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April Kay
United States
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2006
I’m April! I’m an autistic woman in my thirties, as well as an aspiring/struggling author. Beyond that:
🌶️ I write spicy romance.
💻 I have a full-time office job, which means I have to balance my big girl responsibilities with writing with downtime.
🙈 I’m very awkward and anxious (and sometimes kind of stupid), so TH-cam and socializing can be a little difficult for me. But I love it here at the same time!
🌶️ I write spicy romance.
💻 I have a full-time office job, which means I have to balance my big girl responsibilities with writing with downtime.
🙈 I’m very awkward and anxious (and sometimes kind of stupid), so TH-cam and socializing can be a little difficult for me. But I love it here at the same time!
Slow goings & a casual cover reveal 👀 | Weekly Writing Vlog
So we adopted a dog and that means this week wasn’t nearly as productive as I’d hoped it would be. But I’m still making progress. I even made cover art to use on Substack once I start publishing Claimed! ☺️
*
What is my current project about?
th-cam.com/video/6I756Tgw7Ho/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xLo64tjMIFN2Pefx
Current favorite outlining method:
th-cam.com/video/5fasxfMZM7c/w-d-xo.html
*
I’m April and I’m an autistic woman documenting my journey to becoming an author on TH-cam! Let’s be friends!
☕️ My Instagram || aprilkayauthor
📚 My Storygraph || app.thestorygraph.com/profile/aprilkay (new to this platform, don’t judge)
Music 🎵 Epidemic Sound
*
What is my current project about?
th-cam.com/video/6I756Tgw7Ho/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xLo64tjMIFN2Pefx
Current favorite outlining method:
th-cam.com/video/5fasxfMZM7c/w-d-xo.html
*
I’m April and I’m an autistic woman documenting my journey to becoming an author on TH-cam! Let’s be friends!
☕️ My Instagram || aprilkayauthor
📚 My Storygraph || app.thestorygraph.com/profile/aprilkay (new to this platform, don’t judge)
Music 🎵 Epidemic Sound
มุมมอง: 332
วีดีโอ
Writing Vlog | Finishing edits, Substack plans, and a whole lot of rambling
มุมมอง 25528 วันที่ผ่านมา
In this video, we finish up this round of edits on “Claimed” and I talk a little bit about what’s next. * What is my current project about? th-cam.com/video/6I756Tgw7Ho/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xLo64tjMIFN2Pefx Current favorite outlining method: th-cam.com/video/5fasxfMZM7c/w-d-xo.html MENTIONED: Late Bloomer by Maze Eddings: t.ly/LrFm- * I’m April and I’m an autistic woman documenting my journey to becom...
Editing my short n' spicy werewolf romance | Writing Vlog
มุมมอง 280หลายเดือนก่อน
I took a little time away, not from writing, but from filming. So this is a little update to let you all know what I’ve been doing and what I’m planning-especially in terms of sharing this story. Which I’m so excited to do! * What is my current project about? th-cam.com/video/6I756Tgw7Ho/w-d-xo.htmlsi=xLo64tjMIFN2Pefx MENTIONED: Michelle Schusterman’s video on fast outlining: th-cam.com/video/5...
Weekly Writing Vlog | Some time alone to buckle down and prioritize this story!
มุมมอง 471หลายเดือนก่อน
I’ve been working hard on this first (second?) draft of my short werewolf romance, Claimed. I’m turning my zero draft into a hero draft, and I kind of, sort of, somewhat had an at-home writing retreat for myself toward the end of the week. And like I said in the video, if you have any ideas about how and where to share this story that don’t involve making people pay for it, please let me know. ...
Weekly Writing Vlog | Good progress and exciting personal news!! ✨
มุมมอง 4902 หลายเดือนก่อน
Another week of work on my short werewolf romance. Plus: Halloween, the release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and some personal news! * MENTIONED: Nell Alexander’s How to Write Short Romance: a.co/d/183QP7y * I’m April and I’m an autistic woman documenting my journey to becoming an author on TH-cam! Let’s be friends! ☕️ My Instagram || aprilkayauthor Music 🎵 Epidemic Sound
Weekly Writing Vlog | Working on the next draft of my short romance 📝
มุมมอง 2892 หลายเดือนก่อน
I’m back in the saddle again and working on the next draft of the short romance I wrote in August. Working title/code name: Claimed. And things are going well! It’s not going to be for everyone, but I’m having fun, and it feels really good to be writing again after almost two months. Come along with me! * MENTIONED: Michelle Schusterman’s Outilning Fast video - th-cam.com/video/5fasxfMZM7c/w-d-...
