When good omens 2 was announced, Neil Gaiman talked about the night he and Terry plotted out the sequel. They were sharing a hotel room while promoting good Omens and Neil went out and came back late, trying to creep in without turning on the light so as not to take Terry. Terry turns on the light and says 'what time do you call this? Your mother and I were worried sick'
@@brandic89 You know the famous question we ask writers, "Where do you get your ideas?" Well, I think it's a matter of filling your mind and life with images, thoughts, words, experiences, etc, then allowing the subconscious to juggle all of it, and then after a little mental rest (staring, taking a walk, or a nap), BOOM! Out pops a great idea!
I ended up sticking to handwriting for a number of reasons. The biggest two being 1) that it's easier to write to myself about the story with notes in the margins or writing a couple of synonyms next to each other so I don't get caught on one sentence for an hour trying to decided between them. It gets pretty fun to make a messy page that feels alive instead of the neatness of a computer page. And 2) I hate rereading my writing and editing. I have a bad habit of doing my editing on the first draft which slows me down and makes it way too easy for me to forget some details in early chapters as I reach the end of my story. The process of typing it up forces me to go through it again and remember all the things I like about it
"Edit as you go" is NOT a problem. "NEVER edit as you go" is a false position. It all depends on what works best for you. You are the center of your writing universe. No one else can produce your material. Not Dickens, King, Poe, Hemingway, Rowling. Do YOUR thing with full confidence!
I love handwriting when I'm doing brainstorming sessions or outlines. Unfortunately, it's not feasible for me when writing an actual draft because I have mild tendonitis, and after a prolonged period of time the pain just becomes unbearable. I'm really grateful for keyboards for this reason, and because it allows my writing speed to keep up with the pace of my brain. However, I think handwriting is a great way to slow things down and be a bit more methodical. For those who are capable of doing it for an entire draft it might be a worthwhile exercise.
@@cjpreach "edit as you go" isn't a problem in general principle, yes, but for a lot of us neurodivergent people it can absolutely be a paralyzing compulsion that makes the process extremely difficult & makes flow hard to achieve. I love the vibe & intentions of your comment (& of course you emphasized everyone doing their own process their own way so you get it lol) but just had to pipe up that for a lot of us out here, avoiding editing-as-we-go is us coping with our own needs, not just trying to follow popular advice, so it makes sense to discuss ways to avoid ending up doing it.
Thanks for this comment, OP. I really relate to your process & am working on a novel for the first (& I hope the last lol) time, & was feeling kinda drawn to trying handwriting my draft/initial work but wasn't really planning to do it. But I can tell for sure now that it'll suit me best. I'm grateful you shared your experiences!
I REALLY appreciated you admitting to only putting down 50 words that one day. I've been writing every day for a while now and some days I've only hit 250 words in a session. On those days I've always felt so miserable, kind of like I not only let myself down, but that I also let down all the characters I was going to write for. Your confession made me feel a little less crazy, so thank you for that.
My goodness, Perth is flat-but beautiful. Then you sprinkled it with a little stardust and magic. I just had my first novel published and felt something of a fraud, but needing to believe that I could call myself a writer. You helped me go from being an imposter to being proud to be a writer. I write from 2am to 4am. You live writing all day every day. That is the lesson I needed. Thank you Jed.
I'm not an lit author, I'm a scientist. But Mr. Gaiman's "work ethic" as well as Mr. Terry Pratchett's have pushed me to not only work hard, but enjoy what I do for a living.
I respect the commitment to writing and trying that approach. He easily could’ve made an excuse to not write, and he had good reason not to lol, but he stuck with it. That’s how you get it done, respect.
Donna Tartt writes by hand, in notebooks: any idea that ‘comes up’ incidentally, she develops as far as possible & then SHE STAPLES IT IN! It’s there - & not only as an add-on: The story can continue from there: or not.... 🙏🏻💔🙏🏽
@@toniok.4726 : Thank you Tonio: it’s just something I use, kind of a signing off: If you want to know the significance, well: 🙏🏽🙏🏻 the raised hands (which some people interpret as prayer), means ‘namaste’ - it’s actually a Buddhist greeting which signifies ‘the Buddha (good/soul/) in me greets the Buddha/good/soul in you... The broken heart 💔? maybe we won’t go there...OK! For me it represents an attempt at Empathy, for the sorrow in the world, & my intention to try not to add to it! This all sounds a bit high-minded, but I hope you get the drift... I don’t practice the Darma (Buddhist doctrine) as I used to, but my intentions are well-meaning: If the comment is very positive, I sometimes replace the Heart with a Rose 🌹 Take care & be well! 🙏🏻🌹🙏🏽
I like the idea of writing down ideas & scenes in a notebook, then stitching them together. More fun than slogging through from start to finish in order!
I'm a big fan of pen and paper for the zero draft. My bit of advice: get it digital every scene or two. For some folks, a couple hundred thousand words to transcribe can feel impossible.
i'm a screenwriter and i met neil gaiman during his book signing in manila. i cut my classes just to see him and i told him that. he asked me if my deed to see him was worth it. i said, YES. cut to 2020, i did neil gaiman's masterclass workbook as a working material for the last film i was writing. i like the exercise where he tasks the writers to write one of the character's struggle but in their perspective. i was writing a psycho thriller story and i had to talk to a therapist to get myself grounded. it was a creepy yet rewarding experience. my character had motivation and depth, the producers liked it. we're in post-production currently. if any of my films ever hits global fame, i will not hesitate to mention that neil gaiman was and will forever be my major influence in my writing career. i will tell him missing those classes way back in college was worth it just to see him.
I was about to go get ready for bed but wanted to end the night watching this video and halfway through I switched over to my worldbuilding doc to keep working on it while finishing up listening to your video. I had no intention of writing tonight, but there you have it. So thank you for making these, they seriously do help and inspire.
I bought his master class for my 19th birthday... in March 2019. Now it's been a little over 4 years and I can't get rid of the habit of handwriting my first drafts. I'm so repulsed by that blank Word Document page and computer screens by now... But once I have a paper in front of me the sentences FLOW. It's so freeing. Takes a bit more time (I kinda see the typing down as a first minor editing stage though) but it's so worth it. Keeps me from procrastinating, worrying about wordcount etc.
