Fast Drafting with Comic Sans | YA Thriller Vlog #3

[@AlexaDonne]

WELP blurring in KZbin is finnicky so if you're intrepid enough to look at my screen ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (I have attempted to blur and it's processing so if for a spell you see my face suddenly blurred instead of the screen I'll have to revert it back why is this so hard)

[@SmileyGamer13]

I mean tbh I can't read the screen so either it worked or there was no reason to worry

[@heatherbenoit2329]

Can you PLEASE do a video on how to properly transition between your characters inner thoughts to dialogue without it being awkward?

[@joeycron2831]

I literally thought it was an artistic choice that I didn’t understand 🤣😂

[@maya-zj2sw]

You should make a video about foreshadowing, I always seem to suck at it

[@thecaptain7238]

Maneet S it's much easier to go back and put it in on the second draft

[@MsMadelineTwoPointOh]

Three years later, Madeline shows up to give props for this style of vlogging. TBH ordinarily the whole town-crier vibe I get from your videos usually grates on my nerves but this more intimate, quiet, process-oriented vlog is really engaging and inspiring. By now, I bet you've heard this a billion times, but this vibe is truly charming. Kudos--and congrats [way after the book is done] on your progress

[@jkadmin9460]

I tried the Comic Sans hack after your 1st video about it, and it has been working!

[@KetogenicKim]

I need to go back and find that!

[@platoniczombie]

What does it do?

[@lazarusgray1188]

Well done Alexa! I'm sure many people who follow your videos feel the same, but I'm getting a lot out of watching your process as it happens. I fast wrote a 25k novella in a couple of weeks in December and just hit 33% on the re-write of my first novel which I started straight after. Pitching this year seems possible. My process is a little different, but seems to be on track now I have something to compare it against. Many thanks :)

[@petitetaiga2714]

I struggle a lot when it comes to write a certain amount of words daily. I'm a biology student (meaning I have a hell of a schedule), and I try to practice digital art as well. It gets really hard to do any writing at all (I actually sacrifice a lot of sleep for my baby characters) and I end up writing very few words everyday (for various reasons, one of them is me being an incredibly slow writer. Or maybe I'm slow because I'm such a perfectionnist). I feel so unaccomplished when I look at my word count x) Anyway, I'm so glad you could make that much progress! It's also great to have an insight on your writing process as well as stuff related to publishing. I find channels like yours really motivating, so thank you! :)

[@musicbyella3769]

I’ve been using comic sans and i sent a pic of what I’m working on to my friend and she judged me so hard for using it,, but I’m like, it WORKS!

[@musicbyella3769]

PianoMan 2018 I haven’t a clue tbh, it’s possible I’m just more productive at the moment

[@shaunaphilp5000]

I just started a new project too. And I have to remember that it doesn't have to be perfect! It's so hard, especially since I like the editing stage way more. Lol

[@mariamcdonald973]

Trust your story, Alexa! And savour the lovely moments of the process to keep you going over the challenges.

[@TheBubbleOne]

So I tried the comic sans hack and I wrote 1k in a sitting where I’d usually write 250-500... how is that possible ?now at 27k 🤯 great job Alexa, loving these vids - so motivating!

[@ThePatchworkNerd]

Yay for fast drafting! Honestly it's a method that gives me so much strength when writing. It boosts my confidence cause I realize how much I capable of and it gives me a draft I can really dive into to improve! Way to go Alexa!

[@dellieborton]

Loving these vlogs. I love how real you are, it really shows that everything I am experiencing is normal! Very reassuring and inspiring! Thank you!

[@katiestewart7926]

I'm glad your fast tracking is going well! I'm feeling a similar buzzing excitement that comes with a new project. I'm trying to draft in comic sans too, but I was already a fast drafter so I don't know how much of a difference it's making. I'm 12k into my own draft and I'm loving nearly every scene. The next scene is my inciting incident! I wish I could write everyday, but between classes, reading for class, reading a critique partners manuscript, essays and my social life, I'm struggling, but finding time when I can and that's all I can expect from myself :)

[@rissaallen6298]

3 years late, I read The Ivies a couple weeks ago and it feels a little magical to watch these beginning stage vlogs 🙃

[@happilyjessie7993]

This vlog is amazing and you are making me want to write so bad! I’m going to try using stickers for my work count as well. ❤️

[@jessicagrzado8664]

Alexa!!! I did the comic sans hack and vlogged it. That video won't go up until next Thursday though. 😊 I loved watching this vlog and getting a glimpse into your process. You are a ROCKSTAR!

