how to STOP OVERTHINKING your writing | tough love edition!!

💗These are my *four top toxic tips from a bestselling fantasy author to help you stop overthinking that first draft, and just get it written instead!!*
📚Comment below if there's anything you'd like me to discuss about being an author, any questions you have, no question is too small. I'll do my best to answer them🥰
🪐If you liked this video, and you love space fantasy books then consider buying my novel: The Principle of Moments :)
Reviews:
"I've not read anything quite like Jikiemi-Pearson's award-winning debut. At once a meticulous space opera - with hints of N. K. Jemisin's Broken Earth trilogy - and a centuries-spanning love story" ― The Bookseller
"An audaciously joyous debut full of heart. I loved stepping into Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson's world of heroes and prophecies, friendships like family, and an epic adventure through the stars" ― Nalini Singh, New York Times-bestselling author of the Psy-Changeling and Guild Hunter series
"A sprawling space opera fantasy stuffed with familiar tropes" ― The Guardian
🌎Blackwell's online bookshop will post it for free to any country internationally!
Thank you so much for watching!! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribeeee 💗💗💗

[@milkflavored]

My problem is I’m trying to write for myself, but I’m my own biggest critic, so I can’t even be self-indulgent in private bc I’m embarrassed 😂

[@esmietheauthor]

GET IT TOGETHER😂

[@SophiaMarieDollano]

You're not alone. This is me too!

[@sugasweet435]

I’ve got some scenes collecting dust in my google drive and I just can’t write anymore, or do anything to pull my idea together

[@BloomLotus7]

Honestly, I think 'not for me' is extremely respectful. And that is not how I expect people will dislike my book. But daamn that 'looking up 1 star rating' advice is great. I saw some things I actually agree with and it's scary. but now I actually like to write: "Don't be a great writer, just be a writer," at the beginning of my book to remind myself to just write; no pressure. Thanks for sharing this

[@esmietheauthor]

"Don't be a great writer, just be a writer" is PERFECT. I'm glad you found this video helpful :))

[@madebymalayka]

"Novels are built out of sentences" God, I'm not even halfway through and I already feel like I should be taking notes 😂 Hoping to undo my imposter syndrome vicariously through you ❤

[@esmietheauthor]

Right!! for some reason, I forget that small, incredible fact all the time😂😂

[@madebymalayka]

@esmietheauthor I wrote it down in my journal, so that should help lol

[@drd8251]

I read somewhere recently that perfectionism can present itself as an advantageous form of sanity when, in fact, it’s a delusion. Writing something perfect is unattainable. Stories thrive on exactly those risks perfectionism forecloses. (None of these are my original thoughts, but they really resonated with me.)

[@chelciecotton7774]

I felt like you were looking and talking to me personally throughout this whole chat .. 😂

[@esmietheauthor]

I was!!😂

[@Thegirlwiththebooks-]

For a bunch of toxic tips this was strangely comforting 💚💚

[@Curious-Cat]

Really enjoyed this video! Love your vibe. Advice number 2 get me thinking: reading 1* reviews of my favorite books would be more anxiety-inducing than helpful for me, I think. I see your point, and it makes sense, but I would find the experience disheartening. I think I would actually flip your advice and say "go read 5* reviews of books that you despise" because some people did love them and it meant a lot to them. So if you're feeling unhappy about your writing right now, feeling that your book will never be as good as your favorite author's, well, it doesn't even have to be. Some people might still love it. It releases some of that pressure, deactivates the perfectionism, which probably goes hand in hand with the overthinking.

[@queenb2450]

honestly and this is super mean to say, but I think about how there are certain popular books - Fourth Wing (idc but it's just really bad writing and plot and characters) - I think about how that got to be published and it motivates me in a way that if that author can write and publish trash, I can freaking too!!!

[@kimberleeoneal]

OMG! I literally went to Goodreads and read the negative reviews of one of my absolute favorite CLASSIC novels of all time... and people HATED it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 like enough to write detailed, paragraphs-long, 1-star reviews! And the craziest thing... all the things they HATED about it were the same things I ADORED it for!

