"How much should my betas know about my book?" |

[@gulzardogar4516]

I've been outlining my first legitimately compelling novel. I have been learning a lot from you and your videos. I am a younger writer (under 13). Even though I am still outlining I have a goal of publishing. Wish me luck! Love you💕

[@ambermashal]

Hey that’s awesome!! Keep it up!

[@miamedory2682]

I am a 13 year old writer too wish you all the best Gulzar!!! Edit: Whoops, I didn't notice you wrote under 13

[@yusuhani]

i started at 11 and a half, so all I give u is to have patience and watch abby's videos.

[@gulzardogar4516]

@GoldenEmbers, @Mia Madory and @Suhani... Thank you so much for the kind words. I will definitely take your advice into account. May your writing dreams come true!💕

[@yusuhani]

@@gulzardogar4516 oh no, it's our duties as writers to motivate each other.

[@francescagolden1061]

I’ve always wanted to write a really character-driven story (I’ve come to the right place as you can see) and I came up with some really basic character ideas a few months ago. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to try diving deeper into what I had come up with. I managed to fully flesh out my main characters’ misbeliefs and storylines last night. I’m still deciding on what the main plot is going to be (it’s backwards, I know), but I can absolutely say I’m really confident in the characters I’ve created so far! Baby steps lol

[@mollysung4696]

I'm writing :D

[@Amy_Mi6]

Here for the rewatch because having Abbie chat with us in real time was far too distracting lol

[@Amy_Mi6]

@@Porus3D Yeah! It was a surprise to me too.

[@jehanyamanoranjan8364]

At this moment, I'm currently finishing up my outline for my novel. Briefly, it's about these children that are split up from their parents at birth and must enter a competition to be admitted into a higher society with various privileges. It's filled with royalty, enemies to lovers romance and so many tense friendships! I'm getting a really good feeling about it. Honestly Abbie, you're such a life saver and helped me with my hate to love romance, sub plots and so many other things I can't exactly pin point. This is really random but any of you please do reply if you think it would be a good idea for me to make a tik tok account or something to share snippets and ideas I have for my story. Though I'm only 14, I'm determined to get it published and I can't thank you enough for your videos. Thank you so much!! 💕💕💕

[@TheAwesomesauce3000]

@@fashax998 wow, that sounds cool

[@HeadmasterHorrifier5394]

I'm writing a story about a teenager with autism, who moves out of his adopted parents house and into the city hidden with supernatural creatures.but I'm having trouble showing vs telling,Abbie Emmons any advice

[@Amy_Mi6]

I have a 5 year old with autism. Thank you for including this kind of character in your story.

[@sethseth9059]

Where is the protagonist on the spectrum; are they low functioning or high functioning? What do they laser focus on? What stimulus overwhelms them? Is it sound then they will always fine quiet places. What happens when sound overloads them; do they rock back and forth. Will they interact with loud monsters that are loud or use sound as a defense? Are these monsters allies or foes or both and what will the dynamics be? Showing would be describing how the protagonist walking along a street covering her/his ears just in case they encounter a loud noise which they probably will. Maybe they see visual patterns most sentients miss or maybe ironically they heard audio patterns that most sentients miss which means their impairment is also their strength. To show the anguish of sensory overload think bad to a time you woke up in the middle of night and turned on a light. You probably had to use only one squinted eye because opening two eyes normally would have been pure agony. For some autistic people you would need to take this overload and ramp it up even further to the point you would be screaming. To write such a character you need to be a lay person expert on the subject to do it right. If you are using autism as a chic gimmick because its sexy now a days then rewrite your character because stereotypes good or bad or still harmful.

[@Spark_is_right_here]

@la'quan mack WOW! That’s an awesome story you got there. Abbie did a video about Showing vs. telling. I’ll grab the link real quick. Here. I just figured out that it’s more about internal conflict, but it should help a little. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqe9fZ5spNerp9E

[@megansmith1840]

I also struggle with showing vs telling in my story especially because it is partially historical and the main charcter is very young and going through trauma.

[@megansmith1840]

@Emma Tracey thank you for the tips!!

[@therainycornerwithtammyr.3441]

I am currently in the Beta Reading Process of my upcoming debut novel. I've been working on my book for a few years now and I cannot wait to finally publish it!

