For m, with writing my first novel, my biggest battle is not only with getting the story in the way you want it, but the battle within yourself to get there.
“I’m well into the land of my next book when I find out.” Genius. My brother, this says it all. Thank you for helping me do become a story teller and not just a writer.
I heard a really interesting tip yesterday that seemed like something you’d say, and wanted to tell you because you may like it and suggest it to others. “Before you edit a chapter, rewrite it with only ten sentences”. It wasn’t about seeing how much you remember which is another helpful use for it but it was so that when you actually go to edit it, your refocused on the key reasons of the chapter’s importance. Thought you may find it interesting! Thanks for everything always
Really loved your tips here. My first book was nonfiction but I'm eager to start "playing" with fiction as I've been cooking some stories on the back-burner. Tip #11 was my favorite. We get to write! What a privilege. We might as well approach it with a spirit of play rather than work. Thank you!
I have never been one to follow trends. I write the story I want to tell, regardless whether or not the material has been done a thousand times over (example, I love elves, and love writing stories about them, and we all know how many times elves have been done haha). I think writers should focus less on what's selling right now, and more on what stories are burning inside them. I would rather write a story that I have a passion for and it doesn't sell, than write a story I could care less about and have it be a bestseller.
Amen. Personally, I like to only focus on concepts which I have added a unique twist to. For example, there's too many time-travel fictions, so I would only consider making one if I have something unexpected to add to it. Using what you know is always best, but mixing it with something which is never associated with it can make all the difference. For one, I don't think many fantasy worlds dare to ignore, or fully remove humans as a race.
Can I just say that you are one of the best writing mentors out there! I am going through a rough patch writing my first novel! And you are helping me through this.
I've read so many comments where people force themselves out of bed early in the morning and write, write , write. That never resonated with me, because I know I have obgilations to meet once I get up in the morning. This is a turnoff for some writers. I want to write for the pleasure of it and to find my true self. Micheal I enjoyed this presentation and I especially like the idea of reading the ending of chapters and mirror that in my own book. Thanks for your efforts.
I really like what you had to say. I've been writing for so long and and getting no where. Many of your tips made sense to me. Truly I appreciate your video.
A great reminder of what counts. My favourite parts were twisting tropes and having fun. Despite the fact that I love writing, I just realised that I make excuses for not writing as soon as I can in the morning, whereas it takes no provocation to scroll through emails and TH-cam when I wake up and right before bed. This is because I have problems with overthinking my writing and so that makes me afraid to begin. I need to get the joy-- and keep it. Thanks for the ideas!
Such great inspiration, thank you! I don't know anyone else who has such inviting, engaging content by just talking into the camera - no tricks needed!
Have a reason to help the reader keep turning the page and separating yourself from your writing. I found you when you plugged yourself on ten ALLI podcast. Checked you out and wasn’t disappointed. Thank you so much for your generosity is sharing your wisdom and experience.
What resonated most? Not just one thing. Cliffhanger chapter endings was obvious and wow, I forgot about it. Thank you for reminding me. Also I loved that you are well into your next world journey when bad news comes about a past project. You are indeed not your book. Thanks for the survival tips. These will really help me press on.
Thank you for the amazing advice. I painted a wall in my condo with chalk paint. I write my characters' names, important events, dates, etc. because I find that I will forget these small details after a few chapters. Plus, it's fun to write on the wall. :)
11 Fiction Writing Tips 1. Forget everything you know. 2. Fiction writing = Magic 3. Write with the five senses 4. Word choice = characterization 5. Keep track of details 6. Study cliffhanger endings 7. Give readers cookies 8. When in doubt, think ahead 9. Experiment (a lot) 10. You are NOT your book (seriously) 11. Have fun
New subscriber to your channel, I have been trying to write my first novel, a historical fiction about the Revolutionary War in the South Carolina backcountry. I have found that the writing into the dark method is really the only thing that keeps me interested in the story. Part of that however is making sure the passage of time is indeed consistent, and hence your tip number 5 is very handy. It’s simple, yet I never though to do it. Thank you so much for your content.
I've been learning to think ahead lately. I skipped a difficult scene in my WIP and I've been blazing through the story since then. Plus, once I have a clearer understanding of where the story is going I can go back to that scene and it will probably be much easier to write.
