Man, this reminds me of the time a guy in my old writer's group told me that I couldn't have a black character as both a successful business man, respected engineer, and mentor because "the era you're basing this on was extremely racist." Someone else just said, "Her story has goblins in it."
Clever. Just point out it's fantasy :P Plus fun fact, places like medieval Russia actually had a few folks of African descent as nobles, too, so it's not like they didn't exist even if you _are_ going for some realism.
Being a respected engineer alone makes being a successfull buisness man and a mentor highly accessible. Unlesd he decide to somehow not utilize his ability.
Honestly though, I can’t say it would have surprised me. When I first read the books I was convinced that Sam had a big fat crush on Frodo, and then Rosie swung in out of nowhere with a heterosexual plot twist lmao
Kid you not, there's a villain people simp over and say he's "not that bad" for simple things. One example; He doesn't hurt children, he has a line he won't cross. Alright so murdering and wiping out the whole town (which how would he know if there aren't kids in the houses to begin with?) and killing their parents is fine but he won't kill children. Damn he's such a nice guy.
Death automatically means redemption. Who cares what atrocities they’ve done, destroy worlds, committed patricide etc, shuffling off this mortal coil means washing your hands of the blood on them.
Honestly, I have never seen a redemption arc that actually worked for me. It is usually some ends justify the means - for the greater good - BS. Nope, wrong thing done for the right reason is still the wrong thing.
Here we see a wild shig, observe as it shiggles for the purpose of fulfilling its biological desire to shiggle. He does not care that he will one day die, for until then he may shiggle, isn’t life beautiful
Everytime Jenna makes this kind of video, it's really itching in my fingers to write a parody novel that implements ALL of her worst tips. It would be a horror to read, but at the same time hilarious xD
I can't write - or rather, I haven't tried so my first five stores WILL or would be utter garbage, but yes, she has that energy that motivates in that way.
There's nothing wrong with spending years building a world if the 10% you show of it in the plot becomes a setting your reader will become so immersed in that they want to find out more about as a result. Instead of the plumbing system, I'm talking about past global conflicts, scientific discoveries and the political structures that have formed through the centuries. That said, it'll all be for naught if your plot and characters suck.
I enjoy world building a lot but it doesn't mean I cram it all into my writing. It's just good to have in the background for aiding in the writing. I did a family tree for a character that might not even be relevant ever while chilling one afternoon and listening to music.
@@Gaia_Gaistar but, it's important to keep in mind, even if they never feature, having it on hand is still nice just in case. And even things that never get mentioned, can influence how the world is today, and how the story goes, without needing shoehorned into the plot.
Worse writing advice I received for fantasy writing is that no one cares about non-human characters, meaning no one would read a story about non-human characters. One of my writing professors told me that.
Number 11: "Your magic system cannot have clear and predictable rules and limitations. It must be mysterious and barely controllable. You're writing a fantasy novel, not science fiction!"
I actually don't mind magic that's "mysterious and barely controllable" as long as it has Actual Plot Ramifications. Like, if you use magic you don't understand, you're taking a serious risk and something terrible could happen. But I absolutely hate it when vague, mysterious magic conveniently solves all problems.
I’d like to see a fantasy story in space. No science running the ships just 100% magic run but in space and aliens are different spins on classic fantasy races plus some.
There’s the dnd setting spelljammer, and looking it up there were some novels that take place in the setting in the 90’s, no idea if they’re good but it is a time that idea was used
to add to #8: "Yes I know you are writing a world with magical flying lizards where every other character can shoot fire out of their hands and fly! That's totally realistic and fine, but your main character is disabled and that's just not believable at all!"
“Ah yes ignore all of the amazing potential a disabled lead could have in a fantasy world where they utilize their disability for a great purpose! Doctor Strange and his hands? That’s terrible writing! Shaky hands aren’t believable at all!”
I mean...they're not entirely wrong. Obviously, "over describe" is subjective, but prioritizing the important stuff, tossing in a bit of fluff, and letting your readers fill in the blanks sounds like a pretty decent plan.
True story: I got so bored with the first chapter of the Hobbit that I never read Tolkien. I get why it's amazing, but it doesn't make it any less of a slog.
Shouldn’t the reader know as much about the world as the main character? Like we learn the world once we go there, and make small hints toward future places and events?
