This story chose you. I love that. Thank you. I’ve been “working on” a story that won’t go away for about 7 or so years at this point. I’ve successfully written only 5 chapters. First I get bogged down in the process, the details, then I get burned out and never actually write the story. Then I get shiny new ideas and forget about the story for a few months, or even a year or so. But it’s always with me, it’s always the one that I keep telling myself the world needs, whether it does or not. So thank you for this, because I desperately needed it. This is the first time I’m saying this “out loud” but I’m giving myself 6 months to get a zero draft done. Let’s see if I hold myself to that! Thank you again and congrats on finishing your book!
Yes! You’ve got this Matt! It might help if you literally write “the world needs this story” on a piece of paper and hang it where you’ll see it daily. That’s what I’ve done with “if you wanna be a writer, you gotta write” ✍🏼
I absolutely LOVE the point that your first draft isn't going to be perfect no matter how much planning you do. I'm a planner but I believe that my approach is not universal, and I feel irritated when people "market" planning as a 100% guarantee of success. I've rewritten things a thousand times no matter how much planning I did, because, when it comes to actually writing things, you find out that your original ideas are not that great and you need to change some things. A plan is just a tool that helps you see the whole picture without going into details
Absolutely agree! In my opinion, it kind of doesn’t matter how much you plan or plot ahead. Once everything is out there on the page, there is going to be SOME element that just doesn’t work-could be a major plot point (or four lol), a character’s motivation, the setting, the writing tense, etc, etc. And thats why getting to the end is so important!
@nataliejaneshields yesss! I have changed the entire setting while writing my story, which was initially a Winx fan fiction. Now it's a dark dystopian fantasy, and I have created an entire universe for all my future books 🤣 If I followed my initial plan, I would still write stories about fairies at Alfea without exploring any complex topics. I'm not saying that you can't do it in fan fiction, but I felt as if my hands were tied At a certain point you grow out of your story, especially if you, like me, do writing as a hobby and don't make it a regular habit, so your books take years to write. So you have to rework a lot of stuff
I wish I could make friends with other writers. It feels impossible to me. Because it feels hard and weird to message someone and be like "wanna be friends?" I'm not good at making friends so I always end up being alone lol 😂😅 I'm currently trying to write book one of an epic fantasy trilogy for the first time. I haven't written since I was a little kid so it's definitely a journey. I'm documenting everything on my channel.
Your best writing friends could be on the other side of that message! Most of the writing friends I have made are through TH-cam comments sections, so keep commenting on peoples’ videos and supporting their journeys! Another great place is in writing livestreams! Best of luck with your books! You’ve got this 💪🏼
Hi 👋🏼 I struggle with making friends too.. I'm writing a romantasy story. I enjoy reading and writing so much that I just want to connect with like-minded people ❤️
I was recently inspired to finish my novel after years of not working on it.. I've always wanted to go back and finish the story but have always made excuses like not having enough time but now I really want to get it done.Yeah my first drift may not be perfect but it can always be edited & improved 🙂I'm still just an amateur writer and learning but I'm very passionate and enjoy creative writing.
The passion and persistence is the most important part, in my opinion 💛 You’ve got this! First drafts are never perfect! Anyone who says otherwise is lying! (Or delusional…😂)
@nataliejaneshields Thanks, I needed to hear that!!I have given up on perfection because nothing will ever be flawless.. And congrats on finishing your book! ❤️ Hopefully I'll be done with mine soon, aiming for early 2025 🤞🏼
Natalie, thank you for the video. It’s interesting that it took you around five years on your first book. It took me years to finish my first draft, however, like you maybe, I didn’t write daily. Often, I would go months without doing anything other than thinking about the story. Life is always trying to steal your attention. Love how you said the story chooses us - definitely agree with that. This video was helpful and your tips were spot on.
Thank you so much for watching! I agree, 5 years but yes, months would go by without touching my document. Daily writing isn’t for me at this stage in life, and that’s okay! Plenty of people write books in their free time spurts!
Yess!! Big on the community! The author tube space is FULL of love and support! Come to the dark side. We have ADHD and dark humor! Love these tips, Natalie! Congrats again on finishing your draft :)
I've been writing a sci-fi story for 10 years (and enjoyed every minute) ...I took long breaks where I couldn't think where to take the plot, which resulted in plot holes and continuity errors. I did too much tell and not enough show, which meant a lot of rewriting. Plus the usual rewriting of clunky sentences. I'm now going through it for the last time line-by-line. One 'trick' I've learned is to summarise the point I've reached in the plot every time I stop for the day. So that I can pick it up next day, read my summary and carry on. Think I might use that method when writing the first draft too, so hopefully I won't make so many mistakes. One comment I will make that tells you you're on the right lines is that the characters live in your head like real people. I don't intend to write a sequel but I know my characters inside-out.
