ahhh i have a suggestion for a new video but aint got no time for signing up so ... what about, how to turn an idea into a story( a drama) without preaching about your idea in an aweful way?
A video like this but for short stories would be great. When it comes to short stories, I think it's common(at least for me) to start with a theme, as opposed to a novel where it's common to start with an idea(by idea I mean plot/setting). I find it really difficult to express my theme in a short story in a way that feels satisfying, and I think hearing how someone else does it could help a lot
Video Idea: I know you self published ... can you go into the following: Why you chose to self publish, did you try to go to one of the big 4 publishers first or did you always plan to self publish, and finally ... are you happy with your choice to self publish in the end?
I recently read this book and got inspired to write a story like that one. While I do have things that are different, I find myself thinking up scenes and going like "Oh wow that would be cool- wait that's too close to the book I just read. Damn."
Same here! I’ve been listening to a lot of sci fi audio books and have been thinking of ideas but I can’t help but be inspired by those books because sci fi is about things that don’t actually exist
Core ideas can occur to many people at the same time. The only thing that makes someone a plagiarist in those cases is timing. It gets me thinking that it’s a good idea to use some kind of electronic software or online storage from the first inception of your idea. That way, your brain dumps, notes, drafts, rewrites and revisions and of course finalized manuscripts will all be date and time stamped to show and document how you developed your version of the same idea. It’s a bummer being beaten to the punch - even if you have no expectation of trying to sell what you’ve written. Just seeing that someone else had the same unique idea as you is deflating. 😩😂. I had a core concept / premise that just got made into a series original in a streaming channel a few months ago. I’ve had the premise in my mind for years and had even started writing random scenes but nothing remotely close to a formal draft. It was just so ironic that as soon as i decided to start learning basic craft to write the novel I’d plotted out in my head, I started seeing the first commercials. Everything about the show and how the premise is played out is different than what I had planned - but the premise is so unusual and unique that there’s no way to move forward with my version now. Or at least I’d be afraid to. It would be like if when Bewitched came to tv I was working on a story with the premise a “good” witch marries a mortal man and they try to keep the fact she’s a witch a secret and they barely escape detection as situations arise that require the witch to use her powers to get them out of trouble and keep it secret etc. After Bewitched comes out what could I do? I could make it a warlock and a woman mortal. I could make it so that the witch and mortal live in the witches day to day world and not the husband’s. I could put the on Mars. I could put them together is Salem during the time of the witch burning trials. But I could never make it different ENOUGH because that underlying premise is SO unique. That being said, same show runner substituted a witch for a genie (Jeannie) and an ad man for an astronaut and they got away with it. But I think that’s an exception more than a rule. All that to say, many ideas have been revisited because the human experience doesn’t change in significant ways that quickly. But Art imitates life and as our lives become more complex because of technology or medical breakthroughs or politics or world affairs, and as the known universe expands it can only help give Story new avenues to grow. We just have to be vigilant for the opportunities to be inspired. That’s why character driven stories rule. It’s the only hope you have to rehash the same plots / ideas and yet still make your story unique. But yeah…right now it’s really difficult to come up with totally new premises. That’s why there are so many remakes and sequels to movies. Other than that it’s more like you have to tweak the hell out of existing ideas. That’s why you will often hear people say things like “that movie is A meets B meets C but set on Earth 50 years in the future 😂😩😩😂
it really depends-- you can get inspiration from someone's idea, but you shouldn't completely write out the whole entire script with the same exact names and so on
lol good writers borrow, great writers steal, theres no such thing as original work. You just need to put your own spin on it, its not about the idea but your ability of writing.
I would like to say something. Just, yeah. Hold up, hear me out. So, I'm a young writer (14 to be exact) I finished a novel last year but...it wasn't novel worthy. The reasoning behind this was because I was writing it like it was a movie. So I just want to tell young writer's like me, do not write like your book will be a movie it will make you leave out so much plotpoints or character development. Write it like a book that people will read in the time space of a week or two, not a movie that has to have a 2 hour run time.
Sour Skittles Good advice! I know the feeling of knowing your writing is just /not good/ without really being able to pinpoint why but then finally being able to realise! My case wasn't really the same but congrats for noticing yours.
I write on an app call episode there you shall write like its a movie or tv series. many write like its a book. its coding you are making a visual novel. and people still need to explain the characters are kissing despite I can see them kissing. also amazing you finish a novel at 14. I could not even write or read that age(I am dyslexic) I write now though. working hard on a book
I can develop a world very well. I can decently make a good character. But I struggle with writing the characters and then making the plot. I have bits and pieces but I can’t seem to make it come together into anything cohesive.
I'm working on a seed of an idea right now. Almost started crying at 1:24 because I've been feeling like it's not an idea that will ever develop. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the encouragement!! I love your videos!
Well, I write short stories for every idea, or just a small paragraph really, so I can develop my story idea easily. It gives me an overview of what i can add, what I can remove and what I can develop
Here's an exercise in understanding the importance of the rewrite: Compare "Go Set a Watchman" with "To Kill a Mockingbird." The former was essentially the first draft of the latter.
Since i'm a little kid i had this world in my mind. A magic place where all my stuffed animals lived. I had very detailed backstorys for all of them. Even the world had history. Now i want to write a book for kids that is set in this world. Your advice is helping me a lot. Thank you very much for your videos
You are probably the most inspiring person I've ever seen on TH-cam. I've got a wonderful novel idea in mind. The only problem is: it only seems wonderful when I'm thinking about it in my alone time. But whenever I'm with other kids my age who are into writing, I always get this feeling that they're so much better than me and what's the point in writing, my novel is never going to thrive anyways. That feeling passed when I started watching your videos. You made me realize that self-doubt happens to everyone and we just have to push through it and keep writing. You motivated *me* to keep writing. You're my inspiration, Vivien Reis
Hello! I am a creative writing student in college right now and I have about to start plotting a story, so this is super helpful. Thank you. Also, I bought your first book last night and will start it after I finish the current series that I'm on. Thank you for posting all your videos about publishing, especially the one about self-publishing. It has definitely made me consider that as another option!
