For me, anxiety masqueraded as perfectionism for about 15 years. I'd edit, rewrite, change my first few chapters over and over again, and never get past it. All the while, ideas for the rest of the book, and subsequent books in the series, were piling up in my brain. It wasn't that those first few chapters were necessarily sub-par work. I was simply afraid to move on because my greatest anxiety has always been going from zero to first draft. Once I figured that out, and simply forced myself to get the first draft down, my anxiety subsided, and I finished the first book within 6 months.
I’m exactly the same way. I started noticing my own “rewriting the first few chapters 50 times” problem when I was about 15 as well. That’s why I laughed when he brought it up! It was genuinely ridiculous how I thought I was being productive in my writing back then!
This is the single most important video for any writer. "Write your first draft while supressing your inner editor/ perfectionist." This is EXACTLY what's been killing me, wow! So ibvious, and I didn't see it. Thanks again Jerry!
I recommend Donald Miller and Kendall Haven too. Haven has communication research and Don is known for New York Times best selling memoires. I believe Don is coming out with a book for writers soon and has already produced a few webinars on writing.
I'm just a hobby writer, not out to publish anything, but I love making up stories, and your advice is excellent for me and anyone like me, because every writer can be easily distracted or frozen by ridiculous fears. Thank you, Jerry!
Thank you, I've been thinking about stories for decades. I want to get them out of my head and onto paper once and for all. I have a long story of my own, but I just want to tell good Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
This video was unbelievably clarifying. I’d begun to get really frustrated with myself because I felt like I was never making any progress on my writing ( or any other creative projects for that matter….). But all the things that kept me from sitting down and just focusing were not only listed here, but given incredibly good solutions to. Your video had me laughing at my own ridiculous patterns, and how easily you broke them down and gave real, clear, solutions. Thank you so much, this was extraordinarily helpful!!
Thank you Jerry. I'm a freelance writer and now feel confident to complete some of my written work I've put on hold for years. I have really enjoyed listening to your wisdom and writing experience that we as writers need to hear today. Blessing from Australia and NZ.
You are succinct and to the point without being rude, I also appreciate your self deprecation. I have been in a dry spot for a year, partly because of me and partly because of circumstances. I really want to write this book and am determined to finish it. My biggest problem is wanting to edit as I go. Thank you and Blessings
Thank you, Jerry. I specifically like your statements about fear and procrastination and that the best approach is to accept them and use them. I have already realised that procrastination usually means that I need to do some mental work or rethink what I am writing, but at times I have been crippled by fear. So thanks for your advice. I still suffer from perfectionism, though I have resolved to put that pesky internal editor to rest until I need it. I find that I tend to start self editing during the 1st draft when I am not sure of what I am writing. Some stories have an easy wonderful flow and others limp. It's the ones that limp that attract the editor's attention! I shall wrestle though.... As for distraction....... I'll get the app you mentioned or one like it. I'd removed lots of media distractions, but TH-cam is my weakness....
Not being a perfectionist on your first draft, at least for me, is the most important. Once I gave in and let the errors stand and just keep going I went from writing a painful five or six hundred words a day to nearly four thousand. Yeah, that's a lot to edit but seeing so many words written encouraged me to keep going. Plus ideas are like dreams sometimes, if you don't solidify them quickly they evaporate into the ether. 😀
I feel that! For I hate writing less than what I have been very capable of and that disgusts me. Which is why I don’t have much practice doing what you have suggested and I hope to reach your level!
This is a good video -- thank you! He says there is really no such thing as "writer's block": behind the myth is fear, procrastination, perfectionism, and distractions. Use your fear to motivate you to work hard by humbly acknowledging that your fears are legitimate. Recognize that procrastination is part of the writing process and schedule it (within reason) into your calendar. Perfectionism has a place (once you have finished your draft and are revising / editing) but don't let your inner critic loose when you are concentrating on getting words onto paper when you are writing your draft; keep production and revision separated. To eliminate distractions, stick to a strict writing schedule and make it a priority --- outside of true emergencies, don't allow anything to interfere with your writing time.
I like your style, Jerry. I really do. Soft-spoken, to the point but polite, what you deliver actually make sense, engaging, text materials are made with great taste--especially on the covers, font choice and formatting, and most importantly: encouraging. Your channel is choked full of precious knowledge.
I've been writing a novel for over 25 years now. I get multiple story ideas and abandon it, or life happens, and it becomes impossible to keep up. I'm thinking at this point it's waiting for me to season before I can give it the flavor it deserves. I'm delighted I found your video channel. It's very generous of you to share your experience and advice. Thank you!