@@sxwriter8569 How are you (reader of ONE story/novel) going to know as much about a completely fictional world as the main character who spent his ENTIRE LIFE in it??? A decent novel can take place (easily enough) within a year... SO you and I (as readers) get maybe about a year's worth of exposure. I don't know about you, but in one year of concentrated study, I still wouldn't understand the general goings on about Earth as well as I do having spent my entire 45 years on the thing... and even with 45 years burned into the venture, there's a LOT about it I have no f***ing clue about. Some of these fantasy stories have Characters like Elves and the like who can live over a THOUSAND years... Compete with that growth and wealth of knowledge... even just "via experience" instead of the ordinary mix of knowledge passed down by generations AND then personal experiences. The short answer would be a flat "no"... BUT I'd just prefer to demonstrate WHY you don't even want to know as much about the workings of someone's fictional world as their main character. I think, as a reader, one should understand just enough about the world being presented as it takes to understand most of the nuances required to make and keep the story interesting. Obviously, this has a weird and vague balance to keep, and that's what makes the actual writing and composition between world-building and story-telling difficult. It also changes a bit from one world and story to the next. ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464 I've read more than one story. And not every fantasy story has a protagonist that's from that world or knows every part of it. Like what about characters who were lost in time, or come from a different world, characters that were sheltered and only knew about the main country. Plus, aren't their other characters that who know stuff the main character wouldn't. Like the protagonist isn't going to have details about secret societies or that the dark lord's second in command is going to backstab them and betray them at chapter one if they're just starting their journey, right?
I agree with you that info dumps are hard to get through, but I've also read books that explain nothing to avoid info dumping and for some reason as a reader that drives me way more crazy.
Dedication is what gets novels written but she is an excellent advice giver and I really like her videos as well. Whatever story you're writing, it's worth being written and I can't wait to hear about it.
@@alextheartist3754 That means so much. I'm glad I can be encouraging and a positive influence to another writer. If it makes your day better I am glad for it. Just remember how important you are and that your story is worth the effort.
you should watch overly sarcastic productions' trope talks. they're not as good as these most of the time, buuuuuuut, I binged the playlist and im more inspired than ever. also, if you ever feel useless, remember that chad over on reddit exists. btw, what genre are you writing, I'm curious.
This makes me remember on when a guy from college got a look at an old personal project of mine and started to shit on it because.... the elves weren't like tolkien's elves...
I can only hope that bad advice don't devalue the work they praise for people. I already saw a couple of comments trashing or dismissing Tolkien's work completely just because Tolkien gatekeepers (and gatekeepers in general) and superfans exist. Accuracy to the setting, writing expectations (from the past and the present), and author's intent are also important to note.
I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in 1997 as a kid and later The Silmarillion and some other stuff. I love Tolkien and used to read them once or twice a year every year for a long time but I get it's not for everyone. It's weird though seeing people trash it and maybe I was pretty solitary but I don't remember much hardcore gatekeeping. I mean, all you have to do is read the books and enjoy them or not. I don't get the hate.
Me, watching the first video I've seen from Jenna since I recovered from COVID-19: Jenna: Anything that's referred to as a disease must be pretty great. I love this channel.
Weirdest "advice" I've heard was for me not to write fantasy based on Western Europe because it's overdone (I'm Dutch, it's what I grew up with.) but also not to appropriate other cultures. I have over 20 different human nations, would be boring if they'd all be based on Western Europe so they aren't, but I do start my series there since it's most familiar to me. Still, I do show travellers from other parts of the world since I find it a nice way to show the world is bigger than what's seen and can make the reader curious about other places. To me that's a nice natural way to have racial diversity that adds to the narrative since I'm not someone to toss in diversity to score points or something. I don't really have good or evil nations either, each land has good and bad people. My MC wants to travel and see the world so she tends to be curious about travellers and will certainly visit at least one new country in every book.
I used to be in a writers group, and we would take it in turns taking someone's work home to read, so we could discuss it in the next group meetup. I intentionally keep physical details of main characters vague , (ill say they're tall, or have long dark hair or whatever, but that's about it- unless they're from a specific place with a specific physical trait) I never mention skin colour unless its somehow necessary and I never have romance for the main character, so sexuality never comes up- but they have close friendships which could be seen as them being very close, or maybe something more. I like readers to be able to kinda insert things like that for themselves if they want. Is the barbarian a gay black guy? If you want! Im aroace myself, so I prefer some ambiguity for the main protagonists. During the meet, one lass said she had a big problem and that it was "another fantasy novel with only cis white characters." I loved her face when I explained there was no physical traits listed, so if all the characters were straight and white, that's because that is how she made them.
