NaNoWriMo Vlog #1: The Struggle!
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
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Think of writing each day like exercise. You don't expect to start off Day 1 as an athlete. It takes time to work up to being comfortable with it. And DONT read what you write unless it's like a paragraph or two in order to know what you need to write next. Good luck, Sasha :) you can do it!
That's a really good way of looking at it! Thanks Max!!
+abookutopia Right now would be a good time to kind of plan out the basic plot ideas. During November you are just getting a basic draft, nothing finished. Books are made in editing says John Green.
IvoryHermioneWeasley Yep definitely. If you're new to writing long fiction like I am, I think NaNo is also just a good time to practice writing daily. So I'm not really concerned with getting a perfectly planned out story, and in fact, I don't think I will have a 'novel' by the end, but I will have 50,000 words which is better than 0. It's all in perspective, really.
Sasha I love the idea of you writing a book, but as a novelist (I just write in Spanish so probably anybody here knows me) I can tell you that your first book should be more personal, and by personal I mean for yourself, a book you would like to read, but just you. I mean it is different for everyone and I'm not saying you shouldn't share the experience with us, I just want you to understand that writing a book is putting your soul for everybody to see it and that is a huge thing. And also try to vomit words, yes vomit them into the pages don't think that much. Don't push yourself to write a certain amount of words everyday because you won't be happy with the results, you have to write as many words as you feel just when you're feeling it. Good luck on this crazy but incredibly beautiful journey of writing a book.
+Scarlet Parra Fantastic advice!
Thanks for the advice Scarlet!
+abookutopia you're welcome Sasha❤️
+abookutopia definitely what Scarlett said. it'll come easier if you imagine it as a book you'll pick up and read yourself
+Scarlet Parra what genre are your books?
Girl don't worry! Just relax and write the words as if you are reading a novel. Like imagine a story, and write whatever you want to come next. I know it's easier said than done 😂 but you are so creative and talented and no matter what you write Im sure it will be really fun!
+MySimsAddiction She definitely seems a little stressed out. It's making me feel stressed! LOL
***** you should totally add me on goodreads :D
Ashley Schroader I know I just really want to hug her!
+MySimsAddiction same here as for IcePopSims :D see you a lot on book tube :) mind having a look at ours?
SASHA STAY AWAY FROM NETFLIX! IT IS THE ENEMY OF NANOWRIMO.
I should have outlined more too but I'm still outlining as I'm writing. Just keep going. Don't worry about it being in order or editing it. Just get it out. THE FIRST DRAFT IS NEVER PERFECT. In fact it's usually terrible for everyone.
You're a reader and that automatically makes you a better writer, in my opinion.
Anyway, your story sounds intriguing. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. I'm so happy you are joining us this year. I know you can do it!
(3rd Person POV btw!)
"Knocked me into a black abyss" definitely works Sasha! It's SO much better than "everything went black." It sounds amazing! Keep up the good work?
I meant a ! instead of a ?
I have a constant struggle between choosing whether to write in third person or first person. I find that it if you are writing a novel with many POV's it's a lot easier to write in third person, however, I also really like writing in first person because you get a greater insight into the characters thoughts (at least that's what I think). Also, don't feel obligated to write your story in order! Just write the scene that you are wanting to write. You can string it into a logical plot line at a later date :) Good luck!
+magicinbooks I do third person, limited because if that. So you can kind of get a better gist of other people while they are in the room with the main character but you still focus on the main character and follow them around.
+Hunter Boyle That's what I like about third person! It allows you to explore other characters more, whilst still focusing on the MC :)
I write in third person and I really enjoy it because it's a good way to connect with more than one character at once while following a specific character's thoughts and feelings
+magicinbooks There are lots of books that have chapters with characters names and you can write from their point of view with different chapters. This sounds really confusing but an example is this is Ice like Fire which I am reading right now... lol
+magicinbooks you can actually write from the third person point of view yet still get the exact same response over your character like when you're writing in first person!
i learnt this in my lit class (i'm taking language, lit, and culture major in high school; so obv my knowledge still hasn't gone that deep thus please cmiiw) but this point of view is called "god third person point of view"; basically the author knows EXACTLY what the hell is going on at any time, from any character's point of view/thoughts. with this pov you can choose to do a "god third person main character point of view" which, ofc, stresses more on the main character (like first pov, only using third ukwim) or "god third person all knowing point of view" where you can invade every character's thoughts, needs, wants, etc. it's called "god" because you are all knowing, ukwim
after couple of years writing (well for myself, that is actually, haha) i find that these point of views are actually just the basics (first person, second person, third person) and you can add anything you like into it. so play with your character! :)x
If your book gets published (I bet it will. Keep it up) I will totally read it. I Feel you though. I have a billion story beginnings and no story endings. Writing is hard!!!
