I firmly believe that creatives have some of the healthiest egos, and this video perfectly illustrates why. There's something rare and unique about an author's relentless pursuit of perfection and their simultaneous concession of flaws, insecurities, and reflection. Thank you for this honest share!
Is it weird that I know want to read it more? The honestly is refreshing, and it’s nice to see someone who isn’t acting like their first book is perfect.
YES! I loved this video! I need to make a video like this! Publishing a book is definitely a learning experience! So many things I would do differently!
The key is learning from your mistakes. Sounds like you have. Also, we can learn from your mistakes. I think more authors need to share their mistakes as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your transparency! I’m sure there will be a couple of problems with my novel after I publish it. I’ll do my best, but it’s good to give ourselves a little grace and realize that books can be wonderful but never perfect. :)
I'm so glad you didn't put any blame on the betas or arc readers and declare all your negative reviews done by haters and trolls. I'm glad you're self aware about your mistakes and the way you addressed them. I think that's extremely good that you were honest and I believe this will help you and your brand going forward
Well, every novel has problems, some even worst than the ones you describe here. Even the best of the best, and the books millions of people love have them too. We could even make lists of the problems with books like hunger games, Harry Potter, lord of the rings, song of ice and fire, etc. And they would be quite long lists. One thing it is mandatory to learn as an author is that your novel will NEVER be perfect. It can be perfect for you, for some readers, but never fully perfect, you will always find mistakes and problems. As long as they don't affect the story or ruin the plot, you are allowed to make mistakes, but if you try to fix EVERY single thing, good luck publishing it around year 2065. That's how it works.
@@tavarnoclarke I am a Harry Potter fan. I'm just happen to be a writer too. And believe me, no author enjoys having people throwing bad comments at their hard work, but well, it happens haha
@@DanCreaMundos Its just a recent memeory, completely broke my interest in debating with fans. On second thought, I write too, if I can hook One Reader like him? I win. Good luck in your writing.
My greatest mistake with my debut was having accidentally fallen into publishing and the company not being as professional as it talked itself up to be. My new novel (under a new company) is giving me plenty of time to suffer the doubts I missed with the first one. It's a lot like starting over, which is a bit of a shame, but I am learning SO much, especially from following videos like these. Thank you.
I think that discovering errors after publication is one of my biggest fears. I’m trying to work through it so I can get to the publication stage of the writing process. Thank you for posting this video! It’s definitely helpful for the perfectionist in me to know I won’t be the first (or last!) to make mistakes.
Thank you sooo much for doing this!!! You are right, no one actually talks about this, not with their own published book. But I am so glad and happy that you did!! You are honest and I love that about you. Xx ❤❤❤
My debut novella is in the editing process, and I wish I had done that with my collection of short stories. I totally published by the seat of my britches and I was lucky that people in different countries bought the few copies that I sold. It was a learning experience
I agree. It seems like no matter how many times I re- read my book there is always something wrong with it , I finally got to the last three cheaters of my book and now starting over.
Thank you for your honesty on all these issues. It really IS inspiring, not only seeing another writer being so open and vulnerable, but also learning things in advance to keep myself from mimicking them...inadvertently.
This video is an example of clarity and charm--it's likable with great tips. And I agree about the delivery of the romance portion of it. I'm having similar issues. But that's because the work is not a romance, although there's a love interest somewhere along the way. And if I decide to write a love story in the future, I would revisit the magic in Wuthering Heights.
Thanks for sharing this! I think all of us authors make mistakes, although I haven't published a book yet, I have published other works and yes, I too have made mistakes. However, it's a learning time in the beginning and I think even seasoned authors still make mistakes as I read books from the big publishers and find typos and editing errors quite often. I think you did an amazing job, especially taken your proofreader bailed at the last minute, you still managed to get your book out there and I for one can't wait to read it!
