Reverse Dipper Pines I think about my books constantly and I’m now writing books 90 & 91 at the same time... edit My stories are pretty world and character based... edit two my books are fan fiction for the Spyro and Skylanders games
Holy shit I found you again. You helped me so much when I was younger but I lost your channel. I just wanted to say thank you. Your videos really helped me back when I was first starting to draw.
6 is what a lot of writers, editors, English majors/teachers, etc. say is the best/only approach there is and that's disheartening because doing 6 or 7 is very difficult for me. I'd say 1 is a brainstorm or quick practice writing. I am a 2, with a stockpile of 3's and a few 4's to be utilized in my 2 writing.
Markcrilley, you are the most pure man on TH-cam. I use to be really into drawing, so I watched your videos on drawing. Then I got into writing stories, hoping to turn them into comics or web series and I watched your story writing videos. Now I’m into writing music, especially story driven albums, yet again I find myself on your TH-cam channel. You are like the potato chips of youtube (I swear that’s a compliment) because I can just watch your videos and have a good time, like how you can always eat potato chips and have a good time. Also I love your dog. Goodbye.
I think it's best to think of the different approaches as tools every writer should own, and you should feel free to draw upon them as needed. They're not mutually exclusive categories. Different types work better depending on story length, genre, and the writer's experience. I've probably used each of them at various times. For flash fiction or poems, you don't need an extensive outline. For character studies, you'll want to invest heavily in an individual character. For large scale fantasy or sci-fi, it helps to create extensive outlines for the world and characters. For whatever kind of story, coming up with ideas in the moment can be very useful, so you don't get stuck. Try to practice this when watching movies or reading books, thinking of ways to write them better yourself. See how quickly you can come up with coherent story ideas.
I've noticed in my own writing, I started with (1) stream of consciousness. Then I quickly realized I needed to end the story so I started to plan it while I was still writing it. Now I'm a (5) or (6) but I still like to use stream of consciousness for ideas or for stress relief. 😊
I think my favorite part was where Mark couldn't help himself and had to give Jasmine blushies. It's beautiful. But this gave me a better grip of how i can start my story/comic/webtoon that came from a dream! It's been difficult trying to think of how i could approach it and this helped me figure out the better possibilities of getting it started. Thank you so much for making this video 🥺
Yup. Need to mix all elements to fill each weakness. It's like economic system. You need to mix capitalism and communism to make a better system. Use capitalism elements to fix the weakness from communism and use communism elements to fix the weakness from capitalism. Basically like that. You need to imagine the world, the character, and proper solid story. But sometimes in the middle of your progress, you must be wild about ideas. Add some stuffs
Serious question: What books/ Graphic novel of all the ones you’ve read, or a fellow author has written do you think deserves to be turned into a movie series, or cartoon series? Personally I would love to see the Bone series by Jeff Smith, turned into a animated series. I would say it would definitely be catered towards younger adults/ teens.
I tend to start with a core premise, theme or message that my story wants to convey. Then, once I have that nailed down, I craft a world around that idea that contains the necessary characteristics for that story to be able to ocurr. Then I design the actors for the story, the main characters embodying the core theme while the supporting cast can represent parallel themes and conflicts that are congruent with the world they inhabit. I rarely have blank-slate characters, and most are defined individuals whose actions actively impact the development of the story rather than being passive and merely reacting to events unfolding around them.
Oh my gosh I finally found you! I would watch your videos when I was a kid and you basically taught me how to draw! I would watch your videos over and over till I drew something good and I just wanna say thank you and you were truly inspiring💗
a soft 6 where I have a premise and a set of characters and some ending in mind, as well as a certain theme. However, It will be mainly character driven from then on.
I think I mostly stream of consciousness at the start along with having basic character concepts and sometimes some characters end up speaking up more loudly then I originally thought they would.
I think that i am a mixture of 2 and 3. I like to build my characters but a very dull world and I also don’t plan my plot. I just like to role with the punches
I’m somewhere between 4 & 6. I like to create the world then attach characters to that world. I give each one a basic ‘life’ which can lead to a story. I certainly don’t plan ahead as life isn’t that simple, reaction to a situation becomes fluid and more believable....I hope..😉. Great video, as usual...etc. etc.
I tend to fluctuate depending on the story. I’ve had some ideas weave around a character, others evolve from an interesting premise or plot. It all depends on how I was initially inspired. I’d say that I fall around the 3-5 mark, then
I'm usually a mix of Character, Plot, and World... Sometimes, I get an idea of a beginning, other times a middle, and work from there! My struggle is usually always the ending.... As I try and commit to making stories from start to finish now as an older person, I am getting more used to the groove of outlining, which I do believe is helpful! Thank you Mr. Mark Crilley, and yeah Everybody blushes! that should be a book _hmmm_
For short stories or poems I am mostly spontaneous, diving in with an idea or a scrap of dialogue. My novels are mainly character-driven, with the world being a supporting character. My style is #6 The Loose Outline. I have a formula I developed that makes the process fast and easy. Like you, I find it important to know where the story is going and why. As I am writing the outline, or while I am mulling it over, making character sketches, etc., inspiration will often strike. That’s when I will write scenes or dialogue to insert later. I’ve heard of interviewing characters. I’ve tried that, but I’d rather journal from that character’s perspective or write a back story for him. I find that helps me when I feel stuck and helps me to understand my people better. It also gets me excited about the story if I’ve started to get bored. I might be leaning into #7 a bit because I do try to work out where there should be more action or down times. I think it’s important to give the reader little tea breaks of pleasant scenes to balance out the dark or action-filled scenes. I also like to have a gradual escalation of tension building up toward the climax. If I work out those details before I begin writing, I feel more free to just create without worrying if the story is flowing in an interesting way. Thanks for doing this. Teresa from PEI, Canada
Another number 6 here! I used to be very spontanous about writing, which helped me get kind of used to the technical aspects of comics, but nowadays that I write longer comics (~180-280 pages) I absolutely need an outline to know where I'm going. It helps me feel confident about my writing. Another cool thing about it is that when I already know the main character arcs, I can put more focus on details like style of speech, expressions and other fun stuff.
6 is probably where I am at now with the story I am currently working on. Well, I've got the characters planned perfectly, and Ive got the beginning and ending as well as main conflicts/big scenes and reveals. It's all about piecing it together into a script and changing my art style to fit this story at this point.