Oh and in your next video you should tell us your writing process. Like, where you are and how you do it and stuff ;)
I have the exact same problem! I keep writing parts and writing something long hasn't really worked for me so far but I will keep trying!!
+Primcess Me too!!! I have tons of story premises but I can't seem to do much else
I feel you! I have so many beginnings and endings, moral lessons and character motivations... But NO MIDDLE! How will my characters get to the end?! I have no idea!
I don't write novels, but I am kind of obsessed with writing short stories, and my best advice is honestly just to write. Sometimes I will get an idea, write 1,000 words, and erase all of them because I got a new idea in the midst of writing, and from that new idea a story is born. Also another tip is to not worry so much about our reactions to it. I know you are worried we aren't going to like it (believe me, if I released my stories I would be having a heart attack), but we love you Sasha! No matter what, we will always love YOU! And your book needs to meet YOUR approval, needs to impress YOU. Because ultimately you are you toughest critic. Hope this helped and love seeing you in the midst of an author!
Sasha, just listening to those first two paragraphs made me want to continue reading so bad! i am so so excited to see how this book turns out! i can't wait :)
by the way - you could totally be a reader for audiobooks!
i feel like you're trying too hard to appeal to your audience. you should write a story for yourself. write a book that you would want to read, not a book that you think others want to read.
your book will turn out amazing Sasha don't stress about how much we will like it because if you love it and if you are proud of it then it will be great! i'm writing my first novel too for nano and i feel the same way as you. i feel so all over the place and i feel like my grammar and plot line isn't great but i told myself to just write until i find my style. the bit you gave us was great too! i love how you used another sentence other than "then everything went black." love the video and you!
OMG Sasha! The first paragraph is amazing! It's so captivating which is incredibly important for a good book! I can't wait to read it!
+Shannon Clarke agree :)
That was really good trust me i have seen some bad writing because I read so much fanfic.
Same !
+fandom_ girl1120 lol same
girl same
lmao me
I'm actually in the middle of writing two novels, and you have no idea how fast I clicked on this video because I love your channel and OMG you're writing a book! I'm really excited for you! I just want to let you know that you should write from the heart and don't get stressed out about it! I wish you the best of luck and most of all, enjoy it!! I can't wait to read it :))
PLZ publish the book when your done! I know all your subscribers and me will LOVE it.
No kidding!
Don't worry, the first two paragraphs already made me proud. This has a lot of potential :]
NaNoWriMo is so difficult!! Yet a very very fun experience!! Don't worry Sasha, I have and am going through the same things you are going through! Writing is a struggle! But I know you can do this Sasha!! Don't worry too much, you're novel sounds amazing so far and I'll only get better from where you are now! And as a NaNoWriMo Participant also, I wish you all the best of luck!! =-)
I definitely feel that the difficulty of writing a book is misunderstood. Most people understand how frustrating and tough writing a 4 page paper is. Now imagine writing a novel that is at minimum 100+ pages! I commend you and all those other people who are participating in NaNoWriMo because it is something to be very proud of.
Writing a book is hard. My first novel wasn't perfect. I wrote my first novel in first person, and I personally thought that it was the most natural voice to use for writing the story. I did not outline the novel, but I did spend a lot of time thinking about the Fantasy world that the protagonist travels to. I hope you'll get through this, Sasha. I know how hard writing a book is, and I know how you feel. I felt the same way you did a few years ago when I first started writing my first novel. I wish you the best of luck. I really enjoyed this video, and I cannot wait to see more Nanowrimo vlogs from you.
