"Do I need to outline my whole series BEFORE I start writing?" |
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Welcome back to #AskAbbie, where I answer YOUR writing questions and help you make your story matter! In this episode I'm answering some really good questions:
- Do you need to outline your whole book series before you start writing?
- How can you avoid interruptions while writing?
- If you're writing a 5-book series, does each book need its own theme?
You don't want to miss my answers. :)
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✨T I M E S T A M P S✨
00:00 Introduction
01:24 How AskAbbie works
02:10 How can I quickly refocus after getting interrupted?
07:16 Do my characters need an aha moment in ever book of my series?
11:04 Should I outline my whole series before I start writing?
14:16 Submit a question for #AskAbbie
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✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!
My wife and i decided to write a short fantasy romance novel as a cutr date idea, but started with world building to organize ideas and it got out of hand. So now we have a massive history, culture, species, etc; and no clue how to write the actual story. I will be going through more of your videos soon. Wish me luck.
I want this kind of relationship with someone. 🥺✋ You’re so lucky, your wife and you aren’t just spouses, y’all are best friends and partners-in-crime.
How is it going bud?
@ulyx9804 that was a long time ago. We have talked about it occasionally, but never made any real progress. Too busy trying to survive with kids in an unforgiving economy and what-not.
I just realized my finished book is actually book three in at least a 7 book, but probably more like 9 book story. It is a complicated story with multiple time periods and a lot of characters. My issue is towards the end of the series I will be juggling close to 10 main characters. I am at the point where I need to outline some, but I've found sticking rigidly to a specific end in mind can be very restricting.
You sound a lot like me.
I would recommend you an outline - but no detailed one...
It can be just bulletpoints like:
Prestory - birth - youth - later youth - finding true self - gaining friends - start of rebellion - meeting at the lake - betrayal - rebellion goes on - feigned betrayal - final fight and victory - MC switches sides
(These is the outline of my main character - of the book I wanna write. 14 points - but I guess it will get about 900 pages when it is written out)
If there are points I do not reach - I leave them in the list and additionally write an alternative point instead.
Fun fact: These kind of lists always helped me - when I wrote stories - to keep track how long the story is... if you reached the third point at 30 pages - you already can calculate that 14 points will be round about 140 pages.
_
Just curious about this - and as an example: How many books have you written until now? 3? You wanted 7 - but when written out - the story of the first book was enough for 3? So you added another two? 1+2+6=9? That isn't how it works. 3*7=21. It will get 21 books - sorry to say.
_
10 main characters in the last book? Have you thought about dropping some of them and make them side characters? Juggling 10 mains at a time will get... nasty... for you and the reader. Also it may actually take the tension out of your story. It is a bit sad, that I cannot recommand you one of my favorit series - because they are not completely translated into English... but let's say: that author has more than 10 main characters in 18 books and about 4-5 timelines. But some of his characters that are mains in one book, get side characters in others. Actually when it comes to me - I do prefer good side characters anytime over a mediocre MC.
I understand that over-plotting can be restricting creatively, however, an outline, even a basic bullet-point outline, would help keep track of what's going on for continuity purposes.
If you do not have an outline, how do you keep track of all the information and prevent plot holes or contradictory scenes? I'm curious because I used to write without an outline but I tend to write myself into corners. Now, I write loose outlines so I have a direction to go in while still keeping the scenes creatively unencumbered.
I know, I find it hard to reply too, but I'm trying. Hope you get published!
@@LisaMaierLiest Your outline sounds awesome, but I've done some studying and I suggest you cut your book a couple hundred pages. :-)
@@LisaMaierLiest Sounds like you have a solid idea for your story, and I wish you the best of luck. I just figured out the hook for my first book in the series which also reinforces the goals and motivation of the villain, and central conflict. It's going to be complicated to write because I know almost too much of the history of this world now, so limiting information to the reader to preserve future twists and reveals will be difficult.
To answer your logistical question, book three is written and will be around 120-130k when the final edit is completed. Books one and two will likely be around the same. I haven't written one long manuscript that I want to split into three, I have just realized my almost finished novel is actually something I want to publish later in the series.