I really love your videos and writing advice, it helps me with my writing. Even though I’m technically not writing fantasy, but more mixed hybrid genre books that is a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural horror, alternate reality/parallel universe fiction and historical fiction adventure . But at its core my books are mostly alternate reality fiction
Am I the only one who is so happy that she mentioned Rick Riordan instead of jk rowling. But I guess Harry Potter is closer to Tolkien than Percy Jackson Anyway, this was hilarious. Love those worst writing tips videos
I disagree with #2: Spend years developing your world. While I don't recommend it. If you plan to have all your stories fall in this world. Taking more time to develop your world is worth it. Just don't take decades.
What I have done was make a rough description of the world and then add details and stuff as the main story progressed. It's much easier that way and u don't waste ur time imo
@@zaidb4296 If it works for you, great. To mean that isn't enough. I'm not don't need to craft a full world, but I need to know more than that. I can figure out the balance needed as I write and in revision.
Great Video, but I would like to add to the second point. While I do agree with you, that you generally should not over do it, I would also say, that under some circumstances, you have some freedom to spend very long on just your world. 1. You need to have the time. For example. I am currently 15 and thus, dont need to publish anything, because I dont need the money. And even once I do, I will propably first get a save job, so I dont need to rush anything. Thus, I can spend a lot longer on detailing the world of my story, because, tbh. I actually think that thats more fun than writing a book. 2. You should still write the book. Going back to the example, I already have the world developed enough. I have the mayor countries. I have a basic idea of history and culture and I have developed the conflict of the story. Now I can start with the writing. But, since I am not a bot, I dont write litterally 24/7 and sometimes take breaks. And in those breaks, I can still continue on detailing the world. Adding to the history, develope the magic- and political system, adding details, that dont afffect the story, just need to make sure, I dont contradict what is happening in the story. By that, both the book and the story get bigger over time, and I can finish the book, while still having a big world. Sorry If there are some grammar /spelling mistakes. I am german.
Hi, Jenna! Sorry to hear about Cliff's CRPS flare up (my mom also has CRPS, so I can sympathize) and your laptop troubles. I recently bought a copy of The Savior's Champion and am really looking forward to reading it.
You have to admire her straight face----there is no way I could keep from laughing while saying these. And I'm a middle-age white guy who loves LOTR. Tolkien is a great starting point, but it's the 21st century, fantasy has to progress to keep its edge.
@@Gaia_Gaistar I don't get that. That's like ordering Lasagna and then complain that it's a heavy food. Or picking a fantasy book and complain about how it's not real life.
You've been missed! :) Had to check older postings for advice on a story and...tah dah! There were my answers. Thank you, and hope everyone's feeling better there.
In Swedish, the word for ”six” is actually ”sex”, and it means both things. No one has ever printed that pun on graduation t-shirts. I never understood why guys don’t like to have a bunch of female characters in their stories in more and less prominent roles. Any guy want to explain that? Or is that just media execs and marketing being behind the times like usual?
Okay, I am back. I decided to come to you for advice since I have one specific scene in my Wattpad novel I want to make sure is enough to give a little bit more about one of the main characters, without going overboard at least. So I have decided to upload it here since you're one of the only authors I really trust with this advice. I'm also going to make a romance subplot. This is where this info is found, enjoy! "well, you see. My sister got bullied several times during our school years. Mainly because of the fact she's not a 'normal' person, but also because she isn't my real sister. And people used to think and I quote 'she doesn't deserve to be in that family, she's too weird, she shouldn't even be alive.' " I explained to him. And I started to tear up. "and she got beat up a lot too. Whenever she and I met up to wait for our mom to pick us up. She'd have bruises all over her face and upper body. And just seeing her almost break down when we got home. It just broke my heart. And it still breaks my heart today, even if it was years ago."
So would a magic system based around combining the 4 base elements and 2 side elements that decides between creation or destruction magic be overly complex?
Writing different cultures and ways of speaking is honestly fun. It allows for you to exercise your creativity and be able to get to write a variety of dialogue it's honestly so fun. Variety is the spice of life. :D
I feel called out by the magic one I don’t go super in-depth with the system, but it’s a language that itself holds the power so I can avoid the Chosen One bull
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
"Number sex" is literally the plot of 50 Shades of Grey.
What makes it funnier is that "sex" actually means both sex _and_ six (6) in Swedish.