I really appreciate you doing this video! I think there is a lot of toxic ideas in writing community that your writing needs to be perfect to be good. And the fact that you *know* in theory how to write well and how to avoid mistakes, don't mean you don't actually make some mistakes. So thank you, if something this makes me want to read your book even more! :D
Yes Vivien, I too ran into the same stuff with my first novel. Originally, I wrote it as more of a preteen story and later tried to publish it as a YA novel. Several friends suggested that the plot felt a little flat and predictive and that the 3-act was a bit anemic. I am currently revising that novel a bit to correct the "flatness" and to add a little more depth to the MC. Also, I am working to make the story more approachable to all ages rather than to just the younger-set. I think, had it been a stand-alone story, I would have left it be as "lessons-learned" and moved on. However, since it is part of a greater series and in fact sets up the "world" and the base family lines, it is necessary for me to correct some of these mistakes before releasing book II which is currently in progress. Thanks for releasing this video. It was a really good "punch-in-the-arm" to remind us that we all make mistakes and should not allow those to stop us in our quest to become authors.
I wish I could talk about all the mistakes I made post publishing my novel. Unfortunately, I realised I am not even close to finishing it yet. However, I have recently discovered this channel and it's helped guide me to perfect my novel. Guess I'll come back and write about the mistakes I made after I published it. Much appreciation for your great content 👍
I love the phrase, "I saw too much light at the end of the tunnel." As some who is on book 6 of a nine-part novella series, I can totally relate to that.
I completely understand what you are going through, because I had a similar experience with my debut novel eleven years ago. I took a break to pursue higher education and a career, during which I went through several ups and downs at my college, workplace and even with my relationships (both platonic and otherwise). These situations then inspired me to work on the second book, which came out this year. "Third time's a charm," I told myself, and I wish you all the best for your future projects.
I completely understand where you're coming from. I published my debut novel and learned so many things AFTER the fact that I wish I had known then. So much so that I am releasing a second edition - new and improved *sigh*
I love this! I'm glad that I'm not only one who dreaded things after words. Especially the tag line! After I published, I realized how almost every book has one, and I'm like, why didn't I do this?! Thanks, girl!!
I really love how honest you are about the writing process. It's so helpful to hear. Your books are great by the way! The process of putting together my first real novel has been difficult and hearing your views on the process--such relief. How do you even find time to write when posting helpful videos? You're so comfortable on screen. (I ask because I wanted to chronicle my journey during my first real novel and found out I couldn't face the camera.)
I really enjoyed how open you are in all your videos. I struggle so much with perfectionism that I get lost in the journey of creating. I think of these five things as five growth spurts you’ve had as an author, because failure is just another lesson learned on the path to success. Now if I can only believe that myself...^^ Thanks for sharing as always!
I love your honesty in this video. I did read your book and had a few problems with it, but I feel like I don’t care now that you have made this video. You are so amazing!!
This might be the most important video I've watched as an aspiring writer. Great job! It sounds like you gave yourself a little extra room in the process by purchasing the five isbns. The extras likely came in handy for your coordinated delay. I say well played.
Awesome!! I'm sorry that you have such a list though. You did achieve the desired effect... I don't feel like such a loser about my novel now. I'm a ways out from publication, but some of what I have gotten done has not gone the way I thought it would. Most has to do with the initial not knowing how monstrous of a task successfully publishing a novel really is. So glad you're keeping it real for us. Poor plant. ; )
Vivien, thank you, for sharing! As writers, we all need to see and hear the ups and downs of book publishing. No, the process is not perfect! What is down for me is the process of my book cover. I have changed it a couple of times. Now, I am preparing to see the proof of the cover, one last time. I am nervous because I discovered one word missing from a sentence. That is why I am glad I will see the proof before print submission. Vivien, thank you, for sharing helpful information about the tag line for the cover.
You know you’re good at what you can do when you 1. Admit your mistakes (hey, we are HUMAN) 2. You love your work! Most of us cringe when we see our mistakes, and self loathe. Please, girl no one probably even noticed. Even though you did, we are own worst critics. Blah blah blah- seriously, you are such a bright, cool, deeply interesting Vlogger. So very proud of you. You have helped is ALL so very much. Thank you for all of your contributions to writing and helping us with our own journeys. Do you know how many lived you’ve touched? Think about that!? 🤔 big hugs. All the best!-
Thank you for your insight! I'm in the process of writing my first novel and these are some very helpful tips for me! The only time I felt jarred by the video was when you said something along the liens of "if you got tired of editing and editing and skipped over something." I believe that (and typos) are the only mistakes. The Lord of the Rings took 17 years in totality. The first Harry Potter took 6 years. A story is only as good as the effort you are willing to invest. I know no novel is ever perfect, but I don't want to publish until my story and world are fully fleshed out.