Thank you! While I have always been writing; I've never seriously started outlining a novel, which is probably why I've never finished anything. You are a true inspiration; and this advice will help me a ton in my novel writing experience, so thank you! I've been watching your videos and other Authortubers and it's helped me realized what I've been doing wrong. xD
i want to be a writer, and all i have is ideas. the most I've written of one of my stories is a page and a half. and then i put it on hold in order to actually develop the story, and your channel has been such an inspiration i subscribed instantly. i think you just gave the creativity boost that i needed and I've been looking for for over a year. i don't know if you'll see this, but if you do, i sincerely thank you, and I'm immediately off to write some things down.
I’m a young writer ( 16 to be exact ) and I’ve been writing story’s for awhile now but I always seem to get stuck half way through and then start a new project. Because national Novel writing mouth is coming up I decide to take part and finish a whole story but the only issue is I don’t know how to fill in the gaps.... your video are really helpful and I’m so happy I found your channel❤️😂
I had trouble focusing while watching this video as I found myself easily distracted by your cuteness, but once I also scrolled down I got some good ideas of what I can do for my novel. Thanks for the video!!
Something you said in this video prompted an idea that turned into an hour long brainstorming session in which I was able to solve problems with my plot i have been struggling with for almost a year! I came to get advice on how to start with a separate story idea, but this ended up helping in more ways than I would have thought. Thanks!
Thank heavens I found this! I like how you elaborate your ideas and tips so I decided to subscribe! Also, now I have an idea for the story I am planning at the moment. This helped me connect ideas I have at hand. Thank you!
You are so intelligent, and absolutely beautiful! You should be doing commercials if you aren’t already. You have “Dove” quality skin. Love this channel and your advice is invaluable! Thank you
@@avamw8074 it's actually coming together quickly since 2020. A lot of the problems i had/am having is that I've got many ideas that if implemented, would cause entire rewrites for a consistent continuity. So i usually spend a lot of time taking those ideas and mulling them over as much as possible before putting it in. Writing and re writing scenes to test how it could effect the story. It's been great! The pieces are falling into place and I'm so happy with it. Instead of 3 books, it's now more of a set of chapters spread between volumes (kinda like manga). Because i realized that trying to fit this story into three books with three act structures was just not possible for the kind of outline it's developing. This also helps to keep me from feeling intimidated with how long it will take (in chapters) to tell this story. Since a series of short volumes is easier for me to read, i want this to be easy to read for others if they like that format. Thanks for asking! I can't wait to write the rest of it!
I like to first write my entire story . then rewrite it knowning how the story shall be. becaue now I know a lot more details and can add stuff. like I found out I wanted one characters to have scars on her hands. I have added two mentions of it early in the story. one when MC first meet her. and again later when he asks about it
I've been wanting to write this one idea down in my head for the longest time, but I've had trouble getting it down or even getting a good idea of how the story will play out. This video helped clear some of that. Thanks!
all though i'm having trouble writing the first chapter ...i don't know how to write about the begining such as what my first word should be and how to make the readers want to finish the chapter and move on with the other ones
+Ghalawxi I think you should just start writing. It doesn't matter of the first page, paragraph, or sentence is terrible; just write. And if that doesn't work, write another scene in the story. Don't focus on the first chapter because chances are, it's going to come out terrible the first time you write it. Sorry for any typos
Thank you! I'm so glad these videos are a help to you. I agree with the other commenter, just start writing for now. Don't focus on making it perfect just yet, because that's what the editing phase is for. Just get the words on paper for the moment and don't worry about it until you're finished with your first draft.
Whenever I get a new idea, the very first fear I have is that it's to similar or might even be the exact plot of another book. I just had this idea, and other than worrying if it's even good enough to be a novel( I have trouble asking people for their opinion of my book because I'm afraid they'll find it stupid, even if I think it's good) I also worry if there's another one like it. So when I post the story somewhere, someone might go "HeY YOu cOPieD ThIs!" Or I might be copyrighted or something.
Hi Vivien, this question may be a little off topic in terms of authoring a "novel", but have you thought of doing a video on writing the storyline for a video game? To some degree, I'm sure there are similarities, but do you know if there are major differences? How would one develop a storyline for a game, where the player is "virtually" immersed in the gameplay verses a novel, where the reader is "mentally or emotionally" immersed in the plot? A huge challenge in developing a game is to capture the emotions of the player. You can get his/her attention through the action in the game, but emotions, that a different issue. That's, I believe is easier in a movie or a novel, but in a game...not so much. How would you approach such a challenge and do you have any suggestions for developing the storyline in a game? ... possibly a video on the subject? (Yes, No...maybe?) Nice channel by the way!
Oh/Ooh? This is me with my star wars story,Sleeping beauty/Sweet elegant Aurora...'s film which turned 60 yesterday,and my fantasy,Sci Fi and many other stories,my star wars story started off as a matrix like drawing.
I'm the antithesis of an engineer.... I'm a historian!! LOL!!! That said, we were taught brainstorming in college as well... glad you covered it the way you did! Another great video by the way, keep them coming!! Can't wait to read your novel!!! :)
Oh no, math is awesome! I hear you, though. My fiance is a history buff so we've each got a special appreciation for the other's interests! Aka, me and history don't mix well haha
Great video, easy to understand and actually helped with a lot of problems I've been having with my novels :) Plus your voice is very relaxing to listen to.
