10 WORST Lies Told by the Writing Community

[@blahblahghost]

The panster/plotter dichotomy is an unfortunate development in the lexicon of the writing community. It creates this false choice for new writers who labor over which camp they might belong to, when in reality most writers are some mixture of the two depending on what they're working on.

[@happychaosofthenorth]

Ellen Brock has a great series of videos about the spectrum of writer types. I highly recommend!

[@Andrewtr6]

I recently realized this. I would consider myself a plotter because I brainstorm so much for a story before I write but I realized that once I start writing, I'm still pantsing so much of the story. No matter how much a writer plans out, they're still going to have to make stuff up as they go. I'm writing a story currently that I have been plotting for a long time (it's the second draft), I'm writing it for my Creative Writing class, and at multiple points I winged something or made it up on the spot when I originally didn't have it planned and it fit into the story extremely well.

[@GuineaPig361]

@@Andrewtr6 That's me! I brainstorm and plot like crazy at first, then I start pantsing as soon as I get into the characters.

[@shelbabe804]

Completely! I have tried out both. The pantsed book was finished sooner than the plotted one, but... It is a meandering plot that needed MUCH more help in the refining stage than the plotted one did. I've discovered I work best with a mixture. Most authors I know are a big mixture.

[@j.rileyindependentproductions]

For me, I basically have a very rough breakdown of where I want my story to go and how to get there, paste it into the document and spread it out into different chapters (some blank in-between), and then pants my way from point A to point B to point C. Kinda like a connect-the-dots meets multi-chapter Madlibs but which you fill in with story. Basically, how many of us would write high school Debate cases, lol. A lot of pantsers say I'm an outliner (I don't say plotter because that sounds like the middle ground between the two), while many outliners say I am a pantser. Me, I think I'm just a happy medium with a plot, but not the arc.

[@sam177007]

My entire life I’ve been a pantser, and I have no idea how someone could think that using that method is superior. I can only use that method because my brain doesn’t cope well with planning. There are perks to it, but every method has its own perks too. You write how you want to.

[@tacobowler]

Some of my stories have required pantsing to get out of my head. But I think if one pants the first draft, then it requires a first edit that puts it in an outline/structure that isn’t required in planners.

[@sam177007]

@@tacobowler That is exactly what I have to do!

[@JonathanAlder]

I think it’s a bit unfair to say either method is superior, to be honest. Personally, I’ve had the opposite experience as Jenna, where people tell me if I don’t use a detailed outline, I’m somehow doing it wrong. Ultimately, I think people should just use what way works best for them

[@priscocastillo3940]

I usually just write whatever comes through my mind when am vacuuming and listening to music

[@caiolucas8257]

@@JonathanAlder I'm sure that happens as well and it's just as unfortunate, let people just do what works for them, some people aren't planners and that's fine. What works for you is what works for you, don't let people shame you for that.

[@dienercontent6872]

When I went to write my first book, a friend who I respected was dating a writing coach. I was so dirt poor, but I kid him $300. He said he was giving me a huge deal because I was friends with his girlfriend. He gave me advice 5 times, and 4 of those were useless/wrong. The other piece of advice I could have gotten from literally anyone on the internet. Don’t pay for a mentor.

[@nonono9194]

"writing coach" means failed writer

[@j.rileyindependentproductions]

Jenna: "So, if you think marketing is pointless in the writing industry, you my friend are" AD: "Grammarly..." I nearly pissed my pants, lol.

[@amandadadesky5192]

That ad timing was just *chef's kiss* amazing.

[@morenicginiusthegreat4227]

@@amandadadesky5192 Agreed

[@inkymagpieo1271]

I got a MasterClass with David Sedaris ad. Not quite as good an opening, but still fun.

[@se.ria.phimTV]

I got an ad for Call of Dragons 🤦🏾‍♀️😂

[@j.rileyindependentproductions]

@@se.ria.phimTV Did the first word/sentence sound like it was finishing the sentence? If so please share. :). I had another one recently from a reddit reading channel where it said, "...and that's when the dad yelled..." Commercial: "Shizzam!" I laughed so hard I damn well nearly passed out from not being able to breathe.

[@yapdog]

*Off Topic:* The older and balder I get, the more envious I get over Jenna's hair. It's not fair... it just not fair 😢

[@buffoonoutdoors]

#6 is potentially dangerous. You don't have to write everyday, but don't let that be an excuse to procrastinate away your story. Stick with it.

[@starrweaver]

There are those of us with disabilities who get told we MUST write every day or we will never be published. I avoid most writing groups because of this behavior. Also, those in the groups who have published then turn it around to lord over other members as if they are better. They give 'advice' as if what they say is the only way to write a story. So now that my brood is grown up, I'm restarting my career as an author. (Yeah, those published writers didn't know I'd been in print when they were toddlers.) But I had a large family to manage, yet I have a lot of scenes I've written and saved up over many years. Which is going to make things a bit easier, but only a little. There's a lot of rewrites and work ahead to get things done. Yes, I'm going to do everything I can to publish again. But I will need to be very careful because of my situation. You see, I'm legally blind now. I need technology to help me do what I love to do. But the process is a bit slow and I do get worn out. If I push too hard, I get stress headaches and need to recover from them. So yeah, most who have the fire inside to write, won't put off writing, they won't procrastinate. Because writing is part of us, the stories live inside. and we need to get them out. It's like breathing or a heart beating. If someone has to force themself to write, maybe they need to ask themselves, "Why?"

[@lynxlubbpeeps]

​@@starrweaver I think everything just needs nuance added. For me I really needed the 'write everyday' advice. I stop writing for 1 day and I'll stop for years. I need the routine. Either that or deadlines. Bcoz fucking ADHD.