Wow. Thank you so much for this ... I was feeling depressed and detached from my writing and told my older sister, who is working on her own first novel. She had watched this video, was inspired by it and sent me the link just today. I am 71, started my novel 28 years ago and then would put it away for years at a time, pull it out, work on it, put it away. Same cycle. Over the years it has become a very different book than the one I started, but I've been working on it enthusiastically for a couple of months, happy with the changes as they evolved; but for some reason, I just lost my confidence. As soon as I leave this comment, I am going to shut down my laptop and put pen to paper and write some of a scene I have in my head. I am going to do the 7 day thing. I feel excited and happy. Again, thank you.
Good luck mate. Keep going. I've had a constant thought that I should be writing for over a decade now....always in the back of my mind. I've written small bits that have always received praise from friends but can never quite get past the hurdle of taking it beyond my initial idea.
This was great advice! I'm an aspiring writer, just about to graduate from college, and I'm looking forward to implementing this advice into my own routine as I start my career. Thanks!
One of the things I love about handwriting is how portable it is. I constantly carry a pen and small notebook with me for when I have down time in public transport or a few minutes to just jot an idea down. You don't always have wifi access, but you do always have access to a pen and paper.
When I worked in an office, pre-pandemic, I had to attend long meetings where writing novel (or board game) ideas on a notepad helped keep me sane lol. :-)
I’ve always handwritten my draft 1, (zero?) with a different color for each day. I’m just sitting here feeling cool because one of my favorite writers does the same. Pro tip: fountain pens are great for hand fatigue!
For a cheaper alternative, more gel pen like ballpoint pens where the ink is more fluid can also help, they're what I use for study notes that I always make by hand.
@@Jed_Herne a fountain doesn't have to be that expensive, but for the ink to flow you don't need to use a lot of pressure which is what will help with kramps and fatique. I personally really like writing by hand.but I do get that it is really personal and it depends on what you prefer. I do really recommend trying writing with a fountain pen!
@@Jed_Herne pilot make a disposable fountain pen (varsity pen) which is a cheap way to find out if you like writing with a fountain pen. They are decent to write with 🙂 hard to get here in Australia but Amazon often have them available
One thing I would recommend to immerse yourself even more in the writing session; use a fountain pen. Believe me, you will become obsessed about handwriting when you get your first fountain pen, and you will start to collect fountain pens "new hobby" 😃
Thank you for putting this out there. I have been struggling so much with two stories in the works that i just couldnt get traction on that ive considered stopping altogether. But i think i need to give it at least one last good week... Neil Gaiman style. Thanks
Thank you so much for this video. I'm in writing slump for over 2 years, and this is after putting 85,000 words into my novel. I'm stuck in the plot, and going back to it scares me that I might not be able to unravel what happens next and might give up on the book. This scared me, and for 2 years, I haven't gone back.. but the thought of the unfinished work weighs on me every single day. I'm trying to get out of this slump. I haven't gone back to the Novel and also haven't written anything else, other than few Goodreads book reviews. This video inspired me, I will also try this method for a week, for a short story that I have been thinking for the past few days, and see if this would help me out... Thanks again..Good luck in your writing project. Subscribed to your channel... Have a blessed day
YT recommendation brought me here. Glad it did. I feel inspired and oddly calm. Most YT videos give me a headache because of wrong pacing, loud voice, bad diction, music, other sound effects and more. This one was balanced so well I didn't feel annoyed by anything, truly remarkable.
Writing has helped motivate me for my school work as a 3D environment artiste. I'm in front of my computer about 10--12 hours a day, writing is fueling my creativity and motivation for school as a result!
There are two reasons handwriting a draft (or even notes) doesn't work well for me. The first is obvious: I literally can't read my own handwriting if I'm writing as fast as I need to to draft. Which brings us to the second problem: I think way faster than I can handwrite, and even typing I get ahead of myself, although it's better than handwriting by far for keeping up with my thoughts. And I'm only a two fingered typist- but a pretty fast one.
Try changing your thinking. I'd suggest a draft (a long one, I'm assuming) be something that shouldn't be assumed to have speed implicit in the word. Slow down.
THIS! Exactly this! 💯 My handwriting is shit-- especially the faster I try to write! I can't keep up with how fast my brain goes.... and I am also a fast two finger typist 🤣
the reason for some people for handwriting is that you think about the words and the process differently, your brain and hand running at different paces is literally part of the reason why some people prefer it, because they have to curate what they're writing and pause more and think on where it's going. Do what works for you
@@mewho8057 Oh, for sure that's a motivation for many to handwrite. I doubt I could slow my thought processes enough to draft that way. I don't often sit down and stare at the page wondering what to write. Writing usually happens when inspiration kicks in, or in 'NanoWriMo" mode (ie I gotta get words down or else!) I've been mulling it over in my head or reading what I wrote last. Once I get going, it becomes a sprint. Just my nature. I do sometimes envy those who can calmly sit and write and carefully consider every word. Maybe it's all those frenetic one hour essay exams from 10 years of college, lol!
i have been using a handwriting the first draft of the story while working on my first book. and it is incredibly helpful. it really turns on that specific part of the brain that just helps the flow coming and ideas to appear naturally
I had the same experience with music while drafting. Very dangerous if the emotion of the sound track convinces you of feelings that aren't present in the words alone.
New viewer here. I really enjoyed this video and was even happier to see that this was a writing video by someone with actual books out. I look forward to seeing more of you in the future!
11:47 This for me was the heart and soul of this video. This beautiful little anecdote of your journey, of crossing paths with that distant mentor, of reaching towards him, seeming to miss, but him catching you, nodding to you, seeing that you see him, see one of his special defining moments as a human being--his bond with one of fantasy's greats--and he raising high his torch, his beacon, and telling you, everyone there, it's good to go on, it's dangerous, but it's good, that the journey, though vague, has a way of sorting itself, of things coming together in an unforeseen way, of taking on its own life and joining hands with you, its author, and finding that terminus together. Thank you for sharing this powerful moment of your journey as a writer. It's beautiful and moving. Beyond this, I am curious which method you felt was the best for you, the Stephen King method, or the Neil Gaiman method?
I'm glad you found it moving! Was very special for me for sure. I'd lean towards the Stephen King one, purely because that was what I was going through as I finished the novel, so it felt like the 'result' of the challenge was more successful. But both were useful in their own ways
@@Jed_Herne Thanks for sharing. I've been enjoying your videos immensely. As a little side note, I lived in Australia north of you in Geraldton back in 2004-05 and wrote my second book there. I stayed in a sweet place in Drummond's Cove, watched the Indian Ocean and scribbled away. Perth and Fremantle were lovely to visit and I miss Australia quite a bit. I'm back in California for now, and probably forever.
