Rebutting My Harsh Writing Advice

Today I am rebutting some of my own harsh writing advice! All advice has nuance, and mine is no exception. I'm delving into the other side of some of my harshest points!
+TIMESTAMPS+
01:02 Your 1st book is going to suck
02:50 No one cares about your book as much as you do
04:24 Writer's block doesn't exist
06:00 A very important note on mental health & self care
08:24 Sometimes you're not good enough for trad pub
10:12 You have the time to write
12:42 Nothing is original
15:08 No one cares about your memoir
17:14 How you debut matters
18:49 Some writers shouldn't write some ideas
+ RELATED VIDEOS +
Harsh Writing Advice: • HARSH WRITING ADVICE! ...
More Harsh Writing Advice: • MORE Harsh Writing Adv...
Writing Hack: Refill the Well: • Writing Hack: Refill Y...
How To Know If You're a Good Writer? • Are You A Good Writer?...
+ LINKS +
We Need Diverse Books: diversebooks.o...
Let's Talk About Sensitivity Readers by Dhonielle Clayton: www.publishers...
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[@capricioushelen]

When people click on a video called "Harsh Writing Advice" and get mad that the video contains harsh writing advice 🙄 I really liked your advice, younger me definitely could have used a wake up call like that to take me down a peg 😂

[@mosesdouglas2240]

You probably dont care but if you're stoned like me atm then you can watch pretty much all of the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Have been streaming with my gf recently xD

[@wellsmemphis8170]

@Moses Douglas definitely, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself =)

[@grimeydanny4214]

@@wellsmemphis8170 yall this is wild its gotta be the third time ive seen this exact exchange ive never seen bots that come in pairs before kinda unsettling

[@AlexaDonne]

Thank you everyone for watching, and thanks in advance for respectful conversations in the comments! We don't all have to agree, just listen to each other! +TIMESTAMPS+ 01:02 Your 1st book is going to suck 02:50 No one cares about your book as much as you do 04:24 Writer's block doesn't exist 06:00 A very important note on mental health & self care 08:24 Sometimes you're not good enough for trad pub 10:12 You have the time to write 12:42 Nothing is original 15:08 No one cares about your memoir 17:14 How you debut matters 18:49 Some writers shouldn't write some ideas

[@lauramccullagh980]

I needed this today; I've been making all kinds of excuses not to write...I'm 3/4 of the way through my first novel and I keep trying to convince myself that its not a good concept or that nobody will care about it. But if I've cared about it enough to have it sit in my head for over a year and then get this far in it, its worth my time and worth a bit of a kick in the pants. I appreciate your voice as a tough love cheerleader. Thank you

[@AlexaDonne]

We all hit that point! You are not alone. I've been in that phase for my current WIP actually. Just really second guessing myself. But then I went and reread some of my act 2 last night and was kind of shocked that it might be good?! Keep going!

[@lauramccullagh980]

@@AlexaDonne Thank you thank you

[@aimiluu]

We LOVE a self-aware and wise authortuber who isn't discussing what everyone else is. Thank you for the video!

[@lexalina132]

One thing i've found super helpful: i may not have time to write, but i may have time to plan. I work Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and go to school Tuesday Thursday. I work at a daycare keeping tiny humans alive, and naptime and my break is really my only free time during a long af shift; and school is school, that's my focus when i'm there. I have a little notebook with me and i plan during naptime and break. Apparently, making sure small children don't die in their sleep is a really good environment for planning a novel xD i mean, what else am i gonna do? Sit there and stare at them for several hours? X3

[@authoralysmarchand4737]

I find minutes here and there. It adds up. :) I’m taking a break right now, but will be back at it on my phone in a few more minutes. The palace of Versailles isn’t open for another 38 minutes. Writing is a good way of passing time in line. :) (No, I really am.)

[@lexalina132]

@@authoralysmarchand4737 and you're gonna be passing a lot of it. I visited last summer and hooooly cow were those lines nuts! Hope you enjoy it, when you can actually see things (massive crowds) it's lovely but the crowding really just ruined the experience for my family and I...

[@lightquest2]

The titles have literally been “harsh writing advice” and people are mad? Lmao I can’t anymore 😂 Alexa keep doing you and thank you for the content! 🙌🏾

[@staceyklug1274]

lol go figure right smh im loving her

[@aaronwang5204]

BTW-Your comment about nobody being interested in your memoir is the single most spot-on comment in all the "Beginning writer's mistakes" videos on KZbin. I have a friend who is planning on an autobiography as his first book. Literally, no one (besides him) is interested... and I want to point him to your video before he actually starts writing it.

[@AlexaDonne]

Hahaha, point away! I made the point specifically because of SO MANY people on Reddit talking about their memoir and I'm just like "I got bad news for you, bro" :P I had a friend in my mid-20s who did that song & dance too. Was always like "people tell me my life is so interesting and I should write a memoir!" Me: we're 27, please stop.

[@AmethystWoman]

@@AlexaDonne Exactly. I have had a way different life and am now a respectable age for a memoire. I wrote about my life for nano. Even I was so bored by chapter 3.

[@billybubone]

Actually, I would be immensely interested to know more about his writing, if your friend is willing to show others, I would like to see it.

[@philipwarden906]

On the subject of writer's block: I had a friend in a writer's group tell me she believed when you have "writer's block" it just meant the story was getting good and you needed more time to process which way the scene or plot was going. For myself: whenever I feel I'm not making progress on my story, I have a hobby story where I completely self insert and continue it. It helps clear my mind and I'm able to just have fun while I continue to write. I'd definitely recommend having a fun story you don't plan to publish and let it be eternal (my friend is on his 225 chapter). Whether you believe in writer's block or not, it doesn't have to be an end.

[@tessa3474]

I love that you put that message out there about stepping down and allowing marginalized people to tell their stories from their perspectives even though you didn't really want to talk about it. I'm also HERE for your harsh writing advice because how the hell else are we gonna grow if we can't allow ourselves to learn from our flaws? Don't stop being honest. Or harsh ;)

[@lizzychrome7630]

I honestly can't see why any serious writer would "hate" you. Your "harsh" writing advice really isn't, far from. Which is one reason I like your channel so much. Unlike me, you have the ability to say what needs to be said in a very adult and diplomatic manner.