[@renkeeling]

#9 is always the one that kills me 😭😭 it’s so blatantly untrue but yk,,, common sense ain’t common 😭

[@JennaMoreci]

lol say it louder XD

[@andrewrogers3067]

@@JennaMoreci COMMON SENSE IS NOT COMMON! Does that work or not loud enough?

[@stevenredpath9332]

It’s also not a sense and bad in science. Very bad in science.

[@matthewmiller6979]

"Some writers have an innate ability to tell an amazing story, but their writing is crap." Very true, we call them Game/Dungeon Masters.

[@kohakuaiko]

That's when (if they still want to publish) they should partner with a friend who can't tell a story to a rock, but has mad writing skills to make an unstoppable duo.

[@BurnDoubt]

Me been attacked

[@fallbladew967]

I'm in this comment and I don't like it.

[@kellharris2491]

Writing is a skill that takes practice.

[@Eucowlyptus-glowsticks]

So it's me either way? :(

[@anitanielsen1061]

Jenna: Don’t hire a writing coach KZbin: HERE IS A *CHRISTIAN* WRITING COACH

[@sylviadailey9126]

Oh no. I am developing fantasy strories where most people are magicians. I am also developing a story with themes that challenge Christianity. I don't want that coach anywhere near my work. It won't go over well. It may be best for a coach to leave thier religion at the door, unless they specialize in the Christian fiction niche.

[@randeknight]

@@sylviadailey9126 Now that would be a short story. Christian Wizards gain the power of food multiplication, water into wine, and resurrection. And are seen as the evil necromancers using the undead to fight the followers of Thor hiding behind a no-mans land of endless thunderstorms. After 1500 years of cold war, new war wizards have arisen. Riding Invisible Pink Unicorn and brainwashing new followers with parasites that look like ....pasta.

[@celestialhumanoid]

@@randeknight perfect, this will get the christians seizures

[@g.d.graham2446]

Lol

[@emilymatthews2990]

Ew. I write about witches and urban fantasy and horror. I don’t want Christianity anywhere near my book. KZbin better not advertise that to me.

[@brettcarter5954]

Top Ten Most Common Lies from the writing community 1. All it takes is 1 book to make you a success. Marketing matters as much if not more so then the quality of your writing. 2. Anyone can write a great book. Putting out a quality book takes two skills, creative storytelling and the mechanics of writing (grammar, syntax, and punctuation). 3. You have to have a writing coach. Some are scams. Regardless they make money off you and can’t guarantee you will make it back in books sales only that you won’t if you don’t publish. 4. Indie books can’t get into bookstores. Getting into book stores depends on reach, pricing, and demand. If they believe your book will sell from their store they want your book in it. 5. You have to write 5, 10 or even 20 books a year to be successful. The truth is, the success of your book and by extension your career as a writer is dependent on sales. While sells depends on advertising/marketing. 6. You HAVE to write every day! Nope. What works is what works for you. So long as it gets you the results you're looking for you publish. 7. You have to “pants” your novel. Few writers who improvise their entire book ever finish or publish. While some of the best published books have been planned out (if not in the 1st draft than in the rewrites) 8. You have to cry when you write your book or your reader won’t. The truth is writing is a different experience for everyone. Getting emotional about your characters can go against you as much is it could help. 9. Self Publishing is easier than traditional publishing. The truth is it is faster to put out there and you avoid rejection but there is a lot of work in marketing and expenses. 10. You have to publish traditionally to be successful. Google it. There are a lot of authors who make enough money off their books to not have to work another job.

[@anotherterribleday]

WHO out there is saying you need to write 5 to 20 books a year?! Jesus Christ, that sounds like a recipe for a lot of low quality writing and burnout. Some people are capable of working on several projects in a short space of time (looking at Brandon Sanderson) but “having” to do that sounds awful.

[@brettcarter5954]

@@anotherterribleday It is lie #5 she lists at 8:15 I believe the theory is if you write enough books one of them will be a big success. So the odds of you writing a great book increase the more books you write. Since we only have one life write as fast as you can and hope for the best. The argument she makes is that marketing is more important than writing as fast as you can. Even if you self-publish 100 books if no one knows about them, no one will read them. You could write the greatest book in the last 10 years and no one would know.

[@kayleighbrown459]

@@anotherterribleday Sir, I bring you Steven King.

[@reginaldforthright805]

Thanks for saving me 15 minutes. I think this stuff is obvious except #1 which I don’t agree with. It’s true one good book won’t make you a success, unless that book is to kill a mockingbird or lord of the rings or some such mega hit, but I don’t believe you can sell any old shit with “marketing.” “objectively terrible” is an oxymoron, but besides that, books don’t reach consistent bestseller status unless the author has a pretty good idea of what they’re doing at least on some level.

[@brettcarter5954]

@@reginaldforthright805 We all have are own opinions. Mine is a good book doesn't sell itself. If no one reads it no one talks about it. So nobody knows about it. That's why marketing is important. It can be as big a difference in the sales of a "good" book. As for a "bad" book, we have all seen movie trailers that were better than the movie. They are a disappointment but they make sales and let's face it, if a book's sales can't pay us for our time (at least minimum wage) or at least cover the costs of editing, print and such we got an expensive hobby and might as well save ourselves the costs of it and never publish. I don't know about you but for me the "juice" of it, after the creative writing process, is sharing it with others and delighting in their enjoyment. Even if you struggle with writing like I have, you know what I mean if you remember sharing a good joke with someone.

[@thelaboratory7723]

Jenna: don't hire a book couch KZbin ad: I here you're looking for writing coach

[@anitanielsen1061]

To be fair, it isn’t a couch!

[@haidner]

Here? Or hear...