I like the idea of starting with theme, then characters then plot. Starting with an idea or a truth that I want to illustrate through story. Compile a protagonist whose misbelief about the world is that theme turned on its head. That misbelief comes from a wound or something that happened to them before. The fear that stops them from living their life to the fullest is tied to that misbelief. They want something but are afraid to and are unable to go after it (internal conflict). When they are faced with the opportunity or forced to go after the thing they want (the story goal), the villain opposes them at every turn for their own reasons which are motivated by THEIR desire, fear, and misbelief about the world This creates the external conflict when they fight over the same story goal. Once I have all that in place, it will allow me to craft a tailor made plot of events that speak to the goals, fears and misbeliefs of both the protagonist and antagonist. That’s how what happens will matter to the characters and therefore to the reader. Example: I create a woman whose mentally ill mother used to lock her in a dark closet for hours when she “misbehaved” which could be forgetting to put the cap back on the toothpaste. She grows up misbelieving she has to please other people to be loved and in order not to be hurt and if she doesn’t live by that principle then anything negative that happens to her is her own fault. Also as a result of the closet instances, she develops claustrophobia. The woman grows up and has an abusive boyfriend who has keyed into her misbelief as predators often do. That’s our villain. The inciting incident is that when the woman gets up the courage to get on an elevator of a high rise, the elevator malfunctions and gets stuck. The plot speaks directly to her fear / claustrophobia. So it matters more. She’s only on the elevator to run an errand that her abusive boyfriend insisted she do for him (otherwise she would not ever get on an elevator). Since she is a people pleaser as a result of her childhood trauma (wound) she puts his needs before her own like always. Anybody can get stuck on an elevator - so what? Well it’s not a “so what” for our character because of her backstory. The plot event is specific to her misbelief and therefore it’s significant- it should matter more to the reader. My point is that I crafted the elevator scene out of the protagonist’s fear and misbelief. The reason the scene would be the inciting incident is because she is stuck on the elevator with a female mental health professional who has offices in the building. It turns into a mini counseling session such that the woman is able to keep the protagonist calm until the elevator is fixed. Before they part ways, the counselor gives the protagonist her card. She gleaned the abuse issue when the protagonist explained why she was even on the elevator in the first place with a phobia like hers. Obviously this is the beginning of the end of the status quo - the opportunity. The first major plot point, break into two - whatever you want to call it, is when the protagonist decides to go into counseling. This could be almost immediately after she takes the counselor’s card or she could debate about it first. She also decides to keep the decision and the subsequent appointments a secret from the boyfriend. The immediate cause / effect in the next scene is the boyfriend being unhappy that she didn’t complete his errand because she returned immediately to ground level after her ordeal. We see the abuse. Later he finds out she’s in counseling. That’s an additional obstacle. The plot therefore is coming out of the natural actions and reactions of the protagonist and antagonists’s as they oppose each reaching the shared / inverted goal. She’s trying to heal - he doesn’t want her to heal past their abusive dynamic. The theme is being proved out by the plot and the transformation of the protagonist by the end of the story. The story ends with the protagonist conquering her misbelief, leaving the abusive relationship and gaining a life long friend in the counselor as she starts to live her own life in a way that pleases her. This is a basic example that would have to be fully fleshed out for enough conflict to make it a feasible concept to write 😂. But I think it shows what I mean by “characters first then plot” being my preference and why. For me it’s: create compelling characters, give the protagonist a fear and misbelief about the world and then figure out the worst thing that could happen to them specific to their individual makeup or circumstances in life. Give them a struggle hand made for them with them coming out the other side of it changed preferably for the better. As someone new to writing, I’ve been getting an overview of the basics of craft here on YT. My process is evolving but I’ve been majorly influenced by one author tuber in particular- which out of respect for this poster I will not name. At the same time I want to credit someone else with helping me to understand story in a way that does inform my proposed process of writing. Everyone has their own process but my main focus when I write my first project will be to craft characters that a reader will care about and root for and a villain / opponent that my reader will want to see stopped😂. Then the plot will be the characters’ plans for how they work toward the story goal, and the changes and obstacles they encounter along the way - keeping in mind the principle of cause and effect for how each scene should move the story forward. Haven’t decided on structure or plot beats etc but I will be able to marry all of it together keeping the characters front and center in my mind at all times while crafting the plot.
So I’m a junior in high school and I’m begininning a book idea with these kingdoms and they’re all in the same vast world, I can’t seem to come up with the history of these people and how the have the magic they have and why some of them look the way they do? How would I go about creating the idea of that? They all have different powers/features. Like one kingdom has more human people and another has people with skin as black as night and wings. How would I create their backgrounds and what causes them to have magic and what caused some of them to not have magic.
I am so scared of "stealing ideas" that I avoid reading other novels and try writing in my own style. Sadly I am never satisfied because the events I want to play out don't connect like I want. I have given myself a little too many restrictions: - no stating of emotions. Use tells to indicate emotions - no adverbs outside of when characters speak - no passive voice - and I write in past tense
Vivien you are great, thanks for the tips! I am in the process of writing a non-fiction book; however, my next endeavor could be non-fiction. Thanks again, you are awesome.
Okay, this is super helpful and I'm realizing how much I really am still at the brainstorming stage. But I think my problem is a bit backwards from what's most common. I have a backstory, characters, a world, a magic system, etc. that I LOVE! But I have very, very little plot that I'm excited about. I have characters, each with backstory and motivation, and I have a big problem to start the book off with, but from there, I don't have much at all. I know that I need many plot points between the initial problem and the main character's end goal, but I have no idea what to fill in there, and truthfully, nothing seems exciting or deep enough for these characters that I love. Everything that I can think of seems super cliche and I don't love it, so I'm not writing it. Do you have any tips for this? This is my first novel btw. Haha. Novice alert. I'm stuck. Also, thanks for these videos! I've been soaking them up! :D
Hm... Sorry, I know I'm super late - and not the person you wanted help from - but I did think about this and came up with a potentially helpful thought experiment. Imagine yourself in that world and learning about the problem along with the characters. Then turn to them and ask: "Now what?" The easiest way to find out things about people is sometimes... ask. (Of course, in your situation, it'll have to do with their personality and backstory, but it can still help you figure out what feels natural.) Then have each character try what they suggested, or suggest it to other characters.
It sounds like you should focus more on how you story is character-driven. Try and use the relationships between characters to build subplots, and about the position of these characters. What makes this character important to the story? How can their flaws create conflict?
