How to Write a Novel: My Proven 12-Step Process
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I share with you the 12-step novel-writing process that’s helped me write more than 130 novels over the past 40 years.
Even if you’re a beginner, you can use this plan to write the best fiction you can imagine and avoid years of trial-and-error.
You’ll learn…
- The fool-proof story structure I use for all my novels
- Three questions to ask yourself about each potential character in your novel
- Four types of openers you can use for your story
- The engine of fiction (If your scenes fall flat, I guarantee you need this)
- One thing that will make or break you as a novelist
- And more!
Click this link to get your bonus editing checklist: leveragecreative.lpages.co/se...
And here's another surprise bonus, my complete (and free) novel-writing guide: leveragecreative.lpages.co/ho...
“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
― Anton Chekhov
He knew his stuff. Also see, Chekhov's gun.
We know it has to go off before the show is over but I think they're going to Red Flag Chekhov. LOL
@@Marshal_Dunnik - sure!
Show dont tell
That's beyond both tell and show... That's implication. Powerful stuff.
1.A winning story idea
2.Outliner or pantser?
3. Unforgettable Characters
4. Conduct through research
5. Your point of view character
6. Begin in medias res
7. Trigger the theatre of your reader's mind
8. Ramp up your main character's trouble
9. Make your hero's predicament appear hopeless
10. Bring it all to a head
11. leave your reader wholly satisfied
12. Separate writing from editing
"Research adds flavor, it's not the main course. Your story is the main course."👍
This was like a college course in 21 minutes.
21 minutes, the video is 20:34.
That last 26 seconds were of me staring blankly, deep in thought. 🤣
@@MilitaryDog. 🤣
With ASMR voice
Most definitely…I was taking notes!
Awesome video, I have I will have to Say a Thriller. It's going to be full of Suspense and pretty much violence and Vengeance. I actually have the story in my head, it's a Novel that is based on a Ultimate Betrayal and I have No doubt any agent or publisher will want more and more. I am even going to submit the ongoing story to a Producer, I haven't read a book like this ever, and Trust me when I say keeping the reader's attention will not be a problem. I'm thinking of at least a 3 maybe 4 series book, even if I was too accomplish to get it in the movies I have a #1 Best Seller. I have sent just the part's of this book to 3 different publishers and believe me when I tell you that I don't actually know which one to do business with. I have been offered a $67,000 Advance with the very first publishing company and really it's really enticing and very exciting that when I tell you that I am letting my answering service take calls. I currently have 6 publishers just trying to out do the other as for royalties and upfront advances, and I have been Very Blessed as it seems, one will call and think I am clueless because I am a New writer and soon to be Author. I just allow the companies just enjoy thinking they are going to blindside me, and I drop the hammer after they get done with there Shinanigins, of course saying I need to get involved with their Company because of how hard it will be to actually get published. Well in Reality I even knowing I have a 4 book minimum to get this story written. I currently would rather let a published Author to just take possession of my incredible Very suspenseful and mind grabbing just can't stop reading until the very end, and let him or her get the Glory for the Book. I have a Very bad Heart and a what they think is a Aneurism on the front and center of My brain. I just lost my son by a Careless act, by his Uncle who was drinking and had blood levels of 3.7 alcohol level and on my sons Graduation Day, my son Isaiah was actually a great kid, called to preach at 11 year's old and was a Straight A student, He touched everyone that he met. Anyways I have cried more than I thought was ever possible for one person to cry, it's really breaking me even more every single day. I am actually just going to setup trust funds for all 3 of my children that I Love with every inch of my being. Well the ex brother in law he lived, Sure because he was drunk, so I actually gave my home to a Widower Lady that I somewhat knew, I had seen Her struggles she had 7 kids, from 16 to, well she just had her last baby just last month. I had to Move because I couldn't Trust myself or know for Sure how I would react if and when I would've seen Ole Brother in law. I was totally done wrong through the whole losing my son, too the extent that My ex wife his Mother or the Police Department didn't even contact me, I found out by a friend of my brothers who just asked if he knew my son, the very next day. I currently as soon as I was told thought I was heading to the wreck and actually had lost control of my