It's also dirty dice
@@Masenken dirty dice dnd made for bards
@@iclynnx Yeah, "six" is "sex" in Latin. This also explains why it's "seis" in Spanish and Portugese and "sei" in Italian (use of the "e").
a tip : watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies lately.
Man, this reminds me of the time a guy in my old writer's group told me that I couldn't have a black character as both a successful business man, respected engineer, and mentor because "the era you're basing this on was extremely racist."
Someone else just said, "Her story has goblins in it."
Lol, wrecked! Did he have any answer or did he do the smart thing and shutted up?
Lol.
Good comeback.
Clever. Just point out it's fantasy :P
Plus fun fact, places like medieval Russia actually had a few folks of African descent as nobles, too, so it's not like they didn't exist even if you _are_ going for some realism.
Being a respected engineer alone makes being a successfull buisness man and a mentor highly accessible. Unlesd he decide to somehow not utilize his ability.
“That’s why every successful author only releases one book every quarter century”
G. R. R. Martin: Am I a joke to you?
"Those are rooky numbers"
chad over on Reddit, who wrote a quarter of a book in his lifetime and didn't get that published: "pathetic"
Probably explains why he gave up writing what became Season 8 of GoT and became HBO's creative consultant, he doesn't care anymore
Brando sando?
@@Elena-tz9ev why mention him? Hes fast as fuck writing hes always working on something
"I don't make the rules. Chad over on reddit does." That fucking killed me😂😂😂
"Lovemaking between Sam & Frodo" ... oh, *those* fanfics
Only eclipsed by Gimli reading poetry to Legolas...
"Don't tell the elf." -Gimli
Sam's girl was entirely too beautiful for Friday to do anything for Sam.
Edit: Frodo (stupid autocorrect)
Honestly though, I can’t say it would have surprised me. When I first read the books I was convinced that Sam had a big fat crush on Frodo, and then Rosie swung in out of nowhere with a heterosexual plot twist lmao
Reminds me of that Kevin Smith movie clerks 2. They make a lot of jokes about LOTR.
"Gay people didn't exist until the Obama administration." I'm deceased!
I don't write gays. Like ever.
@@Reggie2000 I don't write male gays. It's bad.
The ancient Greeks would disagree with that assessment... O.O
@@johannageisel5390 I never write straight men tbh... They disgust me
@Persephone Diggen racist how? They didn’t say white.
10 WORST Tips for Redeeming Characters and Villains
Yes!
My "fav" is calling the bad guy a bad person and their morality collapse
Kid you not, there's a villain people simp over and say he's "not that bad" for simple things. One example; He doesn't hurt children, he has a line he won't cross.
Alright so murdering and wiping out the whole town (which how would he know if there aren't kids in the houses to begin with?) and killing their parents is fine but he won't kill children. Damn he's such a nice guy.
Death automatically means redemption. Who cares what atrocities they’ve done, destroy worlds, committed patricide etc, shuffling off this mortal coil means washing your hands of the blood on them.
Honestly, I have never seen a redemption arc that actually worked for me. It is usually some ends justify the means - for the greater good - BS. Nope, wrong thing done for the right reason is still the wrong thing.
"For shiggles," is definitely being added to my vocabulary.
Here we see a wild shig, observe as it shiggles for the purpose of fulfilling its biological desire to shiggle. He does not care that he will one day die, for until then he may shiggle, isn’t life beautiful
@@iluvlittenanimations2.010 Brings a tear to my eye :’)
I fell in love with it immediately. 🤣
Everytime Jenna makes this kind of video, it's really itching in my fingers to write a parody novel that implements ALL of her worst tips. It would be a horror to read, but at the same time hilarious xD
I can't write - or rather, I haven't tried so my first five stores WILL or would be utter garbage, but yes, she has that energy that motivates in that way.
@@mirjanbouma indeed she does, lol
I'd do this and then specifically thank her in the dedication for all her advice as if it's a serious piece
Imagine if Jenna went "Number 11: Writing Fantasy" and then went on with a trollish explanation as some sort of elaborate early April Fools joke 🤣
lol
There's nothing wrong with spending years building a world if the 10% you show of it in the plot becomes a setting your reader will become so immersed in that they want to find out more about as a result. Instead of the plumbing system, I'm talking about past global conflicts, scientific discoveries and the political structures that have formed through the centuries. That said, it'll all be for naught if your plot and characters suck.
I enjoy world building a lot but it doesn't mean I cram it all into my writing. It's just good to have in the background for aiding in the writing. I did a family tree for a character that might not even be relevant ever while chilling one afternoon and listening to music.
