Are You a Good Writer? 5 Signs You’ve Got the Chops
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- Опубликовано: 12 авг 2023
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It’s a question nearly every author asks from time to time: am I actually a good writer? Assessing your writing ability can be difficult, not only because you are so close to your writing but because it’s such a subjective art form. So, in today’s video, I’m revealing five signs that can help you determine whether you truly are a strong writer. Hopefully, it gives you the encouragement you need to feel more confident in your writing abilities and gives you some ideas for strengthening your skills as an author if you have room to improve!
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GREAT BOOKS ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING:
Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style by Benjamin Dreyer / amzn.to/3VE8dtt
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody / amzn.to/3Vyk2Bn
Before and After the Book Deal by Courtney Maum / amzn.to/3Z4at03
SOME OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS:
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones / amzn.to/3vvWItt
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips / amzn.to/3CFz4Pt
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid / amzn.to/3CjFFi5
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MORE WRITING ADVICE:
5 Totally Free Ways to Improve Your Writing: • 5 Totally Free Ways to...
Destructive Writer Habits that Are Holding You Back (and How to Overcome Them): • Destructive Writer Hab...
5 Major Differences Between Pro and Amateur Writers: • 5 Major Differences Be...
5 SIGNS YOU’RE A GOOD WRITER:
01:19 - You know the difference between writing and storytelling
02:23 - You admire other writers
03:59 - You receive meaningful feedback
05:23 - You consistently find ways to improve
06:51 - You value the practice
ABOUT ME:
My name is Alyssa Matesic, and I’m a professional book editor with nearly a decade of book publishing and editorial experience. Throughout my career, I’ve held editorial roles across both sides of the publishing industry: Big Five publishing houses and literary agencies. The goal of this channel is to help writers throughout the book writing journey-whether you're working on your manuscript or you're looking for publishing advice.
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Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 
Хобби
even if you're not "good" you shouldn't give up if you like it. you get better at things the more you do them anyway
and if you're not "good", just write a story with a smutty love-triangle and youll still sell copies regardless lol
As a writer, I appreciate the encouragement she gives in all of her videos. I sometimes watch her videos as a hot mess of anxiety and insecurity, and in every one of her videos she advises to just chill and trust the process and flips the script. I can see why she's so good at what she does, and I'm glad that I found this channel.
You've got this!
I feel the same way. I’m always seconds away from throwing my book in the read and starting a new but her videos help relax.
Thanks Alyssa, I'm in South Africa, beautiful sunshine city of Durban.
As an amateur, it's insanely hard to find people to give feedback. Most people are not top level authors and the feedback will mostly be it's bad or it's good without pointing to what.
I asked Hidden Gems to provide Beta Readers feedback. I had three people. One loved my book, the second gave specific advice regarding structure, and the third hated my book, but all of the criticism was useful and I've made amendments as a result. I recommend using them.
One of my beta readers complimented my writing, but needed work. I used an online writing test and know that I'm intermediate level. I'm still working with my craft up to this time, but I will get there, one day.
I'm glad with point two you didn't just leave it at "read lots". I see that comment ALOT but few actually understand its not about reading every book you can find, but reading to analysize the story to see how a great book is constructed.
I'd never suggest anyone QUIT writing (though in my experience as a member of critique groups I've seen a couple that it was tempting to say that to...) but maybe to think about writing just for yourself. As to point #1, I'd flip it, too, because I think the reverse is the more common problem: if you have a good story to tell but do not have the linguistic skills to tell it evocatively, then you need to work on that. (Looking at you, Stephanie Meyer.) And "value the process" is GREAT advice.
There's so much to it, right? Out of the gate I'm skeptical of anyone who, on a regular basis, harps on their own lack of writing instead of just, well, writing. I think the fear of having to potentially chop a thing you created into bitty bits scares the living - - - - out of some writers. Ultimately, though, I think most people can become some type or level of writer IF they want to and IF they commit to failing a lot in order to come out on the other side a success.
@@5Gburn And if they are open to constructive feedback. The only people I've lost hope for as writers are the ones who REFUSE to learn anything at all about the craft.
Thanks coach. Put me in. Ready. Steady. WRITE!
Storytelling...exactly what I've been saying for years. Writers are actually storytellers. Thanks for bringing that up. I was wondering if you'd mention it. You're one of the only, or few, who've ever mentioned that fact. I could go on, but the craft of storytelling is wide and deep and best discussed in another forum.