[@beastamer1990s]

Anyone can write... But only the _fearless_ can be great. (I already learned #2 from ratatouille)

[@bi-indigenous-baker5865]

Lol. I didn’t realise my “Anyone can cook” tattoo would help me in my writing career. 😂

[@Arcadelife1]

Missed the one where a bunch of KZbin authors hype up one of their KZbin author gang’s book as being ‘good’ when it turns out to be objectively terrible.

[@deannekellogg8514]

I've self-published 3 books and working on the 3rd of a series (4th book) and I'm here to say it's a lot of work and I'm also the artist! Next one I will definitely go the publisher route. First thing I realized is that my friends aren't the critics I needed...soooo many errors I kept finding. I tried a writers group but I find it's too much of a drive and I also have work, you know something that is actually paying the bills. The only time I do sell books us when I sell them myself at conventions where I get a table and sell cookies (to lure people over) , my art, books, and t-shirts. Cheaper books sell faster, my short story picture book. My novel series sells less. And did some cool art on it that does grab attention. Loved your video. I need all the help, but seriously I write for the pure enjoyment so I'll never stop. I drew all my life but really didn't start writing until some years ago when I was told to write my story down. My favorite part is writing about personalities. Having years of counseling behind me, I have tons of resources...experiences to pull from. LOL

[@TheRonnieaj]

Do you listen to your books via audio? That is the single best way I’ve found to find errors. I’ve had five trad-pubbed books and ALWAYS find more errors than the team does when I listen to it. Tedious af, but necessary.

[@ludovico6890]

I would also say that we shouldn’t oppose self publishing and traditional publishing, especially in our day and age. The line between them can often be blurry. I have a friend, a sci-fi writer, who has published short stories in magazines and has self published a book of short stories as well. But he wants to publish a novel traditionally. If he self publishes, it is to put his name out there and hopefully make a few quids in the meantime. I've read this year a novel published traditionally (by a small house, but still) that felt like badly self published fanfic. The prose was laborious, clumsy and it looked very amateurish. If there are wannabe writers who publish independently but do it badly, I suspect there are also wannabe publishing houses who just publish vanity projects.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Among the glaring typographical failures (I can't even call it an error) I remember fondly the days I spent reading "The Stainless Steel Rat" by Harry Harrison... A traditionally published writer, and honestly not a terrible read over all... BUT the paragon figure "Bishop" was injured seriously, and Jim DeGriz' (the protagonist) examines the wound, described as "The wound was shallow... but deep." Now, nothing against Harrison, who was a satirical type anyway... and actually (mostly) a lot of fun to read. There were just a few occasions that something got past the traditional publisher's editorial staff... and I had to laugh out loud about any notions of "professionalism" or "superior product" that anyone indicates as an advantage for traditional publication... At the same time, self publication puts ALL the onus for finding this staff on the author, and without necessarily connections and knowledge of the business, networking, or industry, it can be easy to slip into pitfalls and get an absolutely garbage product published instead of something to be proud of... ...maybe it's like ALL other business, and at least half a gamble no matter what you do. ;o)

[@safeera8239]

Fun fact I'm dyslexic! So the whole you can be bad at Grammer and spelling but be a decent story teller is true. I can't spell for shit. For this reason I rarely ever let people read my stories.(its just a hobby for me) but when I do I get to they rilly like it just that my spelling is horrible. So I feel that point...I try and I feel bad that I will pry never write a story that is mistake free or even close. So I feel that point..

[@TheRonnieaj]

Have you tried dictation? I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but it might be an option. Either way, keep writing in joy! ☺️

[@GeoffBenge-d3k]

I'm dyslexic too and have 12 million books in print. Dyslexia has not stopped me from writing, it just means I need to have a couple of extra steps in place. It's not a barrier unless you make it a barrier.

[@mishitathapar9111]

I'm trying to write myself, and I've watched a lot of your videos. You're always very direct with the facts and don't hold back on calling people out for bad writing or newbie mistakes. I'm not very far along, but when I need help, I usually come to your channel. Thank you for doing this. Your videos are a super fun and informative resource for me and my writing, and I enjoy watching them. Have a good day :) P.S.: You've mentioned before that writers have to build a platform before publishing to help market their books. How would you suggest we do that? Should we publish a small work before marketing that ourselves on social media, or introduce ourselves as new writers, or just grow our platforms using other things that we're interested in? I would really love to know how you managed to get such a good following and have your books be so successful.

[@boyboss3322]

THANK YOU. I’ve seen number 6 everywhere and it’s been making me feel guilty for not putting in that much of an effort. I never understood why it’s so commonly enforced that you “Have to write everyday” to me that all feels like a burnout.

[@WritingMomSamanthaLNasset]

That #8 is the one I get the most and I just loathe it so much. XD

[@RespectedGamer72]

#5 always gets me. I like to prioritize quality when I'm writing books (in terms of prose, but especially in terms of plot), and while I agree that you should write multiple books if you want to see a proft, by no means should you sacrifice quality with a souless, uninspired piece. Part of what makes writing fun is that you are constantly invested in the story you're telling; if you speed through writing it, are you really invested? I think it's also dangerous to tell newbie writers that if they want to have a successful career, they need to say goodbye to all joy in life and focus solely on writing. I once read a post that encouraged people to give up their social life, cancel their Netflix subscriptions, and get used to surviving on Ramen noodles if they want to "succeed," though ironically, if I have to sacrifice all of that, am I really a success? Or am I just bitter 😆 You don't have to sacrifice the things you love in order to make a writing career work. All you need to do is write - it doesn't matter how or when - and if watching a show on Netflix gets you amped up or inspired to write, then by all means, watch your shows!

[@Crystalfrost8]

Not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.

