Common Writer Problems (Writing Community Lingo)

[@QuotidianWriter]

Hi there, viewers! You can read an adapted text version of this video on Medium: quotidianwriter.medium.com/which-common-writer-problem-do-you-suffer-from-f4e6cb11d002

[@cjpreach]

"Dump it for this younger, more attractive story." Fabulous metaphor. A story = a relationship.

[@silvasilvasilva]

I struggle with procrastination. I've been avoiding the actual writing for a long time now. I tell myself that the idea is not ready yet; that I'll do better if I research a bit longer; that today I am too tired to do it. I feel like I can only break the cycle when at least some writing has been done, so this video may be the boost I needed 😉

[@VeganRevolution]

You can’t edit a blank page

[@diegovargas8318]

Hey friend! It has been two years. How has your writing adventure developed? Hope whatever path you chose it worked out :)

[@silvasilvasilva]

@@diegovargas8318 Well, not much has been done, but I like to think I'm on my way 😁

[@diegovargas8318]

@@silvasilvasilva Any progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. Be sure to recognize your achievements! Keep it up friend, I'm proud of you.

[@rayrascanvas9403]

I remember I was try writing online, the first I have many views but the second one didn't. I always dream to write something but didn't make any progress over the last 1 year. You're not alone, procrastination really is a struggle :)

[@VarnasL]

I'm still petrified that you don't have way more subscribers.. 🤔

[@ff38lg19]

"I decided my muse would be my younger self" - This is what I needed to hear. Thanks for the amazing video, and welcome back!

[@nachoijp]

Your kind advice is so refreshing and uplifting in a sea of "tough love" booktubers. Thank you for reminding me that writing is supposed to be a beautiful (albeit hard) thing.

[@ricardonichols6109]

This was a pleasant surprise. Great stuff as always. I missed these videos.

[@itinerantpatriot1196]

Great stuff and timely too. I've been struggling with what I assumed was a serious case of writers block. After watching this video I think my problem is really a flow issue. I write stuff down, but it feels stiff or contrived, not my real voice. I'm one of those who has to have a reason for writing something. It needs to serve a purpose. I have three cool ideas in my head right now but each time I started on one I looked at what I wrote and it just didn't work. I think now I have a better idea of what my actual problem is and for that I thank you. And I love that line, "You're a writer but you're not your writing." I'm gonna frame that one. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that I write because I love it. I'm not looking to make money and I'm at that point in life where if I was gonna become rich and famous it would have happened decades ago. No, I write because I want to and as someone once told me, my characters will never hate me. Thanks for this timely video. I'm bookmarking this one because when it comes to self-doubt I can be a ninth-level master.

[@aditya7428]

How do you create such eye-catching videos? I really wonder, they are too beautiful. And of course the content is spot on too! You voiced my problems

[@QuotidianWriter]

I use Keynote for Mac and find pictures/videos on Pixabay! In the far future, I will make a meta-video on "How to Make a Quotidian Writer Video," haha. Thank you for watching! :)

[@mattmoraworld]

Love your tipp against worlbuilding desease! Building the world around the plot is exactly the way I go about it. :) Although, going the extra mile will give you a better understanding of the universe you're creating which often leads to more immersive writing in my experience. I was really impressed with Dune for example and I'm probably gonna make a video about it.

[@hedgehogshill3522]

I am sometimes so clueless about the world I am writing. yes there might be one or two places I know and roughly a time and one or two conflicts but I really don't know much and it is bothering me. But on the other hand I struggle building up that world without having the plot naild down XD

[@melisasiciliano8923]

I've just found your channel by chance and I'm so happy. Your videos are great and they came out when I really need them. I used to write a lot but now I'm not doing it. Actually. I'm not even reading as usual. I'm from Buenos Aires and I write in Spanish but your videos really help me and motivate me to start again.

[@QuotidianWriter]

I hope you feel that spark for stories again soon! :)

[@crc7548]

No fair, you've been looking at all my writing files. LOL

[@QuotidianWriter]

Haha, I hope "Edge of Death" is going well, George! :)

[@kmh4076]

To be honest, I don't understand why this channel haven't had millions views already. The contents quality is such 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@TheDSasterX]

"What problem do you struggle with the most?" Me: yes

[@DalCecilRuno]

I have imposter syndrome. Im always exhausted. I run out of energy fast. I'm terrible at time management. So, I'm a mess. I'll still write and try out things. Thank you for the tips. Very helpful.

