Jump right to the pep talk you need with TIMESTAMPS! 01:20 Most people will never finish a book but YOU DID 02:30 First books are messy and THAT'S OK! 03:24 All books need editing, so you can fix anything! 04:37 Most authors don't publish their first books-NORMAL! 05:33 Writing is a skill--you can improve! 06:38 Don't compare your first draft to a final product 07:51 Every writing process is a valid writing process (if it works for you) 09:05 Your competition isn't what you think it is 10:37 Good writing matters 11:59 Storytelling matters 12:45 Hard work & professional pays off 14:00 Second book symdrome sucks (you're not crazy) 15:39 Finding critique partners is hard (you're not crazy) 17:21 You are good enough (or will be) 18:28 Writing is a long game 19:56 There's room for similar/lots of stories 21:44 Write like you're running out of time (but you're not)
😋😋i loved your way of advising the facts that newish writers should or shouldn't, enrolled in straight 🦔🦔 harsh....indeed harsh words, but it enpowers 🦹♂️ 🦹♂️ our writing skill ....🤗🤗thanks mam for giving your precious time to us.
I just finished the redraft of my second novel, and this will be one I seek to publish. Thank you for your encouragement as well as your tough love: I have 'writing' and 'dialogue' and 'writing business' playlists, but also have a separate 'Alexa Donne' playlist. Wherever your journey leads you next, you've given us all so much, and I'm very grateful.
Alexa is my favorite authortube. She delivers all her content with passion and delight, not as if she's just reading off a script or presenting in front of a class.
"Sometimes it's just good enough to be published at all." YES, girl. This is what I tell everyone when I say I want to be an author. They usually give me weird looks and then say something to the effect of, "Well, don't quit your day job." I find this to be particularly insulting. First of all, I have a wonderful job as a bookstore manager, and I have no intention of quitting it, thank you. Secondly, when I say that I want to be an author, I'm not saying I want to be a New York Times bestseller who sells thousands and thousands of books. Not remotely. I just want to be published, and if a few people pick up my work, read it, and feel it inspires or speaks to them, GREAT. I've achieved my goal. What I want to do is really that simple. I have no aspirations for greatness. Anyway, awesome video, as usual. I enjoy both the tough love and pep talk style videos. Personally, though, I think you're pretty nice about what you say either way. Take care! 😀
I remember when you said on your harsh advice for writers video, "The perfect first book doesn't exist" and that made realize that I don't need my book to be a bestseller to be satisfied. Then I can start again, this time learning from the critics and advices.
The "unique executions" bit really hit me. I won't lie and say that I didn't feel a little chaffed hearing the "no original stories" in your other video, even if it is true lol, but I really think what you said here about the unique executions was great and a great way for people to look at it when they're feeling discouraged.
Yeah, its tough to hear your idea isn't completely original. You can see this by distilling your book down to the 4-5 sentences you would use to pitch your book. No matter what that pitch is, its never gonna be a "holy shit, nothing like this has ever existed!", it's just not possible. But, the way you execute those ideas... the possibilities are exponential. In the same way that if you take something so simple, like looking at a combination lock. It's only numbers 0-9. Nothing complicated about that. But the possible combination of those numbers?? 10,000. That's just with numbers. So take the endless nuance of of ideas?? THATS writing.
I will always fight against imposter syndrome. I have accepted this. I'm almost blind. I "read" with audiobooks, my punctuation suuuucks! I have spelling errors and grammar errors and all kinds of errors concerning the visual aspect of the craft. I will always feel like I'm not enough. Maybe the feeling will never go away. Hearing you say I'm enough helped. Thank you. I'm trying. I'm learning everyday.
Reading your situation I believe you are already doing more than a lot of people will ever do in writing! It doesnt matter how slowly - or with what difficulties - you move, as long as you move ;) You will have family and friends or will hire an editor at some point to help you the visual aspect of the craft. Each writer's path is different and there is no wrong or less important path to take! Wish you the best!
@@patrapoutrouli thank you. I am recently finding some beta readers and CPs. Some. I have no family to help with this. Sorry for sounding even more tragic now but, I have biological family sure, but no one reads in the family. I'm the blind one and I am the one who reads wtf... 😂 I can't afford editors. I'm alone here. So, yeah, it is all on me as of right now and I have to learn and improve. It is what it is. I'm very much aware that the industry doesn't give a S#(&- about my blindness and my difficulties, so I have to make my book worth their standards. It's tough, and I'll always fight this feeling of not enough, but I've accepted this. I would do whatever within reason to make this story happen. I have deep rooted reasons for this. So I'm doing it. Thank you again for the support.
It really hits with that there is always someone who needs your story. I just want to share what someone told me and say that it's okay if that someone is yourself.
After literally telling someone how down heartened I’ve been feeling lately, with a mix of imposter syndrome, this legit came at the right time (almost exactly 30 minutes after I had that conversation!). Thanks! 💚
You: "It's easy to pick a book off the shelf and go-" Interrupting Ad: "From a 1 to 10 I'm definitely a 1" Me: I'm fairly certain that's a different voice, but very on point
Slogging away at my second draft--a full rewrite of a fast-draft--and 17:40 made me cry. Thank you for this video, Alexa. I've wanted to be a professional writer ever since I was a child, and I've worked really hard at the craft, even publishing a short story, but I've never finished a full novel. For years I told myself it's because I'm "not disciplined", but really it's because I get scared that I'll put all of this work in, and no one will care. But I'm determined to get a novel fully written and revised this year, and I found this video right on time. Thank you for helping us all feel seen.