That paragraph was amazing! And I'd love to read about your experience with the night your mom passed away. I'm sure it would be very cathartic to write as well.
Love the paragraph you shared! I can't wait to see how this progresses. Don't worry about us, we'll see your hard work and passion no matter what kind of book you create. This is my second year doing NaNoWriMo and I'm having a lot of fun with it.
Finding your voice in writing will come over time. I've been "writing" since I was 13, but it probably wasn't until I was 16 when I got serious about it. Since then, my writing style has changed over the years drastically and most of it was because I was still growing into an adult. But, I'm 21 now and I'm still trying to find my style/voice, so don't worry about it for this month; it will take time! Good luck! :D
Sasha! First - you're right - I'm going to say it, "Your novel is going to be GREAT!" And truly, it will, even if you don't like the first draft, or the second, or the third.... I've been writing for a number of years (several novels completed, just unpublished as of yet), and the writing process majorly sucks in a lot of ways...but it's also THE most incredible process at the same time because you learn so much about the craft of writing and yourself, your characters become a part of you in a way other people's characters never do, and those moments when you DO get it completely right in ways you didn't even know you could...man, it makes all the pain worth it! :-)
And...if nothing else, even if your book stinks (which it won't), we will still love you!
I'm writing in first person, but I'm having trouble with tenses while writing. I'm writing in past tense but sometimes i switch onto present by accident and have to go back fix it
don't worry about it, just write whatever you feel like you can go and edit after!
Julissa Rivera thanks :))
I have problem with tenses too! So I usually end up spending too much time on trying to get the right tense.. Should probably just keep writing and fix it during editing..
I'm doing the same thing. just write it all out and unless it really bothers you worry about editing later that's what I do
+Annie Sanders Someone else who has that problem!
I LOVE jumping around in my story. I'm the kind of writer who (sort of) creates the outline while I'm writing. Sometimes I'll get ideas for scenes and characters later in the book, so I'll skip ahead and write those, and then I just have to ask questions and use characterization to figure out how to get from point A to point B. Skipping ahead also helps TONS when I'm getting bored or have writers block. It gets me excited about my book again, and then I can come back to what I was working on later and add more. But there is still a good amount of me sitting down and saying to myself, "You will write something today." I have to be there, sitting in the chair, and typing the words for the inspiration to start coming. But some of the stuff that has come out of those writing blocks when I've persevered has been pretty cool! :)
You are totally right. Writing is a learning process. Nobody does it perfectly the first time. Or most of the times after that. :) Just keep going. Keep learning. Keep asking questions. The craft will get easier the more you work on it and learn about it.
Your paragraphs are good. Starting it out being suspenseful is good so that it will catch the reader's attention. I can't wait to read it but try not to stress, we'll be proud no matter what (:
The struggle with 1st or 3rd persons is SO REAL! Whenever I write a new story I always have such a hard time deciding. Ugh.
Also, the paragraph you read was great! You seem to have wonderful ideas. But don't worry about our opinions when writing. First and foremost, this book is yours, and your opinion of it is all that really matters.
Can't wait to see more updates! This is my first year doing NaNo too, so I relate so much :)
I am doing nanowrimo this year as well and I feel you! The struggle is definitely real :)
You are? So cool!! What's your username? Mine is JiixBooks x)
We all support you when writing your book
You got this, Sasha! my advice to you is no matter what, keep writing. Even if you despise every single word you're putting on the page, keep writing. I know it's tempting to go back and write over it, but just keep pressing forward. After you finish, you'll take a little celebratory break and let your mind relax, and then you can go back and when you do it'll be with less objective eyes.
I too have struggled with choosing between First and Third person, and I wish I had some advice for you, but really I don't. I normally just end up choosing which ever sounds right for the book I'm writing.
And, I just want to say, Sasha, I am proud of you, whether or not you think we should be or not. You're being brave and trying something new, knowing perfectly well how hard it is. so I'm proud of you no matter what
OMG I WANT TO READ THAT BOOK ALREADY! WHY SASHA WHY!
*Seriously though, you are such an inspiration! I'm in my first year of university too! I'm also living in a dorm! I love watching your snap chats and I love how you're so relatable!
