You've summarized in this sentence: 'The good news for the rest of us is that the more lazy writers rely on AI, the more stories written without AI will shine and stand out.' The reality of AI that none see. Creativity is an exercise; you lose it if you don't use it. Kudos!
Exactly! You lose it if you don't use it, well put. There's so much understandable worry and concern regarding AI in creative worlds. I think it's helpful to take a beat and remember that. Writers should just stay the course and constantly improve. It will be okay in the end. Creatively speaking, the exercised human mind will always be superior.
I use ChatGPT to bounce off ideas I have. It's like having a 2nd person around who can provide elements you wouldn't think of. ... However, ChatGPT is terribly generic and often too abstract. It works ok for some genres (like sci-fi), but sucks at others (like horror). I'm wondering how many current stories are relying on A.I..
“The story you write will either be terrible, or Indistinguishable from all the rest of the stories on the shelves these days-most of which are terrible.” Thank you for this honesty. So many folks who do this are AIMING to show writers HOW to do exactly this.
I'm new to this writing thing, but i have this feeling the more i try to look at those 3 act structures, heroe's journey guidelines, i find myself all the more lost in my storytelling. It doesn't feel organic anymore and the story loses its soul. I think this channel is the one I have been looking for. Thank you for this!
That's the biggest danger with all those formulas, in my opinion: the loss of soul. I hope this video helps as you get started on your journey. Hopefully my future videos will also be helpful! Thanks for watching and happy writing!
You better hope you have good instincts though cuz I’ve read so many early writers with just the worst writing in the world with no structure and I’m pretty certain they all followed their instincts too. I think a bad writer w structure is better than a bad writer w/o structure. And good artists don’t really need it but honestly when you look at the most famous, widely spread movies books etc, they typically fall into three acts, even if not planned that way.
I find it makes sense to study the structure models, then throw them away and make my plots. Then if I find any issues, like I have a sense that something is off, analyzing the structure can really help. Like, realizing that "oh, if I flip these scenes like this, I hit the right beats" or "the reason this scene isn't working is because it's supposed to functionally do A, but I'm doing Z."
That's so great to hear! I'm so glad I could help in some way to break through the awful, dreaded Writer's Block. Good luck with your writing! And thank you for watching!
This video is essentially an unpacking of Dwight Swain's book Techniques of the Selling Writer, the single best writer's guide ever published. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven't. You can find a free digital copy online.
I've seen thousands of lectures from professional authors on pacing, and yet none have been able to explain and articulate it as well as you have. I feel like I have just learned something invaluable, thank you.
Have you watched Sanderson's BYU lecture series? It sucks. Once you start listening to these people you quickly realize they have no idea how they do what they do. They just follow their instincts. If you want to be great, you have to do the same thing.
@@MaximilianReyCartwright ummm, I actually really like Sanderson's lectures. But I don't see how that has anything to do with this video. Keep your rude comment to yourself, please.
I thoroughly went through every story plotting formula, 3 act, 4 act, 8 part story circle, even found a thorough breakdown of the 3 act structure made into 29 chapters/steps. In the end, I went with my gut and wrote something wholly unique. I took inspiration from some of my favorite shows, books, games, etc, and formed a plot piece by piece with two seperate main POVs that intertwine towards each other by the middle. Currently on the 2nd round of revisions, and I'm in love with the characters and world I've crafted. Trust yourself, and look inward for the answers while drawing inspiration from your favorite arcs or moments elsewhere if you need it. Good luck, and great video! 👍
The rules of writing are like music theory: they're strategies and concepts conceived by observers trying to make sense of genius creatives. They're attempts at mapping the trails blazed by the greats. If you want to stand out, you have to blaze new trails, not walk the same ones millions already have before you.
Of all of the writing advice videos that I've watched (which is a lot) this is the first time I ever heard something like this and it makes sense! I have to say, this is the best writing advice I've received because it's not just general advice, like "5 Ways To Make A Good Magic Item." It's actual, actionable advice that can be executed and to actually help me get words to paper. A huge thank you.
This video is essentially an unpacking of Dwight Swain's book Techniques of the Selling Writer, the single greatest writer's guide ever published. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You can find a free digital copy online.
You're definitely not wrong. I enjoy the process, too! But I do still have days when I feel like all I'm doing is banging my head on the keyboard... Thanks for watching!
Only 9 minutes in but this is genius! I always end up writing my own structure to fit the story I want for every single book because the typical structures cause so many limitations and issues with flow. I've never heard pacing talked about in this way. You're really onto something.
I follow Brandon Sanderson's advice. Map out the general structure of your story, outline the important events, set up sheets for your characters (longer and shorter depending on their importance) and then begin writing. This way you have clear story points A through Z but aren't basically writing the same thing twice. The journey between the points is still unknown to you and you have the freedom to change whatever you want as your story progresses. You don't fall into the George Martin trap of not knowing how to finish a story and you also get the benefit of a naturally flowing sequence of events. All that's left is to practice this.
This is a great video. Writing advice tends to be super abstract and attack the structure of a story at a very broad level, or hyperfocused on the style of a single scene. This hits the middle of these extremes in a way i rarely see, and really appreciate!
This was crystal clear and very helpful. I have been getting stuck and lost while planning my story, you showed me what to focus on and I don't feel so helpless anymore. Thanks a lot ! I hope the algorithm recognize your merits !
That's so wonderful to hear! I'm so happy I was able to help and I hope the writing goes smoothly now. Thank you very much for your supportive words, I really appreciate it. Happy writing!
This video is INSANELY informative and helpful with actual practical advice that anyone can follow. I really hope your channel starts to take off because I am already loving the content here!
I've been a writer for years, and this is probably the most helpful video I've ever watched on the topic of pacing and how to create "mini arcs" within the scope of the larger story arc. You've explained it so clearly with great examples. Please - PLEASE - do make more of these videos!! I'm watching.
Probably the most eye opening video on storytelling I've come across. Thank you so much for this, it's as if there had been blindfolds over my eyes that i didn't know were there, and now i know, thanks to you removing them.
This is one of the best videos on storytelling (and creating in general) I've ever watched! I feel so lucky to have this recommended to me today! I've been writing on/off for about two years now because I was always trying to fit myself into these plot structures, and it has really robbed me of having fun and finishing anything. But no longer! Your take on pacing makes so much sense, and I feel excited to create again! Thank you for this, and do make more!
I love your approach! 💖 So refreshing! I'm so tired of the "copycating" everywhere. Cars, movies, all similar and soulless... Products and "content" . Thank you for pointing this out in literature.