I have been trying to write a full book for the last 9 years. I start a book get 3 quarters done then I get writer's block and get in a slump for a week or two. I end up starting a new book I get 3 quarters done and it starts again I have so far started 12 books. I don't know what to do. I have even tried to revisit a book I have previously started but to no avail I can't get the same frame of mind to get back in it.
I used to produce music and can confirm writers block exists in that profession too. Not just with lyrics, with instrumentals. It stems from over thinking to the point that fresh ideas can’t get through. I found that if I stepped away from the project for a couple of days, fresh ideas came to me naturally without me trying to force them.
Question: my most powerful enemy is Perfectionism. and you said the solution to t is to separate editing from writing. my problem is that my perfectionism is applied directly to my initial writing, to the story itself and to the way I'm telling that story. I'm simply never content with what I am writing enough to continue and this makes me so depressed that I end up sitting somewhere thinking to myself that I will never make it. that I am useless and talentless... any advice?
Damn that's a hard situation you're facing man...maybe learning the failures of successful ppl can teach you something..they make failures in order to find the right way to success..search up Abraham Lincoln failures before he become what he is..hope this can maybe help..
Find a way to silence your inner critic for the time you spend writing and don't edit (which is what you're doing when you try to correct as you go) until the first draft is complete. You can't technically edit a book that isn't finished. When you do you're not editing, you're dilly-dallying... just goofing off, finding a way to avoid finishing the writing so you don't have to face whatever bugaboo your subconscious has dreamed up to keep you endlessly unsatisfied. The truth is that true satisfaction doesn't come from editing. It comes from finishing the story, even if it's imperfect.
I am a creative all-rounder, I love writing, and I love composing music. Let me tell you, the internal editor applies to all the arts. It is really hard to switch off, if you are a perfectionist like me, but it is something that is absolutely necessary. Creativity needs to be boundless and unhindered. If you call on the internal editor at the wrong time, it dulls your intuition and doubt inevitably sets in.
It's hard to call it writer's block when it's been going on for 2 years, but everything you addressed here has come into play over these last 2 years for me, especially fear. When you said, "I should be afraid. I'm not good enough. My competition is vast and talented." Then you advised embracing that, I knew right then that I've been writing for social media enough to be reminded that I am good enough to reach some people, and that I am afraid of rejection. I can embrace this. Here goes! Thanks.
Extremely helpful thoughts Mr. Jerry Jenkins. Your personalized training is a big motivation for writers and readers like me who've to achieve more in this world of literature.
For the first two days my average writing speed was 500 words per day. Its the 5th day , and I find myself only writing 100 words. My speed has drastically decreased. I'm thinking of giving up. Whenever I push myself into writing, my mind cannot produce a single word. Either I play game or watch movies instead of writing. Its like my consciousness started hating writing and I'm distracted as hell. I really care about my story but unable to write it.
Thanks Jerry. I'm a rookie trying to do this. I being told to. So who know what may come out. I no my mouth surprises me I'm sure my hand to pen will to. Let go.. I'm ready to learn, what your willing to teach. Ty..
One other thing quantity is not what matters, quality is what matters. Who cares that someone wrote hundreds of book, it is the quality. I also do not care for Dean Koontz, accept for the movies made based on "some of his book"because of course some of it was rewritten. I am also not so quick to believe announcements of books sales. No proof of it is ever shown. I don't go by pages in writing, I go back word count, when I go by daily expectation. I don't revise as I write. I also don't rely on a team of other writer I call proof readers, to clean up my work. My editor only works on what I am not responsible to work on, so basically I only write and choose the content.
I'm leaving a comment on this so everytime someone likes or comments on my comment I will get notified. then I'll take that as a reminder to watch this video again.
Thank you! I’m SUCH a protectionist & I end up spending an hour on a page then getting frustrated & thinking it’ll never amount to a whole book. Love the affirmation to just write first. Then edit - otherwise I’ll never get past the first page.
The biggest thing that prevented me from writing was my health condition since I was young age. But I'm still trying to be a good writer for my own novel. Wish you all luck ☺️.
Phenomenal points, both in this and the article version. I'm so grateful to have these tips available during the quarantine. Thank you - your words are an addicting read AND listen!