You taking the initiative to sit down and to start a novel is wonderful as is. Don't feel pressured in 'making us proud' because we already are. Find your voice, find your style, and have fun! Keep writing your heart out!
You're seriously the only RUclipsr I've watch that isn't writing a book about themselves or life. You're actually building this story! I hope it's a success, because I will read it!
It's nice to know I'm not the only one who second guesses their writing. But seriously that paragraph had me hooked! Like don't even think about it just keep writing. That's the best advice I can give. I'm doing my third year of NaNoWriMo and I can say that once you start overthinking your novel it becomes really difficult to write it out. So just go with it. But I think that was some fantastic writing for your first time writing a novel! Way better than I ever was the first time round! Keep up the hard work! :)
I would never judge you, I put my complete trust and faith in you for this project because you are such an awesome booktuber, book recommender, and all around just such an amazing person. I am honestly so excited for this. I will be honest, it's a lot of pressure writing a book, but that's the beauty of it. Think of it this way. You are not writing a book for school, for class, for a teacher or for anyone specific in particular. This is you'r book and you get to do whatever you want to do with your story!
My favorite advice that I've gotten on writing is the following (and I feel like it might be helpful for you too, because it was majorly helpful for me):
There are three rules to writing.
1. Get it done.
2. Get it right.
3. Don't confuse the order of 1 and 2.
So, yes, this draft is going to suck a lot, in so many ways. But that's totally okay. That's the way it's supposed to be, and that's the way it is for pretty much everyone (unless you're Jane Austen??? but forget about her lmao). So just have fun with it. Vomit words, like another person said, and write every cliche that you've always wanted to write, that you've always loved reading in books, and just go with it.
Good luck this month, Sasha!! I have total faith in you.
Sasha don't worry too much! This whole thing is so stressful (I'm doing it myself) but what've learned is that you have to just work through and if you just type so fast you probably won't even think about what you're writing but in the end it all makes quite much sense. I don't know, I'm bad at describing things but good luck! And also I loved those paragraphs you wrote and I think your plot is so good and unique, I love it! Just keep swimming
I am with you Sasha!! Day two on NaNoRiMo and I'm struggling. Thanks for you video, it really motivates me to keep preserve and keep on writing. I believe that in time you will be able to uncover your unique voice and style. Keep up the great work Sasha!!
Oh my god that paragraph was beautiful you having an amazing way with words
Aw, Sasha, you could never make us not proud, honestly the fact you are even writing a book makes us proud! I'm not doing NaNoWriMo, but I've written a couple of plays and am looking to start writing my first full length once I finish my final exams very soon. Writing something you're really happy with is definitely a struggle, but I think you just have to enjoy the process, write for YOU! Honestly, though, it already sounds like you're off to a great start with those paragraphs!! Good luck :) x
Hey Sasha, great video! This is my first NaNoWriMo as well, and yeah it is tough! I just wanted to reassure you on a few things. Writing style just takes practice and just writing, writing, and more writing to find what fits you and I feel like this is easier when you focus on writing for you. With the spotlight you're in, I can see how that could be difficult, and you just want to make everyone happy, but when you write what you need to write and write only for yourself, that's when the honesty comes out in your writing, and it should naturally draw readers in, if they see that passion come through in your writing. You mentioned how you were worried about it being too dark, I've got a similar issue. My story follows the villain, so naturally, my story is pretty dark, but I like to split it up with a lot of humor, and that seems to help. Maybe if your character is sarcastic (or really any other personality quirk) if they have a commentary on some dark part in the story that brings a little light to it, it may help you keep it from getting to gloomy. And I also was unsure about which POV I should use, but settled on first rather than third because I feel like it flows easier in my writing and it also serves an important purpose to how i would like the reader to experience the story! I hope that this was encouraging!
i ADORE the excerpt!!! (you can totally do this. go and rock it.)
I'm also doing NaNoWriMo and it's my third year. I won the previous two years but it never gets easier. Starting a book is hard. Starting a book for the first time during NaNoWriMo is a feat I don't think I would be able to have handled so I am in awe that you're trying it! I am a self published author of five books and started writing at age 13 and I promise you that its not easy but it is fulfilling. Keep on going! Looking forward to reading the finished product. 😊
Sasha I love you thank you for not saying "and everything went black" Your writing is amazing
Sasha!! You shouldn't worry! This is your first book and at least so far your book sounds amazing.