[@DTHRocket]

My biggest problem is less shiny new story idea but rather continuous, continuous redesign of the current one. I feel like I'll never nail it down. Maybe a variation on the shiny new idea theme.

[@QuotidianWriter]

YES. I'm struggling with this for one of my novels. The story has changed so much since its inception, but I still don't feel like it has reached its "final form." People always tell me to just stick to one path and finish it, but that's easier said than done. As I work on that novel, a more interesting alternative always presents itself. What I plan to do is start from scratch using an outline. That way, I can revise the outline until I feel the story is locked in place, and that will hopefully make me feel more confident that I've chosen the "best" story path.

[@cjpreach]

"Take a hard look in the mirror, and be kind to the person looking back at you." YES! I posted this one on FB.

[@jamespotts8197]

Thank you for your inspiring writing channel, which has taken me, as well as many others, I'm sure, out of the "rabbit-hole" of feeling none creative and or unproductive. Inspiration is such a magnificent and elusive mindset, that when I come across a wellspring I can draw from, that alone is inspiring.

[@santiagosatori]

I think you have no idea how impactful your videos are. Your voice and your words keep me Focus on what's important. Thank you.

[@qurleq]

Shiny New Idea Syndrome? I had no idea there was a name for my problem 🤣. Now to unearth my Decomposing story corpses...

[@shadowfoxgirl]

To combat this, I have a word document that keeps all the ideas for my fanfictions in a nice neat place, while my original story ideas each get their own folder, one again with a word document including a general explanation and maybe some pictures. I have three main stories and two collections of fanfictions and they help me maintain my sanity because I know that I don't have to remember or write down every detail because the general idea is somewhere waiting for me to return when I can.

[@whoareyou1034]

What helps me is being patient. Learned that although what I am currently writting it is trash, I know I can make it what I want it to be. Another thing is responsibility and self control. I love to play games, but I know I have to write, so I tru my best to get into the mood and write. If I do not like the current scene I will write a more exciting scene and then go back to the bored scene. It has helped so far. I hope this helps someone.

[@sianais]

Writers block and shiny new idea syndrome are my vices. When I break my own world rules and I realise my story can't go where it's supposed to naturally, I somehow end up with new ideas and I get lost in straightening them out. When I realized I had this horrible pattern I couldn't write anything for months. Your videos helped me start writing again and helps with keeping my manic thoughts from taking over. I actually finished something--it's short, but it's something! Thank you.

[@Krostovik]

I'm very familiar with all these writing issues, especially the muse. After writing the longest of my stories and enjoying the thrill of creating something, I lost the inspiration, as if I had used all of it in that one story. Its taken me years to finally find something else that inspires me enough to write about. I have several ideas but I just realized I've also had the "Shiny new idea" syndrome, but I've managed to do what you suggested, I have a file, a master propmt list, ideas that came out of a single sentence, so I've wrote them down, and every time i read them the idea comes back and I'm able to write a little more. I'm enjoying writing again and that's the best feeling I've had in a long time. Thank you for the tips and advice.

[@nightwing2461]

Thank you so much for the amount of effort you put into making those videos, I never feel more motivated to write than after I watch them.

[@TheMusicscotty]

"suck it, shiny new idea" Can't express how much I adore this channel.

[@davidriley354]

I'm very new to your channel but already it's one of my favourites. Thanks for your help. You just helped me find an entry point into a scene that feels unique, interesting, and whatever the third word would be that would make this sentence sit right 😉😊😆

[@jeywithane130]

god you are and will always be one of my favourite youtubers. all your explanations are detailed, yet crisp and clear with no boring excess, i love it. i'm about to make a new acc for myself, and you'll be the first i re-subscribe!

[@QuotidianWriter]

Thank you so much! I'm very flattered. :)

[@Ada-zg2qb]

I got my, 'I quit writing' phase again. I've been working on a story but I keep thinking I'm not ready. So I try new works and it never works out because I'm always coming back to the old one.

[@QuotidianWriter]

What makes you keep going back to the old story?

[@Ada-zg2qb]

@@QuotidianWriter Hi. The new stories turn out to have similar characters from the old story or it turns out to be a potential chapter or a version of a chapter from the old story. I keep recognizing this and go back to the old one to add on to it.

