4 Mistakes I Made as a New Writer
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2015
- I made a lot of mistakes when I first started writing, and now I'm sharing them with you so hopefully you don't make the same ones. Enjoy!
RELATED LINKS:
Why You Need Critique Partners: bit.ly/wuCPsv
Why Writers Must Read: bit.ly/ywmrv
Time is On Your Side (blog): bit.ly/rcuqco
How to Choose Critique Partners (blog): bit.ly/1pBP3xU
Critique Partners: They're Not Optional (blog): bit.ly/1voFKrP
5 Places to Find Critique Partners (blog): bit.ly/12nEoSt
Why Writers Must Read (blog post version): bit.ly/1hVHem0
How to Love Editing: bit.ly/1vmcYEr
How to Edit: The First Read Through: bit.ly/14p8Pud
How to Edit: The Second Draft: bit.ly/1tZkMwv
How to Edit: The CP Trade: bit.ly/1LLfLlo
WHERE TO FIND ME:
Writability (aka my blog)! avajae.blogspot.com/
Twitter (where I spend way too much time)! / ava_jae
tumblr (because pictures! and inspirational thingies!) / avajae
Facebook (where you can like me)! / avajae
Instagram (because more pictures!) bit.ly/avagram
Goodreads (where you can add my book to your TBR shelf)! bit.ly/BtR_
BEYOND THE RED pre-order links (where you can buy my book)! avajae.blogspot.com/p/books.html
The ''teen author'' thing was so me. I'm still tehnically a teen, but I look back from writing that's even a year old and cringe.
Ha ha I know the feeling.
Tolkien took 17 years to write the Lord of the Rings and was 63 years old when the series was published. Don't rush your project!
Ha ha excellent point!
But I need to get it done before highschool so I can mo v e o u t and move on with my life
Yeah but he created several languages, history of middle earth etc.
whoa, ok need to change my goal from 10 yrs to 20 yrs
Linda Chan What are you writing about? Just asking.
omg why hadnt i found the writers comunity online before??????? omg??? being a writer has always bene my dream, ive always write in english and in my main languange which is spanish and i am just about to go into college and i am having so many doubts on my mind because "being a writer isnt a save/real job" so i was just having it like a "hobby" but goddamn this is what i want, and i mean, none of my parents has ever told me that i cant do it, they are really supportive and they help me with my stuff and dreams so it is actually just me and my crazy thoughts and fears because i dont wanna be a failure of a writer that is broke at 40 but, i really needed to find this vlogs in this particular time of my life and thank you for posting stuff, THANK YOU
You're welcome!!! And for the record, while it doesn't always pay the best, writing is totally a job. ;)
yup, i thought i was going to get published before i turned 24, boy was i wrong.
Writing requires time and tons of practice. it would have been foolish to say " i am 26 and i don't even have a completed novel, i give up"
i've come to think that dreams shouldn't have an expiration date because it's dumb. all we can do is keep going, keep trying. and also, we need to read, a lot.!
+Carolina Heza Yes! I so so agree about not putting an expiration date on our dreams. It's so damaging and unnecessary and I of course agree all we can do-and should do-is keeping working at it. And reading of course. :) Thanks for sharing, Carolina!
Oh man, this hits embarrassingly close to home, haha. Like you, I had only read HP, Eragon, and watched the LotR movies. That was all the influence I needed, so I embarked on my journey to write an epic fantasy novel. I spent a year building a world and trying to create languages (it hurts to remember). I never finished that story because it ended up a complete, directionless mess. The worst part was that the plot took forever to go anywhere because I spent too much time describing every detail in the most poetic way that I could. Oh well, learning experience is priceless.
+Permalight You know, it's funny you mention the LotR movies-I didn't mention them because my point was specifically about reading, but that was definitely the third corner of fantasy influence for me at that time. lol.
Bright side of your experience (besides the lessons you undoubtedly learned) is it makes a great story ha ha. But on a more serious note, you're totally right that the learning experience is vital. No time spent writing or working on a book is wasted!
That's awesome! took me till when I was 23 to really hone in on my life's goal and i'm still deciding!
+RonaldJCee Fair enough! I suspect it's probably more common for people to figure out life goals later, rather than sooner, in their lives. And 23 honestly is not that late at all. :)
I am so glad I found your channel! So helpful :)
+Lauren Crouch Thank you so much! I'm glad you found my channel, too. :)
i've been writing since like first grade, and i've been longing to actually finish a story. i just can't come up with any interesting ideas that are easy to work with or aren't boring to read about.