Writing is difficult! I feel you, I don't write books but I write screenplays so I've experienced many of your concerns and struggles! Good thing to know is it's all worth it and once you are complete with a piece of storytelling, it makes you so proud as you've been through the struggles to finish with a final piece of writing that took solid hard work! Keep it up you're doing great work :) Loved the part you read out!
I'm so glad that you are doing NaNoWriMo and I understand your struggle! I did NaNoWriMo for the first time last year and had so much fun, but I'm kind of struggling this year. For me, it is SO HARD to come to terms with the fact that not everything is going to be perfect when writing. My whole family knows I write and REALLY wants to read my writing, but I've never let them read it. I understand the pressure of becoming "good enough", and sometimes that distracts me so much I can't write any more. But when I write, I try to concentrate on the simple reason why I am writing it: because I love to write, and I have a story to tell. It might not be perfect, but it is something that I LOVE to do :) I REALLY love what you read - It sounds AMAZING so far! Good luck with your story, YOU CAN DO IT!!Love 'ya Sasha!
Sasha, your novel so far is so wonderful. The way you write is a tell-tale sign that you are well read. Just listening to the first two paragraphs of your book makes me want to read the rest of it right now! Good luck with your book!
Trust me, writing is hard. When I first started writing, it was on Wattpad and it would take me months to post a chapter (the reason why I am not doing Nano this year).
Your story sounds really interesting, and you shouldn't appeal to any of your readers. The most important part is that you are writing to yourself, and you're proud for what you're writing.
Also, I prefer first person, but I'm trying to get into third person.
I always like to look at writing like it's a meal. A well rounded meal usually has some protein and vegetables, and one is definitely more fun to eat than the other. The same goes for writing. It's super easy to want to write all of the fun stuff that inspired the book in the first place, but those veggies (things like personal details and content fillers) need to be written too. It's all about balance, which can be really difficult when you're new to writing or excited about the story you're telling. Good luck with NaNoWriMo!
I know it may sound weird, but start writing on paper first. It can serve as a thoughts page or even a draft page. I usually start all of my books off in a notebook and then transfer the idea on the computer and when I type I automatically start correcting my work. Good luck, writing is always a struggle.
Hey Sasha, stick with it. The beginning isn't dark. It IS dramatic, but dramatic doesn't have to be dark. It sounds cool from what little you read which is awesome, and it is amazing that you are willing to share. I can't even read to my best friend or sister without shaking, so I admire your courage. I know for me it is a little easier to flow faster in first person, but I have personally always written in third person limited perspective in the past tense, but that I have reliable narrators for main protagonists so I don't really want to be in their head too much an spoil things. I am doing NaNoWriMo for the first time too and I know that it is really tough to start on your first novel. 2000 words a day is a lot. When I first started writing daily I would just shoot from 1000 to get myself going, typically that tends to expand when you get into what's happening and it would end up around 1500 to 4000 so I'd say something that might help besides outlining is making that word goal a bit smaller just so it doesn't seem so daunting. Because it's NaNoWriMo you could just sit down three different four different times during the day with the intent to write 500 words and you will surprise yourself with how much ends up on the page and how much you don't want to stop when you start.
Hi! I'm doing NaNoWriMo too! I'm using this month as a tool to rewrite a novel I had written before (It's been more than 4 years since I wrote so much has changed). Just like you, one of the biggest decisions about writing this novel was picking a perspective I'm using now (which is first-person). I have found first-person to be extremely fun! I'm sure you'll do great this month, Sasha! Remember to always write something you would want to read :) Music helps too! Listen to music that has a similar feel to the scene you're writing! it helps so much! That being said, cheers!
I hear you about the struggle of writing there Sasha. But don't worry girl, you'll find your groove and eventually it will come together. It's not going to be easy but don't rush and don't feel pressure. Giving yourself goals is a great thing to do, but don't let it stress you out too badly if you can't meet them everyday. And yes...... please share!. Good Luck Sasha and I hope to read your book one day.