@@jasonuerkvitz3756 That's awesome! I love Geraldton. Have stayed there a bit, and one of my best friends grew up there. Great place and some awesome beaches
Hi Jed, loved this video man. I'm a massive Gaiman fan and have found his advice to be massively helpful. The writing by hand for first drafts probably the most. I would love to know what three audio clips of Neil's you used for daily inspo/motivation!
This kind of writing experience is something that sounds like a dream from an alternate reality for me. My writing habit loop starts with going live but I do have a couple of days over the new year that we're going to disconnect on a camping trip, so I'm gonna see if I can try for line edits/proofing then! Might only get the first hour or two of sunrise before the kids wake up but I'll take what I can get. (I say this with total optimism as I'm struggling through the back third of my current novel 😭so who knows, I might not be up to line edits at that point in time yet 😅)
Cool video dude! I find my mind feels different when I’m having blue-light hitting my eyes or not. That’s one of multiple things I like about using paper. Wearing blue-light blockers is one thing to do as well.
Great video Jed, easily one of the best you have ever done! Thanks for sharing your insight and helping to spark more writing creativity. I'm really looking forward to Kingdom of Dragons!
I have a novel I've been sitting on for six years, putting work into it on and off as inspiration waxes and wanes, never wanting the end result bad enough to stay disciplined. I've been hunting for as long as I could remember for some scrap of advice that would rectify this. I can tell you that after trying what you've got here, this is the only thing that works for me. The distractions were the problem. Sitting with nothing in front of me save for pen and paper and time is the only thing that allows that beautiful flow to come on so strong that I crave it again and again, every day. I am farther along than I have ever been, and for the first time, I can't wait to see this story's end, no matter what it might be. So, thanks for the help.
Pen and paper systems are actually very good for keeping information in the brain as well. I always do some rough draft work for any writing. Be it my to-do list, blog, scripts, stories anything. Otherwise my brain doesn't work.
Kind of an older video but it was very interesting to watch, and I have a few things to say about it. Using pen and paper, I think, it's something that would not work for me because one of my issues is that I feel very insecure with my craft, so adding a layer of complexity to it and removing the freedom of erasing and rewriting at will would probably discourage me from continuing on (which would be a shame since I usually don't need to get into it. Writing is a pleasure to me, not a chore. I do it every day, at least for two hours, and when I have enough time, this can expand to...well, essentially the whole day. My writing sessions can last more than 10 hours, at times, and while I usually feel exhausted at the end, I'm always happy doing it. Definitely not a chore, and I will do it again, as many times as necessary). Also, I very rarely write my chapters in order. Before I start writing, I check my outline, think about what's gonna happen in the chapter I'm approaching, and then, let my mind run wild. The problem is, that I have a very convoluted mind, that doesn't always start with the beginning of the chapter, so, usually, I imagine pieces of the scene that put together make a whole chapter, but they don't come out in chronological order (not always). Writing with pen and paper, while totally feasible with this method, would kind of result in a mess that's pretty difficult to put in order. And I know it because when a great idea crosses my mind at work. I actually take notes on a (or several) sheet(s) of paper, but it usually ends up being quite a chore to put back together afterward, so the idea of writing the whole book like this kinda makes my head spin. For the rest, it's actually similar to my personal method. I do have a dedicated place to write, though, just like you, I listen to music when I write. To me, music is very important to stimulate my creativity, but I make sure not to listen to new tracks that I recently discovered for my writing sessions (I keep those for my reading sessions, instead) because I don't want to be checking the playlist wondering what a title is and save it into my playlist if like it particularly. I want to stay focused on my craft and do nothing else when I do (just like in Neil's method. That part too is in my personal process).
Thanks for all the love on this video, folks! If you want to see how Kingdom of Dragons turns out ... I'll be sharing the opening scenes exclusively on my newsletter in a couple of weeks. Sign up here: jedherne.com/news . Plus, when you sign up, you'll get 3 free fantasy short stories (by yours truly) that you can't find anywhere else.
the best thing that ive found when feeling blocked, yes, just sit there and eventually boredom will conjure something in your mind, thats how stories are made. or ill get up and do starjumps, something that fully envolves your full attention and then getting back into it.
I've been writing for a long time, trying my hand at most things including novels. I mostly write for magazines and websites about film these days, on a laptop as you'd expect. When I started many years ago, I had a ritual which was to buy an Oxford Black 'n Red A4 notepad. A beautiful object. I would write novels long hand for the first draft. I haven't done that in at least fifteen years. Until now. Last month I had a great idea for a novel. I started outlining it on my phone, with the intent to progress onto my laptop. Then I saw the very same video you mention in yours, about how Neil writes long hand. So last week I decided to go back to my roots and ordered a Black 'n Red. It arrived today. Good luck with your novel, Jed.
I try to write every day. I use pen and paper for notes and outlines but I think faster than I can write so I miss out letters and the words run together and become difficult to read. I have a little writing room that I love, being kind it's cozy and eclectic. I play amsr while writing, mostly brain massage stuff. Very occasionally music.
When I was younger, I did a lot more writing, but I'm not much of a writer these days. Writing was more of a part-time interest and not a major facet of my daily needs for expression, and I've since moved on to other interests and responsibilities. From my little, historic bit of experience with writing, I've always felt that pen and paper allowed me to flow easier, and I'm glad you're experiencing the same thing. I believe there's research out there indicating that the physical act of writing triggers the "artistic" parts of your brain, because of the art of writing itself (drawing characters that don't intrinsically have meaning but that we've given a meaning and value), that it just naturally allows you to be more creative as you're writing. When I wrote, I would have music playing low volume in the background, though. Usually classical (Bach, Vivaldi, Beethovan, etc), which doesn't have words or distracting movements as today's music often has. Interesting video. I enjoyed it. Thanks!
The pen and paper method is great. I began to use the pen and paper method a long time ago thanks to the death of my computer tower. I have found this method useful because it is distraction free. Good luck with your writing. :)
I'm at the 40% mark for my fourth novel and it is killing me. I took a wrong turn plot wise and just had to scrap 3k words, the story is stronger but man it hurt. Maybe I should try these methods to get me through the murky middle
Love the video mate. As you know from our chat on Patreon, I struggle with this too… so I’m happy that helped you along :) Can’t wait to see your next amazing book.
