I have a bad habit of overthinking my writing lol, so I appreciate the overview of the core things that matter - making sure the reader actually gets what you're writing
I had a revelation when I simply put down the ideas in my story as, “beats,” in the correct order of the narrative (beginning, middle and end) with about eight or nine beats. I said to myself, “Right, that’s the whole story.” Then I just took each beat and asked how one would lead to the next, explored why the characters would do what they did, and expanded on the world they inhabited. It just changed my whole approach. I didn’t even keep the original beats, because the story and characters took over.
I think you've talked about removing filter words before. I went through my manuscript and swept it for filter words. Doing this helped to shorten the story, tighten it up, cut out repetitiveness and over-explaining. Good advice.
@@TurtlesAndTortoises302 I have a character that says "Oh" quite a lot. (She's is listening to a bunch of people talking about Communism) Sometimes, "Oh, well" is exactly what you write because it is what the characters do. Rule #1: Be true to your characters.
Awesome video and great advice! I was thinking about concrete language and I find that applying non-concrete language as modifiers for concrete adjectives achieves a better effect. Rather than the "flowers were the color of joy," "the flowers were a joyful magenta color."
1) Filter words also put up a barrier between the author and the narrator. If you're writing "she saw," then you are not in the character's head, experiencing what she's seeing. You will miss more opportunities for characterization and development. 4) Pedantry: A weasel is something non-committal, called so because they allow you to weasel out of specific conclusions; "mostly" and "someone" qualify. "Just," "only," and "that," however, aren't weasel words. 99% of the time they are filler words, called so because they fill up space and do nothing else.
I'm not sure if Shaelin titles these videos. The videos and the contents of the videos are instructed by Reedsy (the blog Shaelin works for). But yes I agree that "Improve" is a better word. Maybe "Better" just worked more for the algorithm.
This is very good, as usual. I'm in a writing group and I find some people (myself included) fill their writing with words to make it seem like they've written something wonderful. "While I contemplated the anguish of anther day of existence, I looked out of the dirty window framed by an embroidered white lace curtain yellowed with age, to see the sun filter through the early morning mist and gently settle on the dew covered milkweed. The noise of the coffee grinder sluggishly milling through a cup's worth of beans gave a noisy counter-point to the majestic silence of the unfolding beauty outside of my grimy abode." Or "I woke up and had a cup of coffee." Great detail in the first example that wow's the writing group but so what? You woke up and had some coffee.
Tip on perfect past tense super helpful. "I had previously thought this was very difficult to do. I worked and worked on it but hated when my writing got convoluted with "had." I found myself using "She'd" and "He'd" just so the contraction shortened the "had." Now I know better =)
Thank you for this! I didn't realise I used "had" so much. This video really opened my eyes on some of my grammatical mistakes I didn't even were there.
Thanks. Thought I understood everything about why to and why not to use passive voice. Your example of the tree planted in the past so the subject (the farmer) isn't needed, known or relevant (could have even been an apple tree grown from the core the farmer's son chucked there) has given me a whole different understanding about passive voice and when may be appropriate to use. I already knew about focusing on the subject of the sentence and making the sentence sound cleaner without "was/were"
Good video. The tips on past tense and specificity were particularly helpful. I'm going to start my own list of details. You are so right about how they make writing more real. Thanks, Shaelin. You rock. Peace.
If anyone deserves to make book sales through their book tube clout, it’s the very objective sincere and competent shaelin. Judging from her advice this is someone who won’t make it through the door just because of drooling beta reader subscribers but because of good writing.
I just ask myself if it's really necessary to add that detail. Like if my characters' mother grabbed his hand I typically wouldn't specify which hand she grabbed because it really doesn't matter unless maybe one of his hands are broken or something. It doesn't add anything to say "left" or "right" hand and it's mundane. Describing every aspect of a bedroom is useless and tedious but specifying certain outstanding aspects of a bedroom (like books on the floor, certain posters on the wall, etc) can build a strong image in the readers' mind (without telling them where all the furniture is) and show them what kind of person the character living in the room is. I'm definitely not as educated or qualified as Shaelin but asking myself "who cares?" and "why would this matter or add to the story at all?" helps me a lot.