This advice was given to me and I wanted to share it with all of you. “Writing is a way of clarifying your thoughts on a matter. It also has the advantage that it forces you to make all your thoughts and beliefs on a given topic consistent. This point improves your credibility in a discussion because you then have a clear - unambiguous - explanation for all aspects of the topic. (Too often, many people's arguments are "rather ambiguous" and often downright contradictory.) It's worth noting that experienced people will often describe - in detail - what they are seeing in a technical investigation (i.e. what do I see in the microscope/photograph/scene etc). These - detailed -descriptions are then included somewhere in the final report. In summary, writing forces you to clarify your thoughts on a topic and then notice "fine details" you may have otherwise missed. Bringing all those "fine details" into one - consistent - story makes the difference between a credible report and a "not so credible" report. Writing - in itself - is a worthwhile activity as it helps you to grow in understanding. This is a goal that is quite apart from selling your writing." - Dennis Murphy
"Procrastination... Not only do I embrace it -I schedule it right into my calendar!" OMG! That is so hilarious! And a very quotable quote, if ever there was one! Hehehe, thanks for the chuckle. I will not be 'putting off' the remainder of this video -that's for certain...
I overcome writer's block by writing what is ever in my mind, and being willing to edit so much that it ALL might be deleted. (I once roughed out a draft of a play, 16 pages ... I deleted all but 2. The rewrite eventually landed at 40 pages and was way better.) I always struggled with "writer's block" until I got a job as a newspaper journalist. I had a deadline. No time, days or months to look for inspiration. I had to write, or I had to forfeit getting paid and expect to be fired. What I found was in the beginning it would be hard, but after awhile of doing this month after month I never hit writer's block. What I did was I learned to just write and write and write in the fast draft, bad or crappy or whatever. If there was something I wanted to add, but really had no ideas would just put INSERT HERE TALKING ABOUT BLAH BLAH. Then afterwards when I was editing, my mind would be all juiced up, purged of some iffy ideas, and inspiration was always there. I still do that 20 years later. For me its not about waiting for inspiration to strike, but instead building a foundation for inspiration to be there. I have lots of stuff never finished. I found that when I hit writer's block and set it aside, it never got finished. Actually months later I could barely remember what I was going to write next. But, things that I was steadily tapping away at, good or bad .... I'd be in the shower some morning and have a whole chapter come to me.
Thanks Jerry; some of your advices are simple and logical, but probably the hardest ones to put in practice. I'll force myself to stop editing while writing and see where it goes. I had the illusion of thinking that writing a captivating story was an easy thing to do; before I started and realize how difficult it is. I found confidence and comfort in your teachings.
Procrastination is my biggest problem in writing. Especially before something big happens in the story (a battle, death of a character, a huge twist, etc.). Turning off the inner editor help bunches. If I start editing while still in the writing stage, I find it really slows things down. I deeply appreciate your advice! May God bless you!
Thank you man, I am overcoming the writer's block. Fear is normal and we can all overcome it. Thank you so much man. I am looking forward to finish writing my first book
Jerry, your videos are as valuable as though you offered a professional writing course for free! Thank you. These videos are more valuable than going to conferences.
I’m having the guts to work on my first fictional novel and this was a GREAT insite on what I needed to hear. Thank you for that boost of confidence I needed.
I love that I found this channel. I'm just starting out with short stories, but you hit the nail on the head about procrastination, writers block and distractions. I'm so motivated now. Thanks.
Stagefright is a thing, calling in sick because you just cannot today at work is also a thing. my writer's block was because of a serious workplace issue that resulted in clinical depression. it took me 8 years to write again.
You are spot on! It’s not only motivating to hear this but so comforting to hear that it happens to a many-times-over published author. Thank you for this!
Jerry, I know this video is 4 years old, but I really wish you could answer something, or maybe someone in the comments could. I have a novel in mind that I've been trying my best to bring to fruition since 2022. I've only managed to reach 12k words. I keep coming back to the beginning, changing or adding stuff. It seems like I can't move on unless it's all perfectly the way I planned. Sometimes I think about just... forgetting. It's painful. And it's not writer's block; I don't know what to call this. Maybe "perfectionism" is the word? Anyway, I have every bit of the novel in my mind, every single last thought and dialogue, but it's nothing if I can't progress. Edit: As I was watching, you touched the subject about perfectionism. Thank You!
I am not writing a book. But, this is sage wisdom to follow through in any profession. Thank You for sharing this. It is actually helpful and makes sense!
I have never written a book. I am half way through my first chapter. Ha! This feels very important to me. I feel like I have to let this out of me. This story is so personal to me that some of it is actually true to me and my past. I plan on finishing it with a much happier story than my actual story. But I'm finding this feels depressing (ptsd) to me. Should I push through or forget it?
Kinda funny that i found out my problems were every single one mentioned here. I didn't now, i didn't even have a clue, but now i know. I am happy that i found this video and YT channel. Thank you so much!