I've written stories primarily from category 2, but also I have worked with or otherwise melded 1, 3, 5 and 6. Sometimes I'll work with a looser point of view until I write a ways in and get a good idea of what is happening, then make a rough outline of necessary scenes (like one-sentence bullet points) to the ending. Other times it's purely going with the #2 strategy, but I don't really ever end up with scenes that don't make sense as I build off of what I started with, without introducing new variables (like a random country or something that was never mentioned previously). The most editing for me using this method comes from cutting scenes that make sense but, as they usually explore character because that is my go-to for a slump, could be ground down to streamline the story. But this is also because I usually let my characters lead the way, as seeing what they do is the most compelling part of the project for me.
The way I write is as follows Come up with cool character concepts. (Inspiration strikes at the oddest times.) Identify the call to action or initial conflict. Whatever sets things in motion. Brainstorm cool potential interactions that compliment that conflict. (These won't necessarily be used, but they're for referencing, and for forming character and world concepts.) Plot things out until the call to action. Write to the call to action. Let the characters and world carry the story to conclusion. So, I'm a hybrid pants / plotter.
I'm definitely a loose outline girl, but the most exciting part of my writing process is building characters around my plot. I have a lot of fun researching names with hidden meanings and assigning characteristics to drive home the themes that I'm working with. That's the part that gets me all giddy!
I'm definitely number 2. It has caused me to trip up on occasion, but it's actually really satisfying when I find a way to a square peg fit into a round hole without anyone noticing. You got through a period of minor depression, but like it feels worth it to me. In fact, if I plan things out too much, the story stops being fun.
I am a mix of #3 and #5. I love coming up with quirky, fun characters and I like knowing the basics of my story or at least the end before I really start writing. I struggle with staying confident in my writing and keeping myself motivated all the time so i find that if i know who the characters are as basic people in the beginning and I know the world i'm in and ending i want it's easier to come up with natural scenarios and conflicts of varied verities.
Category 6 also describes how I write. :) I like to plan outlines and write concepts before I write the actual story. But it does happen that I get ideas on how improve certain details while writing and I also add those later when I edit everything. By edit I mean that I first write traditionally with pen and ink on paper and then type everything afterwards (which is when the edit happens).
I'm kinda like #2, but I have a couple of scenes that I want to get to. I'm also somewhat character focused, except more on the character designs than the personality, haha
I'd say about 6. I set up a good premise and certain large story beats, including the ending I want. But while plotting out some of the finer details, it's easily influenced by how the characters are. Points A, B, and C are in place... but as I continue working on it, the paths between can take twists and turns I wouldn't have thought of at first.
What I do is: 1. I come up with a basic premise 2. Develop the world, (only basic stuff like the worlds natural laws. Does it have magic? Do certain places have a class system with nobility? etc.) 3. Refine it so I have an idea of where the story will go 4. Develop a specific city/country/continent (basic stuff again, nothing concrete) 5. As characters are introduced I refine them on a separate document (including backstory and stuff) 6. Write out the story! 7. For sequels, (I haven't actually made a sequel yet but...) I make sure that I focused on only one of the world's problems with only one country's perspective in the original. Then repeat steps 3-6 as needed.
I think I consider the writing process more of a triangle. 1. Characters 2. World 3. Plot/Story I'm pretty evenly spread between the three and I do that on purpose so there's no one aspect in my story that's lacking. If I absolutely had to come up with my weakest point though, it would probably be World.
I like to day dream my stories figuring out everything about my characters and how their world works in my head. Going on long tangents meticulous working out minute details. Then I make it up as I go along. While I'm writing I keep a list of scenes, some of which I actually write out, of things I want to include. I also have a tendency to jump back and forth from one project to another both with writing and art. Although sometimes I do lose interest in somethings and don't come back. I find that the projects I'm actually really passionate about it helps me come back with fresh eyes and pick up and edit what I did a day or two before. As well as let's me come up with new interesting ideas. The time in between gives me more time to brainstorm and consume media that inspires me. I kind of edit and re write as I go to help make sure I stay consistent with details and stuff. Also re reading my own words helps me get back into the mindset of the character.(I only re read a chapter or two back normally.) Then I can edit edit and also get someone to look it over and help me make changes. I especially need help with grammar. An english major I am not. I do however have an over abundance of stories dancing around in my head.
I just write what comes to mind with an idea of a character and world based on different ideas. Sometimes I have a character. Sometimes I have a world. But I almost always get to a point where I have these written down and suddenly can’t come up with a story. As of right now, I have a really good world built. I have a couple characters but with not much detail. I have a premise of a story but basically no story. I’ve become completely stumped as to what to write now. So because of this I will start it but won’t finish it completely. It took me years to get the world down so I think I might come up with a plot to place in this messy story I have. No idea to be honest. But that’s the way I write stories.
I have a mix between (1) stream of consciousness (2) make it up as you go (3) character-focused (4) world-focused and a (6) loose outline. This gives me the opportunity to have the flexibility and a variety of detailed sources to what my characters do and how they act in the world or how they live with their culture. It's a quite complicated process, but it's worth the effort.
Numbers 3 and 5 describe me best right now! I always start with characters, and after that I find it best to know what they're working up toward. No. 7 is an example of the type of writer I WANT to be. I feel I'm well on the path to a good story right now, but I've never had that complete outline before, and it's so hard for me to sit down and write without knowing what exactly I'm writing. It seems most people prefer the freedom of sort of letting the story unfold as they write, and I definitely understand that. But with me I feel I'd get a lot more done if I had a clear set of directions to follow! XD
I am all of them!! lol I'm the improv writer at work when I'm bored, but when I'm at home I go into more details. I usually start with a world/scenario idea; create a simple outline; create all my characters; and with my characters purposes I detail my outline so they all interact. I hate overlapping ideas once I already started because it messed up my order of events. I have to have an outline for my long stories or I'll forget a lot of things once I start writing, but I would say this is my funky style of writing!