I read the Elysian Prophecy, and I absolutely loved it! I really appreciate the honest you showed here though - I was able to learn a lot about writing. I can't wait for the Elysian Prophecy #2!!
How brave of you to make such an honest video about yourself and about your baby book. I love it how you call it that: 'baby book'. That's exactly what it is for an author. But despite the mistakes you managed to have published that big baby of yours, so very well done on that! You earned yourself a new subscriber.
The Pub Board loved my idea, but my first draft had mechanical problems, so, graciously they asked me to fix them. Still working on it! We are all in the same boat.
Thanks for sharing! I understand your hesitation to talk negatively about your book, but this is definitely stuff all authors need to hear. I appreciate your honesty. :)
I did the same thing! I am so glad you released this video. I have been struggling with a feeling of unease for 3 months now and I am going to follow your plan to fix the errors. Thank you so much.
Thanks a lot for a very honest video! It is great that you have such a high level of self-criticism, but to also talk about your mistakes so that others can learn from it, that's very brave and nice.
I love when other authors are honest about these things. When I published my first book years ago, I made a lot of mistakes. But since then I've gone back and fixed them. It was worth it.
Thank you so much for opinion about the book publishing and your own ideas about the book story and related to the book So I have changed my ideas for sometimes because of some attachment about it but my thinking is like to write something up that I am getting the experience So after long time ago I had thought that to meet you for your information how your day going well and good. Thanks again for your patience with me.
I really like the fact that you evaluated your own novel and made this video! I'm excited for your future work! And I completely relate with you, I look at my own novel and think "Wth did i even write". And I have 101 problems with it!
Thanks for making this video! I'm editing through my first round of beta reader suggestions and really feeling the pressure for everything to be perfect. It's become overwhelming thinking about publication as it approaches. I have so many decisions to make! This video and hearing about your experience has helped calm my overactive mind. I'm sure I'll watch it several times in the near future. It's very hard to feel "prepared" at this stage and your transparency is so helpful!!
Thanks for sharing! I know my main mistakes were not having beta readers, pre order option and marketing. I believe I started to late. It makes me feel better that Im not the only one who has made mistakes.
Hey great channel! i've watched several of your videos now and man i've i learned a lot already about stuff i didn't even know i needed to know! I a also an engineer and have recently acquired a need for some sort of craetive outlet and decided to take on the challenge of writing a novel. the problem is, im an engineer and i over-analyze and restructure so much that it has to be perfect before i can do anything.. which usually overwhelms me and then i get stuck :l How did you break through that barrier?? My engineering mind wont let me be creative, it just wants me to control within very restricted boundaries of reality. I argue with myself that "this can't happen in reality!" even though i'm trying to write a fiction novel. Pls halp. and congrats on the baby! all the best!
I appreciate you sharing your honesty. I can’t wait to release my first book! You gave me something to think about, because my fears are part of the reason, I haven’t released my book...those things you mentioned! But you did the right thing, you pushed through! Your book looks great and I’m sure it’s a great read. And, oh well, you’re a published author! Thank you for sharing.
I couldn't let anyone else see my work before proofreading of some massive caliber. Would make me so anxious. By the way, I laughed so hard when you edited in all the face-palming clips after your verbal mix-up. So, thank you for that!
Hi Vivien. Could you do a video about how you believe would-be authors should deal with "constructive" criticisms of their work prior to completion of their work?
I had an Early Reader Copy of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" from 16 years ago. It wasn't really my cup of tea, but I loved the edition and now Dexter is huge.
Fan here... Just wanted to mention to everyone that even if there are mistakes in the novel, you can correct them in the next edition. One of my favorite authors, Orson Scott Card had revised 'Ender's Game' so that the technology matched the modern world. Instead of paper postings on trees, he used the internet as the main media source.
