Looking for more of my Top 10 and Top 50 Rules for Success? They are now on their own channel. You can subscribe here: ruclips.net/channel/UCacX6JAo1EpmxT91r6VH53g
@@Maidaseu A lifetime doesn't mean "72 years on average." A tragically short life still lasts a lifetime. The context of the quote is a man asking death why he has to leave so soon, and this is the answer he got.
What I like about Neil Gaiman is that he talks to you as an equal. He doesn't talk down to you or intimidate you. He also gives excellent advice for aspiring writers.
You know, I used to be afraid to put myself out there. But after hearing this guy, it made me look at the world differently. Primarily Netflix. I look on Netflix constantly and sort the 99% garbage to find something decent. And until now I have never thought twice about it. And it just clicked in my head.....if all these people can make all of these crappy movies, then perhaps theres something for everyone out there and certainly I can't write anything worse than Sharknado. And they made like 30 of those so clearly ANYTHING can be successful today. The rules have indeed changed. I wont quit my day job by any means, but I am going to write in my spare time. So far Im averaging 1500 words per day!
Shabuti R18 I say this too. Like omg, if these people can create crappy articles and stupid viral things-Why can’t I publish something with sense. :) haha
honestly, although its good to avoid negative comparisons, i think all writers (screenplay or creative-writing) can look towards the content of today and how diverse it is, and how much objectively bad stuff gets through, and feel a bit better about our own writing. I mean you read some of those critics or former Screenplay editors, who harshly describe how good you have to write a screenplay to get considered, how critical the industry is, and yet all of the most popular and biggest box office movies are quite honestly mediocre as hell. And that makes it somewhat relieving, because the market is so huge, there might be an audience for new writers.
As I was making my way through my second undergraduate program, I was told by a professor that he found my writing interesting and he always looked forward to reading my essays. Another professor said I should write a book because she really enjoyed reading my work. I used to write, but mostly short stories and poetry; but I honestly felt my work wouldn't be worth reading from an audience, so I kept my six journals to myself. It was when my ex wife threw them out that I was so disheartened I stopped. I am currently 70 pages into my current attempt at a first book and I am stuck. I decided to type in the search bar "why finishing my book is important." Neil Gaiman came up in the results, and I ended up here. I really appreciate what he is saying (I am listening to this while I am commenting), and I feel inspired to get back on track and get my book done. I know it is up to me to discipline myself to get back to it so I can get it done. I appreciate his words about just getting it done, and that I am unique about what I write about. I am grateful that this came up.
I'm sorry to hear about what your ex-wife did, ive read some other comments where people used to write a lot until their partner just completely spat and shit on what they wrote and their art, and then they stopped for years. That sort of response from your closest loved ones must be horrible to go through. But it's not about them, and I'm glad you're writing again. The nice thing about writing is that if you really get into it, you do it perhaps unsure of publishing, but enjoying the process anyways.
Bud - your Universe was telling you from very early on that you have a talent & therefore a calling. Wherever you are with it now - pursue it & right your Universe!
His stories are so imaginative, fantastical worlds that blur the line between idea and reality like blurring right and wrong. Characters are weird and wonderful, sometimes being nothing more than ideas trying to make sense of the physical. It feels like he pulled all this out of his imagination, his dreams.
@@abdullahx4908 Exactly, you've got it perfectly! Reading his books feel like a fever dream dreamt in an armchair beside a softly crackling armchair. Suddenly, you awake to find yourself in a wholly different world, being catapulted to and fro between ideas until you blink and the story's ended, and you feel as if you've lost a friend.
As that youth, every single person who knew you recognized your unique potential. Nobody knew where it would take you. I am flabbergasted to happen upon the answer, some 40 years later. Of all your creations, what shines most brilliantly is your kindness and generosity in educating the world. May you and your wife and child keep shining on!!
To write..you need to be an artist. To be a painter, musician, carpenter and species watcher..this man knew the key to his happiness through these 10 rules.
I was once told, about writing science fiction and fantasy, to read a lot of "good" science fiction and fantasy to learn how to do it. I couldn't disagree more. What you need to do is read a lot of average science fiction and fantasy to learn what *not* to do. Writing well isn't something that can be learned or taught, only figured out through trial and error, but you can see what does not work by example. I've been reading a fantasy series and while most of the characters are alright and I'm reasonably invested in the story, there are a few things that really bother me. One is "power creep." High fantasy is particularly vulnerable to this. When your protagonist is so super powerful that they can take on half an army all by their lonesome, it kills any tension. I have never, not once, thought that any of the primary characters were in actual danger. Something else that was really bugging me is the author is a hypocrite. Not the characters, those are allowed to be hypocrites because real people are hypocrites. Everyone is. Anyone that says they are entirely free of hypocrisy is lying. But the narrator shouldn't be a hypocrite. In these books, one of the allies of the protagonist is a supposedly reformed assassin. He has killed and continues to kill many, many people, many of them innocent, and has no remorse, but because he's funny and helping the protagonist, the author expects us to forgive that and like him. He's redeemable. It basically tells you "Like this character." It's not giving you a choice in it, it expects you to overlook his murderous path. But, at the same time, there's another character that is also killer, but has killed far fewer people, but just because he's kind of an asshole and not allied with the protagonist, we're supposed to believe that he's irredeemable and we're expected the hate his character. I don't like being told which characters to like and which to dislike, especially when the reasoning for such is highly questionable. TLDR: You can learn more from poorly or amateurishly written things than from well written things. Surprising, but true.
