I don't use an outline. What I found worked for me is to imagine the scene in my head and ask myself what I want to accomplish from that scene. Then I turn that scene into a to-do-list. Finally, I write the scene while crossing off from my list.
Three weeks ago, I was at this exact video, wanting to find out how I can actually write freely. Now, three weeks later, I am near the end of my book, using an outline, with 7 thousand words and eleven out of seventeen chapters finished. I am also planning the second book. Thank you for all the advice you've given me!
Unfortunately for this aspiring writer, I'm one of those people who jumps from one project to another. Especially if I was working on a story I really loved but then I came up with another, shinier story and started working on that. It's like, if I use the exercise example, I stop one workout and start another, and the vicious cycle continues! This is the reason why I have only completed one of my recent multi-chaptered stories. And that book was the first in a trilogy, meaning I'm really only a third of the way into the story, and I've been stuck on chapter 1 of the sequel ever since, save a few sentences every once in a while. :'D
W K Cyrokin I can relate to you I have a story that I am contented and willing to complete but an idea pops in and began to write a new one leaving the other one in the dark this keeps on going for me and right now it's not that often I keep changing
I used to be able to relate to that. The best way to combat that is to stick with one project all the way to the end. This both develops your writing ability and gives you the confidence to know that you CAN and WILL stick with it all the way through and that it will be great. Another way is to simply spend more time writing and finish your first story before you have the chance to get a new idea. Or, you could just multitask and work on several projects at once.
Another one with similar problem here! My solution is far from the best, though it's working for me most of the time: I currently have 5 stories to be finished. What I do is to divide them into "acts" or "sections", with a certain amount of chapters for each. So, I dedicate myself totatlly to one "act" of a story and then, once I'm done with it, change to another story. It's also important for each story to have different length "sections", so you don't get stuck on the story you wish to write the least, or bored of writing a long "act". Hope it ever helps someone.
Im 14 years old and i have been working on my book series for over a year,i had alot of failed stories before the one im working on right now,i have been working on this story since January of 2020 and started writing at the end of August,now at the beginning of October im at 35 thousand words and almost done with my very long 3 chapters NEVER GIVE UP ANYONE!
My days of not knowing how to write or create a story are over thanks to you. You're making so much sense with these videos. I want to be a writer and publish my own stories, but that doesn't happen overnight and that is ok. Defeating writers block is a major goal of mine and I'm getting so close to defeating it.
Brandon Sanderson says he outlines plot and setting and he is a "discovery writer" for his characters. I work in a similar way, it took me a while to discover this, I used to think of myself as a full discovery writer until I started having tons of fun (and mental agony) drawing maps and timelines and summarized encyclopedias about my world (technology, ecosystems, biology, culture, society, etc). But in the end, I only know who my characters are until I know the whole setting and most of the plot, which tends to change because of the whole discovery writing most of my characters. Long story short, I like your videos and enjoy the way you convey your ideas. P.S. Giiiiiirl! Those eyes and hair! Cheers.
I've been stuck in a nearly year-long writer's block and you helped me so much to destroying my prancer days, and all thanks to your amazing tips I'm almost halfway through drafting and outlining! "Write without shame!"
Sometimes I feel the motivation to write a story, and then I realize that nothing I or anyone else in the world writes will ever be as good as Harry Potter. I've also never come up with a story idea on my own. But I'll keep watching interesting writing videos on youtube until I come up with something.
Don't let the successes of others discourage you! There are few books that will ever have as big an impact as HP (how many other authors have theme parks created after their worlds?!), but you can still find success without making as big a splash. Just keep working toward your dreams and don't give up!
I've been working on an outline for the last week and once I tackled the actual fleshing out and writing part, I ran into a stumbling block. This video was really good to hear, thank you. I've been watching many of your videos as motivation during my free time, this channel is great!
Hey I found your channel because I looked up a video about writing tips and fell asleep on it and 30+ related videos played while I slept. 17 of them were yours. But this video really helps now that I actually watch it
Distractions have always been my problem, but the abnormal kind. I live with toxic people, and it's hard to plan out my writing time around their behaviors. Sadly, there's a very specific reason why I need to continue living with them. And patience is the absolute key with trying to write in a situation like this. I do often wonder how many others, especially these days, have similar experiences with toxic people distracting their creativity and focus. I'm having the hardest time finding any writers who can relate, especially people who've made videos about it. But, great video! Really lovin' all your vids so far. :D
I'm so thankful that I have found your videos. I'm late to the ball-game, but you have helped me realize a lot of things that I have been doing wrong with my writing and I thank you for that! I always felt insecure with my writing and these videos have made me see what I need to work on, so thank you :)
i like how your wall (to your right) , shirt & eyes compliment each other perfectly. purposely done? I watch/listen to you for the advice, but what a bonus: creative with personality, beauty & sense of humor. Plus background puppies=Subbed.
