"smaller, simpler stories where there's not much of a plot going on, because it allows the characters to shine" i really really really loved this i'm writing it down to remember it forever
Ecclesiastes 12:12 King James Version 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
“Here’s the unpopular truth: not all writers are big readers ... that will probably cause you to be more self critical and more intimidated by the idea of writing anything at all.” Thank you!
YES! As someone who barely reads but still loves to write, this was so refreshing and encouraging to hear. I'm trying to read more, but I just don't have the attention span. I prefer more visual story mediums.
@@marcellacassab4331 me too. Not to mention, the way some books are written don't get me hooked really. When writing, I try to get away from these things.
Hello Abbie! I am Leo, a 12-year-old kid. "MY MIND EXPLODED RIGHT AFTER I SAW THIS VIDEO!" Writing short stories is one of my most favorite hobbies. I love writing short stories, especially in my free time, just cuz it helps me a lot to story tell. It all started when I thought of starting a journey of writing short stories, as I loved short stories as heavens, and that moment is when I opened TH-cam and thought of getting pieces of advice from TH-camrs like you. I was tired of watching a lot of videos, but still not getting to write it! I tried watching a lot of videos to try writing my 1st short story, yet it didn't work! And that's until I clicked your video. After watching your video, I felt that watching your video was worth it. Three days later, I successfully finished my own short story - it was basically one whole short story, divided into two. But even though, I don't know why (and I also feel so WEIRD), I just keep on watching your video even after I finished my 1 short story! Now, I have decided to write another short story. Wish me good luck! Thanks a lot! Bye!! Have a Great Day! PEACE!!!
"Our best is constantly changing" YES!!! This is such an important thing to remember and I think some people are afraid of this because they just want to be "their best" right now...but that'd actually mean you were just plateauing.
One of my short story’s I wrote it’s not a happy ending, but I shared it with random strangers on discord and they all kept telling me how good it was. 1 person said they couldn’t finish it because it was so sad. Another person said they liked it a lot because they knew enough about the character but not a lot, (the character had no gender so the reader could image them however they want.) It was interesting seeing how everyone saw it vs. how I saw it. One other person said they think how I write is really good or something like that. But seeing that people like my story’s makes me happy and encourages me to write more!!
Heyy I would like to read your story too but I don't have wattpad;w; if it wouldn't be too troublesome, could you please copy and paste it here? Thanks and sorry for the trouble in advance
@@xin4379 no worries! here you go! As I ascended the tall building in my city I could feel my stomach turning and my heart heavy in my chest. My eyes overflowing with tears, I kept whipping them away with my sleeve trying to keep them down. I had already decided what I was gonna do and there was no turning back, I already left notes explaining how I just couldn't take it anymore so going back would only mean going to a psych ward. The building was old, but one of the tallest in the city so any drop from this height would be certain death. I used to come to this building to take time for myself, I would draw, write, play soccer, ect. Anything that made me feel better or safe. Two more floors till the rooftop. I would have to take a staircase to get to the roof, since the elevator didn't reach the rooftop. The door swung open, and a blast of the cold air rushed in and around my body. Relaxing. My tears stopped flowing like waterfalls, but my eyes were still filled with water. I walked to the edge of the roof, it was a long way down. What if I didn't die on impact. What if I survived. No. There was no way I could live. It hurt when I fell from the second floor of my house, this would most definitely kill me. My throat tightened as I took a deep breath. More tears wanted to form but I didn't want them to. I kept them down. Even if I was leaving everyone behind, they would visit eventually right? The moon shined bright tonight, along with all the stars. All the stars my mother used to gaze upon. It's been years since she passed away, I thought I was done grieving for her, but her loss had only droven me closer to this point. I slipped off my shoes, remembering my favorite song. The girl wore a yellow cardigan at the end, taking it off before ending her pain, but it was 3am, and I had no time to find something nice. Not that it mattered. I'm sure no one would come to my funeral. They all lived so far away, and never reached out to me. My family hates me. I can never do anything right. From low grades to not doing my chores. No one will ever care about me, they'll replace me eventually, they'll get over it, grieving only last so long right? That's what my friends would say anyways. Good memories of my family suddenly started popping up in my head. From my step-mother to buying me sloth stuffed animals to my grandma hanging out with me at the lake. God damn it! I hate this! If I die they'll be upset and it will be all my fault! But I would finally be free from the pain.. The pain of staying up late overthinking my life, and how everyone hates me and wants to replace me.. The pain of seeing the love of my life laughing and smiling happier than they ever were with me.. The pain of waking up at 3pm and being told to do the dishes instead of a "how are you" or "goodmorning".. And with that I pushed myself off the building. My stomach felt like it was gonna jump out my throat, like going straight down on a rollercoaster. I always hated that feeling. I felt scared, but happy at the same time. It's weird.. But also satisfying. A smile spread across my face as I came closer to the ground. I was going so fast I knew there was no chance I could live. My eyes came to a close. Accepting my long awaited death. A death I had been expecting since I could remember. "I'm sorry," I whispered. I don't know who I was whispering to, maybe my mom, the ones who would be crying that I was gone. Maybe even my step-dad who yelled at me for years. Or maybe myself. But that doesn't matter anymore. My body came in contact with the ground, there was no pain. Just darkness. A soft comforting darkness. In a couple hours someone would be walking along the pavement and find me lying here, no life emitting from my body. I'm sorry to whoever that may be. But I'm finally free. And that's all that mattered anymore.
