How to be a terrible writer

A 10-step guide on how to be a terrible writer, brought to you by award-winning author Grayson Taylor.
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ABOUT
I'm Grayson Taylor, an author and filmmaker, here to help you on your creative journey by sharing what I've learned-and what I'm still learning-about storytelling. After writing my first full-length novel when I was seven, I've authored more than a dozen action-adventure, sci-fi, mystery, and dystopian books. I've also written and directed several short films, composed music, and acted onstage, on TV, and in films.
You'll find writing advice, publishing tips, and behind-the-scenes videos on my channel.
You can find my books, films, music, and more at graysontaylor.....
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[@graysontaylornyc]

Want more bad writing tips? Watch last year's April Fools' video for a 10-step guide on how to write a terrible novel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKnZZ4qorb94rrM Alternatively, if you (for some reason) want writing tips that are actually good, start here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paeTipljbNuJldE

[@BastianBooks]

Hi there! You are just wonderful! I laughed with you...and also feel amazed because the same ideas apply not only to writers and artists but to all humans: compare ourselves, reject any curiosity, fear our intuition are sure ways to unhappiness. You made one of the greatest video I've ever seen, honestly, I am so happy I have found someone so brilliant as you.

[@dvdv8197]

Can I know how old you are? I cannot find that answer on the world wide web. 😅😂

[@graysontaylornyc]

@@dvdv8197 I’ll be turning 19 this month.

[@dvdv8197]

@@graysontaylornyc appreciate it. A young genius was my best guess, I was right haha. 😆😂

[@EmiolaAbdulmuiz]

Is this sarcasm or true please

[@ZelphTheWebmancer]

Finally, writing tips that don't require effort and time

[@graysontaylornyc]

The best kind 😄

[@ToastWithController]

I know! I can finally put my skills of stubborn to good use!

[@mrpauleharper]

If anything, I've been overdoing things.

[@secondYTime]

I like to do nothing 😂

[@shawermus]

Idk, starving all night sounds effortful

[@JPmagicMC]

Instructions unclear: I became a good writer (In my own subjectively objectively correct opinion)

[@Yatukih_001]

Be a good writer and celebrate!!

[@Iso20227]

*sigh* You should have followed the instructions in the video and become a horrible writer like me. 😔

[@user-wq4mc4so6c]

I think I have some sort of paranoia, I feel like if I show people what I write they'll steal it, I know it's silly because my writing really isn't that revolutionary, but I get this sinking feeling. Any advice?

[@Iso20227]

@@user-wq4mc4so6c show your writing to exclusive readers. Readers who don’t write. They can’t steal your ideas if they don’t write.

[@JL32506]

@@user-wq4mc4so6c If you do share it, make sure you're the only one with access to the original copy. It's why I know a lot of people prefer locally stored software like Microsoft Word over things like Google Drive (which is cloud-based and stored externally). Date everything, too... if you give someone your writing to read, then mark down who you gave it to, and the date you gave it to them. If they steal it or try to take it from you, a court will ask you to pull the dates on the item's creation. It's how most courts solve that sort of dispute.

[@janinso]

"disown your family. preferably, leave the country as well" had me dying. this video is amazing lmao

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thanks!

[@RogerMcCoy]

I once read Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott on a recommendation, and I feel like her sincere advice wasn't that far off from this.

[@arn3107]

reminds me of that one family guy scene

[@everia_games]

Go with your family to a hotel in the mountains during winter where everyone has left and you have the hotel all to yourself

[@kennyclips658]

This is unironically way more motivating than any writing tip videos I have seen

[@milicadiy]

I agree.

[@turtlething4025]

I to agree

[@callmeniac]

I agree

[@heylooka]

I agree

[@A13-.133]

I dont agree

[@thereccher8746]

Another tip: only ever do writing. Never have any other interests or hobbies. Because the only thing a writers should ever do is make novels. Being a good writer requires no knowledge or experience outside of just writing. Make sure you shrink your world view and interests, so that all your characters are writers like you. This will absolutely not come off as self absorbed and tedious at all.