I see what you are saying but from an author's point (small fanfiction writer) It's hard not fall into that. When you are writing, you want your main character to be well received and liked. Q: what do you think is important for a god story. I think it's world building.
@@vinayvishwanadhan4608 For a good story? I think it's a number of things, including good world building, but it depends on what the focus is for your story. A lot of books are character driven, so the authors focus more on character development instead of creating a hugely complex world with culture, politics, language, etc. An example of this would be The All For Thr Game trilogy (the characters are great, definitely should read it if you haven't, but google the trigger warnings first there is some potentially triggering material in it, so be careful). In terms of directers and screenwriters who focus on world, Christopher Nolan is a great example, he notoriously uses characters for the exploration of world, like in the Batman Trilogy, the Joker and Batman are thematic opposites that tie in well with the two different sides of Gotham, one "good" and protective of people, the other "bad" and a true, Nietzsche-esque nihilist. But I think a key point to be made here is that even if you're focusing on character or world, it is by no means an excuse to create boring or unoriginal characters or world. I think what makes a good story, as a general rule, is good, complex characters with unique voices, opinions, ideologies, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities, etc. (please people, use diversity or else your characters are going to suck and it is going to put a lot of people off your book, and write them well, don't use token characters or stereotype), a good world with the relevant details explored like culture, politics, art, etc., don't over do worldbuilding because that can suck just as much as too little, it's an issue a lot of beginner writers have is that they develop this amazing, complex, detailed world and then info dump everything they've written into the first few chapters, where it is completing irrelevant. This is really terrible, not only for the readers, but also for the writers. Because, coming from someone who has been into creative fiction for 7-8 years, you want to show all your hard work, to put in every detail so your readers know how much you've created, but that isn't the most effective way of creating a good world, or a good novel. Instead, put in only what is relevant, especially for the first few chapters, only put in what the reader needs to understand and be engaged in your story, you can add more fun detail in by sparsely putting them through the book, but don't info dump. A good technique is the iceburg principle. Say you're developing your magic system and you need to show not only how it works, but also that this magic has been around for millennium, instead of going into detail about the entire process and history of the magic, take one important aspect to the magic and explain that as much as possible without over sharing the info, it will show a slice of the depth and detail of this magic without info dumping your notes into your book, and then in the future when you make a passing statement about the history of magic or something else, it will feel not only more real and believable, but the readers will also trust that you have developed this world sufficently. Now, the next aspect I feel like a lot of writers do not pay much time to, but should. Theme. Theme is incredibly important, it the backbone of your story, the fundamental building blocks of what will make your story actually great. However, a lot of writers over look this part because they feel like if they put theme into it, it will come across as preachy and like they are pushing a message onto their readers. And it can, if done incorrectly. Theme should be a big part of your story, but don't neglect the other aspects because obviously theme alone will not make your story great, you need a balance. I think a good starting poing for theme is world and characters, look at your world and try to develop it with a theme in mind, is the theme related to isolation And anonymity? Make a socially isolated and distant society. Then look at your characters, how do they act upon this world and theme, are they anti thematic to this isolated society? Or do they fit in but are trying to get out? How does the theme challenge and push the characters to change? The possibilities are endless. Another key point to make about theme is also to use symbols, physical objects or reoccurring patterns that represent character and theme. I feel like that is fundamentally what makes a good story, the worldbuilding, good characters, and engaging plot are all a given, especially in published works, but even in published novels, they often ignore or forget to put in an interesting, intricate, and well thought out theme with the use of symbols. It easily makes or breaks a story. I'd really recommend any writer read Anatomy Of Story by John Truby and maybe watch Brandon Sanderson's lectures on writing, they're all on RUclips.
I really liked the last point. To remember to enjoy yourself in the process. As an achiever or goal getter, you are constantly hunting your next achievment or goal, not thinking about what you accomplished, or how fun the process is. Enjoy it! Thanks Evan for these inspiring videos!
This is very inspiring, thank you! I myself love to write fiction as a side hobby to let my creativity go! I often am writing various ideas in my head and most of the time they can come out of the blue such as fixing a plot hole that I didn't even realize I had without even trying to think of it. That inspiration can come out of nowhere! It is very enjoyable for me. One reason why I don't pursue writing as a career is for the fear of hating it if I'm forced to write. Besides, that's not the only thing that I am passionate about. :) This advice can go well beyond writing. Make good art! Do what you care about! Do new things! Persevere! Go for what you are passionate about! Don't give up! You really never know what you can create or contribute until you just do it!
I just finished the Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman and man it was amazing. I read the graphic novel and the illustrations were amazing also. The characters are so like able, Silas and Bod Owens are such good characters. I know Neil Gaiman said he'll probably never make sequels but I feel like the story should continue, maybe even as a prequel about Silas past. :)
What's so encouraging is that a writer of Gaiman's caliber advises people to write, finish things, write more things, write what's next... The secret of the doing of the thing is the doing of the thing.
What I love, fellow Carmichael, is: ignore the rules. I have seen so many videos about "rules" to follow. Neil Gaiman is awesome. Persevere: yes I will. I have so many words and ideas in my head that I'm bursting at the seams. I'm 62 and have been around the world and number 10 is enjoy the ride. I definitely will. I love writing. My dad used to get mad at me because in all of our travels through the Caribbean, Brazil, etc. I had a pad of paper, writing down everything I saw and felt. Unfortunately I don't have those papers but that's okay. I still love writing. It's my passion.