Thank you so much for this video! Almost everything I've just experienced with my recent first Novel...I found about 6 typos after my B&N book signing 😟😫
hey Vivien, first of all thank you for all your videos, they are helpful for creating our own stories (without making too many mistakes haha). Do you have a video, or could you address in a new video, where you explain something about this: Instead of giving your readers the answers, give your readers more and more questions that they (desperately) want answered. I've heard and read something about this, but there were no clear examples for how to do this. Could you say something about it, like what do you personally do to make your readers curious, to give them more and more questions as they continue through your story? Maybe with some bad examples (a story that provides answers) and some good examples (a story that provides questions)
I liked this video a lot! Maybe I'll do one too. I've definitely learned so much since writing my debut novel, and a lot of things about it make me cringe a bit. Which is extra difficult, because I'm currently working on the sequel, so it almost makes me feel like theres no point in working hard to make the sequel way better when people have to read the first one anyway. But hopefully it will be an improvement, now that I've learned more and discovered more tools to help the process.
Thanks for this info! I’m glad you aren’t perfectly confident all the time in your writing. It is awesome that you find things to work on and not one of those writers who think that EVERY book they write is perfect and will be a best seller immediately. I think some parts of my draft are awful since it’s just a draft. It soon it will be better! I mean it’s awesome to be confident in your book but being too confident is t the best choice (if you know what I mean)
I guess I did pretty well then for such a small budget. The book I have out right now is a magical story type of book for about 5th - 8th graders because the main characters are 14. I wish I could sell at least 1,000 copies of at least the ebook because I need the money for health care. Medicaid for autism disability just doesn't' get me what I need. And to me, it is better than just charity because at least I worked for it. I have professional editing, too. Recently, I've had trouble with buying art for poetry books so I am going a different direction without it. Hopefully, in November I will have a chapbook or short poetry book of song lyrics and short poems. Then I plan to have a free verse poetry book out definitely based on strange real-life experiences when I was young (20-23). Then I'm going to try to have another chapbook out by July 2019. After that, I have no idea when I will self-publish another book. Good channel VR!
the important thing is always to learn from teh mistakes and move forward! :D So glad you share them with us so we can look for them up when we get to publish our own stories ;)
Quick note: Mandi Lynn did a similar video earlier this year if y'all are interested!
Also... #5 isn't a typo 🤓
Where did you find your literary agent?
I self published, so I don't have a literary agent 😊
Thanks (I'm also Karl Waterbury).
lol
what is it then?
I firmly believe that creatives have some of the healthiest egos, and this video perfectly illustrates why. There's something rare and unique about an author's relentless pursuit of perfection and their simultaneous concession of flaws, insecurities, and reflection. Thank you for this honest share!
Nicely said!
Is it weird that I know want to read it more? The honestly is refreshing, and it’s nice to see someone who isn’t acting like their first book is perfect.
💜💜💜
YES! I loved this video! I need to make a video like this! Publishing a book is definitely a learning experience! So many things I would do differently!
I would LOVE to see that! Especially if there were trad publishing things you learned!
I would love to watch that.
Major respect points, self-criticism is hard
Wow, I'm amazed at how honest you are with your own book! That is so amazing!!
This makes me so happy to hear!! 😄😄
I know, even me and it's not even my book.
The key is learning from your mistakes. Sounds like you have. Also, we can learn from your mistakes. I think more authors need to share their mistakes as well. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your transparency! I’m sure there will be a couple of problems with my novel after I publish it. I’ll do my best, but it’s good to give ourselves a little grace and realize that books can be wonderful but never perfect. :)
I'm so glad you didn't put any blame on the betas or arc readers and declare all your negative reviews done by haters and trolls. I'm glad you're self aware about your mistakes and the way you addressed them. I think that's extremely good that you were honest and I believe this will help you and your brand going forward
I love how you share experiences to make us learn. Another great video. ☺
This made me wanna read it even more
the potted plant disclaimer was funnier to me than it should've been lol
I write aps. And unlike books if you flubbed something up you can easily send an update. It'd be awesome if people could do that with books.
Well, every novel has problems, some even worst than the ones you describe here. Even the best of the best, and the books millions of people love have them too. We could even make lists of the problems with books like hunger games, Harry Potter, lord of the rings, song of ice and fire, etc. And they would be quite long lists. One thing it is mandatory to learn as an author is that your novel will NEVER be perfect. It can be perfect for you, for some readers, but never fully perfect, you will always find mistakes and problems. As long as they don't affect the story or ruin the plot, you are allowed to make mistakes, but if you try to fix EVERY single thing, good luck publishing it around year 2065. That's how it works.
