the whole thing through. I studied JK how she structured how she plot her books. It just revolutionized how I did things and made things far more organized.
Thank you!!! SIS, this is what I’ve been NEEDING!
P.S. Hope you and Cliff are doing well. ❤️
I'm not a writer, more of into fanfic but I think what helped a lot with my structure is music. There is a piece of music which inspires all 100k words and it actually helps keep one unified idea since in lyric structural there's a lot of repitition so listening to that same song again and again while i read helps.
The way I plotted is simple, but filled with pros and cons. My plot was done in daydreams. I did this with my maladaptive daydreaming. I would see the story multiple times, over and over, again until I knew the basic structure. I also used location to make what is basically "episodic." I knew where it was going with the end themes and morals. The problem came when my mind would wander and I wouldn't write stuff done. I knew the basics, but the flesh and details would sometimes be lost. I wouldn't say it's a humble of ideas, I would consider what should be in the story, but or less threads that may or may not have come together. When my daydreaming sticks, I think of some great stuff that excited me to continue. If I don't, you get a year of frustration and guilt. I learned a lot of my process with the first book I'm working on and what I need to do whenever a second one comes around. Right now, I'm taking the recommended month before reading my first draft, but I'm also getting my stuff together and write it done. I'm also attempting to read It because my description and specifics suck.
I would absolutely love to see you break down your personal structure method. Great video, as usual.
I would like to thank you for giving us a preview of next week's video, because in mentioning your structure, of course we're going to want to see it.
All hail the cyborg queen.
Loved this video, since I am in the middle of plotting :D I was wondering, could you maybe make a video on practical things you do, like techniques/tips and exercises you yourself use to create and improve world and characters?
For those who are looking for something other than milanote, i’ve found that whimsical works great too
Hey Jenna, just wanted to say how thankful I am for your videos! They've helped me so much with improving my writing. On Monday, after a week of writing and revising, I finished my first short story that had an ending to it, and your videos are what helped me push through to get it done. And I'm also rewriting said ending, because I came up with one that feels more natural, and will tie into my next short story much better. Your videos rock and are massively appreciated!
Oh my gosh, I got Milanote, and IT'S SOSOOOOOOO WORTH IT!!! It's amazing everyone, just buy it. It's more than worth it for people who are visual.
I love watching your videos! I always wanna jumó right into working on my story in the middle of a video
Thank you so much for that Milanote link. I'd seen it in a previous video but at the time didn't have a computer to use it on, and after only couple of minutes using it I already love it. Love your videos!
Oh my God! It's 2 in the morning in India. The first thing I saw on my mobile was my Cyborg Queen's notification 😘
Love from India Jenna❤️
Bless me with your teachings Cyborg Queen!
🥰🥰🥰
I went to Milanote because of your recommendation, and as much as I like it. It is not free. When you sign up, it gives you a 100 space storage, and if you want any more space you have to be 10 dollars a month. And I am still not certain that this program is worth 10 dollars a month, being someone who needs a visual workspace for brainstorming makes Milannote great to have so I can have tabs open and notes open. However, I am on a fixed income and 10 dollars a month seems pricey.
Thanks for this information.
My budget is reaaaally tight too. It ducks because it looked like this app would be great for someone visual like me (and you ).
@@elisa4620 understandable. It's actually vanilla without any promotional material. 12.50 a month
Drinking game: Watch this video and every time Jenna says Structure you have a shot :D
alcohol poisoning
Overdose
To anyone uncertain about Milanote: I tried it (Free ver) and it's actually pretty fun to use. I used for notetaking and it was the most organized program for it that I've ever used. I could create "containers" and sub-containers within that so it didn't look like a mess of words. Rather I could look at my chosen pictures and go "ahh, that's x" quickly. As someone who has used mindmaps and digital notebooks like Evernote and OneNote to little success, Milanote worked best for my easily distracted brain.
I wouldn't ever use it for actually writing my stories, but for the plotting or organizing? Heck yes. Plus it's less learning curve than Scrivener.
Cons:
1) the limit on storage will get filled up quickly, grinding my plotting to halt.
2) Saving. Be very careful when you do and triple-check. I had multiple times where it didn't save my notes. I had to figure out the wiggle to get it to do right.
It was me learning bout story structure in middle school that made me really really wanna become a successful writer one day. Thank you for the clearing up n extra details
Yes please! I would love to see your structure. Happy Birthday!!
Thanks for telling us about Milanote! I am a visual person and I love to create my own personalized working sheets and stuff. But once they are done, they are "fixed" which can be a bother.
And I always have random ideas, at random times and out of order for my story. So this seem like a perfect solution for people like me.
About structure, this was useful, clear and interestin. It would be great if you could make this a mini-series where each episode you break down a different story structure, with exemples. Including a special episode with your own personnal structure, of course.
Oh, hey!
I'd never heard of the W-plot before, but that's 100% what I'm working on. Now I've got research terms to help teach myself.
I really needed this! thanks soooo much Jenna! who else agrees that Jenna is literally the best!!!
The Hero’s Journey also corresponds to the major arcana of the Tarot, I’ve used it to help me think about my structure and plot points.
That's an interesting idea/concept
Jenna, you saviour. I was just rereading the saviour's champion and getting inspired to do some writing myself when you uploaded. This is just what I needed 🤩
I love when you swear haha Thanks for the help
Thankyou i needed this! Ive been stuck on a chapter cuz the plot is not clear, im 30 pages in, your videos inspire me!