Yes create something from the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the love or disappointment . Find a creative outlet, a way of communicating you. Make good art. Love it. Don't drink. Make good art. Don't get wrecked. Make good art. Not mediocre art, good art. Craft, take time, concentrate, enjoy doing this art, do your best. Thanks Neil.
I liked almost every point of this video... I also liked his books, but today, I stumbled across this video and in my opinion, he is a really wise Man... For me, the most important part was "nobody gets to be you, except you... nobody has the same point of you as you have..."...and also "just read everything you can and write as much as you can"... but it's really hard for me to choose any of the points, because most of the Things he said were really touching for me...
This year I've been told I'm too valgur in my stand up I should be clean. Messed up thing is I have never directed my words to anyone I just tell my truth. I was thinking of censoring myself, but it's just not me, so I got the writer's block and confused. I needed to hear this!!!! Thank you for uploading
Wow, Evan, you're right in number one rule: Make Good Art, because that was true. This rule is the same rule from George Lucas: Follow Your Passion, because it tells whatever you capable of doing like musician, art, anthroplogy, scientists, writer, cartoonist, dancers, singers, etc. But all you had to do by discipline your doing to make a good art. As a inspiring writer, I always kept following those things what I passionate about, because I cared all of them. Well good rules Neil, because I influcenced his work as a storytelling.
Glad you loved the channel, I hope the videos are always inspiring and motivating you Isabel. :) Thanks for the comment and for watching. Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
Sixteen, here! Any recent watchers? Neil Gaiman is the best, so inspirational. I am currently trying to do 2000 words a day and want to up that number soon, wish me luck!
Write what YOU care about! YES!!!! Ignore the rules! I can SO do that! Thank you Neil! I posted this and two other vids like this (J.K. Rowling and Stephen King) the same point comes up. Persevere . Keep at it.
Evan Carmichael i love how you help people to go through life challenge by showing them a lole models to be emulated and learn from. can you please work on David Goggins (born 1975) is a Navy SEAL and former USAF Tactical Air Control Party member who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is an ultramarathon runner.
Yep, it's good advice, and not just for art. It works for anything that needs creativity and intelligence - and that's pretty much everything. From mixing cement to mixing an album.
It think the question at the end where do writers get their ideas from is more critical then when think and could be phrased as where do ideas come from. The answer itself could lead into other dimensions and the hold the meaning of life itself. It's a very interesting question when you think about it. "Where do ideas come from."
Anyone else get creeped out by that laugh really close to the camera? But in all seriousness, loved this video. Thank you! Plus the fun facts were super cool.
I just discovered this guy he is a true inspiration. I am trying to become a author and I am starting to make some videos to build my confidence and stay positive. Check out my videos if you want to give some constructive feedback. Happy New year!
All are good, but walk towards the mountain, persevere, and try more hit home. Keep your eyes on the prize, keep going, and try more things. Too many people are sidetracked from the prize.
I love Neil Gaiman and the spirit of what he's saying. However, I am a little frustrated when someone who's now successful says "don't worry about what's marketable and don't care about the rules" as if it's no big deal. The gatekeepers of the publishing industry are extremely cynical, and they will outright mock you for being a dreamer. You can't even get an agent anymore unless your book is ready to be optioned into a movie, and the editors are often being coached by movie executives as to what's acceptable and what is not. These are the reasons I publish independently, but I pay the penalty in that almost no one sees my work. I have accepted that because I love the stories I tell, but I wouldn't go in front of a group and say "just do what you believe and it will come true." Unfortunately, one typically has to choose between the cynical life of following trends to be successful, or do what you believe in to not be. There are a very, VERY few exceptions, I realize, (mostly older people when the publishing industry wasn't controlled by the film industry,) but most of the time it will be one or the other.
hey Evan, thank you for sharing your, i have gotten to know a lot of great people since I subscribe your channel and watch it every night. My favourites are number 9 and 10 equally.
Glad to know that the channel have a part in introducing you to great people drg. :) Thank you for subscribing and for being part of #BelieveNation. :) Much love. #BTA219 Shine
Glad to know our videos inspire you to #Believe and take action to pursue your dream Yavidan. :) Thank you very much for the appreciation and for watching! #BTA516 Shine
As a lifelong artist I suggest ''make art'' is a more reasonable focus. Making ''good art'' is too subjective. I say start doodling and scribbling and if all you get is the doodle, or some half baked idea on a napkin you've at least started to shift yourself to the next moment. And that's what we need during the rough times. We need to carry on. We need to move instead of being anesthetized and paralyzed, and stuck in that bad situation. 🙃
Thank you very much for your suggestion but it would be great if you could post your request under this video: ruclips.net/video/0arZb0xLIDM/видео.html If more people would vote or like your request and there are available videos/clips for it, we might do a Top 10 rules video for it. Much love. :) #BelieveNation #BTA1268 Luka
I have no idea what I want to do for a career and I've been researching for quite some time now and still nothing. Any suggestions on how I can figure this out?
Thanks for sharing Tyler, perhaps these videos might be of help to you: ruclips.net/video/FbkowWiQXV8/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/P-NRJNSEIsA/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/n7MLw6rxfwo/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/oPKGg1SJrzQ/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/VxblCegIfMs/видео.html ruclips.net/video/1VH0GKUjMws/видео.html & ruclips.net/video/Nl_xzhHc_xs/видео.html All the best to finding what you really want and love to do. Always #Believe in yourself. #BTA219 Shine
Looking for more of my Top 10 and Top 50 Rules for Success? They are now on their own channel. You can subscribe here: ruclips.net/channel/UCacX6JAo1EpmxT91r6VH53g
"you get what anybody gets. you get a lifetime."
love gaiman's work. thanks for this.