[@M.J.Conway]

What I've been told by pantsers is that if you plan a novel, it takes away the artistic value and spontaneity of the story. It can't be art if it's planned. I admire anyone who can pants their way through a published book; I cannot do it. But planning a book doesn't take away from the art any more than using a grid and sketching in pencil on canvas takes from the value of a painting.

[@emilyeshelman5216]

Thank you for #10.... I hate it when I even bring up self-publishing as a possible option to consider only to get lectured that 'its "all a scam/ you'll never be successful doing it/traditional is the only one true way to go because you need a team...blahblahmansplainblah..."

[@relishin]

"mansplain" ☠️ pls I'm dying

[@happychaosofthenorth]

That advice is only true for those who don't put in the work. But if you're not willing to put in the work, you're probably not going to make it in the traditionally published world either.

[@cinthiacruzado2594]

How is self-publishing scamming when you're publishing the story yourself or are they referring to vanity presses?

[@emilyeshelman5216]

@@cinthiacruzado2594 I don't know. This person didn't really specifically explain which press service/platform they used mostly came across as burned because whatever they did didn't instantly turn into the next Hot Take being bought by millions.

[@cinthiacruzado2594]

@@emilyeshelman5216 It honestly makes no sense. But believe it or not, one of my writing friends has a similar mindset. I plan on self-publishing through Amazon or Webtoon (because mine is more of a graphic novel than a novel) and when I recommended Amazon to my friend because a lot of publishers were rejecting him, he refused to do so because he thinks self-publishing is a scam after he got scammed by a vanity publisher. To me, that doesn't make any sense because when it comes to self-publishing, the only person that might be potentially scam you is a shady editor or cover designer. And yourself. Because literally, self-publishing is pretty much publishing everything yourself.

[@roguishowl3915]

advise worth listening to from someone who’s energetic, witty, sarcastic and likes to cuss and tells it real and how it is. Straight up no BS. 😊 thank you for this video. I do suffer from health issues, and often I can become very uninspired and I tend to write slower. But you make a valid point because I actually listened to someone you led me down that I MUST write everyday and I burnt out. I got to a point where I really hated writing. But when restarted I chose to write for myself and the way I wanted to and now I love writing.

[@madmanzeek9081]

I have a friend that tells me I should write out the entire story and thinks The focusing on world building and character design isn’t getting the story done. but I try to tell him that world building and designing character’s helps me figure out the story itself as that’s how I prefer to write my story. Is he wrong and should I do my own thing?

[@archangelmichael3902]

He's a Pantser, you're a fellow Plotter. He's no friend of yours. Dump him.

[@madmanzeek9081]

@@archangelmichael3902 thanks

[@bjp4869]

As long as you start writing eventually you're fine. If you get completely stuck on worldbuilding and and don't get to write because of it, then it may become a problem.

[@madmanzeek9081]

@@bjp4869 oh I do write i spend three hours of my day or more if I’m not doing college work

[@ringinn7880]

If you never get past the world building phase you may have world builder's disease. It can be a hindrance if you are trying to finish.

[@Dragonmoon98]

The only reason I consider publishing traditional is because I'm not confident that I can advertise myself decently.

[@parisnorman1093]

I love this video!! Thanks for making it Jenna! I need someone who is honest about the writing community and what it takes to be a writer. I hate when I read/watch other people saying this stuff because it can make you doubt yourself as a writer and send you down the rabbit hole to find a coach...LOL!

[@FirstNameLastName-gh9iw]

4:58 yeah but also sometimes it’s over the top writing which makes it worse. Like sometimes I just want to read about the body at the bottom of the lake, not how bloody wisps slowly spread from the decaying corpse of Detective Howard dyeing the water red like the scarlet rose his wife handed him this morning from their garden

[@twiszty9775]

Just wanted to say you are a really big inspiration, keep up the amazing work!

[@Clxxdyyyyyyy]

I literally used to think there was something wrong with me because I wouldn't cry when my characters would. I was forcing tears just so I'd feel normal so THANKYOU for mentioning it!!!

[@aceclop]

I'm going to be writing a scene in a few days where a 12 year old, 14 year old and 16 year old get executed in front of each other by the school superintendent. And despite them crying for each other, I'm going to find the scene absolutely hilarious.

[@ZGh0st1422]

@@aceclopyou are writing something crazy bro 😂

[@powerguido8181]

"You still have time, but its sliping away!", why did she just desribed my entire mental state in the promotional part of the video?

[@majlordag1889]

Started to be interested in writing in my early teens, used to roleplay online but only around 19yo did I first start writing something "real". After that I haven't written much but I've tried to learn about writing if I ever wanted to continue... Bad writing advice has always been something that annoys me very much so I always get happy when people call it out. I've dealt with people that think they're the writing god that can judge everyone else because they've written like 1 book even though they're just in their early 20s or in some cases even younger.

[@WendyWinchester]

I do have to disagree with one part of this vid. If a writer also has the ability to draw extremely well and / or is talented at image editing they can definitely design their own cover.

[@echofaerie-dragon5914]

Thank you! I'm writing a web novel but since I'm also an artist, I've been working on my own cover (currently making a new one since I hate the old one I did). I've also been doing character sketches cause I also plan to turn it into a web comic too. So for someone to say that a writer CAN'T make their own cover is little off putting.

[@melixx]

This can work so long as they also look into the psychology of book cover marketing. Someone can have an amazing art piece on their book but if it doesn't match marketing expectations, it may still suffer in sales.

[@chickishot8172]

I think most manga/comic artists would agree with you… If you’re talented enough and have the equipment you need then you can definitely create your own cover.