I know this video was 3 years old but thanks for this tip! I'm currently writing a story of "what if everyone knew of the supernatural?"[the characters are from pokemon sun and moon, they are not mine!] But im having trouble writing the 4th chapter but this helps a lot! Thanks!
It's a bit unfair that this lady is naturally beautiful, has gorgeous hair, is an engineer, and a writer, and very well-spoken as well... I'm jealous!! Thank you for the great writing advice though, your time and effort is much appreciated ^_^
Hi there! Your videos look fantastic! I’m so happy that I found a fellow writertuber. There aren't many of us. p.s: I'm a developer (or used to be, because I left my job to write), so I love that you're an engineer.
I can't wait until I become a full time writer, I'm so jealous of you! I love, though, that certain jobs are both left brain and right brain, so a lot of STEM people end up having really creative jobs. It's fun to see what day jobs writers have/had!
These are great videos, and have helped me a lot. I wrote my first book's first draft in about a month. It was like it all just flowed out and I couldn't stop it. After I read it, I did a complete rewrite (it needed a lot of changes). Same thing, it just flowed. But for the past two months or so, I've tried working on a different story, and putting the finishing touches on my last one, but I just feel completely blocked. I feel like the stories just suck. I've tried to just keep writing regardless of how I feel, but nothing good ever comes out, and I just feel really discouraged, like I'm just wasting time and have no talent xD.
I have an idea for a world and I have planned the world and I really like it. However, I can't choose a plot idea. None of them seem worthy of the world. Do you have any advice?
thanks! this really helped! im trying to write a really intricate story based on the original harry potter story. (fan fiction) Im really young (11) and i always wanted to write my own addition to the story! i hope it turns out okay.
I have so many stories in my head but have a hard time writing them down even when I'm telling my friend the story I have a hard time turning it into words and leave out a lot of details.
This was very helpful thank you. Anyway, I have a small note book that has like thirty or more story ideas in it. So far I have only finished writing two of them...Well not exactly finished. You see I say I'm done but both of my stories are short. I need to lengthen them but idk where to add and what to add. I think it would help if I had a writing partner to bounce ideas off of, honestly I am completely on my own right now.
I mean this in a totally platonic and non-creepy way so don't get weirded out: I have quite a girl crush on you. So smart, beautiful, and willing to share all of this information with all of us. Wow. What an amazing woman you are. Thank you!
Hey i love your channel, been helping me allot! If i could get some advice on writing a story where the protag is (for the most part or entirely) alone, i would be super thankful! Worried my story will be a bore without characters to have dialogue with. What techniques could be used to connect to a character with no one around to be an antagonist. Thanks for the great content 😁
Thank you so much for the video! It was really useful, especially the tips to use 'what if's. Thanks a lot and keep doing what you are doing. By the way, have you written any novels?
Thank *you* for watching! I'm currently in the beta phase for my debut novel, The Elysian Prophecy. You can read an excerpt by clicking the link in the info of this video :)
I Used this video as a template to a movie script im writing to make into a mini movie when im alot older (Since I may or may not be 11..) But anyway! Hehe I used this as something to help me with making plots and characters and ideas really or just help ADD ONTO something I have started. tysm for this 1+ Subbie :)
Have a suggestion for a new video? Add it here and vote for your favorites: bit.ly/VivienVote
ahhh i have a suggestion for a new video but aint got no time for signing up so ... what about, how to turn an idea into a story( a drama) without preaching about your idea in an aweful way?
Vivien Reis more plot twist ideas. Using more examples.
I love you inspiration. Your words inspire me! Thank you 🙏🏼
A video like this but for short stories would be great. When it comes to short stories, I think it's common(at least for me) to start with a theme, as opposed to a novel where it's common to start with an idea(by idea I mean plot/setting). I find it really difficult to express my theme in a short story in a way that feels satisfying, and I think hearing how someone else does it could help a lot
Video Idea: I know you self published ... can you go into the following:
Why you chose to self publish, did you try to go to one of the big 4 publishers first or did you always plan to self publish, and finally ... are you happy with your choice to self publish in the end?
Dang it! My main villian was named Waldamort! And He loved snakes!😕
Lol
Orochimaru....
haha lol
Does he live in walmart?
@@ponyoponyo576 that would be pretty funny lmao
I recently read this book and got inspired to write a story like that one. While I do have things that are different, I find myself thinking up scenes and going like "Oh wow that would be cool- wait that's too close to the book I just read. Damn."
What book is itbased off of ?
Same here! I’ve been listening to a lot of sci fi audio books and have been thinking of ideas but I can’t help but be inspired by those books because sci fi is about things that don’t actually exist
Core ideas can occur to many people at the same time. The only thing that makes someone a plagiarist in those cases is timing.
It gets me thinking that it’s a good idea to use some kind of electronic software or online storage from the first inception of your idea. That way, your brain dumps, notes, drafts, rewrites and revisions and of course finalized manuscripts will all be date and time stamped to show and document how you developed your version of the same idea.
It’s a bummer being beaten to the punch - even if you have no expectation of trying to sell what you’ve written. Just seeing that someone else had the same unique idea as you is deflating. 😩😂. I had a core concept / premise that just got made into a series original in a streaming channel a few months ago.
I’ve had the premise in my mind for years and had even started writing random scenes but nothing remotely close to a formal draft. It was just so ironic that as soon as i decided to start learning basic craft to write the novel I’d plotted out in my head, I started seeing the first commercials.
Everything about the show and how the premise is played out is different than what I had planned - but the premise is so unusual and unique that there’s no way to move forward with my version now. Or at least I’d be afraid to.
It would be like if when Bewitched came to tv I was working on a story with the premise a “good” witch marries a mortal man and they try to keep the fact she’s a witch a secret and they barely escape detection as situations arise that require the witch to use her powers to get them out of trouble and keep it secret etc.
After Bewitched comes out what could I do? I could make it a warlock and a woman mortal. I could make it so that the witch and mortal live in the witches day to day world and not the husband’s. I could put the on Mars. I could put them together is Salem during the time of the witch burning trials.