I did a vlog a while back on how to get ideas for books that you might find helpful! th-cam.com/video/HbQQV20n_iM/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for making these videos! Your helping me get back on track with writing and helping me realize amazing writing takes time to create
So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching! :)
Love your videos! They are informative, to the point and with a punch of personality to boot :) can't wait to read your novel.
+jessica padilla Aw, thank you so much!! So happy to hear you're enjoying my vlogs-thank you for watching and letting me know! I look forward to sharing RED with everyone soon! :)
Thank you so much for doing this video. I recognized every single one of those mistakes in my own life, some avoidable and some not. It has always been my dream to publish a book before I'm 20 and even though I'm still shooting for it, I'm not going to put that much pressure on myself right now. As for the other three mistakes, there are definitely some steps I can take to head away from them, but thank you so much.
You're so welcome! I wish you all the best! :)
I've written a good portion of my life. There was a workshop where the facilitator always stated, "The essence of writing is rewriting". With one of my stories, after a time of developing it, I literally deleted the FIRST 40 PAGES. Then, I used some of this material as flashbacks throughout the story to clarify things. Stephen King notes that he listens to his editor. Sometimes getting another perspective from a trustworthy skilled reader/writer can help you expand key things in your stories.
Thanks you so much ! ( from a french writter who was ready to do exactly thoses mistakes, even if we are two writter on one book ) It's pleasing to escape thoses traps by aving some good advice. I Hope you get the recognition you really deserve !
This is actually really helpful! ♥️
I love to read, I want to write, I am here to learn, I am thankful that I found your channel! Thank you for your videos ✌🏽
you're so honest and humble about things people think are vain but are really just human nature! This speaks so much to me
Glad to hear it!
This is very good! Thank you!
I've literally done so many of these things 😂 I loved this video!
I literally until this moment thought it was at least extremely common for writers to have Always Wanted To Write like I did. I was like. In elementary school.
I'm a freshman in college now, and I still want to, even though I'm still not writing super regularly and haven't even come close to drafting a manuscript.
That's okay! Everyone has a different pace and journey and start in different stages of their life.
Same
Great video! Thanks for sharing your tips and experiences :D really insightful
+justcallmeemilie You're so welcome! Thanks for watching! :)
When I was in grade two I wrote a mini romance novel called "dusk" it was a vampire romance novel with about, 20 pages? It had like 5 chapters but I still called it a novel, keep in mind, this was at the peek of twilight hype, so I wrote that because I was freaking obsessed with vampires! I eventually made a second one that I never finished, it only had two chapters that I wrote in my note book at midnight, it only took like two hours and, when I looked back on it, was shocked to see that the old plot was, ok? But the speeding made me wanna puke. Still love to write tho!
I also had a vampire-obsession phase,
yet, it never really lasted long enough to end up as ideas for my books.
I do Hope you're doing good with you books though. 💚
Thanks for sharing again.
holy cow I'm in 8th and now I'm trying to be a writer and currently wanting a agent as a teen and want to be a teen author
What happened so far? Did you write anything, Did you get an agent? what happened in three years, like did you give up?
*Guilty of line editing but not in books, hopefully* Also, reminded me of how important it is to have experienced people see your stuff that aren't friends or family.
Thanks a lot, I'm seriously enjoying your vlogs so much!
+JurianChibo You're welcome!! Yeah, the CP thing was one I had to learn the hard way lol. Thanks for watching! ^_^
I'm so glad I ran into your channel. I'm currently in 8th grade and im working on writing a book with one of my friends. It's so encouraging to hear from a writer who want to help out others. Thank you for making this video. Have a wonderful day.
Wishing you all the best with your book!!!
bookishpixie, thank you so much!
I'm not the commenting type, but I'm on video number 10 of yours lol. Thank you so much. Very helpful to someone like me who isn't a "writer" but had a story that needed to be told, and no-one to tell it for them.
So thank you. You are very much appreciated.
This is really awesome to hear! Thanks for letting me know. And as far as I'm concerned, if you write, you're a writer! :)
i am currently writing a fantasy book , i already have a critic parter cause..........she didnt belive i could do it . thanks for this vedio , honestly i did set a time to finish . i never used to think what u said , so i am really thankfull dor that
ihave worked on the book for 8 months , i am trying not to rush and........i had to redo because of my plot holes
so it will take me a lot of patience...........hope my series will come out
@The UnamusedChicken Hey there! For some reason YT isn't letting me respond to you directly, but I definitely recommend working with critique partners once you've written a manuscript and are ready to have it critiqued. For me, that's usually after I've revised it once myself, but everyone is a little different. Either way, critique partners are pretty essential to growth, both as a writer and for your manuscript. I hope that helps!
