Where would Stephen King be if his wife hadn't fished Carrie out of the trash and told him to finish it? He thought it was rubbish and it turned into his first hit.
Your advice on writer fatigue is 100% spot on. I'm one that obsesses over my beginning, especially my first draft. I HAVE to figure out what's "wrong" with it before going forward. When you're fatigued you can't think straight. I came back after 48 hrs and my mind seemed more open/clear to make solutions to what I felt was wrong before.
I'm not sure If writer fatigue is what I've come across before myself. But the beginning for me is where I have to say a lot of my stories have stranded because I got so fixated on it that I could not think about anything else. However, for whatever reason it just never felt right. So eventually, I put it aside and never went back to it. I'm not exactly sure when this changed, but somewhere along the line I found myself skipping the opening and just jump to a part of the story my mind had no trouble with writing. From there the story moved along nicely and somewhere along the way the beginning would usually show itself.
I used to not be a big fan of Wednesday’s because they are the middle of the week which means the other half of the week isn’t over yet. But you posting every Wednesday makes me excited for Wednesday’s, thank you for doing what you do.
I think Mystery stories isn’t “missing information”, it’s sharing the *right* information with the reader, clues that enable them to deduce. “Missing information” ends up blindsiding the reader with the answers and making them feel dumb (I think about your *trivia game analogy* 😁). JK Rowling is the master of this!
My creative writing teacher says to me "don't get it right get it written" and this helps alot he also say "show not tell" (these are just some of the things he has said to me to help)
I really liked your speech at the end. For me I treat writing like my drawings, there's always that 'crap phase' with the sketches and initial colors that make it look cringey and unclear. But when I keep working at it and don't rush, my drawings/writings always turns out way better than I expected. Thank you for these videos, they always talk about things that I need to get out of a rut.
Yes, me too! I try to work on my writing like I'm working on my paintings; the first drafts don't need to be perfect 'cause they're just some sketches that I'm making to help me visualize my idea a little bit more.
Currently I’m working on a sci-fi novel set in the distant future on another planet that humanity colonized on many years prior. I’m having the most difficult time with the first chapter, so thanks for this Abbie.
4:00 very true! Sometimes I have to re-read a section that’s very descriptive because I’m sure I’ve missed something. I’m currently starting on a first book that’s slice of life/about family. I’m in the brainstorming/ character developing part but feel like I’m all over the place because I’ve also completed an initial plot embryo. Just trying to get in the habit of doing something daily.
I really really love abbie. I'm so glad I found her channel because it feels like i found a supporting sister who will be always there to motivate me with my writing and goals in life. Gosh, I really felt that last motivational advice of abbie. I was a dancer/graphic artist/ and a frustrated writer. (yes i'm interested with a lot of stuffs haha) but yeah when she says don't quit ohhhh boi it got through straight in my heart. Thank you abbie! Just thank your for your whole existence, you're such an insipiration to all of us. 😭❤️✨🤗
I did hear from some guy on a Ted Talk that a similar thing happened to him and he rewrote some passage he had lost (but was sad he had to rewrite it and felt like it wouldn’t live up to the original). He ended up finding the original and the new one was a lot better. Idk if this helps, but don’t be afraid to rewrite??
Coralia .I if you were like me this happens for almost every book I’ve written, a challenging situation of this sort. Everyone is different but maybe that is fate saying there’s a better way, a better you. It could be you need to push through to get that satisfaction or it’s time to get that break and coffee
I find that *reading* another fictional book helps me get out of writer fatigue!! It helps me get excited about stories again and sometimes I get inspirations out of nowhere as my brain runs on the backburner for my own story.
Nearly finished first draft of my WIP! I’ve actually been really getting into the ‘writing’ mindset (Mostly thanks to you, Abbie) and have been writing like crazy. Love your channel, thanks for inspiring me to write so much better x
A thing I learned the other day is that some people don't actually see the thing they're reading in their minds. I'm very visual - if I can't picture something then I don't know what it is - but some people can't see in colour, and some people can't visualise at all. My brother sees in words when he reads. So it's different for everyone! I like to write how I see things, but for some people they won't be able to visualise.
Great advice about not giving up when you hate your writing ! I was there a few months ago, litterally couldn't stand my book anymore, because I had rewritten it soooo many times. I just couldn't bear myself to continue and I really hated my novel as it was. Especially because it didn't turn out the way i had hoped and wanted. One of my critique partners (who had read the first version of the novel) demanded to read the last version. Like actually gave me the order to stop rewriting it and send it as it was ! 😂 I ended up sending it to my 5 critique partners and beta-readers, even though I still hated the result... And you know what ? They all loved it ! Of course they had critique and things that they didn't like, but overall, they really enjoyed the book and thought it was waaaay better than the first version I had send them. In their opinion, I could've publish it exactly like it was. So the problem didn't come from the novel. It came from me, being too close to it, too obsessed with that story, and just needing to let it go...
@@k-on3371 I'm 14 and I wish that my friends wrote too so I could have somebody to talk to but otherwise I would just watch Shaelins video on it because it helped me alot.Her channel is called Shaelin Writes and it's the video called mistakes I made as a teen writer.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Abbie, this was amazing. I felt so encouraged to keep going. It's hard, but I think you just saved my author/writer dreams. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
I just found your videos recently and I'm loving them! They're so fun to watch and give me great advice for the story I've started recently. Thanks so much for uploading and sharing your ideas! (I'm trying to get a hold of your book as well!)
