I love the first hack or idea that ana gave. I am sure i will am going to use it to plot my current book. I was always confused how to plot my book. Drawing down the points is really helpfull.
I think the best plotting advice came from Shawn Coyne of Story Grid. Basically, the idea that each scene or chapter should start with one state of emotion and end with another; i.e, a scene starts positive and ends on a negative, or vice versa. Then you take the emotional state from the previous scene and work to change it. Not only keeps a scene from being meaningless, but actively helps you have a direction for each scene you're plotting.
honestly, I plot to an extent. Just the basics so characters, short scenes, worldbuilding. the other parts of the story I like to discover, as the characters discover.
Discover writing is fun! Unfortunately my brain refuses to let me actually write without some kind of plan, so I’ve started “discover plotting” which is basically discovering chaos within the plot as I plot my book 😂 I have no doubt my characters will unexpectedly hijack the story at some point anyways, regardless of my not-so-carefully laid plans
That's good too but it can also lead to a mary sue for your main character and a bunch of annoying other characters. I am being honest with you and I don't want to hurt you in any way. I used to do this but fully establishing your characters from back stories to deep personalities will lead to better characters that viewers can relate to. Writing them as you go can also be inconsistent. That's a good way too but I still suggest you fully establish your characters first.
@@waterylemon6880 thank you for the tip, I always think about my characters a lot before I start, but I also establish them while I'm writing through the years. They're all better since I started 4 years ago. I understand your statement tho.
I think I found my life's purpose. Writing a story and creating a universe and making art, statues, and architecture around it 😭 Thank you, this was very helpful
One year later. How is it going? I have a passion like that too. Like making plotd and writing stories and making movies maybe OR cartoons and the things around that
When I finish a story I love to imagine those characters in situations that didn't happen in the book and it makes me so giddy so I decided to write my own. I've never written anything but essays for school so I'm very excited. Being in control of every aspect of the story sounds amazing to me. Now I can turn the scenes I've always imagined into a story😌
@@michaeljacksheeheen same and my biggest problem is that the story sounds so good in my head but I just can't write it down properly and it makes me feel so bad 😭🤌
@@ravenpanda i have the same problem , the scenes look so cool and real in my head but when i write , the scene almost never lives up to my expectations 😭
THANK YOU! for using examples. I understand why most people don't give examples because they don't want to spoil their book, but I really appreciate you sharing. I am a very visual learner but also I always need someone to show me an example or walk me through the process so I know what it looks like. This is so helpful!!! So thank you thank you thank you!
This was the first video on plotting that has not made me feel overwhelmed, especially as someone who will do everything but plot because of how frustrating I can get. Thank you for this video!
The vomit plot dump was so helpful for Preptober. I'm terrible at idea generation but it felt somehow easier using this method. After, I went over it and fleshed it out a bit more - I've never fully plot anything, so I guess this is a thank you for helping me achieve that feat.
writing hack: create a document that's just random scenes that you feel like need to be in your story. writing hack: when you plot a scene, if you feel stuck try writing like: Noah: how's the leg? Noah: **frowns as he looks closer at Carter** Noah: **turns to Harper** did we do that? I don't think we did that. Ruby: **shakes her head** he did that to himself. Carter: **grimacing** dropped knife. not good. writing hack: write stuff down on sticky notes so you can just look to the side of your computer and see important things. Also the "movie script dialogue" is from my book. :)
Wow! I cant express how much this helped meee! im 12 and trying to start my own novel but had no idea where to start until i found your channel ❤ thank you so much! edit- hi! im 13 now, and ive improved so so much! ty again!💗
i LOVE plotting, and i absolutely loved the setting advice! it really helps, ( even if your character is in one place such as a castle the different rooms really help to have it all together and see the flow!) thank you!!!
Hey! I wanted to ask. I’m working on a high school story. The life of a perfect student. And I’m not so good at plotting. Would you maybe like to help me with brainstorming ideas? I really would love to finally begin my story haha, but its like I’m my own antagonist pff…
@@jagodatame5731 I know this is a year old but do you like plotting or not? because if you don't and you find stories are working without doing so, then no need to, but if its not working without or you want structure you can try writing what will happen across the story, key character details, setting and see if this works for you. But I am no writing expert and I don't really plot. I have a basic outline and if need write down bits for later, as I go along. If you still want to, for any story, feel free to bounce some ideas of this comment and I will see if I or maybe another commenter can help at all.