[@MsTheYamification]

I know this video is a few months old, but the truth is that you are exactly the right person to talk about diversity in publishing. The truth of the matter is that if a person of color or a marginalized person discusses the lack of diversity in things, or points out that they many minorities don't necessarily want a white person to tell their stories. we get call snowflakes or we're playing the race card or we're racist against white people. It's as you said, when white people tell the stories of minorities, it takes away the opportunity for the actual minority to tell their own story. You are the exactly right person to talk about these things because, as sad as it is, racism and things of that nature are not "legitimate" until a white person agrees that it exists.

[@JulianGreystoke]

I'm all about harsh writing advice. Even when it makes me sad haha

[@JGVIllustrations]

me too, so sad haha took me a while to recuperate haha

[@SuperHappyNotMerry]

I definitely agree so much with the writers block thing. I often find it's newer writers that tend to romanticize writers block as this magical thing that not only gives you an excuse to not write, but also validates you as a "tortured writer type". But I also think writers block exists in the sense that, for me I didn't write more than 10k cumulatively in almost four years. Getting back into writing after so long without it is a life-saver and even though it's hard work, it is also rediscovering passion. But I definitely didn't have the mental bandwidth to actually write when I was struggling so much with mental health issues. I never called it writers block. I just called it depression. But in the end it was something that was almost literally blocking me from writing.

[@thelaughingstormbornagain1297]

Your advice has been really helpful, I haven't been writing seriously very long but your advice has helped me use that time better.

[@r.brooks5287]

I am already looking forward to your vid on rebutting this Rebutting My Harsh Writing Advice vid. You could title it ''For Those Who Didn't Listen To What I Actually Said the First Two Times''.

[@davontekh]

Publishers are hesitant to publish a writer writing a character from a different POV wow the industry is changing

[@KatSperlingBooks]

"You have to recognize the nuances of advice." Yes. Recognize the nuances and don't be personally offended if advice doesn't apply to you. Just move on. I enjoy your "harsh advice" videos and I don't think disclaimers are needed! But then again... we're on the internet ;).

[@AlexaDonne]

I get comments rolling in on those videos a lot where I'm like "wow you took this video very seriously! Chill!" haha

[@KatSperlingBooks]

@@AlexaDonne I think that's from people who deep down know you're right, but they don't want to admit it to themselves, because it's easier to blame you than to hear hard truths and work on yourself ;).

[@Amyreadsalot]

I found your channel recently, and I have probably watched two dozen videos in a couple of weeks. I liked you and your style from the very first one, but this is the video where I decided I love you, in a completely platonic youtube fan sort of way. The way that you can see all sides of a subject and present it in a genuine way that doesn't seem hypocritical and means different things to different people is so mature and proves how passionate and knowledgeable you are about what you are talking about. Thanks so much for making these videos and sharing your take.

[@animatorgeek]

Thank you for your thoughts on "own voice." I struggle with this, since I've always been more interested in writing about women and girls, but I'm a man. I hate the thought that I would be taking the spot of someone writing in their own voice. At the same time, I really like the idea of writing about characters who haven't been as well represented historically. Writing and publishing aren't zero-sum games but it means that I'm giving thought to whether I should try to refocus my writing goals.

[@AlexaDonne]

I do think that men writing women and women writing men is a different ballgame! There are plenty of male writers who write amazing female characters, and I wouldn't want them to stop? Like one of my all-time favorite book series is Thursday Next, written by a man with a female lead. I felt so seen/represented in that book, and it didn't matter who the author was. So I wouldn't worry too much about that aspect, as long as you're thoughtful :)

[@CassTeaElle]

You're not taking anyone else's spot. There aren't a finite amount of spots available. You writing about woman doesn't stop women from also writing about women. Don't worry about it! I just finished a novel written from the male POV and I had a blast and didn't think twice about it. The only thing I worried at all about was making sure that the voice sounded realistic and my own femininity wasn't seeping into his character too much. I also did some research to see what people find stereotypical about male POVs, so as to avoid those things.

[@francisthompson3772]

@@CassTeaElle If you ask me, it should be possible to flip the gender for the character without problems. But I know the majority of people think women&men are different mentally.

[@angelawossname]

A lot of male authors write female protaganists without being aware of their own male privelege, and some male authors do a very good job at portraying female protaganists. After you write your book, get someone, preferably a woman, who has some background in gender studies to read through your work. There are threads dedicated to male writers who have no idea about how to write female characters, and women go there to laugh at them. Choose not to be included in those.

[@AmethystWoman]

Without malice in your heart, it's all good. Stop apologizing for your truth. Your truth. Listeners should know this is your experience, you can't speak for all of anything. Listeners oughta know that.

[@2nuh761]

Love these personal rebuttals! This is my brain 24/7. Thanks!

[@katieorf1987]

I was actually really happy to hear you talk about diversity. I think a lot of people are too afraid to mention it and you handled it well.

[@paigedolan9716]

I LOVED your harsh writing advice! I really needed that. You shouldn't feel the need to justify yourself - love your videos and your advice.

[@JGVIllustrations]

I'll be honest, those past harsh writing advice videos of yours did make me feel pretty shitty about myself, but seeing this "rebuttal" (which I know aren't really rebuttals, but I appreciate the nuance) video makes me a lot better. Thank you for making this! I also really appreciate you talking about mental health and dealing with the imposter syndrome as a creative---your way of talking about it was perfectly put and compassionate. This is probably one of my fav videos of yours now, thank you thank you!

[@AlexaDonne]

I'm so glad you liked it! What's funny is I made this outline almost immediately after I posted my first Harsh Writing Advice video, knowing it would be needed. But things just kind of got away from me, which is why I left it until now. Glad it's out there now!

[@JGVIllustrations]

@@AlexaDonne Better late than never! Thanks again

[@maurapukiki]

Thanks Alexa ❤️could you make a video about genres/tropes that you think will be coming back soon?