[@graysontaylornyc]

Ah, yes, a very good addition.

[@DishonorableMentions452]

when your a terrible writer and begginer animator (welp time to make my own shitty tv show now)

[@d.tsukuyomi1869]

Norman Boutin follows this rule to a tee.

[@douteurhenrydickson3354]

Never meet a woman, they have a satanic gift for confusing your mind and complicating your life - Ken in the movie Barbie

[@BabyNoob270]

Bruh my main character is me. He's based off of me. His name is Little Tiny Weiner.

[@shawnmckeegan]

Finally. Someone who gets MY process.

[@VTPPGLVR]

One of my BFFs destroyed me with the accuracy: “Like I think you’re trying to take the masterpiece in your head and yank it out thru your nose like an ancient Egyptian onto the page whole and complete like Athena from the head of Zeus. And that sounds traumatic, frankly.” OOOOOOWWWWWWwwwwwwwwwie~ The truth. It burns us, precious!

[@cardboard2night]

This comment literally crawl under my skin, burrowed through skull, parted my brain lobs, and nested between them to live now rent-free - so accurate it was holy shit 😬

[@fragwagon]

BFF obviously a writer. Not a great constructive critic, however.

[@moosesues8887]

I just woke up what am I reading haha

[@Maerahn]

....aaand, what they're saying is that I SHOULDN'T be doing it like that? Asking for a friend...

[@extremempsilvamps5851]

"Become a master in starting projects, and lever learn to finish them" I feel I have been called out

[@veronika4870]

SAAAAAAME

[@jobogriff1209]

Ya tellin me hahaha

[@alyssum130]

Yes 😭😭😭😭

[@Iron-Bridge]

I absolutely love this reverse psychology approach. The presentation sold me. 👏

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thanks! I'm glad you're now fully equipped to be a terrible writer.

[@sony.walkman]

There this guy called, terrible writing advice, reminds me a bit of them. You might like their channel

[@ArbitraryOutcome]

@@sony.walkman Terrible Writing Advice mentioned

[@evrimpekaslan]

"Avoid sunlight like you're a vampire" 🤣🤣

[@graysontaylornyc]

Wearing a cape and sleeping in a coffin is optional, but highly encouraged.

[@sebastjankrek1744]

I already do that, useless advice!

[@cardboard2night]

That's just surviving tip ☀️🔥 the sun is the deadly laser~🎶

[@hineraable]

0:03 Constantly compare yourself 0:36 Keep your writing to yourself 1:24 Don't be curious 2:19 Intimate yourself 2:48 Consume passively and constantly 3:33 Avoid consistency and commitment 4:13 Neglect your health 4:49 Become a recluse 5:19 Don't be an artist 5:51 Give up

[@Lulwa-xz1zv]

Im terrible but I can always get worse!

[@umekothefirst]

HELPPP 😭😭😭

[@BarakatSerious]

Heeeeelp 😂😂😂

[@mittag983]

This called me out badly especially the only reading fantasy bit 😂

[@ninadant]

Same here 😂 is hard

[@africanchick23]

Me too, that, and being a recluse 😮😅

[@keyboardstalker4784]

Why would I want to read a book about being a depressed loser written by some pretentious pseudo intellectual when I can read about the triumph of good over evil and heroes overcoming near impossible odds through quick thinking and luck?

[@phylocybe_]

@@keyboardstalker4784as if fantasy books are the only stories that have those elements

[@unconventionalgriffin6957]

Finally, some quality writing advice.

[@graysontaylornyc]

Who cares about learning how to be a good writer when you can learn how to be a bad one?

[@azriel9499]

BRO, I literally used to do so many of these things, and I can attest to the fact that I was a terrible writer. Fantastic advice if you wanna become a terrible writer!

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thank you! Glad to hear my advice is sound.