I dont know if I am alone in this, but my dreams of sucsess have been crushed to powder so many times befoure i started writing that i dont truly care if it gets traditionally published or not, its a one in a billion it will change your life, if you dont get a deal, make it as good as you can make it alone and move on to the next project, I have gotten countless of mails of agients aking me to send then if i have something eles, but I have set a scetchual for myself, and the first 2 books in the series i am writing is prioraty for me over writing anything eles, and i take writing as if it were a job not a hobby, writing minimum 4 hours every weekday, amd 12 hours on weekends. It sounds depressing, but if you dont put in thr effort forget aboit seeing any of your work published ever. If the standard is followed 75k words per book, ai am writing minimum 4 books a year, and that alone calculates a larger chance of sucsess. And talking about deadlines, take it from my advice or not, dont write on deadlines, do wordcount per day, when you start writing you know nothing of how long your book will be, rherefore deadlines befoure the book has a deal is meaningless. Keep wordcount per day/week, it is much more motivating, and you will not stress on rushing to an end.
With a full time job and a new baby, I wrote 120k words in about 5 months before I suddenly froze up with writers block. In almost 3 years I have written only 1 chapter and I absolutely hate it. Before my episode, I couldn't get the words out fast enough and now I just sit there staring at a blank page or I end up going back to edit. It's tearing me apart. There's only about 7 or 8 chapters left in my rough draft and I just can't seem to make it there.
Talking about writing, you J. Jenkins, talk loudly about life too.. I love these videos, I can almost feel an itch to start scripple down my inner fantasy world, just for fun... Idk, maybe some day, untill then I'll just enjoy your lessons and knowledge Thank you for sharing you wisdom
Thank you Mr Jerry, this is great I'm so happy I came across your channel, Thank you for this wonderful Knowledge you shared I've learnt to keep my productivity time from perfectionism
Mr. Jenkins, it's been three of your youtube videos that persuaded me of your professionalism, although I am not familiar with your writing. Do you have a training or a course for writing movie scripts? If no, could you please suggest something in this regard? P.s. I find your videos not only masterfully professional but very inspiring as well. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.
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"Done is better than perfect," as they say; if you can finish a novel, then you're leaps and bounds ahead of most aspiring authors. You rock, Jerry.
Such a calm and soothing voice. He is the Bob Ross of writing.
I don’t even feel like writing when I listen to him. :)
You got that right! 😀
The way you say things, it's so kind and polite, as if you care so very much ,so helpful and motivating.
@Daniel Sariego Good luck bro!
yess!! this is what I was thinking :)
Very right 👍
For me, anxiety masqueraded as perfectionism for about 15 years. I'd edit, rewrite, change my first few chapters over and over again, and never get past it. All the while, ideas for the rest of the book, and subsequent books in the series, were piling up in my brain. It wasn't that those first few chapters were necessarily sub-par work. I was simply afraid to move on because my greatest anxiety has always been going from zero to first draft. Once I figured that out, and simply forced myself to get the first draft down, my anxiety subsided, and I finished the first book within 6 months.
I’m exactly the same way. I started noticing my own “rewriting the first few chapters 50 times” problem when I was about 15 as well. That’s why I laughed when he brought it up! It was genuinely ridiculous how I thought I was being productive in my writing back then!
Oh my gosh I'm working on my first story and I get more ideas for more books
@@nativechique7589 it's the same for me even.
Who else is feeling motivated? I know I am!
Who found this while you were procrastinating from writing?
[Mr. Jenkins, sir, you are an inspiration.]
Me 🙋🏾♂️
Definitely
My dog telepathically communicating: "Ma, I want to go for a walk!"
Me: *"Sorry, honey, I've got walker's block."* 😄
This is the single most important video for any writer. "Write your first draft while supressing your inner editor/ perfectionist." This is EXACTLY what's been killing me, wow! So ibvious, and I didn't see it. Thanks again Jerry!
how are things going now ?
That advice on Perfectionism is a flat-out game-changer.
I've just decide to start writing, so I can say I am a noob and found your channel very helpful. Please keep sharing your tips, I really love it.
We all began as noobs. Keep writing!
I recommend Donald Miller and Kendall Haven too. Haven has communication research and Don is known for New York Times best selling memoires. I believe Don is coming out with a book for writers soon and has already produced a few webinars on writing.
I'm just a hobby writer, not out to publish anything, but I love making up stories, and your advice is excellent for me and anyone like me, because every writer can be easily distracted or frozen by ridiculous fears. Thank you, Jerry!
Thank you, I've been thinking about stories for decades. I want to get them out of my head and onto paper once and for all. I have a long story of my own, but I just want to tell good Sci-Fi and Fantasy.
I really enjoy your tips. They are not cookie-cutter marketing pieces. They really are helpful, insightful and simple! Thanks!