+Sith Dogma Four years, eleven months, and three weeks of braces. :)
+Sith Dogma Thanks! You too! And good luck with the braces. :)
bookishpixie I started writing in 3rd grade! My writing sucked until the middle of fourth grade. Here’s the story. In third grade, I though it would be fun to write a story. I think that’s what happened. Every day after lunch for school I would go to my class to work on my story. I also went to after school program, and my tutor would let me go to class to type of my teacher was still there. Then it was summer vacation. I didn’t work on my book during summer vacation. Then I was in fourth grade. It was October. I remembered that I used to write stories. I though about writing a horror story. I did. To me writing is very fun. During class I’d day dream about what I’d write next. I still do this today.
I want to become a best selling author too but I am actually 10 years old
A good writer has to read in all genres, and all topics. Especially the things which lie outwith your comfort zone.
If you want to write a fantasy, don’t read fantasy books. Read romance novels, scientific journals, gothic horror, poetry, Russian short stories....
Anything but fantasy.
That is how you will succeed.
So true.
My favorite of your list was the last; line editing is often done so soon after the rough drafts are done. It's sort of like animation; get the storyboard panels right first before spending aggravating hours with the graphic details.
Thanks!
You're so welcome!
You give me an existential crisis as I'm totally struggling with finishing a book at all (I'm almost 21) but you also make me want to write. Subscribed :D
I'm sorry for the existential crisis, but thanks for the subscribe! Ha ha. Good luck with your book! :)
The critique partner thing cannot be understated. I grew more in a year than I ever could have just sending my writing to family members. You need people to say your writing sucks and be surgically accurate as to why and how to fix it. Writing is like math, one number off and the whole thing falls apart, but when it works, it works. People are more important than books about writing.
Setting a time limit, i know how that feels like....
It's just pain,
I failed to get the book published before turning 15, and i actually cried.
Literally stopped writing for about two years after that.
But then someone dragged me back into the game, and,
here i am, writing again.
Somewhat more experienced.
I started writing in 8th grade too. I’m a freshman now and I’ve written small stories. But I’m finally working on an actual book. I’m gonna go to school for it when I graduate but I also want to make cartoons someday. Not sure if collages do both but I want to.
you give the best advice
Thanks! :)
ive recently committed to writing a novel and its hard as f#$@&
I also thought the second draft was mostly about line editing -- this video really saved me some time 😅
:) I used to think that too, so it's an easy mistake to make. Glad the vlog helped!
Lol....I just recently kind of found out about CPs and I'm finding them really helpful. I have two so I have a couple different perspectives, which was important to me. We use Google Docs to edit, which has been amazing, because you can give your CP permission to comment only and they can give line by line critique if necessary. I love your videos btw. Been thinking about vlogging again, but I don't know if I really have the time right now. I have three kids, i'm editing and revising my first novel and critiquing other people's stuff. But anyways...I tend to blather on....sorry haha.
I'm glad you're finding your CPs helpful! One of the fastest ways to improve your writing is to work with other writers, I've found. And I'm so glad you're enjoying my channel! If you want to vlog, I hope you find the time to do it!
I just saw your links for finding CPs so never mind that question. :)
+Rebecca Yoder Ha ha okay! Glad you found the link. ^_^
I wanted to start becoming a writer when I was in 5th or 6th grade, and I wrote all the time. But now I'm having a hard time trying to write something and I'll start writing something and be like "this is terrible" and get rid of it. I don't necessarily know what to do. I've tried looking at writing prompts to give me inspiration but nothing helps! I miss writing but I just can't get out of this writers block :(
Right, so, this is happening because you've since become a better writer and you're more aware of what "good writing" looks like, so when you first draft, it can sometimes be frustrating because it's not immediately at the skill level you'd like it to be. But my advice to you is not to worry about it. First drafts are very frequently terrible, and that's totally normal and okay (I even did a vlog about bad first drafts: th-cam.com/video/n6S8x0-N3OY/w-d-xo.html). The key is to just remember it's 100% normal for first drafts to be not great and to just finished the first draft so you can go back and improve the manuscript through revisions. Trying something like fast drafting may be helpful, because it forces you to get through the story quickly so you can then get to revisions: th-cam.com/video/5Ufp8vzYDrs/w-d-xo.html
I hope that helps! Good luck!
+bookishpixie thank you!!
Thanks for all of the advice! I'm just a little bit older than you were when you decided to become a published author, as I'm sixteen at the moment. I am currently working on my very first manuscript, and I'm about a quarter of the way through the writing process. I can't wait to finish it and have other people read it, but I know that that will take a while. Thanks for reassuring me that there are other people that feel like I do, when they are writing their first book as a teen. Also, I'd just like to say, your videos really do help me. Thanks for continuing to create great content that really helps other writers, including me.