[@jennifer9567]

Always love your videos Alexa! I completely agree with your writers block idea! If you are "scared" of it, then it will stop you, especially when things get hard. Can't wait for your next video! ❤

[@melissaknowlton3436]

Your videos have helped me continue to work on my NaNoWriMo since November. Bc of your channel, I’ll be finishing my first first draft in a few weeks. Thank you Alexa!!

[@AlexaDonne]

That is so great to hear!!! I'm so proud of everyone for pushing through on drafts! I love hearing it :)

[@MissHolliday3110]

I am seeing more diversity in literature, which is great. Books with protagonists of color are becoming popular . I don't think white authors should shy away from including people of other races as main characters. I think hiring an editor who specializes in "sensitivity" or having a critique partner that is part of that culture is a good idea to add perspective.

[@KJM_Writes]

In response to the last point, while I agree that this is important to consider, I think the reasoning that says your book might be taking space or opportunity away from a minority author is a little dangerous. As I say, it is important to consider, but sometimes you are the person who is there, who has shown up, who is capable, who has the position of privilege to be able to write the book about a marginalised character, while the marginalised writer is still being marginalised. What I’m trying to say, and I hope it comes across to others, is that if you don’t write the book, who else will? In Alexa’s advice, there’s an inherent assumption that someone else will carry that torch, but that won’t always be the case. Maybe the better harsh advice is that you need to consider this because you don’t want to be the kind of ass who writes a book about an LGBTQ person of colour who is disabled and underprivileged just so you can score minority points and increase your chances of selling a book. Don’t be that guy. But if you’re genuinely giving a voice to something which isn’t getting a lot of attention, maybe you should follow it up. Just know that it might be a long time before the industry is ready for your message. I hope that makes sense and is helpful. As I said at the start, this is really important to consider and motive, undercurrent, and subtext is a part of that. 👍 Another very valuable advice video.

[@JustinDLink]

I think the general concept of this is: If you are a straight white male and want to write about a gay black lesbian fighting crime or saving the galaxy, go ahead. But if you want to write about what it was like to grow up as a gay black lesbian in the projects, maybe you should let an ACTUAL gay black lesbian tell that story...

[@madmadame1508]

I appreciate you so much for your videos in general and for the last point specifically. You get it and thank you for speaking this truth. I am a fantasy fiction writer who centers black and queer voices into my work, but I still check myself and sound off with the people who are in the communities I write about. I've scrapped characters or ideas because that's not my lane, and that's fine. I'm sorry that you'll get lot of flack for this, your willingness to will eventually create the space for us to do it ourselves.

[@AlexaDonne]

I have to check myself all the time. I've had friends sensitivity read identities I share, just to check for my own ignorance/biases about things. Like you, I've had to make hard decisions about a character or storyline, or even just a one-liner, that I realized was just outside my lane/could possibly hurt someone--or just that even if I did it pretty damn well, like 90% great, it would never hit that 100% that someone who had lived that experience would write. The question is always: is this the time and place to write this? Am I the right writer for this right now? And I'll probably still mess up! None of the work is easy, but I do hope writers realize that while it's hard, it's worth doing?

[@madmadame1508]

@@AlexaDonne These are important questions to ask and I wish people were more okay wit the answer being "no" or "not right now." Will I do my best to create further spaces for diverse characters and stories? Yes. But I am also perfectly fine with holding space so that those better suited for it can do it themselves. I don't need a seat at every table.

[@JustinDLink]

So many people taking issue with your last point about who should write what stories... I think the general concept of this is: If you are a straight white male and want to write about a gay black lesbian fighting crime or saving the galaxy, go ahead. But if you want to write about what it was like to grow up as a gay black lesbian in the projects, maybe you should let an ACTUAL gay black lesbian tell that story... That is the issue people talk about with #ownvoices stories. As a straight, white male, I have gay and non white characters in my stories, but I am not trying to explain what it is like to be that particular person.

[@AmethystWoman]

Love this difference. It's respectful.

[@nisaryan9539]

Thank you SO so much for touching on mental health, this is such an important aspect that very few people mention. Ah, and the "don't have time to write" I find that using the note app on my phone is great for when I'm out and about, I even sometimes whip out my Gmail and email notes and comments to myself in a series of chain emails (to myself) and when my kids go to bed at night I make a point of writing at least for 30 minutes - I'd rather spend 30 minutes to make a habit and only write a few lines than not write at all. However, I do make a point to take Sunday nights off to what a movie or just relax. I've managed to build myself up to writing 1k to 2k on a good night but as little as 200 on a slow night. But again, a little is more than none.

[@sophiacanavan]

I ❤️ these videos so so so much!!!! (Also, I recently started reading Brightly Burning, and I am LOVING it)

[@mirandawilson8941]

Great video, Alexa! People always seem to get so offended by things these days, yet constantly put themselves in a position to be offended. I started watching your videos after someone in a Facebook group I'm in posted your Harsh Writing Advice video...and I LOVED IT. It was so much of what I needed to hear. I've saved the video so I can keep going back to it to watch when I need a little tough love. Did that video make me sad and feel a little down? Yes...but did it also kick my butt into gear to be a better writer and person? HELL YES. Everything will always offend someone, just know that a majority of us loved the video and the advice. Thank for being real and wanting to help others be better writers.

[@angelawossname]

You can still include diversity without making it from the POV of your MC. A supporting character is also good, and you can always hire a qualified, educated sensitivity reader to help you. From a disabled gay person with a Jewish father and an indigenous mother.

[@entrippyxo]

I watched your harsh writing advice video on Day 1 of my writing process and i LOVED hearing your harsh truths!

[@edgarsketches]

You said everything right. Everyone needs to be very careful to not incorrectly represent other people's experiences!

[@nocturnus009]

This [as was the case for the prior harsh advance videos] was great to see. It's better the discussion happens here. We can only exist it the reality that is established until it changes. Hopefully for the better, but there will be progression & regression.

[@chaicoffeecup]

I'm working on my first book atm and your harsh writing advice helped me a lot! Thank you sm

[@aylin7925]

Thank you for this video! Makes me rethink everything I have planned and hopefully it leads to something good!

[@livmilesparanormalromanceb6891]

Two videos in one day?! ❤❤❤ girl you on fire!!!

