"How do I write a good BOOK BLURB?" |

[@jessicamorgen1815]

Honestly, I think opening a book with backstory isn’t always a good idea. Here’s why. When I read a book I want to get hooked in with the character’s desire, fear, and misbelief. After learning this, I’ll read the rest of the book wondering why the character believes this. Then, when the backstory comes, I’ll be so excited for it, because I have been waiting for it all this time. However, when I get the backstory early, it takes away the mystery of the character and makes the book less enjoyable, than if I waited for it to come later. This is just my opinion, though.

[@alexandernorman5337]

I largely agree. The backstory first (prologue) can be done, but it can be done *badly* very easily.

[@love2learn-itsastorynotasu40]

I would do a "backstory moment" with their reaction to the real backstory, then reveal the backstory later, but that is just my opinion.

[@imbored3063]

i was going to do that then i though of a plot twist. i was struggling with this

[@jessicamorgen1815]

@@love2learn-itsastorynotasu40 Yeah, I think if you start with a piece of the backstory, you can still make it work by leaving a lot out so that it still keeps readers wondering what else happened in the backstory.

[@shojodraws3399]

Yeah backstory at the beginning is good, but it's also like, do I care tho? Oh yeah all these bad things happen to character, buuuttt, I mean haven't a spent much time with them. So maybe I don't care?

[@ravichandranrajandran7266]

can you pls do a vídeo on advices for teen writers ....Like how to cope with studies, exams, online classes And write along

[@mirandaosmelak480]

I hate to break it to you, your life will only get busier. Unless you currently do your own shopping, cooking, laundry and the rest of fun stuff. This was bad news. Amazing news is you now have loads of time to work on your writing dreams. Set aside an hour per day, always same time, same place and just make sure you always write then. You can increase it later as you get used to it. Try mornings/evenings, see what works best. It may mean you need to skip a favourite tv show or an occasional social meeting (but never skip all social meetings, you need people in your life). This is how it is, welcome to the world of writers.

[@ravichandranrajandran7266]

@@mirandaosmelak480 thank you for this :)

[@kennedypatton7874]

@Ravichandran Rajandran Agreed. Were basically sitting in front of white screen all day. Stuck in the same spot. Plus, we can’t even see other people during this stressful time.

[@ravichandranrajandran7266]

@@kennedypatton7874 ya totally

[@alfieeexx]

@@ravichandranrajandran7266 Normally, I write my book on weekends because that’s the days I have the most time.

[@godhathirumalaianandanpill3140]

Hey Abbie, I'm 14, and I'm participating in NaNo for the first time this year, and I've found your videos and letters so helpful! Your outlining, character creation, etc. videos have helped me understand writing and outlining much better than many other channels. I used to be confused every time I watched videos on character development, but your character videos and character arc videos have helped me understand and learn how to do stories the right way! Thank you so much

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

[@oopatienceooxxkeyxx3932]

Hey Abbie, I've participated in Nanowrimo for the first time and I'll be honest with my feelings: IT'S MAGNIFICIENT! So far, I''ve just finished Chapter One of my novel (Yeah, I just started, but it's so intriguing. ) and I'd like to thank you for your letters because they lifted me up whenever I self-doubt about my stories. I hope you're not having writer's block like I did !

[@buddyobbard2176]

Lol I read “Magnificent” as “Maleficent”.

[@mirandaosmelak480]

Abbey, you and your sister are probably the most important factor that contributed to my 6700 words and going stron in Nano. I have never in my live written that many words in one week and it's only Wednesday night (London time). Your a true blessing. Your amazing teaching, templates and the energy. I love every bit of you, thanks Heavens for your amazing being! Xxxxxxx

[@AsifHassan]

Hi, Abbie. I'm not really doing nano, but right after I watch your videos, I sit down to write and I've recently hit 20k. I need to thank you and words cannot describe my appreciation for you.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

[@Yours_sincerely_thedreamer]