Thank you so much for your videos. I really appreciate then. It helps me out a lot. I am a brand new author and honestly have no idea what I'm doing, but I love getting my imagination out on paper and am learning how to do it properly. When I get the money I'm going to try and join ALLY.
Loved this video, I so needed it. I watched with a serious pain in my neck from writing. It is the journey and I try to stick with rule #1--I watched and read so much advice on writing do's and don'ts and then read a best seller that breaks all of them-like using the word , This, and words that end in ly, and Heard and Looked. Oh and Feel. I gave up and am writing what I want. We'll see.
Thank you, Michael. Every tip resonated with me; (notice the semi-colon) however, tip number one hit home the most. At this point in my writer's journey, I am learning to unlearn most of what I learned. You have provided a practical way that I can use the tools I learned for better effect. Thank you!
Hello! Thanks for this wonderful set of tips. I'll have to think about it for a while before I can pick a favorite, but I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your advice. Great presentation!
That's pretty cool being a creator. ..oh man! I have created people in my world and I wonder if there is a real version of that person. Brilliant stuff!!!
I just listening to one of your voice on here, u got a interesting about some things you were saying about writing.... will like to know more About that...!!! Hope I will hear about from you on here.
My favorite writing tip is to write. Even if you feel like all you are writing is trash. Write. The more words on the page, the less there are bouncing around in your head making you question your sanity...at least that is the way I feel at times. **shrugs** Anywho, have a great day/night.
That's basically the method right there! Plain and simple. The idea is that you find your groove/inspiration/story etc is that you have to just write it out!
Thank you Michael, this is one of the most engaging and helpful videos I have seen. Great advice, beautifully delivered and inspiring. Glad I came across this!
My problem is it almost hurts when I start to write. Because I feel I suck at it. I would love to be a writer and i love writers. I feel excited about starting a project but I get about 15-20 words in and I hate myself. How do I change this?
Any tips for an amateur writer... my issues is that I can clearly see the scene , characters and the mood in my mind... but I find it hard to translate my "mind's eye" to the page... I find I either don't give enough detail or I give too much and risk losing the attention of my reader
This video has concrete advice that I can actually follow. Write as if you're inside your character's skull, cliff hanger chapters to keep people reading. Troups are the seasoning of your story-stew. Too little seasoning and it's bland. Too much seasoning and it's garbage.
But answer me this. Do I need to be an avid reader to write well? I find that I read very independently, it grates on my thoughts, that I have so little experience. But it's the way I am.
pennylessz I think it’s best to be an avid listener. Listen to great audiobooks and your writing will get better, because you will begin to write for listening’s sake and not just for reading’s sake. I edit my work by recording myself read large chunks of my writings, fiction or nonfiction. I play back the recording and if it sounds seamless, I’m happy. If it sounds choppy, it gets scrapped or edited.
I liked too much the idea that to write for the pleasure, to have fun, (enjoy your self), we have a chance to write and to communicate, so enjoy it and , let us enjoy these and to think about mony
People should write to entertain. If you are not entertained by what you wrote, then it is highly unlikely that others will be. At the very least, try to have a theme weaved in there so your writing is not completely vapid and you have something to fall back on.
What's your top fiction writing tip?
Author Level Up just learning about fiction I think it’s amazing!!!!
Author Level Up you are not your book
What's your favorite fiction novel?
Fahrenheit 451 or Jurassic Park.
You are not your book may be my new favorite - so true!!
For m, with writing my first novel, my biggest battle is not only with getting the story in the way you want it, but the battle within yourself to get there.
“I’m well into the land of my next book when I find out.” Genius. My brother, this says it all. Thank you for helping me do become a story teller and not just a writer.
Such EXCELLENT advice. Thank you! 🎉😊 Loving your channel. And website.
This video is so full of gold nuggets! Great work!
I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Thank you!
"You can't tell me how to write! Your not my mom!"
Thanks for the good vid. Not new advice for me, but always good to hear it again.