This video was unbelievably clarifying. I’d begun to get really frustrated with myself because I felt like I was never making any progress on my writing ( or any other creative projects for that matter….). But all the things that kept me from sitting down and just focusing were not only listed here, but given incredibly good solutions to. Your video had me laughing at my own ridiculous patterns, and how easily you broke them down and gave real, clear, solutions. Thank you so much, this was extraordinarily helpful!!
I'm a newbie at writing, and I get writer's block a lot so this video really helped.
Thank you Jerry.
I'm a freelance writer and now feel confident to complete some of my written work I've put on hold for years.
I have really enjoyed listening to your wisdom and writing experience that we as writers need to hear today. Blessing from Australia and NZ.
You are succinct and to the point without being rude, I also appreciate your self deprecation. I have been in a dry spot for a year, partly because of me and partly because of circumstances. I really want to write this book and am determined to finish it. My biggest problem is wanting to edit as I go. Thank you and Blessings
I think i have all causes... thank very much for such a beautiful video
Thank you, Jerry. I specifically like your statements about fear and procrastination and that the best approach is to accept them and use them. I have already realised that procrastination usually means that I need to do some mental work or rethink what I am writing, but at times I have been crippled by fear. So thanks for your advice.
I still suffer from perfectionism, though I have resolved to put that pesky internal editor to rest until I need it. I find that I tend to start self editing during the 1st draft when I am not sure of what I am writing. Some stories have an easy wonderful flow and others limp. It's the ones that limp that attract the editor's attention! I shall wrestle though....
As for distraction....... I'll get the app you mentioned or one like it. I'd removed lots of media distractions, but TH-cam is my weakness....
Your video was a diversion from write, but well worth the 10 minutes I lost - thank you!
Not being a perfectionist on your first draft, at least for me, is the most important.
Once I gave in and let the errors stand and just keep going I went from writing a painful five or six hundred words a day to nearly four thousand.
Yeah, that's a lot to edit but seeing so many words written encouraged me to keep going.
Plus ideas are like dreams sometimes, if you don't solidify them quickly they evaporate into the ether. 😀
Exactly 💯 this is very true
Story of my life.
Great points!
I feel that! For I hate writing less than what I have been very capable of and that disgusts me. Which is why I don’t have much practice doing what you have suggested and I hope to reach your level!
Wow. You just dropped a lot of wisdom. You mentioned so many of my vices and struggles. Thanks.
These videos are gold.
I know I’m late but,
Didn’t expect to see you here
This is a good video -- thank you! He says there is really no such thing as "writer's block": behind the myth is fear, procrastination, perfectionism, and distractions. Use your fear to motivate you to work hard by humbly acknowledging that your fears are legitimate. Recognize that procrastination is part of the writing process and schedule it (within reason) into your calendar. Perfectionism has a place (once you have finished your draft and are revising / editing) but don't let your inner critic loose when you are concentrating on getting words onto paper when you are writing your draft; keep production and revision separated. To eliminate distractions, stick to a strict writing schedule and make it a priority --- outside of true emergencies, don't allow anything to interfere with your writing time.
Amen! You summed it up greatly.
wow that's like a slap in the face and I still have to wait for the end for the reward
This was SO helpful! I’ve listened to this video multiple times now to really interiorize every single advice given. So, so good.
I like your style, Jerry. I really do. Soft-spoken, to the point but polite, what you deliver actually make sense, engaging, text materials are made with great taste--especially on the covers, font choice and formatting, and most importantly: encouraging. Your channel is choked full of precious knowledge.
I've been writing a novel for over 25 years now. I get multiple story ideas and abandon it, or life happens, and it becomes impossible to keep up. I'm thinking at this point it's waiting for me to season before I can give it the flavor it deserves. I'm delighted I found your video channel. It's very generous of you to share your experience and advice. Thank you!
So glad I found this channel. Jerry your advise is fantastic thank you.
I have been trying to write a full book for the last 9 years. I start a book get 3 quarters done then I get writer's block and get in a slump for a week or two. I end up starting a new book I get 3 quarters done and it starts again I have so far started 12 books. I don't know what to do. I have even tried to revisit a book I have previously started but to no avail I can't get the same frame of mind to get back in it.
Jerry, thank you for this terrific channel! ❤️💪
Thank you so much for sharing!
This guy should start an ASMR channel
This process sounds so much like what artists can do also in the studio. Thankful for your wisdom!!
Are there really 15 sea creatures so ugly I won't believe they exist?!!! Gotta find that.... :)
I used to produce music and can confirm writers block exists in that profession too. Not just with lyrics, with instrumentals. It stems from over thinking to the point that fresh ideas can’t get through. I found that if I stepped away from the project for a couple of days, fresh ideas came to me naturally without me trying to force them.