[@anikaarrington5614]

I appreciate that you add the caveat that "this is the state of the market, not a personal commentary on you!" to many points of your advice. I will say though, that talking about "taking a space that could be filled by someone else" comes from a place of scarcity. One publishing house may have a limited number of spots per year, but you know as well as anyone that good fiction can find a home as long as it keeps looking. I agree with many of the ideas surrounding the #ownvoices movement- especially that we need to open spaces for others to tell their stories and that this is particularly important in children's and YA books. I do not, however, agree that self censorship serves that end at all. There is room for all the creativity of all people. I'm not questioning your choice to not write that book right now. Your choices for your writing and career are your own and you owe no one an explanation. But I hope one day you'll give yourself permission to explore your ideas, even if they never see publication. Stifling ourselves serves no one.

[@CassTeaElle]

I definitely agree with this. There are not a finite number of seats at the table. Everyone can write what they want to write, and a straight person writing a book about a gay protagonist isnt going to stop a gay author from also writing a book about a gay protagonist. I would also add that I think the better book should be the one published, regardless of the orientation of the person who wrote it. If it's a good book, it's a good book. Determining a book isn't good because of the orientation or gender or race of the author, is discrimination.

[@JoshTorresMusic]

@@CassTeaElle underrated comment. It seems that in trying to combat discrimination, the entertainment industry, be it publishing, tv, film, etc, still continues to discriminate one way or the other.

[@AmethystWoman]

@@CassTeaElle I would feel so angry to find out a person writing about coming out never had. It's not about room at the table for me, it's about authenticity and not duping your audience. I wrote about this above. Don't write as if you have CP if you barely even know what it is. It will sound fake.

[@cifge_404]

You know what I'm sick of? The flip side of that. Every time I think of a new story, I'm always afraid when I realize that none of the characters I think of are ever black, or Asian, or Hispanic, or gay, or trans, or whoever else I have to include to be a good little American who truly supports freedom and equality. I'm sick of constantly worrying about whether or not my cast is "diverse enough" for the angry name-callers and screaming witches who will undoubtedly read it. I'm tired of these people thinking they're doing their precious little minority friends a favor by yelling and screaming at me for not including them. Well, excuse me, thin-skinned little wuss, why don't you take your stupid ball and go play with them yourself? This doesn't just happen to me with my stories, either. I'm equally worried about it when I decide to finally start an American Girl KZbin channel. What would people say if I don't really want a black doll in my collection? I don't hate black people, I just have a list of dolls that I want, and a doll with dark skin just happens to be absent from that list. So what? Why by the burning fury of Din's fire do you care? The level of sensitivity people have these days is exhausting, and at this point I'm tired of being so careful not to accidentally poke someone. Hey, stupid, you're the one who's up in my personal space. It's not like I could do anything to please them, either, because whether or not I include this character with some sort of label stuck on them, it's racist and/or homophobic. If I'm not being racist/homophobic for excluding these kinds of characters, I'm being racist/homophobic for including this stereotype or doing this thing to them with the plot that obviously means I think black people are stupid.

[@tortiecatman]

Thank you for saying this. It adds nuance and reassurance to Alexa's last point.

[@katstar4551]

I am not gay, but I grew up with lesbian parents, so I think I have a better voice than most to talk about that kind of situation

[@angelawossname]

That's because you've probably had to witness your mothers' lack of privelege, through no fault of their own. As a mother of a trans person married to another trans person (who also loves and accepts them, btw), I probably have more idea what it is like for them than most cis people. Not entirely, but probably enough to write a believable character in a book. I'd still probably ask for their opinions and input.

[@Katyayay]

I loved your harsh advice! I'd been feeling down about my writing dreams and watching your video gave me so much motivation! It gave me that feeling that made me want to write in the first place, that excited/terrified feeling. Everything you said was exactly what I needed to hear :)

[@purpleghost106]

Rewatching this again, it's one of my favourite of your videos. It gives me motivation and hope

[@apriltaylor8923]

Love the flip side of your harsh advice. Thanks for the valuable take on writing and writing advice.

[@dear_totheheart]

The second that someone is "allowed" or "not allowed" to produce content based on uncontrollable demographics is the moment that art, truth, and the value of the individual is limited and oppressed. I absolutely disagree with that point though I appreciate the approach and intentionality of this viewpoint and realizing the reality of the market. Overall, very good rebuttal and standing by your points and sharing the reasons for your advice

[@catcreme]

I love your first two videos, they were a wake-up call but I already knew all of that. Just needed a reminder. I love this one just as much. What you said about not everyone is right for every story, I agree completely. I could never write a good and accurate diverse book with different ethnicities, or even sexualities, no matter how good my research skills are. I just don't want to offend anyone with poor representation bc of my privilege which makes me so blind to so many nuanced life perspectives. And I'm sure tons of other people will do a much better job than me.

[@storyworldofem]

I love those harsh writing advice videos!! Real life is harsh! And added on top of that, I'm going to film school and in that world advice and feedback is haaarsh. I've got iron skin!

[@NicoleCreates]

No thumbs down, here. I agree with everything you've said, in both videos, and I wish more people had the intestinal fortitude to consider themselves and their motivations objectively. If they did, they probably wouldn't be getting all caught up in their feelings. I also don't think any of the advice was harsh but, unfortunately, in a culture hyper-sensitized to outrage, even simple truthfulness can seem like an attack. I say keep it up!

[@NicoleCreates]

I more got the feeling she was warning people about what the trad pub industry is doing right now, and asking people to really think about their motivations for writing certain stories. The truth is that minority voices have been squeezed out more often than not till now, and it's worth thinking about whether you're the right person to write and publish a story. That doesn't mean you can't. I get the feeling it's more about asking yourself whether you should. But as far as censorship, I'm completely with you. It's worth it to have a conversation about whether we SHOULD say something, but I don't think anyone should ever tell us whether we can or can't.