[@nadine1627]

The Rainy Corner With Donna B. Same darling, same!

[@kkscorner6557]

What do I do if I have five main protagonists!?!? I need help!! Do you have any thoughts about this? I love how you explain writing and you have helped me so much with my novel but you said that you can usually only make 3 protagonists. I really love all my characters and want all of them to have a part in this book. There is one protagonists that has more screen time then the others and is the main main character. Anyway what would you do in this situation and what should I do to make it less confusing for the readers.

[@myownstory4030]

I bought your book .. it arrived on my birthday and I finished reading it in 2 days ... it’s amazing love you abbie

[@AbbieEmmons]

yay! Happy birthday!!

[@mollysung4696]

Can't wait! You know some books have like beautiful fonts that stand out and some of them, like Harry Potter (many more) font's pop out, as in it feels like is has a texture, when you put your hand on it, (it feels a bit bumpy) do you know how they could've gotten that and how much it cost? Thanks!

[@vincentkeith5259]

That's not the font, it's the printer - a combination of paper choice, ink, and printing technology. Find out who did the printing for the book you're talking about and ask them. All of those things affect the cost to some extent. I would guess you're talking about books done of an offset press, which uses physical plates that are inked and then pressed onto the paper. Tends to be prohibitively expensive for small runs. Small run/self-published books are typically digitally printed.

[@pragyashashidharan7098]

This video was really helpful. I am self-publishing my first book, 'The Gem of Portia' next week and I am super excited. Thanks for sharing Abbie!

[@shawnmckeegan]

Congratulations on getting your book out there.

[@pragyashashidharan7098]

Thank you

[@ferbthecow5324]

congrats!

[@pragyashashidharan7098]

Thank you

[@MrQwefty]

I started writing a book I had in my mind but never wrote down any of it for years. I thought I'd memorized many scenes in the beginning, in the middle and in the end of the book, but when I got to writing the book, I realized I had to fit in some more scenes between important events for more context and a more vivid plot. I can't wait to write all my favorite scenes, it really is one of my favorite books I will have written! I don't plan on publishing it any time soon, though. It's not something that I can reasonably publish as a first book, and I'm not close to publishing any of my other works as of now.

[@francescagolden1061]

MrQwefty aww that’s too bad. Can u tell us what it’s about??

[@MrQwefty]

@@francescagolden1061 lol why is that bad? My book features quite a lot of violence, it's pretty heavy. I should focus on other books before that, publish at least a few of my other ideas and gain experience.

[@francescagolden1061]

MrQwefty i wasn’t hating or anything, just curious is all. Don’t worry about it 😊

[@thedarkone5459]

I finally reached the mid point of my book thanks to you, Abbie

[@paaaidoo]

Oh my God me too!!!

[@aanyachennupati771]

Hi Abbie! I started watching your channel about a month ago and honestly you are so frikin underrated, you are the one who made me start writing again. I'm only 13, not even, I turn 13 this December and i wanted to be an author i think in 5th grade and I thought that wouldn't happen but after watching a few videos from you, I started writing again, so for that 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!

[@tell-me-a-story-]

😊🙃🙂😆😁😄😃😀

[@aetheriansunrise5433]

I paused my first draft to get a fanfic idea out of my head. Thought it was going to be a small oneshot, and now it's nearing 10k words... so maybe not that small. But I'm almost done, and progress will continue!

[@martybadin6127]

7:02 Title one:

[@kkscorner6557]

I am writing a book with my best friend called the taken I’m so excited 😆 Your videos have been so helpful

[@mariamoreno13]

Soooo I just looked back at the last #AskAbbie video and found out I posted a comment about how I had already written almost 50K words of my first draft. Now it's almost 60K and I'm so excited because I've never written this many words before and I have never been so close to finishing a book. Maybe by the next AskAbbie I will have finished it laksjdflaks I really can't wait. Abbie, your videos are amazing, they inspire me so so much! Also the Kate and Abbie show is very inspirational; I always look them up for motivation! (Also sorry for my English!)

[@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!

[@adamjrothstein]

As of right now, I'm working on my audiobook. The only problem is uploading it to ACX. Any advice?