OMG yesssss!!! I was awaiting a NaNoWriMo vlog!! YOUR STORY IS SOSOOOO good!! I love it so far!
This is your first novel, Sasha. I don't have any experience but I know that it can be hard and there is no pressure on you at all. I believe it is going to be amazing no matter what you think!!! Much much much love to you, beautiful❤️
First person is my favorite POV to right from, it's just so much easier but second person gives so much freedom. You can literally so anywhere with anyone in third person. Sasha don't put too much pressure on yourself, that doesn't help writing at all. Don't think about us too much focus on Fraya. Maybe think about other things she does. The Forums really help writing prompts, getting ideas, learning about your character. You wanna know her like she's your best friend, you know all her flaws but you love her anyways! Word sprints really helped me too I didn't do them until last year and they got me so far!
That was great! I really want to read your book someday :) I would recommend skipping around that's what I did for my first NaNo and helped me really get in to my book, I wrote 10,000 words in a weekend and finally managed to get over the hurdle that I get to when I start writing so don't feel pressured to write in order. I'm so proud of you Sasha no matter what you write we will be proud!
I actually started writing a book (but in German) a few years ago and still haven't got over 6 pages, so I'm so jealous of everyone who can do this! And you will get there, it will be a lot of work, but I'm really looking forward to your novel! Just keep us updated and you will do fine. We are all really proud and good luck :)
you WILL do great Sasha! And I think it would be unique to read about your mom so if you need to get the emotion out then I support it!
+Becca Low agree!!!!!! :)
Sasha, I'm sure it will be amazing. We'll be proud no matter what. I would also love to read what you have to say about your mom. Anyway, don't stress too much. :)
Currently doing NaNoWriMo for the second time, and I got a bit (or a lot) of a head start this year. I have 21,000 words written of my novel already, and I'm super pleased with it. It's my first time writing in third person and I find that I enjoy that a bit more than I do first, but that's just me. Good luck this year, Sasha! I hope you finish and, more importantly, just have fun with it.
also, i would love to hear the story about your mom. I support you in whatever decision you make :)
1st person is always fun, it's easier like you said you can put yourself in their position! plus it's nice to know the emotions that play through everything that happens in the book!
Good luck Sasha💜
Sasha, don't stress out whether your audience will like your book or not. Write for yourself! Don't write what you think others would like, it'll make the writing experience more crucial. Just have fun, and good luck! :)
Oh my broomsticks! It already sounds amazing, I'm really excited to find out how Faye looks.
Hey Sasha! I totally understand your pain haha. I've finished two novels in my 16 years and I know how hard it, I almost gave up both times. I tend to start novels and never finish them which makes it so hard for me to stick to and finish one novel.God it's hard. I did try to do Nanowrimo this year but quickly failed cause I had school exams on at the same time so yeah....haha. I just want to say, don't give up. When you get to the point where you just wanna throw everything out the window, stop and take a breather, fantasise about the scene you want and then write it down. It's how I tend to be able to power through. Just wanted to give you a nice comment as a fellow wattpadian haha
I think you're great xx
Love ya, Madi
I'm sure your book will be amazing Sasha and trust me you don't have to worry about letting us down!:) You are such an inspiration and I hope you keep writing!
The paragraph you read was really really good. It made me want more...I feel you. Writing is so hard and confusing and messy, but the end product is totally worth it
I'm a novice writer and have difficultly writing, so don't feel alone. Writing is a challenge I enjoy. Putting a story together is very hard, yet also very fun. I like how your story sounds, so keep it up! I have to go work on my Nanowrimo story as well. Homework has kept me back from, working on it for the past two days. Must continue writing!
We'll be proud of you no matter what! I know I'm proud because you're just writing like that can take a lot to just start writing!!!! Keep going, can't wait for your next video, sending happy and motivational thoughts 💜
Sasha! I'm so excited that you're doing NaNo and that you're taking this HUGE step to pursue your dreams of being an author! This is my 2nd year participating, but I still feel very much like a newbie. First person is definitely easier for me to slip into when I write because it's almost like acting - you 'put on' your character and think and speak like them. This year, however, I'm challenging myself to write in third-person present. It's going...okay. There are times when I find myself slipping an "I" or "my" here and there, but I just have to quickly fix it and KEEP WRITING. Don't give up, girl! You've got this!! As long as what you're writing is something YOU love, something you simply HAVE to share with the rest of the world, then you must push on!