[@martlettoo]

Biggest myth? That natural talent exists as people think of it. What actually makes a difference is natural passion, combined with experience and drive. I personally have passion and experience but weakened drive. But passion is what makes me love research, forces me to write when I don't want to, learn more about craft and study what works and why, and pushes me to keep going when it hurts. There is no such thing as natural talent, only differences in passion, love of words, drive, writing and creative experience, life experience, reading experience and observational skills, most of which can be learned. Also, honestly, the only thing I think is innate might be whether or not someone has a super-sensor and/or introspective personality that makes them look inward more deeply to understand feelings in order to be able to express them, or just feel more intensely, and natural passion/enthusiasm to do something like keep being creative when the world tries to stop you, or pursue interests to an extent that you actually become really good at them. That's also a life experience and resources issue too. Sorry Jenna, but as an artist and writer who has always been told I am 'naturally talented', I strongly disagree that natural talent exists. Anyone can be a great writer, but few people will have the resources, drive and passion to actually become one. In my case I was lucky to have done a lot of hard work of learning about reading and, writing and drawing as a kid when those hours of practice came easy. After that I have worked my butt off writing and done amounts of research that would make people's eyes bleed because I have passion for it. None of this I was born with, excepting maybe ADD which made me ignore things like homework in favor of story creation, lol. I also wonder if focus plays a part too, as in some people focus too much on just liking how their characters look and they don't really develop them, or so much focus on writing romance and sexy stuff that there's no plot, so much focus on meaning and and themes that it's a boring mess etc. I get the impression some people's passion for certain aspects of writing traps them in a place of never moving forward with a real story. They also have zero interest in researching and developing anything beyond the main focus. The passion is too focused so the story never is allowed to develop, but people write it anyway and can't understand why it doesn't work.

[@EJ_2091]

I know I'm super late replying to this comment but I'm glad to see this opinion. It really disheartened me when Jenna said that good storytelling is based on in born talent, and made me wonder if I should just give up because I'll never get there. I particularly struggle with the plotting of my story (mostly because I'm still new to it, I hope) and the idea that I "just don't have it and never will" makes me sad

[@martlettoo]

@@EJ_2091 Whatever you do, don't give up! It definitely is not inborn. Some might be more drawn to write or more passionate, but like I said, it's all about your desire to do it and maybe enhanced/made easier by certain personality traits or experiences, but any individual has something to contribute no matter what because no one else has your thoughts. Write for you first and foremost and then consider how other people will interact with it. If something needs to be changed to make it more understandable or marketable etc then consider it when that time comes; until then you can't live a creative life guessing what other people will want. Write it and see what they say. It's the only way. I dragged myself through the mud for years wondering what others will be interested in or critique in my story, but I couldn't really ever know until I had something for them to read (join a good in person writing group if you can! I am super introverted and even I learned to be more comfortable sharing and taking critique that way. Just remember you don't have to take anyone's advice if you don't care for it, even if they're more 'senior' than you. Nobody is always right). Do casual research (like reading, skimming book blurbs on Amazon, watching movie critique on KZbin etc) if you want to study people's general opinions on things and what's trending or popular, and what has been done before. But don't beat yourself up about your current level or what people say; I swear half the writing advice out there is trying to subtly neg and discourage writers, especially new ones. People also put too much sort of cultish emphasis on people to whom writing (or any other skill) comes easy. Either they misunderstand that that person has already put in a lot of effort they never see, or they are indoctrinated into the idea that easier writing/any other skill must be better, which is just untrue. It's like some kind of racing mentality, that crossing the finish line first is what matters, and in writing it doesn't. Also, don't worry too much about plotting. You'll learn, and to be honest, I have writing for 25 years and still find myself wondering, what IS plot really? Haha. There's a great saying I've tried to take to heart: do what you want, then at least one person is happy.

[@stews9]

On Emotion - Michael Crichton had the emotional presence of a silverware drawer, while Dickens worked himself into a tizzy acting out his scenes before writing them. I'd try for a happy medium if you have any choice in the matter. Start with someone doing something, then tag along and report on what else they do and how they feel and so on. Write about people instead of writing about "characters" and you'll stop torturing them and start letting them show you the story, and its structure. Outlining, planning, and nailing down every syllable before beginning to write is for me a sure way to kill any interest in bothering. Again, though, I generally know where I'm headed. Just not necessarily how to get there. Which better matches the nautical definition of a plot, anyway. All good writing is rewriting.

[@bhsprinkle]

Thank you for talking about these lies. A good book isn't the only thing that leads to success, definitely takes more effort than that. Agreed. I also agree that you don't need to write everyday. Not every person has that kind of time. People say everyone has the same 24 hours, true but we all have different schedules and obligations. Heck, wish I could write more often. Everyday would be nice but not entirely realistic.

[@alphawolf5945]

Me, getting the notification on my phone and going to your video straight away because I know it's going to be 🌟 spicy 🌟.

[@bb1886]

Worst thing to happen to the novel in my head, is that it's in my head instead of someone else's.

[@rohitbabar8715]

Thank you Jenna 😘

[@somerandomgal3915]

Getting some tea for this delicious video… Am curious for what it is going to be?

[@PianoGirl091]

Thanks for the awesome video, Jenna! I would like to go the traditional publishing route, but if I can't manage that, I will self-publish. I have a day job I love, and I have no delusions that writing will ever be my primary source of income. I do it because I love it, not because I want to make bank. Even so...I don't want my book to be a total failure, obviously. When it comes to self-publishing, the marketing bit scares me most. How in the hell do you market a book without being a popular KZbinr like you? 😓

[@CourtneyCazes]

I can't tell you enough how your videos have been a big help. Great advice and at the same time keeps me entertained because you're so funny!

[@davicelestino8991]

I just write for myself, my friends and my family. I never wanted to profit of that. I just really like creating stories and reading in general. Great video!