I heard a really interesting tip yesterday that seemed like something you’d say, and wanted to tell you because you may like it and suggest it to others. “Before you edit a chapter, rewrite it with only ten sentences”. It wasn’t about seeing how much you remember which is another helpful use for it but it was so that when you actually go to edit it, your refocused on the key reasons of the chapter’s importance. Thought you may find it interesting! Thanks for everything always
Very interesting indeed! Thanks for sharing!
Really loved your tips here. My first book was nonfiction but I'm eager to start "playing" with fiction as I've been cooking some stories on the back-burner. Tip #11 was my favorite. We get to write! What a privilege. We might as well approach it with a spirit of play rather than work. Thank you!
I have never been one to follow trends. I write the story I want to tell, regardless whether or not the material has been done a thousand times over (example, I love elves, and love writing stories about them, and we all know how many times elves have been done haha). I think writers should focus less on what's selling right now, and more on what stories are burning inside them. I would rather write a story that I have a passion for and it doesn't sell, than write a story I could care less about and have it be a bestseller.
Great comment. After all, there is nothing new under the sun.
Amen. Personally, I like to only focus on concepts which I have added a unique twist to. For example, there's too many time-travel fictions, so I would only consider making one if I have something unexpected to add to it. Using what you know is always best, but mixing it with something which is never associated with it can make all the difference. For one, I don't think many fantasy worlds dare to ignore, or fully remove humans as a race.
Your right very true 😊
I loved the advice on taking a familiar trope and twisting it 😍
Cuz it follows a rule
Can I just say that you are one of the best writing mentors out there! I am going through a rough patch writing my first novel! And you are helping me through this.
Thank you. :) You got this!
Carry on...I have just finished my first book!!!! A real marathon, never a sprint....
My favorite tip was the one about cookies - When I read bestselling authors' books I see them do this, and it really keeps things interesting
playing g-d and lying for money!! love it!
Number 11 is amazing. I listened to it three separate times to let it sink in. Your videos are great man. Thank you.
Thanks Mike!
I've read so many comments where people force themselves out of bed early in the morning and write, write , write. That never resonated with me, because I know I have obgilations to meet once I get up in the morning. This is a turnoff for some writers. I want to write for the pleasure of it and to find my true self. Micheal I enjoyed this presentation and I especially like the idea of reading the ending of chapters and mirror that in my own book. Thanks for your efforts.
Just catching up on your older videos. Love this, especially your honesty. Keep it up!
I really like what you had to say. I've been writing for so long and and getting no where. Many of your tips made sense to me. Truly I appreciate your video.
Thank you!
Thanks for making this video. I was amazed at your quality of your tips. I learned more from your tips than some of the big-name writers!
I love the 5 senses thing, I’ve been doing it subsconscioisly and never really knew it was a thing.
A great reminder of what counts. My favourite parts were twisting tropes and having fun. Despite the fact that I love writing, I just realised that I make excuses for not writing as soon as I can in the morning, whereas it takes no provocation to scroll through emails and TH-cam when I wake up and right before bed. This is because I have problems with overthinking my writing and so that makes me afraid to begin. I need to get the joy-- and keep it. Thanks for the ideas!
Such great inspiration, thank you! I don't know anyone else who has such inviting, engaging content by just talking into the camera - no tricks needed!
Just found you through a Joanna Pen video this evening. I've already watched about three of your videos... Nicely done!! Lots of great tips!
Thanks so much!
Have a reason to help the reader keep turning the page and separating yourself from your writing. I found you when you plugged yourself on ten ALLI podcast. Checked you out and wasn’t disappointed. Thank you so much for your generosity is sharing your wisdom and experience.
Thank you.
What resonated most? Not just one thing. Cliffhanger chapter endings was obvious and wow, I forgot about it. Thank you for reminding me. Also I loved that you are well into your next world journey when bad news comes about a past project. You are indeed not your book. Thanks for the survival tips. These will really help me press on.
Thank you for the amazing advice.
I painted a wall in my condo with chalk paint. I write my characters' names, important events, dates, etc. because I find that I will forget these small details after a few chapters. Plus, it's fun to write on the wall. :)
I"m working on my first fiction novel and your video really helped to put things in perspective for me. Thank you 😊
Thank you. :)
It's good to be reminded that most rules are more like suggestions. Another great video. So glad you didn't get hit by that bus.