Great video! Neil Gaiman has been a big inspiration for my writing as well. I have three main authors that are my all-time favorites (currently) that really have inspired me. The author who will always have the number one spot for me is Clive Barker; he, to me, writes the perfect blend fantasy and horror. Neil Gaiman does this really well also. Why Barker and Gaiman are up at my top influences is especially because of the beautiful way they can blend eroticism into the work (Love this especially in American Gods, Barker does it with everything). My third favorite author is Joe Hill; I just love his writing and stories. Keep writing! I like what I see from you more than the other indie authors I've seen here on TH-cam. I might have to get Across the Broken Stars and read it!
Personally, when I’m writing I’ll constantly be switching between writing by hand and on computer. If I’m stuck on a chapter and can’t get anything to budge I often find it helps to start writing by hand. And when I transfer it to screen I’m able to do a cursory edit and pick out major issues before continuing on, cause I type faster than I can write so there’s less frustration in my brain when my hand isn’t keeping up
Nice video. I've always wrote three of the four ways. The handwritten first draft is a bit too much. I tried when I first started writing, but didn't like retyping. Hope you found that committing yourself to a time frame isn't a sick sadistic punishment to force yourself to write. It's more of a time to reflect and think if you can't write. Or maybe it was for you. Everyone is different I suppose. lol
I enjoyed this Jed, well edited and put together. Interesting subject as well as I'm always looking at ways I should write and often find excuses not to!
Thanks Kev, glad you liked it! Really trying to push myself and grow with the quality of videos on this channel, so good to see this resonating with people
This was a really amazing video. Feels like it made me feel more inspired to work on my own script (all be it a script talking about the movie underdog but a script nonetheless) Loved the atmosphere created and the feeling this video gave. Really gave of the vibes that everything is alright and it had this aura of calmness to it.
I still use a fountain pen. It allows me to think in multiple dimensions. I write about inventions and so legal writing is my thing. Having discipline is key. No distractions allows me to write more creative legal opinions.
I'm not a writer, I'm a musician but I love Neil Gailman so much (Currently watching Sandman, super enjoying it), I find the way he shaped his career very similar to mine (He writes because it feels like an adventure, I make music because I like not knowing what I will come up with, I mainly make music because I want to be surprised by what I do at the end) I watch his interviews quite often because I find the way he talks absolutely magical and very inspiring! that's how I randomly came across to this video and I think this was also super cool and I must say, I appreciate the way you kept writing, even though you were very tired from the hiking and even with your eye surgery and such! 👏👏By the way, I usually never do this, like comment under other people's videos and say something about my music and channel, but because I know some writers find inspiration on my channel and say that my music is perfect for writing, maybe you can also try writing to my music and see what happens! 🤷♀☺ Thank you for your really inspiring video!
When good omens 2 was announced, Neil Gaiman talked about the night he and Terry plotted out the sequel. They were sharing a hotel room while promoting good Omens and Neil went out and came back late, trying to creep in without turning on the light so as not to take Terry. Terry turns on the light and says 'what time do you call this? Your mother and I were worried sick'
I read that in Terry’s voice and it made me smile.
Just read about this in Terry's biography by Rob Wilkins. Lovely touching book highly recommended
What
I didn't understand what you mean. Please explain
"Write or Stare" is AWESOME advice! I expect too many people will overlook this gem.
So true, I am CONSTANTLY opening new pages and going on stupid websites, which is just gonna take you out of the world and the story.
Staring is amazing! Waiting on God, and then that flash!!!
@@brandic89 You know the famous question we ask writers, "Where do you get your ideas?" Well, I think it's a matter of filling your mind and life with images, thoughts, words, experiences, etc, then allowing the subconscious to juggle all of it, and then after a little mental rest (staring, taking a walk, or a nap), BOOM! Out pops a great idea!
I ended up sticking to handwriting for a number of reasons. The biggest two being 1) that it's easier to write to myself about the story with notes in the margins or writing a couple of synonyms next to each other so I don't get caught on one sentence for an hour trying to decided between them. It gets pretty fun to make a messy page that feels alive instead of the neatness of a computer page. And 2) I hate rereading my writing and editing. I have a bad habit of doing my editing on the first draft which slows me down and makes it way too easy for me to forget some details in early chapters as I reach the end of my story. The process of typing it up forces me to go through it again and remember all the things I like about it
Those are some great reasons for sure
"Edit as you go" is NOT a problem. "NEVER edit as you go" is a false position. It all depends on what works best for you. You are the center of your writing universe. No one else can produce your material. Not Dickens, King, Poe, Hemingway, Rowling. Do YOUR thing with full confidence!
I love handwriting when I'm doing brainstorming sessions or outlines. Unfortunately, it's not feasible for me when writing an actual draft because I have mild tendonitis, and after a prolonged period of time the pain just becomes unbearable.
I'm really grateful for keyboards for this reason, and because it allows my writing speed to keep up with the pace of my brain.
However, I think handwriting is a great way to slow things down and be a bit more methodical. For those who are capable of doing it for an entire draft it might be a worthwhile exercise.
@@cjpreach "edit as you go" isn't a problem in general principle, yes, but for a lot of us neurodivergent people it can absolutely be a paralyzing compulsion that makes the process extremely difficult & makes flow hard to achieve. I love the vibe & intentions of your comment (& of course you emphasized everyone doing their own process their own way so you get it lol) but just had to pipe up that for a lot of us out here, avoiding editing-as-we-go is us coping with our own needs, not just trying to follow popular advice, so it makes sense to discuss ways to avoid ending up doing it.
Thanks for this comment, OP. I really relate to your process & am working on a novel for the first (& I hope the last lol) time, & was feeling kinda drawn to trying handwriting my draft/initial work but wasn't really planning to do it. But I can tell for sure now that it'll suit me best. I'm grateful you shared your experiences!
I REALLY appreciated you admitting to only putting down 50 words that one day. I've been writing every day for a while now and some days I've only hit 250 words in a session. On those days I've always felt so miserable, kind of like I not only let myself down, but that I also let down all the characters I was going to write for. Your confession made me feel a little less crazy, so thank you for that.
Even 50 words is 100x better than none
@@Jed_Herne Or at least 50 times better :D
I feel lucky when I manage to write 5 words in a day.