I've been getting a lot of (very kind and personalized) rejection letters from top literary journals and they all say the same thing, "Your work is amazing, but not for us at this time. Please submit work in the future, our next open submission is-" and while I recognize this is part of the process and this is the kind of rejection you want, but gosh darn is it hard to remember that this is a long game and the industry isn't always fair.
Hearing you talk about publishing makes my heart hurt in the sweetest way. It's something I want so much, so completely, that it can almost be paralyzing sometimes, but hearing a published author break it into manageable pieces helps me keep putting one foot in front of another. Thank you
Definite thumbs up from me. I have two general comments: First, even if you do not publish, writing for the love of writing isnt a bad thing even if you never publish. And second, I write for amusement- my work is absolute unsalable garbage (although that seems like an amusing title maybe I will use that)... I forgot where I was going with that.
"I offered this pep-talk, and then I'm going to offer the reverse side of this pep-talk." Anyone who heard that and continued listening, are more self-aware than most people. Hahah.
"You can't do anything with talent, unless you do something with talent." SO GOOD. Also, I like the balance of harsh advice and pep talks. Different days call for different perspectives. :)
Alexa, you are f-ing awesome. I reference you so many times and share your videos constantly. It's unbelievable the false information and ignorance out there. You are such a beacon.
When I first started writing the tough love videos were the bomb. They were absolutely what I needed, and they nipped my procrastinating side in the butt. And, now I feel like I don't even have a procrastinating side too me at all! Now, this video is exactly what I needed for now. I'm currently revising my first ever book and I'm so happy, but at the same time I'm so stressed. Thank you for putting this video out there. It really put most of my stress at ease. I too believe that there is a time and purpose for everything, and I think God sent me these words of encouragement from you. Thank you so much. I think this helped alot of writers along with me, and this was needed.
What makes you so interesting is you say all of the common sense things but you do it in a gifted fashion: you tell us what we already know but do not listen to ourselves when we say it to ourselves but we suck it up like aqua vita when you do. Impostor syndrome is my kryptonite. It is so easy to pop open a book and say, "Woah, I am not that good!" I was cheering as you covered that and I did not know how severely I even had the affliction. Eye opening! I would like to challenge you to a new series of presentations: The Walk Through - Authoring For Dummies. You show us how to put those first words on a page and why it does not matter in the beginning if they are just plain, old words - we can fix that later. You show us to build to a climax and let down, recovery and discovery, filling plot holes. A step-by-step series of presentations that are not long, maybe just 2 or 3 minutes. These can be the hooks that we hang our sanity on as we grind our across the finish line.
Thank you! I just finished the first chapter of the first draft of my first book and have spent the entire day thinking that it is absolute garbage and I should quit now. Can’t tell you how much this pep talk helps.
Alexa, this was so needed and so happily-received. Especially all the parts about feeling rushed and like it needs to be now, but it really doesn't. That is so hard to internalize sometimes. I'm currently waiting on a full request from an agent and I feel so close, and it is so hard to hold onto the knowledge that if it doesn't work out, it's still okay. Thank you for everything you do, for all of the energy you spend on this channel, and your time. It truly helps me, and so many others I'm sure, so much.
After watching your HARSH WRITING ADVICE I ended up brainstorming a good number of resources that could go along with your advice that is more geared towards a supportive, balanced approach to writing as a practice, longevity in writing and finding a connection to your story that drives your writing more than relying in inspiration alone. I am looking forward to writing the content for that and filming it, and came upon this video during my breakfast. I believe everyone needs a mixture of harsh advice and a pep talk, it's finding that balance of constructive advice using your experience, while empowering people to draw upon what works fundamentally for them and teaching writers to be resourceful, and use resources productively.
I prefer the warm hug approach to pep talks. The harsher writing advice isn't really for me, despite that it's probably good to hear it and to give myself that reality check. Thanks for the pep talk! It was super helpful! Have a great day!
That point at 6:24 was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you. I’m mid-NaNoWriMo, feeling like a fluke. But the realization that just finishing the book alone will help me grow as a writer, that it’s the best way to learn (maybe rather than needing to go polish up all these other acute skills before I should ever dare to finish it like I’ve been thinking) helps a lot. Thank you.
2 minutes into the video and I'm already glad that I clicked on this. I finished a book I wanted to write, but never got around looking to get it published. I keep proofreading and fixing things up because I constantly think my story isn't good enough until I myself find it exciting to read over and over again. To hear you say that most people don't even finish a book, and completing one means I'm ahead of the game sparks inspiration.
Aww, Alexa. I love your channel so much. Thank you for this video. You gave such good and thorough advice in it and it was just really encouraging and put a smile on my face. I was dreading working on the second version of my novel right before I watced this (even though I'm only 20 pages from the end of the novel!) and this gave me a real writer's boost. So thank you! Best, Linda
One day, when I change the world with my stories (unironically), I will dedicate a book to you and tell everyone you were my inspiration. Honestly can't express how much your advice keeps my sanity from breaking. Thank you.