Dam, it's crazy that I've been doing this unconsciously. I am going to re-read my story for the 100 time and mark each mini arc. I am sure something interesting will come out of it.
I finally find out why my story pacing feels too fast! It's because I have multiple mini arcs going on at the same time. I can finally fix what I don't like, and whenever I want to create fast pacing, I now know how!
I just noticed that this is actually a quite small and new channel. I loved the advice given. I have been struggling a lot personallly because I wish I could create art and I have a rather warped and difficult relationship towards producing art. Long story. Anyway I tried to get into writing a few months ago in order to work on my self-worth and the related issues and found myself giving up in frustration after a few tries. Writing and art in general always felt like this mystical skill that some people just seem to be innately born woth but your explanation beautifully lifted this mist that was clousing me the whole time trying to write. It really motivated me to give it another try. If I hadn't found this video I probably would have given up for good.
I'm really glad you didn't give up. Writing can be wonderfully therapeutic and also very rewarding. I firmly believe that anyone can learn how to do anything. I struggled a lot when I was younger with largely esoteric or vague and abstract writing classes. I would love to be able to show people that writing is a skill you can learn. A skill anyone can learn. Thank you very much for watching!
That was a clear, understandable statement. So many forms/techs, but this clarifies structure and scene for me in a way I've been trying to extract from other presentations. Much appreciated!!
I am not even through the whole video yet and I am already convinced that I will learn something valuable. By minute 4 you already outlined all my thoughts and problems. I'm going to watch the rest now, you have my full attention.
I have watched the whole video without skipping, the things u said, the advice u gave were making sense, your video pacing Was so engaging, this proves that u are a great story teller and a great teacher, thank you mam
John wick was not only sad for the death of his doggy but also because his puppy was a gift from his deceased wife making the dogs death heavier for his character.
Out of all the writing videos I have watched this is unironically the best one I have seen, it really changes my mindset about writing stories and its so simple and to the point. This shouldve costed money.
This video reminded me of my school days, when a great teacher would explain something I’d never understood so clearly and at such a comfortable pace that I could almost feel my neurons connecting, building the pathways that finally satisfied my need to understand. Thank you!
Thank you for this! I have written several novels, but any time I tried to plot stories with formulaic story structures, the stories felt boring and uninspired. This mini-arc approach is something I've done instinctively, but having it vocalized had helped me understand why the times I strayed from this caused my books to fall apart.
You are my goat. Ive been struggling even getting starded. it seemed too daunting of a task to plan out the whole story. The mini arc chart was a perfect visualization.
This is so wonderful to read! I'm so glad I was able to help you find a way to start. Getting over that first hurdle is big. Good luck going forward! Thanks for watching and happy writing!
This makes so much more sense to me than prescriptive plot structures, all of which invariably fail to match the story I'm trying to tell in some way (usually many ways)!
I thought this was a really good explanation. There are endless 'explanations' of story structure on TH-cam, that often last 2 1/2 hours and it's all theoretical. You explain it succinctly "and bring receipts" as the latest fashionable phrase has it. ( Nothing dates a film more than the inclusion of a once trendy phrase that someone thought looked good in the script + Of course, I've done the same thing here, but let's overlook that!). A story is organic, a by-numbers approach leads to mechanical storytelling, and yes, each scene must be dynamic in itself or else what's the point? But I also think that you must attend to the step by step progress of the story, the planning, so to speak. It's hard work bur actually more important, in my opinion, than a clever line or lovingly crafted prose. A story must _WORK_ or you shortchange the reader. You're taking them on a journey and you have to deliver satisfaction. Or else, they're thinking "What was the point of that?" I'm working on graphic novels, so visuals also carry narrative weight, not just words, but the outcome must still satisfy the reader. Thanks for a great explication!
Thank you for watching! And thank you for your comment. I couldn't agree more. While I love good prose as much as the next reader, nothing is more important than the story. Nothing! If a writer learns nothing else, it must be how to tell a story well. Thanks again, and happy writing!
Hilary's TH-cam post on story pacing is like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee-strong, invigorating, and guaranteed to keep you awake during those long writing sessions! She breaks down pacing with such finesse that even a tortoise would feel the need to pick up the pace. I laughed, I learned, and I may have even shed a tear when she revealed the secret to keeping readers on the edge of their seats-who knew it was just a sprinkle of suspense and a dash of cliffhangers? If story pacing were a dance, Hilary would be the choreographer, and I’d be the enthusiastic but slightly clumsy dancer trying to keep up. Overall, this video is a must-watch for anyone who wants their stories to flow smoother than a well-oiled plot twist!
Thanks ma'am for affirming my sentiment that stories can't be borrowed or built from a template, the conventional writing advices would never allow someone to produce something beyond the inspiration or would lead to something transformative or ground breaking. I think great stories in times like ours when so many casts have already been moulded, can only be born by observing the world through one's own senses and mind and then manufactured from a first principled understanding of the world and its processes, its strifes and beauty, its reasonings and lack there of, premonitions and causality. Everything shall be questioned and answered in the writer's own unimpressioned thoughts. Thanks for opening our eyes!
Imagine being an architect and saying "I won't need physics or engineering" that's what being an author and saying "I don't need a story structure" is like... 🙄
Thank you so so much for this! I have been studying structure, and for the life of me, I absolutely could not get a good story full of life out of following the three acts. I was beginning to feel like I was just no good at this, but this video has given me so much hope. I can definitely study this and apply this. Seriously, thank you!!
I think this is the best writing video I’ve ever watched. Or maybe second best but that’s only after learning what internal conflict was. So thank you. I’ve been struggling with plots forever, thank you 💜
Really helped me through my first book process in a series of books. Was following 3 - 4 Act Structure and becoming frustrated since it seemed I couldn't fit everything into the frame of that structure. It's a long journey and requires stop at many different places along the series so I needed a way to break it up and the mini arc is perfect for that. Thank you again, looking forward to your next video.
Your description of this principle really sparked the motivation pilot. I appreciate the comprehensive way you walked us through the relatable mistakes that every aspiring storyteller or wishful thinker (aka me) experience. It makes it feel like I can attempt this as well, despite my experience. Thank you for sharing this insight! I look forward to more of your videos! 🙌
I want to thank you so so much for this video. I'm autistic and have struggled with the actual writing of a story (especially a longer one) despite getting through Creative Writing classes in university, an MA in Creative Writing, and studying the field a lot by reading, watching lectures and videos, and participating in online courses. I felt there was always something far too reductive about story structures, and no matter how much I tried to map out my story ideas onto them, they didn't help me exactly with the problem you describe at the start of the video: there is always an inevitable point at which I know where the characters should get to next, but I have no idea how to get them there (especially in a non-boring way). I am definitely going to try working on one of my stories with this new mini-arc method!