Interesting! I guess I mainly do a bit of point 3 and point 6. My main characters at least were created first. Then sometimes as I write my story new characters pop up. I like to plan out a loose outline of my story in my head and then I fill in the gaps and new ideas chapter by chapter. Hope I made sense ^_^
I’d say I start off as a 3&4, then turn into a 5, then a 6. I think of a character, mostly appearance, how they would do in various world settings, they slowly grow a voice and a personality. Then it slowly goes a little further, what upsets this character, what brings them joy, what do they normally do? Then it goes a little further to: what’s their back story, how were they brought up, what’s the tie to the world setting, what plot/adventures would they get tied up in and would it tie in with their back story/does it have to tie in with their back story? If the character has grown on me by this point, I start to narrow it down to the type of story they fit into, and what role they play with various obstacles in their path. If I finally really enjoy one of those vague stories and roles for that character, I’ll start laying out a really vague outline of a story, break it down further for a general summary of the main story, break it down further some more for key points in the story, break it down further into what I want in specific chapters, break it down further for dialogue/specific scenes. And go from there, while keeping it vague enough to tie in a new idea if I think of something more interesting for plot.
I also do the loose outline, I come up with the main characters, beginning, middle, end, and all the important scenes. And then I sometimes add minor scenes and once in a while change scenes I had already written down.
My approach to writing: draw tons of character sketches, designs, and illustrations of potential story scenes. Then at some point say that I'll wite a story outline and maybe script out some dialogue. Then I don't do any of that, and start thumbnailing some page layouts, then once I get bored of that I just start drawing the pages and come up with the dialogue and story as I go.
I like #1. I usually start with a little idea, after that anything goes. Sometimes I use #6, but the outline is usually loose. It becomes more of a guideline to me.
I also do loose outline. Additionally, me personally, I like to build a world of characters. The world itself is not unique but the characters it's filled with around the world are. The loose outline is what major changes introducing a certain character will cause or contribute.
Before watching the video, I really didn’t think one category would fit me, but then came the description for “loose outline” lol. Definitely agree with Mark, I think this way of writing works very well.
Personally I feel like number 6 the most, but this list feels like my stepping stones as I go in my writing. From random thoughts, to characters, to the online - but I also just start at random places like characters first or making the world first.
I am definitely a mix between character-focused and the loose outline. I have a few characters that I absolutely adore but I've been trying for years to put their story together in a way that I feel does them justice and lets people get to know (and hopefully love) them the way that I do but the struggle is reeeaal 😭😂
I usually have a few set things: characters are usually definitely set beforehand, major twists in the story are set beforehand. Huge events are usually in place, but the weird thing is, I usually never know how a story will end.
I can honestly see myself in almost all of these to some extent. All but #7 (Rock-Solid Outline). In a sense, I suppose I mostly use a mix of #2 (Make It Up As You Go), and #5 (Figure Out The Premise And The Ending), perhaps with a sprinkle of #4 (World-Focused) on top of it. I'll try to come up with a premise, often pining for a while trying to think of something interesting, but once it clicks everything'll fall into place and I'll almost have the entire story right then and there. What I struggle with the most however is finding the scenes that ties it all together into a... Well, into a story.
I think i'm a mix between 2 and 3 as I love character based stories that's what captures me, if a story has bad/boring/flat characters I don't really care if it has an amazing plot or world I'm just not interested. I kinda plan what i want to write for each chapter and just wing it after that lol
I am definitely not a 7! I would say I am a 5, one of my storys is a 2. Okay so, Mark Crilley, you are awesome! I've got your 'Mastering Manga' books, they have helped me SO much! Thank you!
I start with a premise, an idea of who the characters are, and the ending. I then start writing some scenes, getting a better idea of the characters as I proceed. Fairly quickly after that, I work up a loose outline.
Depending on the story I am all over the place. My main project is character based with a loose outline with premise and ending (mostly) figured out. Most of my stories were made up as I went with an inkling of an ending in mind. I started one story in stream of consciousness to see how far I could get (still a work in progress). A lot of my scenes begin around dialogue between two or more characters that grow from there. I don't know where that would fit in this list.
I'm a mix between character focused, world focused, and loose outline writing. I don't write down my outline rather I make notes about the world, characters, and story as reference material. I do extensive research and even have a folder of images to help me come up with more creative settings. I want my characters to be alive within a vibrant environment, but at the same time I would like the story to be cohesive.
I've written 3 novels. The way I usually write is I start with a basic idea of a story. I'll have the ending in mind, along with a few key scenes I want to have appear somewhere in the story. As I start writing, the characters become more and more fleshed out, but also the opposite is true in that as the characters become more and more real, the story will change and I'll go back and make changes so that the characters will act in the most logical way according to who they are.
I’m a 6, I definitely come up with a rough outline so I can set up foreshadowing and whatnot before I get going. Although the premise is usually world-focused, where I develop aspects of a world and then come up with scenes that bring in the characters.
I tend to be a lil bit of 2 categories. I sometimes free write on a fly, I also sometimes create stories around a character, and I have been told to write an outline, but I can't seem to really get the hang of writing to that. My general style has been as follows: Idea, free write, read, edit grammar, move things around, read, edit again, & then repeat. lol My final project of an argumentative essay is what taught me that my writing style is best. I read my final product and was like, this is some of my best work. It is very time consuming process, but it seems to work for me. my brain tends to think faster than I can write/type. So if I try to control it, I lose really good stuff that I really liked by trying to force more on the topic.
I'm definitely of combo of 2, 3 & 5. Mostly 3 because I'm so into characters (designs, motivations, personality, etc.) Someone already said something like this in the comments but I have an awful habit of beginning to write a story then I have a different idea & I drop the original story. I begin to write the second story but another idea comes to my head & I drop the second story. The process is never-ending & I end up not writing anything. Idk if it's my mentality or I lack the self-control or my creativity is my double-edged sword
I guess Im character based very often. Im never the number 5 type. I do roleplay all characters and speak dialogues to 'feel' the different characters. What feels fitting i add to their lifeline. Then I go with their vibe. And add surroundings. Sometimes the 'world' is also there first. But I just first 'feel' the situation. So first is really a strong feeling that grabbes me. And it takes the 'world' often with itself, automatically. So its mostely: 1: feeling 2: the charcters and world float in naturally (2.1: some character developement maybe - scetches, add backgroundstory and deepness to each indivicual) 3: plot developes itself 4: CAN be changed, or went on - if i love the vibe and characters. 5: characters lifeline and things added give the stories interesting twists and let it drive on.
I'm personally a mix of 6 and 7. I know what I want the complete story to be but sometimes I get another idea that I think would make a part in the story even better than what I originally had in mind.
I'm a bit of numbers 3&6. I invent an interesting character (often not the main) and create the introduction between the protagonist and this character while creating little islands of interactions leading to the two parting ways in some way. (Essentially a slice of life ish.)
