I tried Donna Tartt's writing routine 🖋️📖

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Welcome to another writing routine vlog! I've already done Haruki Murakami's 4am writing routine and Virginia Woolf's journalling routine, so here we are with Donna Tartt's writing routine. This was a much more laid back writing challenge, but I hope you all enjoy it 💛
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[@ethandnormandy]

she once described her process as "essentially painting a huge canvas with a brush the size of an eyelash." I think I love her stuff beccause I've found that's the pace that works for me, too.

[@jolonghthong5377]

She finds a lot of similes with writing and painting or drawing. I’ve heard three analogies about those two things from her. Wonder if she herself paints

[@user-vs2zr9pz5k]

@@jolonghthong5377 she does! she mentioned once in an interview that at one point it was her dream to be a painter but she realized she wasnt good enough to pursue it professionally

[@jolonghthong5377]

@@user-vs2zr9pz5k that’s cool! Thanks for letting me know

[@witchykit]

If I had a library like this one where I live I don’t think I’d ever leave …

[@Alicia-jl6ob]

Same!! Love the libray!🤩

[@deryasefer]

Omg, yesss! 😍

[@krasserkekskrumel6318]

Yeah, same, I'd probably just move in :D

[@floffycow2649]

We barely even have a library where I live :/ not even places to sit (except a few chairs), only books to lend…

[@georgia7636]

It's nice, but the chairs are uncomfortable 😂

[@brianwashines2645]

I see a Donna Tartt writing routine challenge I assume someone has a project that will take up ten years of his or her life. Then again I always assumed Tartt managed to get 400 to 800 words down in polished form per day despite actually writing thousands of words before getting there, mostly by longhand. It's like a painstaking sculpting process where the stone is in you and you have to fashion the pieces so they cohere in the end. It's why I admire her novels so much because so much has gone into them.

[@harrisonmccartney4878]

I think plotting might be Donna's weak suit. She's a highly competent writer, so her actual writing probably doesn't require all that time, but I think she gives her ideas an enormous amount of time to mature before she commits to a vision for the novel. I'd love to read her drafts, as I can imagine things changing wildly from conception to finished product.

[@Steerpikey]

Of all the routines I read and saw, this one is my favorite. It has no self-punishment elements and feels very organic and warm. The "ploughing" metaphor reminds me of what Ali Smith once said in a reading I went to: a writer is a giant stone rolling down a hill, and the books you read are the moss it collects. At the end, the giant moss ball becomes your book (she explained it in a much nicer way, but that's the core of it).

[@eimeardonnelly8548]

I'm not a Donna Tartt fan - I'm a whole air conditioner! So I loved this video, thanks so much for making it!

[@camillagrandi4201]

This comment sent me FLYING. Ten minutes after, still laughing 😂

[@eimeardonnelly8548]

@@camillagrandi4201 Aww glad it made you chuckle!

[@kaisetic3150]

this exactly!!

[@peachy-wd6ci]

yeah the incredibly racist and xeneophobic white woman!

[@xfilion]

Try Neil Gaiman. One tip, use different coloured pens each day to visually see how much you have written. Great video.

[@marissanufer7313]

I always told myself I wasn’t interested in reading the The Secret History, but after moving to the Mississippi Delta region from Michigan I went into a bookstore and saw her featured due to it being in her home town of Greenwood Mississippi. After reading it and learning about her more and hearing her speak I find her to be quite fascinating as everything she encompasses seems to come off as the opposite of someone you would meet in this region. She talks and seems to carry herself as someone from northeastern old money but comes from and outsiders perspective which is why I think she’s been able to integrate herself into the world of books while creating questionable characters.

[@nelzar]

She is perhaps my new favorite author/writer along with Neil Gaiman. Absolutely love every bit of her work :)

[@koritsi2142]

The fact that Project Teacup is in any way related to Dorian Gray makes me sooo excited for it! 😍

[@evelyn1456]

If The Picture of Dorian Gray relates to your book thematically, I have no words for just how much I will LOVE your book. The dark, mysterious atmosphere of the book is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced from the comfort of my bedroom. I hardly remember anything else from the point of my life that I read it, because it captivated me so deeply :)

[@fatimapilodia2253]

I RELATE TO THIS!

[@madelinejameswrites]

I wish I had a library near me that beautiful... I'd never want to leave 😂 but I really liked this routine, the idea of having space to do something else if you're not inspired or needing to mull something over for a bit, OR keep going is really nice.

[@zelihashares]

I have an urge to make a video about Virginia woolf's journaling routine, i am thankful for your inspiration and being an amiable humanbeing. 😇😇🥰😍

[@juliae.8237]

Ha! Writing/work boundaries. Yes, I get that. I am a mom and some days when the writing is going well it would be lovely to forget my responsibilities - but I am a mom who loves her kids so that helps too. Loved your video. Congratulations on reaching 80k!