Update | Unintentional hiatus because I'm a terrible writer
มุมมอง 3812 หลายเดือนก่อน
I haven’t written since my last video, basically. I’ve spent all this time struggling and trying to claw my way back to creativity. So many people say they “don’t believe in writer’s block,” but it’s the only thing I can think to call it. I’m hoping to push through it though. Sorry for being gone! * MENTIONED: Michelle Schusterman’s Outining Fast video - th-cam.com/video/5fasxfMZM7c/w-d-xo.html...
August Writing Vlog | I wrote a new short romance! ✍️ 💻
มุมมอง 8264 หลายเดือนก่อน
Hoo boy, this is a long one! I wanted to take some time away from Pine Hollow before I jumped into revisions, so I decided to write a whole new short romance. Come along with me as I write a zero draft in about three weeks! * MENTIONED: Seven Figure Fiction by T. Taylor - rb.gy/dog3nv Michelle Schusterman’s channel - @MichelleSchustermanAuthor Michelle Schusterman’s Outlining video - th-cam.com...
The final beats.... | Writing Vlog
มุมมอง 5255 หลายเดือนก่อน
So this is a very low-key video, but I finished my zero draft! And it’s pretty massive for a zero draft. 😮💨 I’m both excited and nervous to get to my revisions, but hey, one step at a time! * My favorite beat sheet, and the one I’m currently using, is Romancing the Beat from Gwen Hayes. You can find it on Amazon, or you can check out her site here: www.romancingthebeat.com/ * CURRENT PROJECTS:...
July Writing Wrap Up | End of Camp NaNoWriMo Stats! 📈
มุมมอง 2685 หลายเดือนก่อน
The last couple of days of Camp! Writing as much as I can to cap off the month. What did my writing look like in July? How many words did I write for Camp NaNoWriMo, and what did the split look like between my two projects? PS. It wasn’t sinus issues. I ended up getting the big ‘rona virus after finishing this vlog, so that’s fun! 😂 MENTIONED: Dolores’ video on Ream: th-cam.com/video/xoyypLNeKk...
Writing Vlog | Consistency is key--and also smaller goals
มุมมอง 5025 หลายเดือนก่อน
Not me calling this a “micro vlog” at the end of this and it’s STILL over ten minutes. 🤦♀️ I didn’t film as much this week as I have been, but I still wanted to document all the progress I’m making! Good week for me! MENTIONED: The Operator on Steam: store.steampowered.com/app/1771980/The_Operator/ * Find me on NaNoWriMo: nanowrimo.org/participants/april-kay * CURRENT PROJECTS: “Pine Hollow” -...
Weekly Vlog | Writing past the Midpoint! We're getting there 😊
มุมมอง 2685 หลายเดือนก่อน
I made it past the midpoint beat!! I had a really good writing week, and I’m super happy with what I’ve managed to do. I also finished reading How Does It Feel? and I have some thoughts, which I kind of ramble about in the beginning. Skip to 7:38 if you want to avoid any spoilers! MENTIONED: How Does It Feel? by Jeneane O’Riley: tinyurl.com/4hm5p3am Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth: tinyurl.com/4yx...
Weekly Writing Vlog | Going back to one project and reading a book I'm not sure about
มุมมอง 2716 หลายเดือนก่อน
Technically, I’m still crushing my goals. 💪🏻 I only worked on one beat this week for both of my stories, but I’ve realized that one needs a bit more plot work before it can continue. Also, I’m compelled by a book that’s doing nothing but pissing me off? MENTIONED: How Does It Feel by Jeneane O’Riley: tinyurl.com/4hm5p3am (Please note: if you like this book, that's totally okay!! I'm still waiti...
Weekly Writing Vlog | Consistent progress but honestly... meh.
มุมมอง 5146 หลายเดือนก่อน
Slow and steady progress, I’m not quite at the midpoint yet, but I’m getting closer! Come along with me for another weekly writing vlog while I write past a general feeling of blah. MENTIONED: Beetlejuice the Musical: beetlejuicebroadway.com/ Magnetic bookmark (“First we drink the coffee…”): www.etsy.com/shop/LexingtonFlair Writer tarot card sticker: www.etsy.com/shop/hamjuicecreations * Find m...