[@Guyiamtalkingto]

@@graysontaylornycthanks I got a copyright lawsuit after plagiarizing people!

[@samengelage3521]

Same! The part about "starting as many stories as possible and not finishing any of them" was definitely me. I had to take a long break from writing because I felt that something simply wasn't working and I'm glad I did.

[@Otter-Brainrot]

THIS WAS SUCH A CALLOUT 🤣

[@ntrg3248]

I mean this kind of advice applies to almost anything you want to be bad at. Want to be bad at drawing comics? Don't try to get better at art, your art is perfect the way it is and totally encapsulates your story that you already tried so hard to write poorly.

[@MsZsc]

damn

[@user-eg8sk6xg9z]

"Become a starving artist, literally do not eat" You got me there XD

[@NotSpecAlt]

it wouldve been so ironic if it came out on April Fools day. but still a wonderful video

[@graysontaylornyc]

That's what I was initially aiming for-but consider it part of April Fools' Week 😉

[@NotSpecAlt]

@@graysontaylornyc oh lol. alright then

[@DragonAttackInBlue]

11. Procrastinate lots.

[@forkfighter]

"You can do anything as long as it's nothing"- 'The Phantom tollbooth' (1970)

[@graysontaylornyc]

Good advice. If you look closely enough, you can see that very book on the shelf beside me-the blue one right next to Jurassic Park.

[@akioasakura3624]

Bro is feeling the Terrible Writing Advice vibe 😂😂 🔥🔥

[@leopoldosoto779]

Nah, Terrible Writing Advice now has some stiff competition!

[@akioasakura3624]

@@leopoldosoto779 hehe fr

[@Mizoly]

tip for screenwriters : make every character talk like they graduated with an english major from harvard with a c2 level in cefr, will make them sound professional

[@elpaladindeltrolling6037]

Seems reasonable

[@graysontaylornyc]

Totally. All advice worth following.

[@kengause9259]

If I had just found your video before I wrote my first book, I would have lived a happier life.

[@graysontaylornyc]

Better late than never! Now you can make your next book truly terrible.

[@Sky-bu1jj]

Thanks, I knew I was on the right track, now I know I wasn't working hard enough. I shou

[@emeralddraegon]

Oh no! I don't think I'm even doing HALF of the things mentioned! 😨 I might have to change how I'm doing things or risk becoming a good writer.... LoL Seriously though, this was awesome. I'm going to share it with writers in my writing group!

[@graysontaylornyc]

Yes, nothing's worse than accidentally becoming a good writer. Thanks for sharing!

[@CalciumEcho1000]

What an amazing video on the art of rejective writing. Grayson didn't just give us tips on how we could suck at writing, he also gave us tips on how to suck at regular tasks and connecting relationships overall.

[@ManFromThePits]

Eleven: Emphasize a message rather than a story. You aren't doing your job unless you preach so hard at your audience that they put your book down in shame and cry over their unworthiness to be in the presence of your ethically superior words.

[@kayceeisonfire]

Number 6 called me out so bad 😭

[@TDJunkie226]

Reverse psychology: the video

[@grapestastelikechesse653]

2:20 I think that actually happened to a composer once. Can't remember which one though. From my understanding, the press has this idea that the symphony was going to be so wonderful and amazing and groundbreaking that it ended up taking him YEARS to finish it because of the fear of it not living up to the public's expectations.

[@stephenwalker2924]

Great video. Disney sends you a thank you note. "All great advice - love Bob."

[@coralfishnt7663]

5: Don't write, if you want to be a terrible writer just don't write, what a genius!

[@elkboy2538]

What scares me is that we can all think of people follow at least one of these steps. I know I struggle with focusing on one story when I have other just as interesting ideas I want to work on.

[@TheCozyCinnamonRoll]

Unimportant note but your vocabulary is impecable

[@JL32506]

All this tells me is I'm finally on the right track. Exploring ideas over providing entertainment value has made me want to write for the fun of it; been a long, long time since that happened.