[@Hrafnskald]

Great points, especially the info on how exactly to improve your chances of getting into a bookstore by offering a better split. Been following the industry a long time but this is the first I've heard of that technique. Good to know how this is done :)

[@morbidgypsy]

I tried reading a story written by someone that didn't use paragraph spaces or punctuation. This meant that you never knew when one sentence ended and one began. It also meant that I was never sure who was talking.

[@allisoncarter5662]

Agree with most of the video, but I will say ive never seen anyone claim that pansting is inherently better than outlining. Anyone who talks about it always makes it clear that it's their personal writing style and it won't work for everyone. Maybe that was more common a few years ago, but these days it seems to be the other way around.

[@emmas.m]

One thing I'm always told is that "your first book will be bad and no one will like it." Like... way to boost my confidence man.

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

Yo! I literally JUST finished applying for a job that you need a Master's degree for, and I only have an Honour's Specialization! WISH ME LUCK! F*ck sake, I'm going to need it. Anyway... 1. Sigh..."Fifty Shades", my friends. Just remember, THAT'S your f*cking benchmark. If you can write better than that (not hard), and market the hell out of it (VERY hard), you might be a success. Or so I hear. Says the chick who's never finished writing an entire book. Yet. I'm working on it. 2. Anyone with developed skill can write a good book. There, I fixed it. Trust me, I'm a writing tutor in real life, and I WILL get papers where it's like, "DAMN I love your concept. You're just missing THESE words, THESE punctuation marks, a freaking THESIS, and a way to finish it off." Which doesn't piss me off, by the way: I'm creative enough myself to get invested just in the content, but the thing is, if you're not expressing it clearly and with what I might call grace or ease, you're going to have, like...you've got a delicious-looking BLT, and then you spit on it and give it to your friend. It's a yummy sandwich, but is your friend going to want to ingest your spit? There are things that help, and there are things that DON'T help (i.e. seriously, don't say "superlative automobile" when you can say "great car", because you'll bog your reader down), and my job is to help people figure that stuff out. This is not to say that I don't ALSO need someone else to go over my work: it's always better--essential--to have two or more brains on a thing. 3. You're mine, kind of, but I also have several years of tutoring and multiple degrees and academic awards to back me up in terms of the STRUCTURE of my writing, at least. And then, with the other half of the equation, praise the Gods I have a creative mind, or else ain't NOTHIN' getting done. And this isn't me bragging. My instructors did a bang-up job. 4. I have a REALLY stupid question (sorry): what qualifies as indie now? Like, would I be indie, just because I'm writing a f*cking brick, but I'm an unknown? Or does that term specifically refer to self-publishing? 5. AH! NO! I mean, this could apply to a guy like Dickens, who originally published "A Christmas Carol" in serialized magazines, but wow, I can't even WRITE a book a year. 6. Okay, hang on, not trying to throw anything in your face, but I thought you advocated for writing every day? Unless that just works for you specifically, but like I say, I'm no trying to make a "BUT JENNA..." here. Speaking of, though, I have been writing every day with the incentive of "We currently have cookies in the house. If I finish my chapter, I get a cookie. If I DON'T, I don't get a cookie." It's childish, yes, but using sweets as incentives for me goes a long way. 7. LOL, I've been figuring this one out the hard way. I now call myself a semi-pantser, because I DO need to outline at least one chapter ahead, at least INSIDE my head, if not written down, before I write the thing. I tried pure pantsing for ages, and it was super disorganized and infrequent writing spasms that I would get, rather than a steady stream. 8. I...might...treat my characters as people. I KNOW! I can't help it. They keep yelling at me. Stephen needs to take it down a notch or seven so that I can hear Kayla better, but Adam's finally getting louder, and Vicky's always been good at poking me in the brain, and Jeremy IS me, basically, so...balance. Stephen, baby, I love you, but SHUSH. This is literally what I mean by personalizing them. They FEEL real. And, again, I KNOW, it's...corny? Stupid? But it helps me write. If Stephen would stop screaming. 9. Pretty sure you did a video about this way back yee-haw, and self publishing is actually REALLY expensive. 10. Kind of the inverse of the last one, but I have a question about this, too: my bestie (also my chief editor, and SUPER f*cking intelligent woman) said that both the benefit and detriment of self-publishing is that anyone can do it, so there's no real quality control. You could just as easily get a "Hamlet" as a "Twilight". Is that right? I don't know enough about it, to be honest.

[@salemmiles]

Coming back after officially publishing my debut makes me so happy and its weird that I heard all of these😭😭

[@brantjustilian3791]

With me, I'm a writer that lives in southern Louisiana and the cheapest offer that publishing companies gave was a $4,000 fee. My family can't afford that type of money. So, I decide too only Self-publishing and sell the books on amazon and maybe Barnes and Noble. Puls I already know that most E books only make $100 for the first month. Usually due to family members or close friends buying them.

[@deannekellogg8514]

Hey! South Louisiana too!

[@tuckernutter]

Ngl I still put quotationmarks and parentheses before any punctuation because it feels weird otherwise (even though I'm wrong). Just feels "unnatural".

[@stellarkat4657]

A very helpful video, thank you!

[@robert8738]

Thanks Jenna, you just saved me a lot of time, money and grief!

[@MelindaKucsera]

This is great. I'm going to share it every time someone promulgates these lies. I'm so tired of debunking them in comments.

[@scloftin8861]

My favorite author releases one book a year ... if I'm lucky. Building a house took five years out of his writing time a while back. He's still doing well.

[@katrinasimard8260]

Personally I'm a pantser, but I also do rough outlining. I don't have it detailed but I have it to where it makes sense. I also try to imagine the secnes before I go to bed. I'm thankful I found your channel becaue I almost didn't think about marketing, so thank you!