So true ! Interesting perspective on mistakes.
Try telling Harry Potter fans that and prepare for a long arguement.
@@tavarnoclarke I am a Harry Potter fan. I'm just happen to be a writer too. And believe me, no author enjoys having people throwing bad comments at their hard work, but well, it happens haha
@@DanCreaMundos Its just a recent memeory, completely broke my interest in debating with fans.
On second thought, I write too, if I can hook One Reader like him? I win.
Good luck in your writing.
@@tavarnoclarke yeah, fans are the worst for that kind of debate. Good luck in your writing too :)
My greatest mistake with my debut was having accidentally fallen into publishing and the company not being as professional as it talked itself up to be. My new novel (under a new company) is giving me plenty of time to suffer the doubts I missed with the first one. It's a lot like starting over, which is a bit of a shame, but I am learning SO much, especially from following videos like these. Thank you.
I think that discovering errors after publication is one of my biggest fears. I’m trying to work through it so I can get to the publication stage of the writing process. Thank you for posting this video! It’s definitely helpful for the perfectionist in me to know I won’t be the first (or last!) to make mistakes.
I believe every book teaches you something. So I believe this is a good video, it's interesting to see what was your experience on writing this novel.
Whenever I need motivation to write I watch one of your videos. So... Thank you!
Once again, you're inspirtational to so many of us. Thanks for your transparency.
Thanks for being so honest, its the sort of advice no1 gets 2 hear, and what its realy like having a 1st time self made book out, keep it up.
Thank you sooo much for doing this!!! You are right, no one actually talks about this, not with their own published book. But I am so glad and happy that you did!! You are honest and I love that about you. Xx ❤❤❤
It took guts to make this video. Thanks for the tip about the tag line. That and the proofing. Peace.
My debut novella is in the editing process, and I wish I had done that with my collection of short stories. I totally published by the seat of my britches and I was lucky that people in different countries bought the few copies that I sold. It was a learning experience
I have so much respect for you and anyone who can make a video like this.
I agree. It seems like no matter how many times I re- read my book there is always something wrong with it , I finally got to the last three cheaters of my book and now starting over.
Thank you for your honesty on all these issues. It really IS inspiring, not only seeing another writer being so open and vulnerable, but also learning things in advance to keep myself from mimicking them...inadvertently.
Thanks for sharing this. I'm so over my book and want to rush through the last few steps.
This video is an example of clarity and charm--it's likable with great tips. And I agree about the delivery of the romance portion of it. I'm having similar issues. But that's because the work is not a romance, although there's a love interest somewhere along the way. And if I decide to write a love story in the future, I would revisit the magic in Wuthering Heights.
Thanks for sharing this! I think all of us authors make mistakes, although I haven't published a book yet, I have published other works and yes, I too have made mistakes. However, it's a learning time in the beginning and I think even seasoned authors still make mistakes as I read books from the big publishers and find typos and editing errors quite often. I think you did an amazing job, especially taken your proofreader bailed at the last minute, you still managed to get your book out there and I for one can't wait to read it!
I’m glad you’re so honest.
Bless you for your honesty. You are a wonderful person. Making a video about your mistakes shows you are human. Also helps so many of us fans.
Thank you for this. I haven't published yet, but it's good to know what stuff to watch out for.
I really appreciate you doing this video! I think there is a lot of toxic ideas in writing community that your writing needs to be perfect to be good. And the fact that you *know* in theory how to write well and how to avoid mistakes, don't mean you don't actually make some mistakes. So thank you, if something this makes me want to read your book even more! :D
Thank you so much for being so honest! Humility is so appreciated!
