How I Write Books in 2 Months | My Current Writing Process

[@BrandonGuimond]

Wow 2,300 words a day after work...mad respect there! I can hit about 1,000 a day before I just conk out after a long work day. I'm always excited to hear about other authors writing process. It's fascinating to me that we all have our own little quirks and patterns to writing.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

My ability to reach certain word counts has definitely grown the more I've written! :) I'm happy you enjoyed the video

[@CybertrinBlogspot]

I've started outlining using OneNote. It helps when I separate chapters on a different tab so I could modify it with a friendlier layout. I do use word to format my book however. I also love that I can access my writing and add things from my phone as well and just sync it

[@nakandithezirah4962]

I am also a Ugandan who has just embarked upon this enormous writing journey. Am sorely grateful for all the advise and do believe that I'll make it, thanks so much......

[@bookvsfilm1304]

Just wanted to say that you helped me so much, I have had many ideas and written bits here and there but never really continued or finished stories. Recently I have motivated myself to me more dedicated to a story idea that I love and have found that outlining rather than trying to write it out first try has got me a lot further and made the story in my mind a lot clearer. Most of your advice has been a massive help but recently taking your mention of character mapping and creating character avatars on Blue Robot has helped me make amazing progress and to see this rough idea of what my characters look like has made me very happy and excited to tell people the adventures they go through. I would definitely recommend trying this to new writers, not only does it help with the outline of plot and characters but it's also a nice feeling of seeing your characters in front of you!

[@swillou2]

my friend, a published writer, explained scrivener to me yest. I downloaded the app over a yr ago and I never worked it out. she told me to use each tab for a new scene or chapter. I cant wait to use it to organise the rest of my current novel (i have notes galore but not in the right Order! ) loving your videos xxxx

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

One of these days, I will learn to use Scrivener!!

[@nefetirifraziertheauthor7188]

It helps to plan out things before you jump into it. The more planning and thought put into something really shows in your work.

[@pinkbagels1]

I'm a horrible procrastinator and really needed this. One of the worst creative blocks is my work as a chef, which I'm thankfully retiring from TODAY (yaaay!) I'm too physically and mentally exhausted from work that by the time I get home I just want to sit and stare blankly at a wall or watch spooky reddit youtube videos until I fall asleep. Still managed to get a full outline for three novels done and did complete a zero draft for one of them. I can't emphasize how important outlining and character building is. I've started doing that portion of the writing in paper notebooks and create scrapbooks of the project which then gets converted into a tiddlywiki for easy navigation. I can't get into Scrivener. I like having the hard copy in my hand and writing it out longhand in a zero draft has been very helpful in keeping the story focused.

[@MandiLynnWrites]

My favorite phase is the re-writing phase

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I used to dread the revision phase, but I'm coming to enjoy it more and more! ♡

[@BreatheandRead]

I find I'll get a few chapters into my books, and then something major *always* happens that'll basically emotionally or mentally destroy me (e.g. my eating disorder worsened a lot last summer), meaning I switch to writing poetry as it's so much easier for me. By the time I'm ready to write again, I don't want to work on the book anymore. I really like how you plan and outline so much. Each time I start a book, I find myself trying to improve on how I planned the last one. I tend to pull myself off-topic when writing long projects, and have to basically have a plot point checklist to know what I'm working towards, I guess? This is why I loved writing short film scripts. I always planned it out scene by scene with index cards, so I knew exactly what happened and knew the length the scene had to be (usually I'd a restriction on how long it had to be). I think I'll have to come back to this video next week and follow your pre-writing process step-by-step, because it sounds way more complex than mine, and I think I need that sort of plan to discipline myself.

[@TheBradpitt1004]

I love your video. I have subscribed because you have inspired me to go back to writing which I missed. I wish I had looked at your videos before I did my children's book. In just two of your videos, I have learned so much. I have been depressed about the book and stopped writing but you really have inspired me to continue with my dream

[@WriteHollyDavis]

Yes I'd love a vid on your editing process!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thanks for letting me know!