Glad you liked it. :) Thank you very much for posting your comment and for watching. #BTA219 Shine
Rest in Peace, Cinamon Hadley
Unfortunately not true. Many don't get a lifetime.
@@Maidaseu A lifetime doesn't mean "72 years on average." A tragically short life still lasts a lifetime. The context of the quote is a man asking death why he has to leave so soon, and this is the answer he got.
What I like about Neil Gaiman is that he talks to you as an equal. He doesn't talk down to you or intimidate you. He also gives excellent advice for aspiring writers.
I agree! Neil Gaiman's approach is relatable and his advice is invaluable. 😊 #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
And he never talks down to anyone, even when he is writing for young adults, or even children. That is a rare quality in an artist and a human being!
You know, I used to be afraid to put myself out there. But after hearing this guy, it made me look at the world differently.
Primarily Netflix. I look on Netflix constantly and sort the 99% garbage to find something decent. And until now I have never thought twice about it. And it just clicked in my head.....if all these people can make all of these crappy movies, then perhaps theres something for everyone out there and certainly I can't write anything worse than Sharknado. And they made like 30 of those so clearly ANYTHING can be successful today.
The rules have indeed changed.
I wont quit my day job by any means, but I am going to write in my spare time. So far Im averaging 1500 words per day!
Thank you for sharing with us. Keep it going! #Believe :) #BTA1017 Luka
Shabuti R18 I say this too. Like omg, if these people can create crappy articles and stupid viral things-Why can’t I publish something with sense. :) haha
Can i ask what genre are you writing?
@@burntt999 I’m writing fantasy... how about you?
honestly, although its good to avoid negative comparisons, i think all writers (screenplay or creative-writing) can look towards the content of today and how diverse it is, and how much objectively bad stuff gets through, and feel a bit better about our own writing. I mean you read some of those critics or former Screenplay editors, who harshly describe how good you have to write a screenplay to get considered, how critical the industry is, and yet all of the most popular and biggest box office movies are quite honestly mediocre as hell. And that makes it somewhat relieving, because the market is so huge, there might be an audience for new writers.
"You can only be yourself. Everyone else is taken." --Oscar Wilde
#Believe :) #BTA1530 Veljko
Cliche
As I was making my way through my second undergraduate program, I was told by a professor that he found my writing interesting and he always looked forward to reading my essays. Another professor said I should write a book because she really enjoyed reading my work. I used to write, but mostly short stories and poetry; but I honestly felt my work wouldn't be worth reading from an audience, so I kept my six journals to myself. It was when my ex wife threw them out that I was so disheartened I stopped. I am currently 70 pages into my current attempt at a first book and I am stuck. I decided to type in the search bar "why finishing my book is important." Neil Gaiman came up in the results, and I ended up here. I really appreciate what he is saying (I am listening to this while I am commenting), and I feel inspired to get back on track and get my book done. I know it is up to me to discipline myself to get back to it so I can get it done. I appreciate his words about just getting it done, and that I am unique about what I write about. I am grateful that this came up.
We appreciate you for sharing that with us and for watching. :) #Believe - Feb
I'm sorry to hear about what your ex-wife did, ive read some other comments where people used to write a lot until their partner just completely spat and shit on what they wrote and their art, and then they stopped for years. That sort of response from your closest loved ones must be horrible to go through. But it's not about them, and I'm glad you're writing again. The nice thing about writing is that if you really get into it, you do it perhaps unsure of publishing, but enjoying the process anyways.
Bud - your Universe was telling you from very early on that you have a talent & therefore a calling.
Wherever you are with it now - pursue it & right your Universe!
As someone aspiring to be an author, I always look to Neil Gaiman. Watching this really did change my life for the better
Glad to hear that :) #BTA1398 Veljko
His stories are so imaginative, fantastical worlds that blur the line between idea and reality like blurring right and wrong. Characters are weird and wonderful, sometimes being nothing more than ideas trying to make sense of the physical. It feels like he pulled all this out of his imagination, his dreams.
@@abdullahx4908 Exactly, you've got it perfectly! Reading his books feel like a fever dream dreamt in an armchair beside a softly crackling armchair. Suddenly, you awake to find yourself in a wholly different world, being catapulted to and fro between ideas until you blink and the story's ended, and you feel as if you've lost a friend.
@@tabithathecat you sounded just like him
@@abdullahx4908 I feel honoured by that statement, holy hell. Thank you! You do too, not to lie.
"nobody gets to be you except you"
True. :) #BTA219 Shine
Man, I love Neil Gaiman so much :)
J-Ryze I don't know most of the Top 10 people featured....including Neil Gaiman. I learn about rules and meet new people I didn't know before. :)
Perfect! :)
Art is the youest you you can you. ^=^
I could listen to Neil Gaiman talk all day
#Believe :) #BTA1473 Veljko
As that youth, every single person who knew you recognized your unique potential. Nobody knew where it would take you.
I am flabbergasted to happen upon the answer, some 40 years later. Of all your creations, what shines most brilliantly is your kindness and generosity in educating the world. May you and your wife and child keep shining on!!
Sweet. Thanks for watching Susana. 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
To write..you need to be an artist. To be a painter, musician, carpenter and species watcher..this man knew the key to his happiness through these 10 rules.
Thanks for sharing Joseph :) #BTA1258 Luka
you think he planned the child screaming when he began talking about things going wrong? Love him.