@@nixie6021 it is an awesome and beautiful piece of writing!! I loved how everything was portrayed and described:))) (btw I think I know the song mentioned, watashino r?)
Yes, but it is mostly BS. Most of the great short story writers were highly literate readers immersed in reading and thinking, and it is reflected in the depth of writing. Modern populist short story writing is very hit-or-miss with a lot of it being absolute drivel. I am sure this is not accurate across-the-board in that there are a few writers that read relatively less than others do but I have read for decades and the best writers were immersed in reading. This does not mean that you cannot write short fiction - go for it - but don't think you are going to be a Chekov, Borges, or Hemingway.
I think the reason people say to start with short stories is because a lot of people have a hard time finishing a story. Once you finish one, you prove to yourself that you can and the hurdle of self doubt is lessened.
I have ADD, the idea of a novel is very overwhelming with no experience to writing stories. A short story on the other hand feels much more manageable and I’ve been making good progress
One of the best pieces of advice I've heard for short stories (or flash fiction) vs longer works is...if you're having trouble finishing a longer project, try a shorter one. The more projects you finish, the more confident you may feel in your ability to write complete stories.
This is *exactly* mainly why I've shifted from trying to complete a novel, to more so embracing writing short stories. Just to be able to finally finish SOMEthing..and MORE somethings... than just one, big thing. And yes, hopefully with enough finishing those many somethings, I'll finally gain the focus, motivation, clarity, and discpline to also start and finish that one, big thing :)
I thought I wanted to write a novel. I've been beating myself up for years trying to hammer my ideas into two or three novels. Watching this video made me realize I have a whole bunch of short stories instead. And that is not a disaster, but rather it is okay. Thank you very much for this video.
"This is art, you should do it your way" Very true. The writing process should be enjoyable mainly to the WRITER. I like reading and writing fanfictions 😍
Holy moly I literally have never written a short story before and I was thinking Man it would be so cool if I could figure out how to do that because I’m starting to write short stories, I decided to do this yesterday!
I am not a big reader! But I love to write, plot and make character profiles. I really enjoy it, so thank you for saying that not all writers are big readers.
I did not expect to get SO MUCH from this video simply because I'm a completely novice writer looking up "how to write a story" for the first time since high school almost 15 years ago. Thank you so, so much for all the information and guidance you provided in this video, not only was it really helpful but also it was extremely encouraging when thinking about all the details and passion I already have for the story I want to write.
Peace Place You don't know me yet, but I do you. I am what you dream of from the second you wake up until you rest you head at night. I am the endless night sky you look up at while you try to count the trillions of stars floating above you. I am the unexplainable feeling you got when you listened to that song, the warmth you seek, the inner peace you will never get to experience in this life, or any other. I am not God, but for I am the Peace Place. Every daydream you've had has been here. I am filled with peaceful chaos and bittersweet moments. We may never meet in person, but in your subconscious you are welcome every minute. For we are alone together and all we need is us.
Ugh, I'm so happy you made this video. Also, your disdain when talking about the advice to not have a theme for short stories was amazing. Made my day, completely.
That's what I am basically doing I just wrote what seems like a prologue with a cliff hanger and my school decided that it's really good and will be sent to the magazine submission It's kinda funny
This short story mith is also so prevalent in comic writing! You don't have to make a whole bunch of short comics to be able to make your big one, just make it!
I just got first place in story writing some days ago so im going to go for the next level which is after 2 days so im a 12 year old girl who loves writing stories and poems who wish to be a writer+poet ..im from india , kerala soo im just soo nervous thanks abbe you actually helped me i owe you a lot ....thankyou and wish me luck...😊😊
Something that helps me or started me on short stories is side characters. Your side characters in your novel usually have a subtle change or arc within the course of the novel. They are a SUBPLOT. This would make them ideal practice for short story. Since I kinda felt overwhelmed finding a way to downsize any idea or anything I have for characters and event so a kinda set there already plot and character is SIDE CHARACTERS! I hope this helps people who want to write a short story but couldn't find any ideas!
"everything is practice" is a great way of looking at it, I haven't really written anything, but I'm curios to start. but I have been making music on and off for the last 10 years. And it really is just me, experimenting, something interesting sometimes emerges. I make some a intro, or melody I like that's like 40 sec long. 10% of the time, that 40 sec thing becomes a full song. but the majority of stuff just falls flat withing 5 hours. and the good stuff just emerges some times
I'm just looking and writing at my story with your Live Stream in the background and this comes up. Just HAVE to see this after I'm done with the writing sprints!