Thank you so much I really really enjoyed listening to your brilliant advice, so much so that I’ve subscribed and given you a thumbs up 👍 too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
The first point isn't the case for a third person omniscient narrator, if you're aiming for the narrator to be neutral. You don't want the narrator's voice to mix with the character you're focusing on
Hi Shaelin, great video! Sorry to ask here but I'm looking for a resource that I think you shared/mentioned in another video ages ago. It was a list about drafting/editing a novel, I think from a professor and I remember it being very strict! If this rings any bells please let me know and if not no worries. Thanks for making great content and sharing what you know.
Thank you so much for the ...Past perfect sentence...idea of how to structure my ..slipping into the past narrative. It has improved my own writing as I weave in and out of the past.
I have no idea how I want to write my small story, it has to be 4,000 to 6,000 words. I have somewhat of an idea and its due in 7 days. Is it okay if I just go with what I put down, then check through once I'm done and make changes then? I haven't watched really any other videos so I don't know if you have said so.
This sounds super dumb but, just read their books and only their books for a while and suddenly their vocabulary and tone will just "osmosis" into your writing 😂 it happens to me all the time, not on purpose though, sometimes I accidentally adopt the style of another author
He narrates the existence of all life through one book. It does not matter because all that exists must end in this universe. Ultimately they all have the same ending. Fin
Is it just me, or does she contradict herself, on the final point about clarity, when she says, at first, that clarity is the key thing, as opposed to complexity and using obscure words. Then she says this style of pros will be strong. Make up your mind! Anyway, I love her lilting, musical voice. I think she is very charming. 💕
I lost brain cells trying to read this gibberish. Either English isnt your first language or you had a few too many drinks in you to try and proof read before posting. Holy Cow
I have a bad habit of overthinking my writing lol, so I appreciate the overview of the core things that matter - making sure the reader actually gets what you're writing
Same i just panic and cry inside because the fear of failing
Same
I had a revelation when I simply put down the ideas in my story as, “beats,” in the correct order of the narrative (beginning, middle and end) with about eight or nine beats. I said to myself, “Right, that’s the whole story.” Then I just took each beat and asked how one would lead to the next, explored why the characters would do what they did, and expanded on the world they inhabited. It just changed my whole approach. I didn’t even keep the original beats, because the story and characters took over.
I think you've talked about removing filter words before. I went through my manuscript and swept it for filter words. Doing this helped to shorten the story, tighten it up, cut out repetitiveness and over-explaining. Good advice.
Cutting filters is so satisfying!
'that' 'just' and 'only' are in like 90% of my sentences before editing. lol
Same 😂 And my characters are always saying "Oh" and "well"
@@TurtlesAndTortoises302 I have a character that says "Oh" quite a lot. (She's is listening to a bunch of people talking about Communism) Sometimes, "Oh, well" is exactly what you write because it is what the characters do. Rule #1: Be true to your characters.
My favorite, ‘really’
And 'like' ???
Awesome video and great advice! I was thinking about concrete language and I find that applying non-concrete language as modifiers for concrete adjectives achieves a better effect. Rather than the "flowers were the color of joy," "the flowers were a joyful magenta color."
That's a great tip!
That was good. More writers need too use this advice.
1) Filter words also put up a barrier between the author and the narrator. If you're writing "she saw," then you are not in the character's head, experiencing what she's seeing. You will miss more opportunities for characterization and development.
4) Pedantry: A weasel is something non-committal, called so because they allow you to weasel out of specific conclusions; "mostly" and "someone" qualify. "Just," "only," and "that," however, aren't weasel words. 99% of the time they are filler words, called so because they fill up space and do nothing else.
Thank you!! ✨🙏
I've been watching these videos, for no other reason than I love her voice and girly bossiness! Tips good too.
Dang. I think I just realized that you are a legit professional. And I was expecting ‘show, don’t tell’. These are all helpful, thanks!
This is one of the most practical writing videos I've ever seen. Thank you!!
POWERFUL advice, because the tendencies are so common. I'm going to commit these to memory. The Clarity Read is a sparkling gem. Thank you, thank you.
Improve > make better
“8 Simple Ways to Improve Your Writing”
Maybe she was testing us, and you passed 🤔
Not for the algorithm it's not. ;)
I'm not sure if Shaelin titles these videos. The videos and the contents of the videos are instructed by Reedsy (the blog Shaelin works for).
