8 Reasons Why Writers Fail (And How to Overcome Them)

Learn how to overcome common obstacles and failures that writers face.
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[@TheZetaKai]

"You're a drug dealer that deals in emotions." Now that's a quote with legs.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

I'll see you out on the streets

[@MyMy-tv7fd]

drat, I stopped at that one to comment, and you already dun it

[@oliverford5367]

My words are literally ecstasy!

[@Disgruntled_Grunt]

Bitch, stop duckin' me! I _know_ you been ruminatin' without me!

[@everwake2689]

Don't be too rigid with your story and characters. Let them evolve outside of your expectations!

[@solomon4554]

Good advice

[@LosAnggraito]

Saying writers are like drug dealers who deal in emotion is an INSPIRED metaphor. I can't believe I've never thought about it that way -- but it's true. We read bc we want to feel something, and we write so others can feel what we're feeling. Thanks for the vid, Brandon!

[@jesusromanpadro3853]

That's a good explanation to give to someone that doesn't understand why we like some type of stories. Why do we like horror? Romance? Mysteries? Or even things like extreme exports? Park rides? Cats videos?

[@JenMaxon]

Hmmm - I think I write because I want to help people enjoy themselves

[@squeakyscauldron]

“You’re always a year away.” I love this

[@asquirrelplays]

I probably wasted a good 20 years of my life on "waiting" because of my parents. They always said to wait until you retire to write because you need a real job in the meantime. On one hand, I get it. Writing certainly doesn't pay very well for a long time, but on the other hand, you should still aim for it. I still wrote when I could, but it wasn't a top a priority like it should have been for a long time. So essentially, if you want to write, then write.

[@theultimatereductionist7592]

I write mathematics. I do mathematics. I do mathematical modeling.

[@MichaelMadlock]

You’re one of my favorite storytelling KZbinrs.

[@jeffj4440]

"... lean into your (own) emotions." That suggestion rang a loud bell for me this morning. It gave me a spark. Thank you, Brandon!

[@unicorntomboy9736]

What if you only ever feel negative emotions

[@Possiblyabird234]

@@unicorntomboy9736than write a sad story

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@Possiblyabird234 My current book is a grimdark tragedy

[@Possiblyabird234]

@@unicorntomboy9736 good luck. If I knew how to help you, I would.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@Possiblyabird234 It is a re-telling of The Lion King, mixed with The Hobbit and Twilight, set in a dark fantasy setting, where the protagonist is a pansexual villain protagonist on a negative character arc

[@jasonbutterfield8300]

Mine is probably forcing a story. I get a great idea in my head, often times from a dream, and sometimes it just doesn't have the legs to take it further as a story. I need to be able to recognize this and not force something once the passions gone.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Yeah, and you can always stash the idea for later. Sometimes it’s all about right place right time

[@sonnygmony]

I know read a lot, write a lot is trite advice, but the first part has really helped me to recognize and avoid plot holes.

[@IMAMONGUS]

Me sadly shredding my manuscript that opens with, "The man walked into the building."

[@cuedotfilms4427]

The reason it's taken me so long is because I'm dyslexic. I wrote short films for a long time, I found writing in script style very easy, but making films has become too expensive. I'm now interested in writing without restrictions of budget and location. Dyslexia however has knocked my confidence, but I'm doing it. It's going to take time but I'm enjoying it.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Glad you're enjoying it--if you stop enjoying the process, then it's not worth it. Best of luck!

[@squeakyscauldron]

You might try dictating instead of writing things down. There’s one really prolific fantasy author who uses dragon dictate (I think) to write books while he hikes.

[@die_dunkelheit]

Also dyslexic… Take a look at open-dyslexic or other fonts that are made for legibility by dyslexic people.

[@ludovico6890]

Decades ago, I started writing a script for a crime TV series. A friend of mine, a professional actor, was kind enough to read it. His verdict was: terrible. Too many details, too much dialogues, things that were none of my concern as a scriptwriter were in there, etc. He told me that I obviously wrote for the wrong medium and to write a novel instead.

[@cuedotfilms4427]

@@ludovico6890 I love writing in script form. I must put one of my films on my KZbin channel. The music has all been cleared ready for upload. The story I'm writing now is called The Different. It's a story that's been in my head for years, set in December 1981 in the UK at a RAF station.

[@ShinGallon]

I suffered from the illusion of #4 for a long time. It took me *forever* to get to the point where I wasn't concerned with my art being "good enough" to start my graphic novel. I spent *years* planning and writing one, and never drew a single page of it because I kept telling myself "the art isn't good enough yet". The one I'm working on now just happened by accident, I intended it to be a little short comic (maybe 10 pages max) that just...kept going, as the story got bigger and more involved in my head and before I knew it I was almost at page 100. I'm *finally* in the home stretch (almost to page 200) and it's only because I kept my expectations realistic and the discipline to work on it almost every day that I'm as far into it as I am. And yes, the art in those early pages looks bad to me now, but that's what the revision stage is for (just one pass though, I'm not falling into the "infinite revisions" trap). It helped that the characters in this book are ones I'm truly passionate about and I want to tell stories about. I've got about 3 sequels planned for them, and feel much more confident and have those planned more than this first book (which serves as a "how they met" story but doesn't explore their pasts as much, that's for later books) so I intend to be writing and drawing their adventures for a long time.

[@jennymunday7913]

I've read tons of graphic novels with okay art and loved them. Whatever you see that bothers you isn't going to register as hard with your readers, trust me.