@@Gaia_Gaistar but, it's important to keep in mind, even if they never feature, having it on hand is still nice just in case. And even things that never get mentioned, can influence how the world is today, and how the story goes, without needing shoehorned into the plot.
Worse writing advice I received for fantasy writing is that no one cares about non-human characters, meaning no one would read a story about non-human characters. One of my writing professors told me that.
They know you can make a protagonist that isn’t human right?
@@sxwriter8569 Apparently not. I had to rewrite my story. I was sooo angry.
@@minnie3434 sorry you had to go through that
@@sxwriter8569 Lol it's fine. It just made me write a short story out of spite
There are plenty stories with non human Protagonists
also I want "Santa Claus created us all equal!" merch
Was just gonna ask how the hell did you comment 3 days ago on a video that was uploaded minutes ago....
Apparently I'm not the only one
@@abdulsadek8911 Patreon supporters pay to be able to see videos several days early
@@spoopify5560 Patreon supporters pay to be able to see videos several days early.
ah yes good ol' Santa creating humans
Number 11: "Your magic system cannot have clear and predictable rules and limitations. It must be mysterious and barely controllable. You're writing a fantasy novel, not science fiction!"
The Hunter x Hunter Manga has a damn good magic-system (Nen).
I actually don't mind magic that's "mysterious and barely controllable" as long as it has Actual Plot Ramifications. Like, if you use magic you don't understand, you're taking a serious risk and something terrible could happen. But I absolutely hate it when vague, mysterious magic conveniently solves all problems.
@@samlerf Honestly both Hunter x Hunter and JoJo's Bizarre Adventures are the best examples of a well constructed magic system imo
@@CursedCatTruffa Fullmetal Alchemist is pretty great in that regard, too. JoJo's even had two magic systems, truly facinating.
Soft magic has its place, too.
I’d like to see a fantasy story in space. No science running the ships just 100% magic run but in space and aliens are different spins on classic fantasy races plus some.
That's an awesome idea.
There’s the dnd setting spelljammer, and looking it up there were some novels that take place in the setting in the 90’s, no idea if they’re good but it is a time that idea was used
the reddit chad is the guy who would casually call me the f-slur in the fantasy section of barnes and noble.
That reminds me of one angry gamer’s forums site.
I'm stupid, so which f-slur are you referring to?
@@zinkheroofyoutube8004 maybe the gay one? Idk I'm confused too
@@zinkheroofyoutube8004 "Frodo". Tolkien himself was using that slur *constantly*.
@@TalonBrush Is this a joke?
"The Shire is clearly a metaphor for the Bronx." Had me on the floor!!!
to add to #8: "Yes I know you are writing a world with magical flying lizards where every other character can shoot fire out of their hands and fly! That's totally realistic and fine, but your main character is disabled and that's just not believable at all!"
“Ah yes ignore all of the amazing potential a disabled lead could have in a fantasy world where they utilize their disability for a great purpose! Doctor Strange and his hands? That’s terrible writing! Shaky hands aren’t believable at all!”
Any ideas on fantasy wheelchairs? Cause I honestly don't know what I'm going to do with that 😅
As long as Cliff's okay and your writing is still there, everything is right with the youtubes.
Edit: damn autocorrect.
I don't know what I love more: the advices, Butters or the fact that Jenna is wearing a SuperM shirt
This is perfect lol, I was just debating on rebooting a fantasy comic that needs some plot fixing and art fixing.
“woW, gReAt adViCe, jEnNa!”
- not me
😂
I left a writing group for the stance: "Don't over-describe your world. Leave it up to the reader."
I mean...they're not entirely wrong.
Obviously, "over describe" is subjective, but prioritizing the important stuff, tossing in a bit of fluff, and letting your readers fill in the blanks sounds like a pretty decent plan.
True story: I got so bored with the first chapter of the Hobbit that I never read Tolkien. I get why it's amazing, but it doesn't make it any less of a slog.
Shouldn’t the reader know as much about the world as the main character? Like we learn the world once we go there, and make small hints toward future places and events?
@@sxwriter8569 How are you (reader of ONE story/novel) going to know as much about a completely fictional world as the main character who spent his ENTIRE LIFE in it???
A decent novel can take place (easily enough) within a year... SO you and I (as readers) get maybe about a year's worth of exposure. I don't know about you, but in one year of concentrated study, I still wouldn't understand the general goings on about Earth as well as I do having spent my entire 45 years on the thing... and even with 45 years burned into the venture, there's a LOT about it I have no f***ing clue about.