Thank you Abbie for your amazing advice! I felt like this video was directed towards me in a way because I’ve been struggling with continuing my novel. I’m currently at a 34k word count and I’m so exhausted, but so excited to finish. My goal is to get to 50k words by the end but I’m estimating It to be longer from how much of my outline is left. I’ve been pressuring myself to write more every day and it’s gotten to the point where I’m just stuck, but I’m not giving up. I love my story and characters to much for that. Thank you for the motivation and encouragement! I love your videos!!!!😁
Hey Abbie! I just finished 100 Days of Sunlight and it was amazing. I checked out the playlist and I saw you had some Switchfoot on there! They’re my favorite. One I thought really showed the spirit of 100 Days of Sunlight is Hello Hurricane. Thanks so much! I love your videos and your book!
I’m writing a story set in the present, but the main character suddenly finds herself in a different dimension and she has no idea how she got there. I have also written the opening several times until I realized how I never truly figured out my main character enough for the story to start in the best way. But now that I have gone back to the figuring out my main character I feel better for when I’m going to start my story.
Thank you so much! I love writing but I've only been at it for about a year now and am experiencing writer's fatigue, this was so helpful, thanks again.
I'm so happy with this video! Last week i was so into my story i couldn't even sleep and then this week i just... can't type more than a few words without questioning what i am doing, afraid that my story is not what i first thought (and the message is somethink i want to scream from the rooftop nowadays). Thank you, Abbie, i really love your advice!!
I'm stuck at the half way point. The fear of it not being great is keeping me from finishing it. Thank for the video. Their my weekly reminder that I can write a book.
My god you’re a lifesaver! I’m writing a novel to be first published, but I always struggled with accepting and loving the way I right. Just when I sit down to write with doubt, you post a new video to fuel my inner writer! Thanks!
I’m currently writing my first REAL story, it’s kinda of a sci fi like mystery, called Anomalies, I can’t really categorize it but I’m in love with it, your videos like how to write a novel and the character series are all so helpful for me in writing my book so thank you!!
I'm writing a story about a teen mom who ran away with her boyfriend when she was fifteen. When her boyfriend dies in a car crash due to drinking and driving she's left alone with nowhere to go. Social workers give her some options and reluctantly she chooses the one that will put her in her hometown at risk of facing her worst fear of being rejected yet again. Things get even more complicated when she finds out the sheriff in town knows everything about her and he's in love with her. But she doesn't want to believe him because she doesn't think anyone can truly love her. I won't give all the details away but it's going well. I started a few weeks ago and I'm already at roughly 26, 000 words. I'm very excited about it and I can't wait to share it with the world!
Thank you SO much for answering my question! I am currently listening to several audiobooks and trying to catch those patterns! And I’d love to see ur video on mysteries in the future!!
If you hate your work, that is a sure sign that you are actively improving, and it means you must keep going! When you're hating everything you write, that means you're improving extremely quickly, and every new project will be miles better than the last. The reason experienced writers hate their own writing less is because their improvement has slowed down due to the law of diminishing returns. You will get there!
I'm working on picking a story idea to focus on for camp. I have projects in all stages of development and I don't know what to work on next. Love you videos, I'm going to join your FB Group!
Damn Sabrinas question/answer came for me.. I feel so stuck on my wip. I LOVE the idea and the characters but the plot just UGHHH its not right... I can't puzzle it out and I have no idea what to do. I don't want to set it aside but maybe I'll have to 😭😭
Ubik is my favorite thriller. The writing is poor, the characters are undeveloped, and the ending is full of discrepancies, no matter how you try to figure it out. Yet, it's in the top 100 books of all time. I love it. It's a page turner. It wins for its creativity and pacing, in my opinion. It's just fun to read. The problem is, I could never get away with writing something so paltry by today's standards. I want to write like that, but all other writing advice says not to write like that. I don't know what to do. I guess I'll just keep writing the stories I like, for myself only. 😅
I've honestly loved all the different backgrounds that you do. It makes it feel more authentic for some reason😂 (which is awesome because your videos are already insanely authentic)
Hi Abbey! I've written a story (now working on querying for it) that was written from a place of enjoyment, but I only started it -found an excuse to write it- to get away from the HARD story (a big important epic story, lol) - in which the writing was actual work (hence not so much fun). I think you have to consider that -sometimes- setting aside one story to work on another one can be a form of procrastination, not from burnout, but rather an 'out' that might be from overwhelm based on how hard the project is proving to be. BTW love your insights and the presentation!
At the moment I’m working on the Living Snowman. I finished, Last Flight of Pegasus and it is for sale in three or four different locations. It took me twenty years to complete it. I hope the Living Snowman will be completed this year. I started it about ten years ago and I’m exited about it’s completion! Thank you!
I wrote the last 5 chapters last weekend and I am trying to put my book on ice to edit my second draft and build my platform after a hiatus from social media to focus on writing and other things. Spring cleaning is a nice distraction. No touching the story... 😎
totally agree with you about writer fatigue and setting stories aside - the book i'm currently working on is one i set aside for years because i got burned out but now i'm more passionate than ever and feel like i'm in the right head space to be working on it
Whenever I'm not in the mood to write, I just pop on one of Abbie's videos. She somehow manages to really communicate the excitement about writing which I don't see in other channels. Learning to view my writing as something exciting rather than a difficult project has pulled me back to the feelings when I first started writing as a kid where I simply wrote what I loved and loved what I wrote.