What my neighbor does to defeat writers block, is rereading what you’ve got so far and you could get some ideas along the way. I’ve wrotten 17000 words without an outline so far and I’ve gotten to the point where I got stuck. Retreading all of your book is a good way to defeat writers block. It helped my neighbor pretty well and she’s written several books
Stumbled on a couple of your videos this evening & I love them & had to subscribe. I love what you said about 'it's your story only you can tell it' & that's a good way at looking at it. Also I do outline more in a brainstorm bubble way. Will look at how you do your outlining now. Thanks for your top tips.
I was an in-between. I didn't outline but I couldn't be called a pantser, but despite how organized I thought I was I found myself completely rewriting one of my stories and kinda failing at it. I decided to make my first attempt at outlining with a project I intend to write for NaNoWriMo and it was much easier than I thought it would be and it was such a relief knowing exactly what I want to happen and where.
Awesome! It's amazing how a lot of us are combinations of the two. Now, though, I can say that I'm *mostly* an outliner and hardly a plotter. Although I surprise myself with random tidbits here and there while writing :)
Hey Vivien! I love this - both the disease-free white bunny, and the idea that we can always chisel our manuscript into something better. I just subscribed! I launched my author channel last month and just linked back to you on my new video about beating writer’s block. Hope that’s okay! Thanks for all your great advice. :)
Same. I’m a pantser and I don’t use an outline. The ideas just come to me. But recently I got stuck in one place and I don’t know what’s gonna happen next. I’m only half way through my novel draft
Your videos inspire me to write and are helpful. Can you try to give a tiny pause after a big sentence ? Sometimes i need a moment to store information and i find myself rewinding to take a moment to process and memorize ideas. lol Thanks! I love your new series.
Have you tried fast-drafting? I have the same issue if I don't force myself to spit all the story out as fast as I can. That's one of the many reasons why I love NaNoWriMo so much!
Woah, you're a very fast talker. #germanysquad :D Thank's for making this kind of content, it really helps finding inspiration again. Und ich realisiere gerade, dass ich das auch auf Deutsch hätte schreiben können :'D Keep going!
Im that creep who loves outlining and packing and planning and everything like that XD, it helps though, I wrote 9 pages in a few days because i outlined, im a slow person though XD
I love your tips! I definitely see my white dragon as a fluffy bunny now! :) I did a similar video on my channel, I think there needs to be more awareness around the struggles writers go through. Thanks for being so helpful
I somehow ended up making my "writer headspace" be on the road. Like it's a chore to sit down and write at home, but if I'm on a bus, a tram, or just walking I can write thousands of words in one go.😅
Part of my problem is that writing without any shame often leads me to write into a corner, and make some mistake that I can’t fix without going back and deleting stuff. How can I write something without shame, but also without plot holes that you can’t recover from?
Maybe I am not a pantser... I don't know. I am currently stuck on a lot of my WIPs if only because of 1) no outline 2) fear of being judged (show vs. tell, character thinking out loud...) but your #4 point might help me .. just need to hammer it into my blank brain ;/ Thanks for the videos!
Give the outline a try! I think you'll enjoy it and it'll help you push through and finish those novels. As far as the fear of being judged, don't worry about people reading anything you write. No one will ever read it unless you let them. Many well-known authors never let a soul lay eyes on their first novel. That might be you, or you might be really proud of yourself when you finish it. Write your first draft for yourself. Worry about making it perfect for others when you're editing. Happy writing!
Hello! I love you videos! I have a question about outlining. I really want to outline my novel, however I have this irrational fear of missing out on great plot points that I may come up with later on. how do I get over the need to have a perfect plot at the beginning so that I can just start writing instead of sitting around trying to perfect my plot?
You can always add things to your novel later, and most people have to. With more practice, you're likely to develop an outline and hardly have to change a thing as you write. I add stuff all the time, but continue to write so I have something to add those thoughts to. Even if you change 40% of your writing later, you've still got 60% of your novel - way better than 0% :) I sometimes start writing the first few chapters *while* I'm outlining, but that's just me. I like to jump right in!
Haha, sorry it took me a minute to respond to this! I was definitely tempted to say something about German tanks :) I'm going to edit in a mini definition to my video, though, to make it clearer!
Thanks. Love your videos. Really glad you turned me onto Scrivener. I've got to get it into my work flow. Also, I've got to come up to speed with Mendeley and Docear and (oh noo) Latex. So, fun, fun, fun.