But I could never make it different ENOUGH because that underlying premise is SO unique. That being said, same show runner substituted a witch for a genie (Jeannie) and an ad man for an astronaut and they got away with it. But I think that’s an exception more than a rule.
All that to say, many ideas have been revisited because the human experience doesn’t change in significant ways that quickly. But Art imitates life and as our lives become more complex because of technology or medical breakthroughs or politics or world affairs, and as the known universe expands it can only help give Story new avenues to grow. We just have to be vigilant for the opportunities to be inspired. That’s why character driven stories rule. It’s the only hope you have to rehash the same plots / ideas and yet still make your story unique.
But yeah…right now it’s really difficult to come up with totally new premises. That’s why there are so many remakes and sequels to movies.
Other than that it’s more like you have to tweak the hell out of existing ideas. That’s why you will often hear people say things like “that movie is A meets B meets C but set on Earth 50 years in the future 😂😩😩😂
People be saying “1st” and “3 minutes ago” while I be saying “3 years ago 🤡”
I'm 4 years late
@@nimb1130 me too lol
Useful information has no expiration date
4 years lol
i am five years late
"Do not steal other people's ideas." BEAUTIFUL and a sign of a real writer. Thank you for adding that ever important item.
it really depends-- you can get inspiration from someone's idea, but you shouldn't completely write out the whole entire script with the same exact names and so on
lol good writers borrow, great writers steal, theres no such thing as original work. You just need to put your own spin on it, its not about the idea but your ability of writing.
I would like to say something. Just, yeah. Hold up, hear me out.
So, I'm a young writer (14 to be exact) I finished a novel last year but...it wasn't novel worthy. The reasoning behind this was because I was writing it like it was a movie.
So I just want to tell young writer's like me, do not write like your book will be a movie it will make you leave out so much plotpoints or character development. Write it like a book that people will read in the time space of a week or two, not a movie that has to have a 2 hour run time.
Sour Skittles Good advice! I know the feeling of knowing your writing is just /not good/ without really being able to pinpoint why but then finally being able to realise! My case wasn't really the same but congrats for noticing yours.
If its like a movie it is worth becoming a movie!
I just realized that's the problem I'm having and why I can't seem to write well omfg thank u lmao
I write on an app call episode there you shall write like its a movie or tv series. many write like its a book. its coding you are making a visual novel. and people still need to explain the characters are kissing despite I can see them kissing. also amazing you finish a novel at 14. I could not even write or read that age(I am dyslexic) I write now though. working hard on a book
Good advice! I also have one for you: You should use that as a base for your novel, and use it as a guide to write a full novel!
I can develop a world very well.
I can decently make a good character.
But I struggle with writing the characters and then making the plot.
I have bits and pieces but I can’t seem to make it come together into anything cohesive.
i have the same problem. i had a story idea and started planning but quitted halfway
I think a good way to avoid plagiarism is to draw from real life experiences and maybe mix those with the other ideas you have.
i kinda do this
We have the same username
Is what Pixar does! Sounds great!
I'm working on a seed of an idea right now. Almost started crying at 1:24 because I've been feeling like it's not an idea that will ever develop. THANK YOU SO MUCH for the encouragement!! I love your videos!
Aww, I'm glad it was helpful! Self doubt happens to us all, but we have to squash that voice and keep going! Happy writing 😊
Well, I write short stories for every idea, or just a small paragraph really, so I can develop my story idea easily. It gives me an overview of what i can add, what I can remove and what I can develop
It’s 2022 and I still watch this was a good channel
Here's an exercise in understanding the importance of the rewrite: Compare "Go Set a Watchman" with "To Kill a Mockingbird." The former was essentially the first draft of the latter.
"We're creative people and we have the right to be weird sometimes." ...AMEN! Great advice, thanks!
Since i'm a little kid i had this world in my mind. A magic place where all my stuffed animals lived. I had very detailed backstorys for all of them. Even the world had history. Now i want to write a book for kids that is set in this world. Your advice is helping me a lot. Thank you very much for your videos
You are probably the most inspiring person I've ever seen on TH-cam. I've got a wonderful novel idea in mind. The only problem is: it only seems wonderful when I'm thinking about it in my alone time. But whenever I'm with other kids my age who are into writing, I always get this feeling that they're so much better than me and what's the point in writing, my novel is never going to thrive anyways. That feeling passed when I started watching your videos. You made me realize that self-doubt happens to everyone and we just have to push through it and keep writing. You motivated *me* to keep writing. You're my inspiration, Vivien Reis
her eyes are just so beautiful
I'm so happy i found you.
You motivate me.
*I'm* so happy you found me! So glad I can motivate you. Happy writing!
Me too it help me
Hello! I am a creative writing student in college right now and I have about to start plotting a story, so this is super helpful. Thank you. Also, I bought your first book last night and will start it after I finish the current series that I'm on. Thank you for posting all your videos about publishing, especially the one about self-publishing. It has definitely made me consider that as another option!
Thank you so much! I hope you love it!! 💜💜
I’m coming back to this video to thank you 🙏 1 year later my book is done.😁
Well, is it done now?
Done now
Thank you! While I have always been writing; I've never seriously started outlining a novel, which is probably why I've never finished anything. You are a true inspiration; and this advice will help me a ton in my novel writing experience, so thank you! I've been watching your videos and other Authortubers and it's helped me realized what I've been doing wrong. xD
i want to be a writer, and all i have is ideas. the most I've written of one of my stories is a page and a half. and then i put it on hold in order to actually develop the story, and your channel has been such an inspiration i subscribed instantly. i think you just gave the creativity boost that i needed and I've been looking for for over a year. i don't know if you'll see this, but if you do, i sincerely thank you, and I'm immediately off to write some things down.
I’m a young writer ( 16 to be exact ) and I’ve been writing story’s for awhile now but I always seem to get stuck half way through and then start a new project. Because national Novel writing mouth is coming up I decide to take part and finish a whole story but the only issue is I don’t know how to fill in the gaps.... your video are really helpful and I’m so happy I found your channel❤️😂
I'm the same as you, what's your book about?
