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StoryCastle
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Добавлен 23 янв 2023
StoryCastle is a RUclips channel for story nerds everywhere. My goal is to cover great storytelling from every angle. Whether you’re a writer looking to level up a bit, or a fan eager for a peek behind the curtain of the writing process that goes into creating your favorite series, the StoryCastle is the perfect place for you. Come join the conversation!
5 KEYS to Crafting an EPIC Magic System for Your Fantasy
Unlock the secrets to creating an unforgettable magic system in your fantasy writing.
Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey in imaginative fiction, this guide will provide invaluable writing advice that enhances your narrative development and plot crafting. Dive into the essential elements that make magic mechanics captivating and integral to your story.
We'll explore how to weave fantasy tropes seamlessly into your world building and creative writing, ensuring your magic system feels believable and immersive. Discover storytelling techniques that elevate your fantasy genres, from epic adventures to rich, complex settings. Join us as we break down the creative proce...
Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting your journey in imaginative fiction, this guide will provide invaluable writing advice that enhances your narrative development and plot crafting. Dive into the essential elements that make magic mechanics captivating and integral to your story.
We'll explore how to weave fantasy tropes seamlessly into your world building and creative writing, ensuring your magic system feels believable and immersive. Discover storytelling techniques that elevate your fantasy genres, from epic adventures to rich, complex settings. Join us as we break down the creative proce...
Просмотров: 2 586
Видео
How to Write a Great Anti-Hero | They are NOT Villains
Просмотров 31421 день назад
we dive deep into the art of creating unforgettable anti-heroe characters in your book. Join us as we explore the characteristics that make these complex characters relatable and intriguing, from their moral dilemmas to their flawed motivations. We'll take an in-depth look at how to create complex and relatable anti-heroes like Deadpool, Walter White, John Wick, and Geralt to hook your readers ...
First Chapter MISTAKES New Fantasy Writers Make (Avoid These Cliches)!!
Просмотров 27 тыс.Месяц назад
In this video, we'll discuss the common first chapter mistakes new fantasy writers make and how to avoid losing your readers' interest before you've even begun. If you're a new fantasy writer, this video is a must-watch to help you start your novel on the right foot!
5 WORLDBUILDING MISTAKES You Don't Know You're Making (STOP THIS)
Просмотров 19 тыс.Месяц назад
In this video, we delve into the world of worldbuilding and uncover five common mistakes that writers often unknowingly make. Whether you're creating a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or crafting your own fantasy novel, avoiding these pitfalls is essential to creating a rich and immersive world. Join us as we explore how to world build effectively. Learn how to enhance your storytelling by steeri...
Barnes & Noble's Bold New Strategy: Can It Save the Iconic Bookstore Chain?
Просмотров 2963 месяца назад
In this video, we dive deep into Barnes & Noble's recent strategic shifts and analyze whether these changes can ensure the survival of one of the most beloved bookstore chains in the United States. From revamped store layouts to an enhanced focus on community and experience, Barnes & Noble is making significant moves to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. But will these efforts be e...
The Dark Side of Disney: An Author's In-Depth Disney Villain Tier List
Просмотров 4083 месяца назад
🎬 Welcome to a journey through the dark side of Disney! In this video, we delve deep into the minds and motives of the most iconic villains from Disney's animated masterpieces. From the menacing Maleficent to the cunning Scar, no villainous stone is left unturned as we meticulously dissect their roles in their respective stories. 🔍 Join me to explore the intricate layers of villainy, analyzing ...
Roadhouse Review: The Ups and Downs of Jake Gyllenhaal's Newest Blockbuster
Просмотров 2384 месяца назад
Buckle up, movie buffs! Join me as we dive headfirst into an in-depth discussion and story analysis "Roadhouse," the newest Amazon Prime flick featuring the ever-talented Jake Gyllenhaal. We're gonna break it all down - the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between. So grab your popcorn and settle in as we dissect every twist and turn of "Roadhouse." Whether you're a die-hard Gyllenhaal ...
Traditional Vs Self Publishing In 2024: Pros, Cons, And Finding The Right Fit
Просмотров 2425 месяцев назад
📚 Are you an aspiring author torn between the allure of traditional publishing and the freedom of indie publishing? In this eye-opening video, I dive deep into the ever-evolving landscape of the publishing industry in 2024. Join me as we explore the intricacies of both traditional and indie publishing, helping you unravel the mysteries and make an informed decision tailored to your writing aspi...