Yes Vivien, I too ran into the same stuff with my first novel. Originally, I wrote it as more of a preteen story and later tried to publish it as a YA novel. Several friends suggested that the plot felt a little flat and predictive and that the 3-act was a bit anemic. I am currently revising that novel a bit to correct the "flatness" and to add a little more depth to the MC. Also, I am working to make the story more approachable to all ages rather than to just the younger-set. I think, had it been a stand-alone story, I would have left it be as "lessons-learned" and moved on. However, since it is part of a greater series and in fact sets up the "world" and the base family lines, it is necessary for me to correct some of these mistakes before releasing book II which is currently in progress. Thanks for releasing this video. It was a really good "punch-in-the-arm" to remind us that we all make mistakes and should not allow those to stop us in our quest to become authors.
I wish I could talk about all the mistakes I made post publishing my novel. Unfortunately, I realised I am not even close to finishing it yet.
However, I have recently discovered this channel and it's helped guide me to perfect my novel. Guess I'll come back and write about the mistakes I made after I published it.
Much appreciation for your great content 👍
I love the phrase, "I saw too much light at the end of the tunnel." As some who is on book 6 of a nine-part novella series, I can totally relate to that.
I completely understand what you are going through, because I had a similar experience with my debut novel eleven years ago. I took a break to pursue higher education and a career, during which I went through several ups and downs at my college, workplace and even with my relationships (both platonic and otherwise). These situations then inspired me to work on the second book, which came out this year. "Third time's a charm," I told myself, and I wish you all the best for your future projects.
I completely understand where you're coming from. I published my debut novel and learned so many things AFTER the fact that I wish I had known then. So much so that I am releasing a second edition - new and improved *sigh*
I love this! I'm glad that I'm not only one who dreaded things after words. Especially the tag line! After I published, I realized how almost every book has one, and I'm like, why didn't I do this?! Thanks, girl!!
I really love how honest you are about the writing process. It's so helpful to hear. Your books are great by the way! The process of putting together my first real novel has been difficult and hearing your views on the process--such relief.
How do you even find time to write when posting helpful videos? You're so comfortable on screen. (I ask because I wanted to chronicle my journey during my first real novel and found out I couldn't face the camera.)
I really enjoyed how open you are in all your videos. I struggle so much with perfectionism that I get lost in the journey of creating.
I think of these five things as five growth spurts you’ve had as an author, because failure is just another lesson learned on the path to success.
Now if I can only believe that myself...^^
Thanks for sharing as always!
I love your honesty in this video. I did read your book and had a few problems with it, but I feel like I don’t care now that you have made this video. You are so amazing!!
This might be the most important video I've watched as an aspiring writer. Great job! It sounds like you gave yourself a little extra room in the process by purchasing the five isbns. The extras likely came in handy for your coordinated delay. I say well played.
Thank you for your honesty and humility, great video. The only way to grow is by accepting our mistakes and learning from them....kudos girl!
Awesome!! I'm sorry that you have such a list though. You did achieve the desired effect... I don't feel like such a loser about my novel now. I'm a ways out from publication, but some of what I have gotten done has not gone the way I thought it would. Most has to do with the initial not knowing how monstrous of a task successfully publishing a novel really is. So glad you're keeping it real for us. Poor plant. ; )
Vivien, thank you, for sharing! As writers, we all need to see and hear the ups and downs of book publishing. No, the process is not perfect! What is down for me is the process of my book cover. I have changed it a couple of times. Now, I am preparing to see the proof of the cover, one last time. I am nervous because I discovered one word missing from a sentence. That is why I am glad I will see the proof before print submission. Vivien, thank you, for sharing helpful information about the tag line for the cover.
You know you’re good at what you can do when you 1. Admit your mistakes (hey, we are HUMAN) 2. You love your work!
Most of us cringe when we see our mistakes, and self loathe. Please, girl no one probably even noticed. Even though you did, we are own worst critics. Blah blah blah- seriously, you are such a bright, cool, deeply interesting Vlogger. So very proud of you. You have helped is ALL so very much.
Thank you for all of your contributions to writing and helping us with our own journeys. Do you know how many lived you’ve touched? Think about that!? 🤔 big hugs. All the best!-
Thank you for your insight! I'm in the process of writing my first novel and these are some very helpful tips for me!
The only time I felt jarred by the video was when you said something along the liens of "if you got tired of editing and editing and skipped over something."
I believe that (and typos) are the only mistakes. The Lord of the Rings took 17 years in totality. The first Harry Potter took 6 years.