[@anne-marielandry4465]

Kristen, you continually astound me with your focus and dedication to the writing process. You are truly the most disciplined person I know! I need to get the pre and writing schedule down before even thinking of the editing and publishing process 🤓. Thanks again! You are so inspirational.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you so much! That means a lot 😍

[@victoriareneefulp2023]

Yay!! I don't feel weird for writing a lot of words in a day. My problem spot is planning but I'm getting to where I can get down a rough outline with major plot points and pants the rest

[@MichaelCoorlim]

My own process is very similar, though I have the benefit of not having a day job to distract me. I plot out the book, scene by scene, beat by beat, down to the level of what emotional points I want to hit, conflict, and general pacing notes. The more detail I set here, the faster I write once pre-writing is over.

[@bradinfinity6404]

I tend to fade away from my writing when life gets busy. Even though I really want to try to get the second book written of my trilogy it seems like sometimes I can't find my focus. What helps your mind completely become focused on your writing without letting the distractions around you grip your attention?

[@aaaaddddaaa]

I feel like when you work from a good outline you can't really get off focus.

[@bradinfinity6404]

My focus just gets interrupted when I get stuck on how to get my characters from one place to the other. I know what is going to happen, but trying to get them there sometimes doesn't work out the way it should.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Creating a schedule and sticking to it, self discipline and time management :) I wish there was some secret formula, but there isn't!

[@bradinfinity6404]

Kristen Martin With my first book it took a long time to write. Like years. Then once I finally sat myself down it took me 3 months to get it ready and it got published. It was amazing. I just don't want to take that long time period to do it again. I believe it is time to get a giant calendar and map out appropriate times. Thanks for answering me back.

[@daileykohtz5838]

I've heard some people will listen to tunes, or I like to doodle for ten-fifteen minutes. I'll even draw my characters; which gets me in the mood to write with what little time I have.

[@daileykohtz5838]

I have been writing in google docs. I discovered that it turns bold/underlined into outlined points. It makes moving around easy. Lately, I've just been writing when I can. AP testing season killing me, but I'm still managing to squeeze writing time now and again.

[@shubhajaggi5487]

Wow. Content that is actually relevent. This is the first video I saw from you and instantly subscribed. Thanks for the topic. 2700 words after work, you inspire me!

[@monicadenny7752]

Your process sounds a lot like mine, though it does take me far longer to finish a project. I have, finally, made the switch to Scrivener and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Love these sorts of videos, so I'd be interested to see more like this.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@lululu7643]

I think this is one of my favorite videos ever :)

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you! ♡

[@newdove8113]

Really helpful because it actually inspires me to manage my time.

[@jodyangel]

I liked this video. Even though I plan to write/create Comics/Manga, this Writing Process gave me some ideas on how to create my process for creating Comics/Manga. One of the things I have been trying to do is organize my time so I an get this done along side other things in life.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Awesome! It's great when advice crosses over into different genres :)

[@gregoryhanson5314]

Wow Kristen-what a super-helpful video. I'm in the pre-writing stage of my first speculative fiction novel/part 1 of a series. Am so excited I stumbled onto your video. THANK YOU! I would love to hear your thoughts on tips for self promotion, how to find a graphic artist for cover art, and how to find alpha readers.

[@Kedap83]

I would love to hear more about your editing process as I am a little stumped with getting mine going.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Great, I've added that video idea to my list! :)

[@marwarochay]

Your daily word count is amazing !! Wow!! I guess I need to outline more in order to be able to write more. 'cause I tend to outline whilst I am writing.

[@mininatalie771]

Yeah! Is it just me or when she uploads you get sooo excited

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

♡♡♡

[@aisazia]

Thanks for sharing your writing process! I wish I could brainstorm/pre-write that quickly but my brain needs to marinate ideas before I write. lol I agree with everyone else, I'd also love to see your editing and publishing process! Congrats on completing your trilogy! Will your dark fantasy also be a trilogy or a standalone?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thanks for the feedback! My dark fantasy will be a series, about 6 or 7 books, haven't decided just yet :)

[@3whaddup]

You're so dedicated and productive, I'm impressed!! Will you talk more about your dark fantasy-series soon btw? I'm just so curious as to what it's about, and I bet many of your other subscribers are as well :)

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I certainly will - very soon! Just had to get through the release of Restitution first

[@nakandithezirah4962]

Thank you so much you truly inspireus

[@kimsgoode]

Thanks for such a great video. You have productivity down! I am working on finding my writerly voice but I hope to be where you are at someday! Thanks for sharing a peak into your life!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

♡♡

[@midnightsky27twitch54]

I wanted to say thank you for all the videos you have posted, they have really helped me with my writing.