[@jamesmars9767]

Yeah, the secret is to just make stuff. If it's not any good the first time around, shelve it and then come back later to see if hindsight can improve it. That's what I do.

[@ShinGallon]

@@jamesmars9767 Definitely. I once read that "an okay comic you finish is still better than a great comic that's just in your head" and that stuck with me.

[@ShinGallon]

@@jennymunday7913 Thanks! I've put a ton of work into it, over the course of 3 and a half years, and the fact I'm still excited to get to work on the second book makes me happy, I was afraid I'd burn out before I finished.

[@jamesmars9767]

@@ShinGallon Truth. Plus, mediocrity can be fixed with a remake later... Then again, what's wrong with "okay" though? Not everything has to be a grandiose masterpiece

[@berry186]

You looking so intense at us on your thumbnail had me laughing so much. Great video as always.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Hahaha thanks!

[@elliepay3763]

#2 Don't call me out like that! I watch these videos to at least feel like I'm busy towards it, but even put this video off for a while, knowing you were gonna say some things I didn't want to hear. Thanks for saying them Brandon, I'll get on it right now, I swear!

[@johnfernandez2751]

I feel like I just attended a seminar

[@matthewpaul6904]

I have a story with several characters in it and it was overwhelming but I started to write each person's arc individually and that made it better to manage. And since every person has a different journey, I can hop to one part of the story depending on my mood.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

I’m doing something similar with a draft I’m working on. Got 4 different POV characters and testing them out whenever I’m in the mood for one or the other

[@joshprice7436]

Thanks for this one, Brandon. Good timing. My number one reason is #2 and #3.🤣

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Hahaha well that's better than your #1 being 1-8

[@claytonrumley]

I spent the first 30 years of my life believing I would do all these amazing things (including writing) when I was "grown up". Then my father died unexpectedly and I realized that there wasn't as much time left as I thought I had and started trying to check off some dreams on the list. It still took me another decade to write my first novel and now I'm struggling to find the time to complete the 2nd and 3rd in the unexpected trilogy. And despite having written one novel I'm still filled with self doubt about being able to complete the others.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

First of all, I’m sad to hear about your father. Second, congrats on writing the first novel. That’s a huge accomplishment that many people set out to do but never actually achieve. As for writing your next novel, maybe you’re trying too hard to capture the success you had with the first. I had that issue when I tried writing a sequel to one of my books, and the solution was to write something completely different and let the new story be its own thing. Sequels can be intimidating, so don’t be afraid to take a break and try writing something separate from it

[@claytonrumley]

@@WriterBrandonMcNulty Thank you so much your kind reply. I will definitely consider your advice.

[@codenamelarry6518]

Motivation and long-term expectations are the biggest reasons why I’ve failed to launch. I feel as though I have some ideas for stories in my head that I feel strongly about, but I have the fear of rejection and self-consciousness of my amateur status which hold me back.

[@VeeVanderMerwe-dt9qu]

All I want is to write these stories that have been roaming around in my head for so long and which other people can enjoy reading ❤ I've ALWAYS loved writing, and can still see a five year old me writing a one page story about a butterfly looking for a place to build a nest (lol, I'm not even sure if they do that) I have so many ideas that I was forced to write down in quick summary and that I hope I will write someday, I sometimes even fear I might not live long enough😅😢 Awesome video as always!

[@theguttervacguy]

What's stopping you? Just have a go. Treat it like painting or drawing. Don't take it too serious. Give yourself lots of time but delegate time to it.

[@VeeVanderMerwe-dt9qu]

@@theguttervacguy I've never stopped! I just can't stick to a story until now 😅 So excited to finish it! I'm working on editing it!

[@Augustus087]

Brandon, I like a lot of what you have said here. While building emotion like a series of hills, it should come to its peak at the climax of the story. Like a roller coaster, with times to coast as the reader relaxes and gets ready for the next hill. In a similar way, a character arc comes full circle within the plot as the protagonist learns new things. I worked at my novel, A Golconda Story, for 7 years, writing and rewriting, while having it edited three times professionally by three different editors. If one truly cares about making their story the very best it can be, nothing will replace the work of a good editor. The cost is worth it. And yes, it is extremely difficult to get fan fiction published. But sometimes, it does happen. It happened to me, which makes me very happy. As for luck, I am writing this note to you hoping for just a little, that you might read my work and use it in further videos about writing. Hey, it does not hurt to ask, right? Thanks for all your great writing advice!

[@Scifiotica]

I loved your talk today at the ALT Writer’s Club meeting. Best lecture ever. Thanks!

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Wow, thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was a ton of fun being there. Best of luck with your writing!

[@SantaClaws2009]

The problem with my discipline is--I may have undiagnosed ADHD. I keep internally screaming at myself, "Hey, it's time to write! WRITE!" but nope, I keep putting it off to a 'few minutes later' and when I actually do begin writing, I enjoy it. It makes me happy to see my characters come to life. But again, I procrastinate too much and despite trying, trying and trying, I can't seem to improve myself.

[@Ardorstorm]

Same

[@flaredpondpond112]

Have you tried writing one sentence a day or even one line? I know it doesn’t sound like much but it’s a start and can be a gateway to writing more.

[@AudioLove17]

I also may have undiagnosed adhd and its not easy. I am a full time housewife with 3 kids... Having ideas while cooking isn't easy too cause I can't leave what I'm doing and then later on the idea will fade away a little.. Sometimes I want to write but I am too tired of houseworks and i can barely open my eyes... And also with this adhd, while I was writing and someone interrupted me like called me, when i came back.. I totally forgot what I was writing 🤷🤷🤷

[@Robertsmith-un5cu]

Get examined for vision problems. Often times vision dysfunction can cause these issues. Also you may have undiagnosed food allergies causing brain inflammation. There’s a physical problem going on.