[@esmietheauthor]

THIS!!! this is the exact thing I was hoping people would notice.

[@PaulRWorthington]

The irony of 'toxic tips' and 'tough love' being presented in such a charming and friendly manner! Subscribed, thanks. (and while I don't get stuck on word choice in sentences, I do want to get better at just churning out paragraphs without having to first know every detail of the scene, and how it interplays with everything else in the chapter, the sequence, the act, the novel, the series…)

[@andrewfallman7542]

I loved the angle of this video! The "toxic" tips made it really funny, and the whole thing was very encouraging haha. Thank you!

[@ursadparadise]

you look like you never miss a skin care routine, your face is flawless. thanks for all the advice too!

[@lina5699]

Theres nothing toxic about your advice. Its honest. It doesnt make me feel anxious or kind of shamed so that means its geniune purehearted advice

[@InnerProp]

I wrote a short story once in a very boring class. As I wrote each page I tore it out of the notebook I wrote it on and passed it to my neighbor. The pages were all around the room eventually. It was just short of the scenario you described with putting it on a big screen. They loved it.

[@StephenAryan44]

Welcome to KZbin. It's nice to see another traditionally published author on here with a writing channel. There are only about a dozen of us!

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you Stephen! So excited to be here😊

[@erencanaslan7989]

Hey, I'm looking for traditionally published author youtubers to watch here! Could you share any channel you know with me? Listening to self-published authors is not cutting it if you want to be traditionally published.

[@StephenAryan44]

@@erencanaslan7989 I'd recommend Michelle Schusterman and Alexa Donne. There are others but those are the two I know off the top of my head.

[@bm8490]

Those tips are not toxic, those are Toxique! :D I loved this video, did not realize, this was exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you!

[@magpiewrites3270]

This is the only - I mean it, the only - author’s perspective of this type that actually resonated! I’ve read tips from everybody and their mother, from Neil Gaiman to my favorite booktubers and back, and it was always like "umm yeah you’re right I guess but it’s completely irrelevant to my case" and "ok yes but that’s basic knowledge, we all know that already". But you! You’ve pinpointed it, aced it! Every single thing you’ve mentioned is exactly something I struggle with as a writer. Thank you so much for seeing right through my bullshit. I’m gonna go write now.

[@esmietheauthor]

I'm so so glad this helped you!!! good luck!

[@Adailyy_]

I found you off tiktok today. I've been looking for authors on KZbin with your kind of vibes. New subscribers and will definitely be reading

[@esmietheauthor]

Ahhh!! thank you so much!!

[@ChitChatwithShanum]

Thank you for these fantastic tips on stopping overthinking while writing! As an 8-year-old who loves reading and reviewing books, your advice is incredibly helpful for anyone starting their writing journey. Your insights are practical and encouraging.

[@davidstewart8796]

Nothing that I had not heard befofe, but a nice round oackage delivered well, thanks

[@ciscl]

Needed to hear this! Would you consider making a video about how you got published e.g. finding an agent, getting a deal, publishing process etc.?

[@esmietheauthor]

yes! I have a video about this scheduled! :D

[@BinxThinx]

Thank you for this 😂❤️ definitely needed to hear some (okay alllll) of this 🙈😅 on a mission to finish my first novel for ME

[@daisybrobbey9618]

I love you 🥰 the “Who do you think you even are??” got me 😂 I’ve got to remember that one when I’m overly critical of a sentence honestly

[@writerbyday]

Definitely needed to hear all of this - especially the “write like no one’s watching” cause I do overthink audience and whether or not I’m writing for their expectations in the fantasy genre, but then I feel stifled. So this helped a lot to just write and push those thoughts away ❤.

[@andrewrobbins1060]

Oh my, I think you're my new favorite 🤔

[@missdragon5892]

Oh my god this video came to me at the perfect time, I've saved it to come back to it later. This stuff is so good for letting go of expectations.

[@kayefbutterfly]

I'm so glad that this video came on my recommendations because I'm already obsessed with you!!!