3 Writing Secrets I Learned At Oxford (and 3 I Didn't...)
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.5 месяцев назад
Welcome to the StoryCastle! As a graduate of Oxford University's esteemed Creative Writing program, I'll unveil three invaluable writing keys I acquired during my transformative years at this prestigious institution. From how and why to expand your literary horizons and learn from multiple disciplines to the importance of connecting with other writers, these keys have shaped my approach to writ...
Everything I Earned From Skillshare In 2023: An Indie Author's Skillshare Journey
Просмотров 5007 месяцев назад
Welcome to the StoryCastle! 🚀 In this exclusive deep dive, I'm pulling back the curtain on my 2023 journey with Skillshare - the highs, the lows, and the dollars in between. 💸 📈 Uncover the Changes: Skillshare's evolution has been nothing short of fascinating. Join me as I explore the shifts in the platform's compensation structure over the past few years, addressing the burning question: Is Sk...
An Author's In-Depth Kindle Scribe Review: Is It A Worthy Notebook Replacement?
Просмотров 37 тыс.7 месяцев назад
📚 Dive into the world of e-reading with our comprehensive Kindle Scribe review! Join me as I talk you through the features, advantages, and drawbacks of the Kindle Scribe. 🤔 Wondering if it's the perfect e-reader and e-ink note-taking device for you? This video has all the answers! The Kindle Scribe is an impressive piece of tech, but it definitely has its fair share of flaws and limitations. ...
An Author's Guide To Kickstarter Success: 10 Tips From A Five-Figure Campaign
Просмотров 8717 месяцев назад
📚 Are you an aspiring author looking to bring your book to life through Kickstarter? Join me in this exciting journey where I share the insider secrets that helped me raise over $10,000 on my very first book campaign! 🚀 In this video, I'll walk you through the 10 essential tips and strategies that propelled my Kickstarter campaign to reach five-figure success. From crafting the perfect campaign...
The Ultimate NaNoWriMo Guide: How to WIN NaNoWrimo in 2023 (and have fun doing it!)
Просмотров 13710 месяцев назад
Are you ready to embark on an epic writing adventure this November? 📖✨ Join us in this comprehensive NaNoWriMo Success Guide, where I'll take you by the hand and lead you through the thrilling journey of National Novel Writing Month! 🚀 Whether you're a first-time novelist or an experienced wordsmith looking for fresh inspiration, we've got you covered. In this video, we'll explore everything yo...
Mastering the Art of Action: An Exclusive Interview with Bestselling Fantasy Author Andy Peloquin
Просмотров 6510 месяцев назад
📚 Dive into the thrilling world of storytelling with our latest interview featuring the maestro of fantasy fiction, Andy Peloquin! 📚 Are you an aspiring writer looking to inject some heart-pounding excitement into your stories? Or perhaps you're just a book enthusiast eager to understand what goes into crafting those unforgettable action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat. Look no...
I Finished My Novel! Now What?...
Просмотров 13910 месяцев назад
📚 So, you've typed "The End" on that final page, your literary masterpiece is complete, and the thrill of accomplishment is electrifying! But, what's next on your journey to becoming a published author? 🚀 Join me in this exciting video as we embark on the ultimate guide to turning your manuscript into a published work of art. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a first-time novelist, "I Finishe...
Understanding Character Drive - The Secret Sauce That All Great Characters Have In Common
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Understanding Character Drive - The Secret Sauce That All Great Characters Have In Common
How To Create A Complete Story - Story From Scratch, Episode 1
Просмотров 16211 месяцев назад
How To Create A Complete Story - Story From Scratch, Episode 1
Harry Potter Story Quiz - Only True Fans Can Answer All 30 Questions
Просмотров 1 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Harry Potter Story Quiz - Only True Fans Can Answer All 30 Questions
Author Reviews - Wednesday: What Made It Such A Surprise Hit?
Просмотров 4,1 тыс.Год назад
Author Reviews - Wednesday: What Made It Such A Surprise Hit?