Any tips for dealing with writer's block at the same time as adhd that makes you get bored with ideas so quick you end up feeling listless, uninspired, and in the end unaccomplished? I hate it; I feel so stuck.
Just saw this video and it couldn't have come up at a better time for me. I've been doing NaNoWriMo and my word counts suck. I know what the story is but I lost the original outline and tried pantsing because I thought I could remember. Nope. I need to take a day and just redo the outline and remake the story. I remember the best parts at least. :P
May I have a question? I just can't get rid of that inner editor and when I'm writing something, I'm not able to continue unless everything is "perfectly written" and I don't know, what to do. What would you recomend me? :) And thank you for this video, it was really helpful :)
You may have covered this already, and I apologize if you have, but what in the heck is a "pantser"? Is this in reference to "pantsing", the act of ripping down someone's pants down? If so, freaking awesome! Otherwise, I'm lost. Sorry Also, fantastic tips! I'm currently employing the "white bunny" technique you mentioned. Thank you!
A "pantser" is someone that writes by the seat of their pants - i.e. they don't use any outline. They have a basic idea of where they want the story to go and then sit down and let the story tell itself.
I get caught up in writing the perfect words the first time around. I started outlining days I'm not feeling creative and I have about the first seven chapters outlined, plus a prologue already written. I'm not a huge fan of outlining but it seems to work for a while. I'm stuck in the middle part of my novel and not sure what to do next.
Work from the end then. Some writers have to work from the outside-in, so now that you're stuck there, start with how you want it to end and work towards the beginning. Happy writing!
Hey Vivian. Not sure if anyone's told you that the preview image for this video (and title actually) says "Creating an Author Website" for some reason. Still a good video, just surprised it was on a different topic than I initially thought. :)
Jessica Trudel It might have been a RUclips glitch for a moment. It seems to be correct on my phone and computer, but this happens to me sometimes when I'm viewing videos on YT. They're kind of funny sometimes--I was watching one of Kristina Horner's videos and the preview window (when you go to skip or rewind) was a rather large older man haha. Definitely not Kristina!
You're right. It happens on my mobile, but when I double-checked on a desktop, it was correct. Thanks! Good to know so I don't panic when someone makes a similar comment on my channel. I've just started my own channel on writing called Lit Bulbs, in part inspired by you. I've been wanting to do it for years having heard over and over again about author platform. It took watching your videos, and the videos of some other writers, to say, "Just do it!" So, thanks!
These are some good tips. Do you think that these tips work do you think that these tips work for music writers. BTW, I like how your eyes match with your shirt, vice versa.
I like to listen to music either without lyrics - or at least lyrics that I can understand, i.e. Wardruna is fine, but Ed Sheeran is not - or weirdly, one song on repeat, whether I can understand the lyrics or not.
This is a awesome channel! You are extremely helpful but I Do have a question I hope you may be able to answer if you see this. I love writing, and I've had many ideas, I literally have a file of stories, oh yeah. They're all unfinished. My question, how do I stick to one thing? I love all of my ideas, but the problem is I can't keep working on one. The most I've gotten is seven chapters before I start a new idea, and this frustrates me because I want to at least get one story done before I move on to another one. Have you already made a video for this? I don't know yet because I just found out about you last night. But if you could answer my question that would be fantastic.
Hey there, when i started some long years back , i had the same problem (in fact i still look up some of the old ideas i had). How i dealed with it was, that i tried to commit more to one story (easier said thatn done...) and kinda took every new idea i had and tried to put it into the story i was commiting / writing at that time. ... out came a bloddy mess, wich i think today, is one of the worst things i showed around (tho people seemed to like it, wich is wierd). Anyway, i tried to fix it but realized that i was just to much and the efford would be the same like starting from scratch. So i did that. I started a new story - but not from a new idea, i assabled ALL my ideas and picked out only the best and most striking ones and put them together in one big list of topics/Bits/tropes that i liked and wanted to write from and constructed a story with it (well it kinda constructed itself with all that tbh xD) And i'm happy since then. Sure i still have new good ideas, but the story i came up with this way, is just so so facinating and urges me to tell it SO SO much, that i just cant stop working my ass off it! My problem now is more that i exagerate on the tings that are not that prominent in the story, but that i love to plan out in the backround, so that i have a hard time writing the story itself xD (i even got to the point where my univers is so large and planned out, i can easy write another 3-5 books in different times and locations after that series!) Well, that how i dealed with this problem at least, maybe it will help you to keep one story! Good luck! (also sorry if i messed up somewhere, english is not my first language xD )
I have a somewhat unique problem, from what I've seen of common writers' problems. I want to write, and I've been writing short stories based in established universes, but I have no idea what to write a novel about.