The tip towards the end to use the "Therefore..." to connect mini-arcs - that was the eye-opener for me. Therefore, I'm going to pace my stories better from now on ;-)
So... I'm not a plotter, but if I do ever plot instead of sort of "pantsing" my books, I think this is the way I'd do it. Just plan out each mini arc to get the overall arc accomplished. I almost despise actual outlining, (I know this is similar) but I feel like this would be different somehow. Thank you, ma'am 😊 By the way, i was shocked to see you only have 2 videos! You seemed so well-acquainted with speaking to a camera and so knowledgeable! Great job!
Fantastic breakdown and example. This helped solidify a concept that I've known about but never quite had a useful grasp on. I hope to see more content from you in the future.
I already commented on this when I first saw it, but it seems to have disappeared. However, I keep thinking about this video and feel it's worth coming back to comment again. My degree is in screenwriting, and I've studied a LOT about story structure (in addition to all the videos I watch), and this was such a refreshing take. Too many supposed gurus present writing like it's a paint-by-numbers project. And that's perfectly fine for hobbyists or anyone who wants/needs to churn out a high volume of content. But I personally find it incredibly stifling creatively. I've been writing for almost 30 years now, and trying to force my stories into a rigid structure almost made me hate something I have loved for so long. I really appreciate this video. Not only was it crafted like someone who has been doing this for a long time, all your points were well thought out, logical, and presented in an understandable, relatable way. Instead of trying to shoehorn examples into a particular narrative, you showed exactly how what you are saying works. It really made me feel like yes, *this* is what I connect with. And as someone who writes primarily in short form, I also feel like this is something I can not only implement but actually embrace. Thank you. Instant follow with the bell. Hope you'll continue to make more. :)
That was exactly my sense as well, that it was all very creatively stifling. Even if I was excited about a story I was working on, when I sat down to plot it out according to "the rules," I would lose all enthusiasm. It became a chore, one I was loathe to finish. And if I did manage to finish, the resulting story was dull and lifeless. Thank you for this comment (twice! though I never saw your first, it really must've been swallowed), and for your support. All the support I've received on this video is tremendously encouraging. I am, as I type, working on my next video. I love making them (even if they do take some time), so I'll keep making them until everyone loses interest. Thank you again!
Am I glad to finally find someone that agreed with me about all these formulas. Like most students, I was encouraged to read and study these theories: Christopher Vogler’s Heroes Journey, Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat, John Truby’s 21 Steps, etc. I felt lost. I felt it inorganic, unhelpful and some blatantly disrespectful to the art of story, especially save the cat, (citing exact page counts for events etc). But I was surprised by the fact that the overwhelming majority of the online screenwriting sphere praised these works, meanwhile (sometimes) bashing books that suggest other solutions. Finally a breath of fresh air.
That's a good description. I also felt so lost when I first started trying to learn all those writing theories. They seemed logical until I tried to actually make a story with them. Thank you for watching!
You used my favorite movies that I've seen a million times, so I understood the mini arc plot plan. I'm going to look for it in the book I'm currently reading. I'm already remembering the "therefore's" from what I've read to this point. This will help me with my own novel moving forward. Thank you.
Yes, please keep making more videos. If you can expound more on how mini-arcs can constitute an entire story in a satisfying way, that would help get this video's point across even more. I'm also curious about your take on character development/change and how it adds to a story.
Thank you for your support, it means a lot! I would like to make more videos in the future that go further into the concept of mini-arcs. There are a lot of interesting ways to use them. Character creation and development is a subject near and dear to my heart. In the future I intend to make quite a few videos on that topic. Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Finally someone says what people mean when they *actually see pacing issues.* The amount of videos that say that "nuh uh, it's actually this arbitrary writing thing that is not really anything to do with story progression!" Thank you for saying it straight because *this* is the thing that i do for the most part when planning out my narrative, and why most people who write by the seat of their pants exclusively *are not very good writers* (honestly I am tired of getting called out by people who don't try to plan anything out at all before they've started their narrative and just start writing with no goals for their characters)
I think I really needed to hear that break from the 3-act structure. I heard it everywhere on other videos and was so upset my stories didn't seem to fit! Thank you!
Amazing video. I agree with your points. Most advice say to follow a formula which leads to a very predictable story. They all seem to prioritize the outlining method which simply doesn't work for everyone. So thanks a lot for showing incredible tips. This process helps me to figure out the "bulk" of my story; as you said, a singular goal or concept spread through an entire story is boring, you need smaller goals building up to the climax. It reminds me of composing music, you have small beats that lead up to a crescendo and these beats are crucial even if they're small. I'm currently writing a story and your video came at the right time. Focusing on mini arcs makes it easier to see my story on a microscopic view as well as a grand bird's eye view. I can also make the plot more varied and interesting rather than have one concept that I'm trying to explore.
This is brilliant! Now that you said it, it sounds so natural and logical, but somehow I never got to realize it, especially not articulate it so efficiently. Thank you so much, this advice is extremely timely! Please make more videos like this, I'm really looking forward to new content from you!
Your breakdown of pacing is eye-opening. I've struggled with understanding exactly how to do that for some time now, and your breakdown is just the breakthrough I need to move my novel forward. Five stars!!!
This video is incredibly well written and valuable..I've had endless issues with story formulas and plotting without knowing why, so it feels like this was brought down from a holy mountain specifically to help me
Me too! And funnily enough, I've been trying to understand the three act structure in order to adapt my story to it and it's been really confusing for me. This video is so helpful because I understood it!
One of the most direct and informative video on the importance of good pacing. Thank you for reminding us that formulas do not work! More videos please!
i'm beyond grateful for this godsend of a video to reach my eyes. i've been stuck on how to write two stories for a good while, and learning about pacing helped me significantly. i always learn better with examples, so i really do appreciate the way you explain everything! i hope to see more videos like this!
I greatly appreciate how articulate flexible and concise you are in describing these principles. It's almost a relief. Tempo, Rhythm, logical progression of plot. Very very helpful and insightful thank you :)
Thank you for the fantastic, straightforward breakdown and analysis with illustrations and examples. The best I've seen yet. You've solidified this concept for me and despite it not being a formula, it is a formula of sorts, which I like because it's repeatable and does work for any story. I do think that having an Act structure to start is helpful, at least just for plotting purposes so I know I'm hitting key points. But using the mini arcs to fill in the in-betweens is really useful to get me to those major plot points. I'm now going back and making sure each of my scenes follow this pacing concept. Well done! I'll take a look at your other videos to see if you have it, but a video on subplots, and series subplots, and interweaving those with the main plot, would be great. You'd do a great job explaining that 🙂. [Update] Just looked at your channel...please post more learning videos! This is your superpower!