Some of these fantasy stories have Characters like Elves and the like who can live over a THOUSAND years... Compete with that growth and wealth of knowledge... even just "via experience" instead of the ordinary mix of knowledge passed down by generations AND then personal experiences.
The short answer would be a flat "no"... BUT I'd just prefer to demonstrate WHY you don't even want to know as much about the workings of someone's fictional world as their main character.
I think, as a reader, one should understand just enough about the world being presented as it takes to understand most of the nuances required to make and keep the story interesting. Obviously, this has a weird and vague balance to keep, and that's what makes the actual writing and composition between world-building and story-telling difficult. It also changes a bit from one world and story to the next. ;o)
@@gnarthdarkanen7464 I've read more than one story. And not every fantasy story has a protagonist that's from that world or knows every part of it. Like what about characters who were lost in time, or come from a different world, characters that were sheltered and only knew about the main country. Plus, aren't their other characters that who know stuff the main character wouldn't. Like the protagonist isn't going to have details about secret societies or that the dark lord's second in command is going to backstab them and betray them at chapter one if they're just starting their journey, right?
**Takes off fascinator** : Pff, of course I wasn't gonna wear _that..._ **Slowly backs up to the changing room in a rustle of frills**
I don't think you'll get the gouvernante position with an appropriate head covering.
Someone once told me writing was easy.
He didn’t last long.
The body was never found
That sex scene really must’ve blown him away Huh.
More like melted him
I agree with you that info dumps are hard to get through, but I've also read books that explain nothing to avoid info dumping and for some reason as a reader that drives me way more crazy.
Omg yes. I HATE feeling confused and lost!
I honestly think that if your channel didn't exist, I would have quit my novel a long time ago.
Dedication is what gets novels written but she is an excellent advice giver and I really like her videos as well. Whatever story you're writing, it's worth being written and I can't wait to hear about it.
@@bhsprinkle Thank you so much :) I'm saving this comment with my manuscript to look at every time I start a writing session.
@@alextheartist3754 That means so much. I'm glad I can be encouraging and a positive influence to another writer. If it makes your day better I am glad for it. Just remember how important you are and that your story is worth the effort.
you should watch overly sarcastic productions' trope talks. they're not as good as these most of the time, buuuuuuut, I binged the playlist and im more inspired than ever.
also, if you ever feel useless, remember that chad over on reddit exists.
btw, what genre are you writing, I'm curious.
@@bhsprinkle Thanks :)
This makes me remember on when a guy from college got a look at an old personal project of mine and started to shit on it because.... the elves weren't like tolkien's elves...
I can only hope that bad advice don't devalue the work they praise for people. I already saw a couple of comments trashing or dismissing Tolkien's work completely just because Tolkien gatekeepers (and gatekeepers in general) and superfans exist. Accuracy to the setting, writing expectations (from the past and the present), and author's intent are also important to note.
I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in 1997 as a kid and later The Silmarillion and some other stuff. I love Tolkien and used to read them once or twice a year every year for a long time but I get it's not for everyone. It's weird though seeing people trash it and maybe I was pretty solitary but I don't remember much hardcore gatekeeping. I mean, all you have to do is read the books and enjoy them or not. I don't get the hate.
@@Gaia_Gaistar Yeah, it's like some people don't understand how subjectivity works. I don't know.
Me, watching the first video I've seen from Jenna since I recovered from COVID-19:
Jenna: Anything that's referred to as a disease must be pretty great.
I love this channel.
Weirdest "advice" I've heard was for me not to write fantasy based on Western Europe because it's overdone (I'm Dutch, it's what I grew up with.) but also not to appropriate other cultures.
I have over 20 different human nations, would be boring if they'd all be based on Western Europe so they aren't, but I do start my series there since it's most familiar to me.
Still, I do show travellers from other parts of the world since I find it a nice way to show the world is bigger than what's seen and can make the reader curious about other places. To me that's a nice natural way to have racial diversity that adds to the narrative since I'm not someone to toss in diversity to score points or something.
I don't really have good or evil nations either, each land has good and bad people. My MC wants to travel and see the world so she tends to be curious about travellers and will certainly visit at least one new country in every book.
i love your channel! It's helping so much with my book
I used to be in a writers group, and we would take it in turns taking someone's work home to read, so we could discuss it in the next group meetup. I intentionally keep physical details of main characters vague , (ill say they're tall, or have long dark hair or whatever, but that's about it- unless they're from a specific place with a specific physical trait) I never mention skin colour unless its somehow necessary and I never have romance for the main character, so sexuality never comes up- but they have close friendships which could be seen as them being very close, or maybe something more. I like readers to be able to kinda insert things like that for themselves if they want. Is the barbarian a gay black guy? If you want! Im aroace myself, so I prefer some ambiguity for the main protagonists.