Couldn't agree more about storytelling. Too many "authors" do not do a good enough job of telling a story
@@mind_of_ARight??
@@mind_of_A This is definitely what I thought. Maybe it's just that I've been writing and reading for so long, but it would never have occurred to me to mention the difference between story-telling and "writing" and the importance of storytelling in writing because it seems obvious to me. It's like saying "Hey, fyi, cats and dogs are both potential pets, but they aren't actually the same type of animal and it's important to understand the differences between cats and dogs when choosing a pet." Uh...yeah? Thanks? It's not wrong, and I can actually see the argument that some more recent authors aren't actually very good storytellers and how that makes this an important point to make but...wow. I was not aware that people as a whole didn't know this.
Thank You again Alyssa. Wish I could afford your services! Way too many 'experts' out there on writing, but you come across as genuine and fully knowledgeable of all aspects of this writng journey. I am glad I found you.
I’ve never gotten to where I hate my writing because I was being over-critical but I’ve gotten close to that line plenty of times. Another excellent/helpful video.
I was literally waiting for your video.
Love from India 😊😊
Thank you for this video. Good & Bad are entirely subjective terms. If I think it's bad someone else might not. We're our worst critics. Or sometimes, the opposite. You think it's good but others don't. I think talking to other authors/writers is so important.
On the other hand, I wouldn't say that it's completely subjective. There is such a thing as good and bad writing. The video goes into the elements of good writing a little bit, but one could be forgiven for thinking it's entirely a matter of opinion.
@@michaelmblog yes. I'm completely aware that there are elements of writing that can be construed as good. For example there is a way to improve your writing always. But that does not necessarily mean that it's bad or good currently. I've watched the video and it's entirely thought provoking in regards to improving.
Your videos are excellent. I am 68 and learning from you! Thank you.
I'm so glad you find them helpful! Thanks for commenting :)
I'm as good at writing as I am at javelin throwing or sailing around the world solo: one out of five, admiring others who do it.
One good way to check:
If you've started out fairly recently, and you're writing all year (even if it's on and off) then you'll probably find that at the end of the year, you look back at what you wrote at the start of it and find a bunch of problems with it. Once you reach the point where you read what you wrote a year ago, and it doesn't feel that bad, that's evidence you're at least getting Somewhere.
Obviously, everything always needs to be rewritten and improved. But the less obvious and damaging those problems start to become, the better you're getting.
Alyssa - Good insight. Thanks for another quality video.
My friends have read my stories and tell me what they like and what they feel needs improving, that I'm published dose not mean I can't shouldn't try to improve. So I work at it all the time.
Thank you Alyssa. Your advice is straight to the point and appreciated
I so appreciate this video! Thank you for this!
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you!!! ❤
What a great video. TY
Thank you Aerith! This was genuinely helpful! 💯 Saved to my playlist of helpful things!
Thanks for the encouragement. I look forward to continued improvement.
I honestly don't do that much reading other than comic books and yet, I'm currently writing a big superhero novel.
I will work on those faults of mine.
Hi Alyssa, thanks for the video. Based on the criteria here, I think I'm on the right path at least. There is always more to learn and ways improve . Looking forward to more of your content.
Very encouraging, one of the exciting things about writing is that you will never stop learning. At least that’s what I think. I find myself thinking more about how I can make my writing of service then whether I’m good or not. If the writing helps people, then that’s enough.
I like the review process. It allows me to revisit a world that I created and to have the ability to tweek that world.
Thank you for making these videos. I appreciate the knowledge and insight you share in all of them. You asked, so I'll tell you I think I'm a good writer and a good storyteller. I love the process of getting a story down and perfecting it, to my satisfaction at least. Unfortunately, my friends are not readers, but they are listeners. They love to hear me read my stories aloud. I'm fortunate in having a very astute daughter-in-law who gives me excellent critiques. I do wish I were better at giving criticism, because when I read her work all I can say is, "Wow! It's wonderful! More!" ;)
This was helpful. I’m re-reading one of my books to give it a little facelift and finding myself a little disappointed with my work. So this was nice.
Very nice and useful video. Thank you. I like your voice, stage-prescence, and content 😊
Writing is a talent but it also one that can always be improved. You hit every point on the head with this video. When I mentor writers I show them samples of how to improve and encourage them to read as much as possible and write even more. Only way to improve is to write and also read. As a writer you are correct. You have to have proper grammar, able edit, see ways in your own work to improve it all the time, know when it is finished and say enough, next book cause it does not matter how many drafts you write there will be something to improve it.