Man, it’s eerie how incredibly fitting was for me to see this video at this exact moment… Right now I’m just starting to revise the first draft of my first novel, and ever since I was about half into the draft I thought it could make a good trilogy. I’ve thought about, very loosely, on what would happen on book two and three, and I really think it could work, I think the story has legs, but you mention here a lot of stuff that I hadn’t thought about that will be useful to me in this crazy journey. Thanks Abbie!
Literally same, I was plotting the scenes in the story and this video popped up, and I was like omg I was just thinking about this
Abbie, your content is so amazing, I've gotten so much better at writing since I started watching your videos! I would never have gotten this far without you, and I appreciate it so, so much!
This helps me so much. I’m in the process of writing book 1 of my sci-fi series and I’ve been wondering how much of it I need planned before I start writing. Thank you for this.
Well, since you asked, I'm currently in the middle of the 3rd draft of the first book in a 9 book Mystery Thriller series. There are 3 main protagonists with their own journey's.
Originally it was going to be a single book but over time I've planned for it to have 20 books, 25 books, 10 books and at one brief point I entertained the idea of making it 50 books (I know, ambitious right?). In the end I settled for 9.
I'm currently working on a fan fiction called The Lion King Ii: Defenders of the Pridelands, which is a story about self discovery, friendship, and romance, and also, my own twist on the movie with a female human character raised by a pride of lions
That's so good
So, Jungle Book/Tarzan + Lion King? Sounds intriguing.
@@phoebea yeah, you can say that, with mixture of Pocahontas tossed in there (expect it'll be in a fictional world)
I set up periods on specific days when I go into the studio, where I do streaming several days a week. I have a sign on the door that states I'm working. There can not be interruptions unless they are actually important. Flooding, fire, and similar level of importance to validate an interrupt. Mental issues, bad cuts, or injuries are also acceptable.
Otherwise, they can wait till my working time is over to come to me. This is how I can actually make progress with my writing.
Happy Wednesday everyone! 💜🤘
Rock on!🤘😁
@@spicychilly3636 !! 👊
Nearly 140K subscribers already?!
Abbie going places 👏👏👏
I’m sure you get this all the time but you seriously look just like Natalia Dyer (Nancy from Stranger Things)! Great tips, I definitely needed this haha I’m working on a one-act play
Thank you so so much, Abbie!! I can't believe it's been nearly 1 year since I followed your channel and watching your videos. My story has developed so much over one year and...it's going well. I am really excited to share my stories one day to the whole world☺💕 thank you, Abbie. Thank you!!🥰💕🤘
This is actually perfect timing Abbie. I was just going to start outlining my book today
Yo I love your videos so much! You always explain things in such articulate and easy to understand ways. Keep up the amazing work!
I am writing a medieval fantasy and I have neared completion of my first draft but instead of writing I binge watch your videos.
P.S - Abbie, your videos are adictive.
These are always so helpful, Abbie! Your videos + the podcast on Kate's channel keep me motivated to pursue my writing. Can't wait for Oct 1 to hear the big news!!!
I just finished outlining the first book in a four book series. I've got summaries written for all the other books, so this was super helpful in deciding to outline the other books!
I am currently working on my series and I have recently published my first short story "Ecstatic soul". It all because of you "The Abbie Emmons" . thank you for teaching us such good lessons about writing .. love u 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I’m writing my first major writing project. I’m doing it for fun, not the entire purpose of publishing, but I’d still like to have some idea what I’m doing. I have so much going on in my brain and writing is suchhh a cool way to create something that you couldn’t find outside your mind. You make things make so much sense, and I love the way you teach. I just want you to know how inspiring you are and how helpful you’ve been to new writers such as myself❤️❤️
I can no longer write fiction, as I have discovered that whatever epiphanies I may have about life, someone else has had the same and has been able to express them better than I ever could. But God bless you all creatives, the world always needs fresh perspectives, perhaps now more than ever
I think I've said it before, but I appreciate the timestamps SO SO much ❤️ There are so many TH-camrs that clickbait but you're so helpful and clear
I really love the part about “characters making choices based on internal conflict” and how it can sustain a story. very well put
Thank you so much for these advices, amazing as always! CAN’T WAIT FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT!!! I’m working on developing my characters for my Nanowrimo novel.✨
Thank you so much for answering my question and through someone else's - another of my questions too :D This was a great episode!