Me, too, Mike. Me too. :)
THANK You Michael, ALL your tips are helpful for me.
I appreciate that! Thank you. :)
These are some of the best tips I have ever come across.
There is so much good information packed in here.
11 Fiction Writing Tips
1. Forget everything you know.
2. Fiction writing = Magic
3. Write with the five senses
4. Word choice = characterization
5. Keep track of details
6. Study cliffhanger endings
7. Give readers cookies
8. When in doubt, think ahead
9. Experiment (a lot)
10. You are NOT your book (seriously)
11. Have fun
So nice to listen the tips for writers. It is amazing Thanks a lot
the rain example is actually very helpful to me right now, one of my characters wakes up in a hotel room while its raining outside.
How do you only have 11k subscribers
The advice here is invaluable. 'The 11 Commandments'.
I like the sound of that! ;)
#8 and #9 were words I definitely need to hear.
Really loved this! Well done.
100% agree with the information in this video because i discovered this on my own and it set me free as a writer.
That’s awesome! Glad this video validated what you learned. :)
Thanks for these wonderful ideas. I’m going to read a lot of those last few sentences of chapters now.
Fiction and creative writing are the best combination.
This was really helpful. Thanks again
Thanks for watching.
Another great video! I had to leave a comment because the image at 12:09 cracked me up 😂. You are fantastic.
The image worked, then! LOL
Excellent tips, Michael! BTW, I am also a big fan of Dean Wesley Smith. Keep on with your great work, greetings from Germany!
Thanks, Martin!
I just found your videos, I love them. Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you very much for the advice. Honestly, I am about to rewind the video so your suggestions will sink into my subconscious.
Thanks for the awesome videos. I love reading and writing effective sense filled content.
Me too. Makes for a much better experience, especially if you’re listening to an audiobook.
Such a refreshing take on writing. I’ve subscribed and look forward to your videos. Well done sir!!
Thank you and welcome aboard!
Great video and advice and
no high pitched sqeaky hysterical screaming
You're a good man. I wish you all the success in the world.
I'm going to sub. This is probably the best writing channel on youtube. Thank you for your hard work.
Thanks for subscribing. Welcome aboard!
Fantastic advice - so relevant and useful. Thanks so much for sharing!
Glad it was helpful!
Great tips, thank you for the video!
Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for the helpful tips. This was really helpful and also very engaging!!!!
I like these tips but my absolute faves are "There are no rules" and "Have fun". 🙂👍
Good tips. Thanks!
Thanks Elly!
Time again we all read awesome books -- even award-winning or best-selling -- that break every rule.
Exactly!
New subscriber to your channel, I have been trying to write my first novel, a historical fiction about the Revolutionary War in the South Carolina backcountry. I have found that the writing into the dark method is really the only thing that keeps me interested in the story. Part of that however is making sure the passage of time is indeed consistent, and hence your tip number 5 is very handy. It’s simple, yet I never though to do it. Thank you so much for your content.
Thank you. It’s definitely a good one when you’re writing historical fiction. Good luck with your first novel!
Great tips! Thank you.
Thank you!
I've been learning to think ahead lately. I skipped a difficult scene in my WIP and I've been blazing through the story since then. Plus, once I have a clearer understanding of where the story is going I can go back to that scene and it will probably be much easier to write.
Sounds like you’re thinking about this right way. Good for you. That’s awesome!
Thank you so much for your videos. I really appreciate then. It helps me out a lot. I am a brand new author and honestly have no idea what I'm doing, but I love getting my imagination out on paper and am learning how to do it properly. When I get the money I'm going to try and join ALLY.
Loved this video, I so needed it. I watched with a serious pain in my neck from writing. It is the journey and I try to stick with rule #1--I watched and read so much advice on writing do's and don'ts and then read a best seller that breaks all of them-like using the word , This, and words that end in ly, and Heard and Looked. Oh and Feel. I gave up and am writing what I want. We'll see.
I LOVED all of your tips :D Thank you for making this video.
Love tip # 2.
Thank you for this video. I found this video on your website.
I got to love an author with humor about their own books. Like veggies take over the universe.