This is very similar to what I like to call the 24 method. SETTING IT UP: 4x6 squares. Label them 1-24 going vertical or horizontal doesn’t matter. In box 1. You want to, for example if you’re writing your first chapter, write a one sentence summary at most of what happens. Could be anything from, “name putting away laundry,” “name reading a book,” or, “wind something about wind blowing, it’s pretty,” anything like that. And then go to the 24. box and write how you want that chapter to end. If you can. Then you can kind of step back and plot certain scenes that you had in your head somewhere on the chart and fill in the gaps. Another thing if you don’t have a sentence summary just play what I like to call, “trigger words,” i’ll use an example i’ve seen of mine has something to do with the bird. I wrote, “bird scene.” And now when I go to actually write I have a guideline of how to write things. I tend to get tripped up when I have a whole blank page staring at me. But when I write little scenes at a time and then mush them together it becomes a lot easier. Hope this helps! DM on Pinterest if you have questions. @cat_i12
i wish you had shown a completed plot table! i love this video and will visit your others, just the small screenshots were a little confusing ( 2:18 ) I've literally only been writing character scenes for 2+ years and have been to confused/afraid on plotting but finally researching how lead me here! thank you!
The settings idea makes sense to me. Because, if you know your characters, and you know (literally) WHERE you want them to get in the story, and even the changes in character that can happen in that particular setting, or the changes needed for them in order to even get there... It gives your brain a direction to go, you may not have a detailed map yet, but you have road signs, landmarks, etc., to help you get from point A to point B.
I'm so glad someone else uses setting to help them plot! Fleshing out the setting (even if it's as simple as naming locations) makes the story beats in my head feel less abstract. It can be time-consuming, but I like drawing little maps to help visualize them.
This was so succinct and very helpful. I create worlds and adventures for Dungeons & Dragons, but I get so lost just trying to plot out the main acts. It's insane how quickly a couple of twists turns into a tangled mess. This method should really help! I subbed cause your channel looks like a gold mine for getting me out of this writing block.
I just found this, and I love it. I'm a new writer and I have never been able to plot out my story. The way you do it makes it so much easier, and I'm having a much easier time with ploting out my series.
Ok how did you know that I needed this video?!! As I said last time I’m doing a book based on a song and I have been making mood boards on Pinterest to help me drugging the plotting. I never thought about adding a table, my Docs are always a mess and I have many many “brain vomit” docs! How have your projects been going?
this is such an amazing method, I can't wait to use it. I've done a big brain dump for my story(/stories) but I really needed a chapter outline to keep me on track. But the second I start outlining it's over for me 🤣 even looking at scene cards cuz tbh not every chapter has one peak moment. Maybe it's bad writing on my end, but I feel like this method gives SO much more freedom for recovering pantsers 😂💖 so thank you for sharing!
While this style of story structure is so simple, I think it’s the most effective. Back when I wanted to be an author as a legitimate full time job (I’m now into voice work), I had something similar where I would briefly summarize what would happen in each chapter before writing. Obviously, none of the stories I had planned for panned out, but this actually makes me want to create again. Thank You 😊
i have been trying to watch this video because i have this idea of a fantasy book because my dad died recently (he loves fantasy) and i want to memorialize him so finally being able to watch this has been so helpful and now i know what i need to do to jumpstart it. so thank you and I'll be watching more of your videos
Just saying, I have never loved an author more than I love you. I am an ADHD person and I have NEVER been good at plotting. I have tried so many templates and each time they give me a headache. But this is such a wonderful idea. I am going to use this to plan my novel. I am also a very young author, so hopefully I don't delete this novel like I have my others.
Hello! I have been thinking of making a horror book. I have always wanted to make my own creepy chapter book. My uncle is going to be the illustrator for the cover, he is really talented! You inspire me so much, thank you for the advice.
I just got the greatest idea for a fantasy series while listening to and trying your process. Thanks!!! I’ve been trying to come up with an idea for a magic system for forever! 🥰
Normally, I just think about what the story is going to be about, and I follow my own way, so I basically just write as I go along. It makes it way easier then stressing about what’s going to happen. And when it’s done I think about what can be changed to make it seem better just incase I don’t think it’s good enough.
I just watched another writer's video after yours and she mentioned to write to your audience and I felt this is why the science of doing the plot I feel I can use however what you are showing us is I feel how to let the audience into the world of the author, this is my hidden kingdom, idea and this is how to reach the audience with it and it feels like how I like to read a novel to keep me company, as though I am in the company of the author and that's how I feel you are teaching.
LOL re "Document names" & "Brain Vomit." Before you were born (that's who old I am!) I was a legal secretary for a San Francisco law firm. I was a WordPerfect (then the dominant word processing application) expert, and so always worked on the really LONG court filings. WordPerfect coders/engineers thought "no one will write a document longer than 100 pages. Obviously, they didn't know lawyers. So I had to break the documents up for the really long ones. And would name them things like: "Big Boy," "Brother," "The Really Big One," etc. Months later I'd be asked which went where, and I had NO IDEA! But at least I was using actual words! Thanks for the great tips!