During the meet, one lass said she had a big problem and that it was "another fantasy novel with only cis white characters." I loved her face when I explained there was no physical traits listed, so if all the characters were straight and white, that's because that is how she made them.
Sarcasm was terrific. Thanks Jenna. Really like your videos.
**boop** for Butters :)
Perfect, now I'm going to use your amazing tips to write the perfect book, and by book I mean 200 pages of info dump!
Hey guys, that Terrible Writing Advice crossover we've been asking for finally happened.
…
Kinda.
Hi Jenna!👋Thank you for all your advice and content
I'm gonna be honest, I didn't think butters' full name was buttercup
I really love your videos and writing advice, it helps me with my writing. Even though I’m technically not writing fantasy, but more mixed hybrid genre books that is a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural horror, alternate reality/parallel universe fiction and historical fiction adventure . But at its core my books are mostly alternate reality fiction
"I'm here to be right, not to be smart" slayed me.
your sincerity is just amazing
Jenna I just got the Saviors Sister
Am I the only one who is so happy that she mentioned Rick Riordan instead of jk rowling. But I guess Harry Potter is closer to Tolkien than Percy Jackson
Anyway, this was hilarious. Love those worst writing tips videos
YEAAAYYYY MORE INFO!!!
I'm writing an online novel about a mystery fantasy novel. And this will help out a LOT ^^
Your videos help me while I write, I get the worst blocks and they inspire me to keep going every time
Great to have you back, hope Cliff is feeling better
Thank you so much for the video! I'm writing my first fantasy novel I'm hoping to publish someday!
I disagree with #2: Spend years developing your world. While I don't recommend it. If you plan to have all your stories fall in this world. Taking more time to develop your world is worth it. Just don't take decades.
What I have done was make a rough description of the world and then add details and stuff as the main story progressed. It's much easier that way and u don't waste ur time imo
@@zaidb4296 If it works for you, great. To mean that isn't enough. I'm not don't need to craft a full world, but I need to know more than that. I can figure out the balance needed as I write and in revision.
I’m glad you’re back! I hope Cliff is doing better now and that you are doing well also 💜
I truly love your channel Jenna it's a highlight of my week when a new video pops up.
Honestly. "What NOT to do" is WAY more valuable than "What you should do".
I always look forward to these! Wednesday is saved.
Video starts at 2:46
Come on the sex blooper was hilarious
I will used all of these points exclusively! Thanks Jenna!
Starting with a Freudian slip there Jenna?
Either that or she’s practicing her New Zealand accent
Jedda Barnes As a kiwi myself I must consign you to a week shadowing Judith Collins for that remark. Or Soimon Bridges.
Application: List your Qualifications.
Jenna Moreci: Fluent Sarcasm,Brutal,Hardcore Honesty, And Writing.
The timing of an advert at 8:07 was perfect. Keep up the good work Jenna. You make me laugh (as well as talk a lot of sense).
Great Video, but I would like to add to the second point.
While I do agree with you, that you generally should not over do it, I would also say, that under some circumstances, you have some freedom to spend very long on just your world.
1. You need to have the time. For example. I am currently 15 and thus, dont need to publish anything, because I dont need the money. And even once I do, I will propably first get a save job, so I dont need to rush anything. Thus, I can spend a lot longer on detailing the world of my story, because, tbh. I actually think that thats more fun than writing a book.
2. You should still write the book. Going back to the example, I already have the world developed enough. I have the mayor countries. I have a basic idea of history and culture and I have developed the conflict of the story. Now I can start with the writing. But, since I am not a bot, I dont write litterally 24/7 and sometimes take breaks. And in those breaks, I can still continue on detailing the world. Adding to the history, develope the magic- and political system, adding details, that dont afffect the story, just need to make sure, I dont contradict what is happening in the story. By that, both the book and the story get bigger over time, and I can finish the book, while still having a big world.
Sorry If there are some grammar /spelling mistakes. I am german.
Hi, Jenna! Sorry to hear about Cliff's CRPS flare up (my mom also has CRPS, so I can sympathize) and your laptop troubles.