I am currently writing [not in english] the most complicated story that could be easy to read for people that just want to have fun reading it, but also a rabbit hole for those who want to take a dive. I don't outline, but I wrote demo-version of this story and got feedback from many anons that it is awesome. I am writing and editing at the same time, so first draft should be very good, but in the second draft I will push myself to limits of imagination and go above and beyond that for each sentence and each word serve more than one story levels. "The first time around, the story is going to be wrong" - no when you are experienced enough. Story should reflect real life and you won't have real life when your characters aren't alive. On one hand they are puppets in your hands, but on the other hand you have the power of imagination that they are puppets and also real people. Story of real people is never wrong, because it reflects our reality. Reality, unlike imagination, have no limits. Have a nice day.
I loved this and fully agree. Very happy for you ❤ and loved following your journey 🎉 I hope to get that community part down eventually, as i am writing my first novel rn. Ty for providing advice, inspiration and community ❤❤❤
Yay first novel!! Finding your community can take awhile, but once you have it you’ll be so happy you put in the effort to get there 💛 Best of luck writing!
This is such a lovely video!!! Great nuggets of wisdom!! And a 1000% on the community. So many of the stories I’ve finished was because of the support from other writers!!!
First of all, congratulations on completing your novel! 🥳 I so needed to hear this today! I mean, I know some stories just take longer, but when the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th year goes by.... it can be discouraging, and frustrating. Awesome tips! I have a fantasy duology (trilogy?) that I have been picking up and setting aside since 2020. I drafted the first book based on what I consider record timing (6 weeks), especially for me (and what I had going on at the time). The story has never left me; I've just been extremely discouraged about it as a whole because I couldn't get alpha or beta readers(and having CPs completely ghost me before I even had a chance to send them the book). I shared it on websites like Wattpad and Inkitt and watched the reads remain at 0 for over 2 years.
@@authorEE_ESE i know you didnt talk to me, but i so feel your pain and im so sorry this happened to you. If you need another newbie authors help lemme know :* dont give up! Pls dont! All the love from Germany 🇩🇪💗
I’m glad this video helped! I have had to repeat “if the story doesn’t let go, neither should you” to myself like a prayer for years! It can be soooo discouraging, so I understand you completely. I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t let the logistics get you down. Your story needs you and in the end, it doesn’t really matter how long it took you to get to the end 💛 Hoping you find your community (in person or online) who can support you through it all.
Loved this! This deff calm some of my anxieties! Congrats on finishing the book! Excited to get there one day myself! I'm writing an adult vampire/supernatural romantasy vibe - i'm having so much fun, but it is a lot! - New to this community and excited to see more videos from you! :)
Romantasy is sooooo fun to read, so I can only imagine how fun it is to write! Maybe that’ll be my next project… 🤔😂 I feel like we don’t talk about how much mental health plays into our creativity and our writing specifically, so I’m happy to contribute to the conversation 💛
Great video. 👍 Six important points to remember when we embark on this writing journey. Congrats on finishing your draft. I'm hard at work on my own and hoping to get a draft by Dec 31. Thanks again for the inspiration!
Im always very surprised about the fact that a) many people want to write a book and b) so few finish it I am so driven by my story (four books) that I finished my first books draft in 2,5 months. Long days and even longer nights of work went into that and I couldnt even imagine putting it aside. Now its the seventh draft and Im looking for an editor while Im writing the third. Its also important to let your book "marinate" some time before editing. Gives you a fresh look and perspective when you distance yourself from it. I gave my first one four months while I wrote the second book. After I finished that, I started editing the first one. It can be mentally hard to be a writer. Sometimes you seem to know everything and nothing about your story. 😂 But Its a wonderful journey that shows and teaches you so much about yourself. I learned that I have kuch more discipline than I ever thought I would have.
Being a writer is absolutely a mental challenge! That’s why I feel it’s so important to talk about mental health and how it impacts your creativity/productivity.
@nataliejaneshields This leads me to a theory that I have 😂 That pretty much every artist seems to be driven by a certain kind of "social and mental weirdness". You try to find and express something deep inside of you. Well, its like that with me, though. 😂 Took me over 25 years to find the right medium to do so. Always wrote when I was a kid and a teen, but lost it for over two decades, until I woke up one morning. I had a weird dream and a thought I never had before in my entire life: Ill write a book about that! Felt like a different person an started righaway. Since Febuary 1st of this year my whole life and purpose changed. Heard the call and following it ever since.