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I have pretty severe ADHD and really struggle with actually outlining an entire plot before I start writing because I am so impatient to just get to the exciting writing stage (which has led to a lot of abandoned half-finished, messy projects lol). This seems like a really accessible system, though, and I'm excited to give it a try with the sapphic fantasy novel I'm currently planning~
I stumbled upon your video and used this method. I am like you. I have ideas for beginning and the end but the in between comes short. I've got five chapters already plotted out to this method and I find myself writing more ideas out. It's a great tool to keep the book going, but also works if you're a pantser.
I've been writing for years but have always struggled with plots, mainly because I never did so :,) This video was so helpful to me! And has inspired to pick my pen back up and continue this journey
I just recently started to write a webtoon and honestly the tips in this video really helped me to get a better idea of how I want to plot my story. because boy was I lost about how to go from a to b! thank you for the video really appreciate it
I've done something like this before, with the table in the word doc! It definitely helps a lot of ideas just flow naturally. I struggle a lot with coming up with a plot. I really love introspection and seeing how my characters interact with each other and learning about their internal conflict, but when it comes to things happening outside of them, I get stuck. I'll definitely be trying this method when I get more ideas for my story :)
the setting hack is actually so incredible, like i just added so much more depth to my brimming fantasy wip. also, i have a pre-outline doc where i purge every thought and want for the book. which is mostly the beginning, end, and then i vomit a bunch of 'things to do' at the end for the middle.
Watching your videos while I write is so interesting because you have such a cozy vibe and the book I'm writing is a dark cyberpunk book lmao (great video tho! Definitely will be using some of these tips)
@@ananeu ahh thank you! My book is in the rough stages right now (developing plot, detailed world building etc.) But what I can say is the main character's an Android, and what he goes through is... Rough to say the least lol
I read so much and think so much about how to write yet its just like impossible I love rick riordans books and I want mine to be like that and be just as awesome
I think that's called pansing...being a panser instead of a plotter (not sure if that's even its spelling). Just means you improvise. S'all good. Whatever works.
You are very helpful Ana. I saw one video of you at the perfect time and now I'm subscribed. You are a lifesaver and you've potentially given me ideas for half of my book
I've done this a number of times before-plotting a novel in the space of a 24 hour day. Looked upon it as a personal challenge. I did not sit down at a computer. I got up early in the day, took a long hike in the wilderness and simply thought about my story, what it was going to be about, who it was going to be about. Form follows function-developing the characters, knowing their personal bents, it all follows logically from that. I do my best composing while walking. Occasionally I'll take notes, but keeping it in my head for the most part, forces me to focus and get everything straight. The music while you were plotting, sounds like something by Saint-Saëns
I can't even describe how helpful this is. I always prance through ideas and it's annoying. Every point you brought up almost called me out! Thank you so much, much luck with the story
I like this because I can't be like I can use what you just showed us and because I can't use it, I feel I can grasp what you are telling us. I feel that I can practice from what you are teaching. That I can learn from myself by your showing us how to do the plot.
I started writing my first book 2 years ago and am reluctantly rewriting it for the final time. its really made me lose the spark and NEED to write and this video has motivated me to continue another novel while finishing the last draft of the first book. THANK YOU!! I WAS GETTING UPSET THAT I WAS TOO BORED TO WRITE and so this really helped!!
I've never thought about using settings for plotting! I also love how simple and easy this process is! While this video is directed towards novelists, I think this will definetly help me plot my comic. Thank you so much!
I don't even think I can begin to explain how much I love your channel. You're such a big inspiration to me! ❤️ Could you make a video about tips for coming up with plot ideas? I love making little scenes with my characters but I want to use them in my novel.