Oh my gosh, you are right about reading before writing. As I read, I get worked up and start judging myself. Comparing how perfect they write to myself. 😨
A while ago I wrote a short story that I really liked, and I haven’t actually been able to write something to top it but I think I now understand why I loved it so much. It had a bunch of the fundamentals that you spoke of. I think I can now make something even better.
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, part of her anthology "The Joy Luck Club", is a great example of character driven story. The author starts with backstory, and I was invested in the protagonist's and antagonist's character arcs.
I am currently writing my first novel and I have been adviced to turn it into a short story then submit it to the monthly contest. Heck yeah, that gave me profound excitement.
I can relate to your phrase 'not all writers are big readers', because I'm a musician, but I'm not a big fan of musicians, if that makes any sense. When there's a meeting with my fellow song writers, they are all so knowledgeable about the lives and deeds of their favorite musicians! They can talk for hours about their lives, their works, anecdotes, etc, whereas I know very little or nothing about all that stuff. I just enjoy listening to music and writing it, I don't care about the people who wrote it, their lives, their entire discography. At times this feels like a big disconnect with that world, like something's wrong with me, but it is what it is, I cannot fake interest in something that just doesn't interest me.
AAA Getting some of the more chaotic and energetic Abbie vibes from the older videos with this one! I've missed this! Love it!! Anyway - Thank you for the great advice!! As always! lol
I know this video is a while ago, but the encouragement and high energy “get ‘em!” support is still true today. Thank you for this! More than just a short story instructional, it’s that boost of morale support we all need to hear!
Not all writers are readers, just the great ones. Self criticism is important if getting recognition or having other people appreciate your work is important to you. Of course you can always write for yourself and then throw it away or have your writings filed away never to see the light of day. But I think most people aspire to at least have others read their stuff and feel something, and for that you need perspective, which requires both self criticism and being able to learn from more experienced writers (by actually reading)
I started writing a story during lockdown (first one ) but felt it wasn’t getting anywhere, I sent it to a few friends to ask their opinion, they all enjoyed it and wanted to know what happens next! This gave me the confidence and inspiration to write more!
This is a very rare video about writing. It's healthy, encouraging, not belittling, and very relaxing. Honestly I barely see writing youtubers talk like this.
I'm seriously tired of looking around for advice videos and stumbling upon people reiterating the same old boring cliches. What I love about your material is that you have an opinion and you stick to it. As a new writer, this is what I needed, thank you!
Thank you Abbie! you just answered the questions I've been searching for! I'm not a writer or a big reader but I do want to learn making up stories though animation and comics
YES!!!! Not all writers are big readers. If I am bring honest, I am so picky about books, I almost never read. However, I have read 100 Days of Sunlight, and, it was so good, that I read the entire book in a day (and I am not even a fan of the genre, either)!
LOVE the Seth Godin quotes It's going up on the wall next to another favourite "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Aristotle. Love your very helpful content - keep up the good work!
Re: practice - I had a writing coach that criticized me and said she will stop working with me because I dared to show her a different chapter 1&2 instead of continuing to write a draft I no longer resonated with. She said I may never start over until I get to the end of the manuscript. I asked her, “so I should write the wrong book in its entirety even though it’s wrong?” All the different tangents and different openings and all the little things I tried - she saw as a waste and as me being undisciplined. But I actually ended up repurposing every bit of “tangent” that I wrote. And I gained sooo much practice by doing it “wrong.” Nothing was wasted. I will never shame myself for not following someone else’s rigidity. There is no right path. There is no wrong path. We only learn by trying things out for ourselves.
Thank you. I've been writing since I was a child. It was a form of expression for me. Now as an adult, I want to dab into it again. Each story I start, I lose interest and motivation; usually after chapter five. I'm a stay-at-home mom and I want to attempt a writing career. Even if I'm not a famous author, as long as some people enjoy my writing, I'd be happy forever.
Thank you soo much! Needed to hear this! I've always been trying to write a novel not because I've wanted to, but because I've always has this misconception that short stories are not as great as novels. Well now I know better, and I realize some of my best works were short stories, since as you said "they really allowed the character to shine". So thank you SOOO MUCH once again! Lots of love from India 🇮🇳
I am so happy! I was gonna practice on writing a news article based on the facts in the board right now! I am practicing by making up my own story. HUGE THANKS!
Just a few days ago I submitted my short story to a competition and after watching your video, I'm glad my short story matches the requirements you described!
I was totally doubting myself on writing something, because I thought it wouldn’t be good enough even if it were not meant to be shared *But this drew so much insight and I feel like I have learned things!*
I'm not sure if I learned more about story writing or about vocal performance. I'm in love with how professional and yet emotionally invested you sound when explaining this stuff. You shine with confidence that borders on being egotistical and I love it! After listening to so many dry speakers, hearing yours felt like having a long standing itch finally be scratched.