Plotting or Pantsing? Why Not Both? - How Creating a Story Map Will Transform Your Writing
Просмотров 7 тыс.Год назад
Plotting or Pantsing? Why Not Both? - How Creating a Story Map Will Transform Your Writing
The Art of Vivid Description: How To Write Unforgettable Scenes
Просмотров 3,2 тыс.Год назад
The Art of Vivid Description: How To Write Unforgettable Scenes
Author Talk with Nicole Whisler - All About Editing
Просмотров 67Год назад
Author Talk with Nicole Whisler - All About Editing
Author Talk with JA ANDREWS - Writing A Series
Просмотров 174Год назад
Author Talk with JA ANDREWS - Writing A Series
The Top 5 Mistakes Beginning Writers Make
Просмотров 1,5 тыс.Год назад
The Top 5 Mistakes Beginning Writers Make
The Ultimate Disney Animated Movie Tier List, Part 2
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.Год назад
The Ultimate Disney Animated Movie Tier List, Part 2
The Ultimate Disney Animated Movie Tier List, Part 1
Просмотров 3,9 тыс.Год назад
The Ultimate Disney Animated Movie Tier List, Part 1
Write With Me - 15 Minute LoFi Pomodoro Writing Sprint
Просмотров 848Год назад
Write With Me - 15 Minute LoFi Pomodoro Writing Sprint
The Best Writing Software For 2023: It's Not The One You Think...
Просмотров 61 тыс.Год назад
The Best Writing Software For 2023: It's Not The One You Think...
From Blank Page to Bestseller: How to Build a Strong Story Concept
Просмотров 205Год назад
From Blank Page to Bestseller: How to Build a Strong Story Concept
This video was awesome! Great content. 1) An integration I can think of is some sport where the different elements compete. Especially if society and geographies are separated by element, you would naturally get some tribal behavior, and sport could be a healthy way for a integrated society to express that. 2) My magic system starts hard and moves to soft. i) The input is a resource called denny. ii) The outputs at first are the 4 forms of matter--turning denny into solid, liquid, gas, or plasma for various reasons. As we get deeper into the magic, the outputs get more squishy, like fortifying your own body or flying. iii) Limitations are the resource availability, individual ability, and a loss of one's self to the cosmic all, iv) Opportunities center around the divide between those who can use magic and those who can't--and we learn it's all a lie, and anyone can use magic. v) Magic is completely integrated as the "haves" and "have nots" that is the theme of my first book in the series. In later books, we learn the roles magic plays in religion and historical power dynamics, health of the planet and more. Thanks!
I did finish my first novel called the devil's dairy part 1 and I showed it to some of my family members. My dad was the last one, but he wanted to go to the documents to see what was written, and one of them was the prologue. he did say i did a good job writing the story, but it needs more historical information like the range war and so on and so forth. he was giving me some tips on how the publishing company works and most of it is more so business stuff, because if you send out the manuscript, chances are neither one of the people will say that it doesn't have more info. Right now, I'm going back to finish up adding information so on and so forth.
It feels like you are shouting in my face. I have no idea what your studio looks like but can we get twelve more inches of space?
I’ve been trying my best to make my magic system make sense. Different races have access to different magic in my world. It’s been difficult for me to make it all make sense. I’m trying not to do too much or too little. It has been difficult to figure out where that balance truly lies.
Yeah when you start mixing in multiple different magic systems it can get complicated. I’m doing something similar in my current project so I can relate. My best advice is to treat each one like it’s own stand alone thing to make sure you thoroughly understand it before you worry about working them all into the story.
This was an absolutely fantastic video, thanks man.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found it helpful
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned in the comments already, but Dabble is an excellent middle ground. It has a lot of the same tools Scrivener does, like being able to write scene-by-scene, keep character and story notes, etc. It's browser-based, so you get that nice autosave/cross-platform (handy in my case, because I work between Windows, iOS, and Linux). It also saves your work locally, so if you lose your net connection, you don't have to worry about losing work. And while they are primarily a subscription service, you can choose to buy a lifetime membership. It's pricey, but it's been worth it to me. Another option if you want a one-and-done download is yWriter. It's entirely free, has a lot of the same tools Scrivener does, and downloads and installs to your computer. I actually found it because I was looking for a Scrivener alternative (since at the time I looked, Scrivener was Mac only). But since yWriter is free, there is zero risk to giving it a look. :)
I like that my novel starts out in a specific house, and that house incorporates a lot of elements which are brought up more often, including emotional conflict. The house is present in the subsequent two parts as well. By being forced to leave the house, my first book's MC is invested instead in understanding her mother's complicated journey and also being put into that same space.