Never heard of brainvomit until I saw this, and it practically saved the story I'm writing. Heck, I keep a piece of paper next to my pillow now for all the random ideas I get at night 😅 Thank you, Ana! ❤
Thank you so much for this amazing video! You are such an inspiration and you have really inspired me to start writing my comic. 😊 Keep up the amazing works! 💕
Wow! I am a teen and am trying to be an author! I have written a few western novels, but they all sounded flat and boring. However, with your outlining method on Google Docs, I can finally write a good story! I hope to publish it soon! Thank you so much for this video. :)
i’m always 10 hours late to your videos but im here 💖 i’m literally getting so inspired by a lot of things including YOU recently, and i’ve had a surge of story ideas that constantly come to me while i watch a tv show or if i stare at the blank wall in the middle of the night. this came at the perfect time !! i cannot plot for the life of me, and this really helped, i didn’t even know google docs HAD tables 😃😃 thanks again, ana
hii! a thing i do is blurt out ideas then i color code. green is early story, yellow is mid-story, and red is ending. i then color code how i want the story to play out! :)
i had an idea for a novel maybe abt a yr ago, however, before i started writing i realised how the narrative and the idea i had seemed to clashed together as a single novel, so i decided to split in2 multiples novels with time jumps between almost all of them, then i also realised there were possible spin-off novels/short stories/novellas/short story collections and so i started to plan out the universe i wanted this entire narrative to be written in (key locations, where my characters live etc.), then i started planning out characters (what they want, where they'd be, what's there purpose etc.) after which i started creating a timeline in order to plan where and when each narrative was taking place using the main series as the main point (which i intend to consist of six novels, so weather the spin-offs take place after or before the events of the series or in between two novels or at the same time as a novel etc.) after which i started planning and outlining each novel and now i kinda have this world planned out, i also mainly did this so i didnt have continuity issues and could continuously build the world up.
I use two apps when I write, google docs and plout. I write out and plan my chapters on google docs, because I make lots of spelling errors. I use pluot to organize and detail my characters and setting. I also make plit and story lines on there. One of the biggest struggles is motivation, which I usually eventually defeat and start writing after a while again.
I don't know if you've already uploaded a video like that but I would love a video about how to come up with scenes! I ALWAYSSS struggle with that, like I'll have a vague idea but then I feel like it's already been done/too contrived.
I love the first hack or idea that ana gave. I am sure i will am going to use it to plot my current book. I was always confused how to plot my book. Drawing down the points is really helpfull.
Hi
I’ve a great story, but not good at writing. Could you help. Thanks
Just subscribed too! :)
♥♥
Am I going to be using this for fanfiction? Yes, yes I am
heheheheheheh you go girl
FR
same lmao
SAME LMAO
no thats why i looked for this video- edit: the comment didn't event exist for 2 minutes and someone liked it- w h a t
I think the best plotting advice came from Shawn Coyne of Story Grid. Basically, the idea that each scene or chapter should start with one state of emotion and end with another; i.e, a scene starts positive and ends on a negative, or vice versa. Then you take the emotional state from the previous scene and work to change it. Not only keeps a scene from being meaningless, but actively helps you have a direction for each scene you're plotting.
this is actually really good advice, deffo using this. ty for sharing !!
I love that! What a great tip
Loved it
I'm basically seeing Umineko all over again
Great ideaaaa
honestly, I plot to an extent. Just the basics so characters, short scenes, worldbuilding. the other parts of the story I like to discover, as the characters discover.
discover writing is so ooo fun!! used to be me, and loki still is haha
Discover writing is fun! Unfortunately my brain refuses to let me actually write without some kind of plan, so I’ve started “discover plotting” which is basically discovering chaos within the plot as I plot my book 😂 I have no doubt my characters will unexpectedly hijack the story at some point anyways, regardless of my not-so-carefully laid plans
That's good too but it can also lead to a mary sue for your main character and a bunch of annoying other characters. I am being honest with you and I don't want to hurt you in any way. I used to do this but fully establishing your characters from back stories to deep personalities will lead to better characters that viewers can relate to. Writing them as you go can also be inconsistent. That's a good way too but I still suggest you fully establish your characters first.
@@waterylemon6880 thank you for the tip, I always think about my characters a lot before I start, but I also establish them while I'm writing through the years. They're all better since I started 4 years ago. I understand your statement tho.
@@ananeu same
I think I found my life's purpose. Writing a story and creating a universe and making art, statues, and architecture around it 😭
Thank you, this was very helpful
Aw yay
It's great that you found something you love. I wish you the best in all your writing endeavours.
how have things been going so far?
@@______yawn6419 right now, I'm making the story for the characters so the outfits would make sense. And I did research and drew designs of them. 😁
One year later. How is it going?
I have a passion like that too. Like making plotd and writing stories and making movies maybe OR cartoons and the things around that
When I finish a story I love to imagine those characters in situations that didn't happen in the book and it makes me so giddy so I decided to write my own. I've never written anything but essays for school so I'm very excited. Being in control of every aspect of the story sounds amazing to me. Now I can turn the scenes I've always imagined into a story😌
Same, the perks of being an author
I have so many stories in my head, I just don’t know how to write them
@@michaeljacksheeheen same and my biggest problem is that the story sounds so good in my head but I just can't write it down properly and it makes me feel so bad 😭🤌
@@ravenpanda i have the same problem , the scenes look so cool and real in my head but when i write , the scene almost never lives up to my expectations 😭
This is such a mood 😭
You’ve inspired me to write my own book
😄 good luck!!
ahh! i wish you the best!! this is sooo exciting you can do it!!
ooh yay Good luck!