I'm a mix of 3-7 to be honest. But whenever I have a plot in mind, it's almost tricky to describe it the way I see it. At times it's better and others not so much. Some of my characters come along during the story making, whatever personality I have as a base I build up on and edit just like my short stories
#6 Loose Outline appeals to me most. But I just really wanted to say that Talia and Kagemura are pretty interesting, quirky characters. I really hope we get to see them again!
I'm a mix between 2. Make It Up as You Go and 3. Character Focused. I usually make up the characters first and then I find a plot which I make up as I go.
I started with Dungeons Dragons I built a world had some friends draw up the people they wanted to play and help them with a back story. As the guide you give them a starting point and a goal. as guide you put in the monsters and challenges the heroes face in the world. If you get a good group you get dialog and fresh ideals on how to face problem you would not have thought of and the ending is rarely what you planned on. There are hundreds of role playing game settings you can adapt to fit your needs of the story you want to write
I've always been a 5 but I never finished any projects that way, so with my current project, I'm trying my best to be a 6. So far I'm doing good, I've got a loose outline of the whole story and I'm starting on thumbnail sketches, so wish me luck!
I'm a mix of 3, 5, and 6. I find it easier to start writing once I have a vague idea on how the story ends, otherwise I would end up just following the characters throughout their lifetimes. That gets tedious when you have characters who are immortal and goes nowhere most of the time so it's best to find a place to end the story.
I've envisioned a story for the past few years. My notes go on for tens of pages but I still don't have an ending I am satisfied with. It's mostly world building and character notes to avoid inconsistencies. Then I have some scenes I like and a plot thread to follow up when I write. The ending does trouble me though. I do think at least an outline is needed at this point.
I'm more of #6. I like to plan ahead so my story would make sense to me and the audience. Basically, Outline is my forte in real life and creating stories and illustrations.
I find myself recognising my stories rather than myself in these categories. I think I've written stories with every single one of these approaches, though not so much with the "Stream of Consciousness" one, only a shortstory once for a school assignment when I was facing a total writer's block.
I've got a mixture going with the story I'm working on at the moment. I very much envisioned my story as being almost driven by the worldbuilding, so that's what I'm working on most. At the same time, I've put a lot of effort into fully realised characters that are interesting enough on their own, and who have enough agency to drive an organic plot. Finally, to try an ensure everything will come together neatly enough, I have an ending in place that I intend to work towards, although if I have other ideas during the writing process then the details may well change.
I feel like these are actually stages of a writer?? Like when I first start it was just cuz I wanted to and it seemed like fun, so here’s my version based off of Mark’s: Stage 1: not knowing what you’re doing cuz you’re new to this therefore you write whatever comes to mind Stage 2: you get kinda sick and tired of not knowing so you come up with a premise and make it up as it goes. Stage 3: you get fed up with writing and just start having fun with characters that you then give backstories and then decide you want an *actual* story Stage 4: you then tell yourself to stop worrying about your characters and drive your attention to giving them a world to live in. Stage 5: you then get very serious and focus on your ending for your story. Stage 6: So you then start making an outline, but then you start getting new ideas and start changing things spur of the moment. Stage 7: you finally have your story done and sure it’s not the best of all piece of work, but it’s the way you envisioned it and you’re proud of yourself!
I tend to create characters first, then the kind of world they live in and the kind of story they are apart of falls into place quickly afterward. Then development happens through massive bouts of daydreaming that create details of basically everything and make sure it all makes logical sense within the story. This leads to me starting writing with lots of set pieces in mind and an idea of what direction everything is going to go. As far as planning goes, I like to give my story space to breathe so that it feels more organic. Let conversations happen naturally, new motives reveal themselves as the plot progresses, etc. Basically, by the time the first draft is written, you have enough new material to put meat on the skeleton that is your story. I dunno. It's kinda hard to describe my process because it's more ethereal than concrete.
So I'm definitely the second type of writer. I have a small Idea of what i want to do but i give myself a little creative room. I plan out a little basic plot for 1 story, then i think up a basic plot for the next story, then repeat. Instead of planning every detail, I let myself decide what i want to do when the moment comes. It works for me..
Thank you for giving me an answer to what my writing character is. I am number six: a loose outline. I love writing, and now my writing career seems complete because I am categorized!.
I usually plan out the endings and make my characters and do an outline. I think of great details of my characters and great detail of my endings. But the outline lose so I can keep more creativity in my writing. But I also did once sit down and write and soon a story came up, I usually do that when I have writers block.
I'd say I'm a 3 at heart, a 5-6 by necessity. I remember being a 1-2 in in my school days when I had to write a story for an assignment and I didn't really have an idea for what to write, so I just barfed out something as it came to me and turned it in. But ever since I could write, I've always been very character driven with every story I write and comic I draw.
![How I Make Comics, Pt. 1 [Script/Pencils]](/img/n.gif)
8: You think so much about writing to such an extent that you never actually write anything
you're overstimulating your brain, break down your objectives to bitesize pieces, writing tends to be a long term project anyway.
That’s me… I have easily thousands of ideas etc written down but never wrote a connected story
Reverse Dipper Pines I think about my books constantly and I’m now writing books 90 & 91 at the same time... edit My stories are pretty world and character based... edit two my books are fan fiction for the Spyro and Skylanders games
Sadly, I sometimes fall into this category
I can relate heavy to this. For some reason, it's hard for me to commit to one story when so many ideas fill up my head. It's a horrible habit
Mark Crilley is so precious and must be protected at all costs. Truly he is a gift to mankind.
Fr 😭❤❤❤❤
I'm more of a character-driven guy.
With characters like these, the stories just write themselves!
My writing style is "Create a bunch of cool scenes with my planed characters and then figure out what to put in between them"
Same
And then have a mental breakdown due realising you cannot fit all the cool scenes in the story.
@@stoopidtoaster6075 im in the middle of this and its gping absolutely *fucking* *stellar!*
I do that sometimes😂
Same here man!
I’m definitely character based, world based, and loose outline.
Same
I start with characters then focus on world and for the story I have benchmarks but nothing in between to let my ideas flourish
Holy shit I found you again. You helped me so much when I was younger but I lost your channel. I just wanted to say thank you. Your videos really helped me back when I was first starting to draw.
6 is what a lot of writers, editors, English majors/teachers, etc. say is the best/only approach there is and that's disheartening because doing 6 or 7 is very difficult for me.