I loved this video. I think it is a good balance to the harsh advice videos. I might not like you as much in those, but we all need to hear the real talk too. It's better to know how the "real world" works before you are actually in it, so I do appreciate that from you. At the same time, it's easy to get discouraged. More of this too, please.
Great advice Alexa! No matter how harsh, we cannot hide from the truth. Editing is crucial. I had to do some serious editing multiple times on my first novel before I got it published. Also, I agree that writing is like a muscle that needs exercising. 👍🏽
I've been watching your videos all weekend! It's so illuminating about the traditional publishing industry and extremely encouraging. I appreciate how candid and realistic you are about the process.
As someone who's been doing this for almost a decade now, politeness will take you farther than tenacity in many respects. Because folks in the industry talk to each other, and your reputation will proceed you :)
Honestly, this is true in (almost?) all aspects of life. I think she talks about it in another of her videos. This one is not the topic for it. But true.
Great video. Thank you for this. I am starting chapter three of my first book, and I am really loving the process so far. Yes it is work, but it is also very rewarding and fun.
ALEXA, I WAS SO GLAD THAT YOUR HARSH ADVICE WAS WELL RECEIVED. IT WAS JUST A DOSE OF REALITY. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO AS WELL, I APPRECIATE YOUR INSIGHTS.
Hello Alexa. Just a little thank you from over the pond for all the great and inspirational advice you give. Your videos encourage and motivate me to carry on writing and fight the imposter syndrome we all battle against! Writing perfection - Hot cup of coffee, quiet location, Alexa Donne playlist playing in the background. Happy Nanowrimo and THANK YOU!
Colleen put a little tidbit in The Thorn Birds , "Everyone has that something in them that will not be denied." It is quite an accurate statement about how I feel about "my dumb book about Russia." We are driven to it, like the bird with the thorn in its breast.
I haven't written a word since I started a new job in February, but I want to accomplish SOMETHING by the end of the year so I'm going to finish my two WIPs. I really needed this pep talk, especially your words about being good enough and worthy. Thank you for that!
Thanks Alexa - I watch lots of your videos but today this was the one I really REALLY needed. Especially the part about being ahead of most people for actually finishing and revising one book, and beginning another. Now THAT'S what I need to hear.
My favorite book, that has inspired me to finally pick a genre to try to debut in, took the author 5 years to finish. I think it is absolutely amazing and i just finished reading it for a second time last night.
A wonderful video as always! I'm one of those people who like both tough love videos and pep talks. I think most people need a balance of the two and I benefit from both! Also, your makeup game has been on point for all your recent videos! I also love the shirt you're wearing, where is it from????
Thank you! This eyelook is a repeat from when I discovered it a few weeks ago (paired with the same shirt, which is from Torrid!)... once I did it and loved how it looked, now I've repeated it a few times. It's basically pink, purple, and teal Colourpop shadows blended in a gradient over a Stila glimmer & glow base :D
Hi Alexa, I've been watching your videos for a while now and never left a comment before, but your videos have truly been so helpful and encouraging. I have kept this one on my "favourite" list in times when I feel sh*t about writing, and it's helped me every time so I just wanted to drop by in the comment section to thank you for all the work you put into this channel and all the times you've lifted me up (and also, for all the shimmery eyeshadows - just wow)!
Thank you Aunt Alexa, I am on the verge of giving up due to hours I put into it yet no one cares, thank you for saying I am good enough. I feel free when I write but it was kinda demoralizing to see no one reads it. I will finish this one story as I owe it to my characters. Thank you so much Aunt Alexa. May you see the light of Victory! PS I discovered your channel due to your amateur writing mistakes video. hahaha I loved it.
This video is what I needed now. Sometimes I see books that have been published or look on Wattpad and feel crushed. Like sometimes it feels like a crapshoot, but your video helps. Thanks as usual for your video :)
I know this video is old but I just wanted to say thank you. I've been having a really tough time lately with writing my book and when I struggle to write it instantly triggers my depression. Watching this video was so comforting. I think I'll definitely come back and watch it again
Thank you. Thank you so much. Life as a writer is so hard, but there's a reason why we all do it. As an aspiring writer myself, I constantly think my story isn't good enough, that writing isn't worth it. But then you remember, "Oh yeah, THAT'S why I write. That's why I go through all these setbacks." Whether it's the perfect line, a really good scene, or just that you finished the chapter; there are so many reasons to love writing. Thanks so much for this! I kind of feel like drinking a huge espresso and drafting until morning comes. Is that normal? ;)
I am so happy and grateful that I found your videos on youtube! Thank you so much for your content!! Please keep posting the videos! Have a great day! 💚💚
Hi Alexa. Thanks for the video. I hope you will keep both parts of your affect going. I benefited from the harsh advice a lot and it is what encouraged me to subscribe to your channel. I appreciate the pep talk as well, but it's a harsh business and it's good to be reminded of that. I hope you will keep both the positive and the more harsh videos coming. Great advice.
I love what you said about new executions. I worry that my ideas are "boring and unoriginal" while also worrying that no one will want to publish a book about my marginalized identities because of lack of representation and horror stories I've heard from people like me trying to get published. but then I'm like, those "boring unoriginal" stories have never been told by or about someone with these identities and issues and it really shouldn't be that new but it is? now I just have to, like you said, actually get writing lol.