[@LordBaktor]

Your words on persistence reminds me of a friend of mine. He has two published fantasy books and currently writing the third and he goes to every fantasy and/or writing related event he can find, dressed in a 40 Kg full fantasy cosplay armor , and talks to everyone who walks into his field of view about his books, his dreams as an author, etc. His publisher loves him because he's outselling every other beginner author they have on the roster just by being persistent.

[@LordBaktor]

@@elementeight8 He certainly is. I'm proud and honored to have him as a friend.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

What's the #1 reason why you fail as a writer? Let us know!

[@JiecinDumolang2011]

I'm not writer today, but my #1 Reason why I'll fail in the next book is daydreaming that it could end as a movie...

[@fleef69]

I think the #1 reason why I fail as a writer is just a simple lack of confidence in my idea’s ability to someday be brought to life. I’m a random person in Knoxville Tennessee with no prior career or experience in this field who’s trying to write a movie that probably won’t be able to even be made without a significant budget, considering how many alien creatures and fantastical environments are all throughout the story. However what’s undeniable is my sheer amount of passion for the potential of this idea, and the fact that at the end of the day, no matter how much my confidence in this idea’s ultimate outcome may stifle, I know for a fact that I am at the very least going to write it, because I will not be able to let myself keep it inside until the end of my days. After all, I’m still quite young, turning 20 this year, and it’s better to start as early as you can when it comes to striving for success that isn’t necessarily guaranteed. The only way to figure out if the answer to the question is yes or no, is to ask it, and you ask that question to the world by sitting down and writing until your story is out on the paper in its truest form.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

@@JiecinDumolang2011 Use that daydreaming to your advantage... Start writing some of those scenes you imagine seeing in the movie

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

@@fleef69 "what’s undeniable is my sheer amount of passion for the potential of this idea" - That's honestly all you need. Maintain that passion, and everything else will fall into place. Best of luck!

[@brianedwards7142]

A combination of mental illness and taking care of my mother (see above) but she's passed away (don't be sorry, it was 10 years ago now) and I've gotten her out of my system more or less. I wrote a manuscript before but it was bad. Now I want to see if I have a second manuscript in me and I have so much more knowledge of the craft. I have gotten a bit distracted by world building but the setting is integral to the feeling of the story so I just have to press on. The first manuscript was based on a whole childhood of world building but this time I've changed genres (from Space Opera to Fantasy Whodunnit) and have to make it up all from scratch (I don't quite grok magic). On the plus side as I see it is my age (58) which gives me life experience. Deciding which darlings must be executed is hard.

[@LeAlzanatorLe937th]

Why I fail as a writer; everything I re-read things I wrote at least 6 months ago from the current time and think it's cringe

[@dunsparcetv9036]

I always had the issue where I said that I was gonna write today, but I didnt and I instead watched KZbin the rest of the day. The thing I did was just not say anything about writing and just wrote when I had time and made it my routine. I only take a day off if Im actually busy or if I finish a chapter. I think this is a very common problem and it felt great when I got rid of it. My current problem is that I feel like my stuff isnt good enough but these thoughts quickly vanish thankfully.

[@VeeVanderMerwe-dt9qu]

The seventh one made so much sense to me! It's actually the reason for my current book, because somehow writing about how you feel and what made you feel that way is the only thing that helps! Thanks for saying I'm not the only one using that method 😂

[@bonabarcelona]

Amazing. You had me at reason 1 and 2..I fell into the " someday in the distant future" trap and now I'm 52 so I'm going to take the advice that I am a year away... the lack of discipline will be my biggest challenge, as get older my attention span shrinks. Hoping meditation helps this.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Awesome. Best of luck! I’m hoping to do a video on focusing/discipline soon, so keep an eye out

[@stevenboers5119]

Great video! #8 is definitely my struggle right now. I'm going to begin publishing mid-late 2025. Seems like every day I get more anxious that my stories are going to tank. I'm committed, and I like what I've written, but I'm finding doubts creep in as I get closer to my deadline. That said, I'm also excited to start my author career.

[@captainiamtherum7659]

Number 2 is my bane as a writer. I don't have a consistent time to write. Thank you for pointing this out. I will attempt to start disciplining myself in this way and developing the habit. Thanks for this video. It was very helpful, and great work as always. Can't wait for the next one.

[@Jarry807]

can u make a video on how to write a training scene (like where a character teaches another character how to use their superpowers?)

[@flipout_1216]

The best writing advice on KZbin. Thanks for posting!

[@escueladeartesemocionales]

Thank you for your videos!