[@TheQuietRiotProductions]

Gothic novels are great when you write fantasy and you are looking for inspiration to ground your work in reality or to further build in your world. I love a good mix and a novel like Dorian Gray is perfect for that. Love these videos.

[@michaelasvejdova594]

I've never thought of writing in a library, but thanks to you and Donna Tartt, I'm definitely going to try. By the way, you have a wonderful library in your city. I would never leave this again!

[@SuperBlondenerd]

I love these videos! 1. because it shows different writing processes and discovering what elements work for you and inspires me to try them 2. selfishly, it also shows that you are continually progressing in Project Teacup which is very exciting! Question: when you are writing in your notebook, may I ask what you are writing: Are they actual scenes you are trying to play out? Are they just notes you want to make sure you want to incorporate into the book? Ideas for later on in the story?

[@hafsaali4207]

Well I know u asked Christy but I think she does problem-solving in the notebook. Like what should the particular situation be?

[@thefriesofLockeLamora]

For number one, may I suggest checking Kate Kavanaugh's channel. She's done nearly all authors

[@melindabiddy7165]

I wish our library was as nice.

[@sbu_englishclub]

What a great idea for a video! It's so interesting to see how different people write--what works wonders for one person would absolutely KILL someone else

[@tonydeluna8095]

I would bring my sketchbook and try sketching the library. A beautiful atmosphere

[@t0dd000]

I love working in libraries, but often they are not quiet. TIP: Your library may have a designated quiet work area. One of the ones near me does and it's a godsend.

[@koritsi2142]

17:55 HOW on earth is this gorgeous reading room in the university library so empty? Must be heaven! At my uni library the reading room is pretty much packed all day every day with several hundred students🥲

[@sklsdjf]

I think the immersion tip still works for fantasy, and is maybe even more important for it! even just putting up some pictures of fantasy settings around your workspace or on your desktop or playing more fantasy music I think would help immerse you in the setting so that it doesn't have to be a literal place you visit that exists in real life but rather something u build in ur imagination and work off subconsciously as u write!

[@BrittanyBWrites]

The State Library is so beautiful…I’ll stay there and never leave

[@everausten]

I loved this writing routine for you because it seemed nice and not painful! I feel so bad for AuthorTubers wrecking their sleep schedules and making themselves miserable - but I suppose you won't know it's not helpful until you try it. As always the vibes were cosy and particularly dark academic 💛🌙🌟✨

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

Omg that library 😍

[@colinarmis]

your videos are always so comfy! they feel like a big warm hug or laying under dense soft blanket

[@ardennosaka750]

I love listening to you talk about the writing routine of different writers. I was listening to you while writing myself not on a novel but in a notebook, and I love hearing you talk! She seems that she has a normal routine in my books. Plus I know the feeling when you get into it to much that it is hard to get up from your seat especially when you are getting vary into it.

[@lucaelisa9286]

I gasped when I saw Dorian Gray??? I'm even more excited now

[@koritsi2142]

samee

[@ChloeTheePayne]

ooooooh i love working in the library, this is such a good reminder to do that more often!

[@wanderingwallawalla]

It's always so fascinating to see another writers routine. I would love to see more of these in the future, it's been such a fun series so far 😊

[@KristinHBergenstein]

I love your red sweater. It looks amazing on you.

[@loiscassels8966]

And the lipstick….

[@brontekelleghan6353]

Christy, I love these writing routines

[@YHLHL903]

This was so informative and inspiring!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@inkmatcha]

This was really inspiring! I'll try her writing routine for the weekend! Thank you for the wonderful video Christy! :)

[@BooksWithCarah]

absolutely adore your videos -- you inspire me so much!

[@17caria]

what a lovely library--thanks for sharing!

[@hafsaali4207]

Wonderful video. I was desperately waiting for it. I love writing routines' challenges.

[@adventureswithatlas]

I have been binge-watching your channel this weekend. I absolutely love it!

[@deerinthewoods]

it was very inspiring, thank you!

[@andreiserban3095]

Hello there! Just wanted to say that these kind of videos suits you. That's how i discovered you, by the videos with murakami and wolf and it made me to watch you since then.

[@AdrianasWonderland]

i love those routine videos of yours. actually i love every single one of your videos, but those espiecially 🥰😍

[@arabicabqariyyah111]

Christy, I love this vlog so muchhh🥺

[@sabrycarb26]

I loved this, and I love this series!! I would also love a video on your specific writing systems and routines, and what you use, like what goes into your decomp book etc.

[@normamccafferty3053]

Such a fun series of challenges. :) I love many of your shots- I appreciate the effort you put into making the videos looking interesting and pretty. Lastly- that library! I’m smitten! ❤

[@WiteDahlia]

I love Donna Tartt! Great choice

[@Demitrival]

The way you smile when you write 🥹💖

[@zelihashares]

It is great to see you, ma favorite youtuber! 🥰🥰

[@sofialanchodrozdowskyj8849]

I watch your videos while I work because I find them very soothing. Thank you for creating this kind of content!