I had trouble focusing while watching this video as I found myself easily distracted by your cuteness, but once I also scrolled down I got some good ideas of what I can do for my novel. Thanks for the video!!
I have like 7 stories on Wattpad all conflicting her advice😂😭
For the person asking if they translate to sales? I'd love to hear about your success! We all would 😊
Hi!! I love wattpad! (username: Book_Monster_Rawr )
Me too! Mine is Snow_Leaves
Add meeee
@Hailey_Grazer
Well Wattpad sucks :)
Something you said in this video prompted an idea that turned into an hour long brainstorming session in which I was able to solve problems with my plot i have been struggling with for almost a year! I came to get advice on how to start with a separate story idea, but this ended up helping in more ways than I would have thought. Thanks!
I love your brain!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Those aha moments have hit me a lot these past couple weeks, I feel like I’m taking 30-40 notes a day in my phone while at work
Thank heavens I found this! I like how you elaborate your ideas and tips so I decided to subscribe!
Also, now I have an idea for the story I am planning at the moment. This helped me connect ideas I have at hand. Thank you!
Word vomit, such an accurate term.
You are so intelligent, and absolutely beautiful! You should be doing commercials if you aren’t already. You have “Dove” quality skin. Love this channel and your advice is invaluable! Thank you
Thank you for making this video! For months I had this story idea that I really liked, but didn’t know where to go with it!
Wow! Thanks so much! I totally forgot to develop the setting!
I love Harry Potter and I agree with you that we can not and should not take other peoples works. Dead pool is good too. :)
I've been writing a three book series for 13 years... This is already helping :)
I hope you have been doing good with that! how is it going?
@@avamw8074 it's actually coming together quickly since 2020. A lot of the problems i had/am having is that I've got many ideas that if implemented, would cause entire rewrites for a consistent continuity. So i usually spend a lot of time taking those ideas and mulling them over as much as possible before putting it in. Writing and re writing scenes to test how it could effect the story.
It's been great! The pieces are falling into place and I'm so happy with it. Instead of 3 books, it's now more of a set of chapters spread between volumes (kinda like manga). Because i realized that trying to fit this story into three books with three act structures was just not possible for the kind of outline it's developing. This also helps to keep me from feeling intimidated with how long it will take (in chapters) to tell this story. Since a series of short volumes is easier for me to read, i want this to be easy to read for others if they like that format.
Thanks for asking! I can't wait to write the rest of it!
I like to first write my entire story . then rewrite it knowning how the story shall be. becaue now I know a lot more details and can add stuff. like I found out I wanted one characters to have scars on her hands. I have added two mentions of it early in the story. one when MC first meet her. and again later when he asks about it
Your voice is so calming
Just watched this again in an attempt to gear up to write--if only I could thumbs up your video twice! Thanks again
I've been wanting to write this one idea down in my head for the longest time, but I've had trouble getting it down or even getting a good idea of how the story will play out. This video helped clear some of that. Thanks!
i can not even mention how much you're videos helped me ..keep up the great work
all though i'm having trouble writing the first chapter ...i don't know how to write about the begining such as what my first word should be and how to make the readers want to finish the chapter and move on with the other ones
+Ghalawxi I think you should just start writing. It doesn't matter of the first page, paragraph, or sentence is terrible; just write. And if that doesn't work, write another scene in the story. Don't focus on the first chapter because chances are, it's going to come out terrible the first time you write it. Sorry for any typos
Thank you! I'm so glad these videos are a help to you. I agree with the other commenter, just start writing for now. Don't focus on making it perfect just yet, because that's what the editing phase is for. Just get the words on paper for the moment and don't worry about it until you're finished with your first draft.
Whenever I get a new idea, the very first fear I have is that it's to similar or might even be the exact plot of another book. I just had this idea, and other than worrying if it's even good enough to be a novel( I have trouble asking people for their opinion of my book because I'm afraid they'll find it stupid, even if I think it's good) I also worry if there's another one like it. So when I post the story somewhere, someone might go "HeY YOu cOPieD ThIs!"
Or I might be copyrighted or something.
Hi Vivien, this question may be a little off topic in terms of authoring a "novel", but have you thought of doing a video on writing the storyline for a video game? To some degree, I'm sure there are similarities, but do you know if there are major differences? How would one develop a storyline for a game, where the player is "virtually" immersed in the gameplay verses a novel, where the reader is "mentally or emotionally" immersed in the plot?
A huge challenge in developing a game is to capture the emotions of the player. You can get his/her attention through the action in the game, but emotions, that a different issue. That's, I believe is easier in a movie or a novel, but in a game...not so much. How would you approach such a challenge and do you have any suggestions for developing the storyline in a game?
... possibly a video on the subject? (Yes, No...maybe?)
Nice channel by the way!
Thanks for putting out this content, Vivien. It's immensely comforting and relatable lol
Thank you!! This makes me so happy to hear :)
Thanks this is really inspiring and informational.
Oh/Ooh? This is me with my star wars story,Sleeping beauty/Sweet elegant Aurora...'s film which turned 60 yesterday,and my fantasy,Sci Fi and many other stories,my star wars story started off as a matrix like drawing.
This was really good. Thanks
This was extremely helpful! Thank you!
This is a necessary channel.
I was inspired by a dream I had lol
Saaaame that happened last night and it caused me to stay up for another three hours after having it cause I was so excited about it XD
Me too 😂
Same 😂
Nice video. I might come back to it later. Loved the witches idea :)
I'm the antithesis of an engineer.... I'm a historian!! LOL!!! That said, we were taught brainstorming in college as well... glad you covered it the way you did! Another great video by the way, keep them coming!! Can't wait to read your novel!!! :)
Thank you for the sweet comments! Brainstorming is definitely an important part of most jobs so I'm glad it's taught across the board :)
Definitely! We are taught the three maxims of our profession: outline, research avoiding the devil that we call math! :P
Oh no, math is awesome! I hear you, though. My fiance is a history buff so we've each got a special appreciation for the other's interests! Aka, me and history don't mix well haha
Math is awesome? LOL, we can agree to disagree!!!