[@QuotidianWriter]

@@Ada-zg2qb Ah, I understand what you mean. It sounds like that story concept and its characters don't want to leave your head, which can be a sign that you should definitely finish that story in some form or another! I read an author interview recently that seems to deal with a similar situation: nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2019/09/06/failure-if-you-let-it-a-tale-of-extreme-revision-by-laurel-snyder/

[@Ada-zg2qb]

@@QuotidianWriter Thanks alot for this :)

[@resistancepublishing]

Thank you. I suck at writing horror and comedy. I’ve done hours after hours of listening to KZbin videos and reading books on horror and comedy to learn what they are at their essence. listening to you makes me want to push forward and jump into writing on the two genres that are my weak points.

[@z.i.p.w9467]

Gosh that new idea syndrome really hit closer to home, idk how many story got halted because of it Even if my story really never got release (well mostly is just fanfiction), hey atleast it's a start

[@hedgehogshill3522]

Shyni new idea syndrom truly speaks to me. I used to write in school whenever I got bored and I wrote down whatever came into my mind. 1. Because I did not had to focuse on it that much and 2. because the risk of my writing getting taken away by the teacher was too high (and yes I tried to coninue a story after the first pages got taken away and at some point I really really needed to read the first pages again but I couldn't because I had to wait until end of the week ugh). Now I often just write whenever I feel like it whatever comes up to my mind. Old story. Recently I have been looking through old writings of mine and sort them into "Cringy I don't even want to read it again", "embracing crap" and "Continue". Now I am holding myself by jumping from one to another when I don't feel like continuing it and it seems to work out for now :D

[@ChristopherRoss.]

My problem is a lack of time and lack of mental capacity (being exhausted after a long day at work) to be able to sit down and write every day, and much like King says, it gets away from me and I lose my placement in the world I'm writing. Its really disheartening.

[@UltimateKyuubiFox]

I always try to write at least five sentences a day. From anywhere in the story. Even if you can’t get a lot done, you’re never detached from it. They don’t even have to make it into the book or the draft-they just have to be associated with the work in progress.

[@sarahjohnson7641]

I’m with you on this. But Since I don’t give a shit about my job and don’t care how tired I am doing it, I started getting up at 3-4 in morning to write read whatever. I like having the world to myself at that time of the morning.

[@ilovelife334]

Your voice is so nice to listen to, ur videos are awesome, and also-new video!! YAAY!!

[@shadowfoxgirl]

Overwriter World Builder here. I consider world building a huge part of my plotting because pantsing is not an option and the more I world build, the easier my plotting goes. However, my first ever book series was halted due to too much required research. The New Orleans example hitting home hard, except that it was huge amounts of history for a 300 year time span 1300-1600. When you have to look up the year violins were invented, it takes away from actually writing. My issue with what I believe to by my first novel, which I'm working on now, is that the flow is just not striking me because once again I find myself trying to research and I can't easily find the info because figuring out how long my dragon's tail is relative to his height, isn't something the internet can really tell me. But I need to know how long his tail is because I wanted it to possibly wrap around a particular building he was sitting in front of. Instead of figuring it out I eventually decided to just scrap that small bit of description and opt for something completely different. But at least I have some words on page that aren't the 9K of plotting, or the 12 documents of every dragon type, or the historical plotting that takes place before the book that resulted in how the world came to be today. You know, the world builder/plotter stuff. It's great for DnD.

[@joeldrummond6058]

Hahahahaha. decomposing story corpses! So brilliant and beautiful, and so incredibly funny, too! 😊

[@themoonsharksquirrel8937]

I need a standing ovation emoji. I appreciate this so much 🌺

[@evvie01]

I absolutely loved Stephen Kings, On Writing. I have it on CD audio one of the few books I paid full price for so I could own it. I don't like the gore and bloodshed of his stories, but I do like the craftsmanship, and the mental exercises he creates. His voice is on that audio, and it's as rich and satisfying as his stories.

[@kristellego5332]

Shiny new idea.... I've created nine stories and written more than 20,000 words on all of them but after that, the ideas stops flowing then I'm back to creating another one... 😣

[@lolmanthecat]

This was so sweet and helpful! Thank you!

[@purezentity6582]

Diane, gave a lots of pointers, I like the way she approaching show and tell. I know she is good with Editing, and the way she phrase it, I like the way she does it. I can not get her to work on my project, which I know she will be fine with it.

[@daffodilshaw1998]

Thank you so much.❤

[@bacchaed2430]

Imposter syndrome. And then comes writers block since why would anyone care what I wrote or want to read it? Ans those that say; oh you should blog I enjoy reading your work, I figure; just being polite. Thank you What a great video.