vehicle on the way what I was thinking, to my Angel Boys wreck. Anyways I'm writing the story True Story of my son's life and the death of my son's death and I am not candy coating anything, like how I was in a coma for 13 days when I lost control on the way to get to my son's accident, his Mother was a ways away in several States away, it was her brother who Carelessly took my son's life, his Uncle. Well my parents actually my whole family had a funeral service from where I was raised where he was to be layed to Rest, they had me in a induced coma, and I woke up on the 13th day to find out that somehow she actually got U.A.B. Hospital to release my son's body to her and coldly had no service and had him Cremated as quickly as possible just so she could Hurt me one last time, by not letting me get any kind of closure. Anyways I'm definitely writing the book in full detail and I'm Donating all proceeds to the Danny Thomas Children's Hospital in Dedication of my son's Name. I feel like my Son would have agreed with me keeping his memory alive by Helping all the Children that was in the Hospital for Children's Cancer and abnormalities. I currently have just got out of Hospital for another Heart attack, my 4th one, I had a nervous breakdown 2 days after waking from Coma, I pray 🙏 that I can get the book of Isaiah done before my body just gives up on me. Thank You for the writing pointers I enjoyed your video and it will No Doubt help Future Writer's/Author's in the near future. Thanks for allowing me to Share a little bit of my Story God Bless. Too anyone who is wanting to write a Book, don't give up keep Striving there's plenty of Publishers just waiting to read and publish your book, idea check out Amazon it's easily published on I think Kindle in every format and a sure way to get your book published and get your message or book and name out there. If you have any Kid's you never take for Granted of a second to show him/her there Loved no matter there age, give them lot's of Love and Hugs and treasure every moment. Once again Thanks for allowing me to Share just a little bit of my life and my Son's death, it's a night I am having a terrible time dealing. If anyone has lost someone you have God's grace and Love to turn to and my personal F.B is Bubby Guess, I will be more than Happy if you need anyone to help you through, I had family but it was like I had no one, because I only had this one quote from everyone... I'm Sorry I don't know what else to say, and I just was begging for just one person who I could speak with that had more support instead of I don't know what to Say but Sorry. God Bless you all for just reading, let me say I am Sorry for, if I did making you feel sad from me just needing to just let it out. Again God Bless W. Guess aka Bubby Guess 😢😢❤❤
Remember: plot is no more than footprints in the snow after your characters have run on their way to incredible destinations.
~Ray Bradbury
I don't get it
@@Bromon655 It's saying that the perspective of which a plot is formed is not from that of which is becoming, but of which has already been. A plot is a guideline for the story as if it has already happened.
The part of the video about plotting a novel starts at 4:50 and ends at 5:39.
1. A winning story idea
2. Outliner or pantser
3. Unforgettable character
4. Conduct thorough research
5. Your POV character
6. Begin in medias res
7. Trigger the theatre of your reader's mind
8. Ramp up your character's trouble
9. Make your hero's predicament feel hopeless
10. Bring it all to a head
11. Leave your reader wholly satisfied
12. Separate writing from editing
Final (Bonus! Get excited!) call is to click a link to subscribe to his emails.
And it's free. :)
Thanks, I had a feeling this video was going to be selling something. The dude presents himself as some writing God and talks about his services at the start of the video. /Clicks off.
@@23daughters "presents himself as some writing God" Really? I didn't get that feeling at all. I thought he provided valuable and useful information freely given. And so what if he has something to sell. I take it you're here because you are or want to be a successful author too. Well, you too are going to have to sell your writing. BTW, since you seem to not know much about Mr. Jenkins, his writing career spans 40 years. He has penned nearly 200 hundred books. Twenty-one times his works have made it to the NYT Best Sellers list and 7 of those OPENED at the number one spot. He has over 71 MILLION copies in print. The guy's a self-made multi-millionaire. How many completed works have you?
It's worth subscribing.
@@timennis3456 Those words hit hard 😂✨
But yh. I agree. The video indeed provides helpful advice for writers who are struggling with their story. I know I was
Here is for the peeps who want to go back and check, or for the ones who want to go straight into making the novel :
2:00 1# Winning Story Idea
3:43 2# Outliner or Pantser?