[@simplesimon534]

Looks like harry Talks like Hermione 😂 Nice wake up call tho❤ 🙇🏻‍♀️

[@JoeSyxpack]

Turns out I didn't even need this video. I've been doing everything perfectly already.

[@marthaschou]

Hilarious! Great way of showing a new viewpoint to classic writing advice ^_^

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thanks! I thought the writing advice space on KZbin was lacking something... not enough info on what everyone wants to know, which is how to be a terrible writer.

[@marthaschou]

@@graysontaylornyc Yeah, like, I know all of the advice you say, but hearing the opposite really made me think "Okay, it IS pretty stupid to keep doing all of these things" Like, there's a difference between saying "You need to get up from the chair and exercise" and "Never move. You have to sit still ALL THE TIME" The latter really made me see it in a new light :)

[@raultrincado7110]

I don't like to be that guy, but... this video deserves 100k views at the very least

[@graysontaylornyc]

I appreciate it! Maybe one day 🤞

[@thelocalnecromancer1224]

it's at 104k now!

[@yumikoyuzuru]

"10: give up" had me weak

[@sylph8005]

1:39 "In the age of the internet, the past is irrelevant. Shakespeare? Who's that?" - Grayson Taylor, just now "What's past is prologue" - Me, just now

[@graysontaylornyc]

I love some good plagiarism. Shakespearean plagiarism especially.

[@sylph8005]

@@graysontaylornyc Who's that?

[@graysontaylornyc]

"Shakespearean" is a term I coined, meaning "ripping off someone irrelevant from the past."

[@sylph8005]

@@graysontaylornyc You truly are a terrible writer. I'd admire and take inspiration from you, if I didn't shut myself off completely. I'll make sure to never use your word.

[@badconnection4383]

This reminds me of Terrible Writing Advice, I never realized it but I actually have made some of these mistakes.

[@lolzize8208]

Imo, a better title for this video would be "How to be an Unsuccessful Writer." Skilled writers can possess many of the traits you mentioned in this video. A lot of this stuff just comes from a lack of discipline and some other stuff I can't think of lol. But at the same time, by having discipline, you gain more practice, so that would make you a better writer.

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

My advise is to sycophantically follow whatever's popular no matter how idiotic it is in terms of material reality. Be _more_ pc. See where the wind is blowing and lean into it even more. My only other advise would be be completely contrarian. If someone you don't like says the sky is blue, it must actually be green. Your beliefs must only be founded on doing the opposite of certain other people.

[@thebookblah]

A phenomenal writing content 💯 Thank you for piercing us in so many unforgettable ways. Wow.

[@graysontaylornyc]

My pleasure.

[@user-lf6vt3my5k]

I love this kind of video cause you can understand how absurd some of your fears are. Plus it’s always refreshing to see not only educational but also funny job. This is going to be my motivation when I’m procrastinating from now on

[@Superkid33]

Finally, a good video with the best writing advice ever with absolutely no sarcasm or irony!

[@levaravel_ppp]

Works for life as well

[@graysontaylornyc]

Very true. Why just be terrible at writing when you can be terrible at life, too?

[@E4439Qv5]

​@@graysontaylornyc way ahead of you

[@lionshostka]

Amazing video! It was a pleasure to watch it.

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thanks for watching! I'm sure you took away a lot of very useful tips 😉

[@agent0422]

I've never felt more entertained and attacked. If my next script isn't as funny and thought-provoking as this, I'll stop writing. Thanks for the great tips :)

[@graysontaylornyc]

Haha, no problem!

[@kitsuray_]

Absolutely loved this 🤣

[@graysontaylornyc]

Glad to hear it 😄

[@kiiro5989]

I was surprised it was just 6 mins and 45 seconds and yet I feel fallen into an infinite spiral optical illusion ! What a great piece :D

[@giaxoxo2405]

I feel so called out and motivated at the same time, lols... I've been so freaking hard on myself for the past few months for what I dunno, I tend to want to be immediately perfect @ everything to the point where I take the joy out of it... thank you for your hilarious video, I needed that for real.