[@blabbitybla2780]

that was increeeedibly helpful, it's like you're reading my mind when i listen to your vids. i especially loved the part about productive procrastination, it's really easy for some of us to get super harsh on ourselves and have that feed into a cycle of depressing unproductive procrastination. there's absolutely a balance between making sure you stay on track, and not beating yourself up for DARING to not hit that 1000 word quota today xD

[@gabriellepfafflin9570]

Intimidation may be another one. Sometimes I feel like I have a brilliant idea, but just getting the idea down onto paper seems overwhelming. I often need to break it down into smaller components, or at least that's what I'm trying to do now.

[@berryXjerry216]

I deal with most of them unfortunately... I also struggle to make a program in which day should I write, and I always end up writing whenever I have inspiration making my writing progress slow. Some writers do think a program is a good idea though.

[@ashirahelat4749]

Oh my Diane You are the greatest

[@CayenneTravels]

Glad to see another video! Thanks for another great video =)

[@protoncoccus3229]

Working a Wattpad fanfic; If I feel like I lost my ideas, I chat with a certain friend who also writes stories, and sooner or later, I get my inspiration back! ❤️💓

[@writingtales1213]

as off-topic as this may sound: please watch 'animals' - in cinemas now. it's about .... well, every lingo term you explained put in an all too real story about two friends. it really shook me to the core and i bet you'd enjoy it! :)

[@aditya7428]

Hey Diane, I had one request. I am currently outlining a novel with an ensemble cast. Could you please make a video on how to develop plot and characters for an ensemble piece. Just a request. Happy writing!

[@whiteswanlake]

Please upload your audios on Spotify!! They are perfect podcasts :D

[@Kate-so8wf]

The greatest struggle for me as a writer is constantly coming up with new ideas.

[@MiaNena545]

I've found myself in all these situations before, but the most frequent has been writer's block.

[@jessinna]

You always upload the exact videos I need!

[@j.fontaine2491]

Let me add to the chorus of welcome back and thank you!

[@bealight5141]

I didnt know how badly I needed to hear these things about "the muse".

[@maheshmohan3011]

Thank you.

[@anna-sleeps]

Thank you for these videos ❣️

[@harvestwhitman256]

Something really cool happened to me recently in regards to the world builder's disease. I always thought that I was really bad at world-building because I didn't know everything about it. I just never put a lot of effort into it and thought I was just "faking it" or something. But as the story progressed, a beta reader commented that my world-building was so immersive and natural feeling, and I just fell off my seat, like; "What's this person talking about?" I guess less sometimes is more...

[@keiroysmith6927]

i always feel like my work isn't good enough and i always scrap my previous ideas, that i don't know enough, and i don't know how to create an entire story from just one idea, sometimes i feel like throwing my work away and i struggle still from telling the story rather than showing he story and my descriptions seems crappy and ended up using all my energy just to create a descriptive paragraph and i go the day after and scrap the idea and descriptive writing take all my energy and i never get anywhere and my dialogue is very crappy cause i sound like i am in the story talking through the character rather than the characters actually having a voice and i don't what to do about these problems and though some say my story is good but i still doubt they are telling me the truth . i don't know how to incorporate any of the things i wanted to add to the story, so frustrating I'll say.

[@cferracini]

I used to have worldbuilding disease. Then I had new shinning idea syndrome for years. Now I'm just a procrastinator.

[@nviz47]

I love your videos, thanks! This was helpful :)

[@cicogore]

Great material

[@jessecruz3820]

I’m a simple woman. If I see an update from Diane, I click it.

[@TheShapingSickness]

I only have one more chapter to write to finish my first draft. And I'm terrified and procrastinate all the time.

[@QuotidianWriter]

You can do it!!!

[@anaveras5451]

I need these videos everyday.

[@hldo00]

Shine new idea syndrome is definitely mine 😭

[@keiroysmith6927]

I also struggle with the povs too like they sound very trashy

[@anagabrielavilhena3417]

Could you do a video on how to write short stories please?

[@QuotidianWriter]

I have a half-finished script on that very subject, but I'll admit there's a lot more research I want to do before I publish it, so it might be a long wait!

[@raphaa16]

My biggest problem is keeping the same tone, it almost feels like I'm writing a brand new thing every other paragraph

[@abubakarjamro5713]

10:51 Yes Mam!