Weekly Writing Vlog | Ups and downs and realizing I made a mistake
มุมมอง 4936 หลายเดือนก่อน
Weekly Writing Vlog | Ups and downs and realizing I made a mistake
Weekly Writing Vlog | Slow and lazy, but still productive... 💪🏻
มุมมอง 6036 หลายเดือนก่อน
Weekly Writing Vlog | Slow and lazy, but still productive... 💪🏻
My Current Projects | Let's chat about my WIPs 📝
มุมมอง 7867 หลายเดือนก่อน
My Current Projects | Let's chat about my WIPs 📝
When It Isn't Working | Rambling about writing and my AlphaSmart Neo ⌨️ ✨
มุมมอง 1.7K7 หลายเดือนก่อน
When It Isn't Working | Rambling about writing and my AlphaSmart Neo ⌨️ ✨
Shelving my "for fun" project | Writing Vlog
มุมมอง 2908 หลายเดือนก่อน
Shelving my "for fun" project | Writing Vlog
Writing Vlog | Getting as much work done before my birthday as I can.
มุมมอง 2289 หลายเดือนก่อน
Writing Vlog | Getting as much work done before my birthday as I can.
Weekly Writing Vlog | Slowing things down and doing what I want.
มุมมอง 2439 หลายเดือนก่อน
Weekly Writing Vlog | Slowing things down and doing what I want.
Weekly Writing Vlog | Starting my new story and talking about my new method
มุมมอง 304ปีที่แล้ว
Weekly Writing Vlog | Starting my new story and talking about my new method
A 2023 Recap | Still learning, still hoping, still writing.
มุมมอง 303ปีที่แล้ว
A 2023 Recap | Still learning, still hoping, still writing.
Weekly Writing Vlog | Finishing my short romance story before NaNoWriMo!
มุมมอง 219ปีที่แล้ว
Weekly Writing Vlog | Finishing my short romance story before NaNoWriMo!
Writing Vlog | Back to it after my surgery 💪🏻 💻
มุมมอง 231ปีที่แล้ว
Writing Vlog | Back to it after my surgery 💪🏻 💻
I didn't hear no bell | Where I've been and writing update 💻🫣
มุมมอง 206ปีที่แล้ว
I didn't hear no bell | Where I've been and writing update 💻🫣
(CLOSED) Beta Readers Wanted!! 👀 | Want to read a spicy romance with werewolves?!
มุมมอง 177ปีที่แล้ว
(CLOSED) Beta Readers Wanted!! 👀 | Want to read a spicy romance with werewolves?!
Weekly Vlog | Finishing the third draft and I'm Scared™️
มุมมอง 245ปีที่แล้ว
Weekly Vlog | Finishing the third draft and I'm Scared™️
Weekly Writing Vlog | Feeling good, but also really insecure?
มุมมอง 266ปีที่แล้ว
Weekly Writing Vlog | Feeling good, but also really insecure?
This one is on my wish list! It's so pretty and sounds amazing.
love your videos :) and love your alphasmart!! and OMG BARKLEYYYYYYY
Hey April! not sure if you know but you may be able to do monthly payments on the traveler! that's what I did for mine! like less than 20 a month on my traveler!! Best of luck friend!
Once the training is over and she relaxes and gets used to you and your home, it will be wonderful. <3 <3
I AM a dog person but let me tell you.. when we got our puppy (which was my impulsive idea 🤦🏻♀️) I had a literal like WTF did we do moment/moments!!! Most people don’t realize there is a thing as “puppy depression” (which is basically similar to postpartum depression) I HIGHLY recommend looking it up. Learning about it helped me bond and actually be more patient with the new dog process when we got our “Harley Quinn” Always love your updates!! Also… I personally love your cover!!!
Very much a cat person but I hope she settles with you guys, might take time tho! Happy Christmas to you and yours, April! 🎄💜
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!!
I like the cover you did a good job! Puppies are a LOT of work, hang in there it gets better. Hope you have a pleasant holiday!
Be patient with the pupper. It will take some time for her to feel comfortable. Something we did with ours (who was also 11 months) was to put a bell (small cowbell) next to the door. Every time you take her outside, encourage her to bump her nose against the bell. Over time, she will understand that means outside. Asks her if she needs to potty, so she learns what it means. Praise her when she goes potty. Hearing your voice will help her feel safe and secure. Good for you for adopting a dog and taking a chance. Edited to add putting the bell next to the door. 🤣
Good job on the canva cover! It looks pretty clean and is readable. Not too crowded and busy.
Hi April, the cover looks nice, but it can be improved. If you want, I can help you. I'm also an author and designer. I design my own book covers!
I just found your channel and I'm loving your videos!