Thanks for sharing that! I think it helps many ppl
50 words is infinitely times better than 0. Anything times 0 is 0.
I really love Neil Gaiman's voice. He narrated the audiobook for his Norse Mythology and it was a fantastic experience.
My goodness, Perth is flat-but beautiful. Then you sprinkled it with a little stardust and magic. I just had my first novel published and felt something of a fraud, but needing to believe that I could call myself a writer. You helped me go from being an imposter to being proud to be a writer. I write from 2am to 4am. You live writing all day every day. That is the lesson I needed. Thank you Jed.
This is a beautiful comment, thank you!
I'm not an lit author, I'm a scientist. But Mr. Gaiman's "work ethic" as well as Mr. Terry Pratchett's have pushed me to not only work hard, but enjoy what I do for a living.
I respect the commitment to writing and trying that approach. He easily could’ve made an excuse to not write, and he had good reason not to lol, but he stuck with it. That’s how you get it done, respect.
Donna Tartt writes by hand, in notebooks: any idea that ‘comes up’
incidentally, she develops as far as possible & then SHE STAPLES IT IN!
It’s there - & not only as an add-on:
The story can continue from there: or not....
🙏🏻💔🙏🏽
what is that emoji 🤪😬🐒
@@toniok.4726 : Thank you Tonio: it’s just something I use, kind of a signing off:
If you want to know the significance, well:
🙏🏽🙏🏻 the raised hands (which some people interpret as prayer), means
‘namaste’ - it’s actually a Buddhist greeting which signifies ‘the Buddha
(good/soul/) in me greets the Buddha/good/soul in you...
The broken heart 💔? maybe we won’t go there...OK! For me it represents an attempt at Empathy, for the sorrow in the world, & my intention to try not to add to it!
This all sounds a bit high-minded, but I hope you get the drift...
I don’t practice the Darma (Buddhist doctrine) as I used to, but my intentions are well-meaning:
If the comment is very positive, I sometimes replace the Heart with a Rose 🌹
Take care & be well!
🙏🏻🌹🙏🏽
I like the idea of writing down ideas & scenes in a notebook, then stitching them together.
More fun than slogging through from start to finish in order!
That is a lesson of Bill Colin's. You don't need to see outside of you to write it, if you do then you aren't being a real writer.
I'm a big fan of pen and paper for the zero draft. My bit of advice: get it digital every scene or two. For some folks, a couple hundred thousand words to transcribe can feel impossible.
Very good call
Thats why I cant get with the pen and paper idea lol. But you can always pay somebody to transcribe it,if its a serious project.
I was at that 2020 talk. Good luck with your book.
i'm a screenwriter and i met neil gaiman during his book signing in manila. i cut my classes just to see him and i told him that. he asked me if my deed to see him was worth it. i said, YES.
cut to 2020, i did neil gaiman's masterclass workbook as a working material for the last film i was writing. i like the exercise where he tasks the writers to write one of the character's struggle but in their perspective. i was writing a psycho thriller story and i had to talk to a therapist to get myself grounded. it was a creepy yet rewarding experience. my character had motivation and depth, the producers liked it. we're in post-production currently.
if any of my films ever hits global fame, i will not hesitate to mention that neil gaiman was and will forever be my major influence in my writing career. i will tell him missing those classes way back in college was worth it just to see him.
Wow, that's awesome! Good luck with the film
@@Jed_Herne you're welcome! he was the one who inspired me to write!
I was about to go get ready for bed but wanted to end the night watching this video and halfway through I switched over to my worldbuilding doc to keep working on it while finishing up listening to your video. I had no intention of writing tonight, but there you have it. So thank you for making these, they seriously do help and inspire.
I bought his master class for my 19th birthday... in March 2019. Now it's been a little over 4 years and I can't get rid of the habit of handwriting my first drafts. I'm so repulsed by that blank Word Document page and computer screens by now... But once I have a paper in front of me the sentences FLOW. It's so freeing. Takes a bit more time (I kinda see the typing down as a first minor editing stage though) but it's so worth it. Keeps me from procrastinating, worrying about wordcount etc.
Wow. Thank you so much for this ... I was feeling depressed and detached from my writing and told my older sister, who is working on her own first novel. She had watched this video, was inspired by it and sent me the link just today. I am 71, started my novel 28 years ago and then would put it away for years at a time, pull it out, work on it, put it away. Same cycle. Over the years it has become a very different book than the one I started, but I've been working on it enthusiastically for a couple of months, happy with the changes as they evolved; but for some reason, I just lost my confidence. As soon as I leave this comment, I am going to shut down my laptop and put pen to paper and write some of a scene I have in my head. I am going to do the 7 day thing. I feel excited and happy. Again, thank you.
Good luck mate. Keep going. I've had a constant thought that I should be writing for over a decade now....always in the back of my mind. I've written small bits that have always received praise from friends but can never quite get past the hurdle of taking it beyond my initial idea.
Yayy love the Traveler cameo! I love mine. Cool video, thanks for sharing.
UPDATE: Kingdom of Dragons is done! (The first draft, at least). You can now read the opening five chapters (for free) here: jedherne.com/kingdom
Great vlog Jed, you should do more of these. Looks like you had a blast hiking too!
Thanks! I might do some more in the future for sure. And hiking was incredible!
This was great advice! I'm an aspiring writer, just about to graduate from college, and I'm looking forward to implementing this advice into my own routine as I start my career. Thanks!
Good luck!
One of the things I love about handwriting is how portable it is. I constantly carry a pen and small notebook with me for when I have down time in public transport or a few minutes to just jot an idea down. You don't always have wifi access, but you do always have access to a pen and paper.
Great point
When I worked in an office, pre-pandemic, I had to attend long meetings where writing novel (or board game) ideas on a notepad helped keep me sane lol. :-)
I’ve always handwritten my draft 1, (zero?) with a different color for each day. I’m just sitting here feeling cool because one of my favorite writers does the same.
Pro tip: fountain pens are great for hand fatigue!
Interesting, is that because they flow nicer?
@@Jed_Herne yes, indeed! If you think of how a ballpoint works, a fountain pen cuts out that rollerball step. you don’t have to push the pen as hard.
For a cheaper alternative, more gel pen like ballpoint pens where the ink is more fluid can also help, they're what I use for study notes that I always make by hand.