[@alisonlang9540]

Thank you so much to sharing your writing practices! You are helping to keep me motivated through the process of working on a new draft!

[@shayyosheia]

So helpful to hear your process!

[@colxcoopxr]

Just came across your channel, I’ve watched a few videos and I love the content. Love the bluntness and realness in your videos, you really kicked me out of my procrastination tbh ❤️

[@livmilesparanormalromanceb6891]

Hi Alexa! I love this video, watching your progress is so inspirational. I do a similar thing to inserting brackets ... I write #revision next to any inline notes I want to make, then I use a control f search to find all of them once I'm done :) great job, write on!

[@usachiichan]

I love Scrivener and those note cards, but I'm a pretty crazy outliner. It's nice to have everything right there rather than having a million different Word docs. I also love leaving notes during a first draft. It's the only way I can get myself to leave the first draft alone until it's time to edit. Especially when fast drafting. Doubt is hard, but I do what you talked about. I push through. It's not easy. At all. But it's always worth it. Thanks for sharing, Alexa! Writing is often very solitary, so it's nice to see authors share their process like this.

[@SensibleSoulHealing]

I loooove the note cards in Scrivener. Honestly- I may just be in love with Scrivener. If it wasnt for you- I wouldn't have ever known about its beautiful existence. 🥰❤

[@saiyuriinuzuka6400]

WHOOO!!! Couldn't wait!

[@saiyuriinuzuka6400]

OMG, I was FIRST!

[@ChelseyFuredi]

Currently editing my 2nd book to send to my agent, so I'm binging your editing vlogs 😭❤ I hope you have been well!!

[@blOOdyLee88]

I'm so happy for you that you had such a good start. Hope for you that you can keep up your writing flow. Really looking forward to more updates. :)

[@greyescale]

This vlog is so inspiring! A goal of mine is to finally write something until it’s complete and your achievements are so admirable. I’m looking forward to learn more about this book in future videos!

[@strangefiction84]

What is your star sticker system? I LOVE stickers and I think that'll help me write every day.

[@SensibleSoulHealing]

Push through the doubt, because you are beautifully creative and imaginative.

[@Latriise]

I love your writing vlogs/hacks/updates/etc. You're my favorite author to watch on KZbin. I also snagged a copy of Brightly Burning while it's on sale (been meaning to pick it up and now's a perfect time). I'm looking forward to reading it. :)

[@KatTalks]

The cat just like "WHAT IS THIS WATER IT IS GOOD". Also, yes, rest is important! I don't do it, but I'm glad you're doing better than I am xD

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

So happy that you're doing so well! And love the vlogs!

[@philbe1111]

Encouraging that you are adapting your slower paced drafting/word count. Would LOVE a post mortem about skills/techniques that potentially changed the game for you. I’m drafting a second novel while waiting to return to first novel for a third revision. It’s going grudgingly slow...so I’m considering why and how to ramp things up with my word count. Keep up the great work... look forward to a mystery/thriller from you!

[@c-hwilliams156]

You're killing it!! (pun intended!) enjoyed the vlog-style vid. You're doing so well!!

[@Agentmg17]

Watching your video has got me pumped to write. Keep up the great work!!

[@macronencer]

Go you! So glad this one is working out so well for you. Keep writing :)

[@reinehyacinth3481]

This vlog is really nice ! Thank you for your amazing channel & I'm looking forward to watch your next video. Good luck from France :)

[@werelemur1138]

Let the bodies hit the floooooor! :D And congratulations for exceeding your own expectations! Go you!

[@SensibleSoulHealing]

I make notes on the note card section next to my chapter about adding description or what not. I also use it as a note taking system instead of going back an rewriting chapters or adding to chapters as I make adjustments to the plot during my first draft.

[@saiyuriinuzuka6400]

I write using Baskerville. I like it, and it's a thicker font for my poor eyesight. I will try Comic Sans with my new story!

[@JennyMullins26]

I tried the Comic Sans hack a couple of times now (both in Word and in Scrivener) and it just didn't work for me. D: I ended up writing at the same pace and amount I normally do (which isn't super fast- on a good day I might draft 1,500 words in 3-5 hours). Maybe I don't hate the font enough? lol Love the vlog! Good luck with your draft, Alexa!

[@summerwriter5110]

I can't thank you enough for this tip! I finished the first draft of my newest novel (98K words). I'll be using Comic Sans for all my first drafts from now on.

[@santanasg8445]

Love your vlogs with this thriller! Really excited to read how it turns out!