Question:
my most powerful enemy is Perfectionism. and you said the solution to t is to separate editing from writing. my problem is that my perfectionism is applied directly to my initial writing, to the story itself and to the way I'm telling that story. I'm simply never content with what I am writing enough to continue and this makes me so depressed that I end up sitting somewhere thinking to myself that I will never make it. that I am useless and talentless... any advice?
Damn that's a hard situation you're facing man...maybe learning the failures of successful ppl can teach you something..they make failures in order to find the right way to success..search up Abraham Lincoln failures before he become what he is..hope this can maybe help..
Do NanoWriMo. Starts in one week. You have to write so fast that you don't have time to listen to the internal critic.
Find a way to silence your inner critic for the time you spend writing and don't edit (which is what you're doing when you try to correct as you go) until the first draft is complete. You can't technically edit a book that isn't finished. When you do you're not editing, you're dilly-dallying... just goofing off, finding a way to avoid finishing the writing so you don't have to face whatever bugaboo your subconscious has dreamed up to keep you endlessly unsatisfied.
The truth is that true satisfaction doesn't come from editing. It comes from finishing the story, even if it's imperfect.
I am a creative all-rounder, I love writing, and I love composing music. Let me tell you, the internal editor applies to all the arts. It is really hard to switch off, if you are a perfectionist like me, but it is something that is absolutely necessary. Creativity needs to be boundless and unhindered. If you call on the internal editor at the wrong time, it dulls your intuition and doubt inevitably sets in.
U might be an editor
It's hard to call it writer's block when it's been going on for 2 years, but everything you addressed here has come into play over these last 2 years for me, especially fear. When you said, "I should be afraid. I'm not good enough. My competition is vast and talented." Then you advised embracing that, I knew right then that I've been writing for social media enough to be reminded that I am good enough to reach some people, and that I am afraid of rejection. I can embrace this. Here goes! Thanks.
Extremely helpful thoughts Mr. Jerry Jenkins. Your personalized training is a big motivation for writers and readers like me who've to achieve more in this world of literature.
I used this video to procrastinate writing. Thank you. It worked well. I felt bad about doing it but it worked.
For the first two days my average writing speed was 500 words per day. Its the 5th day , and I find myself only writing 100 words. My speed has drastically decreased. I'm thinking of giving up. Whenever I push myself into writing, my mind cannot produce a single word. Either I play game or watch movies instead of writing. Its like my consciousness started hating writing and I'm distracted as hell. I really care about my story but unable to write it.
Thanks for the knowledge.. This spoke to where I am in my process of finishing my 1st novel. Thanks so much!
In the same boat here! God bless!
Thanks Jerry. I'm a rookie trying to do this. I being told to. So who know what may come out. I no my mouth surprises me I'm sure my hand to pen will to. Let go.. I'm ready to learn, what your willing to teach. Ty..
One other thing quantity is not what matters, quality is what matters. Who cares that someone wrote hundreds of book, it is the quality. I also do not care for Dean Koontz, accept for the movies made based on "some of his book"because of course some of it was rewritten. I am also not so quick to believe announcements of books sales. No proof of it is ever shown.
I don't go by pages in writing, I go back word count, when I go by daily expectation. I don't revise as I write. I also don't rely on a team of other writer I call proof readers, to clean up my work. My editor only works on what I am not responsible to work on, so basically I only write and choose the content.
I'm leaving a comment on this so everytime someone likes or comments on my comment I will get notified. then I'll take that as a reminder to watch this video again.
Sorry to remind you so soon🙏😀
Thank you! I’m SUCH a protectionist & I end up spending an hour on a page then getting frustrated & thinking it’ll never amount to a whole book. Love the affirmation to just write first. Then edit - otherwise I’ll never get past the first page.
The biggest thing that prevented me from writing was my health condition since I was young age. But I'm still trying to be a good writer for my own novel. Wish you all luck ☺️.
Same to you!
Phenomenal points, both in this and the article version. I'm so grateful to have these tips available during the quarantine. Thank you - your words are an addicting read AND listen!
This advice was given to me and I wanted to share it with all of you.
“Writing is a way of clarifying your thoughts on a matter. It also has the advantage that it forces you to make all your thoughts and beliefs on a given topic consistent. This point improves your credibility in a discussion because you then have a clear - unambiguous - explanation for all aspects of the topic. (Too often, many people's arguments are "rather ambiguous" and often downright contradictory.)
It's worth noting that experienced people will often describe - in detail - what they are seeing in a technical investigation (i.e. what do I see in the microscope/photograph/scene etc). These - detailed -descriptions are then included somewhere in the final report.