[@RafaelToscano]

Wow, what a beautiful library!!!

[@Lulu-kg8cf]

Really into this series 💜

[@____wicked.witch.of.the.words_]

Really loved this video ❤❤❤❤

[@witabif]

christy: my fantasy novel is over 75,000 words and its not nearly done me, who hasn't even started writing my fantasy novel yet: 👀

[@YourTrueShelf]

Wow, those libraries are absolutely gorgeous, esp the first room!! Beautiful. Nice for you to get out of the house from time to time and have a change of scene to work in.

[@lindsay4938]

You're so pretty! This video also made me want to go to the library

[@lanietzky]

Re-reading thematically linked worked sounds like a great idea!

[@sofianever3261]

I love these challenges

[@lilyrose3]

I really like these writing vlogs! Also, you look so pretty without makeup too!

[@dariawerner7056]

I'm really loving this series! And that library *envious screech* And this is a random question that you may have answered before but I was curious to know which writing software you use :)

[@nayoungkim2170]

I am really liking these challenge series. I am also curious what kind of tools you use (seeing the what's in my bag portion)? Not just the notebook but the apps etc. Thank you for the lovely videos I always put them on

[@joannbaumann4028]

Thnak you. What I nice series on writing routines. Subbed!

[@rebekahmenn2118]

I love these videos -- I don't know anything about authors' writing styles; I really enjoy this format you've created! I'd be curious to see what VE Schwab's writing style is like.

[@fashionlurveable]

such a good video thank you!

[@katievr9249]

Oh gosh Christy, your videos are just so writerly and cosy. I go away from them full of yearning to write and write, to go to the library and to just watch the rain pitter patter, to make tea and eat pastries. I love the little writerly world you’ve created for us. I must work on my writing asap.

[@Rec426]

I loved this! Even though I’ve never read a Donna Tartt book (I’ve got one on my shelf to read) I do like learning about other authors routines. This definitely made me interested in going out to work more on my novel and to also have a set place to work in. I normally work on my novel in bed (I know really bad 😅) since my legs do get a little achey/stiff if I sit for a long time but I think if I’m in a different place than my house maybe it might encourage me to get more work on my novel done? 🤔 it’s something to look into anyway :)

[@StetStudio]

There are so many lovely libraries in Pittsburgh I should really go out there to write.

[@asyabovt4241]

Oh my god I am so happy that someone take outside bunch of different pens cause never knows which one is gonna be used. I always have variations of writing style and use the pens depends on my mood and style I have today

[@neonoires]

I'm not a big fan of Donna Tartt outside of The Secret History (which is my favorite book of all time) but I'm going to try this.

[@General_Puffball]

Really impressive production values on this channel.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

New to channel. New to the idea of possibly being a writer. Where should I start? How do I start?

[@HelloThere...]

Oh that’s simple-you start writing.

[@user-jj3zf3hm7n]

I'm for the first time here, you are so sweet and cute, and your video is so cozy! I love Donna Tartt and it was a very interesting journey, thank you! Good luck with your book and with your experiments 🔥 I'm a beginner writer too, but right now I'm on the level of exploring different books and trying to understand how familiar books work at all technically. And I noticed that Donna Tartt doesn't have any single inappropriate word or detail, this is just awesome ❤️

[@LabRat-jv3qt]

Can you do George RR Martin's writing routine? He is my favorite writer. Love these vlogs!

[@EzeICE]

The Library in Adelaide is absolutely beautiful indeed.

[@floratinuviel2762]

I loved this video! The Goldfinch was so wonderfully written, such a clever story. Also writing a fantasy novel (actually a series probably) would be so curious to know your thoughts specifically for the structure of fantasy! It's taken me quite a few years after I got the initial idea to really get into writing it down. I feel like fantasy can be so momentous that's it's quite the challenge.

[@kannot1]

I wish I was rich enough to write in a hotel in New York for a week😭💔 love Donna Tartt, wish we knew more about her

[@olafgutte5381]

Very interesting, Christy! Here in Germany I learn so little about Donna Tartt. 👍☺🤗

[@CynthiaCobos8]

Your local library is so beautiful and cozy. My local library isn’t so appealing and also has a lot of transients who hang out inside. But regardless, I enjoyed your video. Very inspirational. 😊

[@thegrandbizzare]

Happy that I found such a cozy channel of an author in my own state! I always thought city living would be a great lifestyle. Coincidently, my aunt used to work in the Mortlock Library, although I never studied there as I went Flinders! 😂 And yes, it's also true that a 40r old male just used the word cozy! Have a good one!