5:40 3# Unforgettable Characters
7:37 4# Conduct thorough Research
8:52 5# Your Point-Of-View Character
11:09 6# Begin in Media Res
13:14 7# Trigger the Theater of your Reader's Mind
14:59 8# Ramp up your Character's Trouble
16:32 9# Make your Hero's Predicament appear Hopeless
17:46 10# Bring it all to an End
18:21 11# Leave your Reader wholly Satisfied
19:07 12# Separate Writing from Editing
Wish you all luck for your Works and Progresses!
When do you begin writtin?
Thank you for the summary
Did u use instagram?
🤌🏽
Thank you!
The thing that comes to mind is “Wow! Thank you.”
You're welcome!
One of the best 20mins and 34 secs I have spent on TH-cam so far this year. Honestly, step 11 was really applied to this video😂.
Couldn’t agree more! He kept my attention the entire 20 minutes with the way he spoke. I’m sure his writing is immaculate 👌
I’ve been writing since I was nine (fourteen now) and I’ve always enjoyed it. I’ve been trying to write a book ever since then, and I’ve been working on a current project for the past three years. I plan to rewrite the first half or so chapters and this video will definitely help me make it the best it can possibly be.
I'm struggling from poor grammar and vocabulary words. And sometimes i fail at deadlines. But that doesn't stop me from making my ideas come to life. This video really helped me. Thankyou so much.
Use thesaurus, if you want variety in your book
@@chonacastillo4777 great idea! I use the digital dictionary
Keep reading!! Those are the shoulders that any author rests on.
Read a lot and write a lot.
Hello Sir,
I watched this segment three or four days ago, I didn’t comment at the time but wanted to be sure to reach out to you after receiving an email from you to let you know you have helped at least one budding author.
I’m not big on using my personal email address but I took a chance and here is why.
I started watching your channel about four weeks ago, I only had about 13,000 words written in my novel. The following two weeks I increased my word count to 27,000. The story grew and the characters emerged. Following a quote you shared, I created an interesting character and I’m writing to see what happens.
I took the next week to edit what I had so far. Then got on track with editing each day of what I had written the day before. This system works well for me, I thrive when I’m organized, this tip you shared in a previous segment has helped me immensely. For that, Thank you..
Michelle
Stay the course, amiga. Just finishing a novel is an accomplishment. Very few manage even that.
Thank you TJ
@@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss Pro tip, no matter how good you believe your first to be, it probably isn't. There have been some notable exceptions to this rule, but they are few. I'm not out to discourage anyone. I'm only saying you shouldn't be shattered if no one shows an interest.
Imo, the best thing most of can do is finish the manuscript, file it away, and dig into your next project. If you give it six months to a year, and go back to it, you'll see it with fresh eyes and be shocked at your mistakes.
Good luck!
Thanks, Michelle, and all the best with it!
@@tjjordan8994 You needn't wait a whole year. A good editor will catch those mistakes.
I say this with the utmost respect and love but your video is an accidental ASMR, such a calming voice lol
Sir, I am not a writer and never thought of doing it. But after watching this video, I can certainly say why some books were very interesting but not others!!
So whats your book about? Im writing a r/nosleep story!
@@chonacastillo4777 I'm writing a book about an abortion spoon manufacturer
I've watched so many different tips on how to write a novel I've literally lost count. This is the absolute "BEST" one I've seen thus far! Thank you🙏
Agreed. I have a long list of links to and notes on many TH-cam videos and articles on writing a novel, and this video certainly takes the cake!
I have subscribed to many channels about writing tips (Eg: Abbie Emmons) I have to say.. this is one of THE best and informative video I have seen about writing tips.
Do u use instagram....i also wanted to ask u something....plz reply....
You might try also Brandon Sanderson's free lecture series on TH-cam! They are the one best resource ive ever stumbled across. I cant recommend them enough to aspiring writers!
Mr. Jenkins, I feel that this outline of how to write a novel is the best, of several that I've read! Thank you!