In summary, writing forces you to clarify your thoughts on a topic and then notice "fine details" you may have otherwise missed. Bringing all those "fine details" into one - consistent - story makes the difference between a credible report and a "not so credible" report.
Writing - in itself - is a worthwhile activity as it helps you to grow in understanding. This is a goal that is quite apart from selling your writing."
- Dennis Murphy
Agree
"Procrastination... Not only do I embrace it -I schedule it right into my calendar!" OMG! That is so hilarious! And a very quotable quote, if ever there was one! Hehehe, thanks for the chuckle. I will not be 'putting off' the remainder of this video -that's for certain...
Thank you so very much for helping us, "Aspiring Writers". I really appreciate all the videos and words of motivation. Keep 'em coming!!
1:38 haha!!...And he said that with a straight face..."and you might be told never to come again"...
I overcome writer's block by writing what is ever in my mind, and being willing to edit so much that it ALL might be deleted. (I once roughed out a draft of a play, 16 pages ... I deleted all but 2. The rewrite eventually landed at 40 pages and was way better.) I always struggled with "writer's block" until I got a job as a newspaper journalist. I had a deadline. No time, days or months to look for inspiration. I had to write, or I had to forfeit getting paid and expect to be fired. What I found was in the beginning it would be hard, but after awhile of doing this month after month I never hit writer's block. What I did was I learned to just write and write and write in the fast draft, bad or crappy or whatever. If there was something I wanted to add, but really had no ideas would just put INSERT HERE TALKING ABOUT BLAH BLAH. Then afterwards when I was editing, my mind would be all juiced up, purged of some iffy ideas, and inspiration was always there. I still do that 20 years later. For me its not about waiting for inspiration to strike, but instead building a foundation for inspiration to be there. I have lots of stuff never finished. I found that when I hit writer's block and set it aside, it never got finished. Actually months later I could barely remember what I was going to write next. But, things that I was steadily tapping away at, good or bad .... I'd be in the shower some morning and have a whole chapter come to me.
Thanks Jerry; some of your advices are simple and logical, but probably the hardest ones to put in practice. I'll force myself to stop editing while writing and see where it goes. I had the illusion of thinking that writing a captivating story was an easy thing to do; before I started and realize how difficult it is. I found confidence and comfort in your teachings.
Fear is your friend, you use fear for you allow it to show you your short comings, motivates to make us better.
Procrastination is my biggest problem in writing.
Especially before something big happens in the story (a battle, death of a character, a huge twist, etc.).
Turning off the inner editor help bunches. If I start editing while still in the writing stage, I find it really slows things down.
I deeply appreciate your advice! May God bless you!
Amen, Jerry! I find your work so very inspiring. Thank you!
Thank you man, I am overcoming the writer's block. Fear is normal and we can all overcome it. Thank you so much man. I am looking forward to finish writing my first book
I love you already, you are very mindful and honest ❤
Jerry, your videos are as valuable as though you offered a professional writing course for free! Thank you. These videos are more valuable than going to conferences.
man, did i need this today! Talk about priceless suggestions.
I’m having the guts to work on my first fictional novel and this was a GREAT insite on what I needed to hear. Thank you for that boost of confidence I needed.
For me it's not fear, it's boredom.
One of the best (if not "the" best) videos or articles on this subject. Thanks for it.
I'm writing my first book and I have no idea what I'm doing lol! Of course I have content for the book but beyond that I'm lost.
Thank you Mr. Jenkins for these videos! These are perfect for brand new writers like myself! Thank you for helping me become a better writer!
You sir are amazing and awesome you made me happy 😁
Great video! I encourage everyone who watched this to follow his TH-cam page.
I love that I found this channel. I'm just starting out with short stories, but you hit the nail on the head about procrastination, writers block and distractions. I'm so motivated now. Thanks.
God, you so nailed it! Thank You for making this video!
Stagefright is a thing, calling in sick because you just cannot today at work is also a thing.
my writer's block was because of a serious workplace issue that resulted in clinical depression. it took me 8 years to write again.
Thank you.
i love these teaching videos. i wish you released them more often
great topic thanks
Thanks for the advice, especially the perfectionism part, I usually struggle with that! (I'm not actually a writer but a musician)
this has got to be one of the most helpful writing videos I've ever watched ! Thank you so much for the advice I'm putting it in practice .
Thank you so much for this! Writers block has made me give up so many of my story ideas and now I have a way to get back on track! Thank you so much!
You are spot on! It’s not only motivating to hear this but so comforting to hear that it happens to a many-times-over published author. Thank you for this!
Your videos helps me VERY mutch.