I didn't watch this video when it first came out because I wasn't in that stage of writing however, now that I am, I fully understand everything you've talked about. I desperately needed to watch this video regarding the title and the ending of the video was easily the best part as it has motivated me, even just a little bit. So thank you Abbie
I’m writing a teenage superhero series which my protagonist has the superpower to transform herself in a huge wolf, super-strength and super-jump. She unites herself with another superhero of her age which has super speed. Together, they investigate and run after a genius billionaire villain who genetically modifies people in terrible monsters to destroy the city and put him in power. I’ve been planning and outlining this story for YEARS, but finally this year when I found Abbie’s channel I finally got the courage to finally write it and now I am in the middle of the second act.
#AskAbbie (I dont have Facebook :,) I know you must have covered this topic before, but I'm really confused. What do I do if my truth doesnt fit the genre. For example my theme is: you dont have to be perfect for others to be good enough for yourself. My genre: Adventure fantasy cuz that is what I mostly read. I feel like my theme doesnt fit the fantasy genre and fits more the contemporary. I find this a bit confusing, and your help will be very appreciated. I just found ur chanel and it has helped me so much ! Hope u can answer this UWU ♡♡
Fellow fantasy writer here! I honestly think any truth can fit any genre depending on what your plot is and who your characters are. If you character is a warlock/witch maybe they think they have to be the best at all magic and be perfect. (Relating to the truth you mentioned) I’m no expert- but I hope this advice helps you and that you can get un-stuck from being confused. ❤️
I was having doubts about my webcomic, as I felt I had good characters and a fun world, but the plot felt like a huge mess. I kept trying to fix it, for fear of walking away and never looking at it again. I think I'll take your advice and take a break. Edit: After taking another look, I've concluded that I have a lot of great ideas, but my main issue is I have no idea how to put them together. At least, I think that's what the problem is.
I'm 100% sure I'm not the only one thinking this, but that was exactly what I needed to hear at the end - not just for writing but a multitude of things! Thank you for your motivational speech haha, and for always being a positive beam of awesome light! ;D Thank you thank you thaaaaank youuuuu
I felt like I do a pretty good progress after managing to figure out how to finish a chapter I struggled for years to make it work. I worked on a subplot of a character that is part of a powerful clan that can use earth elements and noticed I made their abilities so broken, I can't figure out how I can distinguish them from other members of the clan and struggle to keep up what soil, mineral, metal etc does what. I want to keep their attributes as close as possible to their real life counterpart, so it doesn't conflict with attributes they might get when getting mixed with non-living realm elements or in case I want to introduce something odd like magic. So until I figure out how to fix it, I decided to work on some of the antagonist I want to introduce based on the Demons of the 7 Deathly Sins. I have a general idea what kind of powers or character arcs I want some of them to go through. But there are few things I struggle with. The demon based on Belphegol is actually made out of countless flies that with a hive mind controlled by his soul. In other words, he has no living body and needs to use his power of controlling flies to stay in the living world and actually do something. Now if you cut a guy like this with a sword his limps, he can reform himself. If the flies get burned, he can take control of flies in the area to put himself together. I struggle to convey that.
I kind of want to write a book based of off a legend I really like, it's super short so I would create my own extended version and imagining of the world. it's called the wolf's silver eyebrow, though it has a few names and versions. It's about a boy who has always been mistreated and so he went to the mountains, some stories say to die others don't, but he meets a wolf. the wolf asks if he wants to see people's true forms and gives the boy his eyebrow through which he looked out onto the world. He discovered that there were no real humans and just animals. The ending is never really clear in the versions I have read so far. I'm not sure whether or not to go through with this idea or not though.
Reminds me of a game dev talk I've watched where this one-man game developer hit the _sunk cost fallacy_ hard while he's working on a big concept RPG game. So much so that he decided to take a break and do a smaller one-off project, just to take his mind off of the bigger fish. And that small project ended up being a big hit for him in the indie game community. The game is (aptly) called _A Small Hike,_ by the way.
I’m writing a book that I cherish, like I cherish it all but I feel tired and not uninspired. It feels like I’m expecting a crash and I can’t focus of writing at all, i just feel stuck. I have the ideas and everything but I feel very tired, I feel maybe a bit more sad but it’s slipping into my writing, my greatest therapy.
I'm dealing with relationship issues, family issues, financial issues, education / communication issues, car issues, and trying to find enough joy in my life to feel motivated to write, but I think your title hit it fairly square, I kinda hate everything rn and that is an issue, especially when writing.
As a PS, I think you deserve more views and followers, thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot, especially in such a public format (even if it wasn't direct advice)
I'm so sorry you're having problems 😢 I feel for you! I hate to say it, but it's hard to find joy when you're looking in the wrong places. Writing will help give you joy, but it's only temporary joy. Even You probably know that once u find solace in something, it never lasts. What I'm trying to say, is to pray about the things you're struggling with. Idk if u believe in God, but it doesnt hurt to try. I pray every night, and I tell God literally everything I'm thinking. He loves u and he honestly feels bad that ur going thru this. Ask him for what you need. Dont be afraid to ask. He'd do it for u in a heartbeat!!!! Also consider reading the bible and watching sermons on finding true joy in Jesus Christ. I am finding long-lasting joy thru this. Have a great week! Hope things get better❤
Great advice, like always. My writing is coming, slowly, but coming. I'm struggling a bit with the beginning like show all the character's internal stuff and trying to show where the plot will go. But I'm confident that I will figure it out and must remind myself that there is always a second draft!