00:00 Intro 01:23 Hard vs Soft Magic Systems 03:54 Inputs 08:33 Outputs 10:10 Limitations 14:10 Opportunities 17:39 Integrations
My magic system is still a WIP, but I have the foundation. Magic is fuelled by emotion. For instance, your magic will be stronger when protecting something you care about. Being angry might cause your magic to lash out violently and uncontrollably, while being calm might give you more precise control. Now I just need to figure out what's stopping a really angry farmer from tearing down a castle. 🤔
Nice! Sounds like now that you have some inputs and outputs in place you need some limitations next. Can everyone use magic, or only some people (and if so, who?). Perhaps everyone has the potential to use magic need access to certain controlled substances or items to allow them to do it? So maybe the elite control how that substance is acquired and distributed, etc. Lots to explore!
Good stuff! Subscribed! 👍
Welcome to the storycastle! Let me know if there are any writing or publishing topics you’d like to see videos on in the future.
@@justinfikestorycastle Well perhaps maybe not a topic, but I do have a question. For someone such as myself interested in starting to write their first fantasy novel, what should be the optimal word count to aim for?
My WIP is a Percy Jackson meets Hellblade. I have created my own Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. Children that are born half god and half human/elf/dwarf are called Godlings. A godling inherits a piece of their godly parents' abilities. For example, a godling who is the child of the goddess of Nature may be able to talk to animals, whereas the other child might just be really good at keeping plants alive. Godlings are the only ones BORN with magic, and this magic could consume the child if they do not learn to control it. The only other people that can posses magic are the Elves and the Dwarves, and only through a crystal that the Earth, Fire, Water and Air gods have created together. So the powers that someone wielding this crystal could control would be related to the four elements. This crystal has to be on them in order for the magic to work. So they have found ways, like wearing the crystal as jewelry, or they crush it and put it in the metal when creating their sword or dagger. Still trying to flesh things out, but I'm happy with what I have so far lol
Awesome! Seems like a fun system with a lot of possibilities.
This is the second time i see someone adress magic inputs only yumesuke's library tackles this point where he mentioned that with books inputs are more revelant for drama creation where as in a medium like anime almost all imputs are the same but the output is superior.. although in anime magic systems are called power systems
Yes some of these details don’t fully translate to most anime because it typically focuses more on the individual power(s) of characters rather than a universal system for how magic works.
Just came across your channel. I am Loving this breakdown of how to build a magic system and applying it into our stories. Exercise for the imagination muscle. Lol Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s definitely fun to think about
I love this! I especially love the idea of inputs and integrations. Those two aren't something that's usually discussed when it comes to creating magic systems, but it's the part that I both struggle with and enjoy figuring out the most. Great video!
Thank you! I agree that those parts can take some extra effort but it’s usually energy well spent.
@@justinfikestorycastle GREAT VIDEO
The magic system I made is both hard and soft if you ask me, because there are endless possibilities to magic, but all of it has a defined limit and weaknesses. Input: every mage needs knowledge of general magic first before using elemental magics, the three foundations of magic being the command, control, and commencement, more commonly known as the 3C, in order to cast magic, without knowledge to the 3C would result in uncontrolled magic release which is proven to be quite dangerous especially to high levels of mana used. Output: higher usage of mana will result in more powerful magic, and using a higher rate of magic will also result in stronger attack, healing, empowerment and defense. Limitations: the ignorance of your limits when using magic is proven to be insanely dangerous, that being said, "if magic has no other energy left for it to consume, it will feast on your own life", the over usage of magic can easily kill anyone, even an immortal would be gone if it gets drained out of energy, energy is what makes us exist, with no energy, you'll turn into nothing, boundless or not, it is the prime concept of inhibition that inhibits the abuse of things, no matter how powerful they are, everyone must sow what they can reap, death, is no exception. Opportunities: "magic is the might of our will, the will that the god gave us, for as long as you follow him, your will shall be proven almighty and unbending!" Magic is the base of every being, even if someone has no magic, they still have normal magic with them, which is used as a utility, such as ground control, no matter how blank someone is, magic will always be there for them, for it as the embrace of god. Integrations: every single being in the world has the capability to use magic, everyone can use every single magic, and everyone can create their own signature magic, but for different levels of course, "nothing is equal, but there will always be equity, for the god who taught us how to keep balance and unity." Bonus info: Religion: in my world, there is only one so far in which it is Christianity. "There is only one true god, not the strongest, but he is the mightiest of all things, he is not the most powerful, yet he is the only one who can protect us, not everyone believed in him, but he always protected all of us, despite all of our sins, he was the only one who was there besides us, he was not the most powerful, because he made us the most powerful things ever, but even with our shameful existence in which he regretted that he created us, he still sacrificed himself for us, he might be dead on the eyes of the close minded, but he will always be there for us, no matter what."