Wow this video was extremely useful! It's so nice that someone like you helps people like me to fulfil their dreams :)
I write music and struggle with writers block. This opened my eyes to a whole new outlook on my writing.
You’re ain’t alone man I make rap songs and here and there I really get blocked a lot now as an adult.
Thank you so much for the tips, I like your calm voice which motivates me to do more
Jerry, I know this video is 4 years old, but I really wish you could answer something, or maybe someone in the comments could. I have a novel in mind that I've been trying my best to bring to fruition since 2022. I've only managed to reach 12k words. I keep coming back to the beginning, changing or adding stuff. It seems like I can't move on unless it's all perfectly the way I planned. Sometimes I think about just... forgetting. It's painful. And it's not writer's block; I don't know what to call this. Maybe "perfectionism" is the word? Anyway, I have every bit of the novel in my mind, every single last thought and dialogue, but it's nothing if I can't progress.
Edit: As I was watching, you touched the subject about perfectionism. Thank You!
This is amazing! And honestly, it’s amazing that I have never heard this! Seems simple, but why has no one told us this?? Thank you for the advice!
These tips definitely help me, as a starting writer, whoes been writing without any schedule,....been hard.
Cant wait to draw up a schedule now.
Your advice and guidance have helped me more than anything else I have tried.
Thank you
Jerry: Avoid distraction. AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA
me: *silently watching youtube*
I have a binder system future planning folders notebooks planners and planner calendars it might take me years to get it right
OMG, Jerry... you described me to a tee!!! I'm going to put your solutions to work. Thank you!!!
I am not writing a book. But, this is sage wisdom to follow through in any profession. Thank You for sharing this. It is actually helpful and makes sense!
I have never written a book. I am half way through my first chapter. Ha! This feels very important to me. I feel like I have to let this out of me. This story is so personal to me that some of it is actually true to me and my past. I plan on finishing it with a much happier story than my actual story. But I'm finding this feels depressing (ptsd) to me. Should I push through or forget it?
aj adkins I say say push through. Healing comes when we reflect and you get to get it out an dkeep it private OR share. Just write!!
As always, liberating and practical. Thanks for your wholesome guidance, Mr Jenkins.
Kinda funny that i found out my problems were every single one mentioned here. I didn't now, i didn't even have a clue, but now i know. I am happy that i found this video and YT channel. Thank you so much!
I dont know if I am alone in this, but my dreams of sucsess have been crushed to powder so many times befoure i started writing that i dont truly care if it gets traditionally published or not, its a one in a billion it will change your life, if you dont get a deal, make it as good as you can make it alone and move on to the next project, I have gotten countless of mails of agients aking me to send then if i have something eles, but I have set a scetchual for myself, and the first 2 books in the series i am writing is prioraty for me over writing anything eles, and i take writing as if it were a job not a hobby, writing minimum 4 hours every weekday, amd 12 hours on weekends. It sounds depressing, but if you dont put in thr effort forget aboit seeing any of your work published ever. If the standard is followed 75k words per book, ai am writing minimum 4 books a year, and that alone calculates a larger chance of sucsess. And talking about deadlines, take it from my advice or not, dont write on deadlines, do wordcount per day, when you start writing you know nothing of how long your book will be, rherefore deadlines befoure the book has a deal is meaningless. Keep wordcount per day/week, it is much more motivating, and you will not stress on rushing to an end.
With a full time job and a new baby, I wrote 120k words in about 5 months before I suddenly froze up with writers block. In almost 3 years I have written only 1 chapter and I absolutely hate it.
Before my episode, I couldn't get the words out fast enough and now I just sit there staring at a blank page or I end up going back to edit. It's tearing me apart. There's only about 7 or 8 chapters left in my rough draft and I just can't seem to make it there.
You are a life saver, this video made me realize a lot of things that I needed to change. Thank you very much!!
Talking about writing, you J. Jenkins, talk loudly about life too..
I love these videos, I can almost feel an itch to start scripple down my inner fantasy world, just for fun... Idk, maybe some day, untill then I'll just enjoy your lessons and knowledge
Thank you for sharing you wisdom
Thank you Mr Jerry, this is great I'm so happy I came across your channel, Thank you for this wonderful Knowledge you shared I've learnt to keep my productivity time from perfectionism
Great tips! Thank you for these reminders. I needed to hear this today.
I'm procrastinating watching your videos. Thanks for putting this online.
Mr. Jenkins, it's been three of your youtube videos that persuaded me of your professionalism, although I am not familiar with your writing. Do you have a training or a course for writing movie scripts? If no, could you please suggest something in this regard?
P.s. I find your videos not only masterfully professional but very inspiring as well. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.