This was a great video. The analogy I use when I am thinking about 3 act structure is: Act 1 = Star Wars... Act 2: The Empire Strikes Back... Act 3: Return of the Jedi. If nothing else it gives me an excuse to watch "The Holy Trilogy" again. For encouraging yourself I go back to something one of the top trumpetists in the world said in a master class I attended. He was asked "How does he kill his nerves when he is playing a solo?" He responded that when he was on stage he keeps the thought in his head that "I'm up here because I can do this and YOU CAN'T" (he of course followed it up by saying to DROP that attitude the second you step off stage or nobody will want to be around you). Nobody else can write your story but you... not George R.R. Martin, not Steven King, not Tolkien, not Brandon Sanderson... only you... and why... because (to quote HHH) your are "That [DARN] good"
Thank you so much, Abbie. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the insight! See, I know in my head that I need to set it aside and work on something else. I know it. But my heart says "lol no" haha! I feel like if I set it aside, I've failed. You know? But you're right, I need to work on something that excites me, not something I see as a chore. I can't thank you enough! Literal queen. Literal idol. I appreciate you and your words!
If you are an experience writer or not...I think free writing is the only way to go about it. Then edit fill in, work on show, identify what might be tell etc. However, what the industry recommends is that you take breaks often. I think they mean to brain storm for the story and take a break. What does the story need? what is missing? What is exciting and what isnt exciting, etc. Pull out those question words: whom, where, why, how, at what time, for whom (question words or W Question Words). I think free writing like free styling frees you up, make the experience stress free...to just write. Do note there are many methods for writing. Some may want lots of structure. Like using first venn diagrams to develop their story and then go ahead and write. This maybe restrictive for some or keep them focus. All this though you can keep in your mind. However, it may become very confusing if you are working on a team of characters in which case ask Abbie or develop a character list with their description and roles etc. I think once you have a story from free writing..which should have direction then your characters fit in more easily and you have a better capacity to develop them based on your story or you develop them as you edit and re-edit. Same with dialogue. Think creative writing too..that's a category.
22,000 words in. Well backstoried characters, thanks to you and Lisa Cron. Making the decision to move forward with an author pseudonym, and writing lots. 🙂 Maybe a video on pen names for SEO?? 🙂
Hi Abbie! Just wanna tell you, I ordered 100 Days of Sunshine a couple days ago and I can't wait to read it!!!! Read the first few chapters on Amazon and I guess it'll be my textbook for writing. Thanks for being an amazing role model for my writing journey!!!
Watching more videos. Apparently, J.K. Rowling wrote chapter one for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about 15 times. We're all in good company when you look at the history of famous authors' first books.
It seems this time Abbie will be talking about OUR internal conflict!
hahaha!
Hahahaha
Where would Stephen King be if his wife hadn't fished Carrie out of the trash and told him to finish it? He thought it was rubbish and it turned into his first hit.
Oh wow, I didn’t know that. So crazy.
Damn that's inspiring
Love it
My boyfriend always uses this argument when I think my writing is trash.
Apparently the same thing happened with The Shining 😲
Its like a warm writing hug whenever i hear "What's up my friend, Abbie here"
Agreed😊 *refreshing sigh*
True!👍
*"It's insanity for sombody to shut down the process of something beautiful before it turns into something beautiful"*
-abbie
Your advice on writer fatigue is 100% spot on. I'm one that obsesses over my beginning, especially my first draft. I HAVE to figure out what's "wrong" with it before going forward. When you're fatigued you can't think straight. I came back after 48 hrs and my mind seemed more open/clear to make solutions to what I felt was wrong before.
I'm not sure If writer fatigue is what I've come across before myself. But the beginning for me is where I have to say a lot of my stories have stranded because I got so fixated on it that I could not think about anything else. However, for whatever reason it just never felt right. So eventually, I put it aside and never went back to it. I'm not exactly sure when this changed, but somewhere along the line I found myself skipping the opening and just jump to a part of the story my mind had no trouble with writing. From there the story moved along nicely and somewhere along the way the beginning would usually show itself.
Same.
I used to not be a big fan of Wednesday’s because they are the middle of the week which means the other half of the week isn’t over yet. But you posting every Wednesday makes me excited for Wednesday’s, thank you for doing what you do.
Love that at the end. Just what I needed to hear about quitting too early. I think all writers struggle with self conscious anxiety to a degree
I think Mystery stories isn’t “missing information”, it’s sharing the *right* information with the reader, clues that enable them to deduce. “Missing information” ends up blindsiding the reader with the answers and making them feel dumb (I think about your *trivia game analogy* 😁). JK Rowling is the master of this!
yesss
"All the greatest writers started out where we are. If they can do it, why not us?"
My creative writing teacher says to me "don't get it right get it written" and this helps alot he also say "show not tell" (these are just some of the things he has said to me to help)
I really liked your speech at the end. For me I treat writing like my drawings, there's always that 'crap phase' with the sketches and initial colors that make it look cringey and unclear. But when I keep working at it and don't rush, my drawings/writings always turns out way better than I expected. Thank you for these videos, they always talk about things that I need to get out of a rut.