[@robertwilson4737]

Great video again jenna! An interesting point about the dichotomy of pantsing vs plotting is it seems to be a debate prevalent in many if not all art forms. I'm a performance artist first and foremost and I've realised that it's a common argument in this field too. I'd say that I certainly agree that there is no right way to do things other than the way that suits the individual. But your videos help with my creative process massively (even if the transition from novel to play leaves me debating what is useful to me 😅)

[@mxnstrs]

Goodness, I'm so glad you brought to good writing because so many of the books that are hyped are entertaining, but they're not good. I've DNF'd so many books because I'm looking for better writing. So many interesting concepts were lost for me because of that.

[@janaigariety8697]

I'd love to see a whole video about how to get self pub books in book stores

[@downtherabbithole8998]

OOH I’m early again! Oof I finally finished it 3 hours later (I WAS BUSY OKAY). I loved this video so much bestie! Also who in the world is putting out that last one? I just wanna talk

[@beastamer1990s]

Hey, thats cheating

[@downtherabbithole8998]

@@beastamer1990s muahaha

[@shilohwillis-authorofpromi5158]

I just love Butters with the thought bubbles over her head! Too precious! 🐶❤

[@clairehelenswain]

Thank you Jenna. Your video has helped me

[@samuelzuleger5134]

#3. You need a writing coach! I have one. She's awesome. Her name is Jenna Moreci. :p #9. I have to disagree. Self-publishing is easier. Self-publishing SUCCESSFULLY is way harder. I could probably self-publish tomorrow (and I am still in my first draft), but it would absolutely suck. I am being technical here, but hey, I can be an ass like that sometimes...and my first career dealt with reading and writing regulations, so being technical is what I do.

[@flamethatsings-witchcraft5893]

Writer fact: Most writers day dream about writing more than they actual write.

[@mestimac]

#5 I really hate this one. I've read a lot of self published books lately, and the market is flooded with tons of underdeveloped novels. They're not bad. I want to be very clear about that. They just haven't baked long enough. I can tell the authors have developed the skills to come up with an interesting concept and write it in a way holds together and makes me want to keep reading. But then I get to the end and feel like I wasted my time. The payoff just doesn't end up being worth it. If the authors had just gone through more edits or sat with it longer to fully flesh out their ideas, they would have ended up with a better book. My favorite authors are usually those that put out an average of one to three books a year, though there are exceptions. I'm learning to avoid the quickly churned out books and the authors who write them.

[@afougrazomai]

Hello there ​ I have found many of your advices helpful and right now I am actually writing my very first book. I have tried in the past but I never actually finished any of them. Anyway I was thinking of ordering your books online since I didn't believe I would find them here (I live in Greece) but the other day I was in a tiny book shop and there it was, with that mesmerizing smell of a new book. The Savior's Champion. I immediately bought it but I can't give any feedback yet since I have just started it (and you probably don't actually need MY feedback) but I was thrilled that a book that was self published abroad was actually distributed here. I know that after so many awards and recognitions for your book this may not mean much to you but the fact that it was brought here in Greece (where unfortunately most people don't read that much fiction) is quite impressive and I thought I should let you know.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

I wish Jenna and this communitu was better at responding to people. I've had questions unanswered.

[@pauln2661]

Patreon is a proper route to take.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

@@pauln2661 No it's not, LOL. Even if paying Jenna for a simple answer to a simple question canarguably be justified, despite her videos being available for free, that still doesn't explain why the community here hardly responds or helps.

[@RiveroftheWither]

This is an active community, comments get buried, the easiest way to get questions answered is to use the Patreon or check to see if it's already a video that exists. If you expect anyone to skim through 1000+ comments to find and answer every single question, you're delusional. Regardless, you are not entitled to help, we are not obligated to answer your questions, you are not entitled to anyone's attention just for subscribing to free content, no one owes you anything. If you think that whether or not you're being catered to is what makes a community good or bad then I suggest you stick with content creators with 50,000 or less subs

[@rose-mariemuller6704]

Loved this!! Thank you Jenna 🖤

[@missyoneal]

I know I am going indie for a reason that Jenna didn't really address but it does touch on a factor she did mention which is control. Except for me it's not about creative control, it's about business control. I'm going indie because I deal with health issues and I want to control my deadlines and my releases so I can work around my health issues. I want to be able to decide not release my book during certain periods where I know I'm going to be overdrawn energy wise or to be able to plan a release during a time when I feel more confident in the energy I will have to promote it. I understand the extra work around self publishing, but it makes sense to me because I can better control my workload. Because living with a disability complicates things but controlling my writing business and workload helps me work with my disability instead of against it.

[@bobnolin9155]

As a first-time self-published author, I don't disagree with any of your points. Great video!

[@MrJHopps]

I’ve always heard the saying as, “Bold-face” lie; this is the first to hear ‘Bald-face’. Had to look it up and both are a thing. Good to know. I love watching your stuff to learn, and this added to the lesson.

[@danielkelley7548]

I'm going to write a story about how I fell into the mood set by this woman and end up finding everything I've ever wanted in life.

[@eamo234]

This is the most sense I've heard about self-publishing in a long time.

[@authorjenn]

Found this entertaining and informative. Glad I came across you.

[@Kirvee2]

I still remember one piece of bad advice I was given on a writing forum over a decade ago was something about how character names should always relate to them/their history or something and like, while that is generally true and a good rule to follow, sometimes the context calls for it to NOT be followed. Realistically, not everyone with the last name "Mason" works with stones these days, for example.