THIS IS SUPER GOOD!!! I'm really excited to see you working through the whole novel, and I'm really proud of you for getting this far. (Obviously) I've only heard a small part, but I'm super impressed. One thing I would say is emphasize how much of an amazing experience it was supposed to be. I've never seen a meteor shower, and I'm not sure how many other people have, so I would compare it to something many people have seen.
I'm super proud of you, and I can't wait to see more of your progress!
Best of luck,
Kelly :)
Sasha I totally understand how you feel. I'm doing Nanowrimo this year as well and for a whole day I was stuck on what to do for my second chapter. But for me an outline really helped and I actually got a lot of chapters planned now! I hope we can both finish on time that would be great. I can't wait to read your story by the way, it sounds very interesting!
It's great that you're even trying to write a full book! Just remember it's a first draft and write what you know. Sasha, I would like to see a vlog about you & your Mom. I almost lost my Mom this year. I still feel a lot of anxiety and get so sad just thinking about it. It's scary when you are close to your family and their hurting. Your whole world changes, gets a little darker. I know she must be proud of you following your dreams.
The first time writing is always the hardest. Don't be too hard on yourself because finding your own style does take time. NaNoWriMo is really helping me turn off my inner editor. i usually pick apart my chapters far too harshly in my first draft, but I'm not letting myself do that now. Remember even if it feels super disorganized, you can use this draft to really "get to know" your characters and story :)
Aw this is so great! I’m sure you’ll do wonderfully! c:
I’ve never really tried writing, but I think that an important part of it is making it for yourself. Make something you would like to read! And don’t worry, you’re super creative, I bet the story will be amazing!
your first paragraph sounds AMAZING!! don't worry, this is your first novel and it will be extremely hard to write but I'm sure many of us will love the story
You are doing great :) It's my first Nano and I know the struggles! Outline helps a lot, I'm used to writing without any plan but it's so easy to get stuck with the story if you don't know what is gonna happen. I took couple days to just plan out the novel before Nano started and it has helped me a lot :) I wanted to make sure I had some kind of idea because I'm not writing in my native language so it adds a bit more challenge to this whole thing. I have noticed that if you push yourself too hard to reach the word count for the day, it just makes the inspiration disappear. I like to make smaller goals through out the day. Like "now I'm gonna write 300 words and then take a break" and so on, makes it so much easier and so much more rewarding when you can hit your own goals many times a day :D
Listening to that first excerpt you read aloud, that was AMAZING! I can't wait to hear more! I know you're going to write an amazing book!
I love the paragraph you've written! Don't worry about the tone of the novel, most books fluctuate between serious and light/fun. And definitely don't worry about people not liking it, there's a book for every person and a person for every book! :) When you get around to (possibly) sending out ARCs, I'd love to receive one!
Honestly, I thought what you read to us was great. I was drawn in, and I wanted to know more. Yeah, sure, the "everything went black" cliche is kind of there but I liked how you handled it. You realized it was a trope and you reworded it enough to make it engaging. I think you're off to a rockin' start. I know it can be hard but I can't stress enough to always keep writing, always push yourself to keep going. It really helps. Good job! And good luck!
Sasha, I think you are doing an awesome job! I'm also going to be writing about the loss of my dad for just a short snippet of writing. Can't wait to read/hear more of your work! You got this!
First novels are always exciting. Don't feel discouraged if your writing isn't up to your expectations, that's what editing is for. First drafts are always hard, the inner editor just won't shut up. Ignore him/her. Just focus on getting the story down and then you can go and clean up the plot and see what you've got. You certainly are going into it with the right attitude.
Write for yourself, first and foremost. I've seen a few others post about that. You write the first draft for yourself and then the next drafts with others in mind. Can't wait to see how you're doing.
