5 things I wish I did before writing my book | writing update

[@MrRosebeing]

I remember when I was at your stage in your writing career. The word counts, the strategies, the methods. Now, after 30 years of writing experience (and no formal publications because most writers don't achieve that level) I have just learned to write for the pleasure of it, just take your time. If it is going to happen it will happen.

[@kengause9259]

I'm also a pantser. It took me years to write my first book. I futzed around, on again, off again. Then COVID rolled around, and I had time on my hands. But I also set a deadline and six months later I had a first draft. So, I absolutely agree with setting a deadline to get a book written. As for the first draft, it is a draft supported by a rolling series of edits that takes place every day before beginning the writing. Leads to a much more polished first draft. Then the second draft is about fixing things like pacing and filling in holes, including description.

[@anajtorre]

I am also someone who’s better at dialogue than description. But I’ve learned that writing in third person first and then changing it to first person after I finish writing the chapter helps me with descriptions.

[@yasmingmtsims]

I find it so funny how everyone is thinking differently! I think in pictures and verbal words when I read. ✨

[@personal.hannie]

for word count goals, I highly recommend setting a minimum goal every single day. like I would write around 300 words minimum daily. averaging to 500 words sometimes. Setting goals like these will help prevent burning yourselves out. It can also make you more motivated to write more like "Yay! 300 words in. I can add some more" type of thing instead of wanting to reach like 2K words and failing to do so or even start writing gibberish in order to reach that goal. I also recommend after reaching a milestone like 10k or 25k words written, re-read the previous chapters as this will help you see whether or not your story is cohesive and/or if the pacing is okay. This will also ease the process of writing the 2nd draft later on. anyways, I'm also writing a book right now! all the best to us!!! hahaha

[@gelatin95]

I really, really feel less lonely with my writing process after seeing this video. Thank you.

[@geenahreads]

We’re all in this together

[@katgreer6113]

OK so notes for myself and anyone else who wants to use it. Thank you for this btw. Character Backstory The reader should be able to imagine this character’s life off page and on page. They should have hobbies, likes, dislikes, and quirks before the story begins, and after the story ends. Also make sure to include where each character lives and what they typically dress like from head to toe. Adding all these things will make each character feel realistic. All this should be done for all MAJOR characters. World Building: If you are creating a new world entirely or adding new elements into a real world, make sure to have its history. What was this world like 5, 10, 15 years ago? Who or what was in charge? Were any new areas built? Has the world expanded or reduced in size? :D

[@kieronmendes]

i click on these writing update notifications SAUR fast

[@geenahreads]

🤍

[@TheEccentricRaven]

This is me, too. I've learned it's good to practice pansting and planning to find what works best. I'm a hybrid, a planster. I can't do it any other way.

[@aleahmarasigan5818]

I agree so much with tip # 4 huhuhu because of your last writing vlog, I started working with writing sprints and I have always loved using wordcount as a unit of measurement and having that suggestion come out helped me SO much. It's almost like a game to me (dailies) As for deadlines, my sister dared me that I couldn't reach a certain wordcount by the end of September and the spite I have from that has now helped me write daily 😭😭😭 Will also now check out the website you recommended to se if there's anything else to pick up

[@jaswriting]

yess on wordcount goal and deadline! Gives us a sense of urgency in a way haha

[@geenahreads]

It’s like a challenge and I do love a challenge haha

[@AdamFishkin]

The temptation is to tell you "don't feel embarrassed", but A. I can't tell you how to feel, and B. we're in an unfortunate field where professional jargon is being rigged to always leave us embarrassed.

[@Adailyy_]

Everything you said is so me. I'm learning the same things. I will try that dialogue thing. Omg how have i never thought of that? When i was younger i only used to write dialogue. Explains why 14 year old me could finish a book and 18 year old me has no idea what a finished first draft is. I definitely wish i could shed out that perfectionism. Thank you! Also if you don't mind me asking but what is your mbti?

[@geenahreads]

I’m an ENTJ!

[@SRKanai1]

So for me I focus on pages. I try to get four clean pages every day that I can write. I don't really focus on word count because it stresses me out, but if I can get four good clean pages that I don't want to hurl into the fireplace when I'm done, I feel I'm doing well.

Types of plotters or pantsers? Hum I need to look into that🤔🤩

[@status_quo_post]

Writing freedom huh? Who needs freedom when you can have a plan? I certainly don't......cause I have a plan.

[@Bougie_Nerd]

I have the visuals but not the words. I want to do the reedsy course but it's too expensive T_T

[@kihon9633]

SAME! Like, I see this one scene that comes totally random into my brain, but i just can‘t descripe it in words. I‘m just not able to do that. 🥲 And yeah, I understand the struggle with reedsy. 😢 But lucky us, there are so many youtube videos to learn from 🙃

[@mysticheathentarot]

Try practicing on your own without the course. The best way to increase a skill is to practice. Start off with writing prompts that force you to hone in on being more visual through words. Take your favorite book and literally rewrite it by changing the characters into the opposite genders so you can see how others craft their worlds visually. You just need practice not a course, there is also a book called Description and Settings by Ron Rozelle that helps with this problem and gives exercises to help strengthen your writing. @kihon9633

[@murryflix]

Are you planning on self publishing or traditional publishing?

[@geenahreads]

Self publishing! I can talk about it in a video sometime as to why I decided that!

[@murryflix]

Yes!

[@tzdtug]

IM TOO EARILE

[@Divyv520]

Hey Gina , really nice video ! I was wondering if I could help you with more Quality Editing in your videos and also make a highly engaging Thumbnail and also help you with the overall youtube strategy and growth ! Pls let me know what do you think ?