[@justyna2149]

I misunderstood and thought she meant rock music for a second...🤣 Donna Tartt is a rare gem among contemporary authors. Thank you for such an interesting video on her!

[@sisterray1063]

Thank you for this marvelous video. May I ask where did you buy the cardigan you wore in library? It's so beautiful.

[@ingardensallmistywetwithrain]

What a beautiful library to write in. I find your keyboard at home a bit loud though. I just found your page and find it very interesting. I`ve just subscribed. Ok break time over, now back to my novella.

[@faviomartinezfreitas5608]

I´m confident that following a routine would take a long time for someone to assimilate. However, I enjoy this kind of vids a lot!! Thanks a lot, Christy ;)

[@nikkisituations2247]

Wooo Adelaide represent!

[@angie_68]

I would so go into a library if we could but we need ID's to go into Universities and Colleges to use the libraries. We still have a few local libraries here that I should get to and get my writing back on track, as I love writing and reading as well. Thank you for your video's, have a great day..

[@samiraaziz6853]

Love your videos, Christy ❤ they make my idea. So glad you uploaded because I was getting worried and impatient. Btw, what keyboard do you use for your iPad? Is it the Apple magic one?

[@thedream-workdoesnotthink4512]

Barr Smith.and the Mortlock wing are great places to work

[@LiahMorley]

Hi Christy! I absolutely adore your videos, it's the highlight of my day when you upload! I was just wondering if you (or anyone else) could let me know the software that you use for writing and planning your stories? Writing is a big passion of mine too and I'm finding it a bit difficult to navigate a good software to use :) also it's always great to see a fellow Aussie, so hello from Perth :)

[@katieakin1091]

I’m writing a chapter book that’ll be a series, and I work best mid-morning until the afternoon when the sun is bright in the sky. Once the sun starts setting, it’s harder for me to write, and since I don’t get home from work until 5pm, I’m not motivated to write at that time (most of the time)

[@evanjohnson9705]

Oh I love that library! I miss working upstairs in the Mortlock wing now that I use a wheelchair (99% sure there aren't any elevators there from memory

[@rene.rodriguez]

Just discovered your channel. I love the tone and tenor. Great content. Liked and sub’d.

[@mgtogno]

The Picture of Dorian Grey is also my favorite book, I know many quotes by heart I read it so much hahaha I love Lord Henry kkkk

[@christy-anne-jones]

I love his sass. And his dialogue. He's so arrogant in a funny way? Hahaha

[@socman002]

My advice to anyone interested is: if you are going to write full-time, do it in a place you are happy to grow to dislike. So, if, like me, you live in a one-bedroom studio apartment, please consider not writing there, as your home becomes your workplace. And yes, real writing is real work, which you will come to dislike as much as your old job you so wanted to depart from. But you will convince yourself you 'love' your (writing) job cause you worked so hard to get it. And you do, a little bit, but damn this reality of rewriting/editing sucks more than you'd have imagined, and so will your environment you do this work in. So please distance yourself. - Form a writer who wrote full-time for a year and now appreciates normal work again.

[@Mybookishbehaviour]

I would love to see you do Stephen king (for a fun time) or Brandon Sanderson (if you want to challenge yourself)

[@jagger5392]

got 10 seconds in, saw the library and knew you were from adelaide too!!! amazingggg

[@arielryu1817]

This was so refreshing, Christy! 🌷 How many hours do you write for per day usually, and how many hours (mean) did you write for each day during this challenge?

[@HotCrossBun]

I've noticed this on me, when I'm writing, and someone turns the TV on, it's like a interference happens in my brain, the ideas stop flowing, which makes me going nuts.

[@pinkbagels1]

What a gorgeous library! I live in Kitchener. Our library is sterile and people are constantly wigging out on meth in front of it. My biggest peeve is a noisy library and people letting their kids run all over the place. I make it a point to check out every library of every city I visit. Winnipeg's was pretty cool--It has a huge study area that feels like a lecture hall.

[@pinkbagels1]

There's tons upon tons of care for them here. It's Ontario so the cost of living has skyrocketed but they get a lot of assistance regardless of what you may hear. The problem is most of them are mentally ill to start and can barely function properly when well but there are no institutions for them. Those were dismantled here because it was it was considered an infringement on their rights. So..Where do they go? Right onto the streets! There was one very good place called Hat's Off that was for brain injury folks and when that shut down our homeless population near doubled.

[@colling2741]

I have the exact same problem, literally-I'm in the same city Haha

[@garruscuriosity9791]

Id love to see the "Umberto Eco" style one day

[@ReadingNymph]

Have you read the Uncensored version of Dorian Gray? I read it in October, it was fantastic

[@lakeshagadson357]

I would be glad if I could go to to a bookstore or to library with my class

[@rileyklingensmith5967]

You should do Hunter S. Thompson’s writing routine next haha