Great details! Thanks for sharing 😀
I created 5 magic systems and now with this video i can integrate and perfect them, thanks man.
Love it! Sounds like you have a lot to work with
Can you make a video on avoiding plot holes?@@justinfikestorycastle
I like that you went over input and output. Because most Magic system writing advice talks about them as if they are the same thing.
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. During editing I actually removed a whole tangent I went on talking about how inputs and outputs are usually linked or related, but even though they are I definitely think it helps to think about them separately when you’re designing things.
Very intriguing! Excited to see additional videos on it, I'm a real estate agent using Boox 10.3 for notes.
What are some of your favorite magic systems from a fantasy story? Are there any that have really stuck with you since you first read or watched them?
@@justinfikestorycastle definitely the stormlight archive magic system, most incredible and deepest of all
I like Dragonlance's Vancian/D&D style magic. Or maybe Pathfinder's/D&D's in general.
i’ve had an idea of my fantasy book since i was like 12 (i’m 23 now) and lately i’ve been working on it. so the thing is that my magic system is an elemental magic, and during past 11 years i stopped myself from working on it so many times because “nah it’s too obvious and familiar and repetitive blahblahblah”, and now i think that i finally did it pretty unique and deep so it can’t be called plagiarized. and then this video pops up. i mean, my magic system is still pretty different, but the concept of plenty elemental spirits and some type of bond with them - man, you made me question myself really hard 😭
I'm sorry! I truly believe that execution is EVERYTHING. Ideas that look the same on paper feel completely different once you're reading them fully fleshed out on the page. I'm actually working on the script for a video all about why chasing total originality is a dead end and isn't even necessary in the first place. Find what YOU love and are inspired by within your story and focus on making those things as strong as they can be. No matter how hard you try I can pretty much guarantee that some aspects of your story will be similar to something that's already been done. And I can also guarantee that if your story is filled with a nicely paced plot, compelling characters, and vivid descriptions, then readers absolutely will not care :). Go write your book. You'll be glad you did.
@@justinfikestorycastle yeah i will do that anyway, thanks for support man! gotta continue my avatar/GOT/stormlight saga with these cool bene gesserit baddies😂
Now see that sounds like exactly the type of story I can't wait to read 😂
In Berserk the elemental magic seems to be based on personality. The magical items begin to bond with the characters. A young wild fighter is given a fire dagger and he immediately stabs the wooden table just to watch it burn. One character is given wind elemental items. He's a very will of the wind type of person who tries to reconcile being pulled around by the will of other people. The main character has a sword that has been soaked in the blood of demons for so long that it's become a dark elemental weapon capable of damaging strong spiritual forces. The magical system is very associated with elemental spirits, but the human world is seen as a spiritual force in itself that is consuming the natural world, destroying all other magic.
Nice! I haven't watched Berserk, but I've heard good things about it. That does sound like an interesting approach.
@@justinfikestorycastle the manga is what I would recommend.
I'm just going to throw my protagonist into a generational civil War in a different land he's not from. 😅 As absurd as that may sound right now, That IS the premise of the first leg of his journey. Having the protagonist be confronted with "history in the making" is just a fascinating perspective to me
A "fish out of water" approach can work really well! It gives you ways to share more information with the readers as the character discovers it themselves. Sounds fun!
Your content is brilliant and this video is on point. Thank you very much.
Thank you so much! Glad you found it helpful. Please let me know if there are any writing related topics you’d like to see videos on in the future.