@@Jed_Herne a fountain doesn't have to be that expensive, but for the ink to flow you don't need to use a lot of pressure which is what will help with kramps and fatique.
I personally really like writing by hand.but I do get that it is really personal and it depends on what you prefer. I do really recommend trying writing with a fountain pen!
@@Jed_Herne pilot make a disposable fountain pen (varsity pen) which is a cheap way to find out if you like writing with a fountain pen. They are decent to write with 🙂 hard to get here in Australia but Amazon often have them available
One thing I would recommend to immerse yourself even more in the writing session; use a fountain pen. Believe me, you will become obsessed about handwriting when you get your first fountain pen, and you will start to collect fountain pens "new hobby" 😃
Thank you for putting this out there. I have been struggling so much with two stories in the works that i just couldnt get traction on that ive considered stopping altogether. But i think i need to give it at least one last good week... Neil Gaiman style. Thanks
Good luck!
Thank you so much for this video. I'm in writing slump for over 2 years, and this is after putting 85,000 words into my novel. I'm stuck in the plot, and going back to it scares me that I might not be able to unravel what happens next and might give up on the book. This scared me, and for 2 years, I haven't gone back.. but the thought of the unfinished work weighs on me every single day. I'm trying to get out of this slump. I haven't gone back to the Novel and also haven't written anything else, other than few Goodreads book reviews. This video inspired me, I will also try this method for a week, for a short story that I have been thinking for the past few days, and see if this would help me out... Thanks again..Good luck in your writing project. Subscribed to your channel... Have a blessed day
Good luck!
Did you finish it?
@@tdc_2021 no, I haven’t started working yet. But will soon start my daily writing routine..
YT recommendation brought me here. Glad it did. I feel inspired and oddly calm. Most YT videos give me a headache because of wrong pacing, loud voice, bad diction, music, other sound effects and more. This one was balanced so well I didn't feel annoyed by anything, truly remarkable.
Thanks!
Writing has helped motivate me for my school work as a 3D environment artiste. I'm in front of my computer about 10--12 hours a day, writing is fueling my creativity and motivation for school as a result!
Jed, you are wonderful! Great, inspiring words for us all! Keep doing what you do, we all appreciate you! ❤
There are two reasons handwriting a draft (or even notes) doesn't work well for me. The first is obvious: I literally can't read my own handwriting if I'm writing as fast as I need to to draft. Which brings us to the second problem: I think way faster than I can handwrite, and even typing I get ahead of myself, although it's better than handwriting by far for keeping up with my thoughts. And I'm only a two fingered typist- but a pretty fast one.
Try changing your thinking. I'd suggest a draft (a long one, I'm assuming) be something that shouldn't be assumed to have speed implicit in the word. Slow down.
THIS! Exactly this! 💯 My handwriting is shit-- especially the faster I try to write! I can't keep up with how fast my brain goes.... and I am also a fast two finger typist 🤣
the reason for some people for handwriting is that you think about the words and the process differently, your brain and hand running at different paces is literally part of the reason why some people prefer it, because they have to curate what they're writing and pause more and think on where it's going. Do what works for you
@@mewho8057 Oh, for sure that's a motivation for many to handwrite. I doubt I could slow my thought processes enough to draft that way. I don't often sit down and stare at the page wondering what to write. Writing usually happens when inspiration kicks in, or in 'NanoWriMo" mode (ie I gotta get words down or else!) I've been mulling it over in my head or reading what I wrote last. Once I get going, it becomes a sprint. Just my nature. I do sometimes envy those who can calmly sit and write and carefully consider every word. Maybe it's all those frenetic one hour essay exams from 10 years of college, lol!
@@bigguy7353 Some people are just wired differently, and I mean that quite literally.
i have been using a handwriting the first draft of the story while working on my first book. and it is incredibly helpful. it really turns on that specific part of the brain that just helps the flow coming and ideas to appear naturally
Thank you so much! Loved the video! And I loved your question and Neil's answer!
I had the same experience with music while drafting. Very dangerous if the emotion of the sound track convinces you of feelings that aren't present in the words alone.
Oh for sure! That's why I try to edit without music as much as possible
I think it's only a good idea if the music you're listening to has the same energy as the scene that you're about to write
Thanks for a video on one of the best contemporary writers
New viewer here. I really enjoyed this video and was even happier to see that this was a writing video by someone with actual books out. I look forward to seeing more of you in the future!
Thanks! Getting close to finishing the book now
Just listened to this again, and it is even richer 2nd time around. Thank you.
Thanks Lizzie!
I'm never bored of staring off into space! Lol Nice video.
Haha, that's a danger then
11:47 This for me was the heart and soul of this video. This beautiful little anecdote of your journey, of crossing paths with that distant mentor, of reaching towards him, seeming to miss, but him catching you, nodding to you, seeing that you see him, see one of his special defining moments as a human being--his bond with one of fantasy's greats--and he raising high his torch, his beacon, and telling you, everyone there, it's good to go on, it's dangerous, but it's good, that the journey, though vague, has a way of sorting itself, of things coming together in an unforeseen way, of taking on its own life and joining hands with you, its author, and finding that terminus together. Thank you for sharing this powerful moment of your journey as a writer. It's beautiful and moving.
Beyond this, I am curious which method you felt was the best for you, the Stephen King method, or the Neil Gaiman method?
I'm glad you found it moving! Was very special for me for sure.
I'd lean towards the Stephen King one, purely because that was what I was going through as I finished the novel, so it felt like the 'result' of the challenge was more successful. But both were useful in their own ways
@@Jed_Herne Thanks for sharing. I've been enjoying your videos immensely. As a little side note, I lived in Australia north of you in Geraldton back in 2004-05 and wrote my second book there. I stayed in a sweet place in Drummond's Cove, watched the Indian Ocean and scribbled away. Perth and Fremantle were lovely to visit and I miss Australia quite a bit. I'm back in California for now, and probably forever.
@@jasonuerkvitz3756 That's awesome! I love Geraldton. Have stayed there a bit, and one of my best friends grew up there. Great place and some awesome beaches
@@Jed_Herne Yes, it's a beautiful place. His name doesn't happen to be Callan, does it?
I've been using Neil Gaiman's writing routine all along without knowing it! I encourage more writers to go back to pen and paper!
Hi Jed, loved this video man. I'm a massive Gaiman fan and have found his advice to be massively helpful. The writing by hand for first drafts probably the most. I would love to know what three audio clips of Neil's you used for daily inspo/motivation!