Thank you so much Alexa. I needed this right now more than you could believe. Your dedication to the community knows no bounds. From the deepest, most grateful depths of my heart I thank you for creating your incredibly insightful videos. Keep doing what you're doing. Hopefully one day you can witness the boundless creation that you personally nurtured with your words within the next generation of authors work.
Thanks alexa for these important words =). I started watching your videos in 2018 when I first wanted to write my biography. I used it as practising my craft and found a novel idea I actually want to write about. Now 2021, I almost finished my first draft and wrote 89000 words 🎉🎉🎉. Soon, I can watch your editing and revising videos. 🥂😊.
This video helped motivate me to fix the beginning of my novel that just never felt quite right to me. Thank you so much ❤ Now I'm over that hill I can carry on with the rest of it 🎉 I WILL finish this!
"that second book you write after your publishing deal is the hardest". So accurate. That's what brought me here, no shame in it. I got 2/3 done out the gate and am having trouble finishing those last chapters and being sure my own editing is good enough. (YA epic fantasy genre). First is published in the planned trilogy. The struggle is real
Good advice for people who have already finished their books but not really what i was looking for. I feel like I was just made aware of a thousand more obstacles that I'm going to face and doubt my writing before I'm even done with my first draft :/. Wish you had talked a little about the struggles of finishing a draft rather than the struggles that will come after it
Great pep talk Alexa! I’m so glad you mentioned how hard it is to get CP and beta feedback after you get a contract. I’m lucky if I can get anyone to read and comment on a book that quickly for a deadline turn around. Hope many writers are able to get some excitement from this talk. ☺️
Thank you so much for this video Alexa - I really needed to hear this today:) Spent the last 2 months writing my first ever novel and I've been flicking between thinking my writing is awesome and thinking it's the worst thing in the world and I'm wasting my time haha
I've been watching your wonderful videos for years, but I'm just watching this one in 2020 and I just love these uplifting words. They are just what I needed. 💓
Thanks for this! Give me both the tough love and the softer approach. My writer brain is a fickle thing that sometimes does better with one than the other.
This is great. Im saving it to watch again at a later date. I'm writing my first full novel and im only 30,000 words into my first draft so I have a long way to go! However its the first time ive gotten this far, stuck to writing 1000 words a day even when im exhausted from my day job. Sometimes i just really need a gentle push :) thanks Alexa!
You are the best author tube out here, deep, sincere and with wonderful advice!!! I love your style and approach, from the tough love to this warm hugs, thank you!!!!! ;o; you should have tens of thousands more subs!
Love this video. I was wondering how a person knows which topics or troupes or genres are trending and which are out of style. Thank you for this channel. I’ve learned so much.
Thank you so much, I really needed to hear this right now! I'm currently writing the 2nd draft of my 2nd book and I've been being really harsh on myself and overthinking everything I write to the extent where sitting down at my laptop feels like running into a wall. This is exactly the video to make me chill out a little!
I don't need a pep talk at the moment. The words are flowing and I wrote a plan for a 4 book series and I am not a natural planner. Just want to get into my first draft now that I am hoping to have done before NaNo. Thank you for this video will be a useful video when I am feeling down about my writing.
I am sooo commited to my story, that I have written the first draft four times, from scrap... And finally, all the ideas clicked together in a story, I cant stop talking about. :)
Jump right to the pep talk you need with TIMESTAMPS!
01:20 Most people will never finish a book but YOU DID
02:30 First books are messy and THAT'S OK!
03:24 All books need editing, so you can fix anything!
04:37 Most authors don't publish their first books-NORMAL!
05:33 Writing is a skill--you can improve!
06:38 Don't compare your first draft to a final product
07:51 Every writing process is a valid writing process (if it works for you)
09:05 Your competition isn't what you think it is
10:37 Good writing matters
11:59 Storytelling matters
12:45 Hard work & professional pays off
14:00 Second book symdrome sucks (you're not crazy)
15:39 Finding critique partners is hard (you're not crazy)
17:21 You are good enough (or will be)
18:28 Writing is a long game
19:56 There's room for similar/lots of stories
21:44 Write like you're running out of time (but you're not)
I always listen to your videos from the start to the end but these timestamps are oddly satisfying to see
i am 18 and i have started writing a novel,but i am always thinking about what to write...and how to make my story the most complicated one...
😋😋i loved your way of advising the facts that newish writers should or shouldn't, enrolled in straight 🦔🦔 harsh....indeed harsh words, but it enpowers 🦹♂️ 🦹♂️ our writing skill ....🤗🤗thanks mam for giving your precious time to us.
Alexa Donne I wish she had time stamps in ever video! I love time stamps! They come in so handy!
I just finished the redraft of my second novel, and this will be one I seek to publish. Thank you for your encouragement as well as your tough love: I have 'writing' and 'dialogue' and 'writing business' playlists, but also have a separate 'Alexa Donne' playlist.
Wherever your journey leads you next, you've given us all so much, and I'm very grateful.
Alexa Donne is like that sweet auntie who supports all my dreams and aspirations, love you!
I honestly love her. She gives it to you straight while still being super supportive and kind. She would be the BEST friend.
I know! She actually sounds exactly like my sister-in-law. It's like having a very supportive sister.
@@alyssa.h For sure!