Yes, me too! I try to work on my writing like I'm working on my paintings; the first drafts don't need to be perfect 'cause they're just some sketches that I'm making to help me visualize my idea a little bit more.
Currently I’m working on a sci-fi novel set in the distant future on another planet that humanity colonized on many years prior. I’m having the most difficult time with the first chapter, so thanks for this Abbie.
Omg I would love to read it. I'm writing about a detective who wants to solve crimes but he cant find out the murderer.
4:00 very true! Sometimes I have to re-read a section that’s very descriptive because I’m sure I’ve missed something.
I’m currently starting on a first book that’s slice of life/about family. I’m in the brainstorming/ character developing part but feel like I’m all over the place because I’ve also completed an initial plot embryo. Just trying to get in the habit of doing something daily.
I really really love abbie. I'm so glad I found her channel because it feels like i found a supporting sister who will be always there to motivate me with my writing and goals in life. Gosh, I really felt that last motivational advice of abbie. I was a dancer/graphic artist/ and a frustrated writer. (yes i'm interested with a lot of stuffs haha) but yeah when she says don't quit ohhhh boi it got through straight in my heart. Thank you abbie! Just thank your for your whole existence, you're such an insipiration to all of us. 😭❤️✨🤗
I am once again seeking your writing advice-
cause my cat deleted my 2nd chapter and all my motivation to rewrite it is
g o n e
I did hear from some guy on a Ted Talk that a similar thing happened to him and he rewrote some passage he had lost (but was sad he had to rewrite it and felt like it wouldn’t live up to the original). He ended up finding the original and the new one was a lot better. Idk if this helps, but don’t be afraid to rewrite??
You've already written it once, which means now you know what needs to be in there. Consider it like an early revision.
Coralia .I if you were like me this happens for almost every book I’ve written, a challenging situation of this sort. Everyone is different but maybe that is fate saying there’s a better way, a better you. It could be you need to push through to get that satisfaction or it’s time to get that break and coffee
I find that *reading* another fictional book helps me get out of writer fatigue!! It helps me get excited about stories again and sometimes I get inspirations out of nowhere as my brain runs on the backburner for my own story.
Abbie, you're honestly so good at what you do. Easily one of the most insightful authortubers going atm!
Nearly finished first draft of my WIP! I’ve actually been really getting into the ‘writing’ mindset (Mostly thanks to you, Abbie) and have been writing like crazy. Love your channel, thanks for inspiring me to write so much better x
The best way to describe something is to compare it to something else. Its fast and it paint a wonderful description in my mind.
Abbie *gave the answer to writing fatigue
Me *that single drop of tear
A thing I learned the other day is that some people don't actually see the thing they're reading in their minds. I'm very visual - if I can't picture something then I don't know what it is - but some people can't see in colour, and some people can't visualise at all. My brother sees in words when he reads. So it's different for everyone! I like to write how I see things, but for some people they won't be able to visualise.
Great advice about not giving up when you hate your writing ! I was there a few months ago, litterally couldn't stand my book anymore, because I had rewritten it soooo many times. I just couldn't bear myself to continue and I really hated my novel as it was. Especially because it didn't turn out the way i had hoped and wanted. One of my critique partners (who had read the first version of the novel) demanded to read the last version. Like actually gave me the order to stop rewriting it and send it as it was ! 😂 I ended up sending it to my 5 critique partners and beta-readers, even though I still hated the result... And you know what ? They all loved it ! Of course they had critique and things that they didn't like, but overall, they really enjoyed the book and thought it was waaaay better than the first version I had send them. In their opinion, I could've publish it exactly like it was. So the problem didn't come from the novel. It came from me, being too close to it, too obsessed with that story, and just needing to let it go...
Hi Abbie I’m 12 and wanna be a writer soon. Do you have any advice for young authors? Could you make a video?
Try writing a short story to get momentum! Completion helps with writing confidence :D
Hey im 15 n im into writing too! It'll be great if Abbie brings up a video for young authors !!!
@@k-on3371 I'm 14 and I wish that my friends wrote too so I could have somebody to talk to but otherwise I would just watch Shaelins video on it because it helped me alot.Her channel is called Shaelin Writes and it's the video called mistakes I made as a teen writer.
I think every video will apply to you. You don't have to feel like you can't do all of this just because you aren't adults yet x
Hey ! I'm a young writing-geek too ! 14😅
Being revising my first chapter over and over again. I needed this video!
Welcome to the club.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! Abbie, this was amazing. I felt so encouraged to keep going. It's hard, but I think you just saved my author/writer dreams. Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Your channel is not just filled with detailed, organized advice, but it’s a much needed pep talk for writers. Thank you so much!
You're so welcome!
I just found your videos recently and I'm loving them! They're so fun to watch and give me great advice for the story I've started recently. Thanks so much for uploading and sharing your ideas! (I'm trying to get a hold of your book as well!)
Thank you, Abbie, for such encouragement :) I was literally hating my writing just then. This was well timed. I will try to not give up.
The first line in my WIP is: *"Oh no..."* and I went: "I feel ya buddy." 😅
You just saved me from quitting! Thanks Abbie. Your the greatest!