[@juliagane317]

Okay so I love ur vlogs an ur videos, but when ur blogging and your cat is in the frame and u notice can u do a close on him/her they are so cute and cats are awesome. :) love ur videos!!!

[@whatsuplocs2813]

I love you! Lol I enjoy your channel!

[@KaiInMotion]

I decided to try out the comic sans hack after watching your video about it but I've been using Gabriela font instead since it's more cursive than bubbly. I'm also writing my first book in my computer's default Wordpad instead of Scrivener lol. I haven't finished a book in like two years so this has to happen. Ice witch shenanigans for this WIP - and I've definitely been infodumping (wrote like two detailed paragraphs about my characters opening Christmas gifts lmao) but whatever that's what editing is for. I have to stop being so neurotic about drafting. 😤😩

[@SteventheShoehanger]

Scrivener looks like a helpful tool. I don't outline either, but it would be helpful to keep notes electronically instead of remembering where I put that notebook or piece of paper.

[@syds8752]

These vlogs are so helpful

[@instantromy]

You're with Writegirl? I was a mentee for three years when it first started. That's bonkers! :D

[@mcaskey358]

I'm in Southern AZ, legit if it rains, work stops and everyone goes outside or to a window to watch the rain.

[@Jakeaddicts]

I would like to do this as well, chronicle my adventure as I am writing so people can experience the journey with me. I enjoyed this video.

[@soniaballada]

Wonderful writing vlog! Definitely motivates me to write! Question: Because you don’t outline, how do you know/decide where a chapter begins and ends?

[@lilamjazeefa9466]

1200 words a day is normal, and 2000 words is a good, solid day's work. That's the same for me. Really it was my biggest takeaway here. Gives me confidence.

[@theatheistpaladin]

The story tells me "You will write me no matter how much you suck. Doubt yourself all you want, but I will not stop until you write me."

[@bellaaa3695]

Yay Alexa! Your doing so well! I'm also in the drafting phase of my novel for the second time. It's been three weeks and I'm 26K words in, at chapter 7 but my writing has been put on hold while I clarify what happens in the next scene. Do you ever find yourself paused because you haven't thought of what exactly happens next? My plot is plagued with unknown scenes. Good luck with your writing I hope you complete it soon. I absolutely love your videos they are informative and provide great inspiration. Good luck

[@wearewyldstallynz]

Aww, you're kittehs are so cute and seem calm and quiet. Mine are rowdy and won't let me type without running in from the other room to dance on my keyboard or turn the door into sawdust if I dare close it.

[@raulmendez7066]

Loving these vlog type vids. hey @Alexa Donne, I'm curious. Are you a full time author/writer?

[@heheshywaa]

can i ask what planner you use? i love the little "this week's wins" at the bottom!!

[@AlexaDonne]

That is a Clever Fox planner! I was lucky enough that they sent one to me last month. I got the blank one so I can just use it for months when I am drafting :D

[@RMBittner]

Regarding outlining: I recently read a review of a recent book that was so obviously based on the specific beats from “Save the Cat” that the reviewer knew exactly what would happen and when, long before he got there. It ruined the book for him. I'd love to hear your thoughts on ways that writers who are following STC or other established models can bring surprise and originality to their work.

[@MeHeartBooks]

Comic sans is one of the best fonts for me to see. As someone with visual impairments, I don't understand why it gets so much hate

[@rosamariagarciaguardiola51]

Wow!

[@thecaptain7238]

I wrote my second draft with sylfaen when I was still trying to find my "voice" and for some reason it felt like a positive influence.

[@jelissab]

Do u have a podcast?

[@allisonjacobs2070]

Is this a Passion Planner?

[@ecvitoria6829]

I was in LA for the first time on that Saturday! also most of this video has your face blurred out.

[@josefinasotes796]

I've tried drafting in comic sans and I can't do it, I swear, it's just too awful and it distracts me from actually writing lol However, I've been trying to write in Arial, which isn't pretty but isn't horrible, and that works better for me haha

[@mattb5881]

U look like super nanny

[@jessepruitt1423]

Love your videos! Thanks for all the help Alexa! Your videos have been instrumental in my process. Writing my first novel in my series LOSTOPIA. First book is called Duncan and the lost Squad. I passed 100 k last week. 25 k in last 4 weeks. Almist 2 years in the making. Follow me on insta and Twitter author Jr Pruitt.

[@uroborosjose6572]

Should be good if you interact with your comments...

[@aaronlewis9769]

15:33 - What kind of cheese are we talking about and why is it retreating? Totally unacceptable behavior for cheese!