Awesome...it's cool to see other creative young people out there. I knew I wanted to be an artist at your age...but am just now getting into the writing thing...but I'm definitely going to do NaNoWriMo. will you be doing it?
+Felicia Follum I really do want to complete NaNoWriMo, so I think I may give a go. It would be my first year though! I just think it may give me some good motivation to write more than I have been lately.
Teagan Martin woohooooooo...I'm extremely new to writing seriously haha so yeah, I think it will be a fun challenge! Have you set up the account yet? When you do find me. Its just my name (1 word) and we can be buddies there...
What do you write?
Felicia Follum I'll look you up and add you! It would definitely be nice to have a buddy during the writing process! Hahaha don't worry. I'm new to writing as well!
I am currently writing a manuscript that is fantasy YA. It's about a girl that can sense when somebody dies haha. I'm really enjoying writing it. How about you?
Teagan Martin awesome!
Well honestly I'm a visual artist. Primarily watercolor and art based on travel and culture and the mixing of cultures. My slogan is "Social Change Through Cultural Art."
I want to write a series of travel (and working with people) stories that have an overall concept of something (not sure what) in the end....I'm not sure where it will go. I just know I want to write all my stories.
Love your videos, do you have one about choosing the POV to write in?
I didn't when I first posted this vlog but now I do! :) th-cam.com/video/esfhMbDFDLE/w-d-xo.html
bookishpixie Thank you!
My issue with the whole critique partner thing is that I don't know if I'd be able to return a favor. When writing my query letter, I sent revised versions to a forum for people to look at, and compared to the advice I give, others seem to do it a lot better, so that's why I've been reluctant with finding a critique partner.
+Rohma Hassan Well, to be honest the only way to improve your critique skills is to critique. If you pair off with someone who is at a similar skill set, it can be really beneficial to you both-and I'll add that learning how to critique will actually help your writing quite a bit, because it teaches you how to look at a work critically and how to recognize weaknesses in writing. Then you can go back to your MS with your new skills and apply them. :)
So yeah, I recommend you start practicing! It can actually be quite fun, and the only way to improve is to keep working at it. I hope that helps!
Thnx ....
these are helpful..
+Harshit Singh You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
+bookishpixie It is worth watching,....
+Harshit Singh Glad you think so!
I'm new in writing world so and most of the experience writers do these mistakes...
I am doing 2 of these now
Don't forget it's also important to read outside of the genre you write in too. You need to know what other writers in your genre do but you also don't want to only be reading one genre. You can apply things from other genres in your work that you wouldn't expect.
Reading in and out of your genre is definitely important! But I'd definitely prioritize reading in your genre over out. But yes, both is good. Do both. lol
Thank you so much for making this video. I am only in seventh grade and I realized that 150% relate and honestly have done all of these. When I was little(r), I wanted to be the "Youngest Author Of All Time". Lol. I know now that that is not important. Anyway, thanks for the advice!
You're so welcome! I wish you all the best with your writing!
Have any of your books become bestselling?
Best seller teen author ...
I want it already 🙃
But I am my critique partners. Me and the voices inside my head.
I just discovered your channel, and you're awesome! I've been trying to write books since kindergarten, but I started the book that I'm now working on in 8th grade, Dec. 6, 2016, and I just finally hit 40,000 words after over a year. I'm a ninth grader, and despite your great advice, I'm really hoping to be published before I graduate. I've looked on sites, but how do you find a CP?
Did a vlog on that topic a while back, hope it helps! And good luck!! th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
bookishpixie Thanks!
Aaaaaand now I've had the somewhat crushing realisation that most of what I've been doing for the last 6 months on my "second draft" has probably been line-edits with only some bigger changes. Damn it.
+Ray Reads Gahhh I'm sorry-that's a hard realization to come to, but I've definitely been there! If it's any consolation, I didn't realize I'd been editing wrong until I'd written several manuscripts... :)
I have been writing for years and its a hobby of mine. I know nothing about writing or the technical terms writers use. I have progressed over the years substantially but still need help. If anyone could message me with some tips that would be great. Awesome video btw!
Wow, I was about the same age you were when I decided to be a published author. My first story was SOOOO bad! 😆
+IceRiver1020 Yay us! And ha ha mine too, don't you worry.
This video was so helpful , thanks :) I was wondering though, where do you find Critique partners? I've got one but I assume the plural means I should have more?
I did a vlog on that topic a while back, hope it helps! th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
I've wanted to write a book since I was quite young (not that I'm old now), but I've never really written a full one. I always start a book then move onto something else so I always have unfinished stories. What advice would you give to me as a starting author?
Maybe take an *official* break (meaning that you're actually *telling* yourself "this is a break.")