A story is only as good as the effort you are willing to invest. I know no novel is ever perfect, but I don't want to publish until my story and world are fully fleshed out.
I read the Elysian Prophecy, and I absolutely loved it! I really appreciate the honest you showed here though - I was able to learn a lot about writing. I can't wait for the Elysian Prophecy #2!!
As a writer, this is totally reassuring, for sure! I'm enjoying your videos, I'm glad I found your channel!
How brave of you to make such an honest video about yourself and about your baby book. I love it how you call it that: 'baby book'. That's exactly what it is for an author.
But despite the mistakes you managed to have published that big baby of yours, so very well done on that!
You earned yourself a new subscriber.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting this video! It makes me feel so much better about the list I have for my book.
The Pub Board loved my idea, but my first draft had mechanical problems, so, graciously they asked me to fix them. Still working on it! We are all in the same boat.
Really enjoyed this video! We learn so much each time we write or publish a new book. It’ll just get better from here! 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing! I understand your hesitation to talk negatively about your book, but this is definitely stuff all authors need to hear. I appreciate your honesty. :)
I absolutely love your candor. Love you Vivien. Thanks for all the tips.
“ the enemy of good is better”... thank you for being so honest with your viewers. You are amazingly talented 🙏🏼
I did the same thing! I am so glad you released this video. I have been struggling with a feeling of unease for 3 months now and I am going to follow your plan to fix the errors. Thank you so much.
Thanks a lot for a very honest video! It is great that you have such a high level of self-criticism, but to also talk about your mistakes so that others can learn from it, that's very brave and nice.
I love when other authors are honest about these things. When I published my first book years ago, I made a lot of mistakes. But since then I've gone back and fixed them. It was worth it.
Your honesty is just great Vivien! It makes us love and respect you more!!!!
Thank you so much for opinion about the book publishing and your own ideas about the book story and related to the book So I have changed my ideas for sometimes because of some attachment about it but my thinking is like to write something up that I am getting the experience So after long time ago I had thought that to meet you for your information how your day going well and good.
Thanks again for your patience with me.
I really like the fact that you evaluated your own novel and made this video! I'm excited for your future work! And I completely relate with you, I look at my own novel and think "Wth did i even write". And I have 101 problems with it!
Thanks for making this video! I'm editing through my first round of beta reader suggestions and really feeling the pressure for everything to be perfect. It's become overwhelming thinking about publication as it approaches. I have so many decisions to make! This video and hearing about your experience has helped calm my overactive mind. I'm sure I'll watch it several times in the near future. It's very hard to feel "prepared" at this stage and your transparency is so helpful!!
This was one of the most “real” videos I have ever watched on TH-cam.....I appreciate the honesty.
Thank you!!
So helpful. Releasing my debut on the 30th so thanks for another final checklist to add to my GIANT one. 😉😂🤣
I can't wait to read it!! Everybody makes mistakes😊
Thanks for sharing! I know my main mistakes were not having beta readers, pre order option and marketing. I believe I started to late. It makes me feel better that Im not the only one who has made mistakes.
Hey great channel! i've watched several of your videos now and man i've i learned a lot already about stuff i didn't even know i needed to know! I a also an engineer and have recently acquired a need for some sort of craetive outlet and decided to take on the challenge of writing a novel. the problem is, im an engineer and i over-analyze and restructure so much that it has to be perfect before i can do anything.. which usually overwhelms me and then i get stuck :l How did you break through that barrier?? My engineering mind wont let me be creative, it just wants me to control within very restricted boundaries of reality. I argue with myself that "this can't happen in reality!" even though i'm trying to write a fiction novel. Pls halp. and congrats on the baby! all the best!
Great video! I’m getting ready to self publish my first book and this was so helpful :)
Now... I will definitely read your book! 😂😂😂😂 You are so cute and funny...
And honest!
😀😀 Thank you so much!!
I appreciate you sharing your honesty. I can’t wait to release my first book! You gave me something to think about, because my fears are part of the reason, I haven’t released my book...those things you mentioned! But you did the right thing, you pushed through! Your book looks great and I’m sure it’s a great read. And, oh well, you’re a published author! Thank you for sharing.