[@visnoga5054]

I think the number 1 reason is overthinking. Well, there is also procrastination, but I do force myself regularly to spend an afternoon in a library when all I have to do is writing. I took it a LOT of writing advice over the past months. This made me completely challenge what I had already written, cue a lot of editing, and every time I get more elements I even think a lot should be taken out/changed or a new scene added. As a result, I didn't move forward in the story in quite some time; and over trying to do so a few weeks ago, I was obsessed with writing better dialogues, making a scene meaningful, how to make a transition etc. In the end, I barely wrote 1000 words in over 4 hours. Meanwhile, I spend a lot of time THINKING about my story, without actually writing all that. I tried laying some elements of my story in writing group chats, and found myself unable to sum up any of those, because of how much it was craving to leave my mind aline x) I know I have to keep pushing and trying but I really have to build the confidence eventually. Thank you Brandon for your advice as always :) I'll try being more lucky (jk)

[@aaronrowell6943]

It is encouraging to hear a lot of these that I have overcome in the past but there are still some that I need to fight through, writing is above all the outside process for sure

[@martinariola5601]

I definitely struggle with unrealistic expectations and lack of discipline. The first seems to beget the second. But I didn't even realize that forcing the story was a problem. I thought "discipline" meant chugging through from beginning to end so I would at least have created something (for better or worse). But each time I've done this, my errors pile up until they become an impenetrable wall half way through. That's when procrastination sneaks in. Watching this just gave me permission to be working on twenty unfinished (maybe unfinishable) stories rather than forcing myself to see one idea through from beginning to end. I definitely know I'll end up procrastinating less that way. And eventually, I'll build the skills and confidence to see one of those stories all the way through.

[@jumper9te]

All great advice. I'm not a writer as a profession, but I have had great ideas around a theme, concept and premise for a novel and felt the urge for a couple years to try and write it down. About a month back I took the step to actually; create story arcs, write the outline, world building, create characters, and in the process of writing my first draft (a couple of chapters in). I understand it will take time for me as a novice, and only being able to write on my spare time. But I'm willing to learn, have motivation and discipline. And online sources like your channel have been a great help for me to get started. So a huge thanks from me. Keep doing awesome content (I also ordered "Entry wounds" to show some actual support as well).

[@HangrySaturn]

I don't know how this helps me write my own religious holy book, but I'll try to apply these methods anyway!

[@fireball21478]

This was fantastic. Thank you 🙏

[@user-fh2in8sj9t]

I self-published my first fiction novel last year. It went live in September. To date I've sold 5 copies: 3 to family members and the other 2 to friends. It's very disheartening because i put my heart and soul into that book and the characters. I lived and breathed the story as i was writing it. I know success is never guaranteed but i just hope that one day someone other than a family member or friend buys my book. It's a sci fi drama with elements of fantasy and spans different time periods. Anyway, my point is that now i have lost my passion for my second novel. I've started writing it but now i keep finding rubbish excuses to not keep on with it. I've been out of work for 2 years now and finding a job is hard. I'm almost 60 and i think my age is a negative thing for potential employers. And because of this i get very depressed. So now i also procrastinate with my writing. I think " what's the point". Nobody is interested in my first book, why bother with my second one?

[@Socialfourtwenty]

This hits home for me. I’m still writing my first novel, but share a lot of the same feelings and am anticipating very few sales of my story. Just hope you’re able to still find that spark to create, regardless! You’re not alone in feeling this way, and just want to wish you luck in your journey. ✨

[@user-fh2in8sj9t]

@@Socialfourtwenty thank you for your support and understanding. I hope you can find the inspiration to get to the end of your novel, and be happy with it.

[@theguttervacguy]

I'd like to read your story. I'm sure it’s great. I'm half way through my Sci Fi book. Art isn't a popularity contest. Just because it hasn't caught fire yet doesn't mean it won't.

[@nightmansid519]

I actually took time to write two hundreds today in my action-thriller story. I had to push through my doubts and fears. Thinks for the video, Brandon...

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

I fail as a writer, because I lack the confidence. And it's difficult to come up with an original storyline these days. Everything has been done before, as they say. Plus my job is very demanding physically, so I don't have the energy to write most of the time. Maybe if I got a better sleep schedule and made time to write, I could write a book someday... Eventually. But it would take a while. A long while.

[@unicorntomboy9736]

Just borrow a basic plotline from another piece of fiction or media, and do your own retelling of it in your own style. That will help get some ideas going

[@c1975stark]

Tip 8 is a major wake up call! Thank you.

[@Bennazzi]

I didn't wanna face it, but I'm failing because "I don't have time" when in reality I do, but I've been avoiding it. I need to set aside hobbies and get myself 1 or 2 hours to write everyday. I've got time, I just need to sit down and do it. Thanks for these tips Brandon!

[@ViVerna]