[@admiral_red_shirt]

Immediately after this video posted yesterday, I got called a sheep-le for agreeing it takes a lot of hard work to be successful. I'd be hurt, but now I can't stop thinking about a potential sci-fi story all about a planet of Sheep People. The conflict would be when the neighbor planet of Donkey People attacked and began an interstellar war. I'm going to outline it now. Thanks Jenna, I'll mention you in my credits.

[@DarrellBestWadley]

What developmental/line editor did you use for your books?

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

I think it IS easy to self-publish. However, not neccesarily successfully. Getting a book on Amazon is a doddle. Getting people to buy it - that's where it gets tricky. On point 10, I think I would FEEL more successful if I was trad published, but having been self-publishing since 2012, I reckon to be successful enough as an indie to be noticed and offered traditional publishing I'd probably be in a position where it was no longer important to be traditionally published. Chicken and egg thing eh?

[@rubinleigh2756]

What exactly are the seller percentages and other criteria to get IngramSpark books into places like Barnes and Noble, Apple, and Amazon? I've been looking everywhere for information but I'm struggling to find any.

[@StevenJBosch]

I recently read about a publishing hoax perpetrated in the early 60s. It was about a novel conceived but not written by a late night radio host named Jean Sheperd. Sheperd was a writer as well as a raconteur. One night he asked his listeners to go into their favorite book store and ask for a copy of the new novel "I, Libertine." Sheperd's audience was made up of a lot of people like Shepherd himself. Sheperd reported on the book's progress. The novel generated book reviews

[@wiselittleknitter]

Hi Jenna. I've been watching your videos for ten years now. I have stayed many manuscripts, but haven't finished them. However I like writing poetry. You're funny and entertaining with great advice. Thank you for that. I hope you're doing well? 😄

[@iverroux2124]

I love your Felix shirt Jenna 💗

[@thetcgkollector3421]

09:58 Never heard of that BS from any pantser and most on KZbin are plotters to which I've seen plenty of them try and sell the idea that an OUTLINE is law (yes including Jenna). Talk about throwing shade at a group when your own advice is hypocritical.

[@Shahowhunter]

I'm a bit of a plantser, plan the odd chapter and with the general direction it goes... it's nothing abnormal, i hate it when there are those who feel they can do better because of stephen king, that's his approach, we all have our methods. There is no write or wrong way to write, it takes a little exploring to find what works for us, some of us find it quicker.

[@mikepotter3251]

I do disagree with number 7. I'm not a plotter or a panzer. what you are talking about is just a tool on the belt to create a story. I do fly by the seat of my pants when a story is involved, but I do this with an overall goal and point for a said story which I always meet. Keep in mind that one is not better than the other but is just a method to tell a story. You like to plot a story. That works for you as others, however, I find that plotting a whole story, which takes me to the endpoint, is somewhat constricting and limits the freefall of creativity within the story itself. Again, just a method to tell a story.

[@alexmcgilvery3878]

A lot of contests are still tilted toward Traditional Publishing. I think pantsing and plotting are skill sets which are useful at different times or when writing a new kind of book. If I don't outline my book before I write, I outline it as an early step in editing.

[@steakismeat177]

I would add that self publishing isn’t really about receiving royalties because you receive royalties through traditional publishing also. You just don’t get a lot of the risk taken out of the equation by getting the advance. If you prefer a guaranteed pay day go traditional, but if you’re willing to risk it and keep creative control go self publishing.

[@DarthCompton]

Definitely found out the hard way that just because you self publish directly through Barnes & Noble, doesn't mean they'll put it on the shelf. They won't even acknowledge you if you want to set up an author signing at one of their stores because you're not on their shelf, even if it's sold directly through their site. I wish I had the money to push marketing better, that's my biggest hinderance, but I hit the skids financially early on, and my online presence can only scream so loud. *shrug*

[@mirzunayedali1724]

You didn't have to call me out with the pantsing stuff. (the stephen king part made me feel cool, not superior though)

[@philin2876]

I agree that if you can outline you definitely should do it. If you can't outline you should try to develop that skill. As for self-published books being unsellable crap, I think there is a stigma against self-publishing and a lot of self-published books are complete crap because of the lack of gatekeepers. Because of the stigma I think self-published books get judged by the worst 20% of them whereas traditionally published books get judged by the best 20%.

[@JRoseBooks]

Thanks for saying you're a slow writer . . . because I'm a slow Revisioner. Also, one of my favorite videos of you, and I've been watching for several years. :)

[@ryanlcanning302]

Another great video. Thank you!

[@TheJohno95]

Great advice! And I didn't even have to spend a fortune to get it! Thank you!

[@FirstNameLastName-gh9iw]

Also with marketing, make a good beginning I beg you! Opening a book is painful when it’s dry exposition you don’t care about I’ve gotten books from the library and didn’t read them until they were due because the beginning was boring. I don’t care if the waters of Eryth Mmorg were lit, roiling and churning as though a great knife had plunged deep into the pool’s murky heart. If I’m opening a book at a book store and see that I’m putting it right back on the self

[@jazzauthor]

Thank you thank you thank YOU! Jenna, you rock. All points well-taken and I appreciate you dispelling all of the bullshit. Brava!

[@lukemills237]

TBH the only reason I went for self-publishing was due to rejection trauma from a previous attempt at traditional publishing. It didn't really work out.

[@rue.aultimatehope4310]

This channel reminds me of my promotion club

[@tacobowler]

She’s doing marketing for herself while talking about marketing 😂. Touché.

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

. When you see children from famous authors or publishers having their books published by major houses, it's a bit naive to pretend that they had their books published by talent alone. Like every other segment in society, i guess Influential friends/family always helps 😉

[@SultanSezam]

I really liked the video. It gave me inspiration to keep on writing. Thank you very much and may the cyberware of your cyborg heart always have the latest software update :p