@@meghancarlson1360 oh my god, thank you!! I really appreciate it! 💖
so excited to follow this journey for you!!! and omg, I really relate to the being-on camera thing. I really love making videos but sometimes I just can't stand my own face a single second longer 😅 it's honestly part of why I make videos so infrequently lol. you are totally right, I think it's a very human thing to feel
THANK YOU! 💖 For real! I’ll be so excited to film something, then I watch it back and I’m like “… nahhhh,” and I have to hide in a hole for a bit lol. It’s one of those things where I feel better knowing I’m not alone, but man, society got us all fucked up lol.
I understand completely about not liking the way you look.
It’s so hard! Every day I find something new online or in a commercial and I’m like “oh, didn’t realize we were supposed to be self-conscious about this.” 😮💨
Yay for finishing edits!!! Back in 2015 when I had my old TH-cam channel I was on camera... now I don't ever show my face... so I understand the way you were feeling. I'm considering going back to being on camera as I know those that actually watch my channel don't care about my looks. It's just my own personal insecurities that get in my way.
Exactly! I know people who choose to watch my stuff aren’t thinking about my looks at all, just like I never think about the looks of the people I watch (apart from like, ‘oh cute top’ or ‘they changed their hair’ lol). But the world is determined to make you insecure over everything and it’s so hard to get out of that headspace.
Glad the editing went well and is done! I have to do all the wrapping tomorrow and get it over and done with! 😅 So glad you had a good Hamilton experience!
Thank you!! 💖 I wrapped like two presents and my pile of to-be-wrapped has only grown since. 😅 I’m not sure how I let this happen every year lol.
Super excited for this! And you are doing so well with your edits! So happy to be following you on this journey.
THANK YOU 💖💖💖 Things might not be going how I thought they would at the beginning of the year, but I’m feeling pretty good about it all things considered. And I’m so happy to have you here! 😭
@@aprilkayauthor well you have my deets if you ever need or want to talk <3
I can't wait to follow your substack! :) 💖 sounds like you've been absolutely crushing it, and don't feel bad for doing that off camera. Sometimes we need things to stay just for us for a little while. :)
AHH thank you!! 💖 And you're so right! Especially when you find yourself obsessing over the camera and trying to get the best angle, and then you've spent more time "vlogging" than you have actually writing. 🫣
I hope you have an amazing time seeing Hamilton!! And glad to see you making words however that may be!
Thank you so much! 💖 It was honestly one of the best things I’ve gotten to experience ugh. 😭
can't wait to read it agian! and also if you're comfortable with it, would you ever do another writing notebook video? I love those and love seeing how fellow authors plot/outline/draft!
Thank you! 💖 And sure! I’m actually going to be switching over to a new notebook in January, so maybe I’ll film a video showing my current one and also the setup for the new one. Thank you for the suggestion!!
Have fun seeing Hamilton!! I've been thinking about starting a substack but haven't taken the first steps to do so. I need to start editing my stories this week as well.
Thank you! It was amazing, I was sad the minute it ended. 😂 Substack feels like it should be really simple, but when I made an account, I got a LITTLE overwhelmed. Having to watch videos about it lol.
Eeeeee I saw Hamilton a couple years ago- EPIC!!! So excited for you!!!!
IT WAS SO GOOD 😭 Thank you!! 💖
I do like 'Claimed' as a title and werewolves are hot right now!
Thank you! I’ve always loved werewolves more than vampires, so I’m definitely happy with their popularity these days!
You messed up her stacks! 😂😂😂 Ohhh shit. I choked on my spit. God you're bringing back really embarrassing crap from elementary school. My whole life I've alternated between thinking of how smart I am coming up with strategies to look normal, I didn't know it was masking, and feeling like every action I take is wrong and every thought stupid. I studied narcissism for a while and other personality disorders trying to figure out what my deal was. It's been a rollercoaster since April once I began to believe that I was more likely to be autistic than not. People like you have helped me understand so much about myself that I would have never figured out alone. I don't think I would have made it much longer without this information. I've been crying so much for how little compassion I've allowed myself. I wish I could hug my 11 year old self and tell him "you're right".
Love that beautiful muse on your desk :)
❤
Congrats on finishing the draft!🎉 So happy you love this story so much. Excited to see what you write next!
@@ninanatascha Thank youuuuu! 💖 💖 I really appreciate you!