For the altruistic character I have a tip: I also have such a side character in my story. But I made sure to explain his motivation for his altruism through backstory. For example my character ran away from home to pursue the career that he always wanted and left his younger siblings behind with his abusive father. They grow up to become soldiers like his father planned for them and his younger brother dies in battle. Now my character feels it is his fault, because he could have taken his brothers with him or stayed and made sure they didn’t have to follow the careers his dad decided for them. He thinks he was egoistic for going and leaving them behind. So when he meets my main character she reminds him of his sister he also left behind and he feels like having a second chance to care for her and make sure she can follow her dreams. This altruism goes extremely far and by the end of the book he has sacrificed almost everything he has, his career, his pacifism for her and needs to learn disconnect himself from her again and to start to listen to his own needs again.

[@Amy_Mi6]

"What ELSE is going to pull you in?" YES! Such a good question/answer! Thank you, Abbie!

[@natseritt6252]

My first ever NaNoWriMo started off awful, I had to entirely rewrite everything I did on my first day. But I’m back on track and a bit more! Just finished my second chapter, and feeling positive.

[@StrunDoNhor]

Howdy, Abbie! I want to give you a big "Thank You!" from this newbie writer! Not only is this the first NaNoWriMo I'm participating in, it's my first jab at writing a novel, period. My forte has traditionally been in world-building, but until now I have never actually _sat down and written a story._ So far, it's proven to be very challenging, especially for someone like me who tends to really, _REALLY_ overthink things. Your videos have been an enormous help in just navigating my way through the outlining. Keep up the amazing content!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

[@zkyvn_6371]

Yooo, this came up in a needed moment lol, I was just thinking about stories.

[@yashvi1830]

same

[@alizajoshy2131]

Your letters/mails are really helping me. I am a teen and your channel is pretty popular among my writer friends. and i am from india, where our first language is not enGLISH. Thankyou so much for the inspiration.

[@senitaiwo]

I’ve been using your letters/mails and they have really helped me kick off my writing for my first nano thank you!

[@adelaide_ries]

I just wanted to say that your letters have been so helpful! I'm attempting NaNoWriMo for the first time this year, but I haven't started my first draft yet. Right now, I'm focusing on outlining and developing my plot and characters, but I hope to start the first draft in a few days! Thanks, Abbie!

[@garlandthompson5970]

Does anyone else just have like a million words just sitting there in their files that they just do nothing with? No? Just me? Okay... ill see myself out...

[@khadijaali3416]

Can you pleaseee make a " how to build solid friendships between a dude and a lady" video? I need it!

[@jessicamorgen1815]

Yesss!!!

[@sunspotmomito]

Yes please!

[@candellina6]

I'm sure Abbie can do it, but you do know that Abbie LOVES romance, right? Lol

[@LaurArt_UK]

Surely the same way you build solid friendships between anyone? If gender matters, they're not in the friend zone (unless it's a historical novel or set somewhere with a more reserved culture). What values do they have in common? What obstacles are there to the friendship that they can overcome together? Contrasting flaws can be great to make it more interesting.

[@maylaw9048]

Yesssssss

[@kathywerebwrites]

Hi! This is my first time doing NaNoWriMo and surprisingly, I’m doing really good. So far I’ve written nearly 20,000 words!! (Just taking a break at the moment) I’m so excited!

[@N.Traveler]

I realize I've used quite an unusual method to write my book blurb, but I used the format of Avatar The Last Airbender's opening as a guide. I also found Brandon Sanderson's advice very helpful in making sure you know the promises and type of progress of your book. Example: Promise = Aang will face the Fire Lord at the end of the story. Progress = Learning the four elements. (other types of progress could be: reaching a certain place and providing a map. Or in case of a mystery: clues and evidence). So if you only include these things in the blurb it shouldn't give too much away and still give your readers a good idea of what to expect. (That doesn't mean it's easy). Looking forward to your Book Blurb Masterclass Abbie!! Everyone, good luck with Nano!