Alexa is my favorite authortube. She delivers all her content with passion and delight, not as if she's just reading off a script or presenting in front of a class.
This video came in the right time!
And why don’t we writers (especially who didn’t publish their first book) unite and support each other
Lucas Crafes there are plenty of groups like that in every social media.
"Sometimes it's just good enough to be published at all." YES, girl. This is what I tell everyone when I say I want to be an author. They usually give me weird looks and then say something to the effect of, "Well, don't quit your day job." I find this to be particularly insulting. First of all, I have a wonderful job as a bookstore manager, and I have no intention of quitting it, thank you. Secondly, when I say that I want to be an author, I'm not saying I want to be a New York Times bestseller who sells thousands and thousands of books. Not remotely. I just want to be published, and if a few people pick up my work, read it, and feel it inspires or speaks to them, GREAT. I've achieved my goal. What I want to do is really that simple. I have no aspirations for greatness. Anyway, awesome video, as usual. I enjoy both the tough love and pep talk style videos. Personally, though, I think you're pretty nice about what you say either way. Take care! 😀
I love the harsh advice AND the pep talk approach! Please keep up the good work, and thank you :)
I remember when you said on your harsh advice for writers video, "The perfect first book doesn't exist" and that made realize that I don't need my book to be a bestseller to be satisfied. Then I can start again, this time learning from the critics and advices.
The "unique executions" bit really hit me. I won't lie and say that I didn't feel a little chaffed hearing the "no original stories" in your other video, even if it is true lol, but I really think what you said here about the unique executions was great and a great way for people to look at it when they're feeling discouraged.
Yeah, its tough to hear your idea isn't completely original. You can see this by distilling your book down to the 4-5 sentences you would use to pitch your book.
No matter what that pitch is, its never gonna be a "holy shit, nothing like this has ever existed!", it's just not possible.
But, the way you execute those ideas... the possibilities are exponential. In the same way that if you take something so simple, like looking at a combination lock. It's only numbers 0-9.
Nothing complicated about that. But the possible combination of those numbers?? 10,000. That's just with numbers. So take the endless nuance of of ideas??
THATS writing.
I will always fight against imposter syndrome. I have accepted this.
I'm almost blind. I "read" with audiobooks, my punctuation suuuucks! I have spelling errors and grammar errors and all kinds of errors concerning the visual aspect of the craft. I will always feel like I'm not enough. Maybe the feeling will never go away.
Hearing you say I'm enough helped. Thank you. I'm trying. I'm learning everyday.
Reading your situation I believe you are already doing more than a lot of people will ever do in writing! It doesnt matter how slowly - or with what difficulties - you move, as long as you move ;) You will have family and friends or will hire an editor at some point to help you the visual aspect of the craft. Each writer's path is different and there is no wrong or less important path to take! Wish you the best!
@@patrapoutrouli thank you. I am recently finding some beta readers and CPs. Some. I have no family to help with this. Sorry for sounding even more tragic now but, I have biological family sure, but no one reads in the family. I'm the blind one and I am the one who reads wtf... 😂
I can't afford editors. I'm alone here. So, yeah, it is all on me as of right now and I have to learn and improve. It is what it is.
I'm very much aware that the industry doesn't give a S#(&- about my blindness and my difficulties, so I have to make my book worth their standards. It's tough, and I'll always fight this feeling of not enough, but I've accepted this. I would do whatever within reason to make this story happen. I have deep rooted reasons for this. So I'm doing it.
Thank you again for the support.
It really hits with that there is always someone who needs your story. I just want to share what someone told me and say that it's okay if that someone is yourself.
After literally telling someone how down heartened I’ve been feeling lately, with a mix of imposter syndrome, this legit came at the right time (almost exactly 30 minutes after I had that conversation!). Thanks! 💚
OMG you have no idea how much I needed this video. Thank you for doing this!!!
You posted this comment 1 minute after it was uploaded lol
@@leech1355 maybe something at the beginning helped? Alexa's titles are accurate too so. :')
@@leech1355Does this mean I accidentally outed myself as Alexa's secret stalker...?
@@nviz47 True story
Namita Sharma The advice started at 01:20 tho
You: "It's easy to pick a book off the shelf and go-"
Interrupting Ad: "From a 1 to 10 I'm definitely a 1"
Me: I'm fairly certain that's a different voice, but very on point
Slogging away at my second draft--a full rewrite of a fast-draft--and 17:40 made me cry. Thank you for this video, Alexa. I've wanted to be a professional writer ever since I was a child, and I've worked really hard at the craft, even publishing a short story, but I've never finished a full novel. For years I told myself it's because I'm "not disciplined", but really it's because I get scared that I'll put all of this work in, and no one will care. But I'm determined to get a novel fully written and revised this year, and I found this video right on time. Thank you for helping us all feel seen.
"Impostor Syndrome is normal", I needed to hear this XD
I've been getting a lot of (very kind and personalized) rejection letters from top literary journals and they all say the same thing, "Your work is amazing, but not for us at this time. Please submit work in the future, our next open submission is-" and while I recognize this is part of the process and this is the kind of rejection you want, but gosh darn is it hard to remember that this is a long game and the industry isn't always fair.
Hearing you talk about publishing makes my heart hurt in the sweetest way. It's something I want so much, so completely, that it can almost be paralyzing sometimes, but hearing a published author break it into manageable pieces helps me keep putting one foot in front of another. Thank you
This was exactly what I needed right now!! Thank you so much! You are a great help in this community!