I'm currently doing brain breaking critical thinking about my 7 part/ 3 volume series using the Nutshell Technique by Jill Chamberlain. Generally the idea is to focus on the Flaw (fear and misbelief in action) and the Strength (the theme in action) Realize that there is a Setup Want (could be a side desire not a "goal" at all) But at the 25% mark they GET what they asked for but embedded in it is some kind of suckage -- and dealing with that suckage IS the Plot. Which kicks them in head until the 75% mark Crisis where they wish they'd never gotten it in the first place. -- At which point something happens that turns their attitude from having acted in their Flaw all this time to stepping away from the Flaw which is not working - and toward the Strength. I think this is the Aha Moment. Then there's the Final Step which is basically an act showing the complete commitment to the new way at the end - the Proof of Love scene if it was the last important scene. The idea is that these like 8 points form a system like an engine. These 8 things drive each other and without all of them it might be a "situation" but it's not a "story." Probably sounds crazy to say it all this way - but If you watch her interview on Film Courage it makes more sense. th-cam.com/video/8oTZ_9nLjSQ/w-d-xo.html
Abbie here to save my writing process once again😩👌Thank you for the amazing content!
Great tips, Abby. Your videos has been very helpful. Thank You!
The minute you upload a video, I become so excited to write! And so so so excited for Oct 1!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you! You mainly just reinforced things that I was just following out on instinct. But now I have a clearer path to follow!
😃👍
Wow this is literally what I needed to know!! Currently I'm working on a fantasy trilogy and my ideas have grown but I still need to start outlining book 1. Thank you so much abbie!!
I always learn so much from your videos, and really love your books! Thank you so much for everything you do ☺☺
Omgosh 3rd question helped me a lot 😭 thank you abbie!!!
i love your videos your amazing and have given me so much inspiration
OH MY GOD I CAN’T WAIT FOR OCTOBER 1st!!
I just saw your video on self publishing and I really want to, in fact have to, do self publishing. So eagerly looking forward to your promised detailed videos on all the steps you mentioned, especially blog tour.
Thank you soooo much! I don't have enough words to express how much you are helping me to fulfil my author dreams and giving me hope that I can do it!
Lots of love from bangladesh💕
October 1st!!! The hype is real!!!
Yay a new video!
I agree with her advice on the third question. I'm writing a trilogy myself and I've got the first book nailed down, but I have only vague ideas for the second and third books but I know enough of what's going to happen to set things up properly in the first book. And yeah some things may change, I may add or remove scenes or characters, I may turn the second book into a negative character arc for someone close to my protag to help my protag see where she needs to go, or any number of things. Things could very well change, and I'm okay with that because I know ultimately where the story will end and I've got a firm grasp on all of my plot twists so it doesn't much matter that I don't have every scene detailed yet. That said, I am not at all confident I could do the same thing with my other series, mostly because it's so freaking LONG that series-wide plot twists would get lost in the YEARS I would spend on this saga. I would definitely have to spend more time outlining the entire series so that I have the foundation to play around and add plot twists and foreshadowings and those things that add flavor to the novel but don't ultimately change the outline. And I have the flexibility with my current series because I've spent so long on it already, I've had a lot of time to think about things, to read other books and let myself mature as a writer and that shows itself in this series because it is my debut novel. The main plot was decided LONG ago and all I'm doing at this point is making it believable, making it real to myself and my characters and still setting itself apart from the other 'girl transforms into an animal' stories. I don't have that luxury yet with my second series because I don't even have the first book entirely outlined yet. I've got a lot of ideas but very few are placed how I want them to be and there's room for several more to fill out the year as I only have enough arcs for the first semester.
This was so helpful!!!! I'm still figuring out how to make sense of my magic system for a fantasy story; I've been having writer's block for a while.