Perfect timing! I'm just about to start planning a competition entry :)
LOL
would love to see that video on your own structure 👀👀 great video as always Jenna
yes!
YES PLEASE, WE NEED TO SEE YOUR STRUCTURE AS WELL!!!
Yes, please! Love to hear about your structure!
Thank you for the video! Loved it; very helpful! I would love to see a video on your own structure and on structure in general.
Man, I was just struggling with this! Thanks Cyborg Queen!
It may need structure. But it doesn't need to be preplanned (at least not much). I legit quit writing for 10 years because I thought I HAD to know the ending before I wrote it. But I just couldn't figure it out. Then, poof, I just sat down and wrote the darned thing. It was easy. I realized then that I was a pantser and that what had stopped me was thinking I had to do something that my brain refused to do (you know, the pre-planning thing). That said, I had a beginning, and certain happenings planned. Though I didn't know how to get to them, or anything. XD
Well technically you don't need anything preplanned at all, though it will likely result in a lot more time spent editing and rewriting.
@@Lilitha11 Indeed. :) But we gotta work it the way our brains function. I usually have a scene or something pop up in my head, and then I go from there, more ideas forming as I'm writing.
I appreciate you so much. I listen. I learn. I laugh. Thank you for the work you do on this channel. Good advice. High quality production. Entertaining.
Definitely wanna see a full vid on the Jenna Moreci structure!
Jenna, you have no idea how much I admire you and how much I have learned from you❤
Oh, please. Jenna's structure video!
been researching on writing an antagonist that is a psychopath (one of the two last things I needed to gst out of the way before I begin to outline my story), and then this video popped in my notifications. So I can afford to take this "break" before I head back to work.
Kudos to you for ACTUALLY researching 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
researching is so hard!!!!
I do it like this:
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The writing advice is also helping me with further structuring books 1 and 2 of my first book series Chronicles of the old West: that I’ve been writing for a little over two years now for book 1 and a year for book 2
I love how, in the pictures of Tobias, he looks all badass and brooding, and in real life he's the biggest goofball
5:15 Look. So cute. That dog is a mood.
Omg yes. I would love a video of your personal structural method!
This video came out right as I was working on my structure and outline, perfect timing
Yes to your personal story structure! Thanks for the video and sharing this information
Been using Milanote since you last recommended it in a video, atm just for character building cuz I'm trash at being a functioning human so it's nice to have your list of character building questions to help think of how to make a rounded character. Also it's just fun to use, so thanks for showing it off.
Would love a video about your writing structure Jenna! Or anything that involves hearing more about the inner works of the savior series
I could barely focus, your dog is so cute 😭
I’d love a video on how to tell your writer friend that their book is not ready for publication, especially if it’s their debut.
Maybe an article or video titled "Is your book ready for publication?" or something similar?
Thanks, great video. Yes, I would like to hear about YOUR structure.
me too
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📃✍👀👅👀🤏🍵
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@@alicenoronha6873 lmaooo
We love you, Jenna!
IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS !!! FOR TWELVE YEARS!! IN AZKABAN!!!
Yes we indeed need your structure. I mean really what kind of question is that. First time that "buuuuuuuut Jenna" made sense.
I think its more "but Jennaaaaaa"
@@natestadler2352 maybe lol
Honestly, I’m so thankful for this channel, I learn so much from it. Thank you ❤️
Ok I actually belive all the joke now because this was posted as soon as i was in need of it for a short story assignment, which i needed help to structure since I've never made a completed story yet
I'd love to see your structure since you've found success! I write novellas and short stories mostly, so I am not sure if these structures even work for me.
11:05 I have a five act structure - with third act missing.
Act 1 - Susan Pevensie from traincrash and backflashes to her this-world-Rabadash George White (yes, it is a fan fic!) and with C. S. Lewis (no, the "I narrator" who talks to children for instance in comments on VDT is not CSL, it's Digory Kirke, whose papers CSL inherits, as his other friend Indiana Jones is away on adventure) to her Catholic conversion in Italy for a priest in Narni, formerly Narnia (journey courtesy of George White's father)
Act 2 - Back in England, she's a sport teacher, she has as pupil Rose Pole (cousin of deceased Jill, whom she also had as pupil in archery and riding and swimming, on recommendation of deceased Eustace), and reconnects to friend George ... as in Georgina Kirrin. Rose gets pregnant by principal who, along with step mother, plots to force her to abortion, and so George and Su help her escape with gipsies (related to George's friend Nobby), wherefore Su gets into archery with police, lands in mental asylum, is helped to escape by George (White!), is further helped to escape by Inklings to Ireland ...
Act 3?
Act 4, Susan goes into Orient and gets to Bethlehem
Act 5, back in England, she helps to fight against child welfare, escapes again, finds her husband, makes George and George meet, and the lodge of Tash to whom George White belongs is destroyed followed by marriages.
In Act 3, George and George must together with Su help old Mr White from the lodge of Tash ... but details?
Came for the info; binged because of your personality!💜
Yes, I would love to see a video of your structure style and proced. Thank you for this video
"They come back better, stronger."
Me, who plans to have a slight negative arc in the end of the book I'm working on now: Ha
+1 to showing your structure, Jenna!
Guys, she's in league with the machines... the cyborg queen is scanning our search history. 😧
...Techno witch.
Yes. Your structural manual, PLEASE!