Definite thumbs up from me. I have two general comments: First, even if you do not publish, writing for the love of writing isnt a bad thing even if you never publish. And second, I write for amusement- my work is absolute unsalable garbage (although that seems like an amusing title maybe I will use that)... I forgot where I was going with that.
"I offered this pep-talk, and then I'm going to offer the reverse side of this pep-talk." Anyone who heard that and continued listening, are more self-aware than most people. Hahah.
I needed to hear this today.
"You can't do anything with talent, unless you do something with talent." SO GOOD. Also, I like the balance of harsh advice and pep talks. Different days call for different perspectives. :)
Alexa, you are f-ing awesome. I reference you so many times and share your videos constantly. It's unbelievable the false information and ignorance out there. You are such a beacon.
When I first started writing the tough love videos were the bomb. They were absolutely what I needed, and they nipped my procrastinating side in the butt. And, now I feel like I don't even have a procrastinating side too me at all!
Now, this video is exactly what I needed for now. I'm currently revising my first ever book and I'm so happy, but at the same time I'm so stressed. Thank you for putting this video out there. It really put most of my stress at ease. I too believe that there is a time and purpose for everything, and I think God sent me these words of encouragement from you. Thank you so much. I think this helped alot of writers along with me, and this was needed.
What makes you so interesting is you say all of the common sense things but you do it in a gifted fashion: you tell us what we already know but do not listen to ourselves when we say it to ourselves but we suck it up like aqua vita when you do. Impostor syndrome is my kryptonite. It is so easy to pop open a book and say, "Woah, I am not that good!" I was cheering as you covered that and I did not know how severely I even had the affliction. Eye opening!
I would like to challenge you to a new series of presentations: The Walk Through - Authoring For Dummies. You show us how to put those first words on a page and why it does not matter in the beginning if they are just plain, old words - we can fix that later. You show us to build to a climax and let down, recovery and discovery, filling plot holes. A step-by-step series of presentations that are not long, maybe just 2 or 3 minutes. These can be the hooks that we hang our sanity on as we grind our across the finish line.
"Good advice is advice that works for you." I am going to tape this to my forehead... (Great video, Alexa, as always!)
Thank you! I just finished the first chapter of the first draft of my first book and have spent the entire day thinking that it is absolute garbage and I should quit now. Can’t tell you how much this pep talk helps.
Alexa, this was so needed and so happily-received. Especially all the parts about feeling rushed and like it needs to be now, but it really doesn't. That is so hard to internalize sometimes. I'm currently waiting on a full request from an agent and I feel so close, and it is so hard to hold onto the knowledge that if it doesn't work out, it's still okay. Thank you for everything you do, for all of the energy you spend on this channel, and your time. It truly helps me, and so many others I'm sure, so much.
After watching your HARSH WRITING ADVICE I ended up brainstorming a good number of resources that could go along with your advice that is more geared towards a supportive, balanced approach to writing as a practice, longevity in writing and finding a connection to your story that drives your writing more than relying in inspiration alone. I am looking forward to writing the content for that and filming it, and came upon this video during my breakfast. I believe everyone needs a mixture of harsh advice and a pep talk, it's finding that balance of constructive advice using your experience, while empowering people to draw upon what works fundamentally for them and teaching writers to be resourceful, and use resources productively.
your videos have literally kept me sane these past few weeks and got me through a hard time, thank you for that.
I needed this!! I had finished my first draft a few months ago and finally started looking at it again and omph. It's a doozy.
I prefer the warm hug approach to pep talks. The harsher writing advice isn't really for me, despite that it's probably good to hear it and to give myself that reality check. Thanks for the pep talk! It was super helpful! Have a great day!
That point at 6:24 was exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you. I’m mid-NaNoWriMo, feeling like a fluke. But the realization that just finishing the book alone will help me grow as a writer, that it’s the best way to learn (maybe rather than needing to go polish up all these other acute skills before I should ever dare to finish it like I’ve been thinking) helps a lot. Thank you.
This has to be the first author tube video that made me cry. 😭♥️♥️♥️
2 minutes into the video and I'm already glad that I clicked on this. I finished a book I wanted to write, but never got around looking to get it published. I keep proofreading and fixing things up because I constantly think my story isn't good enough until I myself find it exciting to read over and over again. To hear you say that most people don't even finish a book, and completing one means I'm ahead of the game sparks inspiration.
Aww, Alexa. I love your channel so much. Thank you for this video. You gave such good and thorough advice in it and it was just really encouraging and put a smile on my face. I was dreading working on the second version of my novel right before I watced this (even though I'm only 20 pages from the end of the novel!) and this gave me a real writer's boost. So thank you! Best, Linda
One day, when I change the world with my stories (unironically), I will dedicate a book to you and tell everyone you were my inspiration.
Honestly can't express how much your advice keeps my sanity from breaking. Thank you.
I loved this video. I think it is a good balance to the harsh advice videos. I might not like you as much in those, but we all need to hear the real talk too. It's better to know how the "real world" works before you are actually in it, so I do appreciate that from you. At the same time, it's easy to get discouraged. More of this too, please.