Currently writing my first book! I'm having trouble with it but your videos help a lot!
Counting down to October 1st! Great advice as always. Your videos have helped me so much in getting back into writing
My online class is starting but i need to tell you that i love your videos. Thanks Abbie, i'll be back haha.💖🌱
I absolutely love your channel! Especially now that I'm FINALLY writing my first book--and I'm learning how to do it the right way! I never knew how important plotting your novel is until my aunt taught me about the story arc. Currently: trying to figure out how to create a dual plot for my dual POV book, after I already plotted the book overall. :-|
Question: do you ever think you would do a video on a comparison of the story arc plotting and the 3-act story structure?
Another great set of tips. I finalized my idea, a modern fantasy/slice of life adventure that follows a brawler/prize fighter. He basically gets caught up in various situations and problems as he tries to make a living in the city.
I love how you explain your points with Science.
CANT WAIT FOR OCT 1ST!
I am also in my livingroom when I write. I have a curtain set up dividing my desk and immediate area from the rest of the apartment. The two people I occupy the apt with have been informed that if that curtain is drawn they know not to interrupt.
I'm also neuro-divergent and am able to refocus within thirty seconds, often less. I am that odd person who is able to block all outside influences. Unfortunately I have a habit of ignoring the outside even when I am not writing.
---
Supernatural as a series may be an example of how not to bore the audience with repetition. A wonderful drinking game involves every time:
anyone says family, we do what we do, we do this together, are you okay and the list goes on and on. Sometimes several string together in the same scene. lolz
You’re my favourite writing TH-camr
Oh my goodness!! You've been such a helpful person 😭. I do want to ask you a few things, can you make a video of how to write an online Novel? Or how to make a book opening? I never have good ideas for book openings and that makes the whole story sucks.
Indiana Jones, 3 movies (4 if you include Crystal Skull) He really does not change very much through the 3 pictures. His character is consistent but he's not having big emotional transformations but we love to go on his adventures with him because he's a fun, interesting character.
Hello now answering you're question. I'm actually a teenage writer you've always supported me by you're fabulous vid's. I've been working on this fantasy and adventure book named Sophia workins and the mystical world. It's been 2 months since I started to work on this book and you've vid's always have inspired me to write more and yeah thank you for all the support you've given me through these months and keep up the work🙏🙏
HI Abbie. Your tips about book series are so simple and yet so mind-blowing, thank you!
To see the main topic is about outlining series beforehand is actually pretty interesting…
My projects have been related to fanfiction-but I take writing it very seriously. (Rewrites typically before posting anything.)
Right now I’ve got two series:
One really long story (long for me being over 50k-I worked on it during nanowrimo and now I’m doing a 2nd draft) covering an AU idea I had
One random idea I had for angst after a series of videos related to Minecraft pvp came out (very vague, I know. Basically, I, along with the rest of the fandom, like giving characters post-war trauma).
The first one mentioned I spent time outlining so much before Nano. It really helped to get through the first draft even though there’s a lot of bad pacing in later chapters. Even still it was fully planned out with world building and character arcs and stuff.
The second series is a bit different, as I’m waiting for new episodes in said Minecraft series until I know where I’m going with it. But because I’m taking my time, I can plot a ton as the CCs have posted SO MUCH since then and I’m only still in the setting of episodes 2 or 3-
This being said, I’ve only halfway plotted it, with an unknown ending. Although I’m really proud of the angst I’ve brought to this story idea and plot wise I like where it’s going.
Idk if it should be considered “plotted” as I’m kinda doing both. In other circumstances, I would’ve had it completely planned out, but now…
Now that I’ve made my long comment, I guess I’ll actually get to watching this video and then share my two cents (possibly).
I'm currently working on a fantasy adventure series right now and I plan for there to be 4 books. I am going to have a big overarching theme that connects all the books at the end of book 4 where things in the world change for the better. But for each book i'm going to have one of the 4 main characters have a "aha!" moment that ends up being the theme of that book. I've only written one book so far but i'm going to start writing book two soon!