Thank you, Michael. Every tip resonated with me; (notice the semi-colon) however, tip number one hit home the most. At this point in my writer's journey, I am learning to unlearn most of what I learned. You have provided a practical way that I can use the tools I learned for better effect. Thank you!
"Lying for money"
10/10. Gold. 👏
Thank you, your videos are always packed with invaluable tips!
Thanks!
You remind me of a young Andre Braugher. It’s awesome.
I get that all the time.
@@AuthorLevelUp oh I’m sure! It’s a good look though, he’s a talented guy. Also, thanks for these awesome videos sir!
Great video, will tweet. P.S. Heard you reference Dean Wesley Smith so much, I enrolled in a few of his online courses at WMG Publishing. Thanks.
Fantastic. You won’t be disappointed. Take lots of notes.
Hello! Thanks for this wonderful set of tips. I'll have to think about it for a while before I can pick a favorite, but I wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your advice. Great presentation!
That's pretty cool being a creator. ..oh man! I have created people in my world and I wonder if there is a real version of that person.
Brilliant stuff!!!
Great advice, this was something I needed today. Thank you!
Thank you. Glad it helped.
Thanks for the fantastic tips!
Thank you, Very interesting and helpful
I just listening to one of your voice on here, u got a interesting about some things you were saying about writing.... will like to know more
About that...!!! Hope I will hear about from you on here.
"You get to lie for money"... well, that created a few issues down the road of history when it wasn't addressed on the cover of the book XD
Thank you the tips great videos.
Hi, new follower here from Puerto Rico.
Hola, Gabriela! Welcome aboard!
@@AuthorLevelUp Thanks! Have a good day.
God Bless, take care + happy writing :)
Great video! Do you have any tips for newbies on finding an editor?
Thanks!
Huge help thanks man!
THEY ARE SO HELPFUL! Thank goodness I click on this!
My favorite writing tip is to write. Even if you feel like all you are writing is trash. Write. The more words on the page, the less there are bouncing around in your head making you question your sanity...at least that is the way I feel at times. **shrugs** Anywho, have a great day/night.
Couldn’t agree more!
That's basically the method right there! Plain and simple. The idea is that you find your groove/inspiration/story etc is that you have to just write it out!
hi...could I get a transcript please?
Great video!
Thanks!
Thank you Michael, this is one of the most engaging and helpful videos I have seen. Great advice, beautifully delivered and inspiring. Glad I came across this!
Thank you!
Great stuff
Smart guy I like him
I like your videos.
Thank you.
harry potter is a testament to the fact that your main character doesnt have to be likable
Those are fightin' words! LOL
Author Level Up its a hill I’m willing to die on
Do you know any examples of for stranded alien story?
My problem is it almost hurts when I start to write. Because I feel I suck at it. I would love to be a writer and i love writers. I feel excited about starting a project but I get about 15-20 words in and I hate myself. How do I change this?
Any tips for an amateur writer... my issues is that I can clearly see the scene , characters and the mood in my mind... but I find it hard to translate my "mind's eye" to the page... I find I either don't give enough detail or I give too much and risk losing the attention of my reader
This video has concrete advice that I can actually follow. Write as if you're inside your character's skull, cliff hanger chapters to keep people reading. Troups are the seasoning of your story-stew. Too little seasoning and it's bland. Too much seasoning and it's garbage.
But answer me this. Do I need to be an avid reader to write well?
I find that I read very independently, it grates on my thoughts, that I have so little experience. But it's the way I am.
pennylessz I think it’s best to be an avid listener. Listen to great audiobooks and your writing will get better, because you will begin to write for listening’s sake and not just for reading’s sake. I edit my work by recording myself read large chunks of my writings, fiction or nonfiction. I play back the recording and if it sounds seamless, I’m happy. If it sounds choppy, it gets scrapped or edited.
I liked too much the idea that to write for the pleasure, to have fun, (enjoy your self), we have a chance to write and to communicate, so enjoy it and , let us enjoy these and to think about mony
My favorite is tip one. It turns out I'm a natural at it. lol
People should write to entertain. If you are not entertained by what you wrote, then it is highly unlikely that others will be.
At the very least, try to have a theme weaved in there so your writing is not completely vapid and you have something to fall back on.