I recently bought a copy of The Savior's Champion and am really looking forward to reading it.
I have World Building disease and feel rightfully called out.
your shirt!! i got so excited, you have TASTE
Jenna stanning superm A queen
Tell me you listened to Kai's album pls xD
You have to admire her straight face----there is no way I could keep from laughing while saying these.
And I'm a middle-age white guy who loves LOTR. Tolkien is a great starting point, but it's the 21st century, fantasy has to progress to keep its edge.
Love you Jenna, thank you for the video! Hoping you stay in good health
Most of my books cast and a few world leaders are female, so I think I fallowed this advice to the letter 🤣
Your dog is the cutest.
Brandon Sanderson developed the world of Roshar for 10 years before publishing his first book, and it shows 😏
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
@@sxwriter8569 Depends. A lot of people appreciate that kind of thing and some people like to cry about it instead of reading something lighter.
@@Gaia_Gaistar I don't get that. That's like ordering Lasagna and then complain that it's a heavy food. Or picking a fantasy book and complain about how it's not real life.
@@sxwriter8569 his work is fantastic, in all senses of the word 😊
OK BUT ARE YOU A SUPER M STAN? OMG
Early squad, where ya at?
Number 2 is such a direct call out I'm suing
Ugh yes extensive and very detailed world building to the nth degree🥰 we love her💖
OMG! SuperM's T-shirt ♥️ 🥰
I love her sarcasm
You've been missed! :) Had to check older postings for advice on a story and...tah dah! There were my answers. Thank you, and hope everyone's feeling better there.
Love it, Jenna! Thanks again for another great video proving sarcasm, done well, is its own beautiful genre.
Auntie Jenna is back!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!
In Swedish, the word for ”six” is actually ”sex”, and it means both things. No one has ever printed that pun on graduation t-shirts.
I never understood why guys don’t like to have a bunch of female characters in their stories in more and less prominent roles. Any guy want to explain that? Or is that just media execs and marketing being behind the times like usual?
Okay, I am back. I decided to come to you for advice since I have one specific scene in my Wattpad novel I want to make sure is enough to give a little bit more about one of the main characters, without going overboard at least. So I have decided to upload it here since you're one of the only authors I really trust with this advice. I'm also going to make a romance subplot. This is where this info is found, enjoy!
"well, you see. My sister got bullied several times during our school years. Mainly because of the fact she's not a 'normal' person, but also because she isn't my real sister. And people used to think and I quote 'she doesn't deserve to be in that family, she's too weird, she shouldn't even be alive.' " I explained to him. And I started to tear up.
"and she got beat up a lot too. Whenever she and I met up to wait for our mom to pick us up. She'd have bruises all over her face and upper body. And just seeing her almost break down when we got home. It just broke my heart. And it still breaks my heart today, even if it was years ago."
#2 is just bullying GRRM. Shhh! He's 72 and living his best life 😂
Omg I was just watching her fantasy video. How did she know?
She’s an android
Time to start using all of these...
So would a magic system based around combining the 4 base elements and 2 side elements that decides between creation or destruction magic be overly complex?
Nah, I think it sounds cool
Me a danish person where 6 and s3x is pronounced the same.... whats the problem?
Same. In German it's also really same
im living for your shirt!
omg, your shirt 😭🖤
Good to have you back, intelligent person! We like intelligent people around here.
The way you pronounced Riordan shook me to my core, I've never heard it pronounced before
#2 I feel called out
*chefs kiss* amazing! This is just what I needed on this stressy Weds. Thank you for doing the Lord's - I mean, Santa's work!
Yes.
The t-shirt is noted and appreciated.
I struggle with Number 2 a great deal.
JENNA I love your content but even more I want you to take care of yourself 🥺🥺😭❤️💕 I hope you and the fam are doing well/recovering 💕
Hahaha Go off Jenna. Get em😂😂
Lol I love you, you really help my writing process so much! 😊
Love the sarcasm by the way lol 😂
Writing different cultures and ways of speaking is honestly fun. It allows for you to exercise your creativity and be able to get to write a variety of dialogue it's honestly so fun. Variety is the spice of life. :D
Woah, totally gonna take all of this advice.
I feel called out by the magic one
I don’t go super in-depth with the system, but it’s a language that itself holds the power so I can avoid the Chosen One bull
"Romantic fantasy? Umm, duh, I clearly remember some sensual lovemaking between Sam and Frodo"
THE WAY I ALMOST SPIT OUT MY CHOCOLATE AT THAT LMAO