[@wordsonNewYorkHarbour]

Let’s just give a round of applause to Abbie. She is amazing. I’m working on a series (I am 13) and she has turned my series from ‘here’s a group of characters. That go through lots of ****’ to ‘HERE’S A CONFLICTED CHARACTER. LIKE HER… HERE’S ANOTHER CONFLICTED ONE. LIKE HIM! HERE ARE TWO MORE! THEY'RE BOTH CONFLICTED! LIKE ALL OF THEM’

[@AdianBlack]

I'm currently running through the first round of editing on my 15k word Novellette. After I'm done I'll be sending it to some beta readers before editing again :)

[@meezaanurrahman6925]

Day by day I am fall in love both you and your sister's thinking. love from India.

[@Hala_0000]

Which video editor do you use?

[@MerlinCesarGuillermo]

Abbie, can I thank you on the acknowledgement page?

[@amleparker6084]

Quick observation on font choice for your cover: Please don't use a font that's too crazy, unconventional and/or hard to read. Dyslexic people will thank you for choosing something they can decipher without getting a head ache.

[@TheAwesomesauce3000]

I recommend for a hate to love ya romance, Karma. Its an amazing wonderful book, that clearly shows the cause and effect of this girl (prudence) of her hate toward the guy (quint) she is kind of strict and has to have everything perfect whereas he is very seemingly chillax, and never shows up to school, and the story actually starts right before the inciting incident, which is prudence and quint have been teamed p as study partners about the pros and cons of recycling and how to improve the waters near they're town (which is right on the beach, and prudence hates the ocean and is deathly scared of sharks) She has more of an economists mind and thinks of lucrative ways to makes the economy of they're town better, while technically staying very eco friendly, and she does not see the actual awful things that happens to animals. Her misbelief is that Quint cannot be relied on. And the farther you get into the story you start to see just how wrong she is about quint, honestly its like a modern day equivalent of Pride and prejudice. And you end up seeing just how great a person Quint is, because in fact he is working in a sea life center and has to deal with firsthand the effect of polluting which an increase of tourists, will indeed boost the economy, but it will be detrimental to the already dwindling wildlife. One of my favorite books look it up find it read it love it live it.

[@jcandye1]

What if you don't have enough money to send your novel off to an editor? Should you just not publish it until you do? Or take a chance and publish it after you're happy with your drafts, have a few rounds of betas, and use an aid, like Pro Writing Aid?

[@StephaniaBonnet]

Me watching in September like 👁👄👁what August do you speak of my friend?

[@itsshay.3057]

sooo i actually really wanna add this character who has personality disorder but i honestly doNT know why i should or shouldn't. like im so confused cus he'll be one of the three main characters and he's really important and i don't wanna mess it up by giving him a personality disorder but honestly, i think it'll make ir interesting. pls post a vid bout how you could write bout a character with personality disorder.

[@DL-idk]

I'm outlining...

[@Neurospicyalchemist]

Working on a steampunk retelling of Wizard of Oz. Also a romcom urban fantasy about a woman who attends AA because she is bored and likes to make stuff up and also free snacks, and runs into her ex, who happens to be hunting another person in attendance who is not who he seems to be.

[@Hanedie1]

I'm working on the prequel to what I finished in June. I realized it's too far in the storyline to be the first book in the series lol

[@LunaIsMentallyDead]

My friend knows everything about it, but i am glad because they helped me with new character ideas (especially names, i suck at naming characters)

[@Ruthie888]

I would love to have a suggestion of your professional editor. Not dots and dashes, but content.

[@ajblank833]

Abbie: *Does her intro Me: (இ﹏இ`｡) I've got a friend?

[@OmniPub-ZSaya]

Can you make a video on how to write the synopsis (blurb) pleaseeee. I don’t know what it needs to be good

[@vincentkeith5259]

How many Beta readers do you use? Working on book 2 of Solar Storm.

[@voleif2550]

Could you please do a video on tragic/failed character arcs?

[@nahalnaib8578]

I completed my book in 20 days!! You know, the one I told you about a few videos ago? OMG goal accomplished! Starting a new one in September 😊 What Are the rest of you at in your WIPs? Hit reply and let’s chat!

[@AbbieEmmons]

WOOHOO! CONGRATS!

[@roxiecotton101]

what about beta readers for non fiction books?