I've managed to get myself to the middle of my final book, AAAAND I'm stuck. I just can't seem to get my characters to the climax because everyone's at different stages. I need them all on the same level for the climax, but I got one trudging around in a forest without any other motivation than to get away from the people trying to kill him, another one brand new to magic and struggling to use her powers, one other learning how to control her emotions from a dragon so she can lead, and yet another accidentally killing villages with his untamed new powers and freaking out because he has no way to control it. No one is ready for the final climax and I don't know what to do with anyone to get them ready. Also, my bad guys aren't organized enough yet for a first assault, let alone the final one. Actually, I think that's my problem. My bad guys aren't organized, so until I can get them attacking, I'm going to be stuck. Time for some bad guy POV! Bring on the drums, we're attacking the capital! I don't care if you don't have enough numbers, we'll get you some zombies or something to bulk you up. (That'll get some of them together at least)
I am afraid of being judged because of how awful my grammar and punctuation would be. I want to write despite those mistakes that I can edit out but the feelings of being judged always gets me. Plus, some of my ideas sounds stupid 😓
I believe writer's block starts by wanting to write instead of recording ideas, you interfere with your creative flow, I explain that in the video I released today
Aha.. and what if what I write has such an effect on me that I just cant... for example sleep for days out of fear.... and for tha reason not wanting to deal with it. But the novel must be done.
If I plan my novel I get bored and it isn't fun anymore. I have to be a pantser so that I don't know what is happening either and it makes it more fun and exciting.
And that's okay! Outlining doesn't seem like it would be a source of writer's block for pantsers :) I just recommend it for those of us that get stuck if we don't plot our story beforehand. If what you're doing works then definitely stick with it!
That’s what I do. I’m a pantser as well and I love the emotions and feelings I get for my characters as I write the romance scenes and the tense scary scenes as I write them from scratch
"Write without shame."
Love that. That's definitely something I've needed to hear for a long time.
This held me back for a long time. I would write as if someone was standing over my shoulder and fear making every word perfect. Glad it was helpful!
+Vivien Reis wow ssaaammmmeee
I don't use an outline. What I found worked for me is to imagine the scene in my head and ask myself what I want to accomplish from that scene. Then I turn that scene into a to-do-list. Finally, I write the scene while crossing off from my list.
Three weeks ago, I was at this exact video, wanting to find out how I can actually write freely.
Now, three weeks later, I am near the end of my book, using an outline, with 7 thousand words and eleven out of seventeen chapters finished. I am also planning the second book. Thank you for all the advice you've given me!
What’s the book about?
Can I turn that white dragon into white kitten instead?
No that is heresy. You should feel bad!!
Bunnies are better, they're more fluffy. Change my mind.
Chinchilla
there he is.
where?
what behind the rabbit?
it IS the rabbit.
Unfortunately for this aspiring writer, I'm one of those people who jumps from one project to another. Especially if I was working on a story I really loved but then I came up with another, shinier story and started working on that. It's like, if I use the exercise example, I stop one workout and start another, and the vicious cycle continues!
This is the reason why I have only completed one of my recent multi-chaptered stories. And that book was the first in a trilogy, meaning I'm really only a third of the way into the story, and I've been stuck on chapter 1 of the sequel ever since, save a few sentences every once in a while. :'D
W K Cyrokin I can relate to you I have a story that I am contented and willing to complete but an idea pops in and began to write a new one leaving the other one in the dark this keeps on going for me and right now it's not that often I keep changing
W K Cyrokin Me too. i just wrote a plot for a new story and i didnt finish my other one. my mind just keeps going.
I used to be able to relate to that. The best way to combat that is to stick with one project all the way to the end. This both develops your writing ability and gives you the confidence to know that you CAN and WILL stick with it all the way through and that it will be great. Another way is to simply spend more time writing and finish your first story before you have the chance to get a new idea. Or, you could just multitask and work on several projects at once.
I’m writing at least 7 books at once. Help.
me.
Another one with similar problem here! My solution is far from the best, though it's working for me most of the time:
I currently have 5 stories to be finished. What I do is to divide them into "acts" or "sections", with a certain amount of chapters for each. So, I dedicate myself totatlly to one "act" of a story and then, once I'm done with it, change to another story.
It's also important for each story to have different length "sections", so you don't get stuck on the story you wish to write the least, or bored of writing a long "act".
Hope it ever helps someone.