Love all your videos and the podcast. I am almost done with 100 Days of Sunlight. I loved the book. It is a touching story. Don’t listen while you are in the park. There was a part that made me cry. I felt foolish.
love the new profile picture Abbie!!!!
I'm extremly excited to know about your next book I Literally cannot wait🥺🥺🥺
I'm writing the first draft of a historical fiction romance
Me at the first question in the video, while working at right now writing the word "interrupt":
Very helpful video. Keep up the good work. BTW… 100 Days of Sunlight is brilliant.
I’m hoping to make like-able characters and even an interesting enough world that the reader wants to explore. I’m working on a cosmic horror fantasy series and I have plans for spin-off/sequel series after the main one, as well as stand alone books. So the pressure is on to get this right 😅😰
Thank you...Your videos are very helpful..I like your videos very much..🙂
Thank you 🙏
Thank you, this is the best! I get distracted easily, I work from home so I'm learning things I can do to proactively dodge interruptions lol.. I'll let ya know how it goes. Hahah
You are very helpful. I was thinking of writing a story that is both medieval and sci-fi. I already know how i want this story to o and it is very complicated.
Recently, I have decided to write a spy fiction novel set in the 80s! The only problem is I don't know how to do that and I have looked everywhere but they all say the same thing. Plus you're one of few that help me understand storytelling. So please can you help a girl out and make a video about writing books set in specific time periods? I'm sure lots of people will find it useful
Thinking in pictures helps get away from thinking about the plot analytically, and enables the mind to access the emotional point of view of your character. Basically think in pictures, not words. Words can be for logically figuring out the plot. Pictures for the behavior and emotion. I would also recommend using a breathing technique, or short span of meditation to reorient the mind into a relaxed state. Simply verbalizing with an affirmation can also be super helpful such as "I will allow myself to write today" or "What is emerging from me now?" or "I will continue when I'm ready". These affirmations help take the pressure off the task and makes it more about that state of mind of relaxing and getting back into that writing space of exploration. I've also heard that looking up with your eyes (possibly closed) can help access the alpha brain waves state, but you'll have to your own research. :p I would practice changing the perspective of interruptions. This of course will take time, but make no effort. Just decontextualize the concept of interruptions as simply taking a short break. When we can look at interruptions as a means of simply stepping away, we can allow our unconscious minds to continue working, without the stress or pressure or resistance to what is... when we give attention to those interruptions as a negative, we reinforce it's power, play the victim, and thus, halt all progress. Also, pretty cool; research shows that stepping away for 5-10 minutes between long work/study sessions can help improve, memory, recall, and development. It also helps re-energize focus on the task. So what do you think, any other hot tips for reorienting the mind to get back on task?
how do get motivated to write after not writing anything for years? I haven't written anything in a long time. I still get ideas.
I would answer the trilogy question with another question. If you don't know the story of all three books, how do you know there are supposed to be three books as opposed to one, two, or four or more? A trilogy is a single story told over three books, and the narrative may be incomplete in each book like the Lord of the Rings, only forming the full story arc once you get through the last book, or it might be individual stories that are themselves elements of a larger cohesive narrative. A series, on the other hand, is a group of independent stories that are interconnected somehow but don't form a narrative as a whole, just individually, although they could build upon each other in terms of character growth or referencing of world events that might have occurred in previous books. Something like that might warrant not knowing what's coming after, but then you also wouldn't know how many books it will end up being. Both of them can benefit greatly from going into the first book knowing as much as possible about where you want to end up and how you want to get there.
I am in the middle of writing the second outline for my first four books (all stand-alone books, but in four genres: adventure, sci-fi, horror, fantasy). I have gone from semi panster to ultra planner/plotter.
1, I take ideas I write down, put them into a one-page basic outline to know if I can make the story work plot-wise. 2, I write a background for the world and the characters (hero, villain, and any supporting characters - taking into account psychology, physical description, and personal histories), 3, write a more detailed outline so that I know what happens on every page taking the story plot, character background, and world-building into account.