I'd say 1 is a brainstorm or quick practice writing.
I am a 2, with a stockpile of 3's and a few 4's to be utilized in my 2 writing.
Markcrilley, you are the most pure man on TH-cam. I use to be really into drawing, so I watched your videos on drawing. Then I got into writing stories, hoping to turn them into comics or web series and I watched your story writing videos. Now I’m into writing music, especially story driven albums, yet again I find myself on your TH-cam channel. You are like the potato chips of youtube (I swear that’s a compliment) because I can just watch your videos and have a good time, like how you can always eat potato chips and have a good time. Also I love your dog. Goodbye.
I try to imagine the emotionally charged or action scenes of a story 1st, and then try to write the series of events that build to that high point.
I think it's best to think of the different approaches as tools every writer should own, and you should feel free to draw upon them as needed. They're not mutually exclusive categories. Different types work better depending on story length, genre, and the writer's experience. I've probably used each of them at various times. For flash fiction or poems, you don't need an extensive outline. For character studies, you'll want to invest heavily in an individual character. For large scale fantasy or sci-fi, it helps to create extensive outlines for the world and characters. For whatever kind of story, coming up with ideas in the moment can be very useful, so you don't get stuck. Try to practice this when watching movies or reading books, thinking of ways to write them better yourself. See how quickly you can come up with coherent story ideas.
I've noticed in my own writing, I started with (1) stream of consciousness. Then I quickly realized I needed to end the story so I started to plan it while I was still writing it. Now I'm a (5) or (6) but I still like to use stream of consciousness for ideas or for stress relief. 😊
I think my favorite part was where Mark couldn't help himself and had to give Jasmine blushies.
It's beautiful.
But this gave me a better grip of how i can start my story/comic/webtoon that came from a dream! It's been difficult trying to think of how i could approach it and this helped me figure out the better possibilities of getting it started. Thank you so much for making this video 🥺
I think it's best to be a little bit of all.😀
Yup. Need to mix all elements to fill each weakness.
It's like economic system. You need to mix capitalism and communism to make a better system. Use capitalism elements to fix the weakness from communism and use communism elements to fix the weakness from capitalism. Basically like that.
You need to imagine the world, the character, and proper solid story. But sometimes in the middle of your progress, you must be wild about ideas. Add some stuffs
Your so good at drawing! :0
He is. He's a professional. :)
I'm definitely a 6, but I'm a referencer. I love adding Easter eggs and mysteries that the audience can figure out
Serious question: What books/ Graphic novel of all the ones you’ve read, or a fellow author has written do you think deserves to be turned into a movie series, or cartoon series?
Personally I would love to see the Bone series by Jeff Smith, turned into a animated series. I would say it would definitely be catered towards younger adults/ teens.
your wish has been granted, it's getting an animated series
Sean Smith great, it’s been a long time coming.
I tend to start with a core premise, theme or message that my story wants to convey. Then, once I have that nailed down, I craft a world around that idea that contains the necessary characteristics for that story to be able to ocurr. Then I design the actors for the story, the main characters embodying the core theme while the supporting cast can represent parallel themes and conflicts that are congruent with the world they inhabit. I rarely have blank-slate characters, and most are defined individuals whose actions actively impact the development of the story rather than being passive and merely reacting to events unfolding around them.
Oh my gosh I finally found you! I would watch your videos when I was a kid and you basically taught me how to draw! I would watch your videos over and over till I drew something good and I just wanna say thank you and you were truly inspiring💗
A good number of these describe my writing style for different projects. Depending on what I'm working on I may need to take a different approach.
a soft 6 where I have a premise and a set of characters and some ending in mind, as well as a certain theme. However, It will be mainly character driven from then on.
I think I mostly stream of consciousness at the start along with having basic character concepts and sometimes some characters end up speaking up more loudly then I originally thought they would.
I'm not a writer but, some of the things I talk about sound like I wrote a book
Too many ideas, not enough willpower to put them on paper.
In honor of final fantasy 7 remake releasing soon, could you do a tutorial and time lapse of drawing cloud strife. It would be massively apreaciated
I think that i am a mixture of 2 and 3. I like to build my characters but a very dull world and I also don’t plan my plot. I just like to role with the punches
I’m somewhere between 4 & 6. I like to create the world then attach characters to that world. I give each one a basic ‘life’ which can lead to a story. I certainly don’t plan ahead as life isn’t that simple, reaction to a situation becomes fluid and more believable....I hope..😉.
Great video, as usual...etc. etc.
I tend to fluctuate depending on the story. I’ve had some ideas weave around a character, others evolve from an interesting premise or plot. It all depends on how I was initially inspired. I’d say that I fall around the 3-5 mark, then
I've been making up my characters since preschool, so I'm able to drive a story real easy by doing the character thing in #3.
I'm usually a mix of Character, Plot, and World... Sometimes, I get an idea of a beginning, other times a middle, and work from there! My struggle is usually always the ending....
As I try and commit to making stories from start to finish now as an older person, I am getting more used to the groove of outlining, which I do believe is helpful!
Thank you Mr. Mark Crilley, and yeah Everybody blushes! that should be a book _hmmm_
Are you game of thrones writer ? Thay had that problem too :p
For short stories or poems I am mostly spontaneous, diving in with an idea or a scrap of dialogue. My novels are mainly character-driven, with the world being a supporting character. My style is #6 The Loose Outline. I have a formula I developed that makes the process fast and easy. Like you, I find it important to know where the story is going and why. As I am writing the outline, or while I am mulling it over, making character sketches, etc., inspiration will often strike. That’s when I will write scenes or dialogue to insert later. I’ve heard of interviewing characters. I’ve tried that, but I’d rather journal from that character’s perspective or write a back story for him. I find that helps me when I feel stuck and helps me to understand my people better. It also gets me excited about the story if I’ve started to get bored. I might be leaning into #7 a bit because I do try to work out where there should be more action or down times. I think it’s important to give the reader little tea breaks of pleasant scenes to balance out the dark or action-filled scenes. I also like to have a gradual escalation of tension building up toward the climax. If I work out those details before I begin writing, I feel more free to just create without worrying if the story is flowing in an interesting way. Thanks for doing this. Teresa from PEI, Canada
Another number 6 here! I used to be very spontanous about writing, which helped me get kind of used to the technical aspects of comics, but nowadays that I write longer comics (~180-280 pages) I absolutely need an outline to know where I'm going. It helps me feel confident about my writing.