My writing was not good ten years ago, but I needed to write. I had dozens of ideas I would regret never writing. Over the years, I've learned to improve my writing. I want to be like the writers I admire. I'm driven to get where they are someday.
I love how this video started with a question and ended with different ones. Am I a good writer? I think I have a knack for making dialogue sound like real conversations. I don't think I describe things well enough. As a screenwriter, writing a novel is seemingly harder than I thought it would be. I tend to start my sentences similarly and I catch myself doing it. I'm gonna go ahead and check out your other videos.
I have written lots of poems, songs and stories but i just haven't got the platform to show them to the world..especially the depressed, but it will be okay some day, i love your content by the way💙
Thank you. We can continue to write not for validation but for the therapy and justice we can give to our consciousness' expressions. :) You are great. Thank you for the inspiration and kind help. Your talk is so effective and engaging.
Thank you for the kind comment! I'm so glad you find my content helpful :)
Good points, in the middle of my first project and I can already tell I need to improve my grammer, expand my vocabulary and improve scenes and world building. It'll be a nightmare to edit it but eye opening as to how I can improve and how I'm gaining more experience with my style.
"You're not born a good writer."
I can confirm that.
My first attempt at writing stunk... big time! I no longer have my first attempt at writing (why it's gone is a long story), but I remember it well. I also remember the critique and encourage I received from my English teacher. I received further encouragement, as well as advice, from other mentors.
Slowly, bit by bit, my writing has improved. I'm not perfect - nobody is - but I've got it on good authority that my writing is pretty good (no bragging).
However, like she said, I still want to improve. The main thing I need to work on right now is my query writing, because I've gotten dozens of rejections. But I'll keep trying, and trying, and trying... I'm never giving up.
Plus, I'm still writing, and I refuse to stop.
Always amazing and valuable content from you. Thank you.
Glad you found it valuable! Thanks for commenting!
This is so helpful, thank you. I’m so glad I discovered you and your RUclips videos. Thank you for offering such helpful advice.
I'm so glad you're finding my videos helpful! Thanks for commenting!
Excellent advice
This video got me thinking about authors who set the bar for their prose.
In the sci-fi/fantasy genres, there are plenty of writers whom I admire for their brilliant *ideas*.
Far fewer with a unique writing style that I recognize after reading one paragraph: Bradbury, Vonnegut, Gibson, Tolkien come to mind.
Thank you for this video. I really appreciate the advice you give in your videos. I find your advice extremely helpful. It’s funny how I was just thinking about my writing abilities and seen this. I feel validated in knowing that I’ve been going in this direction. Especially when you spoke about the constructive feedback. Thanks again for the video!
So glad you found it helpful! Thanks for commenting :)
I am so grateful for your content
Thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I have issues with dialogue though coming from a background in debate, philosophy, and psychology it's not something I even had much practice at. Conveying a thought or telling a story I can do but dialogue is always illusive. Ive had to look at the characters as though they were alive to listen to what they would say and simply write it but even then im always questioning if its good enough. I hope to be published one day.
I love this one
I'm so glad! Thanks for commenting :)
I had a creative writing teacher who once told me, "no one's ever going to want to read something like that from a girl." considering my success thus far (even after completing 11 books and working on my 12th) ... it's possible she might have been right. and it hurts. And yet... like Don Quixote, I continue to tilt at my windmills, (preferring to believe I was just 45 years ahead of my time).
Thank you Alyssa, according to this I should be a good writer. And at least a promising character writer.
"there is always more to improve in your story"
Precisely that. I don't view anything I have written as truly finished. It's "finished enough" for the purposes of meeting a timeline usually associated with publication. And it has to be good enough that I sleep at night. ;) For example, I have a 7 line poem that I have endlessly revised years after it has been published.
Of course, continuing to chew on a work can be (is) counter-productive, but the point: being able to spot (and, at some point, acceptance of) imperfection in your work is a critical step in the maturation of a writer.
So many modern writers need editing. I'm afraid to try new authors because of the hot messes that are being churned out. This video gives me hope. Thank you.
I knew I was a good writer of prose from grade school. I did not know I was a good storyteller until one evening, at a garden party, when I told a story about high school senior pranks. When I finished, a young woman I did not know said, "You tell a good story." Another young woman - the much younger sister of a former classmate - said, "Dan always tells a good story." That was the first intimation I had that she had ever paid any attention to me, and it got my attention in response. It was long before I was able to pursue writing for publishing, but that was a seminal moment for me.