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I am so happy to hear that ♡♡

[@cheering4avalon]

This was such a good video and great quality. Learned a lot. I appreciate it. I would LOVE a video about your editing process! I was curious about it. Also maybe a video on how you flesh out our ideas. Like the actual creative process like from concept to enough for a book. thanks

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@lisaniverson]

Thanks for all you share. I am watching and appreciate.

[@kimberlydawn9950]

You’re riding processes are very helpful to me!

[@CaptainCrackerjackJKiko]

i don't really use outlines. i love the idea of not knowing where the story will take me. but this video is still pretty helpful

[@WondervilleSeries]

I know you have a great video on your editing process already but if you have more information that would be greatly appreciated. Also, I found the step-by-step aspect to this video helpful. It covered information you previously released but in a more "how-to" way. Thanks again!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I really appreciate the feedback!!

[@tiannapeterson4830]

Would love a video like this on your editing process

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@lindaharper2802]

"Great Stuff." Soon I will begin book #8. I like to write serials; I have a hard time letting go of my characters and my thought process won't let me go till it rings me out. Thoroughly! I have taken the last three months off, but now can feel a tingle that tells me some of my characters are knocking at my door (to my brain). They talk to me daily (especially during the evening through to the morning time. I am intimate with dream writing. Strange...but productive. My worst time is the editing. Do you just turn it over to an editor? how much does it cost (I am getting the shakes even when I think of editing. oh well. Thank you so much. You will hear from me again. Thank you, Linda Harper

[@freespeechisdead1565]

I am the exact same way about plotting and planning. Stephen King has made several derogatory comments about plotting and 'plotters' themselves. However, I have a strong need to know where the overall arc/plot/story is going. All of my characters have a starting point(character development) with an arc (growth) and a conclusion (growth plus change climaxing at the end). I also have a need to plot out the timelines and build the locations. I plot a lot! If I can't do this then I don't even try to write.

[@talesfortamera4911]

I would love to see more videos on your publishing process

[@lululu7643]

same

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@BooksAreMyHart]

I think you described my writing process, minus focusing on just one book and the length of time

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

It's nice to meet people who have a similar process!

[@mythicalfighter6576]

I’d love to see a video on editing and publishing!

[@crystalfontanez2551]

I love this so true

[@xzonia1]

I tend to write in chronological order; I wonder if working back from the end would be helpful? Hmm. You've given me something to consider. Thanks Kristen! :) Also, I'm already on Chapter 6 of The Alpha Drive! It's intriguing! :)

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

So happy you're enjoying TAD!

[@missgia3151]

Hey Kristen. This is awesome. Thank you

[@bethanylaurenreads]

For some reason, I'm not seeing the link to your Spotify playlist! Do you guys know where it is?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Sorry about that! If you go to the Spotify app and type in username "authorkristenmartin", it should pop up :)

[@monicaparks9297]

Great, interesting advice as always, thank you for sharing!

[@wordsprite7689]

So helpful, thank you!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thanks for watching!

[@thurayaelkozeh1147]

LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thank you!

[@troybowman8651]

After looking over some of your Videos I've decided to write my own Comicbook I'm horrible at drawing so im just going write it Would you advice keeping a notebook to keep Track of your Characters or a Word document or both

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I would say do whatever works best for you. I tend to write things in a notebook and keep a Word doc, but that's just me :)

[@terryleecone9675]

Thank you, very helpful. Do you self publish or by a publisher?

[@creativewritingprose6387]

I work from start to finish with my outlines but I do need an idea of how the story will end before I start.

[@carolinamachado1183]

Hi Kristen! Thank you for your videos, I’m loving them. I have one question: do you write and edit the book in two months or just write? Thanks!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Just write :) The editing process takes 6-8 months, sometimes longer!

[@qael5572]

Do you use any apps for planning/ outlining? If yes, can I know what it is?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Nope, I don't use any apps. I'm old school. A large piece of paper and Sharpies and pens do the trick :)

[@lillydaniel8235]

What should you do if you feel like what you're writing has already been written or filmed?