[@SWINDISA]

Great video! I love all the jokes, text & sound effects sprinkled throughout it. I'd love it if you could review writing methods like copywriting & rank which ones will be best for beginners. You are such a charismatic speaker. Did u write a script for this video or was it off the cuff? You'll have a million subs in no time, so I feel lucky to have found this channel when you're small & my comments won't get buried. I'm so jealous you got a quote from Nalini Singh

[@TheRyanLamont]

The sound effects you add in are so fun ahaha 😅 Love your energy! *Subscribed*

[@catherinebrown8501]

I just looked up my favorite book. 1494 reviews. No 1 stars at all. 🤯

[@alisagorelick8116]

Very solid advice. Yes- you're right. No body is untouchable and no one is watching you dance. Love it!

[@Laurapoet33]

This is exactly what I needed today! Absolutely loving your videos!

[@erzsieke]

omg your setup is so cute!!! thanks for the advice btw!!!

[@jjrusso664]

I indeed went to Goodreads and looked at one star reviews of my favorite books and you’re right. It horrified me but it also was oddly comforting lmao

[@sb5421]

Thank you so much! I am the writer’s-block-in-chief and it was so helpful to hear this

[@LanaCJames]

Honestly that helped me a lot. I felt so freed by your words. So I think it will become my ritual to watch your video before I start writing in the next few weeks. XD

[@themysteriousfox3767]

This was recommended me at just the right time!

[@taylorw.8179]

Found you from TikTok and so happy I did , because I am always in my head and this was very helpful!

[@soph.b6054]

This is the blunt, no nonsense advice I needed- thank you Esmie!

[@marie-pierdubois8340]

I really love your tips! :)

[@Gaywatch]

Nothing I love more than coming across a new KZbinr whose only obstacle between them and 100k subs is time.

[@esmietheauthor]

I'm not gonna lie, this has made my whole week. Thank you so much for leaving this comment :)

[@MadeleineBeardsley]

I absolutely loved this video! Such great encouragement from a published author. I feel that sense of 'everyone is watching me and will hate this or that' becomes so overwhelming, but your advice is so fun and inspiring. Sometimes it is so helpful just hearing from published authors that they struggle as much as we do :)

[@lisavanhusen7483]

This is everything I needed today. Thank you!!!

[@butterbeer8651]

this all helped!!! thank you for sharing!!

[@timwelch482]

ive been trying to write a book for like ten years but I'm constantly overthinking and trying to be super smart with my words. and trying to be so eloquent.

[@dsoloud]

This was a wonderful video thank you for making it! ❤

[@mizbell5541]

Simple but effective video! I love your energy and the tips you made (and yes, I will go do my laundry)

[@esmietheauthor]

hahahahah sorry!!🤣

[@bluebookstufff]

I love this video and your personality SO MUCH.

[@angeloliver4487]

Omg thank you so much! You’ve literally grounded me from spiraling!

[@New_Perspective519]

I really needed to find this video! Thank you so much for putting your personal touch and tips out there for us to learn from. I have had so many inspiring ideas and worlds to put to paper, but I am so critical of my writing and being a poet first, it’s hard to not focus on each word. Your words took some weight off of this big journey I wish to be part of! Thank you and I look forward to the next video.

[@user-hm5hp6wr3d]

I do not know how you found me but that is a good thing. I was hiding. I thought I should change my true story into Fiction by changing the names of the guilty parties. You reminded me of the real me. Take No Prisoners I've always said. Thank you kindly, Cordially, John

[@astrotamer]

I'm a long-time-artist, first-time-writer trying to figure out how to string a story together for a comic/graphic novel. I absolutely loved this advice! AND I can't believe I already own your book from illumicrate! I'll have to put it at the top of my TBR ❤ thank u sm and i'm excited to see your future videos!

[@CameronDeja]

You’re so pleasant to listen to!

[@TiffanyRussell]

You are so wise! Thank you for sharing.

[@umamitrampo2226]

I LOVE THIS dude you're so emotive and inspring!

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you!!