Thank you Abbie for your amazing advice! I felt like this video was directed towards me in a way because I’ve been struggling with continuing my novel. I’m currently at a 34k word count and I’m so exhausted, but so excited to finish. My goal is to get to 50k words by the end but I’m estimating It to be longer from how much of my outline is left. I’ve been pressuring myself to write more every day and it’s gotten to the point where I’m just stuck, but I’m not giving up. I love my story and characters to much for that. Thank you for the motivation and encouragement! I love your videos!!!!😁
I’m actually working on an Episode story and I’m really excited about it because I get to practice coding and writing! ☺️
Hey Abbie! I just finished 100 Days of Sunlight and it was amazing. I checked out the playlist and I saw you had some Switchfoot on there! They’re my favorite. One I thought really showed the spirit of 100 Days of Sunlight is Hello Hurricane. Thanks so much! I love your videos and your book!
I’m writing a story set in the present, but the main character suddenly finds herself in a different dimension and she has no idea how she got there. I have also written the opening several times until I realized how I never truly figured out my main character enough for the story to start in the best way. But now that I have gone back to the figuring out my main character I feel better for when I’m going to start my story.
Thank you so much! I love writing but I've only been at it for about a year now and am experiencing writer's fatigue, this was so helpful, thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
Too many peoples fear of "The Gatekeeper" has them stammering in circles afraid to go on; sometimes they lose hope give up their story altogether.
I'm so happy with this video! Last week i was so into my story i couldn't even sleep and then this week i just... can't type more than a few words without questioning what i am doing, afraid that my story is not what i first thought (and the message is somethink i want to scream from the rooftop nowadays). Thank you, Abbie, i really love your advice!!
I'm stuck at the half way point. The fear of it not being great is keeping me from finishing it. Thank for the video. Their my weekly reminder that I can write a book.
My god you’re a lifesaver! I’m writing a novel to be first published, but I always struggled with accepting and loving the way I right. Just when I sit down to write with doubt, you post a new video to fuel my inner writer! Thanks!
Sight and touch are my favorite immersive senses. 😁
I’m currently writing my first REAL story, it’s kinda of a sci fi like mystery, called Anomalies, I can’t really categorize it but I’m in love with it, your videos like how to write a novel and the character series are all so helpful for me in writing my book so thank you!!
I'm writing a story about a teen mom who ran away with her boyfriend when she was fifteen. When her boyfriend dies in a car crash due to drinking and driving she's left alone with nowhere to go. Social workers give her some options and reluctantly she chooses the one that will put her in her hometown at risk of facing her worst fear of being rejected yet again. Things get even more complicated when she finds out the sheriff in town knows everything about her and he's in love with her. But she doesn't want to believe him because she doesn't think anyone can truly love her.
I won't give all the details away but it's going well. I started a few weeks ago and I'm already at roughly 26, 000 words. I'm very excited about it and I can't wait to share it with the world!
Thank you SO much for answering my question! I am currently listening to several audiobooks and trying to catch those patterns! And I’d love to see ur video on mysteries in the future!!
If you hate your work, that is a sure sign that you are actively improving, and it means you must keep going! When you're hating everything you write, that means you're improving extremely quickly, and every new project will be miles better than the last. The reason experienced writers hate their own writing less is because their improvement has slowed down due to the law of diminishing returns. You will get there!
I'm working on picking a story idea to focus on for camp. I have projects in all stages of development and I don't know what to work on next. Love you videos, I'm going to join your FB Group!
Damn Sabrinas question/answer came for me.. I feel so stuck on my wip. I LOVE the idea and the characters but the plot just UGHHH its not right... I can't puzzle it out and I have no idea what to do. I don't want to set it aside but maybe I'll have to 😭😭
Ubik is my favorite thriller. The writing is poor, the characters are undeveloped, and the ending is full of discrepancies, no matter how you try to figure it out. Yet, it's in the top 100 books of all time. I love it. It's a page turner. It wins for its creativity and pacing, in my opinion. It's just fun to read. The problem is, I could never get away with writing something so paltry by today's standards. I want to write like that, but all other writing advice says not to write like that. I don't know what to do. I guess I'll just keep writing the stories I like, for myself only. 😅
I've honestly loved all the different backgrounds that you do. It makes it feel more authentic for some reason😂 (which is awesome because your videos are already insanely authentic)
your vids are so inspirational and charming!
Abbie! Thank you! Such an inspiration!
Hi Abbey! I've written a story (now working on querying for it) that was written from a place of enjoyment, but I only started it -found an excuse to write it- to get away from the HARD story (a big important epic story, lol) - in which the writing was actual work (hence not so much fun). I think you have to consider that -sometimes- setting aside one story to work on another one can be a form of procrastination, not from burnout, but rather an 'out' that might be from overwhelm based on how hard the project is proving to be.
BTW love your insights and the presentation!
At the moment I’m working on the Living Snowman. I finished, Last Flight of Pegasus and it is for sale in three or four different locations. It took me twenty years to complete it. I hope the Living Snowman will be completed this year. I started it about ten years ago and I’m exited about it’s completion! Thank you!
This is just what I needed to hear, love you author abbie!
Hola Abbie... You are my best friend. You literally helped me to outline my novel. You are my fav youtuber
ABBIE! I love what you say about just keeping at it, and not giving up before it's great! You are so right-such an important message!