[@stevenk-brooks6852]

I need to write a realistic account of someone getting shot. What does the guy who shot him say and feel? What does his wife, who saw it, do? Who calls 911... the wife? A bystander? What do the EMTs and police do when they get there. How about a description of what happens when a bullet enters a body? I have no direct experience and want the account to sound uncontrived.

[@Thenoobestgirl]

I have a serious case of the new shiny idea syndrome, and not just in my writing... It's hard. I haven't finished a single project in years! xD

[@QuotidianWriter]

You can do it!!! Honestly, finishing short stories and flash fiction has helped me finish more projects in general! Keep writing. :)

[@nadnav6270]

Would you mind if i ask do you have any suggestion to any of english comunity? it can be in internet or other platforms. I mean, english writer community, platform which i could gain more information, such as writing competition, or else. I really wanna join with that comunity.. do you have any ideas? Thank you for helping.

[@QuotidianWriter]

I recommend joining the forums on www.reddit.com/r/writing and checking out the #WritingCommunity hashtag on Twitter to find other writers to follow!

[@Boyanspookclaw]

I keep eating huge lunches as a kind of self-sabotage. All that food to digest makes it harder to think and stay sharp, giving me a (bad) excuse to take a break.

[@gauravaaditya]

Welcome back!

[@Atvansy]

love this chanel

[@LgiovanniF]

What do you call the fear of hurting people who will know you borrowed their character flaws for your story?

[@QuotidianWriter]

An occupational hazard.

[@gringoryabellog]

I lack The vocabulary to describe the characters thoughts and situations. I need something to help me find and use words that I don’t have in my disposal

[@QuotidianWriter]

Maybe when you're reading, you could pay close attention to how other writers convey characters' thoughts. "The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide To Character Expression" might help you brainstorm body language cues to use for conveying character reactions as well!

[@muridoodles]

You have such a wonderful channel! I don't get why you don't have more subscibers:( But keep it up!!

[@joshuachitwood7586]

Knee High Cheek Sent Me High? You should meet Mauler

[@teaartist6455]

Don't base your worth only on your writing, base it on a number of creative pursuits so you can always find something to beat yourself up over because the chance of being satisfied with your skills and results in all of them simultaneously approaches zero as your number of interest increases.

[@k.v.2049]

whatever you do - keep writing. can i get this on a tshirt please?

[@spazmang101]

Or a bookmark

[@epicwalrus7183]

World Builder's Disease...yup I know that one *looks at the files upon files of worldbuilding I've done that my readers won't even see*

[@emersonjongeling9575]

My story come from dreams and come up with character

[@apx2107]

I missed your videos soo much

[@baxterjaye3984]

I suffer from chronic Shiny New Idea Syndrome. I've yet to finish a story because of my Hyperactive Muse.

[@ljonheart]

a new video! aaaaaaaaaaaaah tysm diane!

[@eavesDropSound]

I thumb up these videos before I even hit play.

[@RoseCentaur1916]

I'm heavily sick with world builder's disease... O.O

[@animitasaha2245]

What books would you recommend to an aspiring writer?

[@QuotidianWriter]

I recommend _Plot & Structure_ by James Scott Bell, _Creating Character Arcs_ by K.M. Weiland, and _Bird by Bird_ by Anne Lamott as good starting points. :)

[@animitasaha2245]

@@QuotidianWriter Thanks for the recommendation. 😄

[@Brindlebrother]

Man named Winston Francis Imposter: _oh no_

[@jamesrichey]

Really? I'm not the only one that feels this way? Everything stated in this video, I have thought.

[@evvie01]

I must add that he, Stephen King, made me hate him a little too, on that audio, when he described how he found the character for Carrie.

[@kristellego5332]

Clicked it the second I saw it... 😍

[@connorwilliams769]

5:05 I am a 24 yo child because I laughed

[@QuotidianWriter]

I KNOW, RIGHT?! Stephen King knew exactly what innuendo he was making, hahaha.

[@abraxasnl]

Completely off-topic. But the intro bells to your videos always remind me of the intro of one of my favorite Japanese songs ("Snow flower" by Mika Nakashima): kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3eYgqRojs2Yisk or a duet-version with Tamaki Kouji that I love even more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6WkY6ukm7ughdk

[@mr.dr0bot731]

Twitter and Instagram have the biggest and best writing communities. So, mention that next time.

[@neopagan1976]

These are such cute analogies. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@resistancepublishing]

The only bad thing about your videos is that they are just too short