Surprisingly informative video, most of the writing related channels I came across had too much filler to increase the length of the video and simply mentioning hero's journey and calling it a day. Learnt a lot from you, I appreciate it!
Oh, my goodness. This is one of those 'aha', key-in-lock pieces of advice that expresses EXACTLY what I'd been thinking, but didn't feel confident enough to trust. I've always had a strong aversion to the 3-act structure and the Hero's Journey because it always gave off generic Hollywood movie when that was never my goal. Those formulas are reliable, but a lot of my favorite medias don't follow them, like The Thing or Hunter X Hunter. This is so, so, so, so, so much clearer and jives way better. You have no idea how much this has validated and motivated me to write now! Thank you so much! You've earned an instant fan!
This is why I find most of Netflix Originals boring. Unless written by an actual writer-creator, it is mostly algorithm written. Not Ai necessarily, but algorithm driven in terms of plot points, elements, music, actors, direcror choices, etc., and the pacing is always stretched more than it has to be
This is extremely helpful, and when you think about it, actually is obvious in hindsight. Of course a plot is a sequence of events and of course each event should have its beginning, middle, and end, i.e. its arc. Thank you for putting this across so well!
this was so helpful!! I always notice mini arcs in movies and books but for some reason never thought of formulating my story in that way. now I'm super inspired
You came along at the perfect time this is the most digestible set of techniques that I’ve found so far really helped me in my story ive recently started writing
I loved listening to you. You lay things out so logically and so convincingly. I glommed onto the word "pacing" because I've heard Grisham discuss it in his work as the indispensable and adjustable ingredient that makes his stories so readable, so compulsively readable. My story has languished. You've lit a fire under my butt by your well thought out ideas and your clear, concise explanations. I didn't know how to proceed but now I do -- I've got a map in my back pocket, thanks to you.
Thank you for this comment! It really means a lot that my videos can help people find the joy in writing again, and also find a map to put in their back pockets. Thank you for watching, and for your support! Happy writing!
I can’t express this enough, your message and delivery is so clear and concise. I’m immediately subscribed. I cannot wait to see more content from you. Absolutely incredible video
Congratulations. I now dub this approach the mini-arc formula disguised as not being a formula. LOL. 😂 Just practicing my plot twist chops. 🙄 Haha this was really good, though, thank you!
Hello this is a great approach. I find the standard approaches either restrictive, overly complicated or both. Your approach feels more organic and makes more sense. It has also helped me replot a story I am currently working on. Thank you and please keep the videos coming. Regards Simon.
I wanted to say thank you for making this video... Ive been chomping away at a book of my own for what feels like an eternity at a snails pace, but this video really set some things into stark relief for me. Some things i had been doing and some other things i needed to hear out loud. Writing is hard. Im glad there are others who can clear the fog a bit for guys like me. Thanks again
Thank you for this comment! It really means a lot when I learn that my video helped another writer. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors! Thank you for watching, and happy writing!
I found this video extremely helpful, and I hope you break down more fundamental principles in the future like you did here. I was able to understand everything, especially with all of the great examples and graphics that you used. Subbed. -someone who has never written anything, but has a cool idea (he thinks) P.S. That keyboard looks loud asf "KLAK KLAK KLAK" lol
I'm so glad it was helpful (and understandable! it's hard to know if I'm getting my idea across or not). Thank you for watching! (p.s. It used to be but it's not anymore! I customized it, it's very buttery. Otherwise I'd wake half the neighborhood at one in the morning with my thunderous turbo-typing)
I want to learn more! Mini arcs sound like such a fun way to plot a story and ensure you are in control of your pacing as well. I have been a little intimidated by the whole idea of pacing and how to nail it right, but this video has shed some much needed light on the issue, for which I am grateful. I'll be watching this one again. 😊
The traditional story structures/formulas never really helped me because they are just too generalized. This way of breaking down the story structure into bite-sized pieces is extremely helpful!
I wish this video had existed last year 😭 first of all, you’re a goddamn saint. This video is so easy to understand! And I feel like I was just given a holy grail to finally figuring out how to plot out a game I’ve been writing for almost 7 years. Thank you so much!
You've summarized in this sentence: 'The good news for the rest of us is that the more lazy writers rely on AI, the more stories written without AI will shine and stand out.' The reality of AI that none see. Creativity is an exercise; you lose it if you don't use it. Kudos!
Exactly! You lose it if you don't use it, well put. There's so much understandable worry and concern regarding AI in creative worlds. I think it's helpful to take a beat and remember that. Writers should just stay the course and constantly improve. It will be okay in the end. Creatively speaking, the exercised human mind will always be superior.
correct ..
I use ChatGPT to bounce off ideas I have. It's like having a 2nd person around who can provide elements you wouldn't think of. ... However, ChatGPT is terribly generic and often too abstract.
It works ok for some genres (like sci-fi), but sucks at others (like horror).
I'm wondering how many current stories are relying on A.I..
The problem is that is diffcult even for AI to reach the abyss of modern writers.
It is ok to let Ai Rate you story and tell you about the weaknesses of the story so that you can fix it.
“The story you write will either be terrible, or Indistinguishable from all the rest of the stories on the shelves these days-most of which are terrible.”
Thank you for this honesty. So many folks who do this are AIMING to show writers HOW to do exactly this.
I'm new to this writing thing, but i have this feeling the more i try to look at those 3 act structures, heroe's journey guidelines, i find myself all the more lost in my storytelling. It doesn't feel organic anymore and the story loses its soul. I think this channel is the one I have been looking for. Thank you for this!
That's the biggest danger with all those formulas, in my opinion: the loss of soul. I hope this video helps as you get started on your journey. Hopefully my future videos will also be helpful! Thanks for watching and happy writing!
Yes, trust your writing instincts.
Agreed
You better hope you have good instincts though cuz I’ve read so many early writers with just the worst writing in the world with no structure and I’m pretty certain they all followed their instincts too. I think a bad writer w structure is better than a bad writer w/o structure. And good artists don’t really need it but honestly when you look at the most famous, widely spread movies books etc, they typically fall into three acts, even if not planned that way.
I find it makes sense to study the structure models, then throw them away and make my plots. Then if I find any issues, like I have a sense that something is off, analyzing the structure can really help. Like, realizing that "oh, if I flip these scenes like this, I hit the right beats" or "the reason this scene isn't working is because it's supposed to functionally do A, but I'm doing Z."