I wrote the last 5 chapters last weekend and I am trying to put my book on ice to edit my second draft and build my platform after a hiatus from social media to focus on writing and other things. Spring cleaning is a nice distraction. No touching the story... 😎
I love your intro. This was very insightful. You’re awesome.
totally agree with you about writer fatigue and setting stories aside - the book i'm currently working on is one i set aside for years because i got burned out but now i'm more passionate than ever and feel like i'm in the right head space to be working on it
I am with you on the temperature thing! I love your videos!
Thank you for making these videos Abbie. You've got yourself a new subscriber. :)
Whenever I'm not in the mood to write, I just pop on one of Abbie's videos. She somehow manages to really communicate the excitement about writing which I don't see in other channels. Learning to view my writing as something exciting rather than a difficult project has pulled me back to the feelings when I first started writing as a kid where I simply wrote what I loved and loved what I wrote.
Just the video that I needed
I didn't watch this video when it first came out because I wasn't in that stage of writing however, now that I am, I fully understand everything you've talked about. I desperately needed to watch this video regarding the title and the ending of the video was easily the best part as it has motivated me, even just a little bit. So thank you Abbie
You are a godsend thank you so much Abbie.
I’m writing a teenage superhero series which my protagonist has the superpower to transform herself in a huge wolf, super-strength and super-jump. She unites herself with another superhero of her age which has super speed. Together, they investigate and run after a genius billionaire villain who genetically modifies people in terrible monsters to destroy the city and put him in power. I’ve been planning and outlining this story for YEARS, but finally this year when I found Abbie’s channel I finally got the courage to finally write it and now I am in the middle of the second act.
you're literally the best motivation one can have.
Hi Abbie! could you recommend any writing community discord groups? I was kind of hoping you had one.
Amazing motivational speech at the end. I want to put some quotes from that up around my computer.
#AskAbbie (I dont have Facebook :,)
I know you must have covered this topic before, but I'm really confused. What do I do if my truth doesnt fit the genre. For example my theme is: you dont have to be perfect for others to be good enough for yourself.
My genre: Adventure fantasy cuz that is what I mostly read. I feel like my theme doesnt fit the fantasy genre and fits more the contemporary. I find this a bit confusing, and your help will be very appreciated. I just found ur chanel and it has helped me so much ! Hope u can answer this UWU ♡♡
Fellow fantasy writer here! I honestly think any truth can fit any genre depending on what your plot is and who your characters are. If you character is a warlock/witch maybe they think they have to be the best at all magic and be perfect. (Relating to the truth you mentioned) I’m no expert- but I hope this advice helps you and that you can get un-stuck from being confused. ❤️
LOVE YOU!❤️
Such great questions, as a writer with no writer friends it's really interesting to hear what everyone has trouble with
I was having doubts about my webcomic, as I felt I had good characters and a fun world, but the plot felt like a huge mess. I kept trying to fix it, for fear of walking away and never looking at it again. I think I'll take your advice and take a break.
Edit: After taking another look, I've concluded that I have a lot of great ideas, but my main issue is I have no idea how to put them together. At least, I think that's what the problem is.
I'm 100% sure I'm not the only one thinking this, but that was exactly what I needed to hear at the end - not just for writing but a multitude of things! Thank you for your motivational speech haha, and for always being a positive beam of awesome light! ;D Thank you thank you thaaaaank youuuuu
I need this motivational speech on repeat in my mind. Thank you :)
What you said about writer fatigue was very relatable. Thank you so much Abbie, it was exactly the motivation that I needed!
I felt like I do a pretty good progress after managing to figure out how to finish a chapter I struggled for years to make it work.
I worked on a subplot of a character that is part of a powerful clan that can use earth elements and noticed I made their abilities so broken, I can't figure out how I can distinguish them from other members of the clan and struggle to keep up what soil, mineral, metal etc does what. I want to keep their attributes as close as possible to their real life counterpart, so it doesn't conflict with attributes they might get when getting mixed with non-living realm elements or in case I want to introduce something odd like magic.
So until I figure out how to fix it, I decided to work on some of the antagonist I want to introduce based on the Demons of the 7 Deathly Sins. I have a general idea what kind of powers or character arcs I want some of them to go through. But there are few things I struggle with.
The demon based on Belphegol is actually made out of countless flies that with a hive mind controlled by his soul. In other words, he has no living body and needs to use his power of controlling flies to stay in the living world and actually do something.
Now if you cut a guy like this with a sword his limps, he can reform himself. If the flies get burned, he can take control of flies in the area to put himself together. I struggle to convey that.
I kind of want to write a book based of off a legend I really like, it's super short so I would create my own extended version and imagining of the world. it's called the wolf's silver eyebrow, though it has a few names and versions. It's about a boy who has always been mistreated and so he went to the mountains, some stories say to die others don't, but he meets a wolf. the wolf asks if he wants to see people's true forms and gives the boy his eyebrow through which he looked out onto the world. He discovered that there were no real humans and just animals. The ending is never really clear in the versions I have read so far. I'm not sure whether or not to go through with this idea or not though.
Reminds me of a game dev talk I've watched where this one-man game developer hit the _sunk cost fallacy_ hard while he's working on a big concept RPG game. So much so that he decided to take a break and do a smaller one-off project, just to take his mind off of the bigger fish. And that small project ended up being a big hit for him in the indie game community.