How it’s going? :)
How did it go?
THANK YOU! for using examples. I understand why most people don't give examples because they don't want to spoil their book, but I really appreciate you sharing. I am a very visual learner but also I always need someone to show me an example or walk me through the process so I know what it looks like. This is so helpful!!! So thank you thank you thank you!
This was the first video on plotting that has not made me feel overwhelmed, especially as someone who will do everything but plot because of how frustrating I can get. Thank you for this video!
The vomit plot dump was so helpful for Preptober. I'm terrible at idea generation but it felt somehow easier using this method. After, I went over it and fleshed it out a bit more - I've never fully plot anything, so I guess this is a thank you for helping me achieve that feat.
writing hack: create a document that's just random scenes that you feel like need to be in your story.
writing hack: when you plot a scene, if you feel stuck try writing like:
Noah: how's the leg?
Noah: **frowns as he looks closer at Carter**
Noah: **turns to Harper** did we do that? I don't think we did that.
Ruby: **shakes her head** he did that to himself.
Carter: **grimacing** dropped knife. not good.
writing hack: write stuff down on sticky notes so you can just look to the side of your computer and see important things.
Also the "movie script dialogue" is from my book. :)
I do the script style all the time, it's so useful!
All of my stories start as a premise with random seems that have to be in a particular order just because I said so 😂
Wow! I cant express how much this helped meee! im 12 and trying to start my own novel but had no idea where to start until i found your channel ❤ thank you so much!
edit- hi! im 13 now, and ive improved so so much! ty again!💗
When she was talking about her struggle with connecting two points and how to get to a certain point in a story I literally felt her pain 😂
i LOVE plotting, and i absolutely loved the setting advice! it really helps, ( even if your character is in one place such as a castle the different rooms really help to have it all together and see the flow!) thank you!!!
Hey! I wanted to ask. I’m working on a high school story. The life of a perfect student. And I’m not so good at plotting. Would you maybe like to help me with brainstorming ideas? I really would love to finally begin my story haha, but its like I’m my own antagonist pff…
@@jagodatame5731 I know this is a year old but do you like plotting or not? because if you don't and you find stories are working without doing so, then no need to, but if its not working without or you want structure you can try writing what will happen across the story, key character details, setting and see if this works for you.
But I am no writing expert and I don't really plot. I have a basic outline and if need write down bits for later, as I go along.
If you still want to, for any story, feel free to bounce some ideas of this comment and I will see if I or maybe another commenter can help at all.
This is very similar to what I like to call the 24 method.
SETTING IT UP: 4x6 squares. Label them 1-24 going vertical or horizontal doesn’t matter.
In box 1. You want to, for example if you’re writing your first chapter, write a one sentence summary at most of what happens. Could be anything from, “name putting away laundry,” “name reading a book,” or, “wind something about wind blowing, it’s pretty,” anything like that. And then go to the 24. box and write how you want that chapter to end. If you can. Then you can kind of step back and plot certain scenes that you had in your head somewhere on the chart and fill in the gaps. Another thing if you don’t have a sentence summary just play what I like to call, “trigger words,” i’ll use an example i’ve seen of mine has something to do with the bird. I wrote, “bird scene.” And now when I go to actually write I have a guideline of how to write things. I tend to get tripped up when I have a whole blank page staring at me. But when I write little scenes at a time and then mush them together it becomes a lot easier. Hope this helps! DM on Pinterest if you have questions. @cat_i12
This video definitely got me in a writing mood! As someone who doesn't think about chapter structure all that much, this will be really helpful :)
i wish you had shown a completed plot table! i love this video and will visit your others, just the small screenshots were a little confusing ( 2:18 ) I've literally only been writing character scenes for 2+ years and have been to confused/afraid on plotting but finally researching how lead me here! thank you!
The settings idea makes sense to me.
Because, if you know your characters, and you know (literally) WHERE you want them to get in the story, and even the changes in character that can happen in that particular setting, or the changes needed for them in order to even get there...
It gives your brain a direction to go, you may not have a detailed map yet, but you have road signs, landmarks, etc., to help you get from point A to point B.
"Does that makes sense?"