Thanks for the comment and for watching illusiongenius. :) #Believe #BTA534 Shine
I was once told, about writing science fiction and fantasy, to read a lot of "good" science fiction and fantasy to learn how to do it. I couldn't disagree more. What you need to do is read a lot of average science fiction and fantasy to learn what *not* to do. Writing well isn't something that can be learned or taught, only figured out through trial and error, but you can see what does not work by example.
I've been reading a fantasy series and while most of the characters are alright and I'm reasonably invested in the story, there are a few things that really bother me. One is "power creep." High fantasy is particularly vulnerable to this. When your protagonist is so super powerful that they can take on half an army all by their lonesome, it kills any tension. I have never, not once, thought that any of the primary characters were in actual danger.
Something else that was really bugging me is the author is a hypocrite. Not the characters, those are allowed to be hypocrites because real people are hypocrites. Everyone is. Anyone that says they are entirely free of hypocrisy is lying. But the narrator shouldn't be a hypocrite. In these books, one of the allies of the protagonist is a supposedly reformed assassin. He has killed and continues to kill many, many people, many of them innocent, and has no remorse, but because he's funny and helping the protagonist, the author expects us to forgive that and like him. He's redeemable. It basically tells you "Like this character." It's not giving you a choice in it, it expects you to overlook his murderous path. But, at the same time, there's another character that is also killer, but has killed far fewer people, but just because he's kind of an asshole and not allied with the protagonist, we're supposed to believe that he's irredeemable and we're expected the hate his character. I don't like being told which characters to like and which to dislike, especially when the reasoning for such is highly questionable.
TLDR: You can learn more from poorly or amateurishly written things than from well written things. Surprising, but true.
Damn, thank you for writing this, that was really good.
I see what you are saying but from an author's point (small fanfiction writer) It's hard not fall into that. When you are writing, you want your main character to be well received and liked. Q: what do you think is important for a god story. I think it's world building.
@@vinayvishwanadhan4608 For a good story? I think it's a number of things, including good world building, but it depends on what the focus is for your story. A lot of books are character driven, so the authors focus more on character development instead of creating a hugely complex world with culture, politics, language, etc. An example of this would be The All For Thr Game trilogy (the characters are great, definitely should read it if you haven't, but google the trigger warnings first there is some potentially triggering material in it, so be careful). In terms of directers and screenwriters who focus on world, Christopher Nolan is a great example, he notoriously uses characters for the exploration of world, like in the Batman Trilogy, the Joker and Batman are thematic opposites that tie in well with the two different sides of Gotham, one "good" and protective of people, the other "bad" and a true, Nietzsche-esque nihilist.
But I think a key point to be made here is that even if you're focusing on character or world, it is by no means an excuse to create boring or unoriginal characters or world. I think what makes a good story, as a general rule, is good, complex characters with unique voices, opinions, ideologies, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexualities, etc. (please people, use diversity or else your characters are going to suck and it is going to put a lot of people off your book, and write them well, don't use token characters or stereotype), a good world with the relevant details explored like culture, politics, art, etc., don't over do worldbuilding because that can suck just as much as too little, it's an issue a lot of beginner writers have is that they develop this amazing, complex, detailed world and then info dump everything they've written into the first few chapters, where it is completing irrelevant. This is really terrible, not only for the readers, but also for the writers. Because, coming from someone who has been into creative fiction for 7-8 years, you want to show all your hard work, to put in every detail so your readers know how much you've created, but that isn't the most effective way of creating a good world, or a good novel. Instead, put in only what is relevant, especially for the first few chapters, only put in what the reader needs to understand and be engaged in your story, you can add more fun detail in by sparsely putting them through the book, but don't info dump. A good technique is the iceburg principle. Say you're developing your magic system and you need to show not only how it works, but also that this magic has been around for millennium, instead of going into detail about the entire process and history of the magic, take one important aspect to the magic and explain that as much as possible without over sharing the info, it will show a slice of the depth and detail of this magic without info dumping your notes into your book, and then in the future when you make a passing statement about the history of magic or something else, it will feel not only more real and believable, but the readers will also trust that you have developed this world sufficently.
Now, the next aspect I feel like a lot of writers do not pay much time to, but should. Theme. Theme is incredibly important, it the backbone of your story, the fundamental building blocks of what will make your story actually great. However, a lot of writers over look this part because they feel like if they put theme into it, it will come across as preachy and like they are pushing a message onto their readers. And it can, if done incorrectly. Theme should be a big part of your story, but don't neglect the other aspects because obviously theme alone will not make your story great, you need a balance. I think a good starting poing for theme is world and characters, look at your world and try to develop it with a theme in mind, is the theme related to isolation And anonymity? Make a socially isolated and distant society. Then look at your characters, how do they act upon this world and theme, are they anti thematic to this isolated society? Or do they fit in but are trying to get out? How does the theme challenge and push the characters to change? The possibilities are endless. Another key point to make about theme is also to use symbols, physical objects or reoccurring patterns that represent character and theme.
I feel like that is fundamentally what makes a good story, the worldbuilding, good characters, and engaging plot are all a given, especially in published works, but even in published novels, they often ignore or forget to put in an interesting, intricate, and well thought out theme with the use of symbols. It easily makes or breaks a story. I'd really recommend any writer read Anatomy Of Story by John Truby and maybe watch Brandon Sanderson's lectures on writing, they're all on RUclips.