The engagement story was so adorable! Congrats! 🎉
AHHH thank you!!! 💖💖
The video just started, but that sweater is so cute and with the glasses??? Perfect outfit. Now onto the more serious stuff: It's the worst feeling when you realise you have to shelf a project you actually truly love... Glad the kitten is doing better. Sick pets can have such a huge impact on our mental health and creativity... I can relate to the "writing to publish" mindset very much and have also felt the way it takes away from writing and what I love about writing. I am happy you are finding the joy in writing again! I absolutely love your videos and even though I am a bit behind I have started catching up at the right time. I had some rough mental health days and have been struggling with writing, but your videos always make me excited to sit down and keep working.
Omg thank you! I didn't even notice how well my glasses match that sweater. I'm about to become a cartoon character and work this outfit into regular rotation. 😂 It really is such a crappy feeling. I just keep promising myself I'll return to those characters once I'm more confident, ugh. But for real! I think that probably contributed a lot to my writing, and now that she's doing better, it's been such a weight off my shoulders. "Writing to publish" is such a hard mindset to get OUT of, too, because everywhere you go, people are like, "you need to treat writing like a JOB, you need to write every day, you need to do this and that and hustle all the time" and you end up thinking, "well, I want to be successful, so I have to really grind, I guess." I do think I'm privileged enough to step back and find the joy in writing now, because when I had my old job and wasn't making much money, I was reallyyyy obsessed with publishing, because I was so sure it was the answer to my financial woes, so I'm really lucky that my current job provides me a comfortable enough lifestyle that I'm not as worried about making money on my writing. Thank you so much ugh, I'm always so worried that my videos are a whole lot of nothing sauce lol. I'm so sorry to hear you've been having some rough days! It always sucks because writing is one of those things you love, so you think it'll make you feel better, but then your brain just refuses to cooperate so it makes you feel even worse. I'm sending all the good vibes and love, and I hope things are looking up for you!! 💖💖💖
So many congratulations on finishing!❤
Thank you so much! I appreciate it! 💖
Congrats on finishing! 🎉 Loved hearing your thoughts on Dragon Age, been a fan of the old games and held off buying the new one, first thing. Wanted to read reviews and such.
Thank you!! 💖 I'd be lying if I said it was a 10/10 game, but it's definitely fun and I really like the new companions!
inkiit. you can check that out
Glad to see you writing and posting! It's been a rough 10 days
Thank you!! I'm sorry to hear that! 💖 It's been harder to stay positive lately, but I'm sending good vibes!
Yay for finishing and hear you on the state of the world right now! 💜
Thank you!! 💖 It's one of the first times I've felt overall satisfied when I reached the end, which is kind of embarrassing with how long I've been writing!
Congratulations on finishing! Have you thought about Substack as an option?
Thank you!! 💖 I've never given much thought to Substack at all--this is going to sound silly, but I used to think it was like a Twitter or Threads alternative, but looking at it now, I see that is very far from the truth lol. Definitely going to add this to my list of options, thank you!
Haven't been on Wattpad in a long time either. If you do plan to upload there, I'll definitely log back in lol. I only ever did like suuuuper short stories on there didn't get much traction, but it was an easy way to share. I'm trying to do a 40k word novella as an introduction to my world and my MC so fingers crossed, I can stay out of my head long enough to get it finished. I am my worst critic which isn't always conducive to productivity. Getting DA next month and from what I've heard about Solas being kinda sidelined made me sad. Interested to see where they decided to go with it.
Yeah, from what I remember, it was super easy and user-friendly when it came to actually posting stories on there, so that MAY be what I end up using. And I think you can read stories on there without having an account... maybe. It's been too long! 😂 Ooh, a novella as an intro sounds fun! What a great way to get to know your universe. But I so know what you mean about being your own worst critic, especially as a writer, because most of read regularly too, so it's too easy to fall into the trap of constantly comparing yourself to others and being even more critical. It really does suck that Solas got sidelined in a game that was originally supposed to be called Dread Wolf (still kind of cranky about it, tbh, especially because concept art and stuff for THAT game seemed amazing), but even while I think this game has a lot of issues, it's still a fun ride, and the new companions are endearing!
You’re glowing ❤ I’m so glad you told the engagement story because I’ve been dying to know lol and I figured you’d have a Halloween wedding, especially since it’s on a Friday next year!
@@anewdawnawaits5144 Ahh thank you~ 💖 I really wish my excitement hadn’t gotten the better of me, I barely even heard how he asked! 😂 We definitely want to have a big Halloween bash for it lol.
@ that’s how it was when Josh proposed (plus the bar was really loud 😂) I barely registered what he was saying but just remember ugly crying in front of everyone lmao
So many congratulations on your engagement ❤
@@EmmaBennetAuthor Thank you so much!! 💖💖