But yes I agree that "Improve" is a better word. Maybe "Better" just worked more for the algorithm.
This is very good, as usual. I'm in a writing group and I find some people (myself included) fill their writing with words to make it seem like they've written something wonderful. "While I contemplated the anguish of anther day of existence, I looked out of the dirty window framed by an embroidered white lace curtain yellowed with age, to see the sun filter through the early morning mist and gently settle on the dew covered milkweed. The noise of the coffee grinder sluggishly milling through a cup's worth of beans gave a noisy counter-point to the majestic silence of the unfolding beauty outside of my grimy abode." Or "I woke up and had a cup of coffee." Great detail in the first example that wow's the writing group but so what? You woke up and had some coffee.
Thanks for the little aside about breaking the "rules" for flashbacks. Knowing what the rules are for, and when to break them is important
Great writing tips! Love the new haircut too. Looks great!
This is her best ever. She offers excellent examples this time.
Good editing advices. It is important to understand what you are trying to tell to your readers.
Thanks for this video! It's what I didn't know I needed.
Tip on perfect past tense super helpful. "I had previously thought this was very difficult to do. I worked and worked on it but hated when my writing got convoluted with "had." I found myself using "She'd" and "He'd" just so the contraction shortened the "had." Now I know better =)
You do the most for helping my writing
2:28
It allows inclusion of the reader to decide what color joy is for themselves.
😀
What's so alphan funny??..
The examples were on point, they helped me a lot
Thank you for this! I didn't realise I used "had" so much. This video really opened my eyes on some of my grammatical mistakes I didn't even were there.
Thank you for the tips :)
Honestly Shaelin if it's ever another person speaking to us, then I won't watch. You are awesome, pretty too❤
the polygon problem
Thanks. Thought I understood everything about why to and why not to use passive voice. Your example of the tree planted in the past so the subject (the farmer) isn't needed, known or relevant (could have even been an apple tree grown from the core the farmer's son chucked there) has given me a whole different understanding about passive voice and when may be appropriate to use. I already knew about focusing on the subject of the sentence and making the sentence sound cleaner without "was/were"
Another great video, Shaelin. Keep up the good work!
Thankyou for sharing.
Gabrielle that's very sweet to say about the Reedsy young lady Miss Bishop! You're awesome and great to Gabrielle!
Thank you! Interesting and helpful
These videos are really helpful for writers
Helpful and communicated well. Thank you!
Good video. The tips on past tense and specificity were particularly helpful. I'm going to start my own list of details. You are so right about how they make writing more real. Thanks, Shaelin. You rock. Peace.
Thanks for the great tips
This is a very helpful video, thanks for the great tips!
Great small reminders!
I always love your videos. I am getting a great education, thank you.
Thank you. I needed to hear this
I love all your amazing tips and videos, Shalin ❤
If anyone deserves to make book sales through their book tube clout, it’s the very objective sincere and competent shaelin. Judging from her advice this is someone who won’t make it through the door just because of drooling beta reader subscribers but because of good writing.
How do you find that fine line between being specific and overly specific in your descriptions?
I just ask myself if it's really necessary to add that detail.
Like if my characters' mother grabbed his hand I typically wouldn't specify which hand she grabbed because it really doesn't matter unless maybe one of his hands are broken or something. It doesn't add anything to say "left" or "right" hand and it's mundane.
Describing every aspect of a bedroom is useless and tedious but specifying certain outstanding aspects of a bedroom (like books on the floor, certain posters on the wall, etc) can build a strong image in the readers' mind (without telling them where all the furniture is) and show them what kind of person the character living in the room is.
I'm definitely not as educated or qualified as Shaelin but asking myself "who cares?" and "why would this matter or add to the story at all?" helps me a lot.
Great information
Thanks so much!
Thank you so much I really really enjoyed listening to your brilliant advice, so much so that I’ve subscribed and given you a thumbs up 👍 too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
Wow I love your way of teaching
You're so prettyyy 🥺💞
SImp
@@zoethepro1958 simpin' ain't a bad thing.
I could find a way to get use to these tips
Pro Writing Aid really improved my writing
these things would help people be better writers
Great advice.