[@arn3107]

as a musician, this applies to music too and art and literally anything else thank you!

[@ic236]

Oof number 2 is too real. It's too vulnerable. ...and so is every other point. I needed to hear this.

[@katiereed5038]

Great sequel to how to write a terrible novel😂

[@graysontaylornyc]

Thanks! This kind of video is now an annual tradition, it seems.

[@boxlesi]

I rarely write comments because I don't know English. But you made me laugh with this video because once upon a time I too dreamed of becoming a writer and did all the things you listed.

[@zenasid9259]

i love these tips because they don't just apply to writing, thank you!

[@drawingwithjay4488]

This is giving "terrible writing advice" vibes, and I love it😂😂😂😂

[@macgeoff3117]

The Live action TWA remake looking good so far. Great vid!

[@lauritaeart]

This was so fun to watch xD you touched all the best points :'D Also agree with the overall message! I think we're getting too accustomed to not let ourselves being challenged. Feeling uncomfortable can lead to growth and self discovery

[@thetruejerrycan]

It feels good to be called out now and again. Amazing video

[@ThéoNortier]

Ye i feel like many take writing too seriously and they end up hating it as they feel too far from perfect

[@moose2023]

Realizing how many of these apply to me was a wake up call. Thank you for it.

[@benrosn8154]

Awesome video man thank you for the content it’s actually extremely inspiring. You’re really cool for this. It’s a great video especially for anyone who loves creative stuff I love the creative process so this is definitely a huge aspect of it. In fact, I’m dealing with that right now just thinking I’ll never be as good but that’s not a productive mindset. He got us at the bar a little lower but you’re still accomplishing closer to your goal and that’s what’s important.

[@iryna839]

I started writing a novel I postponed for years and this list is exactly what I needed to hear! 😂 *back to writing*

[@shifragrossman7668]

Best video I've watched this year

[@professixstern]

Thanks for your video. It is not just a greatly entertaining one but also a perfect guidline of things you should not do, if you really want to be a writer. I just made a note, in which i wrote down every one of your steps in opposite meaning. I hope it will help me to one day be able to say: i'm actually a decent writer. no really, thanks a lot

[@graysontaylornyc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vmf7799]

Thank you! That was so helpful! I even won't bother myself with finishing this sen

[@copiousgarlicbread]

not regarding any books im writing but shoving the things ive been avoiding for years now straight into my face unironically helped. my gamedev project has been almost 2 years in the dumps because i couldnt make the story perfect. this is a banger video thanks brah

[@megafromagem483]

I think 5:29 is the first time I've seen someone actually use the word Anodyne. I'm using it in my novel as the pen name for a very divisive author within the world, so it's very cool I saw it while talking about writing. Also, fantastic video!

[@TheThreatenedSwan]

This is a very anodyne comment and maybe even a little sanguine

[@volcryndarkstar]

I've started reading non-fiction for the sole purpose of expanding my knowledge base so I can write better fiction. I'm currently reading Technics and Civilization by Lewis Mumford, which was published in 1934. It's a fascinating read, would definitely recommend, especially to aspiring sci-fi/fantasy authors who want some insight into how pre-industrial people thought.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

This is literally the best writing video ive seen in years, you cover so much ground, so efficiently, completely engaging, honestly bravo this is just a fantastic video beginning to end. George Saunders level of advice and with a similar humour too

[@derinwithaq5811]

Wow, I was doing these things already! Looks like I’ve got a head start on all these other aspiring terrible writers!