[@ScamallDorcha]

I agree with your take on the different perspective writing point. I am writing a POV character with a background very different from mine. When I was brainstorming the idea, I didn't take into account how difficult it would be to do justice to such a character. I didn't want to change the POV character because the background is important to the story. I decided I would just write them as an American because I didn't want to write a character with stereotypes or that seems forced, not organic. I can definitely see how writing an American visiting a foreign country would be even harder than my creative project.

[@JGVIllustrations]

Also your last point was super well put, however difficult it is to talk about. If you get hate from saying we should all be self-aware about our privileges, don't listen to that hate

[@EmilynWood]

Thank you for being real about the publishing industry. Not very many people talk about the idea that it's good to be considerate of other writers who are more qualified to tell the story you want to write. I didn't know that agents looked for writers who were the same demographic as their main character. That makes me feel better about drawing from myself for many of my main characters.

[@BiblioAtlas]

How is it possible to agree with this & your other two videos? 🤔 I'm so happy you mentioned the 'space at the table' it's such an amazing quality we can all develop more. 💞

[@englishnerd5580]

Nice! These disclaimers and qualifications are awesome. Thanks, Alexa!

[@julieswahn9887]

your mental stamina is both invigorating and deflating.. but overall i admire the hell out of you, alexa. this video was a goodie.

[@rc1239]

Well said. If I may, if you wish to write about someone from another culture, critically examine your reasons for doing so. Stay aware of harmful stereotypes that perpetuate negativity and do your best to create nuanced characters that are more than their tropes. Research. Research. Research! Nothing shows insensitivity or ignorance better than a lack of research. Look up information on the culture you’re writing about; talk to people from that culture and get their feedback on what you are doing. If they say something is insensitive or wrong, listen to them. Fix it, remember it for the next time, and move on. Nothing is going to be perfect. React with understanding and a desire to do better. You can only help yourself in the long run.

[@badomensscroll]

"Your book is going to suck, all first drafts suck, but write it ANYWAY" really tho, the best advice

[@dominika1348]

Thank you for your honesty and commitment to help us. I really appreciate 🤗

[@chelsea.utecht]

I really appreciated your harsh advice. I have written "Writer's block isn't real. Inspiration is for people don't finish books" on my notebook as a reminder. I don't think you should have to rebut anything.

[@savannamiller4816]

When I get "writer's block" I plan out scenes in my book on paper. it is not the first book that I've begun to write but it is the one is the first one that I would like to get published. So this book is technically not the my first book it is just the first one that I really really am attached to and want to publish

[@tyd2877]

Do you think the story "A Child Called It" was an exception to your "non-famous person memoir" I feel that was very successful and the writer wasn't famous nor a previous writer?

[@authoralysmarchand4737]

Something I deal with is that I like to include diversity in my books through supporting and peripheral characters, such as someone who may be gay, or a different race, since, even if I am not the one to tell a story itself through the eyes of some who is lacks a privilege I have, I can at least shine some light on the fact that these people exist in our world. A best friend might be a black woman, or an ex-boyfriend of the white woman lead might be a black man, or a couple people in a college class might be Muslim (I'm atheist, which isn't exactly a religious privilege, but no one would look at me and attack me), or a step-brother might be gay But I have had several people ask why I won't use one of those characters as a main character, and have been accused of a few different -isms for not. I'm really not sure if it would be better to nix supporting and peripheral characters who aren't straight cis white people, or if I should continue having them in the books I write. I'd really appreciate some input on this.

[@AlexaDonne]

To be honest, you can't make everyone happy. It's very tough to navigate. Another thing one has to be careful about is using marginalized characters as props, or defaulting to certain stereotypes in those supporting characters. I personally err on the side of--I'm not the right person to center that character in the narrative, but I really hope someone else does! That might change, but there's where I've landed right now. And so then I just focus on looking for areas of bias/ignorance in my side characters and do my best not to fall into any common traps (like white savior tropes).

[@neddythestylish4296]

There are some situations in which you can write the book, and some in which you can't. Some characters can be absolutely any race/ethnic background and the story works out much the same way bar a few little details. There are others in which it's absolutely central to the narrative. For example, The Hate U Give is so intimately about the experience of being a black teenager and facing the injustice of police brutality from that angle that I think it would be inappropriate for a white person to set out to write that kind of book. We'll never fully understand the experience, and there are plenty of talented black writers who can tell these stories better. From what you've said, though, I'd be really wary of including the black best friend / sidekick character. It's a trope that many PoC have got a bit fed up with. You can write a white protagonist with black friends, but you need to consider how those characters can shine as individuals who are just as interesting and complex as the MC. Otherwise it brings in the awkward dynamic of a PoC who's there to prop up the white person's story. This is something that happens a lot. Far and away the most important thing is that the characters should be good, complex characters, with interesting personalities that do not focus on their particular marginalised identity. Avoid stereotypes and weird power dynamics and you're off to a good start.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

All I can do is agree with Prachett. That's exactly what fantasy is for. ;o)

[@authoralysmarchand4737]

I can’t stand characters who are just filler or who exist just to be saved or who are props. Regardless of race, if that’s all a character will be, I either nix them or am as vague as possible. Not every background character killed in a battle is getting developed, for example. But named characters always have stupidly in-depth backstories and motivations, strengths, weaknesses, positive attributes, negative traits, etc. This includes protagonists. Mine can be evil, but I like them to have more depth. That’s why my favorite Disney villains, for instance, are Facilier and Frodo. I don’t know if you were ever a reader of the Babysitters Club books, but holy tokenism, Batman.

[@angelawossname]

Please keep including them, young lgbt people don't like to read about worlds where they don't deserve to exist. You can always get a senstivity reader. Love from a gay black Jew.

[@gummybears4lunch]

I'm legally blind with a degenerative disease . Very specific life experiences color my representation of disability. Where is the line between self insert and writing to a disabled audience? I only truly "get" the struggles of a person similar to myself. On that note, I find the idea of stories written ABOUT blindness very unappealing. Now a story about a character on an epic quest who struggles against the odds and their blindness the whole way, that sounds better.

[@LauraWilsonAnderson]

So... if your ms has four POVs, none of them the same as far as background, do you think that's going to be a deterrent as far as agents go? Love your videos, btw. I binged 12 hours worth the other day, lol.