Me: writing
Cat: looks over my shoulder
Me: *freezes up*
Me: *slowly turns around*
Cat: guiltily makes eye contact
Me: _I'm calling the police_
Lmao
"how much time do you think you're spending staring at that blank screen" i laughed aloud
Im 14 years old and i have been working on my book series for over a year,i had alot of failed stories before the one im working on right now,i have been working on this story since January of 2020 and started writing at the end of August,now at the beginning of October im at 35 thousand words and almost done with my very long 3 chapters
NEVER GIVE UP ANYONE!
My days of not knowing how to write or create a story are over thanks to you. You're making so much sense with these videos. I want to be a writer and publish my own stories, but that doesn't happen overnight and that is ok. Defeating writers block is a major goal of mine and I'm getting so close to defeating it.
Good for you! I'm honestly so glad my videos have helped you. Go Noles! And happy writing :)
I'm 12,000 words into my book and have so much more to accomplish! Thank you this is what I needed to get going again!
Brandon Sanderson says he outlines plot and setting and he is a "discovery writer" for his characters. I work in a similar way, it took me a while to discover this, I used to think of myself as a full discovery writer until I started having tons of fun (and mental agony) drawing maps and timelines and summarized encyclopedias about my world (technology, ecosystems, biology, culture, society, etc). But in the end, I only know who my characters are until I know the whole setting and most of the plot, which tends to change because of the whole discovery writing most of my characters.
Long story short, I like your videos and enjoy the way you convey your ideas. P.S. Giiiiiirl! Those eyes and hair! Cheers.
I've been stuck in a nearly year-long writer's block and you helped me so much to destroying my prancer days, and all thanks to your amazing tips I'm almost halfway through drafting and outlining!
"Write without shame!"
Sometimes I feel the motivation to write a story, and then I realize that nothing I or anyone else in the world writes will ever be as good as Harry Potter. I've also never come up with a story idea on my own. But I'll keep watching interesting writing videos on youtube until I come up with something.
Don't let the successes of others discourage you! There are few books that will ever have as big an impact as HP (how many other authors have theme parks created after their worlds?!), but you can still find success without making as big a splash. Just keep working toward your dreams and don't give up!
U said all I needed. Thanks so much. I am 45 and still learning things. :)
I've been working on an outline for the last week and once I tackled the actual fleshing out and writing part, I ran into a stumbling block. This video was really good to hear, thank you. I've been watching many of your videos as motivation during my free time, this channel is great!
Hey I found your channel because I looked up a video about writing tips and fell asleep on it and 30+ related videos played while I slept. 17 of them were yours. But this video really helps now that I actually watch it
Distractions have always been my problem, but the abnormal kind. I live with toxic people, and it's hard to plan out my writing time around their behaviors. Sadly, there's a very specific reason why I need to continue living with them. And patience is the absolute key with trying to write in a situation like this. I do often wonder how many others, especially these days, have similar experiences with toxic people distracting their creativity and focus. I'm having the hardest time finding any writers who can relate, especially people who've made videos about it.
But, great video! Really lovin' all your vids so far. :D
I'm so thankful that I have found your videos. I'm late to the ball-game, but you have helped me realize a lot of things that I have been doing wrong with my writing and I thank you for that! I always felt insecure with my writing and these videos have made me see what I need to work on, so thank you :)
Yes, I gotten an big Writer Block. I mean Big! But, then I just realizing that I am just starting outline help me defeated it.And I loved your Tip!
Thank you for watching!! I'm so happy it was helpful :D
ikr
Beautiful eyes! :)
Thank you :)
I am writing at least 7 books at once.
_Help._
_Me._
Meee thooo
i like how your wall (to your right) , shirt & eyes compliment each other perfectly. purposely done?
I watch/listen to you for the advice, but what a bonus: creative with personality, beauty & sense of humor.
Plus background puppies=Subbed.
Aww, thank you! I have to say I miss that wall! Our new house doesn't have an appropriate wall for an accent color D:
What my neighbor does to defeat writers block, is rereading what you’ve got so far and you could get some ideas along the way. I’ve wrotten 17000 words without an outline so far and I’ve gotten to the point where I got stuck. Retreading all of your book is a good way to defeat writers block. It helped my neighbor pretty well and she’s written several books
Stumbled on a couple of your videos this evening & I love them & had to subscribe. I love what you said about 'it's your story only you can tell it' & that's a good way at looking at it. Also I do outline more in a brainstorm bubble way. Will look at how you do your outlining now. Thanks for your top tips.
You are simply amazing, encouraging, inspiring just to listen to. I can't wait to read your Elysian novel!