@@justinfikestorycastlewriting battles, fights, and injuries with believability.
That's a great suggestion I was actually considering doing a video on writing fight scenes so I'll move that up the queu. Thanks!
but my prologue is a past event that is also as gripping as my chapter 1 hook. who doesnt like a double hook
That's one of the best uses for a prologue 👍
My story starts after the first inciting incident. I want to take the approach where what lead to the situation the character is in is revealed later in the story after it gets some setup. The focus of my story is magic. The premise is basically "Harry Potter but set in another realm". More specifically, my character is sent to another realm to learn magic. The story starts on Earth as my MC waits at what is basically the Kingscross Station of my story. This chapter is meant to be juxtaposed with the following chapter when she enters the otherworld-- the setting jumps from a cold winter night to a sunny spring morning. This is meant to reflect my characters mindset and how this is a new chapter for her. Since my story is about magic, i want to introduce it in some way in this opening chapter, i just haven't decided how yet. I'm also worried there won't be enough of a hook introduced here.
There is no such thing as a worldbuilding mistake, but there are narrative mistakes. When worldbuilding, you should focus on the "logic" of the world. The logic is what makes the world believable.
Great point
Some of the best books I have ever read make these mistakes.
Id like to say that issue 1 and 2 are not nearly as black and white as you make them seem. There's a big reason why goblins and elves are so common in fantasy despite being so common. It's because the basic idea is so fundamental that it gives the correct idea of what the creature is like, but also gives the freedom to make said goblin something like a mouse that knows how to mug someone or a discriminated, enslaved species that deserves better than they have (my personal choice for my world)
The Silmarilian is just ine big history lesson. 😅
True but that actually kind of makes my point in that even among big LoTR fans it’s generally less popular and even during the height of the franchise when the movies were coming out it never really clicked more broadly because it was harder for people to engage with as a story.
@@justinfikestorycastle Yup. I totally understand. I was that weird kid who enjoyed it in elementary school.
Oh yeah I really enjoy it too! I just don’t think it’s a good model for a new author to try to follow today 😂
@@justinfikestorycastle yeah, definitely not for a new author. 😁
Writing is hard. There are things you shouldn’t do, but can still work if you know how to. But, there are also good things you should limit. For example, grammar. It’s good to have good spelling and coherent dialogue. However… too much of it makes your characters look like robots. How annoying, right?
Hmm, good points
Honestly the way I think about the No Shmerps rule, is that most likely the characters in your Fantasy story aren't canonically speaking the language you are reading it in. It's been "translated" into English, Spanish, etc. So if the language in your story has a different word for "tree", it's just going to be translated to "tree" anyway. The only things that would keep a unique name are NEW concepts, objects and important things that don't currently exist in our dictionaries.
Great stuff. I like the idea of the story question at the beginning; 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' 'It was a pleasure to burn.' 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.' And we can't ignore 'In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit.' All the great stories start off with a great line and/or the story question.
Since i discovered what an "elf" really was in folklore, you start losing me as soon as you copy over Tolkien's elves.
Hero -> Good Ends; Good Means Villian -> Bad Ends; Bad Means Anti-Hero -> Goods Ends; Bad Means Anti-Villian -> Bad Ends; Good Means ??? Is this a thing? So, like a puppet working for the bad guy who knows no better? Or, is it more a competition; a character that simply contradicts what the hero does, yet plays it fair?
Oxford owes you a refund, hardly critical sdvice, barely a few jelpful tidbits. And overall jist tediously and repetitively explained
@26:00 You mentioned using two devices to take notes as though you shouldn't have to do so. I think it is a natural thing to do when using simpler devices with limited screen real estate, and I have done this for about a year with my cheap tablet and my cheap smart phone. It really is a three device solution, including a blue tooth small keyboard in my lap. I find it a satisfactory solution for studying and taking notes. I am even considering getting a <$100 tablet just to get more screen real estate.
This has definitely helped me learn a bit more about world building but I have to know, what was the music you used?
Glad to hear it! The music is a set of Lofi tracks. You can find Lofi music on Spotify or RUclips if you search for it.