Keep up the good work, Sasha! :D
I started writing in third person but changed to third person. It made it easier switching the focus from one character to the other. But that was only because I need to show what's going on at two places at the same time. So it all really depends on your preference and your story.
don't doubt yourself, Sasha! you got this! I can't wait to hear more :)
Sasha, I am feeling the exact same thing! And yes I am definitely struggling with my first person/ third person but with what I have so far, it is first person. I really hope that I can kind of get out of this writing slump I am in so I can conquer NaNoWrimo! Good luck Sasha!
I am sure that a lot of us can relate to the way you are feeling! It is very difficult to stop that negative inner voice telling you to quit writing because you are awful. But it is exactly like you said: the first time around isn't going to be perfect. It might even actually be awful. Try seeing it as a rough diamond. Editing will make it pretty. Something that really helps me during Nano is participating in word sprints. That always shuts up my inner editor.
You're such an amazing and inspirational person Sasha!!
I didn't even finish my first chapter, so you go Sasha, your idea sound really good. And let's just not stress about it and have fun!
Your first paragraph is perfect! Continue to be amazing Sasha!
Reading over your work is what editing is for, so I personally wouldn't do it, as to not discourage myself, because we are our own worst critics.
I think your first paragraph hits the ground running. If I were the reader, I'd be like, "Wait, what?!" You're doing great! Keep going! You've got this!
P.S. I wanted to send you a free copy of my first novel, but I didn't know where to send it or whether or not you take unsolicited books.
I am so excited for you to write your own book, I believe it's going to be absolutely beautiful.
You are such an inspiration and simply amazing at what you do, so I think your book is just the next step and the next big thing for you to be great at. Thank you for your awesome videos, they always cheer me up and get me hooked on new books and ideas!
Oh my god I totally agree. I've never really written anything this big before and it's usually difficult for me to actually put my ideas on paper so this is my first time doing something this large. Also my book is in third person but I have a problem with switching tenses lol so I gotta watch out for that. But I think, since it's my first time doing this that its good to just write what I think and not worry about anything really until the end because it's better when you have the whole plot and everything written and then to go back and add or delete stuff. Anyway, good luck to you! Don't get too stressed!
I know what you mean, Sasha. I'm attempting to write a book, but it's so hard!!! It's kinda hard to explain, but not only do I want to make everyone I know proud, but I also want to give my characters the story they deserve. Ugh it's so difficult. And yes I totally agree with the point of view thing. It's so challenging. And also about your memoir of sorts, I totally think u should write it. Writing helps get emotions out. I did that when someone close to me died, mind u, I was twelve and it wasn't very good, but it still helped me. Sometimes i still read it. Anyway, good luck on your novel. It's going to be fantastic!!! (says fantastic in the 9th doctors voice 😂)
That paragraph gave me chills, that was freaking amazing Sasha!!!😃
You are very brave to be doing this. I'm very proud of you (for whatever that's worth) and I really hope you continue to vlog your process. I wish more booktubers would do that. It's fascinating to see this side of the process.
I appreciate and applaud writers for their talent and patience in the writing process. I am not one of those people. (I like editing and reading other people's work, helping where I can. That's my superpower.)
Keep your head up and your words flowing... Good luck!
Hey Sasha, I love the idea of your book. I think that a super kick ass female character will be awesome! I have never tried to do NaNoWriMo, but my friends have and they told me it is really hard. I live all the way in Hong Kong, and NaNoWriMo reaches us over here. I am looking forward to anything you have coming our way and you really inspire me!
First or third person is such a struggle! I go back and forth every time I write something new. You have to kind of figure out what goes best with your story. If your story is more character driven you may want to go for first person, but if it's more plot or if you want to include multiple POVs third person may be better. Good luck!
I started late (November 3rd) so I had to write 5,001 words in one day (sitting) to get caught up. Talk about word vomit! lol (not really, I was actually surprised about how well I did) It's hard being a college student and working AND doing this! Love these vlogs! Keep them up girl :) I might do a couple myself! Also I totally agree with you on wanting to just get it all on the page then edit later. I felt bad that I was just going to get the 50,000 words out on page then edit and revise later, so glad to know you are doing it as well! I really wish you all the best and hope this is a great experience for you x.
Sasha the paragraph you read was good. Don't be so hard on yourself! I've also struggled with deciding between first and third person, but I find first person to be more personal (harder to write in my opinion) but better