I was an in-between. I didn't outline but I couldn't be called a pantser, but despite how organized I thought I was I found myself completely rewriting one of my stories and kinda failing at it. I decided to make my first attempt at outlining with a project I intend to write for NaNoWriMo and it was much easier than I thought it would be and it was such a relief knowing exactly what I want to happen and where.
Awesome! It's amazing how a lot of us are combinations of the two. Now, though, I can say that I'm *mostly* an outliner and hardly a plotter. Although I surprise myself with random tidbits here and there while writing :)
Hey Vivien! I love this - both the disease-free white bunny, and the idea that we can always chisel our manuscript into something better. I just subscribed! I launched my author channel last month and just linked back to you on my new video about beating writer’s block. Hope that’s okay! Thanks for all your great advice. :)
I think it was Stephen King who said he doesn't plan out his stories but puts his characters in situations and makes them work through them
Great advice, thanks! :)
WOW, I really needed to hear a lot of this right now! I'm not a pantser, I plan like crazy, but I was still having problems with the other stuff.
I was a vary stuck but now I got over writer's block!
I know how I want my novel to begin and end, but I don't know how to get it from the beginning to the end.
Same. I’m a pantser and I don’t use an outline. The ideas just come to me. But recently I got stuck in one place and I don’t know what’s gonna happen next. I’m only half way through my novel draft
@@ashnikfield4224 ideas just come to everyone. A pantser is just someone who don't outline. 😆
Never related so hard
you are such an amazing motivator to writers. I hope you're happy that you made me write more often :D
Can I put you in my acknowledgements?? Because you have saved me from the death of a writer so many times!
Thank you Vivien - you were a huge help!
All of these tips are tested and true! Great video
Hey, I want to say that you're content is absolutely wonderful and useful :)
Your videos inspire me to write and are helpful. Can you try to give a tiny pause after a big sentence ? Sometimes i need a moment to store information and i find myself rewinding to take a moment to process and memorize ideas. lol Thanks! I love your new series.
If you have trouble keeping up you can change the playback speed on your device to something that suits you better.
I love your analogy of a blank white screen.
I absolutely love outlining. xD Its the most fun, but then writing the parts itself is where I get stuck.
Have you tried fast-drafting? I have the same issue if I don't force myself to spit all the story out as fast as I can. That's one of the many reasons why I love NaNoWriMo so much!
Loved the comparison of the blank page to a dragon/bunny.
I just love your channel.
Woah, you're a very fast talker. #germanysquad :D
Thank's for making this kind of content, it really helps finding inspiration again.
Und ich realisiere gerade, dass ich das auch auf Deutsch hätte schreiben können :'D
Keep going!
I gotta say, I really like your name. There aren’t a lot of Viviens.
Im that creep who loves outlining and packing and planning and everything like that XD, it helps though, I wrote 9 pages in a few days because i outlined, im a slow person though XD
SO HELPFUL! Thank you :)
I love your tips! I definitely see my white dragon as a fluffy bunny now! :) I did a similar video on my channel, I think there needs to be more awareness around the struggles writers go through. Thanks for being so helpful
Thanks by the way for your advice !
I somehow ended up making my "writer headspace" be on the road. Like it's a chore to sit down and write at home, but if I'm on a bus, a tram, or just walking I can write thousands of words in one go.😅
Preach the word vomit. Thanks for the inspiration Vivien.
Yes, yes... And thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
Part of my problem is that writing without any shame often leads me to write into a corner, and make some mistake that I can’t fix without going back and deleting stuff. How can I write something without shame, but also without plot holes that you can’t recover from?
I use to not do outlines. I would love to write but never thought about the characters.
Maybe I am not a pantser... I don't know. I am currently stuck on a lot of my WIPs if only because of 1) no outline 2) fear of being judged (show vs. tell, character thinking out loud...) but your #4 point might help me .. just need to hammer it into my blank brain ;/
Thanks for the videos!
Give the outline a try! I think you'll enjoy it and it'll help you push through and finish those novels. As far as the fear of being judged, don't worry about people reading anything you write. No one will ever read it unless you let them. Many well-known authors never let a soul lay eyes on their first novel. That might be you, or you might be really proud of yourself when you finish it. Write your first draft for yourself. Worry about making it perfect for others when you're editing. Happy writing!
Thank you for giving my borrowed creature another layer of character. It's verry fitting for what it is made of. 😁😊
What's a pancer?
Pantser - someone who writes by the seat of their pants and doesn't use an outline 😊
Hello! I love you videos! I have a question about outlining. I really want to outline my novel, however I have this irrational fear of missing out on great plot points that I may come up with later on. how do I get over the need to have a perfect plot at the beginning so that I can just start writing instead of sitting around trying to perfect my plot?