[@truptidarda5369]

Hi Abbie! I love,love,love your videos! And this podcast,so good,so informative! I'm looking for answers.From anyone,really. How do I show a side characters internal conflict when I'm following me protagonists POV? Also,a hint on in what your planning for the blurb video? And some tips in writing a book with somebody else? I would love to join your patreon,but kinda broke now,will defs join later! Also,cant wait till 12,will read 100 DOS then!!!!!!!! And Blood Race.And Pride and Prejudice. I'll be 11 in October. Ahjjjjjjjdjfkdkekkakskdjfjgjt (Just realized I won't be writing a good book if it wasn't for you.) Also,my name is Geetalii.

[@AucklandNZ1]

I have written over 108k words and heading into the climax - it's exciting. I am looking forward to the editing process. I have followed Abbie all the way through and if I ever get stuck or unsure about something, I look up the appropriate video and away I go again, better educated and moulding the writing craft. I'm so proud of myself.

[@rileytuawai7241]

Hi Abbie!! I'm working on a scene called The Welcome Mat. Its about the MC's male friend who invites her over for dinner. The MC doesnt realise he comes from a wealthy family . The chapter title symbolises the MC's experience in meeting his mother, the maid and eventually the father, each forming an opinion of the MC that shifts the relationship with her friend. Im just working on dialogue atm ! Love your useful writing tips and this another great one, thank you for the inspo x

[@masonpines6349]

Currently working on: the disparity of following the three-act story structure while writing a series of adventure-of-the-week-styled serials. Love the videos. So informative.

[@dacrewordsmith]

Howdy Abbie, I'm working my way through some of your earlier vids, and seeing how much (not IF) of my open scenes/first chapter needs some attention - one of your earlier vids about the MC getting alot of attention really struck a chord with me. So that's getting some attention!

[@bpoullos]

I haven't done anything overly creative in months. got so burned out on it.

[@rachelthome165]

I'm currently planning/outlining a thriller and oh boyyy it is interesting to try to do. I feel like I need to cover all of my bases even more so before I draft. I'm sort of working backwards, but still began with characters. If anyone has any tips or resources on plotting a thriller, I'd love to hear them!

[@dukeofdenver]

I'm currently rewriting a story I abandoned - thanks to YOUR videos funnily enough. I realized it didn't have a hook, and the inciting incident started too early. So I'm currently adding a hook, and loving the process. It's an action adventure middle grade novel, like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets Guardians of the Galaxy

[@zomarleyonwriting8322]

I love Ask Abbie! Everything about this shot is just lovely and I feel like fits you SO well! I'm working on an epic, dark fantasy -- trying to trudge through that first draft! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@DawnzeenaMcGill]

Currently working on my main and supporting characters in a Hallmark inspired Christmas romance novel. Abbie your templates and videos have helped me and my writing so much! You are an inspiration to me. I honestly could never thank you enough for what you do. Thank you Abbie.

[@Spark_is_right_here]

I’m writing a Middle Grade Adventure. Just wanted to say that because everyone else is talking about their projects.

[@coralia.i9702]

Heehee *makes my font Comic Sans*

[@twinmaker1]

Right now I'm working on the backstory of my main characters, while taking tips from your video!

[@Itslexreads]

I'm 44k into my WIP, and the 3rd act is KILLING ME SLOWLY!

[@kayciejones5583]

Thanks Abbie!

[@luckywithpaint7773]

Arent betas and cretique partners different from each other.

[@simonej2286]

I’ve been brain dumping story ideas the past few days now while digesting every video you have 😂 what do you think of a story where a group of teens have to deal with not having parents around. They have to figure out how to survive and establish rules. Some rebel which leads to two groups being formed. The MC has to deal with this while figuring out who she can and cannot trust. I’m thinking of a sci fi story set in space. Coming up with ideas of how they ended up stranded alone which as I am writing this think I figured out lmao. ❤️😂

[@simonej2286]

Abiya Syed thanks for the recommendation. I’ve actually watched a few of her videos before but now that I’m jumping back into writing I’ll definitely check her out.

[@thedarkone5459]

I am writing a scifi noir book based on racism

[@juju.le.toilet]

Loving your hair!!❤️❤️❤️