The game is (aptly) called _A Small Hike,_ by the way.
I've been a follower since you had just a few thousand followers, BOOM now you have over 40K! Good job Abbie!!!!
I’m writing a book that I cherish, like I cherish it all but I feel tired and not uninspired. It feels like I’m expecting a crash and I can’t focus of writing at all, i just feel stuck.
I have the ideas and everything but I feel very tired, I feel maybe a bit more sad but it’s slipping into my writing, my greatest therapy.
Literally every time I get writer's block, I watch your videos. Works every time.
Great video! A bit heavy on the intro time though. Do you mind jumping right in to the questions on the next one?
I'm dealing with relationship issues, family issues, financial issues, education / communication issues, car issues, and trying to find enough joy in my life to feel motivated to write, but I think your title hit it fairly square, I kinda hate everything rn and that is an issue, especially when writing.
As a PS, I think you deserve more views and followers, thank you for the encouragement, it means a lot, especially in such a public format (even if it wasn't direct advice)
I'm so sorry you're having problems 😢 I feel for you! I hate to say it, but it's hard to find joy when you're looking in the wrong places. Writing will help give you joy, but it's only temporary joy. Even You probably know that once u find solace in something, it never lasts. What I'm trying to say, is to pray about the things you're struggling with. Idk if u believe in God, but it doesnt hurt to try. I pray every night, and I tell God literally everything I'm thinking. He loves u and he honestly feels bad that ur going thru this. Ask him for what you need. Dont be afraid to ask. He'd do it for u in a heartbeat!!!! Also consider reading the bible and watching sermons on finding true joy in Jesus Christ. I am finding long-lasting joy thru this. Have a great week! Hope things get better❤
@@margobarrett589 thanks for the words of encouragement, they are appreciated 💖
I just finished my first draft of my og story, so I can finally work on my fan fiction that I’ve been planning for years
Great advice, like always.
My writing is coming, slowly, but coming. I'm struggling a bit with the beginning like show all the character's internal stuff and trying to show where the plot will go. But I'm confident that I will figure it out and must remind myself that there is always a second draft!
This was a great video. The analogy I use when I am thinking about 3 act structure is: Act 1 = Star Wars... Act 2: The Empire Strikes Back... Act 3: Return of the Jedi. If nothing else it gives me an excuse to watch "The Holy Trilogy" again.
For encouraging yourself I go back to something one of the top trumpetists in the world said in a master class I attended. He was asked "How does he kill his nerves when he is playing a solo?" He responded that when he was on stage he keeps the thought in his head that "I'm up here because I can do this and YOU CAN'T" (he of course followed it up by saying to DROP that attitude the second you step off stage or nobody will want to be around you). Nobody else can write your story but you... not George R.R. Martin, not Steven King, not Tolkien, not Brandon Sanderson... only you... and why... because (to quote HHH) your are "That [DARN] good"
Thank you so much, Abbie. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the insight! See, I know in my head that I need to set it aside and work on something else. I know it. But my heart says "lol no" haha! I feel like if I set it aside, I've failed. You know? But you're right, I need to work on something that excites me, not something I see as a chore. I can't thank you enough! Literal queen. Literal idol. I appreciate you and your words!
Great video! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions...
Literally exactly what I needed. I've rewritten chapter 1 so many times
Aaaabbbbbiiieeeee you're a GEM.
I really needed to hear this, Abbie. Thank you!
If you are an experience writer or not...I think free writing is the only way to go about it. Then edit fill in, work on show, identify what might be tell etc. However, what the industry recommends is that you take breaks often. I think they mean to brain storm for the story and take a break. What does the story need? what is missing? What is exciting and what isnt exciting, etc. Pull out those question words: whom, where, why, how, at what time, for whom (question words or W Question Words). I think free writing like free styling frees you up, make the experience stress free...to just write. Do note there are many methods for writing. Some may want lots of structure. Like using first venn diagrams to develop their story and then go ahead and write. This maybe restrictive for some or keep them focus. All this though you can keep in your mind. However, it may become very confusing if you are working on a team of characters in which case ask Abbie or develop a character list with their description and roles etc. I think once you have a story from free writing..which should have direction then your characters fit in more easily and you have a better capacity to develop them based on your story or you develop them as you edit and re-edit. Same with dialogue. Think creative writing too..that's a category.
Thank you~! The last thing you said. . . Goodilying perfect.
Atm I´m working on a Marauders fanfiction XD
lmao wolfstar better be canon
Oh come ooooonn, Abbie. Don’t ask me for a writing update. There’s a reason I’m watching this video!
We love Abbie being a normal author and not a queen of the world that knows everything and thinks of herself as better over everyone.
Thank you so much for the encouragement! Helps me to remember to keep going! ❤️
22,000 words in. Well backstoried characters, thanks to you and Lisa Cron. Making the decision to move forward with an author pseudonym, and writing lots. 🙂 Maybe a video on pen names for SEO?? 🙂
Hi Abbie! Just wanna tell you, I ordered 100 Days of Sunshine a couple days ago and I can't wait to read it!!!! Read the first few chapters on Amazon and I guess it'll be my textbook for writing. Thanks for being an amazing role model for my writing journey!!!
Watching more videos. Apparently, J.K. Rowling wrote chapter one for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone about 15 times. We're all in good company when you look at the history of famous authors' first books.