The mini arc break down was what I needed to hear and has blasted the writers block I’ve been suffering Tysm
That's so great to hear! I'm so glad I could help in some way to break through the awful, dreaded Writer's Block. Good luck with your writing! And thank you for watching!
This video is essentially an unpacking of Dwight Swain's book Techniques of the Selling Writer, the single best writer's guide ever published. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven't. You can find a free digital copy online.
I've seen thousands of lectures from professional authors on pacing, and yet none have been able to explain and articulate it as well as you have. I feel like I have just learned something invaluable, thank you.
Have you watched Sanderson's BYU lecture series? It sucks. Once you start listening to these people you quickly realize they have no idea how they do what they do. They just follow their instincts. If you want to be great, you have to do the same thing.
@@MaximilianReyCartwright ummm, I actually really like Sanderson's lectures. But I don't see how that has anything to do with this video. Keep your rude comment to yourself, please.
I thoroughly went through every story plotting formula, 3 act, 4 act, 8 part story circle, even found a thorough breakdown of the 3 act structure made into 29 chapters/steps. In the end, I went with my gut and wrote something wholly unique. I took inspiration from some of my favorite shows, books, games, etc, and formed a plot piece by piece with two seperate main POVs that intertwine towards each other by the middle. Currently on the 2nd round of revisions, and I'm in love with the characters and world I've crafted. Trust yourself, and look inward for the answers while drawing inspiration from your favorite arcs or moments elsewhere if you need it. Good luck, and great video! 👍
My story has 5 Acts I didn't choose it it just happened.😂
LET US READ IT
The rules of writing are like music theory: they're strategies and concepts conceived by observers trying to make sense of genius creatives. They're attempts at mapping the trails blazed by the greats. If you want to stand out, you have to blaze new trails, not walk the same ones millions already have before you.
Of all of the writing advice videos that I've watched (which is a lot) this is the first time I ever heard something like this and it makes sense! I have to say, this is the best writing advice I've received because it's not just general advice, like "5 Ways To Make A Good Magic Item." It's actual, actionable advice that can be executed and to actually help me get words to paper. A huge thank you.
This video is essentially an unpacking of Dwight Swain's book Techniques of the Selling Writer, the single greatest writer's guide ever published. Do yourself a favor and check it out. You can find a free digital copy online.
You had me at “there are no formulas.” But … endless thankless hard work? Personally, I’m having a blast.
You're definitely not wrong. I enjoy the process, too! But I do still have days when I feel like all I'm doing is banging my head on the keyboard... Thanks for watching!
Only 9 minutes in but this is genius! I always end up writing my own structure to fit the story I want for every single book because the typical structures cause so many limitations and issues with flow. I've never heard pacing talked about in this way. You're really onto something.
I follow Brandon Sanderson's advice. Map out the general structure of your story, outline the important events, set up sheets for your characters (longer and shorter depending on their importance) and then begin writing.
This way you have clear story points A through Z but aren't basically writing the same thing twice. The journey between the points is still unknown to you and you have the freedom to change whatever you want as your story progresses.
You don't fall into the George Martin trap of not knowing how to finish a story and you also get the benefit of a naturally flowing sequence of events.
All that's left is to practice this.
i think this just broke through a wall in my head between myself and figuring out the finer plot details of my current project - thank you!
That's wonderful! I hope the plotting and planning continues to go smoothly for you now. And thank you for watching! Happy writing!
This is a great video. Writing advice tends to be super abstract and attack the structure of a story at a very broad level, or hyperfocused on the style of a single scene. This hits the middle of these extremes in a way i rarely see, and really appreciate!
This was crystal clear and very helpful. I have been getting stuck and lost while planning my story, you showed me what to focus on and I don't feel so helpless anymore.
Thanks a lot ! I hope the algorithm recognize your merits !
That's so wonderful to hear! I'm so happy I was able to help and I hope the writing goes smoothly now. Thank you very much for your supportive words, I really appreciate it. Happy writing!
@@The-Second-Story Thanks ! 🌼
This video is INSANELY informative and helpful with actual practical advice that anyone can follow. I really hope your channel starts to take off because I am already loving the content here!
You did in one video what over a year of watching writers explain writing couldn't. Mahalo
I've been a writer for years, and this is probably the most helpful video I've ever watched on the topic of pacing and how to create "mini arcs" within the scope of the larger story arc. You've explained it so clearly with great examples. Please - PLEASE - do make more of these videos!! I'm watching.
Probably the most eye opening video on storytelling I've come across. Thank you so much for this, it's as if there had been blindfolds over my eyes that i didn't know were there, and now i know, thanks to you removing them.
How wonderfully thoughtful you are. This was a meaningful contribution--thank you!
This is one of the best videos on storytelling (and creating in general) I've ever watched! I feel so lucky to have this recommended to me today! I've been writing on/off for about two years now because I was always trying to fit myself into these plot structures, and it has really robbed me of having fun and finishing anything. But no longer! Your take on pacing makes so much sense, and I feel excited to create again! Thank you for this, and do make more!
I love your approach! 💖 So refreshing! I'm so tired of the "copycating" everywhere. Cars, movies, all similar and soulless... Products and "content" . Thank you for pointing this out in literature.
That is exactly how it feels when so many writers use the same pre-made formulas over and over, like copies. Thank you very much for watching!
Dam, it's crazy that I've been doing this unconsciously. I am going to re-read my story for the 100 time and mark each mini arc. I am sure something interesting will come out of it.
I finally find out why my story pacing feels too fast! It's because I have multiple mini arcs going on at the same time.
I can finally fix what I don't like, and whenever I want to create fast pacing, I now know how!
I just noticed that this is actually a quite small and new channel. I loved the advice given. I have been struggling a lot personallly because I wish I could create art and I have a rather warped and difficult relationship towards producing art. Long story. Anyway I tried to get into writing a few months ago in order to work on my self-worth and the related issues and found myself giving up in frustration after a few tries. Writing and art in general always felt like this mystical skill that some people just seem to be innately born woth but your explanation beautifully lifted this mist that was clousing me the whole time trying to write. It really motivated me to give it another try. If I hadn't found this video I probably would have given up for good.
I'm really glad you didn't give up. Writing can be wonderfully therapeutic and also very rewarding. I firmly believe that anyone can learn how to do anything. I struggled a lot when I was younger with largely esoteric or vague and abstract writing classes. I would love to be able to show people that writing is a skill you can learn. A skill anyone can learn.