Thank you! I needed to hear this. I have several novels in the revision process and one just came back from a dev editor. I just need to see it through to the final polish and defeat my nemesis.
I am writing an urban fantasy and a dark fantasy right now depending on my mood. One is finished which I've revised five to six times and am now reading out loud to catch any further mistakes. I've been trying to write the urban fantasy since 2012 and its been rough lol.
@@nataliejaneshields Miles Lessard, Investigator-in-charge, is coming off of an extended leave, and thrust back in to work - building a new team of investigators, to solve the murder of an administrative assistant, at a school on a space station, in a newly-discovered system. He has to bring together a new team, suppress his issues, and try to find the perpetrator before another murder happens. The dev editor called it a cozy mystery. I call it a crime thriller. Either way, it’s amusing. Book one of thirty. 😉
Trying to write a mystery comedy. I've been trying since I was twelve years old. Looking back, I cringe terribly. But some of the jokes are still solid.
This story chose you. I love that. Thank you. I’ve been “working on” a story that won’t go away for about 7 or so years at this point. I’ve successfully written only 5 chapters. First I get bogged down in the process, the details, then I get burned out and never actually write the story. Then I get shiny new ideas and forget about the story for a few months, or even a year or so. But it’s always with me, it’s always the one that I keep telling myself the world needs, whether it does or not. So thank you for this, because I desperately needed it. This is the first time I’m saying this “out loud” but I’m giving myself 6 months to get a zero draft done. Let’s see if I hold myself to that! Thank you again and congrats on finishing your book!
Yes! You’ve got this Matt! It might help if you literally write “the world needs this story” on a piece of paper and hang it where you’ll see it daily. That’s what I’ve done with “if you wanna be a writer, you gotta write” ✍🏼
I absolutely LOVE the point that your first draft isn't going to be perfect no matter how much planning you do. I'm a planner but I believe that my approach is not universal, and I feel irritated when people "market" planning as a 100% guarantee of success. I've rewritten things a thousand times no matter how much planning I did, because, when it comes to actually writing things, you find out that your original ideas are not that great and you need to change some things. A plan is just a tool that helps you see the whole picture without going into details
Absolutely agree! In my opinion, it kind of doesn’t matter how much you plan or plot ahead. Once everything is out there on the page, there is going to be SOME element that just doesn’t work-could be a major plot point (or four lol), a character’s motivation, the setting, the writing tense, etc, etc. And thats why getting to the end is so important!
@nataliejaneshields yesss! I have changed the entire setting while writing my story, which was initially a Winx fan fiction. Now it's a dark dystopian fantasy, and I have created an entire universe for all my future books 🤣
If I followed my initial plan, I would still write stories about fairies at Alfea without exploring any complex topics. I'm not saying that you can't do it in fan fiction, but I felt as if my hands were tied
At a certain point you grow out of your story, especially if you, like me, do writing as a hobby and don't make it a regular habit, so your books take years to write. So you have to rework a lot of stuff
I wish I could make friends with other writers. It feels impossible to me. Because it feels hard and weird to message someone and be like "wanna be friends?" I'm not good at making friends so I always end up being alone lol 😂😅
I'm currently trying to write book one of an epic fantasy trilogy for the first time. I haven't written since I was a little kid so it's definitely a journey. I'm documenting everything on my channel.
Your best writing friends could be on the other side of that message! Most of the writing friends I have made are through TH-cam comments sections, so keep commenting on peoples’ videos and supporting their journeys! Another great place is in writing livestreams!
Best of luck with your books! You’ve got this 💪🏼
@@NiveaK. just visited your channel. Going to binge a bit. 😬😅
@@nataliejaneshields You're right, I guess I have to just get over that fear lol
@@african_chris Thank you so much!
Hi 👋🏼 I struggle with making friends too.. I'm writing a romantasy story. I enjoy reading and writing so much that I just want to connect with like-minded people ❤️
I was recently inspired to finish my novel after years of not working on it.. I've always wanted to go back and finish the story but have always made excuses like not having enough time but now I really want to get it done.Yeah my first drift may not be perfect but it can always be edited & improved 🙂I'm still just an amateur writer and learning but I'm very passionate and enjoy creative writing.
The passion and persistence is the most important part, in my opinion 💛 You’ve got this! First drafts are never perfect! Anyone who says otherwise is lying! (Or delusional…😂)
@nataliejaneshields Thanks, I needed to hear that!!I have given up on perfection because nothing will ever be flawless.. And congrats on finishing your book! ❤️ Hopefully I'll be done with mine soon, aiming for early 2025 🤞🏼
Natalie, thank you for the video. It’s interesting that it took you around five years on your first book. It took me years to finish my first draft, however, like you maybe, I didn’t write daily. Often, I would go months without doing anything other than thinking about the story. Life is always trying to steal your attention. Love how you said the story chooses us - definitely agree with that. This video was helpful and your tips were spot on.