[@Captain0Newman]

Great, necessary, completed. More harsh advice please, it’s the most helpful 😈

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

I completely agree with all of these. Especially the last one.

[@Lili-zv5bo]

Hi, thank you for this video, it helped a lot, I have a question though about your last point. I'm currently writing a fantasy story about heroes having to face many dangers and save the world and my MC happens to be gay (but it does not affect the story, it's only relevant because he is going to end up with a guy -another of my MCs), but the thing is, I'm not gay, I'm asexual. Does this kind of story also go with the "this is not your story to tell" thing you explained? Or is it more related to stories that are centered on how it is for someone to be gay/part of a minority as the example you gave?

[@Lili-zv5bo]

@Rhea Prasad Well I know that sex doesn't equal love because as I said, I'm asexual too..? My question was about the fact that I wasn't sure if me not being gay would fall into the problem of telling someone else's story as she explained in the video. But yeah I've made research since them and I understand more easily now what she meant by that

[@aprildoucette2886]

Hi Alexa! So quick question... I'm in a,wheelchair so would that be good for me to write my main character in a wheelchair or ... ? I'm just trying to understand being the right person to tell a,story? I have soooo many questions all the time with your awesome content. You often help the wheels turn in my mind. ;) lol Thank you so so sooo much for all you do!

[@ballingliketheraptors7041]

Honestly this is still encouraging, all these advice take the weight off of a beginners shoulders

[@jojogodtier]

Got it. If my characters skin and background aren't exactly like me. Mr publisher will wag his finger. "Nuh uh. You cant do that."

[@KimsLantern]

Realistic and practical advice. Thank-you for this.

[@daisyhinojosa23]

Love your harsh writing advice!!! We need to hear it 👂

[@guarddog318]

I've come to the conclusion that Mental Health and Writing are mutually exclusive, due to the fact you have to be crazy to get involved with this stuff.

[@mckenziestaley9063]

I love how you can see on both sides of the spectrum.

[@JensLemonadeLife]

I appreciate your comments on mental health

[@nviz47]

I like your harsh advice! Some more valid than others for each person guys, yk? But also thank you for this...qualifying video (I think this will help people apply ideas and context soo no harm). :) appreciate the acknowledgments for mental health and wellbeing - theres a TED TALK by the author of eat pray love about creative genius and protecting ourselves, its old but good. Recommend for sure!

[@ThanhTriet600]

24:20 Shit, my POV protagonist is an alien. Guess that won't be published.

[@fmluta]

You shouldn't have to rebuttal. Aspiring authors are going to hear negativity and no's and haters their whole writing careers. Thicken their skin. Learn from criticism. We are not gods. We must work at what we do. Writing is a craft, a trade. Why do all trades have apprenticeship programs? Because someone needs to tell the apprentice where they need to improve. And occasionally an electrician just cannot be an electrician, or at least not to "code", not to industry standards or marketable quality. Those wrapped up in their snowflake mentality, write about that then take the heat and feel yourself melt away. Then realize snowflakes are too fragile to exist. Come back ice-strong and write your melting experience and use it. But if a confident intelligent youTube content creator can de-rail you from afar, then you are missing the point. Listen. Learn. Grow. Try. Fail. And repeat. Then at some point the result will be different. The greats all studied. They read. They were critiqued. They stumbled. But they got back up. Keep being honest, Alexa. We all need the truth. You share great tips that aren't cookie cutter silver spoon fed rehashes from other youTube channels. Haters gonna hate. Giving-uppers gonna give-up. Thanks!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Another GREAT video, Alexa!!! AND ... Maybe it's for "being punchy" again... BUT my only suggestion would be regarding "Rebutting" in the title and theme... I think the technicality of precision, here, would be best suited by "For Clarification" or perhaps something about bringing up the "Nuances". I get it, dramatic words and views, and all... Even melodrama is sales-worthy(?). In any case, that's the only thing I didn't really agree with, since in "true" rebuttal form, you'd be specifically pointing out how you disagree with earlier sentiments, and you stand by every point... for purpose. I totally agree with you. The market is HUGE, and one person can't altogether speak for every niche and corner. Similarly, only some minor fragment(s) actually care about any one particular genre or setting or theme at a time, so no particular writer is overtly cottled and propped up without establishment... That "doing the time to earn the stripes" thing everyone talks about in every other profession. Finding one's place of passion and a neat little perch to grow and earn and build something remarkable is a long LONG road. Best be relatively sure of one's self and one's processes before suddenly regarding anything with "Yep, I can do that." In the 90's there was a big running theme from wrestlers doing commercials, with the motto, "You gotta WANT it!" ...so... ...maybe that. ;o)

[@catherineskidmore1445]

I’m writing a book for the first time, but how do you recommend trying to get an agent as a newbie?!

[@raggedyanarchist]

My first novel was about Navajo skin walkers. I actually finished it before I realized it kinda wasn't my story to tell. And yeah, I did MONTHS of research on the dang thing. I'm at peace with the decision not to let it see the light of day though, and there are some passages I could definitely adapt into short stories. I love your harsh writing advice! I mean, I follow lots of those sweet demure BookTuber girls like Vivien Reis and Ellen Brock and they've given me lots of useful advice about the craft, but you scare me into actually getting work done. ;)

[@CassTeaElle]

That makes me sad :/ why would you shelf a book you were passionate about and worked so hard on just because of some arbitrary rule that is, at its core, discriminatory? You are just as worthy of writing that story as anyone else, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise, just because of the color of your skin. I just finished writing a book about a murderer, and I'm pretty sure last time I checked I've never killed anyone. This is what writers do. We research and we write characters who are different than us. If we didn't, all of our stories would be boring and exactly the same.

[@CassTeaElle]

Think about it this way: if anyone was sitting here telling a person of color that they aren't allowed to write the book they're writing because it's about a white person, NOBODY would accept that! Everyone on planet earth would recognize that's racial discrimination. There is no difference here. You should not listen to people who tell you you can't do something just because of your race, age, gender, sexuality, etc. It's bullshit and it's wrong.

[@second2none914]

CassTeaElle you’re really triggered, but if you want to right a book about a POC from your privileged position have fun. It won’t get published.