Thank you very much for watching!
That was a clear, understandable statement. So many forms/techs, but this clarifies structure and scene for me in a way I've been trying to extract from other presentations. Much appreciated!!
I am not even through the whole video yet and I am already convinced that I will learn something valuable. By minute 4 you already outlined all my thoughts and problems. I'm going to watch the rest now, you have my full attention.
as soon as she said it's techniques not fomulas, i hit sub
I was enthralled by the halfway point when we've already encountered 4 mini arcs.
Agreed.
Two minutes in and I'm subscribed and thinking
"Oh, I'm saving this to listen to at work".
I have watched the whole video without skipping, the things u said, the advice u gave were making sense, your video pacing
Was so engaging, this proves that u are a great story teller and a great teacher, thank you mam
Where have you been???? It’s like I’ve had the body of storytelling but not the heart to pump the blood. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS GOLD!
I hope now you can pump all the blood you need! Thank you for watching and for your comment! I wish you the best of luck with your storytelling!
John wick was not only sad for the death of his doggy but also because his puppy was a gift from his deceased wife making the dogs death heavier for his character.
Out of all the writing videos I have watched this is unironically the best one I have seen, it really changes my mindset about writing stories and its so simple and to the point. This shouldve costed money.
This video reminded me of my school days, when a great teacher would explain something I’d never understood so clearly and at such a comfortable pace that I could almost feel my neurons connecting, building the pathways that finally satisfied my need to understand.
Thank you!
Thank you, I'm so glad it was such a help! And thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment!
Thank you for this! I have written several novels, but any time I tried to plot stories with formulaic story structures, the stories felt boring and uninspired.
This mini-arc approach is something I've done instinctively, but having it vocalized had helped me understand why the times I strayed from this caused my books to fall apart.
IMMEDIATE sub. This is amazing writing advice. You give favorite english teacher vibes. Thank you
You are my goat. Ive been struggling even getting starded. it seemed too daunting of a task to plan out the whole story. The mini arc chart was a perfect visualization.
This is so wonderful to read! I'm so glad I was able to help you find a way to start. Getting over that first hurdle is big. Good luck going forward! Thanks for watching and happy writing!
This makes so much more sense to me than prescriptive plot structures, all of which invariably fail to match the story I'm trying to tell in some way (usually many ways)!
I thought this was a really good explanation.
There are endless 'explanations' of story structure on TH-cam, that often last 2 1/2 hours and it's all theoretical.
You explain it succinctly "and bring receipts" as the latest fashionable phrase has it. ( Nothing dates a film more than the inclusion of a once trendy phrase that someone thought looked good in the script + Of course, I've done the same thing here, but let's overlook that!).
A story is organic, a by-numbers approach leads to mechanical storytelling, and yes, each scene must be dynamic in itself or else what's the point? But I also think that you must attend to the step by step progress of the story, the planning, so to speak. It's hard work bur actually more important, in my opinion, than a clever line or lovingly crafted prose. A story must _WORK_ or you shortchange the reader. You're taking them on a journey and you have to deliver satisfaction. Or else, they're thinking "What was the point of that?"
I'm working on graphic novels, so visuals also carry narrative weight, not just words, but the outcome must still satisfy the reader.
Thanks for a great explication!
Thank you for watching! And thank you for your comment. I couldn't agree more. While I love good prose as much as the next reader, nothing is more important than the story. Nothing! If a writer learns nothing else, it must be how to tell a story well. Thanks again, and happy writing!
Hilary's TH-cam post on story pacing is like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee-strong, invigorating, and guaranteed to keep you awake during those long writing sessions! She breaks down pacing with such finesse that even a tortoise would feel the need to pick up the pace. I laughed, I learned, and I may have even shed a tear when she revealed the secret to keeping readers on the edge of their seats-who knew it was just a sprinkle of suspense and a dash of cliffhangers? If story pacing were a dance, Hilary would be the choreographer, and I’d be the enthusiastic but slightly clumsy dancer trying to keep up. Overall, this video is a must-watch for anyone who wants their stories to flow smoother than a well-oiled plot twist!
Thanks ma'am for affirming my sentiment that stories can't be borrowed or built from a template, the conventional writing advices would never allow someone to produce something beyond the inspiration or would lead to something transformative or ground breaking. I think great stories in times like ours when so many casts have already been moulded, can only be born by observing the world through one's own senses and mind and then manufactured from a first principled understanding of the world and its processes, its strifes and beauty, its reasonings and lack there of, premonitions and causality. Everything shall be questioned and answered in the writer's own unimpressioned thoughts. Thanks for opening our eyes!
THANK YOU. You've succeeded in articulately explaining, that which 99%, of people have failed.
the architect analogy was so good 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
Imagine being an architect and saying "I won't need physics or engineering" that's what being an author and saying "I don't need a story structure" is like... 🙄
@@blobymcblobfaceguys he didn’t say that “The Second Story” is saying it, no need to feed it.
Thank you so so much for this! I have been studying structure, and for the life of me, I absolutely could not get a good story full of life out of following the three acts. I was beginning to feel like I was just no good at this, but this video has given me so much hope. I can definitely study this and apply this. Seriously, thank you!!
I think this is the best writing video I’ve ever watched. Or maybe second best but that’s only after learning what internal conflict was. So thank you. I’ve been struggling with plots forever, thank you 💜
This is the single best piece of advice I have heard. I write for fun and luckily this is how I naturally break it up. Thanks for the encouragement.
This is a remarkably clear, thoughtful, actionable, and applicable video that cuts through all the BS of the “guides” out there. Well done
Thank you. I'm convinced that there are so many bad movies now because so many screenwriters have grown up on the books and formulas.
Really helped me through my first book process in a series of books. Was following 3 - 4 Act Structure and becoming frustrated since it seemed I couldn't fit everything into the frame of that structure. It's a long journey and requires stop at many different places along the series so I needed a way to break it up and the mini arc is perfect for that.
Thank you again, looking forward to your next video.
Thanks for this video! First time in my life i understand how the story structure actually works
This made the most sense to me of anything I ever heard.
Your description of this principle really sparked the motivation pilot. I appreciate the comprehensive way you walked us through the relatable mistakes that every aspiring storyteller or wishful thinker (aka me) experience. It makes it feel like I can attempt this as well, despite my experience. Thank you for sharing this insight! I look forward to more of your videos! 🙌
I want to thank you so so much for this video. I'm autistic and have struggled with the actual writing of a story (especially a longer one) despite getting through Creative Writing classes in university, an MA in Creative Writing, and studying the field a lot by reading, watching lectures and videos, and participating in online courses. I felt there was always something far too reductive about story structures, and no matter how much I tried to map out my story ideas onto them, they didn't help me exactly with the problem you describe at the start of the video: there is always an inevitable point at which I know where the characters should get to next, but I have no idea how to get them there (especially in a non-boring way). I am definitely going to try working on one of my stories with this new mini-arc method!