A piece of advice I'd like to give: Know and own your failures. I don't think there was ever a single writer who had dozens of failures before their hits. They can be a bad first film like Tarantino's "My Best Friend's Birthday", or they can be unpublished like Stephen King's trashed writings before Carrie. I'm 21 now really getting into the grind of my first ever comic-book (drafted in screenplay) and I have a Drive folder of over 40 different projects I canceled when I was between the ages of 14 and 20. At first I took that many failures as me just being bad at writing, but the thing is most of them were me still learning how to write and still grasping the fundamentals of storytelling, and that's fine. Learning is all about failing. At first you don't succeed, try and try again. It's general advice for everything, but especially in writing. Many of the ideas placed within those canceled projects have been spread out into so many better ones. I had an edgy horror-comedy about a mafia based around the 7 deadly sins which was all just NC-17 shock-humor that I canceled at around 16. Then I repurposed it to a comic I plan on perusing later about the same concept, but a commentary on the death penalty and the justice system, lacking any comedy and more focusing on thriller. (I know I just gave idea thefts what they're looking for, but hear me out on the next part...) The thing is it's fine to have an inner critic, but good critics will point out what they like and dislike about certain projects. Be the GREAT critic that ALWAYS does that for your own work. Pull out and keep the likes, buff out the dislikes. And another small advice, but don't fail early. Early failures are when you deem your progress too slow or you feel like whatever you're making is crap from the start; again, think of Stephen King's Carrie. Much of those early failures come when you feel as though your idea is already being done and that everyone will think you're ripping something off. DON'T LET THAT MINDSET HAPPEN. Instead, think of this positively: If you're saying "this has *probably* been done before," that means you're admitting there's room for doubt. Oftentimes people won't even notice, or those who cry "rip-off" will be shut-down for you. Just focus on the fact that what you're making is original to you; tell the story you want to see. And if you run into a coincidental similarity, you don't have to write it out, because likely you'll realize 10 other reasons why your story is original. How about one of my examples again? Right now I'm writing a story where in the third act, we get familiarized with this underground organization that wear samurai masks to conceal their identities from a group of hunters, the mask-wearers running a bar to keep themselves fed and compensated, all the while the actions of both the hunters and underground org can be both reasonable and deplorable. Hey wait, isn't that just like Tokyo Ghoul where people wear masks to conceal their identities from an organization that hunts down certain people, the people working in a coffee-shop to keep fed and compensated? WHILE ALSO BEING A PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR? I promise you I completely forgot about the show and manga while writing my comic; the subconscious is funny, innit? Regardless, there's thousands of reasons why my comic is different, given the premise is wholly different from the premise of "ghouls", the comic implores investigative elements, the themes dive more into queer life in America, the storyline is incomparable to Tokyo Ghoul, and moreover, the comic is heavily based around industrial rock and electronic music in general. Find those "buts" and you'll realize you're giving fans of the similar work two cakes which they can have and eat too. And if you can, ignore the similar work while you make your own, and maybe once fully realized, you can go back and pick out another 10 differences in the end.

[@4shotpastas]

I'd say my primary reason is lack of discipline. I want to write, I have ideas, and I love writing, but sitting down and starting is the hard part. So many distractions in life, it's just so easy to not write compared to doing it. Definitely something I'm still working on.

[@TheInfamousBertman]

Hi Brandon, I just wanted to say thanks for inspiring me and giving me guidance. Recently that burning desire to write has returned and I've been floundering a bit trying to channel that energy. Your videos really help me think about how to do that.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Thrilled to hear the videos are helping. Keep at it!

[@lukehannah4554]

Hey Brandon, as a young creative writer myself (not official yet), I’ve been watching your videos since I’ve had writers block for a year since in that time I’ve been brainstorming ideas for my first novel which I’m planning to make into a series. Thanks to your videos, I’m out of my writers block and I’m going to commence in writing my first novel soon. In addition this video was uploaded in a time of convenience just when I wanted to research problems with being a writer. Keep up the great content and thanks for all the advice👏

[@richardadesmond]

The "why, why , why" about a character's goal is a great one to use, and not just for their goal. It makes sure your context, any of your context isn't stepping stone ones, and you've hopefully arrived at you most compelling piece of your context. Great thoughts, Brandon, and well said on the goal too, it may seem obvious but that's the reason it can be overlooked, and I've seen it not work in a number of ways. The example of a Dr. who smokes though, eh, I know one, Ive seen them...to be frank, eh, it's somewhat interesting for me. What about a Dr. who is trying to save people's lives and trying to kill them at the same time, isn't that interesting? not possible? no? Have you seen the series The Knick? starring Clive Owen and produced by Steven Soderbergh? Well, in it, Clive Owen plays a Dr. who does exactly that. Another fascinating one is Tony Soprano, in season one of the show. In it, Tony is trying to become more of a sociopath and less of one at the same time. He takes what Dr. Melfi told him to help with his sociopathy and uses it to become more of a sociopath. I say, go for the extreme, in terms of, the most mutually exclusive elements of someone and some aspect of their lives, it will elevate your story and characters - warning - it's really, really hard to do, but...no pain, no gain.

[@vegardpedersen]

Amazing tips, I do a lot of these mistakes too, I think every writer does it to some extent, but hearing you talking about it, makes me more aware of these traps. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@siegfriedmordrake3229]

I think the main reason I'm, not failing but at least not meeting the success I'd like, is because how competitive the market is. You don't just need to be a good writer to achieve success. You have to be a good writer AND a good entrepreneur AND a good marketer AND a good manager and so on...

[@bluecannibaleyes]

Yeah, it’s been so discouraging to me. Like, I’m a writer because I’m good at writing, not any of that other stuff. 🤣

[@siegfriedmordrake3229]

@@bluecannibaleyes hear hear !

[@clowncinema]

Hi Brandon! Love your vids. Could you possibly do one on how to create unlikeable, borderline detestable protagonists? I know you already did a video on creating hateable villains, but can we feel that same hate for a protagonist while still caring for them?

[@roguecraft8456]

For me, number three was the real killer. I spent months struggling with a play that I ultimately had to put down because I had no passion for it and lacked the skills to write it. Now I've moved onto another play that I have a lot more enthusiasm for. Perhaps I'll return to the other play someday, but for now I'm content to let it sit in the back of my mind and gather a bit of dust.

[@blackAngelProductions]

I am an aspiring writer myself while I haven't gotten anything off the ground yet I hope to make that happen soon. I legitimately think I potentially have a natural talent for this kind of thing and I believe that what might help me make my way as a writer is the fact that I mostly write because I'm passionate about it and I just love writing stories I'm not trying to become a writer because I want to become rich and famous I just want to tell stories that people will love.

[@user-wy8zo9cs8v]

Good stuff!

[@Greatermaxim]

The ninth reason is access to a host of information these days. It is easier to conjure up a story in modern times compared to the past imo. We have A.I.s and autocorrect. The best we can do is create believable situations and characters. What makes fiction fascinating is the lack of an upper limit to wisdom, creativity, and intelligence at this time. Each day brings a new discovery. When we find all the answers there would be nothing left to tell.