Honestly I've been writing for decades, and it's all just been for my own personal enjoyment. I had never even considered publishing until my most recent book. I finally felt it was of sufficient quality that I was willing to grind through the painful editing process required to publish. I'm not concerned about whether it sells well or not. For me it's all about personal enjoyment, and a desire to share a good story with others.
Even if your book doesn't sell I wouldn't ever suggest giving up on your hobby. Most hobbies don't pay anyway. If you have a passion for writing, then continue writing. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough.
Great video. I'm still climbing. James Petrie
This was well, helpful. sadly im in the self critical category. Finding way to imorove it when reading instead of criticise it is a very valid point.
Also find what you appreciate in other writers🙏
Critique over criticism. Critique identifies what requires improvement. Critique also allows for pats on the back. Gpod deal, right? 😉
I would love to know your thoughts on querying an agent when you intend to write in multiple genres. For example, you are working on a fiction book but you also plan to write a non-fiction book or create a graphic novel in the future.
Is there a special way to handle something like that?
Thanks for sharing by our content with us!
I'm definitely better than when I started.
:P
hank you so much.
I edited and the T disappeared from Thank you. SMH.
I know my writing is far from great due to my dyslexia and possibly able to speak 3 languages.
After years of rejections, i needed to ask myself what am I doing wrong. I always struggled to get someone to give me value feedback, so this made my journey even harder. Only recently one agent in my country (Australia) gave me feedback as to why she rejected my work. Saying it needs better editing and should take classes. Although I have taken classes and read various books about writing. Plus every book I queried has been beta read and edited.
This made feel I can't write and wanted to give up on it entirely. Feeling really depressed because I try my best to make my words as descriptive as possible. Still giving both fingers to my dyslexia.
Now I managed to find a CP, and shared with her response from the agent. She completely disagrees with the agent and thinks my writing is great. But certainly found some issues in my work and will address them to make it as good as possible. So this gave me hope again.
Now this video has been a huge help too and eager to keep going until I get an agent.
"Still giving both fingers to my dyslexia." Nice 😂
You’re such a breath of fresh air, kind, and supportive! Thank you! 💙
Thank you so much for the kind comment!
I live by the advice which i got in early years: You only know if you are good, if people saw your work. Otherwise you will never know if you are "good or bad" at specific things like storytelling. I got told quite a few times from other people that my work has a lot of talent behind it. I dont feel that way, i would have never known it if i didnt had shown it anyone.
Great point! This is one of the reasons why sharing your work and getting that external feedback is so important.
Characters are writing most of the chapters for me, but then I feel that the outline wasn't strong enough and become doubtful (about the whole thing!). I then go off and ruminate on the theme and research. That's how I compensate for not being a great planner.
Has anyone else noticed all of authortube now is just entry-level videos with recycled topics, like how to query or the basics of the 3 act structure? I love this channel and ones like it but the only way to really know you’re a good writer is by the fact you’ve graduated from videos like this. Until there are higher level topics and breakdowns of the craft, none of us are actually going to get better. Just my honest opinion.
I think it's because a lot of "advanced writing" is just sitting down to write and revising your manuscript till its in decent shape. That's it. There's only so much you need. And Revision Checklists are plenty on RUclips
@@dukeofdenver I agree that sitting down to write will make you better than binging YT content, sure, but its clearly not making anybody sellable. For example, with 100k followers and years at the bookish helm, did Meg LaTorre produce a good debut? Admittedly, no. Jenna Morecci markets to her own fanbase exclusively. She’ll never be a known author outside YT. Alexa Donne got an agent, and seems to get OK sales, but who knows her outside the YT sphere? These guys are selling to followers only and their “mid” books aren’t even well-paced or well-told.
So who is there to guide people with actual, proven, usable information that goes beyond the basics? Cos the people who watch Alyssa’s (wonderful) content, like myself, are most likely not finishing their manuscripts - or producing “mid” books that’ll never sell unless they too have 100k subs.
I guess I’m just venting about the book world at large cos nobody wants to talk about this and I worry so many ppl like myself are not gaining enough actionable information to profit from this hobby.
@@billy_bandit What is the goal of writing? Is it to be famous or have a popular hit? I think not. Just because a work isn't popular isn't some objective standard of expertise. Many great books fly under the radar and are forgotten. Likewise, many trash books become popular. I'm sure you know a few.