This kind of writing experience is something that sounds like a dream from an alternate reality for me. My writing habit loop starts with going live but I do have a couple of days over the new year that we're going to disconnect on a camping trip, so I'm gonna see if I can try for line edits/proofing then! Might only get the first hour or two of sunrise before the kids wake up but I'll take what I can get. (I say this with total optimism as I'm struggling through the back third of my current novel 😭so who knows, I might not be up to line edits at that point in time yet 😅)
Kingdom of Dragons (the book I was writing in this video) is out now!
Check it out here: bit.ly/kingdom-of-dragons
Cool video dude!
I find my mind feels different when I’m having blue-light hitting my eyes or not. That’s one of multiple things I like about using paper. Wearing blue-light blockers is one thing to do as well.
all the best with your book !
Here for the journey. Fantastic editing. It surprised me.
Thanks! I put a ton of effort into this vid, so glad you enjoyed it
Great video Jed, easily one of the best you have ever done! Thanks for sharing your insight and helping to spark more writing creativity. I'm really looking forward to Kingdom of Dragons!
Cheers Luis!
Well done. Great video. Thank you for sharing your insights and your journey.
I have a novel I've been sitting on for six years, putting work into it on and off as inspiration waxes and wanes, never wanting the end result bad enough to stay disciplined. I've been hunting for as long as I could remember for some scrap of advice that would rectify this. I can tell you that after trying what you've got here, this is the only thing that works for me. The distractions were the problem. Sitting with nothing in front of me save for pen and paper and time is the only thing that allows that beautiful flow to come on so strong that I crave it again and again, every day. I am farther along than I have ever been, and for the first time, I can't wait to see this story's end, no matter what it might be. So, thanks for the help.
That's awesome, glad to know that this helped!
Thanks for sharing, Jed. 👍🏼
Sounds good. I like the write or stare into space. I bet that staring ( thinking time) will help come up with ideas for the writing, too
Great job! Hope the week was enlightening and encouraging. Keep it up, and we'll all be looking forward to the book when it's finished.
Thanks Patrick!
Thank You for the encouragement to get back into it
You're welcome
Pen and paper systems are actually very good for keeping information in the brain as well. I always do some rough draft work for any writing. Be it my to-do list, blog, scripts, stories anything. Otherwise my brain doesn't work.
Make sure that you make backups of those manuscripts :)
Wholesome video man, good job.
This is my favorite writing video. I'm really gald it worked for you, and it made me feel better about my process and mindset on my own projects.
Thanks! Good luck with your writing
Kind of an older video but it was very interesting to watch, and I have a few things to say about it.
Using pen and paper, I think, it's something that would not work for me because one of my issues is that I feel very insecure with my craft, so adding a layer of complexity to it and removing the freedom of erasing and rewriting at will would probably discourage me from continuing on (which would be a shame since I usually don't need to get into it. Writing is a pleasure to me, not a chore. I do it every day, at least for two hours, and when I have enough time, this can expand to...well, essentially the whole day. My writing sessions can last more than 10 hours, at times, and while I usually feel exhausted at the end, I'm always happy doing it. Definitely not a chore, and I will do it again, as many times as necessary).
Also, I very rarely write my chapters in order. Before I start writing, I check my outline, think about what's gonna happen in the chapter I'm approaching, and then, let my mind run wild. The problem is, that I have a very convoluted mind, that doesn't always start with the beginning of the chapter, so, usually, I imagine pieces of the scene that put together make a whole chapter, but they don't come out in chronological order (not always). Writing with pen and paper, while totally feasible with this method, would kind of result in a mess that's pretty difficult to put in order. And I know it because when a great idea crosses my mind at work. I actually take notes on a (or several) sheet(s) of paper, but it usually ends up being quite a chore to put back together afterward, so the idea of writing the whole book like this kinda makes my head spin.
For the rest, it's actually similar to my personal method. I do have a dedicated place to write, though, just like you, I listen to music when I write. To me, music is very important to stimulate my creativity, but I make sure not to listen to new tracks that I recently discovered for my writing sessions (I keep those for my reading sessions, instead) because I don't want to be checking the playlist wondering what a title is and save it into my playlist if like it particularly. I want to stay focused on my craft and do nothing else when I do (just like in Neil's method. That part too is in my personal process).
'You don't need to know how your story will end.'
So true!
I found using my Alphasmart was the closest thing to the experience of using pen and paper. Enjoyed the video!
Thanks for all the love on this video, folks! If you want to see how Kingdom of Dragons turns out ... I'll be sharing the opening scenes exclusively on my newsletter in a couple of weeks. Sign up here: jedherne.com/news .
Plus, when you sign up, you'll get 3 free fantasy short stories (by yours truly) that you can't find anywhere else.
the best thing that ive found when feeling blocked, yes, just sit there and eventually boredom will conjure something in your mind, thats how stories are made. or ill get up and do starjumps, something that fully envolves your full attention and then getting back into it.
I've been writing for a long time, trying my hand at most things including novels. I mostly write for magazines and websites about film these days, on a laptop as you'd expect.
When I started many years ago, I had a ritual which was to buy an Oxford Black 'n Red A4 notepad. A beautiful object. I would write novels long hand for the first draft. I haven't done that in at least fifteen years. Until now.
Last month I had a great idea for a novel. I started outlining it on my phone, with the intent to progress onto my laptop. Then I saw the very same video you mention in yours, about how Neil writes long hand. So last week I decided to go back to my roots and ordered a Black 'n Red. It arrived today.
Good luck with your novel, Jed.
Awesome timing! Best of luck for you as well
Beautiful relaxing and interesting video. Thank you for sharing
I try to write every day. I use pen and paper for notes and outlines but I think faster than I can write so I miss out letters and the words run together and become difficult to read. I have a little writing room that I love, being kind it's cozy and eclectic. I play amsr while writing, mostly brain massage stuff. Very occasionally music.
When I was younger, I did a lot more writing, but I'm not much of a writer these days. Writing was more of a part-time interest and not a major facet of my daily needs for expression, and I've since moved on to other interests and responsibilities. From my little, historic bit of experience with writing, I've always felt that pen and paper allowed me to flow easier, and I'm glad you're experiencing the same thing. I believe there's research out there indicating that the physical act of writing triggers the "artistic" parts of your brain, because of the art of writing itself (drawing characters that don't intrinsically have meaning but that we've given a meaning and value), that it just naturally allows you to be more creative as you're writing. When I wrote, I would have music playing low volume in the background, though. Usually classical (Bach, Vivaldi, Beethovan, etc), which doesn't have words or distracting movements as today's music often has. Interesting video. I enjoyed it. Thanks!