Of all the videos I've watched about pacing, this one clicked with me the most!
The tip towards the end to use the "Therefore..." to connect mini-arcs - that was the eye-opener for me. Therefore, I'm going to pace my stories better from now on ;-)
Somehow this makes so much more sense than, ‘your characters should want something in every scene.’ I like this every scene has a climax 👍
So... I'm not a plotter, but if I do ever plot instead of sort of "pantsing" my books, I think this is the way I'd do it. Just plan out each mini arc to get the overall arc accomplished. I almost despise actual outlining, (I know this is similar) but I feel like this would be different somehow. Thank you, ma'am 😊
By the way, i was shocked to see you only have 2 videos! You seemed so well-acquainted with speaking to a camera and so knowledgeable! Great job!
Fantastic breakdown and example. This helped solidify a concept that I've known about but never quite had a useful grasp on. I hope to see more content from you in the future.
This was literally the best and most helpful video on storytelling I've seen. Thank you so much, it has really made so much clear to me now.
I already commented on this when I first saw it, but it seems to have disappeared. However, I keep thinking about this video and feel it's worth coming back to comment again.
My degree is in screenwriting, and I've studied a LOT about story structure (in addition to all the videos I watch), and this was such a refreshing take. Too many supposed gurus present writing like it's a paint-by-numbers project. And that's perfectly fine for hobbyists or anyone who wants/needs to churn out a high volume of content. But I personally find it incredibly stifling creatively.
I've been writing for almost 30 years now, and trying to force my stories into a rigid structure almost made me hate something I have loved for so long.
I really appreciate this video. Not only was it crafted like someone who has been doing this for a long time, all your points were well thought out, logical, and presented in an understandable, relatable way. Instead of trying to shoehorn examples into a particular narrative, you showed exactly how what you are saying works. It really made me feel like yes, *this* is what I connect with. And as someone who writes primarily in short form, I also feel like this is something I can not only implement but actually embrace.
Thank you. Instant follow with the bell. Hope you'll continue to make more. :)
That was exactly my sense as well, that it was all very creatively stifling. Even if I was excited about a story I was working on, when I sat down to plot it out according to "the rules," I would lose all enthusiasm. It became a chore, one I was loathe to finish. And if I did manage to finish, the resulting story was dull and lifeless.
Thank you for this comment (twice! though I never saw your first, it really must've been swallowed), and for your support. All the support I've received on this video is tremendously encouraging. I am, as I type, working on my next video. I love making them (even if they do take some time), so I'll keep making them until everyone loses interest. Thank you again!
One of the most clear and substantive videos on writing craft I've seen in a good while, you're sorely needed in this space.
I’ve never thought of this. Now the plotting of The Hangover makes sense. Each piece of the puzzle as to where Doug is is a mini-arc.
Am I glad to finally find someone that agreed with me about all these formulas.
Like most students, I was encouraged to read and study these theories: Christopher Vogler’s Heroes Journey, Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat, John Truby’s 21 Steps, etc. I felt lost.
I felt it inorganic, unhelpful and some blatantly disrespectful to the art of story, especially save the cat, (citing exact page counts for events etc).
But I was surprised by the fact that the overwhelming majority of the online screenwriting sphere praised these works, meanwhile (sometimes) bashing books that suggest other solutions.
Finally a breath of fresh air.
That's a good description. I also felt so lost when I first started trying to learn all those writing theories. They seemed logical until I tried to actually make a story with them.
Thank you for watching!
You used my favorite movies that I've seen a million times, so I understood the mini arc plot plan. I'm going to look for it in the book I'm currently reading. I'm already remembering the "therefore's" from what I've read to this point. This will help me with my own novel moving forward. Thank you.
They are really, really good movies. I'm glad I was able to help you! Thank you for watching and happy writing!
Yes, please keep making more videos. If you can expound more on how mini-arcs can constitute an entire story in a satisfying way, that would help get this video's point across even more.
I'm also curious about your take on character development/change and how it adds to a story.
Thank you for your support, it means a lot! I would like to make more videos in the future that go further into the concept of mini-arcs. There are a lot of interesting ways to use them.
Character creation and development is a subject near and dear to my heart. In the future I intend to make quite a few videos on that topic. Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Finally someone says what people mean when they *actually see pacing issues.* The amount of videos that say that "nuh uh, it's actually this arbitrary writing thing that is not really anything to do with story progression!" Thank you for saying it straight because *this* is the thing that i do for the most part when planning out my narrative, and why most people who write by the seat of their pants exclusively *are not very good writers* (honestly I am tired of getting called out by people who don't try to plan anything out at all before they've started their narrative and just start writing with no goals for their characters)
I think I really needed to hear that break from the 3-act structure. I heard it everywhere on other videos and was so upset my stories didn't seem to fit! Thank you!
Amazing video. I agree with your points. Most advice say to follow a formula which leads to a very predictable story. They all seem to prioritize the outlining method which simply doesn't work for everyone. So thanks a lot for showing incredible tips. This process helps me to figure out the "bulk" of my story; as you said, a singular goal or concept spread through an entire story is boring, you need smaller goals building up to the climax. It reminds me of composing music, you have small beats that lead up to a crescendo and these beats are crucial even if they're small.
I'm currently writing a story and your video came at the right time. Focusing on mini arcs makes it easier to see my story on a microscopic view as well as a grand bird's eye view. I can also make the plot more varied and interesting rather than have one concept that I'm trying to explore.
This is brilliant! Now that you said it, it sounds so natural and logical, but somehow I never got to realize it, especially not articulate it so efficiently. Thank you so much, this advice is extremely timely! Please make more videos like this, I'm really looking forward to new content from you!
Your breakdown of pacing is eye-opening. I've struggled with understanding exactly how to do that for some time now, and your breakdown is just the breakthrough I need to move my novel forward. Five stars!!!
This video is incredibly well written and valuable..I've had endless issues with story formulas and plotting without knowing why, so it feels like this was brought down from a holy mountain specifically to help me
This came just in time for me to write my first full length novel!
Me too! And funnily enough, I've been trying to understand the three act structure in order to adapt my story to it and it's been really confusing for me. This video is so helpful because I understood it!