[@lukemauerman3734]

Thank you for this. My latest work has been stuck for a year and a half and just today it broke loose and shall become amazing again. I was forcing it to take a pre-conceived shape, long after it had grown out of that shape. Now it's breathing again, and frankly, a little disturbing :P

[@rockcool3732]

I want to be a writer. And I have several stories in my head that I think have potential. But yes, I have unrealistic expectations. And I have a hard time describing places, dialogue. And I have a hard time focusing. Yes, writing a book can be really challenging, but I try.

[@BenavolutionArt]

I'd like to encourage you to read extensively, friend. Your list of struggles can be obliterated by reading books, perhaps in the genre you write. Audible is amazing and really allows you to consume literally techniques quickly. Take note of how the authors describe places, dialogue, etc. You're not reinventing the wheel, friend. Just watch it turn and listen to the sound 🤘🏽

[@wynautwarrior2161]

#2, this is what's keeping me from writing my part of a challenge I'm supposed to host with friends. I'm part of a group where we write superhero stories and I'm struggling to write the script to the intro comic, mostly because I'm a serial procrastinator. Thanks for the wake-up call.

[@die_dunkelheit]

My answer to #3 has been keeping a few projects going at the same time. Not that I continually jump back and forth, but when one isn’t ringing the bell for me another one normally is.

[@shikishinobi]

I'm certainly aware that I don't always comit to my writing, but the other thing I do is overcommit, as a lot of ideas running around in my head for both fanfiction and publishable work. At the moment I am focused on my publishable work, but it falls outside of novels I to instruction/creative ideas work. I was reading back some of my old work and seeing how far I have come. I love the story I wrote, but I can see how I'd change it. Thanks for the ideas here. Will utilise them.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Glad the video helped! And it's great that you're able to recognize that you're making progress as a writer. Keep marching forward.

[@jasonhobbs2405]

Thanks Brandon. I think that, like with so many things, if you can love the PROCESS of writing, the results will follow. At least I’m hopeful. I haven’t published yet.

[@thywordistruth2720]

The biggest thing that held me back as a writer was doing NaNoWriMo (and similar) contests for too long. The first time was fine because it helped get me into writing and learn how to work hard to reach a goal (I was a junior in high school). It requires persistence and a lot of discipline. However, it was not good for teaching how to actually make a story good. Since there is a minimum word goal, I was always wont to pad my sentences and scenes with useless words or scenes that went nowhere. I'm currently rewriting my 2013 NaNo novel because I figure I'm much better today than I was then. I reread it a few months ago and didn't realize just how much filler there was. On top of that, the villain's motivations were very confused and he had a one-note personality, and there was severe plot amnesia where I'd have a bad guy get caught by the police, only for him to pop up suddenly as a passenger on a plane the next chapter. The drive to hit that word goal overtook basic story logic.

[@billy_bandit]

You’ve been plugging Bad Parts and Entry Wounds for a long time, which is great, but when do we get a third book??

[@torytellstales]

I would say my biggest flaw is comparing myself to other writers, which I'm slowly learning to overcome

[@themightyempire3511]

I’ve been developing a trilogy of movie screenplays and I have almost finished the tenth draft of the first one. I’m just not sure when I’m gonna get the chance to do anything with it. I thought maybe I’d convert it into a book, but I just gotta read more.

[@jahredcr916]

Reason I fail as a writer is my beginning for anything, I don’t know how to start a scene but then again I’ve only tired one scene and it’s in the beginning of the book, but I have created many scenes and after watching your video that taught me how to start my comic with a prologue and I showed my friends the intro and they all loved it for how quick I made it

[@Tora-no-shi]

I have to fight my mental health problems. The main one that interferes with my writing is my clinical depression. Even with help, it can shut my mind down.

[@BenavolutionArt]

Write something and give it to someone else to read, friend. This will give you perspective and heal you.

[@Tora-no-shi]

@@BenavolutionArt I have tried. None of the people I know are interested in reading it. This doesn't help with my problem either. If people I know don't want to read it then why would anyone else. Keeps entering my mind.

[@jackasbery2337]

I’m definitely a distant success person- can’t get around that idea of oh I will do it eventually but not right now

[@personontheinternet2760]

For me I’m kinda just writing a show during my spare time, I want it to be 3 seasons each with about 20 episodes, I’ve written the 1st season already and have a bit of the 2nd written but I find myself re editing previous season 1 episodes and not just moving on to do season 2 as I feel like I’ve written myself into a bit of a corner as I think I might have almost too much character arcs and developments to juggle going into season 2. Especially since the end of season 1 shifted the status quo a lot and changed how characters act for better or for worse which I’m having a hard time writing which i think is why I’m trying to change season 1 to make things easier on myself for season 2 I guess. Honestly this video helps a lot especially the discipline part since I usually do have the time to write but I often slack off or am blank on ideas when I want to write, and the funny thing is these ideas only happen to come to me at the worst times like when I’m studying for a midterm or as I’m going to bed which is weird

[@4xzx4]

I often say that my story isn't a story, an event, but a ticket to the emotional rollercoaster. I don't know why, but I am a HUUGE sucker for melancholy, so that will always be the core essence of my stories.

[@Aextra101]

For me it’s gotta be discipline. I’m currently active duty military and when I get out I’m going to get into film making but with these weird hours, gaps in between off days when going to the field, with my recent deployment this past year, it’s hard to really find time to sit down and write, and when I do have the time, all I want to do is turn my brain off. I need to be better at using the time I have to get my stories down.