Also, just because someone isn't good at a thing, it doesn't follow that they'd be bad at teaching the thing. The acting coaches of the Leonardo Dicaprio and Meryl Streep are not big names themselves.
And lastly, it takes a long time to break out big in publishing, with rare exception. And it takes a long time to get really good, with rare exception.
@@dukeofdenver for viewers of a channel like Alyssa’s, the goal is most likely to profit from their book. The world economic outlook isn’t great and people are looking for ways to monetize their hobbies.
By now there are just so many videos on querying, and many people double-dip the topic on their own channel, cos it’s clicky to do so. But I just am so eager to learn more about what made X book sellable, or Y book matter to audiences. I get that from books like Truby’s 22 Steps, but I haven’t come across an authortube video that I felt was really “actionable” to help struggling writers learn new craft ideas. It all just feels so samey now, and I don’t know why that is.
@@billy_bandit I watch Alyssa's channel to glean insights that might make me a better writer. She is an editor. That's what an editor does, guide you through the process of lifting your manuscript/work up to the next level. I don't think it's fair at all to compare Jenna Moreci with Alyssa. Alyssa is a professional editor- something Moreci could very much have used in the production of her own books.
I do find the author tube aspect to be a big echo channel. They all repeat the same stuff. Alexa Donne delves into the pressures of trying to bring your novel to its deadline, which interesting. But Alyssa's content- and the content of other actual editors- is different. What most writers don't have easy access to is an editor. An actual editor- not just someone faking it until they make it. If you look at Alyssa's complete body of work that she's put out over time, it adds up to a serious resource for writers.
At the end of the day, I more or less agree with you. To truly make it to the next level, you're going to have simply put in the work- learn to analyse your own work and make it better. It's nice to turn to others for advice, but if you want to master your craft, you have to climb that mountain yourself at some point.
I also am not overly interested in making money from my writing. I've been doing it my entire life. I've written novels, screenplays, short stories, essays- you name it. But I'm always looking to up my game, even if I'm writing for my own pleasure and/or entertainment. So, I think it's fair to say that writers with a variety of reasons are watching Alyssa's channel- not just those looking to be published.
What I find difficult is that I never really know where my writing stands. I can read something one day and it seems great, then read it a little while later and not think it's so great. My opinion of what I wrote is in constant flux.
I totally understand this - it is so hard to assess your own work objectively! This is where I think it can be helpful to get some outside feedback from beta readers or an editor to help you strengthen your story. Best of luck with all of your writing endeavors!
@@AlyssaMatesic Thank you for replying! This makes the most sense, sort of like musicians having their records professionally mixed and mastered.
The biggest obstacle I see is overfamiliarity with the work. I mean if you were to read, for example, a noted great piece of writing, over and over, you might not, over time, find it quite so compelling. The expectation is, mostly, that the reader will generally only read something once. Anyway, . . .
BTW, I labored over this little reply with the knowledge that I was replying to a writer. I figured you'd be mentally editing every word as you read it. 🤣👍Thanks again!
To me a good writer doesn't have a ton of description or flashbacks, but that's me.
I think im a good writer!
All good writers and storytellers are developed through effort and exposure and experience. It takes time and maturity and feedback from others. It doesn't happen overnight.
None of us will ever be Cormac McCarthy or Toni Morrison. But given time and effort, you can becone your best you.
Whether someone can provide you with meaningful feedback probably says more about them as a critiquer than about you as a writer. There are definitely people in my life I would never ask to review my work simply because they aren't capable of providing the kind of feedback I'm looking for.
Hey, I enjoyed this video. Liked and sub'd- thanks
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for the sub!
Alyssa, do you have a book of your own? If so, I would like to read it.
I have a good creativity, great ideas and a "philosopical" way of thinking, but i never wrote a book and i don't read much, would i be a good writer with this set of "skills"?
👍
I'll get better
How long roughly should the query letter be? I’m sitting on 550 and wondering if it’s too much. I have three concurring and separate plots, the blurbs of each taking up a sizeable chunk. They are all very concise but form three paragraphs over the usual one for that bit. Genre’s Epic Fantasy. Thanks ☺️
Does watching stories as tv shows or movies cultivate taste and storytelling pertaining to writing?