Thank you for the help!!
The pen and paper method is great. I began to use the pen and paper method a long time ago thanks to the death of my computer tower. I have found this method useful because it is distraction free. Good luck with your writing. :)
This video really touched me -- thank you!
Thanks Lindsey!
Thank you for your insights and inspiration. I genuinely appreciate your candor. I'm bookmarking this video to watch again.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video. I tried the technique of either writing or staring and it worked.
Excellent!
Thank you for sharing. I’m currently struggling to get back into writing and I am going to try doing this.
Good luck, Jennifer!
@@Jed_Herne thank you!
I'm at the 40% mark for my fourth novel and it is killing me. I took a wrong turn plot wise and just had to scrap 3k words, the story is stronger but man it hurt. Maybe I should try these methods to get me through the murky middle
Good luck! It's all part of the process
What an interesting video! I appreciate the effort you put into it.
Great to find your challenge, very inspiring for trying to slog through my own project right now. (And having just come back from a hike, too! Haha.)
This was a great video. Neil is full of so much love and wisdom
Love the video mate. As you know from our chat on Patreon, I struggle with this too… so I’m happy that helped you along :)
Can’t wait to see your next amazing book.
Thanks Evan!
Lovely video! Truly inspiring..! Made me excited to work on a new story idea I have :P
Great video! Neil Gaiman has been a big inspiration for my writing as well. I have three main authors that are my all-time favorites (currently) that really have inspired me. The author who will always have the number one spot for me is Clive Barker; he, to me, writes the perfect blend fantasy and horror. Neil Gaiman does this really well also. Why Barker and Gaiman are up at my top influences is especially because of the beautiful way they can blend eroticism into the work (Love this especially in American Gods, Barker does it with everything). My third favorite author is Joe Hill; I just love his writing and stories. Keep writing! I like what I see from you more than the other indie authors I've seen here on TH-cam. I might have to get Across the Broken Stars and read it!
Thanks MC! Glad to know he's been a big inspiration for you as well
@@Jed_Herne Are you a Clive Barker fan? Nobody tops him in my opinion 😊
@@mcpanarr I've never read anything by him yet, maybe I'll have to check him out sometime
@@Jed_Herne What??? Never read any Clive? Maybe start with “The Great and Secret Show” or “Weaveworld”, you may like those. Masterpieces of fantasy!
Handwriting is highly beneficial for brain-hand coordination. I handwrite when Journaling. It connects both cerebral hemispheres.
Such a great video! Very well shot and edited Jed! Loved this, definetly may have to give this a shot
Thanks!
Really good video. Thank you.
A first draft in pen and paper? My joint issues could never 😅
Personally, when I’m writing I’ll constantly be switching between writing by hand and on computer. If I’m stuck on a chapter and can’t get anything to budge I often find it helps to start writing by hand. And when I transfer it to screen I’m able to do a cursory edit and pick out major issues before continuing on, cause I type faster than I can write so there’s less frustration in my brain when my hand isn’t keeping up
Magical. I went a picked up Good Omens from my bookshelf the other day just to give the first page a read.
I want to try try this soon too.
Good Omens is incredible
Well done, Keep going sir..your a great inspiration..thank you.
Nice video. I've always wrote three of the four ways. The handwritten first draft is a bit too much. I tried when I first started writing, but didn't like retyping. Hope you found that committing yourself to a time frame isn't a sick sadistic punishment to force yourself to write. It's more of a time to reflect and think if you can't write. Or maybe it was for you. Everyone is different I suppose. lol
I enjoyed this Jed, well edited and put together. Interesting subject as well as I'm always looking at ways I should write and often find excuses not to!
Thanks Kev, glad you liked it! Really trying to push myself and grow with the quality of videos on this channel, so good to see this resonating with people
beautiful vid! really great inspiration
Glad you enjoyed it!
Not sure how I feel about handwriting, but I will give it a shot. Writing every day and just showing up is huge. Good for you! Great video.
Cheers for this video! I may have to try this for my next novel.
Thanks!
I love your author emulation videos. very insightful
Thanks!
@@Jed_Herne I'm 70 pages into writing my third novel and finding your content useful and thot provoking.
@@Dr_Coe nice work, good luck with the book!
This was a really amazing video. Feels like it made me feel more inspired to work on my own script (all be it a script talking about the movie underdog but a script nonetheless) Loved the atmosphere created and the feeling this video gave. Really gave of the vibes that everything is alright and it had this aura of calmness to it.
Cheers! Good luck with the writing
Thank you for an inspiring and revealing insight into why my writing is sometimes stuck. :)))
I still use a fountain pen. It allows me to think in multiple dimensions. I write about inventions and so legal writing is my thing. Having discipline is key. No distractions allows me to write more creative legal opinions.
this was such a nice video! thanks for sharing your thoughts and inspiring me for the upcoming nanowrimo :)
You're welcome - good luck
4:00 I have that exact same complete works of Shakespeare.
Nice Casio. I have the same one. Some astronauts have actually worn this model while aboard the ISS. Nice to see someone else appreciating it.
I didn't know that, very cool!
What a lovely, inspirational video, thank you! So glad to have found your channel this way and am definitely subscribing :)
Welcome aboard!
I'm not a writer, I'm a musician but I love Neil Gailman so much (Currently watching Sandman, super enjoying it), I find the way he shaped his career very similar to mine (He writes because it feels like an adventure, I make music because I like not knowing what I will come up with, I mainly make music because I want to be surprised by what I do at the end) I watch his interviews quite often because I find the way he talks absolutely magical and very inspiring! that's how I randomly came across to this video and I think this was also super cool and I must say, I appreciate the way you kept writing, even though you were very tired from the hiking and even with your eye surgery and such! 👏👏By the way, I usually never do this, like comment under other people's videos and say something about my music and channel, but because I know some writers find inspiration on my channel and say that my music is perfect for writing, maybe you can also try writing to my music and see what happens! 🤷♀☺ Thank you for your really inspiring video!
Thanks for the kind words!
Awesome vid!
Thanks!