Its best meet i 've ever dream
"Conflict keeps the reader at the edge of his seat"
"Bread and games"
"...tell my inner critic to shut up." Bravo, sir. Bravo! Your video is packed full with one liners and wisecracks and true gems.
If I'm not completing my short story after this, nothing will help me ever.
This man is absolutely brilliant. Ground breaking articulation at its best. He is a gifted man. Blessed beyond measure.
Thanks!
Unbelievable advice, this is Bible all of us who are working on our first novel
Honestly, more people need to see this video.
Thanks, Oskar!
I've had an idea swimming in my head for years finally I have the tools to execute thanks for the tips
God bless you Jerry!! You have no clue how much of a help you are to budding/procrastinating writers. your ingenuity in explaining writing hacks with such endearing compassion and simplicity makes me wish the best of all the world for you. Keep it going , we are listening.
Most informative ASMR I ever listened to
I was going to make a similar comment - his voice is so soothing!
Thank you, Odival.
🙂So true
You have a way with words: YES
A knack for storytelling: YES
But FEAR: Yes 😩
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
@@c.9231 True
Jerry, thank you for all the videos. I’m embarking on my novel writing expedition after 15 years of pondering it. My inner critic and editor have thwarted me every time I sit down to start. But I’m determined to overcome these obstacles and write the dang thing anyway. Your videos are helping me feel confident… instead of reinventing the wheel. Much appreciated!
Good luck!!!! I recently decided to do the same. I just finished draft 1 of part 1 (25k words). I have a a great story line with mediocre execution. Im happy with my progress. You def should go for it. I believe in you!!!
I already have my first unpublished novel - Why Did I Fall In Love? - and I see now that the mistakes I had made are fixable! Thanks!!!!
Besides giving kickass advice, this man has one of the most soothing voices I've ever heard.
Whoa, I never knew that there were authors that wrote without an outline! I've been doing it forever and thought I had to try and make an outline to have the story become as successful as the ones that are circulating right now. I tried forcing myself to make outlines but I always spun into a different direction because I liked what came to mind instead of what I had down before writing. I'm so glad I'm not the only one that does that. (Should've searched it up, I guess)
Dear Jerry, because of you and your mentoring I have decided not to give up on writing. Thanks for "paying it forward"! I look forward to learning from you. --From Sharon, a lucky recipient of your generosity.
Thanks, Sharon.
Dear Sharon, I wish you continue on your endeavor as a writer. You have a great story/ies to tell and the world needs to read them. May God bless you and direct you.
Don't give up Sharon!
@@claudiacarbonell6016 Thanks so much! I appreciate your support!
@@NorthKoreaUncovered Thanks for the encouragement!
You are a consummate professional. At any rate, I write thrillers and read them with sound effects and b-roll. I will consume more of your content, that is for sure.
Great, thanks!
This video was incredibly insightful. Thank you for sharing!
This was really helpful! I feel like I can actually do this now after watching this video and taking notes. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom for free.
I really needed this. I’ve been working through the marathon of the middle for my first book for a while now, this’ll really help!
Some really great advice in here, some of which I had never heard before. Definitely saving this one and clicking the link for the guide. Thanks, Jerry!
Thank you so much for explaining the fiction - novel writing process. Great video...!
This man has a voice of an asmrist. Totally worth it
I’ve been working on my novel since 2017 but haven’t gotten past 50,000 words because I’ve re-written it three different times. This is phenomenal advice. I’m on my fourth rewrite, I feel very confident in writing my novel now. I plan on finishing it by the end of the year
How's it going so far
@@hassantalpur6792 It was going pretty well but I decided to stop to get more inspiration. Perhaps I should just keep writing and worry about gaining more inspiration later.
@@JavaBott Just out of interest, what is it about?
Pick what worked in each version and leave out what didn’t. Getting an honest 2nd opinion is crucial!
This was by far the most helpful, solid and welcome advice EVER for me. Great voice and generous spirit, complete with humility. Thank you SO much!
A wonderful seminar - and all in 20 minutes. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience!