You can always add things to your novel later, and most people have to. With more practice, you're likely to develop an outline and hardly have to change a thing as you write. I add stuff all the time, but continue to write so I have something to add those thoughts to. Even if you change 40% of your writing later, you've still got 60% of your novel - way better than 0% :) I sometimes start writing the first few chapters *while* I'm outlining, but that's just me. I like to jump right in!
Subscribed ! Thank you...
yes i should write what i want, not judge myself every second when i can when editing
What do you mean about "panzer" when writing? It is at 7:40. Thanks, love your videos.
Okay, stupid me, I know there is an internet. I looked it up and see what you mean now ...
thewritepractice.com/plotters-pantsers/
Even better, a "pantser" definition ...
www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=pantser
Haha, sorry it took me a minute to respond to this! I was definitely tempted to say something about German tanks :) I'm going to edit in a mini definition to my video, though, to make it clearer!
Thanks. Love your videos. Really glad you turned me onto Scrivener. I've got to get it into my work flow. Also, I've got to come up to speed with Mendeley and Docear and (oh noo) Latex. So, fun, fun, fun.
Any tips for dealing with writer's block at the same time as adhd that makes you get bored with ideas so quick you end up feeling listless, uninspired, and in the end unaccomplished? I hate it; I feel so stuck.
Just saw this video and it couldn't have come up at a better time for me. I've been doing NaNoWriMo and my word counts suck. I know what the story is but I lost the original outline and tried pantsing because I thought I could remember. Nope. I need to take a day and just redo the outline and remake the story. I remember the best parts at least. :P
How many books do you write at once? I have about 7 in outline stages, 3 main ones. I keep thinking of more as i go
May I have a question? I just can't get rid of that inner editor and when I'm writing something, I'm not able to continue unless everything is "perfectly written" and I don't know, what to do. What would you recomend me? :) And thank you for this video, it was really helpful :)
You may have covered this already, and I apologize if you have, but what in the heck is a "pantser"? Is this in reference to "pantsing", the act of ripping down someone's pants down?
If so, freaking awesome!
Otherwise, I'm lost.
Sorry
Also, fantastic tips!
I'm currently employing the "white bunny" technique you mentioned.
Thank you!
A "pantser" is someone that writes by the seat of their pants - i.e. they don't use any outline. They have a basic idea of where they want the story to go and then sit down and let the story tell itself.
Vivien Reis
Thank you, very much.
I had a general, but wasn't sure.
i have everything outlined for my novel, but how do i keep track of the word count? the beat sheet i used has word counts but its extremely confusing.
I get caught up in writing the perfect words the first time around. I started outlining days I'm not feeling creative and I have about the first seven chapters outlined, plus a prologue already written. I'm not a huge fan of outlining but it seems to work for a while. I'm stuck in the middle part of my novel and not sure what to do next.
Work from the end then. Some writers have to work from the outside-in, so now that you're stuck there, start with how you want it to end and work towards the beginning. Happy writing!
Hey Vivian. Not sure if anyone's told you that the preview image for this video (and title actually) says "Creating an Author Website" for some reason. Still a good video, just surprised it was on a different topic than I initially thought. :)
Jessica Trudel It might have been a RUclips glitch for a moment. It seems to be correct on my phone and computer, but this happens to me sometimes when I'm viewing videos on YT. They're kind of funny sometimes--I was watching one of Kristina Horner's videos and the preview window (when you go to skip or rewind) was a rather large older man haha. Definitely not Kristina!
You're right. It happens on my mobile, but when I double-checked on a desktop, it was correct. Thanks! Good to know so I don't panic when someone makes a similar comment on my channel. I've just started my own channel on writing called Lit Bulbs, in part inspired by you. I've been wanting to do it for years having heard over and over again about author platform. It took watching your videos, and the videos of some other writers, to say, "Just do it!" So, thanks!
That dog was cute
What's a "Pancer"?
it's funny that her dog keeps walking through the background making sure it's in the shot lol. My dog does this
this was super helpful.
I'm so happy to heart that!
Err...hear...
thank you
These are some good tips. Do you think that these tips work do you think that these tips work for music writers. BTW, I like how your eyes match with your shirt, vice versa.
I like to listen to music either without lyrics - or at least lyrics that I can understand, i.e. Wardruna is fine, but Ed Sheeran is not - or weirdly, one song on repeat, whether I can understand the lyrics or not.
This is a awesome channel! You are extremely helpful but I
Do have a question I hope you may be able to answer if you see this.