I'd say; read both good and bad. You can learn from both. :)
what book series is this
I really liked the last point. To remember to enjoy yourself in the process. As an achiever or goal getter, you are constantly hunting your next achievment or goal, not thinking about what you accomplished, or how fun the process is. Enjoy it! Thanks Evan for these inspiring videos!
Glad you enjoyed it, and glad to hear you are inspired, thanks for watching Andreas! :) #BTA1439 Veljko
This is very inspiring, thank you!
I myself love to write fiction as a side hobby to let my creativity go! I often am writing various ideas in my head and most of the time they can come out of the blue such as fixing a plot hole that I didn't even realize I had without even trying to think of it. That inspiration can come out of nowhere! It is very enjoyable for me. One reason why I don't pursue writing as a career is for the fear of hating it if I'm forced to write. Besides, that's not the only thing that I am passionate about. :)
This advice can go well beyond writing. Make good art! Do what you care about! Do new things! Persevere!
Go for what you are passionate about! Don't give up! You really never know what you can create or contribute until you just do it!
Glad you're feeling inspired #Believe :) #BTA1474 Veljko
Neil is truly a world treasure
Agreed #Believe :) #BTA1568 Veljko
I just finished the Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman and man it was amazing. I read the graphic novel and the illustrations were amazing also. The characters are so like able, Silas and Bod Owens are such good characters. I know Neil Gaiman said he'll probably never make sequels but I feel like the story should continue, maybe even as a prequel about Silas past. :)
Thanks for sharing and for watching. :) #BTA251 Shine
+Evan Carmichael your welcome, I'll definitely be reading more from Neil in the future when I get the chance. Such an amazing writer. :)
What's so encouraging is that a writer of Gaiman's caliber advises people to write, finish things, write more things, write what's next... The secret of the doing of the thing is the doing of the thing.
Thank you for sharing with us, John. #Believe :) #BTA1139 Luka
What I love, fellow Carmichael, is: ignore the rules. I have seen so many videos about "rules" to follow. Neil Gaiman is awesome. Persevere: yes I will. I have so many words and ideas in my head that I'm bursting at the seams. I'm 62 and have been around the world and number 10 is enjoy the ride. I definitely will. I love writing.
My dad used to get mad at me because in all of our travels through the Caribbean, Brazil, etc. I had a pad of paper, writing down everything I saw and felt. Unfortunately I don't have those papers but that's okay. I still love writing. It's my passion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts #Believe :) #BTA1500 Veljko
Yes create something from the pain, the sorrow, the joy, the love or disappointment . Find a creative outlet, a way of communicating you. Make good art. Love it. Don't drink. Make good art. Don't get wrecked. Make good art. Not mediocre art, good art. Craft, take time, concentrate, enjoy doing this art, do your best. Thanks Neil.
😊💛 #Believe - Feb (from Evan’s team)
Close eyes and listen , He sounds like Severus Snape 😁😁
Lol :) #BTA1098 Luka
I liked almost every point of this video... I also liked his books, but today, I stumbled across this video and in my opinion, he is a really wise Man... For me, the most important part was "nobody gets to be you, except you... nobody has the same point of you as you have..."...and also "just read everything you can and write as much as you can"...
but it's really hard for me to choose any of the points, because most of the Things he said were really touching for me...
Thank you for sharing your thoughts ad for watching Elias. :) #BelieveNation #BTA688 Shine
I'd never heard Gaiman before, and really enjoyed his personality. I am a little more likely to write something despite the frustration.
Thank you for sharing with us and thanks for watching. :) #BelieveNation #BTA738 Luka
This year I've been told I'm too valgur in my stand up I should be clean. Messed up thing is I have never directed my words to anyone I just tell my truth. I was thinking of censoring myself, but it's just not me, so I got the writer's block and confused. I needed to hear this!!!! Thank you for uploading
You're welcome Siya. Glad it helped, much love 😊❤️ #Believe - Feb
Hands down , My favorite top 10 video of all time. Second is Viola Davis. Thank you Evan ❤️
Glad you liked it and the Viola Davis top 10 rules Nakia. :) Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA400 Shine
'oh, shiny!' :D
Wojtysław L That's me!
That had to be my favorite part of this video. *lol*
Thanks Evan! The words of Neil helped me write my 1st book. You are an amazing entrepreneur- thanks Evan
Awesome to know his words inspired you Gregory. :) More power to you! #BelieveNation #BTA303 Shine
Love Gaiman thank u for putting down his ideas. It gave me power for the next few hours
Glad you enjoyed it :) #BTA1296 Luka
Wow, Evan, you're right in number one rule: Make Good Art, because that was true. This rule is the same rule from George Lucas: Follow Your Passion, because it tells whatever you capable of doing like musician, art, anthroplogy, scientists, writer, cartoonist, dancers, singers, etc. But all you had to do by discipline your doing to make a good art. As a inspiring writer, I always kept following those things what I passionate about, because I cared all of them. Well good rules Neil, because I influcenced his work as a storytelling.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching #Believe :) #BTA1653 Veljko
That last little part was beautiful..
Glad you are feeling it Lee. 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
2) Do what you care about is my favorite. that way it will not feel like work....ever. #Believenation #BTA19
actually its #BTA20 LOL
Thanks for the comment Eric. Totally agree with that. :) #BTA220 Shine
:D #BelieveNation #BTA220 Shine
Neil Gaiman's Top 10 Rules For Success
Rule number 4: Ignore the rules
You missed the point. #BTA1239 Luka
@@EvanCarmichael It was just a joke bro
T R I G G E R E D
Omg! I love him even more!