Another cool thing about it is that when I already know the main character arcs, I can put more focus on details like style of speech, expressions and other fun stuff.
6 is probably where I am at now with the story I am currently working on. Well, I've got the characters planned perfectly, and Ive got the beginning and ending as well as main conflicts/big scenes and reveals. It's all about piecing it together into a script and changing my art style to fit this story at this point.
I've written stories primarily from category 2, but also I have worked with or otherwise melded 1, 3, 5 and 6. Sometimes I'll work with a looser point of view until I write a ways in and get a good idea of what is happening, then make a rough outline of necessary scenes (like one-sentence bullet points) to the ending. Other times it's purely going with the #2 strategy, but I don't really ever end up with scenes that don't make sense as I build off of what I started with, without introducing new variables (like a random country or something that was never mentioned previously). The most editing for me using this method comes from cutting scenes that make sense but, as they usually explore character because that is my go-to for a slump, could be ground down to streamline the story. But this is also because I usually let my characters lead the way, as seeing what they do is the most compelling part of the project for me.
I'm a character based kernel of an idea and run with it kind of writer, I also imagine different worlds.
I think im the same
The way I write is as follows
Come up with cool character concepts. (Inspiration strikes at the oddest times.)
Identify the call to action or initial conflict. Whatever sets things in motion.
Brainstorm cool potential interactions that compliment that conflict. (These won't necessarily be used, but they're for referencing, and for forming character and world concepts.)
Plot things out until the call to action.
Write to the call to action. Let the characters and world carry the story to conclusion.
So, I'm a hybrid pants / plotter.
I'm definitely a loose outline girl, but the most exciting part of my writing process is building characters around my plot. I have a lot of fun researching names with hidden meanings and assigning characteristics to drive home the themes that I'm working with. That's the part that gets me all giddy!
I'm definitely number 2. It has caused me to trip up on occasion, but it's actually really satisfying when I find a way to a square peg fit into a round hole without anyone noticing.
You got through a period of minor depression, but like it feels worth it to me.
In fact, if I plan things out too much, the story stops being fun.
Thank You Mark I struggle with depression and watching you draw helps me to feel peaceful :)
I am a mix of #3 and #5. I love coming up with quirky, fun characters and I like knowing the basics of my story or at least the end before I really start writing. I struggle with staying confident in my writing and keeping myself motivated all the time so i find that if i know who the characters are as basic people in the beginning and I know the world i'm in and ending i want it's easier to come up with natural scenarios and conflicts of varied verities.
Category 6 also describes how I write. :) I like to plan outlines and write concepts before I write the actual story. But it does happen that I get ideas on how improve certain details while writing and I also add those later when I edit everything.
By edit I mean that I first write traditionally with pen and ink on paper and then type everything afterwards (which is when the edit happens).
I'm kinda like #2, but I have a couple of scenes that I want to get to. I'm also somewhat character focused, except more on the character designs than the personality, haha
We share a similar style. I go with loose outline/character driven
Same. I feel like that makes the story flow a bit better.
The godfather of YT art. Thanx for another amazing episode!$
I'd say about 6. I set up a good premise and certain large story beats, including the ending I want. But while plotting out some of the finer details, it's easily influenced by how the characters are. Points A, B, and C are in place... but as I continue working on it, the paths between can take twists and turns I wouldn't have thought of at first.
What I do is:
1. I come up with a basic premise
2. Develop the world, (only basic stuff like the worlds natural laws. Does it have magic? Do certain places have a class system with nobility? etc.)
3. Refine it so I have an idea of where the story will go
4. Develop a specific city/country/continent (basic stuff again, nothing concrete)
5. As characters are introduced I refine them on a separate document (including backstory and stuff)
6. Write out the story!
7. For sequels, (I haven't actually made a sequel yet but...) I make sure that I focused on only one of the world's problems with only one country's perspective in the original. Then repeat steps 3-6 as needed.
I think I consider the writing process more of a triangle.
1. Characters
2. World
3. Plot/Story
I'm pretty evenly spread between the three and I do that on purpose so there's no one aspect in my story that's lacking. If I absolutely had to come up with my weakest point though, it would probably be World.
I like to day dream my stories figuring out everything about my characters and how their world works in my head. Going on long tangents meticulous working out minute details. Then I make it up as I go along. While I'm writing I keep a list of scenes, some of which I actually write out, of things I want to include. I also have a tendency to jump back and forth from one project to another both with writing and art. Although sometimes I do lose interest in somethings and don't come back. I find that the projects I'm actually really passionate about it helps me come back with fresh eyes and pick up and edit what I did a day or two before. As well as let's me come up with new interesting ideas. The time in between gives me more time to brainstorm and consume media that inspires me. I kind of edit and re write as I go to help make sure I stay consistent with details and stuff. Also re reading my own words helps me get back into the mindset of the character.(I only re read a chapter or two back normally.) Then I can edit edit and also get someone to look it over and help me make changes. I especially need help with grammar. An english major I am not. I do however have an over abundance of stories dancing around in my head.
Wonderful video and art, as always~!
I just write what comes to mind with an idea of a character and world based on different ideas.
Sometimes I have a character.
Sometimes I have a world.
But I almost always get to a point where I have these written down and suddenly can’t come up with a story.
As of right now, I have a really good world built.
I have a couple characters but with not much detail.
I have a premise of a story but basically no story.
I’ve become completely stumped as to what to write now.
So because of this I will start it but won’t finish it completely.
It took me years to get the world down so I think I might come up with a plot to place in this messy story I have.
No idea to be honest.
But that’s the way I write stories.
I have a mix between (1) stream of consciousness (2) make it up as you go (3) character-focused (4) world-focused and a (6) loose outline. This gives me the opportunity to have the flexibility and a variety of detailed sources to what my characters do and how they act in the world or how they live with their culture. It's a quite complicated process, but it's worth the effort.
Mark, blushies will never be a mistake.