[@johntabler349]

I am comfortable that my story is good, I am less comfortable with my ability to tell it but I am writing it and we shall see what happens

[@Ajisai_Kiku]

Recently I have been feeling down in the dumbs and constantly just wanting to give up (even though I'm really passionate about it) I've been even beating myself mentally over it 😭 I was also procrastinating alot, and used alot of excuses like "I'm so bad at it" "it's just too stiff" "this is boring now" I've done this with so many things I'm passionate about lol 😭 It's even worse when I used to think I have to have everything just 'perfect' I'll be honest, I was planning to write right now, so it's like you read my mind and posted this lol 🤣

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Haha get that writing done! And I know the feeling you're going through. I recently screwed myself out of some great opportunities--writing-related and otherwise--because I was being such a perfectionist. Over the past few days I've been doing a lot of reflecting, and I realize that I need to change, forgive myself, etc. Here's hoping you find peace and continue to pursue your dreams.

[@Ajisai_Kiku]

@@WriterBrandonMcNulty thank you! I've been trying to reflect too myself and change a bit and I have to admit changing a mindset is no easy job.

[@LadyMemenstein]

perfect is the worst enemy of progress. keep writing, maybe forge that emotions into your story, and the rest will come for itself.

[@Ajisai_Kiku]

​@@LadyMemenstein thank you for your advice! Sorry for the 8 day late response, I'll see how it goes tbh for now I'm just trying to enjoy it and feel comfortable in it, instead of being ashamed and scared lol. But again, thank you!

[@jhonandrews2674]

I love you, Writer Brandon Mcnulty

[@ethanglaeser9239]

I believe my number 1 reason I fail as a writer is that I lack social experience. I have had relatively little experience in social interactions and dynamics in my life, and that manifests itself in a lack of understanding of how to write those interactions and situations. I don't know how to write dialogue because I don't know how normal people talk to each other, my own speech patterns are unusual. I don't know how to write social dynamics between friends because I have spent a majority of my life without my own friends.

[@TimRG]

Rush to get through a novel and didn't do enough planning before hand, all because I was trying to publish by a specific deadline. I didn't make that deadline.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Yeah, it's hard to find the right planning/spontaneity balance. I jumped into a new book recently, and while some of the ideas have been fire, I need to stop and take a deep breath and figure out some big-picture stuff.

[@ahhhhhhhh8228]

Def number 2 is a issue for me. Usually I try to write everyday even if it’s only a few sentences, but I do have good days where I get out a few paragraphs if I’m really feeling it. I’m a pantser and plotter I guess? This is my first novel and it’s a cosmic horror. I wrote out the idea of my mythos and these gods and goddesses have sort of a bio which sounds kinda lame but it works for me. I might even write short stories within different time periods that pertain to this novel once it’s finished. Honestly I’m having a lot of fun with the research, I study history, esoteric religions and cults for ideas. It actually inspired some of the themes for my story and some references I would like to parallel. Albeit it’s still very nihilistic just not with tentacles lol.

[@stephenwashingtonjr1625]

Hey Brandon excellent video as always. I always your insight I’m trying to work on my superhero story. I do have one request if possible. I would like to know how to create a rogues gallery with interesting villains that are unique and interesting. It would help me a lot. Thanks again for another good video

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Rogues’ gallery… Good idea. I’ll add this to my list. Short answer would be to create different villains that challenge different aspects of your hero

[@thomasmann4536]

as for unrealistic expectations, i remember when I finished writing a novel at the age of 19 (had written 3-4 shorter things before and dabbled in writing theory), and I sent it to a friend who was a published writer, and she told me basically: "Your writing style is good, but the story itself lacks cohesion. you should learn how to use premises (sth that James N. Frey talks about) ." I wanted to quite writing since I had to throw the labour of 5 years into the trash. next day, I started a new story.

[@Lithilic]

The discipline issue is one I've seen a lot with writers. Constantly waiting for inspiration to strike before they sit down to write. It's a fire you have to stoke and a skill that can get rusty.

[@BraydenMendenhall-se4zo]

Brandon I been watching your videos I write notes for to write my own stories. The story that I'm making is the hardest I never done. I figured the Structure, Plot, Characters, Stakes, and the Villain but not the character relationship . I think this video would me Thank you.

[@sarahsander785]

Oh yeah, I'm definitly guilty of #3. That's in part because of my process, but need to respect my gut feeling more. If I need to force something within a story (or the story itself) than normally something is very wrong with it. Either the plot or the charactes or my intrest. But letting go is really hard if you're 25k words in and encounter a downer ...

[@theonlyuncleben]

Hey man, awesome video! Where can I purchase your book Entry Wounds? I've been looking for a hard copy

[@davidrodgers6939]

I like that “you’re only a year away” mentality recommendation.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Hope it helps!

[@stivanotaliho]

Okay... okay... I'll write!

[@theapavlou3030]

Lack of self belief stops me and a desire not to produce absolute rubbish. The advice of write and move on to the next one annoys me a little. There's nothing like reading a story or a novel by someone who was just practicing and not quite there yet, as a reader it is a disappointing experience. I'm on my first WIP of 3, two are at the rough draft stage and I'm trying not to rush to the finish line until I've covered all the rules and beats of the story. It has structure and suspense and I don't want it to *just* be a practice novel. Isn't it counter productive to self publish material that is half-baked? I thought that would hinder an author's reputation. And thank you for being one of the straightest talking and helpful writers sharing your experience and knowledge with us. You're my go to now other than story grid x

[@BenavolutionArt]

You need to ask outsiders to read it, brother. It's the only way to overcome this fear. I joined a writing group some 15 years ago and that opened my eyes. I knew I had a gift, and others confirmed it. I was like okay, so these strangers who don't know me, can all see that I got skills. Do it now, friend. Get out of your head.