💕 #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
Fantastic advice for writing and life itself from Neil Gaiman!
Thanks for watching. #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
Another great video! Love your channel Evan!
My favourite is number 7: Walk towards the mountain
Glad you loved the channel, I hope the videos are always inspiring and motivating you Isabel. :) Thanks for the comment and for watching. Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
Sixteen, here! Any recent watchers? Neil Gaiman is the best, so inspirational. I am currently trying to do 2000 words a day and want to up that number soon, wish me luck!
That's great Agafia. Glad you're feeling inspired! Thanks for watching! 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
Write what YOU care about! YES!!!! Ignore the rules! I can SO do that! Thank you Neil!
I posted this and two other vids like this (J.K. Rowling and Stephen King) the same point comes up. Persevere . Keep at it.
Glad you're feeling inspired! Thanks for watching! 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
Check out my NEWEST video: goo.gl/E0eE6m
Evan Carmichael i love how you help people to go through life challenge by showing them a lole models to be emulated and learn from. can you please work on David Goggins (born 1975) is a Navy SEAL and former USAF Tactical Air Control Party member who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is an ultramarathon runner.
His speech almost made me cry:'(:-)
Thanks for sharing your feelings and for watching Kate. :) Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA311 Shine
I want to stand up and applaud right now, but I don't think he would hear it...
Thanks for the comment and for watching. :) #Believe #BTA540 Shine
Yep, it's good advice, and not just for art. It works for anything that needs creativity and intelligence - and that's pretty much everything. From mixing cement to mixing an album.
Glad it's helpful Stefan :) #BTA1208 Luka
Loved the dandelion seeds idea. Spread your ideas like dandelions!
:) #BTA1242 Luka
ideas come from confluence and daydreaming. Thanks. #BTA287
True. :) Thanks for watching Paul. #BTA219 Shine
I love hearing him speak
😊💛 #Believe - Feb
He seems humble snd he’d so funny lol
Thanks for watching Elizabeth :) #BTA1211 Luka
All this advice was so comforting 💕
Glad to know you feel that way Emer. :) #Believe #BTA604 Shine
Your video motivated me to be absolutely honest in my writing
Happy to know that. 😊 #Believe - Feb
Love this man. Great Philosophy!
Thanks for watching :) #BTA1313 Luka
Haven't read his work yet but he sounds like an amazing author.
Thanks for watching! 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
thx. the bonus is awesome
Glad you liked it. :) Thanks for watching! #BelieveNation #BTA278 Shine
Super... I love Neil Gaiman... this is so inspiring. Thanks for the video.
Glad to know you found it inspiring mokai1618. :) Thanks for watching! #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
Well even becoming a journalist is a difficult career to access....
His advice is great and mostly down to earth.
Couldn't agree more. 😊 #Believe - Feb
Dear Evan Carmichael, you bring together, great speakers!
Thank you Adrienne. :) Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
Thank you for advice given.
You're welcome, Helen. Happy to know it resonated with you. 😊 #Believe - Feb
This is awesome. More on writers please! I've listened to all the other ones already. Love the series you do, Evan. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it Monique, thanks for the support :) #BTA1317 Luka
Amazing montage. Thank you.
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it. 😊 #Believe - Feb
Needed this today.
Glad it helped, sending love your way. 💛 #Believe - Feb
This is truly great! Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome Anna, glad that you like it 😊💛 #Believe - Mark
Thanks Evan!
Thanks for the appreciation and for watching T Funk. :) #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
Enjoy the ride - I'm just learning this lesson now. It's an important one :)
🙌 much love #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
Make art.... don't worry about good ...bad art is still important and a step in the process.
😊 #Believe - Feb (from Evan’s team)
It think the question at the end where do writers get their ideas from is more critical then when think and could be phrased as where do ideas come from. The answer itself could lead into other dimensions and the hold the meaning of life itself. It's a very interesting question when you think about it. "Where do ideas come from."
Thank you for sharing with us. It's indeed a really great question! :) #BelieveNation #BTA423 Luka
Excellent video. Great writer and great advice! Imagination is the key to success.
Thanks for appreciating and watching. 😊 #Believe - Feb
Writing is fucking hard work
Price of being great :)
Thanks Evan, Brilliant
Glad you liked it Alessandra. :) Thank you very much for watching! #Believe #BTA521 Shine
Would love to see you do - Stephen Spielburg - Reese Witherspoon - Natalie Portman - Helen Mirren - Glenn Close - Robert Downey Junior - Dan Brown -
:) #BTA1326 Luka
Thanks for putting up this video.
Thanks for the love Ruhi :) #BTA1051 Luka
I loved this video
Glad that you loved it LJ. 💛😊 #Believe - Dondon
This is so well done! Thank you!
Glad you like it Deborah :) #BTA1176 Luka
Great vid. loads of great advice for any upcoming writers out there.
Glad you liked it, much love. 😊💛 #Believe - Feb
Thankyou ❤️ beautiful ❤️❤️❤️
You're much welcome. 😊 #Believe - Feb
Thank you for making this video! I really enjoyed listening to him. He taught me a lot.
#7 almost made me cry for some reason.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us Ramzy. #Believe #BTA453 Shine
Anyone else get creeped out by that laugh really close to the camera?
But in all seriousness, loved this video. Thank you! Plus the fun facts were super cool.
You're very welcome. Much love 😊💛 #Believe - Feb
Love it! Persevere #Learn #TeachTrainEducate
Great to know you loved it Marla. :) #BelieveNation #BTA450 Shine
He really seems like a lovely man. I would love to meet him.