Yes. Yes, it does. Everything you said, made sense to my core! Love the advice! Thank you.
awww yayyy!! im so glad🥺
This helped me so much! I’ve been thinking about this plot in my head for so long and never stop making videos you always help me with my books!
this video is just what I needed!! I've been trying to plot a story for about a week now but this is very helpful 😊
I'm so glad someone else uses setting to help them plot! Fleshing out the setting (even if it's as simple as naming locations) makes the story beats in my head feel less abstract. It can be time-consuming, but I like drawing little maps to help visualize them.
This was so succinct and very helpful. I create worlds and adventures for Dungeons & Dragons, but I get so lost just trying to plot out the main acts. It's insane how quickly a couple of twists turns into a tangled mess. This method should really help! I subbed cause your channel looks like a gold mine for getting me out of this writing block.
I just found this, and I love it. I'm a new writer and I have never been able to plot out my story. The way you do it makes it so much easier, and I'm having a much easier time with ploting out my series.
I finally plotted my book that’s been cooking in my head for three years, thank you so much
Thought I was the only one who's been bothered by a story for years 😭😭
Ok how did you know that I needed this video?!! As I said last time I’m doing a book based on a song and I have been making mood boards on Pinterest to help me drugging the plotting. I never thought about adding a table, my Docs are always a mess and I have many many “brain vomit” docs! How have your projects been going?
this is such an amazing method, I can't wait to use it. I've done a big brain dump for my story(/stories) but I really needed a chapter outline to keep me on track. But the second I start outlining it's over for me 🤣 even looking at scene cards cuz tbh not every chapter has one peak moment. Maybe it's bad writing on my end, but I feel like this method gives SO much more freedom for recovering pantsers 😂💖 so thank you for sharing!
This is the type of vibe I’ve been looking for! Someone cute and loves to write stories! You’ve earned a new subscriber 💖✨
Im writing my first book and I'm literally having so much fun with it
Same here but it is mostly going to an online website like wattpad etc
its great that your having fun with it, I think fun can be a key ingredient to motivation and an enjoyable writing process,
While this style of story structure is so simple, I think it’s the most effective. Back when I wanted to be an author as a legitimate full time job (I’m now into voice work), I had something similar where I would briefly summarize what would happen in each chapter before writing. Obviously, none of the stories I had planned for panned out, but this actually makes me want to create again. Thank You 😊
You’ve inspired me to get my book published! Hopefully before I’m 13!
hows it going?
@@sillygopond pretty well actually, are you writing anything?
same here
how are you doing with your book :) ?
How is it going
Miss, y is ur docs so aesthetic? Is it an extension?? ❤
Dude i love your aura and personality, makes it so much nicer to watch and listen to.
i have been trying to watch this video because i have this idea of a fantasy book because my dad died recently (he loves fantasy) and i want to memorialize him so finally being able to watch this has been so helpful and now i know what i need to do to jumpstart it. so thank you and I'll be watching more of your videos
Just saying, I have never loved an author more than I love you. I am an ADHD person and I have NEVER been good at plotting. I have tried so many templates and each time they give me a headache. But this is such a wonderful idea. I am going to use this to plan my novel. I am also a very young author, so hopefully I don't delete this novel like I have my others.
Hello! I have been thinking of making a horror book. I have always wanted to make my own creepy chapter book. My uncle is going to be the illustrator for the cover, he is really talented! You inspire me so much, thank you for the advice.
The advice about the setting was the most useful for me. It helped me to work out two tough chapters.
ahhh i'm really excited for the things plotter ana will create !! this video was so helpful and motivating, i wanna plot a new book now too haha
hehe aww tysm!! i am so glad too!! i'm so happy this helped! xx wish u the best bestie
I just got the greatest idea for a fantasy series while listening to and trying your process. Thanks!!! I’ve been trying to come up with an idea for a magic system for forever! 🥰
ahh! so glad!
HOW DO UR GOOGLE DOCS LAYOUT LOOK SO FREAKING PRETTY
I'm so glad I found your channel..it's just so chill and casual and easy to understand!
You've really motivated me to actually start writing
Normally, I just think about what the story is going to be about, and I follow my own way, so I basically just write as I go along. It makes it way easier then stressing about what’s going to happen. And when it’s done I think about what can be changed to make it seem better just incase I don’t think it’s good enough.
I just watched another writer's video after yours and she mentioned to write to your audience and I felt this is why the science of doing the plot I feel I can use however what you are showing us is I feel how to let the audience into the world of the author, this is my hidden kingdom, idea and this is how to reach the audience with it and it feels like how I like to read a novel to keep me company, as though I am in the company of the author and that's how I feel you are teaching.
LOL re "Document names" & "Brain Vomit."