Alternative title: "Kindly old language arts teacher ASMR"
Ha! I could tell you I'm not that old, but I write fiction for a living. :)
Coined in 2010, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is a relaxing, often sedative sensation that begins on the scalp and moves down the body. ... In fact, there are currently about 5.2 million ASMR videos on TH-cam, and there is interest coming from all corners of the globe. www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/asmr-videos-youtube-trend/
@@JerryBJenkinsBooks Nice response! :)
@@c.9231 Ya!
Not to ME--those guys are unnaturally low-key, and often minus normal inflection, while this guy's soft-spoken but earnest.
Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and experience with us ! You are an excellent teacher 😊
Thanks so much.
Clear, precise, and encouraging. Thank you!
This was ABSOLUTELY GREAT!!! Thank you so much!!! This is better than the on-line master class that I singed up for with another author!
Jerry Jenkins, YOU ARE A GOD-SEND!!!
I like it when authors make it look like there’s a miracle, the protagonist lets their guard down and then their life falls to pieces
Brilliant advice! Helped me tremendously in my current manuscript drafting. Thank you!
Such an informative video. Thank you so much for giving time to this, Jerry 😊
" Cat is sitting on the mat. " is not a story. But, " Cat is sitting on the dogs mat. " is a story. 😁😁😁😂
It would be great to see some videos about characterisation, plot development, novel transitions etc. More specific videos in general.
This is such a wonderful guide for writers! The beauty of it is that is applies to any genre and to each type of writer, wheather seasoned or just starting out. I was happy to hear you also edit between writing sessions. This used to make me feel self-conscious, having read so many times of writers that are able to draft an entire book without looking back and editing any of it until the very last chapter was done. Thank you for all the wonderful information, it is trully excellent!
This is such a brilliant video. Thank you!
Brilliant! Thank you Sir. Your presentation did end with me wholly satisfied.
Thanks so much, Samuel.
@fifthof To think I am using the short version already 🤣🤣🇳🇬🙏🏾😇
Thank You so much Sir. You just made my novel more interesting to me.
Great!
Love the explanation!
What a valuable video! It's helping me, and I'm sure many others, a lot. Thank you!
03/22/21. I always prefer the book over a movie version. It can’t get my imagination on film.
A great set of writing points! Thank you!!
I've always had this issue as well. When I do see the movie I'm always thrown off by the changes, the actors rarely look how I imagine them. People have blemishes and wrinkles, some are aggressive some are passive and some react emotionally. This is not captured well on film where every actor looks like a Roman bust.
Very interesting talk Jerry. I am attempting my first novel after years as an artist and sculptor. I find myself willing to throw away my tools and fall into the page as it has become a four dimensional. The fourth dimension for me lies within the emotional library hidden in my soul. To reach deep into a character only to find what has been hidden and then extracted from that library is at once exhilarating and a bit too real.
I have discovered many of your points on my own as they presented logic in the process. The need to pace myself is what my next step will be. The brain is faster than the keypad. Oh well... I will get there because they force their voice through me and they demand to be heard.
Thanks for your words, I will subscribe and learn from you.
Cheerio.
Good luck Goodrock!
Hi Johny, how did you make your living as an artist and sculptor? I'm interested in this line of work
Glad to stumble upon this video it’s really informative thank you. I started my first draft!!
So many useful tips as always, thanks Jerry!
Thank you, Jerry. The point of view makes my eyes water. I’ll study more about the 3rd person limited. Can you please recommend a contemporary novel to read as an example? Thanks. Carol
Game of Thrones. Each chapter is told from one pov, third person, even though we get many perspectives throughout the book
Go to the bookstore or browse Amazon. If the first page has "I" on it, then it's first-person. If it doesn't, then it is likely 3rd. Read. Read a lot. Then read more. You need way more than just one book to read.
Dead Sea Rising. I talked with the author this morning. In the mirror. :)
@@JerryBJenkinsBooks Thank you so much. I am beyond Grateful to you.
I need all the help I can get to start writing about my life.
My father was a celebrity and I need to tell the story.
Roda that is memoir.
I listen to this sort of content regularly. This was the most concise and clear advice I can remember watching.
This is a wonderful video. The information is succinct and so helpful. Every point is valuable and clear.