Then, when you receive an idea in your head about something for a story,
Maybe a scene, or a situation,
Or even a person,
A *name* for a person,
Keep that idea in your head first,
Build on it, cosider the possibilities of it,
And then write it down.
Also, really want to go on with it.
What’s a critique partner?
hello ! How do you find critique partners ? Thanks for all the amazing vlogs !
You're so welcome! I actually just published a vlog on four places to find critique partners this week, which you may find helpful: th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
Good luck!
I'm pretty young too and I'm a writer so high five!
I was thinking you could do a vlog on snarky things people say to writers/poets (me being both) and how to deal with that. And one on why for some people its easier to write sad and dark stories and poems than happy ones.
If you did theses topics already, well then I'm blind.
Also keep up the advice/inspiration/motivation! ;)
+Marissa Rivera *high-fives* Go you! I SORT of did the first thing you suggested in my writer problems vlog: th-cam.com/video/prGfjgziiNU/w-d-xo.html But if I remember correctly that only covered really like...one thing people say. I think.
As for your second question...honestly I feel like that just depends on personality, experiences and interest. I'm not sure there'd be enough there for me to do a vlog about it, but I think it mostly comes down to preference, which is wound up in the previous three things I mentioned. Probably. But at any rate, thanks for the suggestions! And if you think of others, let me know.
Thanks for watching! ^_^
bookishpixie Thanks for the reply :-)
And happy writing!! ;-)
+Marissa Rivera Thank you! You too! And you're welcome! :)
I wanna ask if number of characters to be introduced in a book really matters and if yes is there any max limit? Eg. Maximum 14 characters should be introduced along with the protagonist.. something like that..!!
Hi there, I have a question about writing that hopefully you might be able to answer me or point me in the right direction. I'm currently writting a novel for ebooks to upload on amazon and all that but, I'm not really sure what are the steps to follow after I finish the first draft.
For instance, how do you get someone to critique your work? do you have to pay someone, you ask on some forum of volunteers or what? Is that the same as having a proofreader? Should I have a proofreader at all?
My worst concern is the grammar and my English because it's not my native language, that's why I'm unsure about what to do after I finish it. Proofreading seems to be very expensive from what i've seen so I can't really afford it.
First you work with critique partners, which are free. I did a vlog on where you find critique partners here: th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
Then you hire a freelance editor and a copyeditors. Both will be expensive-self-publishing *is* expensive. It's an investment. You have to pay for the editing, for copyediting, for the cover, for the formatting. Unfortunately if you want it done right then you have to put in the money.
Oh damn, seems that I will have to do that myself somehow. Hopefully my book doesn't get rejected from Amazon over the low quality editing, I can only hope. Thanks for the answer, I was writing just now and I gotta say I love it, it's really fun and entertaining to come up with stories! Thanks for your helpful videos, see you around!
I've written several books but always scared to send them to publishers
Idk if you'll see this but one of my problems is I have a hard time focusing because I don't have a concrete way to organize my ideas and I don't have a comfortable work space
Well...maybe you should try finding a way to organize your ideas? I like using Evernote-it's free and easy to access on all sorts of devices.
What if someone steals your work if you give it for beta reading or as cp?
2015 huh? I was making those mistakes... even threw them up on Amazon anyway, lol.... *cries*
Same same and same. Seriously! Still struggling with the CP thing. My age goal was a slightly less ambitious - published by 30, and I have an agent now with two years to go. So fingers crossed!
ooh how exciting...good luck
Thank you! :)
+Emily Lowrey Ohhh that's awesome! Good luck with submissions! And if you need help finding CPs, I do have a resource above in the description that has links for finding CPs. :)
Have you ever co authored a book before? Would you like to? Because I could use the help.
Ive been writing since I was six years old until I was 15, because I was making music, then really drove into being a writer again by 19.
Awesome!
How do I publish a book?
How did you meet your critique partners? Do you ever find that other writers give kind of "negative" critiques because of jealousy or just inability to constructively criticize? Any suggestions on how to find a good CP?
+Rebecca Yoder Since this part isn't covered by the links, I'll say I've been lucky and haven't had anyone give me a bad critique on purpose. And I usually am able to avoid working with someone who can't critique well by doing a trial run-if I've never worked with the person, I'll trade JUST the first chapter at first. This lets me a) see whether I'd be interested in critiquing their story (which is important too) and b) whether their critique on my chapter is something that I found useful and could use more of.
Hope that helps! Good luck!
Thanks for this. I got busy and ditched social media for a while. This makes sense and sounds like it saves time in the long run.
+Rebecca Yoder You're welcome! I definitely think it does. :)
I already made these mistakes and then gave up! Ah lol... This is an awesome channel I found you from an old youtube video series about new channels Echo Gillette made called BAM! I have a question if you see these comments still, how do you find a critique partner?