[@petramacchia4339]

Abbie, as I feel demotivated I come here to watch one of your videos. It's scientifically proved that I will write as it finishes! Thank you a lot!!

[@archanagavhale7736]

Abbie, your cute hairstyle just MADE MY DAY!😍🤗

[@jennys3919]

I am so keen for the book blurb masterclass! My Nanowrimo is going great so far. I've started at the midpoint of my book after already writing the first half. I'm hoping to finish it for nanowrimo. I'm liking the letter from Abbie :)

[@hellopumpkin86]

You couldn't have made this video at a more perfect time, Abbie. I'm working on my next novel's first draft. Excellent video.

[@sunspotmomito]

I love you, Abbie! Your videos are always soooo in point and no bullshit! So relevant and detailed and exactly what is needed! Thank you for doing what you do. You’ve helped me so much 💙

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

[@hgdavid8085]

How timely. Been pulling my hair for a week on a blurb. Now on version six. Thanks Abby. if you need six examples of how not to write a blurb. Am happy to donate.

[@lisafrankenstein3657]

Truly appreciate the advice to disclose the inciting incident upfront. My story opens with it but I've been getting advice it's a spoiler in a blurb. Settled! Thank you

[@Imagineitwrite123]

1st time trying Nanowrimo and just what I needed. Just about 6,500 in. Yesterday was a 500 word day so hopefully today will be better.

[@ambermashal]

Nano is currently going great! Day 2 was very hard bc a lot of things were off and I was very discouraged about it being “written terribly ”. However I haven’t given up and it’s only going up from here! Practice brings improvement!!

[@MrWarrenjc]

Interesting about the blurb. (Other topics as well.) If I might add my two cents: Concerning the writing of the blurb, I used my germ, concept, and theme as a blurb. At the end I ask the same question as the first short paragraph asked. I'm writing my first novel.

[@abdelilahmelouane4217]

Hii, you can find this order from here: https//fwd.cx/XyTDJtZM5Ico:

[@annalangston8715]

I just found your channel Nov 1. And decided to do NaNoWriMo. I'm just under 10k today. But your videos are amazingly helpful 🥰

[@connielafortune1299]

Woo-Hoo, I hope your Masterclass is finished soon. I need to write my next blurb by December!

[@ZaxorVonSkyler]

I'm almost finished with my outline but I'm stuck since I don't really understand my characters and villians yet.

[@SusanCartersBooks]

Watch more of Abbie's videos and buy Story Genius by Lisa Cron. It has great exercises in it that take you through everything step-by-step

[@moab9587]

Nano is going pretty well, I hit 8k (in total) today :)

[@pnwfisher2144]

Great job!

[@victoriaaham9158]

Wow! Way to go

[@kimdove7499]

OMG YES. Book Blurb template please! Save me, Abbie. Save me!

[@ghost_inthewire]

2 years later and NaNoWriMo is just as thrilling. Abbie, tbh your content just makes me so happy you chose to help your fans write, so a massive thanks for the help. You're one of the only writing-based content creators whose content I love. - Sel

[@moonyloops]

Hi Abbie. Can you do a video on how to get motivation for NaNoWriMo? School is draining a lot of my motivation and I just feel so burnt out when I come home and I don’t have the energy to write. Thank you.

[@emilyboyer9211]

Dude these are my top questions! Yes!

[@sanaamin5651]

I'm so excited for the masterclass! I hope it will also be available on Udemy or Skillshare as it makes it alot more accessible. Love Your Videos!

[@applejuice3562]

Abbie seems Ike a really cool person. She gives off good vibes.

[@alexanderk3627]

thank you so much for this advice!!