This video is pure gold. I love it. Because (in my opinion), the point here is to be creative and do what feels good for YOU. Not about trying to fit into structures that limit what you want to explore. Just saying ❤
Thanks Abbie! I came here from your newsletter. I didn’t really think of it as me “not being qualified” to write a novel. It was more that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend so much time writing something if I don’t know if I actually enjoy the process. So, short story writing it was for me :) I also have many “simple” stories that I want to get out into the world. Many of these are following the protagonist’s development after an event and I didn’t think it should be dragged out into a novel. Just my thoughts on it 🤷♀️
1:33 That was really helpful. I have ADHD, and for me, sitting through a book is a big challenge. As a kid, I never read, on the other hand, my elder sister has always been a heavy reader. Once when I was 8 or 9, my sister lent me Charlie and the chocolate factory, I started reading, but didn't even go halfway, I started drawing stuff on corner of pages and spoilt her book, after that, she didn't lend me books for a a few years(I wouldn't read anyways) before she went back to our country for college. I was 14 when I came back to our country for good, then I borrowed books from her a few times, but got bored in just few seconds. I did complete a few books like Verity, Good girls guide and all, took some help from audiobooks too. But books aren't the reason I became a writer. TV shows are. Since childhood, watching shows would open my creative mind. When I was in 3rd, I used to watch this TV show my friends watched too, so we played a game where we would be characters of the show and make our own plot and act accordingly. It was fun. Omg I got distracted and wrote so much.. The point is, I'm not a reader and the sentence she said really touched my heart, for 1 and half year, I wanted someone to say that. 1 and half year because that's when I realised I could make a good writer when I was daydreaming about my some anime.
My dream career that I’m wanting to be is a Journalist and I want to start by practicing on writing short stories RIGHT THIS SECOND FROM NOW ON. When I start doing this, I really want my stories to be entertaining and interesting for anyone to read and I don’t want it to sound or be boring at all and also even if I do write a book too. I really love your video and it did help me A LOT as well.❤️📓📖
Thank you Abbie❤for your word. I used to feel doubt about myself whenever i started writing.But now ,your word make me feel confident. Such a great inspirational i have ever heard ❤
"smaller, simpler stories where there's not much of a plot going on, because it allows the characters to shine"
i really really really loved this i'm writing it down to remember it forever
If you really love it you don't have to write it down. Brain doesnt forget such special things
@@enguunhoyor2431 some people need to write stuff down. it's ok t write it down, op wasn't wrong to do it.
Thanks
Ecclesiastes 12:12
King James Version
12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
@@enguunhoyor2431 ⁴a quick e èeee re
“Here’s the unpopular truth: not all writers are big readers ... that will probably cause you to be more self critical and more intimidated by the idea of writing anything at all.” Thank you!
YES! As someone who barely reads but still loves to write, this was so refreshing and encouraging to hear. I'm trying to read more, but I just don't have the attention span. I prefer more visual story mediums.
@@marcellacassab4331 me too. Not to mention, the way some books are written don't get me hooked really. When writing, I try to get away from these things.
Thank you 🙏🏾 I needed to hear this
@@marcellacassab4331 yes! I always end up faulting to webcomics and manga haha
@@ebsfxxedits1038 haha same
Hello Abbie!
I am Leo, a 12-year-old kid.
"MY MIND EXPLODED RIGHT AFTER I SAW THIS VIDEO!" Writing short stories is one of my most favorite hobbies. I love writing short stories, especially in my free time, just cuz it helps me a lot to story tell. It all started when I thought of starting a journey of writing short stories, as I loved short stories as heavens, and that moment is when I opened TH-cam and thought of getting pieces of advice from TH-camrs like you. I was tired of watching a lot of videos, but still not getting to write it! I tried watching a lot of videos to try writing my 1st short story, yet it didn't work! And that's until I clicked your video. After watching your video, I felt that watching your video was worth it. Three days later, I successfully finished my own short story - it was basically one whole short story, divided into two. But even though, I don't know why (and I also feel so WEIRD), I just keep on watching your video even after I finished my 1 short story! Now, I have decided to write another short story. Wish me good luck!
Thanks a lot!
Bye!!
Have a Great Day!
PEACE!!!
Good luck!
Good luck in writing, I’m 13 and I write and I wish you luck, people will tell you that you’re to young to write never listen
Good luck writing your stories! I started creating my own stories when I was 13. I’m 18 right now and I’m still in the middle of creating my 7th one.
Leo, go for it! I am 50 yo. And If I took seriously my love for writing early my world would have already been very different!
@@yankee2666 thanks!
As a visual arts student, your paper analogy was 100% accurate 😂
Too real 😔✊😭
Hit a little too close to home Ngl 😂
I’m in art class two!
"Our best is constantly changing" YES!!! This is such an important thing to remember and I think some people are afraid of this because they just want to be "their best" right now...but that'd actually mean you were just plateauing.