Thank you so much for watching! I agree, 5 years but yes, months would go by without touching my document. Daily writing isn’t for me at this stage in life, and that’s okay! Plenty of people write books in their free time spurts!
Yess!! Big on the community! The author tube space is FULL of love and support! Come to the dark side. We have ADHD and dark humor!
Love these tips, Natalie! Congrats again on finishing your draft :)
Soooooo much ADHD and dark humor 😂
Well done! Yes, writing friends are the best!
You can do it alone, but it’ll be twice as hard and take twice as long!
I've been writing a sci-fi story for 10 years (and enjoyed every minute) ...I took long breaks where I couldn't think where to take the plot, which resulted in plot holes and continuity errors. I did too much tell and not enough show, which meant a lot of rewriting. Plus the usual rewriting of clunky sentences. I'm now going through it for the last time line-by-line. One 'trick' I've learned is to summarise the point I've reached in the plot every time I stop for the day. So that I can pick it up next day, read my summary and carry on. Think I might use that method when writing the first draft too, so hopefully I won't make so many mistakes. One comment I will make that tells you you're on the right lines is that the characters live in your head like real people. I don't intend to write a sequel but I know my characters inside-out.
I am currently writing [not in english] the most complicated story that could be easy to read for people that just want to have fun reading it, but also a rabbit hole for those who want to take a dive. I don't outline, but I wrote demo-version of this story and got feedback from many anons that it is awesome. I am writing and editing at the same time, so first draft should be very good, but in the second draft I will push myself to limits of imagination and go above and beyond that for each sentence and each word serve more than one story levels.
"The first time around, the story is going to be wrong" - no when you are experienced enough. Story should reflect real life and you won't have real life when your characters aren't alive. On one hand they are puppets in your hands, but on the other hand you have the power of imagination that they are puppets and also real people. Story of real people is never wrong, because it reflects our reality. Reality, unlike imagination, have no limits.
Have a nice day.
Thanks Natalie, a really good pep. I appreciate this. And congratulations of completing your novel!
Thank you! I’m here to encourage whenever I can 💛
First time here and I enjoyed the video. Now I’m a new subscriber.
I loved this and fully agree. Very happy for you ❤ and loved following your journey 🎉 I hope to get that community part down eventually, as i am writing my first novel rn. Ty for providing advice, inspiration and community ❤❤❤
Yay first novel!! Finding your community can take awhile, but once you have it you’ll be so happy you put in the effort to get there 💛 Best of luck writing!
This is such a lovely video!!! Great nuggets of wisdom!! And a 1000% on the community. So many of the stories I’ve finished was because of the support from other writers!!!
Thank you!! And COMPLETELY agree. You can do it alone, but it’ll be twice as hard and take twice as long!
Congratulations Natalie. I'm just finishing the major plot beats in the planning stage and looking forward to writing it over Winter. :)
So exciting! You’ve got this!
Thank you Natalie ❤ Love this! Truly encouraging!
Always here with the encouragement 😊💛
All great points 😊 definitely very encouraging ❤
Yay! Thank you for watching 💛
First of all, congratulations on completing your novel! 🥳
I so needed to hear this today! I mean, I know some stories just take longer, but when the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th year goes by.... it can be discouraging, and frustrating.
Awesome tips!
I have a fantasy duology (trilogy?) that I have been picking up and setting aside since 2020. I drafted the first book based on what I consider record timing (6 weeks), especially for me (and what I had going on at the time). The story has never left me; I've just been extremely discouraged about it as a whole because I couldn't get alpha or beta readers(and having CPs completely ghost me before I even had a chance to send them the book). I shared it on websites like Wattpad and Inkitt and watched the reads remain at 0 for over 2 years.
@@authorEE_ESE i know you didnt talk to me, but i so feel your pain and im so sorry this happened to you. If you need another newbie authors help lemme know :* dont give up! Pls dont! All the love from Germany 🇩🇪💗
@@AutorinDanielaBarker thank you! 🥰🥰I will definitely keep you in mind!
I’m glad this video helped! I have had to repeat “if the story doesn’t let go, neither should you” to myself like a prayer for years! It can be soooo discouraging, so I understand you completely. I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t let the logistics get you down. Your story needs you and in the end, it doesn’t really matter how long it took you to get to the end 💛 Hoping you find your community (in person or online) who can support you through it all.