Before you were born (that's who old I am!) I was a legal secretary for a San Francisco law firm. I was a WordPerfect (then the dominant word processing application) expert, and so always worked on the really LONG court filings. WordPerfect coders/engineers thought "no one will write a document longer than 100 pages. Obviously, they didn't know lawyers. So I had to break the documents up for the really long ones. And would name them things like: "Big Boy," "Brother," "The Really Big One," etc. Months later I'd be asked which went where, and I had NO IDEA! But at least I was using actual words!
Thanks for the great tips!
THANK YOU FOR THIS! I have pretty severe ADHD and really struggle with actually outlining an entire plot before I start writing because I am so impatient to just get to the exciting writing stage (which has led to a lot of abandoned half-finished, messy projects lol). This seems like a really accessible system, though, and I'm excited to give it a try with the sapphic fantasy novel I'm currently planning~
Great video!! 👌🏻 thanks for the tips! The idea of thinking of settings first is awesome
I stumbled upon your video and used this method. I am like you. I have ideas for beginning and the end but the in between comes short. I've got five chapters already plotted out to this method and I find myself writing more ideas out. It's a great tool to keep the book going, but also works if you're a pantser.
oh my gosh the setting idea is genius! Thanks so much for this!
The fact that I already have a fan fiction in stock but I'm too scared to share it out here...
Her videos always give inspiration
I've been writing for years but have always struggled with plots, mainly because I never did so :,)
This video was so helpful to me! And has inspired to pick my pen back up and continue this journey
This video is what I’ve been looking for! I love how you organize your videos and make your points clear and helpful.
Wooo! I feel like this is gonna be REALLY helpful once i get to sit down!
this is like the only tutorial or tip thing i've found useful so far. thank you dear person, also unrelated but your so pretty omg!?!
I just recently started to write a webtoon and honestly the tips in this video really helped me to get a better idea of how I want to plot my story. because boy was I lost about how to go from a to b! thank you for the video really appreciate it
I've done something like this before, with the table in the word doc! It definitely helps a lot of ideas just flow naturally.
I struggle a lot with coming up with a plot. I really love introspection and seeing how my characters interact with each other and learning about their internal conflict, but when it comes to things happening outside of them, I get stuck. I'll definitely be trying this method when I get more ideas for my story :)
the setting hack is actually so incredible, like i just added so much more depth to my brimming fantasy wip. also, i have a pre-outline doc where i purge every thought and want for the book. which is mostly the beginning, end, and then i vomit a bunch of 'things to do' at the end for the middle.
Watching your videos while I write is so interesting because you have such a cozy vibe and the book I'm writing is a dark cyberpunk book lmao (great video tho! Definitely will be using some of these tips)
awiiee really! this means so much! and ahh - your book literally sounds sooooo cool!! i'd love to know what it is about
@@ananeu ahh thank you! My book is in the rough stages right now (developing plot, detailed world building etc.) But what I can say is the main character's an Android, and what he goes through is... Rough to say the least lol
I read so much and think so much about how to write yet its just like impossible
I love rick riordans books and I want mine to be like that and be just as awesome
this video will never stop being iconic❤
I’ve had a major case of writers block at the moment and this video has helped me get back on track. Thank you so much!
your channel is literally the best!!!
YOUR literally so sweet!! tyyy xx
this is the most helpful video about writing and plotting I think I have ever watched, so thank you!
yay!! your so welcome!
Y’all be plotting- I just write what comes out of my head then review it a few hours later and fix it 💀💀
Same 😭
Fr😂❤
I think that's called pansing...being a panser instead of a plotter (not sure if that's even its spelling). Just means you improvise. S'all good. Whatever works.
OMG! That's really helpful, it makes me excited to write again, I have to replan my book ideas now !
You are very helpful Ana. I saw one video of you at the perfect time and now I'm subscribed. You are a lifesaver and you've potentially given me ideas for half of my book
I felt so stuck/lost in trying to plot out my idea, this was so helpful thank you 🙏
OMG I saw my favorite books on your shelves! ❤❤❤
Thank you! I’ve been trying to write my own book, but I’ve been struggling with it. This really helped 😊
I've done this a number of times before-plotting a novel in the space of a 24 hour day. Looked upon it as a personal challenge.
I did not sit down at a computer. I got up early in the day, took a long hike in the wilderness and simply thought about my story, what it was going to be about, who it was going to be about. Form follows function-developing the characters, knowing their personal bents, it all follows logically from that.
I do my best composing while walking. Occasionally I'll take notes, but keeping it in my head for the most part, forces me to focus and get everything straight.
The music while you were plotting, sounds like something by Saint-Saëns
I can't even describe how helpful this is. I always prance through ideas and it's annoying. Every point you brought up almost called me out! Thank you so much, much luck with the story
I like this because I can't be like I can use what you just showed us and because I can't use it, I feel I can grasp what you are telling us.