I love writing in third person limited! It’s so interesting to have an unreliable narrator who is called out through the view of other pov characters/scenes!
I agree!
His voice is so soothing and kind
Thank you so much for sharing this information! Great video!
Thanks Jerry! Why are you so kind and generous? You knock my socks off.
I'm South Africa
This video is helping me alot. I started my first book and the book is a true story. If there is anything good advice that anyone has for me please I would love to hear it. 😊
Then i think it cant be a novel if it's a true story.
@@josephcusumano2885 no its not a novel, but i would still like people to give me advice and maybe read it
Hello sir, I was trying to write a non-fiction book and managed to finish a draft in my own mother tongue. The challenge comes when my wife read it. She said chapters are not connecting. How do I connect chapters?
Listening to you gave me immense confidence that I am thinking everything right, regarding my story writing. Thank you for your valuable advice.
You are definitely soo good in what you are doing. You just poured out all you know in 20 minutes. Respect.
I'm still using pencil and paper. What's a good software ?
Many writers praise Scrivener. (That is not my personal recommend though. I have used Scrivener just once and manage with MS Word.)
@@Alkemisti Thanks. I'll give it a try.
"Don't tell me who he's scared of. bring on the boogeyman and let him shit his pants."
--Some guy
Extremely helpful! Thanks for the hands-on experience that you're sharing
Great tips! Oh boy. A lot to work on! Thanks so much Jerry.
Your intellectual honesty and openness to the variety of ways people think are refreshing and have the same effect as maintaining good tension throughout a novel. Thank you.
This was so helpful I wish he had a podcast so I could just download everything on spotify and listen to him intently
Great video! So much help! Thank you
Very helpful and informative! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. It feels like you didnt just help me learn how to write a novel but to help see my life as a whole more clearly.
Thanks for the genuine effort in putting this together sir. I'm an amateur writer and was doing some of these things before, but I had doubts whether I'm on the right track. This has reaffirmed my beliefs and will propel me forward. My work won't be completed without your inputs, and for that I'm eternally grateful.
Academic lectures on a variety of subjects of how to improve your skills on writing a novel. Great.
Thank you very much for this post ...tons of great reminders.
Thank you for the great video and advice. Got my download guide as well (free)! You are very kind. Many thanks. Chris from the Uk
So helpful. I'm grateful for these videos
I love this video Jerry! Enjoy listening and watching your videos. Great tips!
I love watching your content, you’re a great teacher !!
Hi Jerry. Thanks so much for making such a concise guide, and for the clear explanations and examples. All the best!
Alright, I’ve subscribed. This is probably the best advice I’ve heard in one spot.
Excellent video! Thank you so much. Got me re-motivated to finish my project.
Thank you so much for all your advice Jerry. It's priceless! You're helping me a lot! Blessings.
Absolutely perfect.
Thank you very much
Mr. Jenkins..I really appreciate your existence. I am listening and taking notes. You've been so kind tongive away the JEWELS. Thank you and Namaste 🙏
Your information is so appreciated!!! I can tell how much you know about this subject, makes me more invested in continuing on my novel. It was also very relaxing and meditative to listen to your voice. Thank you!
Explained so wonderfully well. Thankyou
Cannot thank you enough for this! You are an amazing teacher. Beautiful!
I have read many books on novel writing and Jerry highlights the most important aspects. This is such a great video. Jerry is so engaging. Thanks!
My first novel started after I had the "film" in my head. I had the whole story in my head, then imagined it in real life. The writing poured out to where I had what I call writing fits, non stop, and for a few hours in a sitting. And for me, sitting at length is hard to do. After publishing Soothing The Savage Beat I found mistakes that I won't make again. But so far, my readers are enjoying the story, and missing the errors. Writing the screenplay was also very helpful. Now, the film production has begun. I wish I had seen your videos before I started, but I'm pressing on with the next book and your help. Thanks Jerry!
Wow! I am so happy I stumbled across your channel. I have yet to find true guidance in my story writing journey, now I feel I have a mentor. Thank you 🙏🏼
This is par none the best video on the subject I have ever come across. I played it several times. Thank you.