[@theapavlou3030]

​@BenavolutionArt *sister, and yes I do, several people read for me and I happily take all the feedback on board and use it. For 2 years I've been taking lessons and learning from other writers published and newbie and I do the same for them. I can't find a writers group local to me so I've relied on messaging mostly. Although I can see substantial improvements in my writing, that's not to say that it will be an engaging story or that people will buy it (I'll have a marketing plan too).

[@BenavolutionArt]

@theapavlou3030 OK, sister, then please continue to be confident. You're already making the right moves. Added to this, you are aware of the weakness you have. All great from where I'm typing.

[@davidaleshire4292]

My fanny is sitting square and firm on number four. So deeply rooted as to be one with said position. 😆 But I’m having fun with digging myself out. As for problem number one, I kinda look forward to my first rejection letter. Might even frame it. By the way, getting ready to order your books, and wondering if you have anything in the works now.

[@maurvir3197]

I'm stuck in editing hell, even though I can see the work getting better as I go. It's a challenge to call it when a chapter is "good enough" and move on. Jumping around as I find inconsistencies or opportunities to tie things together better helps me stay focused and energized. As for characters, I often find I don't wholly create them in the beginning (at least not consciously) as much as I discover their finer details as I write. That may be weird, but my main characters evolve throughout the project as I fill in their nuances. Little things, like a character who, in the beginning, prides themselves on self-discipline only to be called out for their lack of it by a mentor later, or a character who appears (and in many ways, is) shady, but consistently comes through for those closest to him. A part of why I enjoy writing is getting to know these characters better as they develop.

[@BenavolutionArt]

Have others been able to sample your work? Thus can help you know which direction to go in.

[@maurvir3197]

@@BenavolutionArtYes, though I try not to be a pest about it. Beta reading, even when not "editing" is a chore.

[@BenavolutionArt]

@maurvir3197 OK. They are not editing it, someone else can just read it.

[@TheDukeofMadness]

My number one reason for failing as a writer is lack of focus. When I focus, I can write for hours it seems. But the focus comes rarely.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

It's tough. On Monday and Wednesday of this week, I was laser-focused and super productive. Tuesday and Thursday, less so. Whatever you do, don't beat yourself up too much if you're not focused. Embrace the process. Show up and give yourself a chance. Put words down on the page. Let the ideas come to you.

[@GlendonPerkinsgp]

I’m guilty of discipline issues and confidence, even after 5 times being published for various reason dating all the way back to a high school junior. Now I can assure you medical personnel do all kinds of unhealthy things. I spent 25 years as an x-ray tech and witnessed a wide range of stupid decisions by doctors, nurses, lab techs, surgeons, whoever.

[@GarrettPetersen]

Reason 1: Supply Reason 2: Demand People publish millions of books each year. People read fewer books than they did in the past. For most people it's just going to be a hobby.

[@NiQ_like_Nick]

My reason is having a rigid plan. I had this misbelief that I could just work characters, or just work on plot, or just work on world building then tie it up in a nice bow and move on to the next step...then I find out that I have to go back amd forth in between them all since they build off each other and it takes me a bit switch. I'm the same with building a puzzle... I'm like "oh! i KNOW exactly where that piece goes!" Lol

[@JohnSnow3]

can a publisher steal your story? How to protect your idea the best way possible, do you have to go and secure right, before you even publish your manuscript into a book?

[@mikitz]

Personally, my biggest failure insofar is treating writing as a German engineering project: I have to plan absolutely everything ahead before writing down a single word.

[@Xobik1]

I love to write about an urban fantasy universe I created. Unfortunately, my country and the market does not consume fantasy of any type. B. Sanderson, G. RR Martin and even S. King struggles to be sold here. Game of thrones only started to sell with TV series. It's a lot of difficult to be always motivated to write to people that doesn't like the genre I like to write.

[@reubenmanzo2054]

I think, if anything, the primary contribution to my failure would be it's a long story which takes a while to write. But what I've written so far is published for anyone who wants to see it. Since we're drug dealers, we can consider this a form of advertising. The story takes the characters from the French animated show 'Miraculous Ladybug' and puts them in the context of the reality show 'Survivor'. It can be found on Wattpad and is called 'Miraculous Survivor'. In response to #5, there's one character who wanted nothing more than to be with her best friend. However, when her friend was voted off, she was forced to re-evaluate her motives. Once that happened, her character arc went into full swing. While we're here, is it possible to be too specific in a story?

[@ludovico6890]

Number 3 I might be most guilty of. Too many times I started stories filled with contrived coincidences and characters that had no place in it, just because I thought i had an idea with legs. I could never finish them. But I did revisit them just to remember my past mistakes and sometimes pick up characters from them.

[@kimarous]

I consider "lean into your emotions" problematic advice, as I suffer from depressive spells that drag me ever deeper down and trying to write under those conditions would be absolutely ruinous for my mental health.

[@user-je6zg8rk1v]

Do you think you could make a video about how to write believable young child characters? I always end up making them seem like mindless little creatures rather than human beings and I don't know how to fix it.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

I’ll add this to my list. Thanks!