That's so cool that people are still finding me from Echo's vlog! Ha ha. Always fun to hear that. :)
As for your question, I did a vlog a little while back on finding CPs that you might find helpful: th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html&t
older books like tlotr are probably not the best at giving examples of how to write a fantasy novel anyway. although probably considered very well written for the time, the modern scene is drastically different. (eg. no infodumps before the story even begins, cheesy dialogue that was considered clever in the day, etc)
thanks for the video, do you have a video about maps for fictional worlds?,(such as Fantasy worlds).
+Patrick McDougal I don't! And I'm not 100% sure how I'd do one...but I will add it to my list and think it over! Thanks for the suggestion. :)
+bookishpixie Your welcome and thanks :)
Well mam, this was really helpful, thankyou so much for this!! Mam, I am hvng a qstn please do reply...Actually the thing is...I hv been wrtng my 1st stry for a month...and hv cmpltd a few pages and soon discoverd that my writing style that is the way is too simple, and I definitely should improve it, but mam sometimes I feel like it came naturally that...i mn...sometimes I blv that this is the way I write and I shldnt cmpare myself wth anyone else...yes dfntly i shld improve...bt shld not be disappointed...so mam...any advice for this debutant??
hey..trying to write short stories for mags..what are the proceedings before submitting the manuscript? pls help
I haven't submitted to magazines in probably a decade, so I can't help you there. :( Sorry about that!
Do you have any recommendations for well-written YA fiction novels? I want to write in that genre but I'm have trouble finding books I like sometimes, and I'd like to read more so that I can improve my own writing.
+Bert Macklin Do I have any recommendations for well-written YA novels? WELL, YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.
Since you didn't give me a genre (fiction isn't a genre-and actually "novel" means fiction, just so you know!) I guess I'll just have to give you a ton of recommendations across genres. I don't mind. Don't worry. *rolls up sleeves*
In YA Sci-Fi:
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/8235178-across-the-universe
THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins (trilogy, yes really): www.goodreads.com/book/show/2767052-the-hunger-games
THE 5TH WAVE by Rick Yancey (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101128-the-5th-wave
THE MURDER COMPLEX by Lindsay Cummings (duology): www.goodreads.com/book/show/13576132-the-murder-complex
In YA Fantasy:
SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/10194157-shadow-and-bone
HALF BAD by Sally Green (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/18079804-half-bad
HARRY POTTER series by J.K. Rowling (technically these are Middle Grade to begin with, but later in the series it ages up to YA): www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone
GRACELING by Kristin Cashore (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/3236307-graceling
THE GIRL OF FIRE AND THORNS by Rae Carson (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/10429092-the-girl-of-fire-and-thorns
BURNING GLASS by Kathryn Purdie (this one doesn't release until 2016, but I had the pleasure of reading it early and it is AMAZING): www.goodreads.com/book/show/23677316-burning-glass
In YA Contemporary:
I'LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson: www.goodreads.com/book/show/20820994-i-ll-give-you-the-sun
THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green: www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars
MADE YOU UP by Francesca Zappia: www.goodreads.com/book/show/17661416-made-you-up
FANGIRL by Rainbow Rowell: www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl
SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA: www.goodreads.com/book/show/19547856-simon-vs-the-homo-sapiens-agenda
OCD LOVE STORY by Corey Ann Haydu: www.goodreads.com/book/show/13326677-ocd-love-story
In YA Paranormal:
THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michele Hodkin (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/11408650-the-unbecoming-of-mara-dyer
THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN by Holly Black: www.goodreads.com/book/show/12813630-the-coldest-girl-in-coldtown
INK by Amanda Sun (trilogy): www.goodreads.com/book/show/13423346-ink
I definitely haven't covered every genre (or even every excellent book in these mentioned genres), but if you'd like recommendations in other YA genres let me know. I've read all of these so I can vouch for them. Hope that helps!
@@bookishpixie Don't know how these still stand 6 years later with you, but thank you for the suggestions!
What books do you write?
I've written three novels. Two have been published, third comes out in the fall. BEYOND THE RED is my first novel. www.amazon.com/Beyond-Red-Trilogy/dp/1634506448/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Hi..... Aspiring/new writer here... Just wondering whether it's best to edit or work with critique partners first in writing? Thanks :)
Either works! I like to edit first, then work with critique partners. Some people work with critique partners as they first draft. It's whatever works best for you.
Is there a difference between critique partners and beta readers?
The definitions kind of vary person to person. To me, critique partners are more long-term-they work with you for several books and do a lot of the heavy lifting (like the early critiques). Beta readers come later and I often use them to help with very specific issues.