Great advice Alexa! No matter how harsh, we cannot hide from the truth. Editing is crucial. I had to do some serious editing multiple times on my first novel before I got it published. Also, I agree that writing is like a muscle that needs exercising. 👍🏽
Adding to my writing motivation playlist. I need this right now!
The connection between confidence and finishing that first full draft is one that I had never contemplated. Thank you!
Thank you! I needed a bit of a pep talk!
I've been watching your videos all weekend! It's so illuminating about the traditional publishing industry and extremely encouraging. I appreciate how candid and realistic you are about the process.
Before I even begin the video: ALEXA YOUR HAIR AND PASTEL LOOK IS SO CUTE ??
As someone who's been doing this for almost a decade now, politeness will take you farther than tenacity in many respects. Because folks in the industry talk to each other, and your reputation will proceed you :)
Honestly, this is true in (almost?) all aspects of life.
I think she talks about it in another of her videos.
This one is not the topic for it.
But true.
Not gonna lie this made me cry cause I needed some of these today
Great video. Thank you for this. I am starting chapter three of my first book, and I am really loving the process so far. Yes it is work, but it is also very rewarding and fun.
Honestly, my mind is blown. I thought your specialty was harsh advice, but this pep talk really hit me hard. Thank you from the bottom of my heart =))
ALEXA, I WAS SO GLAD THAT YOUR HARSH ADVICE WAS WELL RECEIVED. IT WAS JUST A DOSE OF REALITY. THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO AS WELL, I APPRECIATE YOUR INSIGHTS.
Hello Alexa.
Just a little thank you from over the pond for all the great and inspirational advice you give. Your videos encourage and motivate me to carry on writing and fight the imposter syndrome we all battle against!
Writing perfection - Hot cup of coffee, quiet location, Alexa Donne playlist playing in the background.
Happy Nanowrimo and THANK YOU!
Colleen put a little tidbit in The Thorn Birds , "Everyone has that something in them that will not be denied." It is quite an accurate statement about how I feel about "my dumb book about Russia." We are driven to it, like the bird with the thorn in its breast.
I haven't written a word since I started a new job in February, but I want to accomplish SOMETHING by the end of the year so I'm going to finish my two WIPs. I really needed this pep talk, especially your words about being good enough and worthy. Thank you for that!
Thanks Alexa - I watch lots of your videos but today this was the one I really REALLY needed. Especially the part about being ahead of most people for actually finishing and revising one book, and beginning another. Now THAT'S what I need to hear.
My favorite book, that has inspired me to finally pick a genre to try to debut in, took the author 5 years to finish. I think it is absolutely amazing and i just finished reading it for a second time last night.
Kinda curious, what book is it? (:
Perfect timing! ❤
A wonderful video as always! I'm one of those people who like both tough love videos and pep talks. I think most people need a balance of the two and I benefit from both!
Also, your makeup game has been on point for all your recent videos! I also love the shirt you're wearing, where is it from????
Thank you! This eyelook is a repeat from when I discovered it a few weeks ago (paired with the same shirt, which is from Torrid!)... once I did it and loved how it looked, now I've repeated it a few times. It's basically pink, purple, and teal Colourpop shadows blended in a gradient over a Stila glimmer & glow base :D
First off, thank you so much for this!! Exactly what I needed to hear. Secondly, I'd love a video on how to write "faster." Because yeah, I need that.
Very sweet & well said, this is genuinely what I needed to hear today.
Hi Alexa, I've been watching your videos for a while now and never left a comment before, but your videos have truly been so helpful and encouraging. I have kept this one on my "favourite" list in times when I feel sh*t about writing, and it's helped me every time so I just wanted to drop by in the comment section to thank you for all the work you put into this channel and all the times you've lifted me up (and also, for all the shimmery eyeshadows - just wow)!
So helpful, thank you. I'm not the religious type but I feel a "bless you and amen" in my heart for you, Ms. Donne!
Thank you Aunt Alexa, I am on the verge of giving up due to hours I put into it yet no one cares, thank you for saying I am good enough. I feel free when I write but it was kinda demoralizing to see no one reads it. I will finish this one story as I owe it to my characters. Thank you so much Aunt Alexa. May you see the light of Victory!
PS I discovered your channel due to your amateur writing mistakes video. hahaha I loved it.
This video is what I needed now. Sometimes I see books that have been published or look on Wattpad and feel crushed. Like sometimes it feels like a crapshoot, but your video helps. Thanks as usual for your video :)
I know this video is old but I just wanted to say thank you. I've been having a really tough time lately with writing my book and when I struggle to write it instantly triggers my depression. Watching this video was so comforting. I think I'll definitely come back and watch it again
Thank you. Thank you so much. Life as a writer is so hard, but there's a reason why we all do it. As an aspiring writer myself, I constantly think my story isn't good enough, that writing isn't worth it. But then you remember, "Oh yeah, THAT'S why I write. That's why I go through all these setbacks." Whether it's the perfect line, a really good scene, or just that you finished the chapter; there are so many reasons to love writing. Thanks so much for this! I kind of feel like drinking a huge espresso and drafting until morning comes. Is that normal? ;)
I am so happy and grateful that I found your videos on youtube! Thank you so much for your content!! Please keep posting the videos! Have a great day! 💚💚
bookmarking for book slump! thank you in the thousands for this illuminating bucket of water for the creative well!