Numbers 3 and 5 describe me best right now! I always start with characters, and after that I find it best to know what they're working up toward. No. 7 is an example of the type of writer I WANT to be. I feel I'm well on the path to a good story right now, but I've never had that complete outline before, and it's so hard for me to sit down and write without knowing what exactly I'm writing. It seems most people prefer the freedom of sort of letting the story unfold as they write, and I definitely understand that. But with me I feel I'd get a lot more done if I had a clear set of directions to follow! XD
I am all of them!! lol I'm the improv writer at work when I'm bored, but when I'm at home I go into more details. I usually start with a world/scenario idea; create a simple outline; create all my characters; and with my characters purposes I detail my outline so they all interact. I hate overlapping ideas once I already started because it messed up my order of events. I have to have an outline for my long stories or I'll forget a lot of things once I start writing, but I would say this is my funky style of writing!
Interesting! I guess I mainly do a bit of point 3 and point 6. My main characters at least were created first. Then sometimes as I write my story new characters pop up. I like to plan out a loose outline of my story in my head and then I fill in the gaps and new ideas chapter by chapter. Hope I made sense ^_^
I’d say I start off as a 3&4, then turn into a 5, then a 6. I think of a character, mostly appearance, how they would do in various world settings, they slowly grow a voice and a personality. Then it slowly goes a little further, what upsets this character, what brings them joy, what do they normally do? Then it goes a little further to: what’s their back story, how were they brought up, what’s the tie to the world setting, what plot/adventures would they get tied up in and would it tie in with their back story/does it have to tie in with their back story? If the character has grown on me by this point, I start to narrow it down to the type of story they fit into, and what role they play with various obstacles in their path. If I finally really enjoy one of those vague stories and roles for that character, I’ll start laying out a really vague outline of a story, break it down further for a general summary of the main story, break it down further some more for key points in the story, break it down further into what I want in specific chapters, break it down further for dialogue/specific scenes. And go from there, while keeping it vague enough to tie in a new idea if I think of something more interesting for plot.
The ASMR is real with your videos. Anyone ever tell you that?
If you blend 3 and 5 you find how I write my books. Happy drawing.
I also do the loose outline, I come up with the main characters, beginning, middle, end, and all the important scenes. And then I sometimes add minor scenes and once in a while change scenes I had already written down.
My approach to writing: draw tons of character sketches, designs, and illustrations of potential story scenes. Then at some point say that I'll wite a story outline and maybe script out some dialogue. Then I don't do any of that, and start thumbnailing some page layouts, then once I get bored of that I just start drawing the pages and come up with the dialogue and story as I go.
I like #1. I usually start with a little idea, after that anything goes. Sometimes I use #6, but the outline is usually loose. It becomes more of a guideline to me.
Great Illutration !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love it !
I also do loose outline. Additionally, me personally, I like to build a world of characters. The world itself is not unique but the characters it's filled with around the world are. The loose outline is what major changes introducing a certain character will cause or contribute.
Before watching the video, I really didn’t think one category would fit me, but then came the description for “loose outline” lol. Definitely agree with Mark, I think this way of writing works very well.
Personally I feel like number 6 the most, but this list feels like my stepping stones as I go in my writing. From random thoughts, to characters, to the online - but I also just start at random places like characters first or making the world first.
I am definitely a mix between character-focused and the loose outline. I have a few characters that I absolutely adore but I've been trying for years to put their story together in a way that I feel does them justice and lets people get to know (and hopefully love) them the way that I do but the struggle is reeeaal 😭😂
I usually have a few set things: characters are usually definitely set beforehand, major twists in the story are set beforehand. Huge events are usually in place, but the weird thing is, I usually never know how a story will end.
I start with thinking about the characters and the setting and eventually have a loose outline that I will change and add more as I go.
I can honestly see myself in almost all of these to some extent. All but #7 (Rock-Solid Outline).
In a sense, I suppose I mostly use a mix of #2 (Make It Up As You Go), and #5 (Figure Out The Premise And The Ending), perhaps with a sprinkle of #4 (World-Focused) on top of it.
I'll try to come up with a premise, often pining for a while trying to think of something interesting, but once it clicks everything'll fall into place and I'll almost have the entire story right then and there.
What I struggle with the most however is finding the scenes that ties it all together into a... Well, into a story.
I think i'm a mix between 2 and 3 as I love character based stories that's what captures me, if a story has bad/boring/flat characters I don't really care if it has an amazing plot or world I'm just not interested. I kinda plan what i want to write for each chapter and just wing it after that lol
Thank goodness! I actually thought you'd forgotten to add the blushies😄
I am definitely not a 7! I would say I am a 5, one of my storys is a 2.
Okay so, Mark Crilley, you are awesome! I've got your 'Mastering Manga' books, they have helped me SO much! Thank you!
I'm #3 through and through. I'm often make the characters first and build the plot around them.
I start with a premise, an idea of who the characters are, and the ending. I then start writing some scenes, getting a better idea of the characters as I proceed. Fairly quickly after that, I work up a loose outline.
Beautiful drawing and good advice
Depending on the story I am all over the place. My main project is character based with a loose outline with premise and ending (mostly) figured out. Most of my stories were made up as I went with an inkling of an ending in mind. I started one story in stream of consciousness to see how far I could get (still a work in progress).
A lot of my scenes begin around dialogue between two or more characters that grow from there. I don't know where that would fit in this list.
I'm a mix between character focused, world focused, and loose outline writing. I don't write down my outline rather I make notes about the world, characters, and story as reference material. I do extensive research and even have a folder of images to help me come up with more creative settings. I want my characters to be alive within a vibrant environment, but at the same time I would like the story to be cohesive.
I've written 3 novels. The way I usually write is I start with a basic idea of a story. I'll have the ending in mind, along with a few key scenes I want to have appear somewhere in the story. As I start writing, the characters become more and more fleshed out, but also the opposite is true in that as the characters become more and more real, the story will change and I'll go back and make changes so that the characters will act in the most logical way according to who they are.
I’m a 6, I definitely come up with a rough outline so I can set up foreshadowing and whatnot before I get going. Although the premise is usually world-focused, where I develop aspects of a world and then come up with scenes that bring in the characters.
I tend to be a lil bit of 2 categories. I sometimes free write on a fly, I also sometimes create stories around a character, and I have been told to write an outline, but I can't seem to really get the hang of writing to that. My general style has been as follows: Idea, free write, read, edit grammar, move things around, read, edit again, & then repeat. lol My final project of an argumentative essay is what taught me that my writing style is best. I read my final product and was like, this is some of my best work. It is very time consuming process, but it seems to work for me. my brain tends to think faster than I can write/type. So if I try to control it, I lose really good stuff that I really liked by trying to force more on the topic.