YOUR DOG SCARED THE FUCK OUT OF ME IN THE BEGINNING
I've been starting a novel since last year. I plan to have it finished in like 3 years
Set those goals! I've just started setting deadlines for my goals and I'm hoping it helps with my productivity!
Hey, how has the novel been going?
your videos have helped me so much I have been working on a novel/series and was stuck but your videos helped me move forward with it :) thank you :)
Great video, easy to understand and actually helped with a lot of problems I've been having with my novels :)
Plus your voice is very relaxing to listen to.
I like the idea of starting with theme, then characters then plot. Starting with an idea or a truth that I want to illustrate through story. Compile a protagonist whose misbelief about the world is that theme turned on its head. That misbelief comes from a wound or something that happened to them before. The fear that stops them from living their life to the fullest is tied to that misbelief. They want something but are afraid to and are unable to go after it (internal conflict).
When they are faced with the opportunity or forced to go after the thing they want (the story goal), the villain opposes them at every turn for their own reasons which are motivated by THEIR desire, fear, and misbelief about the world This creates the external conflict when they fight over the same story goal.
Once I have all that in place, it will allow me to craft a tailor made plot of events that speak to the goals, fears and misbeliefs of both the protagonist and antagonist. That’s how what happens will matter to the characters and therefore to the reader.
Example: I create a woman whose mentally ill mother used to lock her in a dark closet for hours when she “misbehaved” which could be forgetting to put the cap back on the toothpaste.
She grows up misbelieving she has to please other people to be loved and in order not to be hurt and if she doesn’t live by that principle then anything negative that happens to her is her own fault. Also as a result of the closet instances, she develops claustrophobia.
The woman grows up and has an abusive boyfriend who has keyed into her misbelief as predators often do. That’s our villain.
The inciting incident is that when the woman gets up the courage to get on an elevator of a high rise, the elevator malfunctions and gets stuck. The plot speaks directly to her fear / claustrophobia. So it matters more.
She’s only on the elevator to run an errand that her abusive boyfriend insisted she do for him (otherwise she would not ever get on an elevator). Since she is a people pleaser as a result of her childhood trauma (wound) she puts his needs before her own like always.
Anybody can get stuck on an elevator - so what? Well it’s not a “so what” for our character because of her backstory. The plot event is specific to her misbelief and therefore it’s significant- it should matter more to the reader. My point is that I crafted the elevator scene out of the protagonist’s fear and misbelief.
The reason the scene would be the inciting incident is because she is stuck on the elevator with a female mental health professional who has offices in the building. It turns into a mini counseling session such that the woman is able to keep the protagonist calm until the elevator is fixed.
Before they part ways, the counselor gives the protagonist her card. She gleaned the abuse issue when the protagonist explained why she was even on the elevator in the first place with a phobia like hers. Obviously this is the beginning of the end of the status quo - the opportunity.
The first major plot point, break into two - whatever you want to call it, is when the protagonist decides to go into counseling. This could be almost immediately after she takes the counselor’s card or she could debate about it first. She also decides to keep the decision and the subsequent appointments a secret from the boyfriend.
The immediate cause / effect in the next scene is the boyfriend being unhappy that she didn’t complete his errand because she returned immediately to ground level after her ordeal. We see the abuse. Later he finds out she’s in counseling. That’s an additional obstacle.
The plot therefore is coming out of the natural actions and reactions of the protagonist and antagonists’s as they oppose each reaching the shared / inverted goal. She’s trying to heal - he doesn’t want her to heal past their abusive dynamic.
The theme is being proved out by the plot and the transformation of the protagonist by the end of the story. The story ends with the protagonist conquering her misbelief, leaving the abusive relationship and gaining a life long friend in the counselor as she starts to live her own life in a way that pleases her.
This is a basic example that would have to be fully fleshed out for enough conflict to make it a feasible concept to write 😂. But I think it shows what I mean by “characters first then plot” being my preference and why.
For me it’s: create compelling characters, give the protagonist a fear and misbelief about the world and then figure out the worst thing that could happen to them specific to their individual makeup or circumstances in life. Give them a struggle hand made for them with them coming out the other side of it changed preferably for the better.
As someone new to writing, I’ve been getting an overview of the basics of craft here on YT. My process is evolving but I’ve been majorly influenced by one author tuber in particular- which out of respect for this poster I will not name.
At the same time I want to credit someone else with helping me to understand story in a way that does inform my proposed process of writing.
Everyone has their own process but my main focus when I write my first project will be to craft characters that a reader will care about and root for and a villain / opponent that my reader will want to see stopped😂.
Then the plot will be the characters’ plans for how they work toward the story goal, and the changes and obstacles they encounter along the way - keeping in mind the principle of cause and effect for how each scene should move the story forward.
Haven’t decided on structure or plot beats etc but I will be able to marry all of it together keeping the characters front and center in my mind at all times while crafting the plot.
thank u so much... I'm trying to write a novel and your giving me a bucket of ideas
Woohoo! You're very welcome :)
First video, and I loved it! Thank you! (*whispers* also, I love your dog)
This was so helpful, thank you!!!!
Thanks for the help, Vivien!
thank you so much. this help me a lot.
So I’m a junior in high school and I’m begininning a book idea with these kingdoms and they’re all in the same vast world, I can’t seem to come up with the history of these people and how the have the magic they have and why some of them look the way they do? How would I go about creating the idea of that? They all have different powers/features. Like one kingdom has more human people and another has people with skin as black as night and wings. How would I create their backgrounds and what causes them to have magic and what caused some of them to not have magic.
My character has a lot of what I like to call negative negative magnet traction Ideas seem to not blend but I'm working on flipping the magnet
Should I start with the characters, world, or plot?
you're such an inspiration for writers, thank you:)
I am so scared of "stealing ideas" that I avoid reading other novels and try writing in my own style. Sadly I am never satisfied because the events I want to play out don't connect like I want. I have given myself a little too many restrictions:
- no stating of emotions. Use tells to indicate emotions
- no adverbs outside of when characters speak
- no passive voice
- and I write in past tense
Really good advice. I learned some things I didn't know before... Gracias! It's obvious you are tre creative!
love your work Vivien!