Loved this! This deff calm some of my anxieties! Congrats on finishing the book! Excited to get there one day myself! I'm writing an adult vampire/supernatural romantasy vibe - i'm having so much fun, but it is a lot! - New to this community and excited to see more videos from you! :)
Romantasy is sooooo fun to read, so I can only imagine how fun it is to write! Maybe that’ll be my next project… 🤔😂 I feel like we don’t talk about how much mental health plays into our creativity and our writing specifically, so I’m happy to contribute to the conversation 💛
@@nataliejaneshields do it!!!✨💖 and it’s so true. Thanks again!
Congratulations again!! Such a feat to get that draft done ❤ and I completely agree with all of your suggestions, especially about writing friends.
Thank you again! Honestly still so excited that finally got it done 😂
Great video. 👍 Six important points to remember when we embark on this writing journey. Congrats on finishing your draft. I'm hard at work on my own and hoping to get a draft by Dec 31. Thanks again for the inspiration!
You’re so welcome! Best of luck with your draft- YOU’VE GOT THIS! 💪🏼
Im always very surprised about the fact that a) many people want to write a book and b) so few finish it
I am so driven by my story (four books) that I finished my first books draft in 2,5 months. Long days and even longer nights of work went into that and I couldnt even imagine putting it aside. Now its the seventh draft and Im looking for an editor while Im writing the third.
Its also important to let your book "marinate" some time before editing. Gives you a fresh look and perspective when you distance yourself from it. I gave my first one four months while I wrote the second book. After I finished that, I started editing the first one.
It can be mentally hard to be a writer. Sometimes you seem to know everything and nothing about your story. 😂
But Its a wonderful journey that shows and teaches you so much about yourself.
I learned that I have kuch more discipline than I ever thought I would have.
Being a writer is absolutely a mental challenge! That’s why I feel it’s so important to talk about mental health and how it impacts your creativity/productivity.
@nataliejaneshields This leads me to a theory that I have 😂
That pretty much every artist seems to be driven by a certain kind of "social and mental weirdness". You try to find and express something deep inside of you. Well, its like that with me, though. 😂
Took me over 25 years to find the right medium to do so. Always wrote when I was a kid and a teen, but lost it for over two decades, until I woke up one morning. I had a weird dream and a thought I never had before in my entire life: Ill write a book about that!
Felt like a different person an started righaway. Since Febuary 1st of this year my whole life and purpose changed.
Heard the call and following it ever since.
Thank you! I needed to hear this. I have several novels in the revision process and one just came back from a dev editor. I just need to see it through to the final polish and defeat my nemesis.
You’ve got this! 💪🏼
LOVE this Natalie!!
💗✨
Thanks Brielle 😭💛
Love this ❤
Hello. I'm finishing my first fiction novel. So I got here to learn. Thanks for inspiration
First book! So exciting! Always here to encourage you when you need it 😊
I am writing an urban fantasy and a dark fantasy right now depending on my mood. One is finished which I've revised five to six times and am now reading out loud to catch any further mistakes. I've been trying to write the urban fantasy since 2012 and its been rough lol.
You’ve got this! Sending all the encouragement and good vibes your way! 💛
🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Thank you.
TH-cam just now recommended this channel to me. New sub! Great advice. Oh, I’m writing a sci-fi murder mystery episodic series. Fun times 😊
Hi! Welcome! Sci-fi murder mystery?! Tell me more!
@@nataliejaneshields Miles Lessard, Investigator-in-charge, is coming off of an extended leave, and thrust back in to work - building a new team of investigators, to solve the murder of an administrative assistant, at a school on a space station, in a newly-discovered system. He has to bring together a new team, suppress his issues, and try to find the perpetrator before another murder happens. The dev editor called it a cozy mystery. I call it a crime thriller. Either way, it’s amusing. Book one of thirty. 😉
Subbed. I’m a newbie author documenting my own writing journey on my channel. My story definitely needed time to simmer 😅
Thank you so much! Sometimes your subconscious needs time to work on the story without your conscious interference 😂
Trying to write a mystery comedy. I've been trying since I was twelve years old. Looking back, I cringe terribly. But some of the jokes are still solid.
I love a good comedic mystery! You’ve got this! 💪🏼
Thanks for this! I’ve been working on my current YA fantasy on and off the last couple years. Revising is kicking my butt, but still I persist 😉
But👏🏼Still👏🏼You👏🏼Persist!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You’ve got this! 💛
So very well said! to tell a story, we have to take the leap and write the darn thing from start to finish 🫶
Yes! You’ve got to get it all out of your head before you can start to make sense of it from a structure perspective!