Right, so... In this video the focus has been almost exclusively on the introduction, and how to grab the reader's attention. In all but one point in this video - namely the one about technical errors - I disagree. Let me start with the first point. Beginning the story "in medias res" as it were, can work no doubt, but not all stories benefit from this approach (i.e. setting-driven stories); Most stories I would argue, benefits from laying the proverbial foundation before anything else, establishing a baseline from which understanding can be built and in many cases removing the very idea of later plot contrivances or Deus ex Machina type scenarios. While clichés are ubiquitous in every genre, working within them rather than against them can very often be to the author and reader's benefit; The author can weave in subtle yet potent threads of nuance which is impossible if one starts the story in an odd or unusual place, the reader is also greeted in a nice and pleasant manner without the need to pay attention to every last detail of the story from second one. Conflict or tension can be excellent motivators for driving the plot or narrative, however, if there is no resolution or time for the characters to breathe it can be exhausting; It is vital to every character based story to have both highs AND lows, pitting the character against an obstacle is reasonable and expected, but after the obstacle is overcome the character/world needs to have a new baseline established before new obstacles can be faced. (Personal Note: I believe the notion of constant tension to be "moviefication" of books, and utterly unnecessary in the medium of litterray storytelling.) Introduction of a lot of characters and concepts might not be the right fit for single POV stories, but in stories with a large cast or setting-based stories it can work if done with care; Letting the reader know there are many elements in the story, only to zoom in bit by bit to all the mentioned elements, and while the balance can be hard to hit, it is a useful part of a storyteller's toolkit. (This is perhaps where I disagree the heaviest, and is most personal.) Keeping description relevant is of course essential to any story, but discarding every bit of detail not directly tied to tension is reductive to the concept of "Mood" or "atmosphere", it is here the writer can stretch the creative muscles and express something more than just action; (Personal) I believe this mentality of cutting to the core of everything is stifling for the art of storytelling, especially as someone who loves it when authors wax poetic or lyrical on one or other thing in a story, and doubly so as I enjoy writing so called "purple prose" with flowery and vivid descriptions. The point about Reader Psychology can be brought into a wider discussion, but pertinent to my disagreement here is this: What readers want is subjective beyond belief, and both subsequent points can be rolled into a single point from before; The introduction of a book is not a "trailer" for the story, as it is not a Movie, and if we are to keep up with this comparison; Not every movie is an action one, some can be documentaries, others short art films, others still can be quiet philosophical pieces. Audiences are not monolithic in their wants, and the publishing industry really has to stop forcing all but a narrow subset of literature out of the limelight. Hope this serves as an understandable critique on the points made in this video. I am as both reader and writer glad to provide my thoughts.
Why do you get so many haters? Like damn
I have a genuine question regarding a potential schmerp in my story, if anyone would like to take the time to give feedback! My world is entirely subterranean, and their source of light (a colossal fungal fruiting body hidden behind a ring of mountains in the center of the world) is unmoving and unchanging. I needed a good way to tell time that didn't depend on any celestial bodies, and since the world is entirely subterranean with a stable heat and light source in the center, i figured the weather would be quite consistent. so i made a system of time based on rains! now, I've written extensively about the weather as a baseline so that future worldbuilding aspects make sense, but I don't want to get into that. my focus here is on the time system. In this world, a rain happens every two weeks, and lasts about 16 hours (counted separately from the two weeks). five rains (10 weeks) is a squall, and five squalls is a blusting. this evens out to 50 weeks a blusting, just 2 weeks shorter than a human year. BUT!!! the accumulated hours of rains, that extra 8 hours worth a week, accommodates for that, making a blusting actually three days longer than a human year. My question is this: I'm keeping the weather system, so 1) do you guys think it's simple and understandable enough as it is, and 2) if not, what do you guys think I should change about it? i suppose i could use weeks/months/years instead of rains/squalls/blustings, but it also doesn't feel quite right to use the name of a measurement that isn't accurate. I'm also still working out the kinks on smaller units of time- I'd love to use hours, days, and minutes, still, so that readers have a baseline on which to understand the rains system. But i need to figure out a way for the people of my world to initially notate what hours are, and how many hours are in a day. We had the sundial, but they don't. I was thinking something mechanical in nature, like a pendulum kept in motion, so that the people of the world could make clocks. for civilization to truly flourish, time needs to be allocated efficiently, and without a way to tell smaller units of time, there is no way to do so. i figure the rains are a much older, more ancient form of telling time, while clocks, based on one central pendulum swinging constantly, are newer and have provided people with a way to measure the length between/of rains. That way, both measurements of time can coexist, with one being more ancestral and the other being more derivative. what do you think? a thank you to anyone who responds with genuine critique!!