I saw both your harsh truth and pep talk videos. I love them both. I needed hard truths and then a pep talk to go with it. 😊
Alexa you have no idea how grateful I am that I found your channel 💗💗
Hi Alexa. Thanks for the video. I hope you will keep both parts of your affect going. I benefited from the harsh advice a lot and it is what encouraged me to subscribe to your channel. I appreciate the pep talk as well, but it's a harsh business and it's good to be reminded of that. I hope you will keep both the positive and the more harsh videos coming. Great advice.
Great video, Alexa. Thank you.
Thank you Alexa for all your work providing information in such a clear and honest way. I'm bingewstching all your content.
I love what you said about new executions. I worry that my ideas are "boring and unoriginal" while also worrying that no one will want to publish a book about my marginalized identities because of lack of representation and horror stories I've heard from people like me trying to get published. but then I'm like, those "boring unoriginal" stories have never been told by or about someone with these identities and issues and it really shouldn't be that new but it is? now I just have to, like you said, actually get writing lol.
Thank you! Just what I needed this morning. One of the very best writer TH-cam channels!
Thank you so much Alexa. I needed this right now more than you could believe.
Your dedication to the community knows no bounds. From the deepest, most grateful depths of my heart I thank you for creating your incredibly insightful videos.
Keep doing what you're doing.
Hopefully one day you can witness the boundless creation that you personally nurtured with your words within the next generation of authors work.
Writing my second book on contract right now and needed this video. Lol Thanks so much for the pep talk!!
Thanks alexa for these important words =). I started watching your videos in 2018 when I first wanted to write my biography. I used it as practising my craft and found a novel idea I actually want to write about. Now 2021, I almost finished my first draft and wrote 89000 words 🎉🎉🎉. Soon, I can watch your editing and revising videos. 🥂😊.
This video helped motivate me to fix the beginning of my novel that just never felt quite right to me. Thank you so much ❤ Now I'm over that hill I can carry on with the rest of it 🎉 I WILL finish this!
I enjoy the tough love videos but I LOVE the positive vibes here. So sweet!
"that second book you write after your publishing deal is the hardest". So accurate. That's what brought me here, no shame in it. I got 2/3 done out the gate and am having trouble finishing those last chapters and being sure my own editing is good enough. (YA epic fantasy genre). First is published in the planned trilogy. The struggle is real
Awesome! Loved when you said that someone needs my story. ❤
Really needed this!! Loved it! Also lmfao: "You can't do anything with talent if you don't do anything with talent"
Needed the softer pep talk today.
Thanks!
Good advice for people who have already finished their books but not really what i was looking for. I feel like I was just made aware of a thousand more obstacles that I'm going to face and doubt my writing before I'm even done with my first draft :/. Wish you had talked a little about the struggles of finishing a draft rather than the struggles that will come after it
Great pep talk Alexa! I’m so glad you mentioned how hard it is to get CP and beta feedback after you get a contract. I’m lucky if I can get anyone to read and comment on a book that quickly for a deadline turn around. Hope many writers are able to get some excitement from this talk. ☺️
Currently binging your videos and was really excited to see this pop up!
Thank you so much for this video Alexa - I really needed to hear this today:) Spent the last 2 months writing my first ever novel and I've been flicking between thinking my writing is awesome and thinking it's the worst thing in the world and I'm wasting my time haha
I've been watching your wonderful videos for years, but I'm just watching this one in 2020 and I just love these uplifting words. They are just what I needed. 💓
This is my 3rd time watching this video. It always makes me feel better. Thanks, Alexa!❤❤❤
Thanks for this! Give me both the tough love and the softer approach. My writer brain is a fickle thing that sometimes does better with one than the other.
This is great. Im saving it to watch again at a later date. I'm writing my first full novel and im only 30,000 words into my first draft so I have a long way to go! However its the first time ive gotten this far, stuck to writing 1000 words a day even when im exhausted from my day job. Sometimes i just really need a gentle push :) thanks Alexa!
You do not understand how much I needed this!
You are the best author tube out here, deep, sincere and with wonderful advice!!! I love your style and approach, from the tough love to this warm hugs, thank you!!!!! ;o; you should have tens of thousands more subs!
I so needed this. Thank you so much, you worded it all so well
Love this video. I was wondering how a person knows which topics or troupes or genres are trending and which are out of style. Thank you for this channel. I’ve learned so much.
You have no idea how much I needed to hear some of those
Thank you so much, I really needed to hear this right now! I'm currently writing the 2nd draft of my 2nd book and I've been being really harsh on myself and overthinking everything I write to the extent where sitting down at my laptop feels like running into a wall. This is exactly the video to make me chill out a little!
I don't need a pep talk at the moment. The words are flowing and I wrote a plan for a 4 book series and I am not a natural planner. Just want to get into my first draft now that I am hoping to have done before NaNo. Thank you for this video will be a useful video when I am feeling down about my writing.
I really enjoyed this video. Staying positive is so very hard. Much appreciated.
Thanks so much for this pep talk! I am considering seriously revising my WIP and its definitely daunting... I appreciate these words of wisdom.
That is just what I needed. I can already see myself come back to this video when I feel down.
I am sooo commited to my story, that I have written the first draft four times, from scrap... And finally, all the ideas clicked together in a story, I cant stop talking about. :)