I love writing, and I've had many ideas, I literally have a file of stories, oh yeah. They're all unfinished. My question, how do I stick to one thing? I love all of my ideas, but the problem is I can't keep working on one. The most I've gotten is seven chapters before I start a new idea, and this frustrates me because I want to at least get one story done before I move on to another one.
Have you already made a video for this? I don't know yet because I just found out about you last night. But if you could answer my question that would be fantastic.
Hey there, when i started some long years back , i had the same problem (in fact i still look up some of the old ideas i had).
How i dealed with it was, that i tried to commit more to one story (easier said thatn done...) and kinda took every new idea i had and tried to put it into the story i was commiting / writing at that time.
... out came a bloddy mess, wich i think today, is one of the worst things i showed around (tho people seemed to like it, wich is wierd). Anyway, i tried to fix it but realized that i was just to much and the efford would be the same like starting from scratch. So i did that.
I started a new story - but not from a new idea, i assabled ALL my ideas and picked out only the best and most striking ones and put them together in one big list of topics/Bits/tropes that i liked and wanted to write from and constructed a story with it (well it kinda constructed itself with all that tbh xD)
And i'm happy since then. Sure i still have new good ideas, but the story i came up with this way, is just so so facinating and urges me to tell it SO SO much, that i just cant stop working my ass off it!
My problem now is more that i exagerate on the tings that are not that prominent in the story, but that i love to plan out in the backround, so that i have a hard time writing the story itself xD (i even got to the point where my univers is so large and planned out, i can easy write another 3-5 books in different times and locations after that series!)
Well, that how i dealed with this problem at least, maybe it will help you to keep one story! Good luck!
(also sorry if i messed up somewhere, english is not my first language xD )
I have a somewhat unique problem, from what I've seen of common writers' problems.
I want to write, and I've been writing short stories based in established universes, but I have no idea what to write a novel about.
Love the video
What's an outline?
I've managed to get myself to the middle of my final book, AAAAND I'm stuck. I just can't seem to get my characters to the climax because everyone's at different stages. I need them all on the same level for the climax, but I got one trudging around in a forest without any other motivation than to get away from the people trying to kill him, another one brand new to magic and struggling to use her powers, one other learning how to control her emotions from a dragon so she can lead, and yet another accidentally killing villages with his untamed new powers and freaking out because he has no way to control it. No one is ready for the final climax and I don't know what to do with anyone to get them ready. Also, my bad guys aren't organized enough yet for a first assault, let alone the final one. Actually, I think that's my problem. My bad guys aren't organized, so until I can get them attacking, I'm going to be stuck. Time for some bad guy POV! Bring on the drums, we're attacking the capital! I don't care if you don't have enough numbers, we'll get you some zombies or something to bulk you up. (That'll get some of them together at least)
THANK YOU 🌼🌼🌼
You are so good
I am afraid of being judged because of how awful my grammar and punctuation would be. I want to write despite those mistakes that I can edit out but the feelings of being judged always gets me. Plus, some of my ideas sounds stupid 😓
It's about filling your page with words. Period. And periods. Period.
4:21 Get in the ZOOONE.. AUTO ZONE! lol
I believe writer's block starts by wanting to write instead of recording ideas, you interfere with your creative flow, I explain that in the video I released today
What if my first draft is the killer rabbit of Caerbannog?
I listened to this video while making breakfast and all I could hear was Carly Shay from Icarly😂
Great advice. Also, gorgeous eyes.
Aha.. and what if what I write has such an effect on me that I just cant... for example sleep for days out of fear.... and for tha reason not wanting to deal with it. But the novel must be done.
Lol... My daughter has 7 kids. She sometimes writes with the 2 youngest napping on her lap. Zero distractions... 😋
what If I am forced to write it in school
You are so pretty!
The dog in the back
Hey, sorry for being stupid, but what's a Pancer...? Panser?? Uh..
mipmips yt I think it means you dont follow an outline
The description of me at the beginning.
If I plan my novel I get bored and it isn't fun anymore. I have to be a pantser so that I don't know what is happening either and it makes it more fun and exciting.
And that's okay! Outlining doesn't seem like it would be a source of writer's block for pantsers :) I just recommend it for those of us that get stuck if we don't plot our story beforehand. If what you're doing works then definitely stick with it!
Thank you!
That’s what I do. I’m a pantser as well and I love the emotions and feelings I get for my characters as I write the romance scenes and the tense scary scenes as I write them from scratch
I make outlines all the time!
...
Even at school... At the shower... Until 3 AM at night...
...
Yeah--I have ADHD.
your eyes match your shirt