The first point isn't the case for a third person omniscient narrator, if you're aiming for the narrator to be neutral. You don't want the narrator's voice to mix with the character you're focusing on
This video was just what I was looking for
i always wanted to do something like this
Thank you.
Hi Shaelin, great video!
Sorry to ask here but I'm looking for a resource that I think you shared/mentioned in another video ages ago. It was a list about drafting/editing a novel, I think from a professor and I remember it being very strict! If this rings any bells please let me know and if not no worries. Thanks for making great content and sharing what you know.
Helpful video. Thanks.
Gold🥇
Fantastic!
Well said. There may be hope for me😅
Thank you so much for the ...Past perfect sentence...idea of how to structure my ..slipping into the past narrative. It has improved my own writing as I weave in and out of the past.
Good stuff!
a video on how to be more specific would be so amazing 😂
Love the photo of Mark and Nanny Di
🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿✌🏾✌🏿 Awesome
very good
Fun fact: I use this for songwriting and writing lyrics :p
Same here! It is a great tip video for such
8 techniques, to improve your writing.
Master the written word with just 8 simple tricks.
In my head the joyful flowers were eggshell blue! Anyone else?
Can you make a video on sci fi tropes and tips to write one?
We've got these coming up soon!
@@Reedsy Wow! Really? Thank you🤗.
I have no idea how I want to write my small story, it has to be 4,000 to 6,000 words. I have somewhat of an idea and its due in 7 days. Is it okay if I just go with what I put down, then check through once I'm done and make changes then? I haven't watched really any other videos so I don't know if you have said so.
I want to write with the style of old English (i.e. the style which authors like Agatha Christie, J.R.R. Tolkein have adopted). Any tips?
This sounds super dumb but, just read their books and only their books for a while and suddenly their vocabulary and tone will just "osmosis" into your writing 😂 it happens to me all the time, not on purpose though, sometimes I accidentally adopt the style of another author
@@TurtlesAndTortoises302 Yeah, it might actually be very helpful... Thank you :))
What's the difference between your two channels Reedsy vs ShaelinWrites?
He narrates the existence of all life through one book. It does not matter because all that exists must end in this universe. Ultimately they all have the same ending. Fin
Did you write any stories or books, i need some reference, im sure that would be good.
she does write short stories and some of them are free on the internet. go to shaelinwrites and the links are usually on her videos description
The fractured light beamed through the window, bounced against the concrete door, as she limped to the bus stop, hidden under wizened trees.
Is it just me, or does she contradict herself, on the final point about clarity, when she says, at first, that clarity is the key thing, as opposed to complexity and using obscure words. Then she says this style of pros will be strong. Make up your mind! Anyway, I love her lilting, musical voice. I think she is very charming. 💕
are there's other ways I can do this project
I don't know if you been on politics and pros before but you be a better fit for it
Ma'am how can writte short book for bigneres
I lost brain cells trying to read this gibberish. Either English isnt your first language or you had a few too many drinks in you to try and proof read before posting. Holy Cow
What do you say I am not understand my first language is Hindi so
8:33, does she say "Pros" or "Povs"? What does she mean?
Love your voice lol
Can you edit my story and what are your charges?
Bruh, I didn't know my girl was on here. Let's go!
Wym?
@Jake Stockton idk what does he mean?
Yupi
Doctors need to write this down bruh and clearly
Why put clarity last on this video
Hi, I have a gigantic intellectual crush on you, keep the good work
it hard for me to focus on writing my book 📙 or 📖
I told you just go away from Internet.
8:58 Poetry? 😅
JK, JK. I write poetry all the time.
Talk s-l-o-w-e-r for clarity. I do not speed read or listen!
I really need 10 ways. I am really really bad
I really struggle with metaphors. Describing something in a new and unique way or making a comparison is really problematical for me.
1 month exactly, am late 1 month exactly =)
Clarity kills me as well!
When you speak about clarity, I find that sometimes you speak so fast that I don’t understand what you have said!
Stop showing up on my recommended page like Bruh
Show, don't tell.
I loved your long hair rip. Sadge u.u
Daily Reminder: JESUS LOVES YALL ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕 💘 ❤ 😍 💖 ❣ 💕
gcy hi a
****yawnz****