OMG I love your hair this length
This really helps with writer's block.
Vivien you are great, thanks for the tips! I am in the process of writing a non-fiction book; however, my next endeavor could be non-fiction. Thanks again, you are awesome.
Okay, this is super helpful and I'm realizing how much I really am still at the brainstorming stage. But I think my problem is a bit backwards from what's most common.
I have a backstory, characters, a world, a magic system, etc. that I LOVE! But I have very, very little plot that I'm excited about.
I have characters, each with backstory and motivation, and I have a big problem to start the book off with, but from there, I don't have much at all. I know that I need many plot points between the initial problem and the main character's end goal, but I have no idea what to fill in there, and truthfully, nothing seems exciting or deep enough for these characters that I love.
Everything that I can think of seems super cliche and I don't love it, so I'm not writing it.
Do you have any tips for this? This is my first novel btw. Haha. Novice alert. I'm stuck.
Also, thanks for these videos! I've been soaking them up! :D
Hm... Sorry, I know I'm super late - and not the person you wanted help from - but I did think about this and came up with a potentially helpful thought experiment.
Imagine yourself in that world and learning about the problem along with the characters. Then turn to them and ask: "Now what?" The easiest way to find out things about people is sometimes... ask. (Of course, in your situation, it'll have to do with their personality and backstory, but it can still help you figure out what feels natural.) Then have each character try what they suggested, or suggest it to other characters.
It sounds like you should focus more on how you story is character-driven. Try and use the relationships between characters to build subplots, and about the position of these characters. What makes this character important to the story? How can their flaws create conflict?
Thanks so much Vivien!!!!
I know this video was 3 years old but thanks for this tip! I'm currently writing a story of "what if everyone knew of the supernatural?"[the characters are from pokemon sun and moon, they are not mine!] But im having trouble writing the 4th chapter but this helps a lot! Thanks!
You're very welcome 😄
I subbed 3 reasons one your eyes are hypnotic
It's a bit unfair that this lady is naturally beautiful, has gorgeous hair, is an engineer, and a writer, and very well-spoken as well... I'm jealous!! Thank you for the great writing advice though, your time and effort is much appreciated ^_^
Hi there! Your videos look fantastic! I’m so happy that I found a fellow writertuber. There aren't many of us. p.s: I'm a developer (or used to be, because I left my job to write), so I love that you're an engineer.
I can't wait until I become a full time writer, I'm so jealous of you! I love, though, that certain jobs are both left brain and right brain, so a lot of STEM people end up having really creative jobs. It's fun to see what day jobs writers have/had!
Why people love popular books: their character and world they are living. Awesome point.
You are my new favourite TH-camr...
These are great videos, and have helped me a lot. I wrote my first book's first draft in about a month. It was like it all just flowed out and I couldn't stop it. After I read it, I did a complete rewrite (it needed a lot of changes). Same thing, it just flowed.
But for the past two months or so, I've tried working on a different story, and putting the finishing touches on my last one, but I just feel completely blocked. I feel like the stories just suck. I've tried to just keep writing regardless of how I feel, but nothing good ever comes out, and I just feel really discouraged, like I'm just wasting time and have no talent xD.
Very helpful. Thank you.
I have an idea for a world and I have planned the world and I really like it. However, I can't choose a plot idea. None of them seem worthy of the world. Do you have any advice?
Very helpful and insightful! Plus she's real pretty too!
Thank you so much. This helped a hell a lot
Surprised to see another engineer who likes writing. Engineering is my job but writing is my real passion.
thanks! this really helped! im trying to write a really intricate story based on the original harry potter story. (fan fiction) Im really young (11) and i always wanted to write my own addition to the story! i hope it turns out okay.
Use Wattpad! I joined when I was 10. You'll meet new ppl and stuff
Ooooh fellow Engineer!!
Thanks a lot for sharing those tips
How do you know if your story is good or not?
Your very intelligent and obviously well talented
I have so many stories in my head but have a hard time writing them down even when I'm telling my friend the story I have a hard time turning it into words and leave out a lot of details.
Great video, subscribed!
This was very helpful thank you. Anyway, I have a small note book that has like thirty or more story ideas in it. So far I have only finished writing two of them...Well not exactly finished. You see I say I'm done but both of my stories are short. I need to lengthen them but idk where to add and what to add. I think it would help if I had a writing partner to bounce ideas off of, honestly I am completely on my own right now.
i just had a plot bunny appear in my head but all I have so far is the title the genre and the protagonists name.
Thanks for this. A huge help.
I mean this in a totally platonic and non-creepy way so don't get weirded out: I have quite a girl crush on you. So smart, beautiful, and willing to share all of this information with all of us. Wow. What an amazing woman you are. Thank you!
Hey i love your channel, been helping me allot!
If i could get some advice on writing a story where the protag is (for the most part or entirely) alone, i would be super thankful!
Worried my story will be a bore without characters to have dialogue with. What techniques could be used to connect to a character with no one around to be an antagonist.
Thanks for the great content 😁
I've got some good ideas for premises but the actual plot I'm having trouble with
awesome video. thanks for sharing.
You're welcome :) Let me know if you ever have any writing questions!
Thank you so much for the video! It was really useful, especially the tips to use 'what if's. Thanks a lot and keep doing what you are doing. By the way, have you written any novels?
Thank *you* for watching! I'm currently in the beta phase for my debut novel, The Elysian Prophecy. You can read an excerpt by clicking the link in the info of this video :)
I Used this video as a template to a movie script im writing to make into a mini movie when im alot older (Since I may or may not be 11..) But anyway! Hehe I used this as something to help me with making plots and characters and ideas really or just help ADD ONTO something I have started. tysm for this 1+ Subbie :)
Thank you!! This helped so much!!!!