[@jasminejames7914]

I needed this video! And your letters are so helpful, Abbie! I'm using NaNoWriMo as a break in editing my debut novel and starting another novel for NaNoWriMo - so literally I have all these questions again! I'm 9545 words in, but I know I won't be able to keep going at this pace 😭

[@Ruthie888]

A side character that is so devoted and a "yes" boy/girl. I think their fear is disappointing or losing MC friendship. Which is big. Another great templet would be to teach the Logline, or in other words, the 35 to 50-ish elevator pitch.

[@juliaherkel8051]

Awesome video! Looking forward to that masterclass 😃

[@abdelilahmelouane4217]

Hii, you can find this order from here:https//fwd.cx/XyTDJtZM5Ico

[@MrZkoki]

Hi Abbie. This is the most excited I've ever seen you. Ever. Good for you.

[@MrZkoki]

You have also improved the quality of your vocabulary. Much classier. I like it.

[@jocelynjacob5102]

omg hi abbie just wanted to say your channel has been so helpful!! thank you and good luck w/ nano!!

[@kristiandboys]

Been loving your videos! Thank you for all the info! Did you ever release the blurb outline? I would LOVE to see it ❤

[@Ruthie888]

I won! After losing 7000 words, Son recovers 7000. Then I write 9000 the last day and win at 52000. It was a bonafide miracle.

[@jacindaellison3363]

Hey Abbie! A while back, I think I wasn't subscriber but was only watching your vids, I watched your video on writing villains and that they have a misbelief, they were once good but something happened to cause them them become evil. But what about villains like James Moriarty from BBC sherlock and Heath Ledger's Joker from The Dark Knight? Both villains you don't know too much about them and they kinda have flat, general misbeliefs but what makes them effective, to me, is what they are for the protagonists: Joker's chaos clashes with Batman's need to have order and Moriarty's sociopathic demeanor is what Sherlock could be if it weren't for John Watson's friendship and the other ppl in Sherlock's life.

[@AuthorTrentonNezzy]

I’m participating this year but the elections is stressing me out so it was hard to write a lot of the last two days

[@redranger6257]

Thank you for this new video, Abbie! I discovered your channel last week and I already learned a LOT!

[@fearlesschristian3761]

This is irrelevant but I love your hairstyle!

[@nonniebri]

Absolutely can not wait for the Book Blurb Masterclass!!!

[@ZaxorVonSkyler]

Can you do a video on positive negative and flat arcs?

[@seancampbell9689]

Hey Abbie, did you ever make the video about the book blurb?

[@KutWrite]

@Abbie: Did you ever create the blurb master class and template?

[@Svarmani]

The letters from Abbie are amazing. My NaNo is going pretty well now.

[@jeremyfee]

NaNoWriMo is going great. Thank you!

[@anandaferraresi]

How do I write a DFM for a depressed side character? I mean, fear okay, misbelief okay, but desire? My character lost everything, she has no hopes for herself, what can she desire if she barely has the strength to leave the bed?

[@lianilgesfantasyautorin]

This helped me a lot since I've been writing on a novel for years now and am trying to balance the character arcs of 7 protagonists and one of them is kinda flat so I was wondering, wether I should change her completely or not. But now I'll only take care to make her relateable so that it's okay to be not this big and impressive like her comrades. :-) Thank you!

[@addisonroberts1858]

HI ABBIE! HOW IS YOUR NANO GOING! I am having a hard time getting motivated but your letters help! :) Love ya girllll

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Abbie Emmons gets the casting portfolio.

[@aimeethomson7806]

Choose to read and understand

[@familyphonephoenix2668]

Nanowrimo is going well

[@SarahMohammedAli7]

just LOVE you Abbie

[@menascusbooksd5338]

Did you ever create that Book Blurb master class with template?

[@anastasiias7211]

I'm participating this year, and I only wrote like 4,5k words, how do you write so fast? Pls help! I'm open to suggestions, I really want to win this time! When I sit down and write, my pace is like 300 words per hour, though I'm really trying. Mostly I like my text, but it doesn't matter, it's too slow...

[@dedicatedfelineenthusiast2211]

I just came across this today and was wondering how do I see the master class on book blurbs?