Megan Rausch I'd say critique partners are as you're writing and beta readers are when you're done before you begin to publish.
My country dosnt seem 2 have any beta readers, what should i 2?
My book is not written in english either, so it can only be done there.
If you mind me asking, how many books did write?
Now? Or before I was published?
My debut was my 10th manuscript.
I've now written 17 manuscripts.
Two have been published (BEYOND THE RED and INTO THE BLACK) and my next (THE RISING GOLD) is due to release in the fall.
Where can I find a critique partner?
Did a vlog on that topic a while back, hope it helps! th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
Okay, so apart from not reading in my own genre - check, check and check xD
I remember being eight years old and convinced I would be the youngest published author ever xD
I also set myself a time limit, wanting to finish a book at the age of thirteen. I reached this goal but the book sucks, so I don't know if I really succeded ;)
Yes, line editing was also the only editing I ever did. But only because I was scared to rewrite stuff. I thought that if I scrapped a scene I would lose everything in it. Which is stupid of course but it took me more than ten years of writing (if you count the stories I wrote as a kid) to come to that conclusion :P
I really want to find critique partnerns but I just don't know where to look!
+MissSophieReads I don't know how I missed this comment! So sorry-but better a late response than never I think? Anyway, I can totally relate to the stuff you mentioned, obviously heh. Rewriting can definitely be scary, and I do think that fear is probably part of what held me back from rewriting for so long. But I've come to realize that rewriting can actually be pretty fun, or at least, I think so. :D
As for CPs, I wrote a post a while back on some places to look for critique partners that you might find helpful: avajae.blogspot.com/2013/07/5-places-to-find-critique-partners.html
I wish you all the best with your writing!
+bookishpixie No problem! :)
To me it really is incredible how just the way you look at something can
totally change your attitude. It's just a small shift in my brain - the
first draft of a text is only that, a first draft. Full of mistakes and
holes and plain junk. Before I would only notice the bad parts and
despair because I felt like I couldn't do anything about that. Now I
concentrate on the parts I like - usually only a couple of sentences. I
keep those and scrap the rest. So yes, I think rewriting is kind of fun
as well!
Thank you. I will definately have a look at that post! My problem before
was mainly that I wrote in German and most places where you could find
CP are aimed at English writing people (or maybe I just didn't look at
the right sites). But I actually wrote my 2015 NaNoWriMo project in
English and feel a lot more comfortable with it! So maybe I'll find a CP
after all :)
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my comment! :D
+MissSophieReads Awesome! I'm so glad to hear it. :) Rewriting can definitely be a fun experience with the right mindset, and I'm very happy to hear you've had a successful NaNo this year. Good luck with your CP search!
I wanted to be a writer and 5th grade.. I'm now a freshman and still hold the dream
Does the Critique Partner thing apply to screenwriting as well?
I'm not a screenwriter but I'd imagine so. Critique is critique!
Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I totally want to to be an author. In the editing process and so far... let's just say I feel like I'm gonna take a while and procrastinate and stuff like that.
+Eli Flores Yeah, it can be hard to push through sometimes. I just encourage you to keep going and making progress as consistently as you can. Books aren't written (or edited) in a day. :)
+bookishpixie I love reading my stories from sixth grade to see how bad and cliche they are. I feel like I've improved a lot.
+Eli Flores Awesome! That's a great sign. ^_^
I’m writing a dystopian horror with so far about 2000 words any advice?
How do I find a critique partner?? I have no writer friends and I'm not good at making friends either, so the chances of me getting one are pretty low. I know a few people online that are writers, but I'm not super good friends with them and I don't know if they would want to be a critique partener
I did a vlog on this not too long ago; hope it helps! th-cam.com/video/ywD5jZ_KGIQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank you!!
Awesome Vid you live & you lean haha i just want to ask in writing is it plagiarism to take another character from a different book & put it in your book,even if you ask the writer could you use that character for your own story,is that still considered plagiarism even if you ask for permission? if you could help me in this area it would be great thank you PS you are doing a awesome job & you are going to go far as a writer.
+Jeffrey Grissom Ha ha you most certainly do. I would not recommend using a character from another book even with permission (which, quite frankly, I'd be SHOCKED if you got permission, and without it's absolutely plagiarism). Instead, I'd encourage you to take some time to develop your own characters-not only can you then not worry about the plagiarism stuff, but you can also do whatever your heart desires with them, you know? Plus, it's soooo rewarding to see characters that YOU developed come to life on the page. There's really very little like it. :)
P.S.: Thank you so much!! That was super sweet. :)
Your welcome, & thank you so much for your advice, I have learned so much about writing from your videos, anyone who doesn't even know anything about writing can watch you videos & can tell you know what you are talking about,you are awesome 😊😊😊😊
+Jeffrey Grissom
+bookishpixie do u need the permission of other authors to quote them ?