[@georgiescorner]

“It should be sacred to the point where you don’t feel worthy of writing at all” - 2:35 mark This is funny but that genuinely hits hard. This is actually super helpful

[@Failingstoic]

So, I’ve started 2 novels, then 2 short stories which quickly turned into 2 long novellas. I have not figured out the middle to 3 of them or the end to the other one. The 4 works are of 3 completely different genres. It’s going stellar so far…

[@Aetucre]

"Binge videos about writing but never implement the tips". I feel attacked

[@CrowandTalbot]

well, this video at least convinced me that i excelling at being a terrible writer. im so good i haven't even started a book

[@yashark1893]

The most impactful way to put it. Your approach is pointing toward all the not to be and do list in the path of becoming a writer. I greatly appreciate what you did and how you did it. It helped me a lot 🙏

[@friedtea9969]

I really needed this video lol. I keep thinking about writing instead of doing it

[@alanloewen4148]

Well said. I am sharing this with all my writing companions.

[@DragonAttackInBlue]

Hah! Like I need advice on how to be a terrible writer!

[@graysontaylornyc]

Consider it a useful refresher, then! And there are always new levels of terrible you can sink to.

[@DragonAttackInBlue]

@@graysontaylornyc Good point! How do I get lower? :D

[@charlesvantassel1465]

Seeing The Mysteries of Harris Burdick in the background made me instantly respect this guy. It’s that book that made me start writing stories.

[@graysontaylornyc]

No way! One of the illustrations from that book was what inspired my first novel; that's why I keep it in such a prominent place on the shelf.

[@charlesvantassel1465]

Nice! I still keep my childhood copy on my desk. What a brilliant book! I revisited it recently and it got me started on a microfiction writing kick. A recent one: On the outskirts of town, electric children play Ball (soon-to-end) beneath the fog of a neon sky.

[@rdove_]

This and CGP Grey's 7 Steps to Maximize Misery are the most motivational guides I have ever seen

[@TheSalMaris]

Yes these are the best possible writing tips of all time- except for Giving Up. That one keeps me wallowing in a morass of self pity and by consequence, identifies my life. Thank you so much for this.

[@JavaPy-ci2vv]

Did inspire me, thank you. I had burnout since 3 years and this video was the first thing that inspired me after that long time. I see that those named mistakes take a big part in me having constant burnout

[@belgiumcomics2537]

No. 4 & 5 & 6 are my biggest weaknesses as a writer.

[@aerobiesizer3968]

I like this style of video. I know what it's based off of and I'm glad to see other people making this content. Also, some of these tips will make you feel terrible outside of writing. Bonus!

[@likanweeds8501]

thank you very much. right now working at my own book, will surely use this tips for sure going to be a terrible writer with everyone!

[@thewannabegamer9]

Instructions extremely clear! I’m following all the steps and listening to the extra tips in the comments! I’ll never publish anything!! 🥳🎉 Seriously though, this was helpful. Really showed me how hard I am on myself nowadays. I used to write for fun all the time and now I feel like everything has to be completely perfect to be worthy of anyone’s time. I’ll get there though. ❤

[@VVVU2x]

Thanks for the advice, can't wait for my book to pop off on Tiktok.

[@someromantic754]

Fantastic! I'm apply these right away

[@pureevil9496]

This is hilarious and so genuinely motivating. The sarcastic fatalism really does showcase how absurd the fear and anxiety of sitting down to face the blank page actually is. Thank you.

[@404foxtrot]

Outstanding tutorial! I could apply these simple methods to anything and it'd make me successful.

[@huecosenvezdeojos]

It's kinds funny to me that some of my favorite writers said they did some of these things 😭. The inconsistent writing, not eating or sleeping sometimes, etc.

[@PeteJones81]

"Consistency is boring...Writing shouldn't be a sustainable activity... Compromise at every opportunity..." 😂 I feel personally attacked and I'm not even mad, that was amazing.

[@klooseaubrothers906]

I would like to belive that this is advice everyone follows by default. The real challenge as a creative is learning to do the opposite. Mr. Taylor, you did a great job making this video and I'm happy it came to me today.

[@thejackoshack9591]

Ok ok i get it no reason to be mean about it *cries for being called out*