One of my short story’s I wrote it’s not a happy ending, but I shared it with random strangers on discord and they all kept telling me how good it was. 1 person said they couldn’t finish it because it was so sad. Another person said they liked it a lot because they knew enough about the character but not a lot, (the character had no gender so the reader could image them however they want.) It was interesting seeing how everyone saw it vs. how I saw it. One other person said they think how I write is really good or something like that. But seeing that people like my story’s makes me happy and encourages me to write more!!
@@sangeetha2560 Sure, I can copy and paste it here, or give you my wattpad, which ever one you choose is fine by me!
@@sangeetha2560 okay, it's @Banana_Sloth should be the user with a sloth reading a book
Heyy I would like to read your story too but I don't have wattpad;w; if it wouldn't be too troublesome, could you please copy and paste it here?
Thanks and sorry for the trouble in advance
@@xin4379 no worries! here you go! As I ascended the tall building in my city I could feel my stomach turning and my heart heavy in my chest. My eyes overflowing with tears, I kept whipping them away with my sleeve trying to keep them down. I had already decided what I was gonna do and there was no turning back, I already left notes explaining how I just couldn't take it anymore so going back would only mean going to a psych ward. The building was old, but one of the tallest in the city so any drop from this height would be certain death. I used to come to this building to take time for myself, I would draw, write, play soccer, ect. Anything that made me feel better or safe. Two more floors till the rooftop. I would have to take a staircase to get to the roof, since the elevator didn't reach the rooftop.
The door swung open, and a blast of the cold air rushed in and around my body. Relaxing. My tears stopped flowing like waterfalls, but my eyes were still filled with water. I walked to the edge of the roof, it was a long way down. What if I didn't die on impact. What if I survived. No. There was no way I could live. It hurt when I fell from the second floor of my house, this would most definitely kill me. My throat tightened as I took a deep breath. More tears wanted to form but I didn't want them to. I kept them down. Even if I was leaving everyone behind, they would visit eventually right?
The moon shined bright tonight, along with all the stars. All the stars my mother used to gaze upon. It's been years since she passed away, I thought I was done grieving for her, but her loss had only droven me closer to this point. I slipped off my shoes, remembering my favorite song. The girl wore a yellow cardigan at the end, taking it off before ending her pain, but it was 3am, and I had no time to find something nice. Not that it mattered. I'm sure no one would come to my funeral. They all lived so far away, and never reached out to me. My family hates me. I can never do anything right. From low grades to not doing my chores. No one will ever care about me, they'll replace me eventually, they'll get over it, grieving only last so long right? That's what my friends would say anyways. Good memories of my family suddenly started popping up in my head. From my step-mother to buying me sloth stuffed animals to my grandma hanging out with me at the lake. God damn it! I hate this! If I die they'll be upset and it will be all my fault! But I would finally be free from the pain.. The pain of staying up late overthinking my life, and how everyone hates me and wants to replace me.. The pain of seeing the love of my life laughing and smiling happier than they ever were with me.. The pain of waking up at 3pm and being told to do the dishes instead of a "how are you" or "goodmorning".. And with that I pushed myself off the building.
My stomach felt like it was gonna jump out my throat, like going straight down on a rollercoaster. I always hated that feeling. I felt scared, but happy at the same time. It's weird.. But also satisfying. A smile spread across my face as I came closer to the ground. I was going so fast I knew there was no chance I could live. My eyes came to a close. Accepting my long awaited death. A death I had been expecting since I could remember.
"I'm sorry," I whispered. I don't know who I was whispering to, maybe my mom, the ones who would be crying that I was gone. Maybe even my step-dad who yelled at me for years. Or maybe myself.
But that doesn't matter anymore. My body came in contact with the ground, there was no pain. Just darkness. A soft comforting darkness. In a couple hours someone would be walking along the pavement and find me lying here, no life emitting from my body. I'm sorry to whoever that may be. But I'm finally free. And that's all that mattered anymore.
@@nixie6021 it is an awesome and beautiful piece of writing!! I loved how everything was portrayed and described:))) (btw I think I know the song mentioned, watashino r?)
OMG when you said "here's the unpopular truth: not all writers are big readers" I felt so acknowledged
Yes, but it is mostly BS. Most of the great short story writers were highly literate readers immersed in reading and thinking, and it is reflected in the depth of writing. Modern populist short story writing is very hit-or-miss with a lot of it being absolute drivel. I am sure this is not accurate across-the-board in that there are a few writers that read relatively less than others do but I have read for decades and the best writers were immersed in reading. This does not mean that you cannot write short fiction - go for it - but don't think you are going to be a Chekov, Borges, or Hemingway.
I just won a short story contest... Been waiting for this video for EVER
Best quote: "Our best is always changing." Abbie Emmons
SOO true. Every time we write, we improve the process. Great video, Abbie...as usual.
I think the reason people say to start with short stories is because a lot of people have a hard time finishing a story. Once you finish one, you prove to yourself that you can and the hurdle of self doubt is lessened.