I am in this last phase. When I am done, I will have a line of information of what should happen on each page, and then I can write the thing. Pantsing doesn't work for me, so I am going ultra outlining here (playing with the wording and the language on each page, but I found I need a road map to do the writing quickly).
I totally agree with the noise-canceling headphones! Every time I put in my headphones, it's like the outside world shuts off and I'm absorbed in my music and writing.
I'm rewriting the book I published a few years ago. Back then, I didn't fully understand how to properly write, and now that i re-read (and after reading other works) it I realized it was full of mistakes. I want to do a series, which I've named World of Tyerra, and this book would be the first entry. I've got the first chapters published in Wattpad, but I decided to write it in Spanish, which is my mother tongue, this time around.
13:56
Miraculous Ladybug writers taking notes rn
can t say i haven t asked myself that the whole way through my first 10 chapters of my novels and 3 months before even starting outlining
Abbie! I just found your channel and I went through so many videos and I'm so inspired! ♥
Do you have a list of novels, tv shows, movies etc you recommend? I would love to see it!
Does anyone know if she has one somewhere? :)
I wish I could take the advice about distractions and send it to the 2009 me. Pure gold.
I am right now working on the first book of my fantasy trilogy. It is a very slow process but I love it. I wrote almost 6k.
I prefer to have all of the major plot points figured out for each book before I start the first one, such as the first plot points, mid-points, second plot point, and climaxes, along with main characters. My setting details also have to be done so I can easily visualize the everyday lives of the people down to hobbies and community gatherings and major holidays. The minor details of each book are figured out as I go along. That's how I do things anyway.
I know this is unrelated to writing, but I'm going to say it anyways.
I love your eyebrows, they are so expressive.
Good job
I'm writing a series and I'm a a good ways into book 1 I just found your channel and I want to apply this stuff to my book I'm writing now but that would mean I have to go back to the beginning and start over and I can’t decide if I want to do that or not. So I was wondering what you thought should I go back and start over and add the stuff or keep it as it is and keep going and apply this stuff to my other books?
I've been asking myself about outlining my whole series and if I should or shouldn't. Book one is ready to be written, but I'm not sure if I should take more time writing the outlines for the prequel and books 2 - 5.
Dear Abbie, I am keen to use the 3 ACT structure for my novel. But I have 3 different viewpoint main characters. Should I do 27 chapters for each of them. If so, how do I interweave the beats so I have the pacing right? Do I do 3 sets of say 'action', then move onto 3 sets of 'consequence'? Thanks! Loving your videos btw found them yesterday instantly destroyed dat like button feat. sub$cribed.
I've been trying to outline a story for the better part of a decade.
I've just finished the 15 point outline in your outlining for pantsers vid. Going to experiment with expanding the points.
Also... in a way of pacing similar to Save the Cat, how would you pace? Like at what percent should each point happen?
Not everyday is going to be perfect.
In terms of dealing with interruptions, and the nuances of day to day life, the important thing is to not allow yourself to become frustrated.
If you allow the frustration into your mind it can poison your creative side. What was only a seven minute chore turns into something that ruins the entire night.
Just accept that there are going to be such nuances, and get back to the keyboard as quick as possible to write more.
I have an initial aha moment for the protagonist in the first book of "Why do this person I met a couple months ago care about an unlovable screw-up like me?" After having a chance to reflect on that question, she starts questioning her low opinion of herself. As the series continues, she gets more aha moments that show her that her self-esteem is too low and what a more accurate and healthier view of herself should be.
Can you do an outline video for a 3 book series? 🙏🏽
I'm working on a fantasy-teen fiction story. The characters are making are quite unforgettable, and I am outlining my book before writing my chapter yet
very cool that people have thought of stories of 5 book length, i dont think i could ever do that. at most i think "maybe this book needs to be 2 or 3 books" but 5? or more than 5? xD never thought of a story that long
#AskAbbie Abbie I’m starting my own book ( fantasy) and I’m naming my characters, and I have some doubts: If I divide my characters and world in two groups, should the names reflect that, and if I meme people like that but I have characters of different ethnicities should I follow the trend or use names they would use in the normal world? The second is even more difficult because none of my characters have English or modern names. Some are taken by meaning while others are completely made up. I just don’t know if I can do it for everyone or if that is offending or ignorant.