[@skycolinregan]

OMG thank you so much for this 😭😭😭

[@billyalarie929]

Wonderful video! Thank you so much! I would love for you to talk about writing prose, particularly if you could do so in conjunction with this frame of mind? Word choice not being brilliant, how to get over that and choose a word that gets you where you need to be, regardless how pretty or powerful it is. Thanks again, definitely subscribing. 😊

[@mightyCraftGaming]

This is a video I needed!

[@elenaarenas4229]

youre an angel!! thank you so so much for such good tips ❤

[@esmietheauthor]

you're welcome lovely!! x

[@authorcharlotteecraig]

Bruh this video is sooo funny - and informative lol. I had a blast watching this. Now, off to practice some toxic writing tips 🤪🤣🤣

[@esmietheauthor]

ahahah yay! good luck!!

[@sanctuaryart4937]

Thank you for making this video!

[@CookyeDough]

Awesome video. Thanks for the tips :)

[@neofulcrum5013]

I’m definitely hitting that writer’s block for my first rough draft. That anxiety that it might be not great. I used the Freyr pyramid to help plot my structure.

[@Hidden_G3ms]

Thank you for this video 💛

[@OhnoGrimmei]

firstly I'm new to your channel and can I just say that you are funny! I was laughing through a good bit of the tips you mentioned. they were all very helpful and needed! I tend to do them all. I'm now a happy subscriber and will be looking forward to your uploads! thanks for this! Also congratulations on your book baby seeing the world!

[@esmietheauthor]

Ahhhh!! Thank you so much, this is so kind. I'm really glad they helped - I wanted to make a video with the tips *I* need to remember and it seems we're all facing the same problems lol! Will be making a part two soon xx

[@Man-ej6uv]

the reviews were so funny! like god, how can you not see how good it is??? if they hate that than they can hate anything

[@tammiehunter8289]

Thank you! My 2nd book is killing me! And it's because of everything you talked about in this video.

[@esmietheauthor]

oh I've been there with the second book. I'm going to post a vlog about the whole process, LOL it was awful!!!

[@EmmaBennetAuthor]

Great video. I'm very happy to have discovered your channel.

[@adelinepaul2402]

amazing video!!!

[@giseledute]

thank you so much for this video!

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

Oh my gosh I’ve totally been circling the drain of overthinking. I’m editing two books right now and am second guessing the entire time with a large overhead cloud chanting ‘will anyone like this?’ 😂 This is helpful!

[@MissMarigold32]

My issue is adhd & constantly either daydreaming, getting nee ideas, or having issues trying to get from point 1 to point 2 even when I don't even have an ending planned yet. Also thinking in tv episodes & seasons insted if chapters & books 😅

[@MOONSUN4Life]

Your one-star review tip was eye-opening, to say the least. Thank you for helping me (and others like me, I imagine) put things into perspective. You've got yourself a new sub 👍

[@esmietheauthor]

you're welcome! (and thank YOU!)

[@KimmieFelix]

This is definitely me but I am over coming that 😅😅😅😂

[@infinitecurlie]

7:50 oooo. Something that one of my instructors recently said to me was I need to keep in mind the potential reader because I've been writing and figured the chips will fall where they do. But they said that without a potential reader in mind, then we don't have a story; but I'm really not sure how to picture one for Dark Fantasy lol.

[@Christian-ut2sp]

Thank you for this

[@galaxylucia1898]

I’m not done with this video but I had to pause to say THANK YOU🙌🏾 and share with writer friends!! EDIT: okay I’ve finished. Love it!!❤ the pep talk we def all need! Thank you. Will hunt down your book now here in the States!

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you so much for sharing this video with friends, that means a lot to me!!

[@zhadebarnet3773]

How am I this late to the party? I am HERE for your content 😊

[@esmietheauthor]

you're not late at all!! So glad you're here!!

[@TheFairytaleLifestyle]

Loved every second and I'm so happy you're making these videos! To answer your question, I'd love to know your advice on deciding which projects to pursue. I currently have 17 novel concepts I'm working on simultaneously because depending on the day/season the story just speaks to me more.