I have ADD, the idea of a novel is very overwhelming with no experience to writing stories. A short story on the other hand feels much more manageable and I’ve been making good progress
One of the best pieces of advice I've heard for short stories (or flash fiction) vs longer works is...if you're having trouble finishing a longer project, try a shorter one. The more projects you finish, the more confident you may feel in your ability to write complete stories.
This is *exactly* mainly why I've shifted from trying to complete a novel, to more so embracing writing short stories. Just to be able to finally finish SOMEthing..and MORE somethings... than just one, big thing. And yes, hopefully with enough finishing those many somethings, I'll finally gain the focus, motivation, clarity, and discpline to also start and finish that one, big thing :)
I thought I wanted to write a novel. I've been beating myself up for years trying to hammer my ideas into two or three novels. Watching this video made me realize I have a whole bunch of short stories instead. And that is not a disaster, but rather it is okay. Thank you very much for this video.
"This is art, you should do it your way" Very true. The writing process should be enjoyable mainly to the WRITER.
I like reading and writing fanfictions 😍
"Our best is constantly changing."
It sounds so simple and should be common sense but it's such a revelation to me. Thanks Abbie
Holy moly I literally have never written a short story before and I was thinking Man it would be so cool if I could figure out how to do that because I’m starting to write short stories, I decided to do this yesterday!
I am not a big reader! But I love to write, plot and make character profiles. I really enjoy it, so thank you for saying that not all writers are big readers.
Oh my sweet Grandma's brownie biscuits, this is something I needed to hear!
I did not expect to get SO MUCH from this video simply because I'm a completely novice writer looking up "how to write a story" for the first time since high school almost 15 years ago. Thank you so, so much for all the information and guidance you provided in this video, not only was it really helpful but also it was extremely encouraging when thinking about all the details and passion I already have for the story I want to write.
Peace Place
You don't know me yet, but I do you. I am what you dream of from the second you wake up until you rest you head at night. I am the endless night sky you look up at while you try to count the trillions of stars floating above you. I am the unexplainable feeling you got when you listened to that song, the warmth you seek, the inner peace you will never get to experience in this life, or any other. I am not God, but for I am the Peace Place. Every daydream you've had has been here. I am filled with peaceful chaos and bittersweet moments. We may never meet in person, but in your subconscious you are welcome every minute. For we are alone together and all we need is us.
Ugh, I'm so happy you made this video. Also, your disdain when talking about the advice to not have a theme for short stories was amazing. Made my day, completely.
Whenever I write a short story for school it's basically just a set up for a long story...
Huh, the few short stories I do is *in media res*
that's me currently
That's what I am basically doing I just wrote what seems like a prologue with a cliff hanger and my school decided that it's really good and will be sent to the magazine submission It's kinda funny
You. Write. Short. Stories. At. School? Omg
I literally clicked this video because a writer said to write short stories before a Novel😂😂😂 you give me life! Lolll
The biggest problem I have with my writing, is that I spend way too much time listening to youtube videos then to writting.
Same 😂😂😂
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@@carolineFrazier15
Fr 😂😂
This short story mith is also so prevalent in comic writing! You don't have to make a whole bunch of short comics to be able to make your big one, just make it!
I just got first place in story writing some days ago so im going to go for the next level which is after 2 days so im a 12 year old girl who loves writing stories and poems who wish to be a writer+poet ..im from india , kerala soo im just soo nervous thanks abbe you actually helped me i owe you a lot ....thankyou and wish me luck...😊😊
Abbie pulling out all the stops of her crash-course in storytelling here! Love it!
"We all are this journey together'',this hit my heart.❤️
Henlo Abbie. I’m on chapter 5 of my book. Red the Fox. Yayyyy!
Something that helps me or started me on short stories is side characters. Your side characters in your novel usually have a subtle change or arc within the course of the novel. They are a SUBPLOT. This would make them ideal practice for short story. Since I kinda felt overwhelmed finding a way to downsize any idea or anything I have for characters and event so a kinda set there already plot and character is SIDE CHARACTERS! I hope this helps people who want to write a short story but couldn't find any ideas!
"everything is practice" is a great way of looking at it, I haven't really written anything, but I'm curios to start. but I have been making music on and off for the last 10 years. And it really is just me, experimenting, something interesting sometimes emerges. I make some a intro, or melody I like that's like 40 sec long. 10% of the time, that 40 sec thing becomes a full song. but the majority of stuff just falls flat withing 5 hours. and the good stuff just emerges some times
*SLAMS LIKE BUTTON* 💛✨(this is absolutely what i've been dyyying for, no kidding. bless you, dear Abbie :D)
I always went for writing long books because my ideas ended up being too big - so this was very useful (:
Not all writers are big readers, but i think youll find all the best are. At least most of them.
your voice modulating is a talent haha
I'm just looking and writing at my story with your Live Stream in the background and this comes up. Just HAVE to see this after I'm done with the writing sprints!
I think short stories are more complex than novels because you have to leave so much information unsaid but still conveyed.