I'm even more excited to read your book now!! I have so much respect for you ^_^🖤
I couldn't let anyone else see my work before proofreading of some massive caliber. Would make me so anxious. By the way, I laughed so hard when you edited in all the face-palming clips after your verbal mix-up. So, thank you for that!
great video. thanks for be honest. lots of people just lie about it
The courage it takes to admit your mistakes publicly 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 great video ♥️
Hi Vivien. Could you do a video about how you believe would-be authors should deal with "constructive" criticisms of their work prior to completion of their work?
This was so brave of you to do! Thank you
Do you have a video on how to submit your book to Barnes and noble?
I’m working on what I’m pretty sure is gonna be my debuts novel love the characters their struggles and the story itself
Great video, love your honesty. Keep up the great work, looking forward to future releases.
Good tips to share. Glad you learnt lessons and became a better writer. I'm doing a draft focused soley on improved descriptions.
Vivien, I think you're being a bit hard on yourself. I read your novel and I liked it. :)
Aww, thank you!! I'm definitely my own worst critic!
Thank you for sharing this with us.
I had an Early Reader Copy of "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" from 16 years ago. It wasn't really my cup of tea, but I loved the edition and now Dexter is huge.
Thank you for your brutal honesty. It helps a lot.
Thanks for sharing. My novel's about to go to an editor so I'll be facing your challenges soon.
How's your daughter?
Great!!! Video and very down to earth and honest ❤ 👌the way you explained I appreciate your video
Fan here... Just wanted to mention to everyone that even if there are mistakes in the novel, you can correct them in the next edition. One of my favorite authors, Orson Scott Card had revised 'Ender's Game' so that the technology matched the modern world. Instead of paper postings on trees, he used the internet as the main media source.
Thank you so much for this video! Almost everything I've just experienced with my recent first Novel...I found about 6 typos after my B&N book signing 😟😫
hey Vivien, first of all thank you for all your videos, they are helpful for creating our own stories (without making too many mistakes haha).
Do you have a video, or could you address in a new video, where you explain something about this:
Instead of giving your readers the answers, give your readers more and more questions that they (desperately) want answered.
I've heard and read something about this, but there were no clear examples for how to do this.
Could you say something about it, like what do you personally do to make your readers curious, to give them more and more questions as they continue through your story?
Maybe with some bad examples (a story that provides answers) and some good examples (a story that provides questions)
You have been a Godsend and wealth of great Information. I am so glad that I found your channel.
I liked this video a lot! Maybe I'll do one too. I've definitely learned so much since writing my debut novel, and a lot of things about it make me cringe a bit. Which is extra difficult, because I'm currently working on the sequel, so it almost makes me feel like theres no point in working hard to make the sequel way better when people have to read the first one anyway. But hopefully it will be an improvement, now that I've learned more and discovered more tools to help the process.
I freaking loved TEP and am definitely requesting it for my library
Thank you so much!!! 💜💜
I love that authortube seems to be trending so much more honest these days! I love it
Thanks for this info! I’m glad you aren’t perfectly confident all the time in your writing. It is awesome that you find things to work on and not one of those writers who think that EVERY book they write is perfect and will be a best seller immediately. I think some parts of my draft are awful since it’s just a draft. It soon it will be better! I mean it’s awesome to be confident in your book but being too confident is t the best choice (if you know what I mean)
*not (not just t)
Thanks for being transparent and sharing Vivien! It was helpful to hear what you would change :)
I guess I did pretty well then for such a small budget. The book I have out right now is a magical story type of book for about 5th - 8th graders because the main characters are 14. I wish I could sell at least 1,000 copies of at least the ebook because I need the money for health care. Medicaid for autism disability just doesn't' get me what I need. And to me, it is better than just charity because at least I worked for it. I have professional editing, too. Recently, I've had trouble with buying art for poetry books so I am going a different direction without it. Hopefully, in November I will have a chapbook or short poetry book of song lyrics and short poems. Then I plan to have a free verse poetry book out definitely based on strange real-life experiences when I was young (20-23). Then I'm going to try to have another chapbook out by July 2019. After that, I have no idea when I will self-publish another book. Good channel VR!
the important thing is always to learn from teh mistakes and move forward! :D So glad you share them with us so we can look for them up when we get to publish our own stories ;)