No-one ever learns from someone else's mistakes. We have to make our own, and most of us keep on making them. That is the human condition.
I think number 2 is probably the most important thing you can do as a new writer.
If I had to choose a critique partner I'd choose my mom because even when other people say a painting or a drawing I do is really good if I show the same thing to my mom you'd bet the first thing out of her mouth would be some form of critiscm
Who wrote up to 30 stories in the teen age ,like...who wrote 15 stories comment...and who wrote a whole book both!!!
I diidd bothhh...pray for me I am still teeennn!!!
How many critique partners do you recommend someone get?
2-3. I prefer odd numbers whenever possible because then there's always a tie-breaker. :)
Thank you so much for responding. That makes a lot of sense!
You're welcome!
dragon was a good enough reason lol
What's critique partner? ?😕😯
This is an extremely old video, but it does go through a bit of info on critique partners: th-cam.com/video/al69FIboZMo/w-d-xo.html
how to I find CP's that aren't gona plagerize me? (my writing is a lot better then my texting jsyk)
+dom_person113 Honestly? While I won't say that plagiarism *never* happens, my experience has shown me it's super super rare between CPs (and trust me, I was SO nervous about this when I first started trading with CPs, too). When you work with CPs, you're working with other writers who, like yourself, want to improve *their* writing and *their* book and want to see the stories *they* wrote published. When you trade your MS with someone, there's an inherent trust because they have your work and you have theirs. And most writers don't want to write (or steal) someone else's ideas or words because they want *their* ideas and words out there, not someone else's.
I wrote a post about this in terms of ideas a while ago. You might find it reassuring: avajae.blogspot.com/2013/01/dont-worry-about-other-writers-stealing.html
In short, I'd say not to worry about it. Start by trading first chapters, see if you think you'd be a good match, and move on from there. And if you're still nervous, you can lock your manuscript to only accept comments and/or trade one chapter at a time, or work something else out to help set your mind at ease. I hope that helps!
+bookishpixie thank you, I'll look into it, also sorry for taking so long to reply I'm still getting used to phone/iPad TH-cam
+dom_person113 No worries! :)
wow screen high five for all of the teen writers. but i do not have Critique Partners but i have good reason i'm a teen first of all so you know teens that write don't like to talk about it because of bullying right so i do not have any and most of them hate reading so it sucks for me because i have none so i never found out what people think about my books
+eduardo wolf Not gonna lie, I'm really delighted to see how many teen writers have responded to this vlog. My heart is happy.
As for Critique Partners! I don't know if you have a Twitter, but I'd really encourage you to get involved in the writer community there-I know A LOT of teen writers there who have connected and work with each other trading manuscripts and just encouraging each other. It might be the perfect resource for you to find some critique partners. :)
yeah i think i started when i was in 6th and i was 10 i think i'v worked on large project that are still going on today. but yeah i have a twitter just never use it i'll try it but i'm not that up to date as i'm in like instagram and facebook.
+eduardo wolf I definitely encourage you to get more involved. If you'd like to meet other teen writers, give me a shout on Twitter (I'm @Ava_Jae) and I can RT you to my followers. I have quite a few teen writer friends there. :)
oh ok thanks
+eduardo wolf Yup!
If I ever publish my book (on Wattpad first, coz I'm a teenage dinosaur and I don't believe that some1 gives shit about my book), would you please read it and tell me what kind of mistakes do I make, how to improve my writing skillz and such. It will be really llamazing if you do it because I will finally have some1, that's not a family member, who will rate me.
*P.S. Sorry for ma bad English, I'm 2 lazy and I'm not from a country that's related with english somehow, so... ye. O.o*
+Katie Kitty Hi Katie! So while unfortunately I can't promise to read anything for various reasons, I totally encourage you to find some critique partners who you can trade your work with! Critique partners are really helpful because not only do you get feedback on your work, but you learn how to give feedback on other people's works which teaches you how to look at writing critically, which is very helpful in terms of improving your skill as a writer in general. I've found that working with critique partners is one of the quickest ways to improve as a writer. I hope that helps and I wish you all the best with your writing!
Okay, thank you very much! I'm happy that there's some1 who can give me tips of how I can improve my writing. I really respect you, thanks again!
+Katie Kitty You're welcome! If you ever have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask!
:)))
i watched this vid while writing my book , lol
so, do u write fiction or nonfiction? if u can and r willing, answer this first plez...then we'll see.
I'm a novelist. I write fiction.