[@angelawossname]

Have you thought about hiring an indigenous American consultant, and then crediting them in the book? It's the same sort of stuff I do but for indigenous Australian content.

[@april_collins]

This is the most honest advice I've ever heard Alexa

[@CmdrSmurfb247]

Alexa, I know you are a pantser and one question I have is this in your opinion which of the following do you think will get the publishing the easiet(Plotter, Plotser, Pantser).

[@Princesshadassha]

Last point you are right!

[@LadyofLetters]

I love your harsh writing advice

[@hiplessboy]

I'm a POC writer, and all that stuff in the video you didn't want to talk about? But did? You did it well. Well done. Thank you.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

This has a very Summa feel. (Google Thomas Aquinas and see how he writes his arguments). I like it.

[@cynthiau4751]

Your last point was well summarized and measured. Any new author will be doing a disservice to themselves if they don't understand the climate we are in. As you said, is not a trend is a movement that is here to stay. A perfect example of this being - 10 years, 20 years even 5 years ago - any person from any background could have written "Crazy Rich Asian" and no one would bat an eye. But in today's climate and moving forward only a "Kevin Kwan" or an Asian author can write that story for it to be successful and without controversy. People can say is not fair and so forth....... This is just where we are.

[@CassTeaElle]

So I was discussing the last point on this video recently, and I had something else to add. I've heard from several people recently that, as people who have had experience with difficult subjects like abuse or mental illness, they would LOVE to see more of it in fiction, but they do NOT want to be the ones to write it. Writing fiction is an escape for them, and they don't want to write about characters that are exactly like them, or especially characters who go through the same trauma as them, as that can be triggering and not fun to write about. So I do worry that there is a danger in discouraging people from writing about those difficult subjects unless they have personal experience with it. Because that leaves it all on the backs of the people who HAVE experienced those things, and a lot of times those people really don't want to write about those subjects. So if we only allow them to write it, and they don't want to write it because it's triggering or they just don't want to write a whole book about autism just because they are autistic, then we will be left right back where we used to be: with little to no representation of any of those issues. Or, possibly worse, with making writers who have gone through tough things feel like they have some kind of duty to write about those things, even if it is harmful to them or causes them a lot of stress. So again, I'm just going to have to disagree with that point. I think representation and diversity is really important, and I think we will have more of it if we encourage everyone to consider writing those subjects and those characters. As long as they do their research, desire to represent the situation well, and utilize sensitivity readers, I think it will do WAY more good than harm to encourage those stories to be written.

[@angelawossname]

Totally agree. Sensitivity readers are a thing now. It's an area I've been starting to get into myself. I'm disabled, gay, have an aboriginal mother and a Jewish father, and a BA majoring in English. I love doing it. You have to be gentle with your writers because most of them absolutely don't want to be offensive or upset anyone. I have writers ask me "Can I write this?" (Usually about indigenous issues) and I'll reply "Yes, but you need to hire a sensitivity reader or a consultant, and credit them in the book".

[@rebekahlaurence3834]

Hi Alexa. I just wanted to say you are the guide holding the light in a dark tunnel, leading all of us who are new to this crazy world to the end where success lies with your amazing advice. I watched your agent story video yesterday where you talked about your first and second novels being shelved. Do you ever think you would try to edit and pitch them again to send them out into the world or just let them rest aside in dust as you crank out new ideas? I ask this because I have at least 2 or 3 that are not going anywhere atm, but I'd still love to see them in print someday. Not the end of the world if they do not though. :)

[@AlexaDonne]

My first two books I think are permanently dead for traditional publishing, but I would consider self-publishing them or putting them on Wattpad. I also either already have done or plan on mining those books for my fave bits to use them in new stories. I've grown so much as a writer, so I would want to write new books to put out there. I'm slightly embarrassed by my earlier books haha. They're fun! But not as polished or expertly executed, craft wise, as my later work. That's where I am on it :)

[@rebekahlaurence3834]

@@AlexaDonne Thank you for the reply, Alexa. I figured you'd probably put them away for good and I don't blame you for taking pieces from those novels and weaving them into current projects. I'm doing the same with a 330 page novel of mine from high school that has no plot. Lol. It's funny how much writing evolves; it's never the same as it was two, three or five years back. I'd love to see your two books self-published or on wattpad. They sounded pretty interesting and I would love to see where you went with their stories if you ever release them. Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading Brightly Burning this week as well as The Stars We Steal when it comes out. Very exciting! I've read a few pages of the first on Amazon and I had to get my hands on a copy as you hooked me with the first line. I wish you all the best and good luck moving up in the YA publishing world!

[@sekkien1]

Is it a bad idea to end the first book in a series with a cliffhanger??

[@yurilookingforhisvictor7674]

I know this is an old video, but I have a question. *PLEASE SEE IT.* I'm telling the story of a gay Puerto Rican man. I'm white. But I'm also gay, and I was married to a Puerto Rican at the time I started writing this. Do I have anything to be worried about? NOTE: He's still in my life and has personally helped me with the occasional translations I need when Spanish is occasional inserted. His ethnicity doesn't come up often though, as it isn't the focus. There's tons of other stuff going on.

[@eepmeep8550]

And here I am, thinking maybe one day I'll rework my HP fanfiction into a gothic horror catholic boarding school for wizards. Oh no! I'm not catholic (or religious) and have no intention of fairly and accurately representing the religion! Whatever shall I do?

[@harmonybearML]

Do you think the same rules apply for fantasy as contemporary? That is, if a writer chooses to base a race or a world in their fantasy novel off of a culture that is not their own cultural background, would that be frowned up on in the same way?

[@jurysout1]

My own take on this is that no rebuttal was necessary. All the harsh advice was well-intentioned and appropriate. Of course not all first books suck. if they did then we would never have heard of James Bond or George Smiley, both of whom appeared in first books. I got the point about the first draft. Writing 'The End' after grinding out 80,000+ words for the first time would make anyone want to dance around the room but by telling us that it probably sucks only drives home how much work is needed to make it a saleable book. Likewise with the 'No-one cares' advice. Just because you're pouring all your time and emotional energy into writing doesn't mean you can rely on the time and energy of others. Just feel fortunate that you have a 'happy place' to go to when you set aside the time to write; a place to let your imagination run riot, build characters and tell stories.