Thank you so much for your extremely helpful tips. I love your channel and although I have been writing for, well, let’s just say that stone tablet took forever to write on, I have found your suggestions, advice and ideas valuable . Thank you 😊🙏🏻
So glad you find my channel helpful! Thanks for commenting!
What makes good fiction is what makes a good lie, and that ingredient is truth.
I’m a better writer than a speller. In the 21st century it’s not a requirement. Sentence structure and grammar is just as important as ever
👍👍
I feel like I’m a good writer but a mediocre storyteller. I’ll write an excellent academic piece but writing fiction is what scares me the most
Edit: This comment is 5 days old and already has 12 likes. Thanks!
1. Know the difference between writing and storytelling.
2. Receive meaningful feedback
3. Conssitsnly find ways to imprive.
4. Value the practice.
Speaking of feedback, I just started my IG friend's book in a genre I love. The reviews around the net so far are meh. Everyone says "no story, reads like a textbook, goes event to event." I just read the first few pages (not a good sign already lol) and they were loaded with a LOT of descriptors. 10 miles south here, 20 miles east there, his family came from a town on the coast of there... Seems like they already lost the opportunity to engage the ready with the main character and hook them. All that technical stuff can come later. Is that a bad tactic, to be too descriptive in the first few pages?
If you are ever worried if you are good enough to write just remember The Acolyte got made. I mean they gave it a budget of 300 million. You are better than all the writers on that show.
Having degrees in math and biological science helps me write better. I feel good writing plays on the readers emotions.
I already know!! No, I'm not, not at all. Fuck it tho, neither was frank Herbert
I love this attitude 😄
i am a good riter & i don't think i cood right any gooder cuz i m already teh goodest riter of all" i said,
This could not have come at a better time. Thank you❤
I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thanks for commenting :)
L'homme n'est rien, l'oeuvre tout.
04:25 "...I like how you woven this theme" ? Really?! If I received that response from someone, I would know immediately that their incorrect use of grammar should disqualify them from most of my writing. On the other hand, if the person had said, "I really like how you have woven the theme", I would feel much more comfortable taking some advice from that critic. "How you have woven the theme..." presents the present past participle of "to weave" and would be the correct way to compose that sentence. Alyssa left out the word "have" which is necessary if the composition is to be correct. Right Alyssa?! lol
Everybody can be a writer, but not everybody knows how to tell a story.
Writing doesn't actually begin until the second draft.
If you're putting it on the page it's writing. A writer's responsibility level raises after each round of editing, though--and revision *is* where many writers fail.
@@5Gburn Nah. The first draft is just a collection of ideas, prose, and dialogue. For me, it's like taking dictation. Every subsequent draft, how you handle them, will determine if you're actually a writer or not.
Maybe “Where you are”, not where you’re at?
Writing is not a subjective art, there are plenty of objective quantities to judge quality of a work. Otherwise there is no “bad writing” which there 1000% is. My work is proof of that
It depends on how self critical you ard. If you constantly see things to improve then you're good.
If you think your work is brilliant and doesn't need a la Rian Johnson, Alex Kurtzman or Chris Chibnall then you are not good.
Alyssa, I've been an editor and writer for 30 years, and all that you say here is only pap, which helps to make you money through YT, but does almost nothing for these young writers. Your advice is obvious, if only entirely outdated, and only encourages not-very-good authors to waste their time. Meanwhile, you also play at being an expert at book endings, or book beginnings; and how to write the perfect first 10 pages, and etc-etc-etc. When, in fact and in practice, no editor, publisher, nor agent, knows what makes saleable writing sell (much less what is a good book); this is because none of those people have a clue as to what people want to read at any given time. In other words, editors-publishers-agents are scared out of their minds for their jobs because they haven't a clue as to what will sell: good book, bad book, or the greatest book EVER; or an absolute crap story. If anyone (or you, Alyssa) doubts what I have to say, just ask yourself, "Why is Alyssa running this YT channel rather than making millions-billions as an editor-publisher-agent?" Yes, your answer will lead ALL THESE YOUNG WRITERS to the truth: just write; make your characters believable; make your story readable. That's all. And, and, and ... if you get lucky enough to find a publisher, you might get lucky enough to sell books to all the very few readers who are yet out there looking for their next good book to read.
Where are you supposed to find meaningful feedback these days? Online? Pff yea right. If you aren't in school or part of some elite writing circle, meaningful feedback is nearly impossible to come by.
nahhhh fuck it. too serious, im gonna go back to drugs as a hobby
First
6. "You write your name on throw pillows"