I feel that I can practice from what you are teaching.
That I can learn from myself by your showing us how to do the plot.
I want to read your book! It sounds fun :) thanks for the video!
Queen ! Your idea save my first book.
You are so life saving :)
I started writing my first book 2 years ago and am reluctantly rewriting it for the final time. its really made me lose the spark and NEED to write and this video has motivated me to continue another novel while finishing the last draft of the first book. THANK YOU!! I WAS GETTING UPSET THAT I WAS TOO BORED TO WRITE and so this really helped!!
you are a well cultured DS fan, u have my respect
I've never thought about using settings for plotting! I also love how simple and easy this process is! While this video is directed towards novelists, I think this will definetly help me plot my comic. Thank you so much!
I don't even think I can begin to explain how much I love your channel. You're such a big inspiration to me! ❤️ Could you make a video about tips for coming up with plot ideas? I love making little scenes with my characters but I want to use them in my novel.
This is gonna make my life a whole lot easier!!
Never heard of brainvomit until I saw this, and it practically saved the story I'm writing. Heck, I keep a piece of paper next to my pillow now for all the random ideas I get at night 😅 Thank you, Ana! ❤
I think the idea of a table, with two columns, with one marked for the chapter, the over what happens in that chapter, is helpful.
I love ana sm I watched some of her videos on tv and know I am watching her on my laptop thanks ana for making me a future known artist
This is very helpful for me. I’m a huge pantser, and will definitely try this!
Thank you so much for this amazing video! You are such an inspiration and you have really inspired me to start writing my comic. 😊 Keep up the amazing works! 💕
Wow! I am a teen and am trying to be an author! I have written a few western novels, but they all sounded flat and boring. However, with your outlining method on Google Docs, I can finally write a good story! I hope to publish it soon! Thank you so much for this video. :)
I loveall ur videos! they are so cool and interesting
this really helped me out, as i tend to see the story as one big chunk and some random scenes
Another thing that I tried that was really helpful - list what characters are going to be in the chapter.
ALSO DON'T BE AFRAID TO MAKE IT LOOK PRETTY
i’m always 10 hours late to your videos but im here 💖 i’m literally getting so inspired by a lot of things including YOU recently, and i’ve had a surge of story ideas that constantly come to me while i watch a tv show or if i stare at the blank wall in the middle of the night.
this came at the perfect time !! i cannot plot for the life of me, and this really helped, i didn’t even know google docs HAD tables 😃😃 thanks again, ana
Most of my files are named “idk” lol 😂😂😂
My file for my books I’m working on is called brainbarf
I LOVE YOUR PAIMON SPACE BAR!!!!
7:29 What the. Cutest sneeze ever 🤭
you honestly explained this so well! thank you omg.
your the queen for understanding me hehe
dude how does your google docs thing look so cute!! i love the background
Thank you, this has been really helpful. As other plotting videos have gotten me so confused in the past
hii! a thing i do is blurt out ideas then i color code. green is early story, yellow is mid-story, and red is ending. i then color code how i want the story to play out! :)
i had an idea for a novel maybe abt a yr ago, however, before i started writing i realised how the narrative and the idea i had seemed to clashed together as a single novel, so i decided to split in2 multiples novels with time jumps between almost all of them, then i also realised there were possible spin-off novels/short stories/novellas/short story collections and so i started to plan out the universe i wanted this entire narrative to be written in (key locations, where my characters live etc.), then i started planning out characters (what they want, where they'd be, what's there purpose etc.) after which i started creating a timeline in order to plan where and when each narrative was taking place using the main series as the main point (which i intend to consist of six novels, so weather the spin-offs take place after or before the events of the series or in between two novels or at the same time as a novel etc.) after which i started planning and outlining each novel and now i kinda have this world planned out, i also mainly did this so i didnt have continuity issues and could continuously build the world up.
I use two apps when I write, google docs and plout. I write out and plan my chapters on google docs, because I make lots of spelling errors. I use pluot to organize and detail my characters and setting. I also make plit and story lines on there.
One of the biggest struggles is motivation, which I usually eventually defeat and start writing after a while again.
I don't know if you've already uploaded a video like that but I would love a video about how to come up with scenes! I ALWAYSSS struggle with that, like I'll have a vague idea but then I feel like it's already been done/too contrived.
omgg!! such a great idea! id love to do a video on that!!❤️❤️
Thanks for sharing your process! I think I understand what you meant about using settings to help move your story forward. 😊
Thank you so much, your method really helped me stop procrastinating and start plotting :P