Any advice?
could you also give some tips to write a Dark romanticism book... pls
when im subscribed for a long time but i always forget to join the facebook group 🤣
Hi Abbie, I am writing a science fiction book series which will be five-six books, my question is how do I do a characters profile on all of my characters? and do I have to outline all of my books before I start to write? #AskAbbie
I find sometimes that when a series (film) starts repeating or creating conflict where it feels like it's for the sake of conflict, it feels stale and I start to get frustrated with characters who do stupid things. It feels like there is no evolution, or I'm being dragged along in a merrygoround of insanity and bad choices. I LOVED the first 3 seasons of Shameless, and then it just tanked and characters I previously loved, I began to feel uninvested and disappointed. Another series I loved and eventually never finished out of frustration was The Magicians. They dragged out a lot of emotional and mental exhaustion with little payoff and ridiculous decisions.
Of course, there are many examples of the opposite... one series I would've loved to see more of was Penny Dreadful. I LOVED THE CHARACTERS AND THEBWORLD AND THE STORY, but it was perfect where it ended. Series that should never have been canceled? Magic City and Party Down. Those writers knew what they were doing.
Hello Mrs. Abbie i am currently creating and writing my main characters and side characters and villains, you've really inspired me of starting to take writing seriously, and i thank you for that ❤, I Have a question 🙋 How can i Balance out self inserting parts of my self into my characters, I'm afraid of... Self inserting myself too much, and this is my first time writing so i want to hear you talk about it, Thank You 🙏🌹
Help! I am outlining my book, but it will only make sense for my story if I mess up the 3-act story structure.. The Game-changing midpoint - plot twist will only be a minor plot twist, whereas the aha-moment and the true plot twist comes at the same time.
Should I keep this, or totally rethink my story? I have so many suprises and smaller plot twists, but this big one really only fits in at the aha-moment..
Any help or advice is welcome 🙏
#AskAbbie hey Abbie I am trying to outline my novel but I'm finding it hard because I just want to get to writing my book any ideas to help me finish outlining?
I am write third book of my novel
Watching this video a year later as I try writing my first series😂
I'm working on a story about the family that runs the Mexican Cartel. The actual MC is the daughter of one of the characters I first introduce. The premise is an old friendship-turned love triangle romance between the MC's parents goes south when the object of someone's affection chooses his best friend instead. He then enacts his revenge by becoming someone whose job is to solely hunt down the Cartel. I hope this makes sense!
I'm quitting writing. It's been almost a week and I'm low-key suicidal because i see no point in life when the one thing i love is something i can't do. I'm quitting because I'm starting a job soon among other things. I hated it. Not writing. But still, i couldn't help but watch your videos. Im shock that not writing affect my mental health more than i expected
Working on my own story/draft for a graphic novel I call Bushido. It involves a young ronin (samurai with no master) who is searching for his sister when monsters of Japanese folklore and mythology appear in the world. Still need an idea for the worldbuilding but my magic system and characters are mostly in place.
how do you do your magic system?? (not going to steal it but need ideas on what kind of basis is needed)
@@queenb2450 Well one way to know what magic system to use is to consider your main character.
For my particular piece of work, my main character Yoshi is a rather practical character. He's trained in kenjutsu and wields weapons. And since he does so, that would mean that I'm going to be using a soft magic system.
If you happen to have a character that wields magic OFTEN (like a sorcerer, apprentice wizard, etc.), you're going to want to invest in a hard magic system.
Here's how to tell them apart:
Soft magic systems:
These are systems of mysticism. A soft magic system doesn’t have hard and fast rules. It is wild and undefined. The reader can see it play out but is often unaware of the mechanics. Examples include: Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
Hard magic systems:
These are systems with defined rules and regulations. A hard magic system will have a clear set of boundaries to it. Examples include: Dungeons & Dragons and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
So if you consider the kind of main character you have, it can help determine your type of magic system.
@@99thJediWarrior omg I never thought of it like that....thank you so much 0.o