I always felt like my short stories I had to write for school were terrible and now I see it's because school asked too much for their plots.
I see the day is not too far off in the distance when we'll be signing up for your course on Masterclass, Abbie! You are THAT good!
The mention of fanfics made me so happy 🥰
Im literally in the middle of writing one. This could not have come at a better time.
Oh my gosh, you are right about reading before writing. As I read, I get worked up and start judging myself. Comparing how perfect they write to myself. 😨
I am confident in my writing skills after watching this video. Thanks for comforting and boosting my courage.
A while ago I wrote a short story that I really liked, and I haven’t actually been able to write something to top it but I think I now understand why I loved it so much. It had a bunch of the fundamentals that you spoke of. I think I can now make something even better.
"Two Kinds" by Amy Tan, part of her anthology "The Joy Luck Club", is a great example of character driven story. The author starts with backstory, and I was invested in the protagonist's and antagonist's character arcs.
Well that just made me grab my pen haha! Thanks!
I’m making a short story about my friend’s cat as a gift for her, and this was very helpful!
Your taking style is so good than my every teachers 😊❤
Oh my gosh, you READ MY MIND! I needed this so much!!!
I am currently writing my first novel and I have been adviced to turn it into a short story then submit it to the monthly contest. Heck yeah, that gave me profound excitement.
I can relate to your phrase 'not all writers are big readers', because I'm a musician, but I'm not a big fan of musicians, if that makes any sense. When there's a meeting with my fellow song writers, they are all so knowledgeable about the lives and deeds of their favorite musicians! They can talk for hours about their lives, their works, anecdotes, etc, whereas I know very little or nothing about all that stuff. I just enjoy listening to music and writing it, I don't care about the people who wrote it, their lives, their entire discography. At times this feels like a big disconnect with that world, like something's wrong with me, but it is what it is, I cannot fake interest in something that just doesn't interest me.
I love how all comments are so long and well written it just makes them a better fit for this Chanel
This was really helpful...for the night before my exam! I was really worried about this topic but not anymore.
I think this is a sign, I was just thinking about write or not a short story hahah
The first TH-cam writer with actual good advice
I love your enthusiasm. I love how you broke down the myths. Just write. I love it. I have many story ideas in my head, and this helped tremendously.
Congrats on a year of the kate and Abbie show!!
Wowwwwwwww. That idea that all writing is practice just lifted a huge burden off my shoulders. Thank you!! Subscribed lol
AAA Getting some of the more chaotic and energetic Abbie vibes from the older videos with this one! I've missed this! Love it!!
Anyway - Thank you for the great advice!! As always! lol
I didn’t know how to write a short story until this. I started writing story’s a lot and I think it’s the best maybe I should publish it 😅
I know this video is a while ago, but the encouragement and high energy “get ‘em!” support is still true today. Thank you for this! More than just a short story instructional, it’s that boost of morale support we all need to hear!
Excellent, I loved this. I have just received great advice and some very important reflections from someone who could be my granddaughter.
Not all writers are readers, just the great ones. Self criticism is important if getting recognition or having other people appreciate your work is important to you. Of course you can always write for yourself and then throw it away or have your writings filed away never to see the light of day. But I think most people aspire to at least have others read their stuff and feel something, and for that you need perspective, which requires both self criticism and being able to learn from more experienced writers (by actually reading)
This video is very helpful. I literally come to write a short storie before starting a novel. But this video clear all my myths. Thank you
I started writing a story during lockdown (first one ) but felt it wasn’t getting anywhere, I sent it to a few friends to ask their opinion, they all enjoyed it and wanted to know what happens next! This gave me the confidence and inspiration to write more!
thanks so much for teaching us that the story (internal conflict of the main character) is more important than the plot.
Thank you Abbie, your advise is great. I'm writing a musical stage play, and your information is helping me to write a better story.
This is seriously an underrated TH-cam channel. Great video
This is a very rare video about writing. It's healthy, encouraging, not belittling, and very relaxing. Honestly I barely see writing youtubers talk like this.
I'm seriously tired of looking around for advice videos and stumbling upon people reiterating the same old boring cliches. What I love about your material is that you have an opinion and you stick to it. As a new writer, this is what I needed, thank you!
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I'm learning to literally adore you with every video I discover. I wish I had known about you since you started posting.
"Our best is constantly changing!" Thank you for inspiring us Miss Abbie Emmons!
Thank you Abbie! you just answered the questions I've been searching for! I'm not a writer or a big reader but I do want to learn making up stories though animation and comics
Did anyone else notice how well-produced and edited this video is?
I always start a short story and then realize that there is too much for the story and I save it for a longer project.
Whenever I try to write short things, it ends up being a book....writing short is a lot harder than writing a book...I love your advice! :)
okay, this is the most inspiring intro i've seen so far
YES!!!! Not all writers are big readers. If I am bring honest, I am so picky about books, I almost never read. However, I have read 100 Days of Sunlight, and, it was so good, that I read the entire book in a day (and I am not even a fan of the genre, either)!