One of the most direct and informative video on the importance of good pacing. Thank you for reminding us that formulas do not work! More videos please!
i'm beyond grateful for this godsend of a video to reach my eyes. i've been stuck on how to write two stories for a good while, and learning about pacing helped me significantly. i always learn better with examples, so i really do appreciate the way you explain everything! i hope to see more videos like this!
As an architect, the books you chose as examples for architectural concepts and design were spot on. Liked and subscribed 😊
this was the most helpful video on writing I've watched so far! thank you, and I would love to see more advice from you!
I'm so glad it was helpful! I'm already working on more videos, so I hope they can prove helpful, too. Thanks so much for watching!
@@The-Second-Story great to hear! I'm sure they'll be just as helpful.
This one video just fixed a huge writing hurdle ive been having for weeks THANK YOU
This is an extremely helpful principle! Thanks for explaining it with examples, I totally wrapped my head around it now.
I greatly appreciate how articulate flexible and concise you are in describing these principles. It's almost a relief. Tempo, Rhythm, logical progression of plot. Very very helpful and insightful thank you :)
Thank you for the fantastic, straightforward breakdown and analysis with illustrations and examples. The best I've seen yet. You've solidified this concept for me and despite it not being a formula, it is a formula of sorts, which I like because it's repeatable and does work for any story. I do think that having an Act structure to start is helpful, at least just for plotting purposes so I know I'm hitting key points. But using the mini arcs to fill in the in-betweens is really useful to get me to those major plot points. I'm now going back and making sure each of my scenes follow this pacing concept. Well done! I'll take a look at your other videos to see if you have it, but a video on subplots, and series subplots, and interweaving those with the main plot, would be great. You'd do a great job explaining that 🙂. [Update] Just looked at your channel...please post more learning videos! This is your superpower!
Surprisingly informative video, most of the writing related channels I came across had too much filler to increase the length of the video and simply mentioning hero's journey and calling it a day. Learnt a lot from you, I appreciate it!
Oh, my goodness. This is one of those 'aha', key-in-lock pieces of advice that expresses EXACTLY what I'd been thinking, but didn't feel confident enough to trust. I've always had a strong aversion to the 3-act structure and the Hero's Journey because it always gave off generic Hollywood movie when that was never my goal. Those formulas are reliable, but a lot of my favorite medias don't follow them, like The Thing or Hunter X Hunter. This is so, so, so, so, so much clearer and jives way better. You have no idea how much this has validated and motivated me to write now! Thank you so much! You've earned an instant fan!
This is why I find most of Netflix Originals boring. Unless written by an actual writer-creator, it is mostly algorithm written. Not Ai necessarily, but algorithm driven in terms of plot points, elements, music, actors, direcror choices, etc., and the pacing is always stretched more than it has to be
Very true
This is extremely helpful, and when you think about it, actually is obvious in hindsight. Of course a plot is a sequence of events and of course each event should have its beginning, middle, and end, i.e. its arc.
Thank you for putting this across so well!
this was so helpful!! I always notice mini arcs in movies and books but for some reason never thought of formulating my story in that way. now I'm super inspired
You came along at the perfect time this is the most digestible set of techniques that I’ve found so far really helped me in my story ive recently started writing
Yes!!! Mini-Arcs are so good!
I loved listening to you. You lay things out so logically and so convincingly. I glommed onto the word "pacing" because I've heard Grisham discuss it in his work as the indispensable and adjustable ingredient that makes his stories so readable, so compulsively readable. My story has languished. You've lit a fire under my butt by your well thought out ideas and your clear, concise explanations. I didn't know how to proceed but now I do -- I've got a map in my back pocket, thanks to you.
Thank you for this comment! It really means a lot that my videos can help people find the joy in writing again, and also find a map to put in their back pockets. Thank you for watching, and for your support! Happy writing!
Great video, especially the mini arcs building up to the big arc. Thank you.
This is some of the best writing advice I have heard, so excited to try it out! Thank you so much!
I can’t express this enough, your message and delivery is so clear and concise. I’m immediately subscribed. I cannot wait to see more content from you. Absolutely incredible video
Congratulations. I now dub this approach the mini-arc formula disguised as not being a formula. LOL. 😂 Just practicing my plot twist chops. 🙄 Haha this was really good, though, thank you!
Hello this is a great approach. I find the standard approaches either restrictive, overly complicated or both. Your approach feels more organic and makes more sense. It has also helped me replot a story I am currently working on. Thank you and please keep the videos coming. Regards Simon.
thanks so much for this! watching this video is giving me more confidence in what I need for my stories
Great video! I do this instinctually, I used to worry that things didn’t fit formally etc, and it’s so nice to see it explicitly detailed. Thank you!
Screw it, I'll write a second comment. This needs to be taught in schools.
I wanted to say thank you for making this video... Ive been chomping away at a book of my own for what feels like an eternity at a snails pace, but this video really set some things into stark relief for me. Some things i had been doing and some other things i needed to hear out loud.
Writing is hard. Im glad there are others who can clear the fog a bit for guys like me.
Thanks again
Thank you for this comment! It really means a lot when I learn that my video helped another writer. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors!
Thank you for watching, and happy writing!
I found this video extremely helpful, and I hope you break down more fundamental principles in the future like you did here. I was able to understand everything, especially with all of the great examples and graphics that you used. Subbed.
-someone who has never written anything, but has a cool idea (he thinks)
P.S. That keyboard looks loud asf "KLAK KLAK KLAK" lol
I'm so glad it was helpful (and understandable! it's hard to know if I'm getting my idea across or not). Thank you for watching!
(p.s. It used to be but it's not anymore! I customized it, it's very buttery. Otherwise I'd wake half the neighborhood at one in the morning with my thunderous turbo-typing)
This is a great video. You should definitely do more. I’d watch them bc you’re very helpful
This taught me way more than I had expected. Fantastic!… I’ll take 14 of em’
i am obsessed with fundamental everything. thanks for the video
I want to learn more! Mini arcs sound like such a fun way to plot a story and ensure you are in control of your pacing as well. I have been a little intimidated by the whole idea of pacing and how to nail it right, but this video has shed some much needed light on the issue, for which I am grateful. I'll be watching this one again. 😊
The traditional story structures/formulas never really helped me because they are just too generalized. This way of breaking down the story structure into bite-sized pieces is extremely helpful!
I wish this video had existed last year 😭 first of all, you’re a goddamn saint. This video is so easy to understand! And I feel like I was just given a holy grail to finally figuring out how to plot out a game I’ve been writing for almost 7 years. Thank you so much!
This was incredibly helpful, thanks so much!!