Now that is some sound advice.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome channel. Thanks a lot. Great topic and video.
Thank you! That’s encouraging 😊
Unfortunately I had left a long and thoughtful comment in which I linked TV Tropes to support the points I made and it got filtered out, so I guess I won't be commenting on this channel anymore.
Oh damn I’m sorry! Not sure why RUclips would do that. I hope you’ll keep sharing your perspective
Maybe a slightly different view on your copypasta comments. I was entirely on board with the broad strokes but then you used specific examples of measurement systems that have medieval or even ancient histories themselves! Meters, degrees centigrade / Fahrenheit, coordinating meetings down to the minute - these are all massively anachronistic to me in fantasy. But yards, miles, dates, and times of day (midday, afternoon, etc) are all totally reasonable to me in fantasy. I do weirdly feel like feet would make me think of dungeons and dragons and that would pull me out of it however…
Absolutely. There’s been some great discussion around exactly that in the comments if you’re interested
Theme park is really solid and relevant advice for me...
That’s great! It definitely helps to pay attention to that as you’re writing
currently looking at Scrivener tbh, seems like the best option right now. Ive been using Hemingway app but it freezes a lot
Dude. My inciting incident happens in the fourth chapter--because the status quo, as established by several big scenes, is grand in scope (it's sci-fi, with several layers to it). I agree on #1 unilaterally in the case of: romances, thrillers, and mysteries. Fantasy and sci-fi often need a buildup, in my opinion, because their status quo is so different from our everyday world. I do agree that the first scene must be gripping and not tra-la-la, everything's fine, normal, and boring--otherwise, the reader will put the book down.
Yes the inciting incident really can fall wherever serves the story best IF you do the work to sustain conflict and engage the reader until you get there.
I hate to tell you this, my man, but I run a writing group, and everyone thinks they're the exception, that their story is just so EPIC so the "rules" don't apply. But the reason people say the inciting incident belongs in the first chapter is because it forces writers not to be so self-indulgent. You're being lazy if you can't find a way to make your world building grow around your plot, if you can't find a way to convey normal life even in the chaos. I write exclusively in fantasy/sci-fi, so don't try to do the whole "oh the SIMPLE genres" thing with me either. It's bs. You're just a bad writer. And I can say that with confidence because I've run into a hundred of you. You know why you're bad? Because you refuse to learn and grow. It's that simple. Stop making excuses, cut your damn exposition chapters, start with your inciting incident, and find a good feedback group that'll make you uncomfortable. If, that is, you ever do want to be good. Best of luck.
@justinfikestorycastle my inciting incident happens in the second chapter . Because the first chapter is showing the characters' normal lives before their lives gets disrupted
@@Sarah27H What a delightfully snappifying agro response! I always consider others' feedback. I know I'm not "special," per se. I revise and edit my stories to within an inch of their lives. But it is true that romance, mystery, and thriller readers require the inciting incident fairly quickly. Movies also require it. What I've seen of "writing advice" is that it must happen within the first 10% of a story. Mine's definitely within that. As I revise, I'll cut a lot of the fat, but hmm...we'll see how far it bumps up the inciting incident. It's difficult to see just how bad the inciting incident is compared to her everyday life [without a bit of build up.] (I'm not describing waking up, putting on slippers, scrubbing the kitchen sink, or sweeping the floor, if that's what you're thinking.)
@@godstenrules Establishing the status quo is essential, or else the inciting incident means nothing.
What about Penzu? It's not fancy, but it's online and autosaves.
I tend to use known concepts in slightly different ways, approximations, or less used. Distances can be measured in days of travel, or paces to walk. I have "beats" (heart beats) for seconds, "tenny" (or "tenday") instead of week, and other things that make sense to modern readers. Instead of schmerps I have variations of real creatures and stuff, like a giant goat as a beast of burden in a mountainous area, or a horse hen for an equally large bird (not actually inspired by a chocobo, but pretty much that). I used to have a different name for elves, but that was always what people were going to think, so I just call them that.