[@clintcarpentier2424]

Angel has just summoned The Devil. As her crèche's Queen Bee, life was a silver platter, and she wanted for nothing. But when she tries an expensive life hack, she gets way more than she bargained for. Will she manage to plow through the tribulations, or will she sink under their weight? Take a ride with her on this military adventure around the world.

[@ankiitapandey]

OMG THANK YOU SOOOOO MMUCH I NEEDED THIS.

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

If a story is told in first person, can the blurb be first person, too?

[@undeadtome1020]

I’m really struggling to find my inciting incident. I have three things in my book that could be seen as an inciting incidence so I don’t know which one it is. I also don’t really understand the difference between the inciting incidence and the first plot point. Do I need to know what is what?

[@05anshumanswainxd35]

Abbie, My novel is going on amazing but I only have one problem I live in India and that is why your letters are delivered to me at 9:30pm in the night If you can help then plss fix the issue

[@godhathirumalaianandanpill3140]

Really? Because I'm from India too and they come at 6.30-

[@FablestoneSeries]

9:08 regarding your inciting incident showing up as late as chapter 3. (Sorry I had to laugh). That isn't late. most movies these days try to have the inciting incident at the 12 minute mark, give or take no more than 30 seconds. However Agatha Christie movies, or who-dun-its like Glass Onion, typically have their inciting incident at the 45 minute mark. So it entirely depends on your genre. Harry Potter doesn't arrive at hogwarts until more than 1/3 of the way through the book. STOP thinking you need to have the inciting incident right out of the gate.

[@christianknickerbocker604]

Hmm, I'm definitely flirting with that line of my blurb being too vague, I think its like 180 words... guess I'll take another look at it.

[@jayashreechakravarthy4949]

Abbie Emmons’ every casting decision will okayed by the Abhigel.

[@lakeshagadson357]

I got a question when it comes to writing my memior and getting it on the shelf

[@lilheartgirlthewattpader2945]

This is a very good video ❤🎉

[@melodid5023]

Okay now where can I find this book blurb template?

[@lakeshagadson357]

when I write ✍ my own novel I will be writing my own story

[@suspeciouse1687]

can u do a video of a book blurb

[@BubbafromSapperton]

Freaking-gorgeous this girl, do I need more teaching to write how that is?

[@gloriannaarias392]

Do you critique query letters?

[@tophat2115]

where can one read about/watch/purchase the book blurb master class?

[@maylaw9048]

Heyyyyyy #askabbie , can you please do a video about romance because I need one and can you do one like how do you keep the couples together and not have any arguments

[@MoonChild-MaKaylaRenee]

Is it too late to get the book blurb template?

[@worldwidechat7196]

Hi Abbie I want to know how I can write a perfect book

[@liliancathy7297]

Hey Abbie I am 11 years my name is Negombe Nahia how can you get a title of story and can people enjoy my story please replie me

[@Chris-ob1im]

HOw do I write a good BOOK BLURB? Which is the title of this video. Answer starts at 12:22, but not really an answer Hmm

[@hurrairmassan7519]

what is the templates name and how do i get it \

[@poohbear0320]

Can I have the book blurb template?

[@familyphonephoenix2668]

I'm Also going with a summer Novel that I didn't finnish. It's going well

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

1 dislike? That person is just jealous

[@artistgalgani5317]

I forgot it was Nanowrimo, dang it

[@loverofstarz]

2:20 in and the video still hasn't started.

[@Amy_Mi6]

Yay!!

[@maylaw9048]

#askabbie. Can you do one about romance

[@zenebornman7917]

I say blook blurbs too. 😂😂😂

[@princesspink1524]

Is letters from abbie free??

[@AbbieEmmons]

Yes, it is! :)

[@envisionyourlifeful]

Not amazing...I only have 9500 words...

[@familyphonephoenix2668]

Wassup abby

[@saracanela620]

So it seems one person is not a good writer.