[@ltaya595]

This video is very helpful!;) I just started writing my first book which is actually an Autobiography type book am I thinking it will probably be around 150 to 200 pages and I am hoping to have it written in about 6 to 8 months from now and edited and published in about a year to a year and half from now

[@beckysowells6085]

thanks for sharing! this is helpful

[@richardwaggoner8498]

Great video! Thank you

[@gretchenhaigwood9156]

what do you use to write your book with? like do you use celtx?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I just use Word. I've never heard of Celtx

[@imnothere6696]

It's been a month and I just finished my prologue for the first portion of my book at nearly 20k words. If I keep this up, I'll mostly be finished in March or April if I continue.

[@SUBHASHNISARTA-x3b]

I am interested in writing ✍️ 😊 👀 and ❤️ 😀 ✨️ this is my first experience in writing ✍️ 😀 😊 for long term with systematic process 😀 😄 which is known first time in my life. So getting guidance is also important to me.

[@TemperanceLibraRising]

Oh my Girl I love your type A. I wonder what you MBTI personality is. I am subscribing....

[@katrinataylor406359]

i think this is very helpful

[@theresesilfavan5164]

I totally agree, night time is like the best time of the day for me to get my creative juices out.......especially if my parents are forcing me to go to sleep. Tons of ideas would come and flow like a river!!!!😂😂😂

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

You and me both!!

[@bluovalgal]

Would you suggest finishing a story before looking at the diybookformats.com site? I found his site confusing since I'm still working on writing my story. Thank you.

[@swillou2]

do you self publish or do you have a Publisher?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

I self publish

[@evonnedelgadillo2423]

Kristen Martin can you do a video on that?❤

[@desaulnes2887]

..and there's me, who's barely to the middle of my novel and it's been more than a year.

[@holysmokes6709]

Way more in depth than my writing process. 1)Vague Plot Idea 2)Some interesting/damaged characters 3) A medically inadvisable amount of caffeine 4) ??? 5) Profit (not actually though I generally just share it with whoever is interested)

[@MaryApollo]

I keep idea in my brain for long time, but I can’t write it on a hard copy

[@CiecieNewson]

Helpful video. ~Smile!

[@andrew-isac]

Do you think i should write ebooks or books??

[@creativewritingprose6387]

I think it will depend a lot on your audience. If your audience is younger, ebooks. If your audience is older, books.

[@kyro-jaxxsonofkosmos23]

Yes, indeed. I am very slow, Iv'e written a little less than 20,000 words in about 4 months. 7:36

[@kyro-jaxxsonofkosmos23]

I'm considering buying your books. 0:20

[@SmileyFreak]

Random Question: Have you ever written poems and what's your opinion on them?

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Nope, I've never written poems, but I enjoy reading them :)

[@falangenglishdictionarybys3653]

nice

[@elinipamruma1121]

Whose your publisher ?

[@foxclouds]

You are so organized.... Man, #authorenvy

[@elaynegriffith]

Omg I feel so slow! I’m happy if I get 1500-2000 after 4-5 hours! 😂 Granted, I’m more a pantser and a perfectionist so that slows me down 😆

[@maramiller3741]

I follow you on Twitter (mara_a_miller). If you EVER want help learning Scrivener, I'll be glad to walk you through using it. It's easy and you can keep everything together. Right now, I have two drafts of Cheap Tricks in the same file, along with character maps and everything in. My only problem is I can't write in two months--so this was helpful!!

[@AuthorKristenMartin]

Thanks so much for offering - I may take you up on that in the future!

[@maramiller3741]

Absolutely! It took me about a month to figure it all out when I started my seventh book, but once I did, I decided I'm never going back. I'm planning my eighth and redrafting my seventh simultaneously, and it's fantastic. Also--can't beat the automatic saving!

[@skippyjones180]

“IS NOT POSSIBLE!”

[@lexishaw7502]

I cannot, I mean cannot, plan before I write. It throws me off.

[@megan2752]

First!

[@megan2752]

I mean first comment, not first view

[@thurayaelkozeh1147]

second

[@thurayaelkozeh1147]

second comment

[@treg6848]

Thanks