I'm definitely of combo of 2, 3 & 5. Mostly 3 because I'm so into characters (designs, motivations, personality, etc.) Someone already said something like this in the comments but I have an awful habit of beginning to write a story then I have a different idea & I drop the original story. I begin to write the second story but another idea comes to my head & I drop the second story. The process is never-ending & I end up not writing anything. Idk if it's my mentality or I lack the self-control or my creativity is my double-edged sword
Best drawing channel ever i am subscribed to you for already 5 years
I'm more of a number 4. I write by coming up with a setting first, and everything else comes naturally. If it's a vague setting, I cannot write crap.
I guess Im character based very often.
Im never the number 5 type.
I do roleplay all characters and speak dialogues to 'feel' the different characters. What feels fitting i add to their lifeline. Then I go with their vibe. And add surroundings. Sometimes the 'world' is also there first. But I just first 'feel' the situation. So first is really a strong feeling that grabbes me. And it takes the 'world' often with itself, automatically. So its mostely:
1: feeling
2: the charcters and world float in naturally
(2.1: some character developement maybe - scetches, add backgroundstory and deepness to each indivicual)
3: plot developes itself
4: CAN be changed, or went on - if i love the vibe and characters.
5: characters lifeline and things added give the stories interesting twists and let it drive on.
I'm personally a mix of 6 and 7. I know what I want the complete story to be but sometimes I get another idea that I think would make a part in the story even better than what I originally had in mind.
I'm a bit of numbers 3&6. I invent an interesting character (often not the main) and create the introduction between the protagonist and this character while creating little islands of interactions leading to the two parting ways in some way. (Essentially a slice of life ish.)
I'm a mix of 3-7 to be honest. But whenever I have a plot in mind, it's almost tricky to describe it the way I see it. At times it's better and others not so much. Some of my characters come along during the story making, whatever personality I have as a base I build up on and edit just like my short stories
#6 Loose Outline appeals to me most. But I just really wanted to say that Talia and Kagemura are pretty interesting, quirky characters. I really hope we get to see them again!
Interesting topic today! Can’t wait to watch after work :D
I'm a mix between 2. Make It Up as You Go and 3. Character Focused. I usually make up the characters first and then I find a plot which I make up as I go.
I started with Dungeons Dragons I built a world had some friends draw up the people they wanted to play and help them with a back story. As the guide you give them a starting point and a goal. as guide you put in the monsters and challenges the heroes face in the world. If you get a good group you get dialog and fresh ideals on how to face problem you would not have thought of and the ending is rarely what you planned on. There are hundreds of role playing game settings you can adapt to fit your needs of the story you want to write
I've always been a 5 but I never finished any projects that way, so with my current project, I'm trying my best to be a 6. So far I'm doing good, I've got a loose outline of the whole story and I'm starting on thumbnail sketches, so wish me luck!
I'm a mix of 3, 5, and 6. I find it easier to start writing once I have a vague idea on how the story ends, otherwise I would end up just following the characters throughout their lifetimes. That gets tedious when you have characters who are immortal and goes nowhere most of the time so it's best to find a place to end the story.
I've envisioned a story for the past few years. My notes go on for tens of pages but I still don't have an ending I am satisfied with. It's mostly world building and character notes to avoid inconsistencies. Then I have some scenes I like and a plot thread to follow up when I write. The ending does trouble me though. I do think at least an outline is needed at this point.
I'm more of #6. I like to plan ahead so my story would make sense to me and the audience. Basically, Outline is my forte in real life and creating stories and illustrations.
I find myself recognising my stories rather than myself in these categories. I think I've written stories with every single one of these approaches, though not so much with the "Stream of Consciousness" one, only a shortstory once for a school assignment when I was facing a total writer's block.
I've got a mixture going with the story I'm working on at the moment.
I very much envisioned my story as being almost driven by the worldbuilding, so that's what I'm working on most.
At the same time, I've put a lot of effort into fully realised characters that are interesting enough on their own, and who have enough agency to drive an organic plot.
Finally, to try an ensure everything will come together neatly enough, I have an ending in place that I intend to work towards, although if I have other ideas during the writing process then the details may well change.
I feel like these are actually stages of a writer?? Like when I first start it was just cuz I wanted to and it seemed like fun, so here’s my version based off of Mark’s:
Stage 1: not knowing what you’re doing cuz you’re new to this therefore you write whatever comes to mind
Stage 2: you get kinda sick and tired of not knowing so you come up with a premise and make it up as it goes.
Stage 3: you get fed up with writing and just start having fun with characters that you then give backstories and then decide you want an *actual* story
Stage 4: you then tell yourself to stop worrying about your characters and drive your attention to giving them a world to live in.
Stage 5: you then get very serious and focus on your ending for your story.
Stage 6: So you then start making an outline, but then you start getting new ideas and start changing things spur of the moment.
Stage 7: you finally have your story done and sure it’s not the best of all piece of work, but it’s the way you envisioned it and you’re proud of yourself!
I tend to create characters first, then the kind of world they live in and the kind of story they are apart of falls into place quickly afterward. Then development happens through massive bouts of daydreaming that create details of basically everything and make sure it all makes logical sense within the story. This leads to me starting writing with lots of set pieces in mind and an idea of what direction everything is going to go. As far as planning goes, I like to give my story space to breathe so that it feels more organic. Let conversations happen naturally, new motives reveal themselves as the plot progresses, etc. Basically, by the time the first draft is written, you have enough new material to put meat on the skeleton that is your story. I dunno. It's kinda hard to describe my process because it's more ethereal than concrete.
So I'm definitely the second type of writer. I have a small Idea of what i want to do but i give myself a little creative room. I plan out a little basic plot for 1 story, then i think up a basic plot for the next story, then repeat. Instead of planning every detail, I let myself decide what i want to do when the moment comes. It works for me..
Thank you for giving me an answer to what my writing character is. I am number six: a loose outline. I love writing, and now my writing career seems complete because I am categorized!.
I usually plan out the endings and make my characters and do an outline. I think of great details of my characters and great detail of my endings. But the outline lose so I can keep more creativity in my writing. But I also did once sit down and write and soon a story came up, I usually do that when I have writers block.
I'd say I'm a 3 at heart, a 5-6 by necessity. I remember being a 1-2 in in my school days when I had to write a story for an assignment and I didn't really have an idea for what to write, so I just barfed out something as it came to me and turned it in. But ever since I could write, I've always been very character driven with every story I write and comic I draw.