Much love Ernie :) #BTA1156 Luka
I just discovered this guy he is a true inspiration. I am trying to become a author and I am starting to make some videos to build my confidence and stay positive. Check out my videos if you want to give some constructive feedback. Happy New year!
Great to know he inspires you Dylan. Keep up to good work! All the best! :) #BTA372 Shine
I just got back int writing and im trying to build my confidence too, and I will check out your videos and maybe subscribe to you :)
Dylan Sullivan who cares? just shut up and get on with it..
That was really helpfu! Thanks so much!
Heart eyes. I swear.
Thanks for watching and for the comment blindsay21. :) #BTA532 Shine
Great video, followings dreams
Thanks for the comment and for watching. :) #BTA219 Shine
FASCINATING! thank you so much
Glad you liked it Yael. Thank you very much for watching. #BTA220 Shine
All are good, but walk towards the mountain, persevere, and try more hit home. Keep your eyes on the prize, keep going, and try more things. Too many people are sidetracked from the prize.
Thanks for the comment and for watching Fredrick. :) Agree, it is important to keep going and focus on the prize. #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
I love Neil Gaiman and the spirit of what he's saying. However, I am a little frustrated when someone who's now successful says "don't worry about what's marketable and don't care about the rules" as if it's no big deal. The gatekeepers of the publishing industry are extremely cynical, and they will outright mock you for being a dreamer. You can't even get an agent anymore unless your book is ready to be optioned into a movie, and the editors are often being coached by movie executives as to what's acceptable and what is not. These are the reasons I publish independently, but I pay the penalty in that almost no one sees my work. I have accepted that because I love the stories I tell, but I wouldn't go in front of a group and say "just do what you believe and it will come true." Unfortunately, one typically has to choose between the cynical life of following trends to be successful, or do what you believe in to not be. There are a very, VERY few exceptions, I realize, (mostly older people when the publishing industry wasn't controlled by the film industry,) but most of the time it will be one or the other.
Jeff McArthur I feel you!
I'm glad JK Rowling's dumb tweet didn't keep you from making videos about British authors. Thank you and your team for the good work! :)
which one?
Glad you liked it Gerrit. :) Thanks for your appreciation and support. Much love. #BelieveNation #BTA219 Shine
hey Evan, thank you for sharing your, i have gotten to know a lot of great people since I subscribe your channel and watch it every night. My favourites are number 9 and 10 equally.
Glad to know that the channel have a part in introducing you to great people drg. :) Thank you for subscribing and for being part of #BelieveNation. :) Much love. #BTA219 Shine
Be blessed x 1,000,000!!!😊😊😊
Thanks for watching! 😊 #Believe - Feb
Thank you very much for your videos! They really inspire to follow one's dreams and heart! :)
Glad to know our videos inspire you to #Believe and take action to pursue your dream Yavidan. :) Thank you very much for the appreciation and for watching! #BTA516 Shine
Thanks Evan. We have the same last name!!! My ancestor is the Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Thanks for watching #Believe :) #BTA1500 Veljko
As a lifelong artist I suggest ''make art'' is a more reasonable focus. Making ''good art'' is too subjective.
I say start doodling and scribbling and if all you get is the doodle, or some half baked idea on a napkin you've at least started to shift yourself to the next moment.
And that's what we need during the rough times. We need to carry on.
We need to move instead of being anesthetized and paralyzed, and stuck in that bad situation. 🙃
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for watching. 😊 #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
Morpheus !!!
Thanks for the comment and for watching. #BTA447 Shine
Great advice from a very funny man! :D
Glad you like it :) #BTA1288 Luka
inspiring
Glad to know you found it inspiring Rakesh. #BTA219 Shine
I loved him in the Harry Potter movies.
😊💛 #Believe - Feb (from Evan’s team)
Can you do one on Walter Molsey or Eric Jerome Dickey?
Thank you very much for your suggestion but it would be great if you could post your request under this video: ruclips.net/video/0arZb0xLIDM/видео.html If more people would vote or like your request and there are available videos/clips for it, we might do a Top 10 rules video for it. Much love. :) #BelieveNation #BTA1268 Luka
It’s also easier to write if you fancy, if you can still have somewhere to live and food.
🥺 #Believe - Feb (from Evan's team)
I get it 👍
😊💛 #Believe - Feb ( from Evan's team )
Freelance work compared with a bottle with a message on a desert island..Great example!!
Thanks for watching Kritin! #BTA1049 Luka
Hi. Rule 4 and 9 are inter related,,may I submit. When you are ignoring the rules, are we trying more. Great.
Thanks for sharing your opinion and for watching. 😊 #Believe - Feb
1:02 so true and poignant!
Thanks for watching :) #BTA954 Luka
I have no idea what I want to do for a career and I've been researching for quite some time now and still nothing. Any suggestions on how I can figure this out?
Thanks for sharing Tyler, perhaps these videos might be of help to you: ruclips.net/video/FbkowWiQXV8/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/P-NRJNSEIsA/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/n7MLw6rxfwo/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/oPKGg1SJrzQ/видео.html / ruclips.net/video/VxblCegIfMs/видео.html ruclips.net/video/1VH0GKUjMws/видео.html & ruclips.net/video/Nl_xzhHc_xs/видео.html All the best to finding what you really want and love to do. Always #Believe in yourself. #BTA219 Shine
Wow, you went the extra mile digging up those links :) Great job.
So, did you figure it out?