[@Blastarr1]

I have run into some of this too. I run a transgender support group on Facebook and I get push back from a few because I am cis and white and male and straight. Some feel that i should not run a group or make comments or posts, etc... But I have over 10,400 members and many do love me for what I do and more. But thank you for this.

[@calypso_lazuli]

@Blastarr1. I think Alexa is speaking through the lenses of a publisher/editor who is weary about a cis white person writing through a main POV of a marginized MC, I'm not trying to put words in Alexa's mouth, but that's what I took away from what she was saying. On a personal basis, I appreciate it when I see MCs who are gay or non-white written by cis white people, but I think possibly legally there may be issues there if let's say a group of marginized people are offended by something, case in point this has happened recently with IT 2 and in a sense also happened with American Horror Story. I remember back in the day issues arose with stories written with exclusive male white characters like Lord of the Rings, which believe it or not, after the movies became popular there were many people calling the character development of the original manuscript racist, and this still continues to this day, just the other day on reddit there was discussion about creating fantastical races based upon real world cultures and its relationship to possible racial/cultural insensitivity.

[@sharonefee1426]

What I write now represents the "while straight male", but later another character gets a lot of space and it's non-white. Both are from a different kingdom, one comes from a cold country (where bright is skin is not rare) and the other from a hotter one (where some surely can have darker skin). No real countries though.. But... I must say... I didn't think about it much when I started. One is based on a real person (I know, I know, I'm unoriginal), and the other... ask my brain why it decided him to have dark skin. I don't live in the USA, but I live in a quite colorful country (people and nature), but still. as you tend to see on TV white characters... it has its impact (Did you know? When TV was colorless. people tended to dream in black and white). So... now that I'm more aware of the need to describe skin color as well... still far from perfect, but there 3 characters with darker skin (one really minor with extremely dark skin, but really, I'm tired of looking skin colors...) of the other quite main, 6 are white. One is from the cold country, three are royals who tend to be a lot in the palace, one is based on my friend appearance (and she's quite white), and one.. I don't know, felt too lazy to describe her skin, though I guess a bit darker tone may work for her as she's responsible to water the planets, but as I said... I'd had enough of searching for skin colours.

[@KatharineFrancis]

I agree with pretty much all of this but the part where you can’t tell certain stories. What if a really good book gets shot down simply because it was a rich person talking about a teen growing up in the projects? Or something else like that. Imagine if they did that to all the past books. It honestly shouldn’t matter who is writing the story as long as it’s does respectfully and well researched. I never grew up in the projects but I have plenty of friends who’ve had and they’re always telling me the crazy things that go down in their area.

[@CassTeaElle]

Completelt agree. The weird thing is that Alexa even talks, in the video, about some different books like that that were really influential and good and opened her mind to new perspectives... but then she says we are now questioning who is allowed to write those books. So... what does that mean? That the world would be better and we would all be better people if all of those good, influential books didn't exist? I don't think so.

[@marionleblanc8580]

Thanks Alexa! I discovered your channel some weeks ago and I'm binging your videos. It's really motivating to hear advice from a writer both so nuanced and kind as you are. Quick question related to your last point (sorry, I know you're tired of talking about it): what is your opinion about fantasy worlds based non-western cultures? I'm working on a project set in an ancient China type setting, and the problem of stealing somebody else's voice is something I worry about, even if I don't believe deep down what I do is morally wrong. Do you think that's also a big no-no in the publishing world? I write for adults, so my hope is that the book doesn't have the "burden of education" I'd place on a book targeting YA or younger. What do you think about sensitivity readers in a fantasy universe that's necessarily not going to be 'accurate' to anything (the same way traditional western inspired fantasy isn't accurate to medieval Europe, but became its own thing)? Do you think the project is doomed from the start, or does it have a shot at publication?

[@angelxxsin]

You're in a very similar situation as me.

[@AlexaDonne]

The adult areas of publishing haven't started having these reckonings, though I imagine they will. Generally, my thinking here is to do real soul searching about using non-Western cultures as inspiration, especially when you're plopping white or assumed white characters into that world. Just because Asian Americans in particular are so used to this and feeling constantly erased and, yeah, you might get pushback. Getting a sensitivity reader is not a bad idea, because, for example, a Korean person might be able to point out how this one thing you borrowed from Korean culture and this other thing you borrowed from Japanese culture actually have problematic connotations for Korean/Japanese readers who will think of XYZ thing that maybe you weren't aware of. (or Chinese--mainland vs. Tawianese--or Thai, Vietnamese, etc.--the cultures vary so widely and having multiple eyes on your project can't hurt) Specific to the Asian diaspora, there's complex history of wars, rape (Comfort women, etc.), colonization, cross-cultural racism, colorism, etc. whose nuances are easy to miss. PLUS there's also the East Asian vs. South Asian vs. Pacific Islander divide--TONS of nuance in there. And there's the sore subject area of not all Asian countries being the same (per previous point), and Westerners very often lumping them all together... just things to consider. I do actually believe that thoughtful and sensitive writers can handle all of this, but if you're not aware of these things, then the key is to educate and also bring on cultural experts to guide you. Generally I don't think it's doomed overall or forever, especially not with a thoughtful author guiding the project. However, it's harder than it used to be, and the gamble may or may not pay off.

[@marionleblanc8580]

@@AlexaDonne Thank you for answering so fast. You make a lot of good points. My idea doesn't have white (or any non-Asian) characters, so I guess I dodged that bullet. I agree with you on culture mashing problems, even though I think it can be done tastefully (think Avatar, the last Airbender), and I want something of a pulpy tone that is not necessarily best served by focusing on historical accuracy too much. That doesn't mean playing into stereotypes either (I don't like cheap references for the sake of exoticism), but I admit that angle is an extra layer of risk. I guess I'll put some test chapters into as many different hands, including professional, as I could from early on. Do you have any tips on meeting/hiring sensitivity readers, though? I'm French, and I'm afraid we don't have them here.