[@esmietheauthor]

will do a video about this! xx

[@jonathanbassett3656]

This is 100% me. Another thing is that I always think I have to remember what happens/happened in every sentence and every paragraph during every chapter. I don't know why I think that but I do ugh

[@OhhGlam18]

I would love to hear about your process with rejections and querying while finding an agent. It can be pretty soul crushing for new authors! 😮‍💨

[@esmietheauthor]

querying is such a demoralising process. I remember when I was deep in the querying trenches and it took such a toll on me mentally. I will definitely make a video about this. I hope you're doing okay and keeping your head held high!

[@OhhGlam18]

Just hearing you went through this is a balm! Can't wait for the vid 😭🙏 new subscriber!

[@heathbarzforpresident]

thank you 😊

[@its_only.d]

You're right...This is toxic😂😂

[@andeeharry]

thanksfor sharing

[@pika7058]

Would u consider making a video about your publishing process how to pitch and query, get an agent, finding the right editor etc?

[@esmietheauthor]

yes of course! I have a video like this planned so hopefully I can get it posted soon. It's gonna be long though, since it took me a while to get published 😂

[@pika7058]

@@esmietheauthor THANKYOU!!

[@seaslime1704]

Hey I’m new here, but can you make a video about your publishing process?!??!

[@fisshermangaming7420]

Hi Esmie. Sub your channel. Very good advice. Very helpful for me as I am also want to write my own books. Surely will get your book and read.

[@ontheVERGE.]

a toxic tip i use for motivation to sit and juuuust write is to think about all the horrible books that were written. someone put time and effort into absolute shit, whereas i can put time and effort into something that WILL be a masterpiece. i use delusion to produce productivity 😭 even if my story isn't a masterpiece at least i COMPLETED it and it can blend in with the rest of the shit thats published lol

[@bluestory6997]

heavy on the year 8 english teacher with their damn red pen trauma

[@esmietheauthor]

there's always one comment they made one time that you never forget LOL

[@bluestory6997]

@@esmietheauthor Literally!!!! Never recovering from it 😭

[@witchcraft222]

you’re the british version of my life as Eva

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

1,300 subs after just a few videos… 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sophilozophy]

Great tips. I don't consider them toxic and hope to see more in the future. Q: How do you even start to gather ideas and not contionously keep drifting, unable to stay focus. Did you use a particular writing software? Take care ☺

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you! great questions, I will do a video on this as it's something I've struggled with too.

[@Ilovechickpeas]

30k words into my novel and I needed this. Starting to get imposter syndrome and feel like I will never finish.

[@esmietheauthor]

the 30k mark is a really common place to feel a lack of motivation! I would plan the next three chapters or so in as much detail as you can, short of actually writing them, and then just follow the plan. You can break through the imposter syndrome. YOU know this story. I believe in you!!

[@rafm3068]

Sometimes I also search for some of my favorite books and I filter for 1 and 2-star reviews. lol Or sometimes I don't like books and I wonder why so many like it..and I also filter for bad reviews lol. Art and books are subjective.

[@hardysbooks]

😍😍😍😍 oh hi! Didn’t realise you were on KZbin! Instant sub from us ❤️

[@esmietheauthor]

hi!!

[@amethystb12345]

Thank you for this video because I have been trying to write a Harry Potter fanfiction for a while but my problem is that I will start one way get a few chapters banged out then realize I hate everything & start over... I've done this like 5 times

[@milkflavored]

Also trying to apply this advice to (hp) fanfiction and literally doing the same thing 😂

[@amethystb12345]

@@milkflavored lol well it's true & I can't help it haha

[@mateus-doc]

How long did it take to write your book?

[@catcreme]

leave the overthinking for edits!

[@theresakidd]

1. Style doesn’t matter if you haven’t finished the story 2. You’re not a taco, you can’t make everyone happy 3. Not being famous works in your favor. Okay personal experience here I did accidentally project my writing on a computer that was attached to a projector before. 😂 4. Self care

[@stelanie28]

You are a doll and loved the video. I will purchase your book and do a review for my show. Stay beautiful, ravishing and wonderful! Handicapable Black Woman

[@esmietheauthor]

thank you!!!

[@zeesummers]

hey