LOVE the Seth Godin quotes It's going up on the wall next to another favourite "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Aristotle. Love your very helpful content - keep up the good work!
Re: practice - I had a writing coach that criticized me and said she will stop working with me because I dared to show her a different chapter 1&2 instead of continuing to write a draft I no longer resonated with. She said I may never start over until I get to the end of the manuscript. I asked her, “so I should write the wrong book in its entirety even though it’s wrong?” All the different tangents and different openings and all the little things I tried - she saw as a waste and as me being undisciplined. But I actually ended up repurposing every bit of “tangent” that I wrote. And I gained sooo much practice by doing it “wrong.” Nothing was wasted. I will never shame myself for not following someone else’s rigidity. There is no right path. There is no wrong path. We only learn by trying things out for ourselves.
Thank you. I've been writing since I was a child. It was a form of expression for me. Now as an adult, I want to dab into it again. Each story I start, I lose interest and motivation; usually after chapter five. I'm a stay-at-home mom and I want to attempt a writing career. Even if I'm not a famous author, as long as some people enjoy my writing, I'd be happy forever.
Writing is a creative process and creativity has no rules boundaries or limitations
Thank you soo much! Needed to hear this! I've always been trying to write a novel not because I've wanted to, but because I've always has this misconception that short stories are not as great as novels. Well now I know better, and I realize some of my best works were short stories, since as you said "they really allowed the character to shine". So thank you SOOO MUCH once again! Lots of love from India 🇮🇳
I am so happy! I was gonna practice on writing a news article based on the facts in the board right now! I am practicing by making up my own story. HUGE THANKS!
Great video, I've been writing short stories for the past year and now I'm ready to try and get them published.
Just a few days ago I submitted my short story to a competition and after watching your video, I'm glad my short story matches the requirements you described!
I was totally doubting myself on writing something, because I thought it wouldn’t be good enough even if it were not meant to be shared
*But this drew so much insight and I feel like I have learned things!*
I'm not sure if I learned more about story writing or about vocal performance. I'm in love with how professional and yet emotionally invested you sound when explaining this stuff. You shine with confidence that borders on being egotistical and I love it! After listening to so many dry speakers, hearing yours felt like having a long standing itch finally be scratched.
This video is pure gold. I love it. Because (in my opinion), the point here is to be creative and do what feels good for YOU. Not about trying to fit into structures that limit what you want to explore. Just saying ❤
She kind of reminds me of lemony snicket, and I’m living for it.
Such a great video and concept !!
That unpopular truth is my truth. Whew thought I was the only one
Where have you been all my days!? I love you and I want to be in your circle! Thank you for this video☺
Great, Abby! Your best so far. It gives me courage to go on.
Thanks Abbie! I came here from your newsletter. I didn’t really think of it as me “not being qualified” to write a novel. It was more that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend so much time writing something if I don’t know if I actually enjoy the process. So, short story writing it was for me :) I also have many “simple” stories that I want to get out into the world. Many of these are following the protagonist’s development after an event and I didn’t think it should be dragged out into a novel. Just my thoughts on it 🤷♀️
That Seth Rogan quote is INCREDIBLE!
this literally came in the right time, i need to write a short story for my literature class. Thanks, Abbie :D
1:33 That was really helpful. I have ADHD, and for me, sitting through a book is a big challenge. As a kid, I never read, on the other hand, my elder sister has always been a heavy reader. Once when I was 8 or 9, my sister lent me Charlie and the chocolate factory, I started reading, but didn't even go halfway, I started drawing stuff on corner of pages and spoilt her book, after that, she didn't lend me books for a a few years(I wouldn't read anyways) before she went back to our country for college. I was 14 when I came back to our country for good, then I borrowed books from her a few times, but got bored in just few seconds.
I did complete a few books like Verity, Good girls guide and all, took some help from audiobooks too. But books aren't the reason I became a writer. TV shows are. Since childhood, watching shows would open my creative mind. When I was in 3rd, I used to watch this TV show my friends watched too, so we played a game where we would be characters of the show and make our own plot and act accordingly. It was fun.
Omg I got distracted and wrote so much..
The point is, I'm not a reader and the sentence she said really touched my heart, for 1 and half year, I wanted someone to say that.
1 and half year because that's when I realised I could make a good writer when I was daydreaming about my some anime.
I just wanted to say thank you because your videos are helping me finish my first novella
My dream career that I’m wanting to be is a Journalist and I want to start by practicing on writing short stories RIGHT THIS SECOND FROM NOW ON. When I start doing this, I really want my stories to be entertaining and interesting for anyone to read and I don’t want it to sound or be boring at all and also even if I do write a book too. I really love your video and it did help me A LOT as well.❤️📓📖
I’d give the world to have had you as my English teacher back in High School ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Abbie❤for your word.
I used to feel doubt about myself whenever i started writing.But now ,your word make me feel confident.
Such a great inspirational i have ever heard ❤