If I Were Writing My First Novel, I'd Do This... (Writing Advice)

[@LukewarmGORE]

I told someone I know about my current book idea, and we ended up having a long conversation about it. She later told me about a walk she had with a friend, and the friend asked why she was so quiet. She told me that quietness came from her thinking about my book's characters, how easily she could visualise them, and wanting to find out what would happen to them. I think that sort of enthusiasm is really powerful, as it lets you know as the author if your idea is important and worthwhile.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

You need to finish writing that book

[@Hello-hello-hello456]

Wow, that is precious!

[@kylebattin5115]

Finish that book, let us read it!

[@awe_ebenezer]

Exactly. You damn need to finish writing that book. BTW, is It your first book to be published? Do you have a website or are you planning to build one ?

[@LukewarmGORE]

@@awe_ebenezer It would very likely be my first published book. I could build a website in the future, but I'm still young and inexperienced. I do need to write this bloody book though. I definitely know that now!

[@belenlazaga6085]

Dude! Its 1am in Argentina!! If you think I'm gonna watch your video right now you're absolute correct 😆

[@jhammond1978]

Midnight over here in the states, lol.

[@jesusromanpadro3853]

12:30 PM here in Puerto Rico. 🥱😪

[@spamrisk7784]

W Argentina! California USA here but it's so cool to see people from other parts of the world

[@xenounde0]

Watching this at 3am lol

[@jesusromanpadro3853]

He's probably posting this video earlier so he doesn't have to post it on the 4th of July.

[@BigBoyMan01]

"You need about 2 months to finish your first draft." Me looking at my recently finished first draft that took me 2 years to complete: "I'm a little behind schedule, but no problem. This is the biggest achievement of my life!❤"

[@NOVAdwa]

I feel you!!! This was me with the first draft of my novel!!! Only it was 3 years 👀 but I ended up scraping all of my previously written stuff and rewrote the whole thing in 3 months. So not bad 🤭 Keep up the amazing work!!! Im sure your book is awesome!!!

[@zamp_gaming]

I started my current WIP about 15/16 years ago, when I was in high school. Since then, it's gone through restart after restart, years of not being touched, and lots of doubt it would ever see completion. Even that very first (cringy) draft from 16-year-old me never reached completion (I stopped writing it close to the end and restarted from Chapter 1, haha). I finally finished the first draft on the 7th of this month, after a little over a year of telling myself it WILL be done. It obviously needs a lot of work, but at least it's a completed first draft, no matter how long it took for it to get there.

[@NOVAdwa]

@@zamp_gaming congratulations!!! Im so proud of you!!!

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

Two years? That’s MILES ahead of where I was at! It took me five years to get what I would consider now my first draft, which I made the huge mistake of releasing. It’s awesome that you have made so much progress!

[@juhbuhguh]

Don't forget to rewrite the dialogue 124671 times until it makes no sense anymore!

[@nathancrossen2224]

I usually hit it on the 124,672nd time.

[@madnesspoison234]

I normally rewrite it 24601 times before release. Should I do more rewrites?

[@bigdumb1]

* writes dialogue as it naturally comes into your head * "Wait, that sounds too basic, it sounds boring, it doesn't sound like it belongs in a novel, it needs to sound interesting...." * 12k rewrites later, dialogue reads like a bad action movie, with 10 layers of irony and nonsensical speech quirks, completely unnatural, absolutely no one speaks like this in real life * "Yes.... perfect......"

[@chickenman297]

Yay! My first novel was published today and there's a Brandon video.

[@wheresmyeggs]

Congratulations! That’s awesome! 👏🎉

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Congrats! Best of luck with the next one!

[@shlafrock2175]

congratulations 🎉

[@DanRedwater]

Congratulations!

[@ellaillustrates9350]

Congratulations!!!

[@n0o2gaming]

It was a high school dream to write a novel, but I never tried. Almost two decades later, I've brushed the dust off my aspirations and started my first project about a year ago. 10k words into it, I scrapped the junker of a story for spare parts and started project number two, its going so much better than the first! Learning how to write, rediscovering the joy of reading, and watching McNulty's videos has been an absolute blast. good luck to everyone working on their dreams.

[@mrblack8447]

Best of luck to you!

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Keep at it! Glad to hear the videos have been helping

[@marekd174]

Happened with me too. I finally found the perfect idea, was passionate for the first 8,000 words, then it went downhill, I started to hate it, and I started on a new story. It went so much better, until same thing happened... Now I am waiting for a great idea to start my best story.😊

[@awe_ebenezer]

Good luck to you too.

[@robertrdbrooks7658]

Hi Brandon, my name is Robert. Thank you for the much needed writing advice. I go to KZbin University, with discernment. Last year I lost my job and the use of my legs, I became disabled (hip erosion). Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself I decided to write a novel. And Brandon was I surprised. One doesn't just write a book. There's a certain way to write a book. Starting with "Show don't tell", at the top of the list. I treat it like a business, I get up, take a shower, breakfast, book. (The best I can) To answer your question. How long ago did I start? Last year whren I was diagnosed with hip erosion. Between loosing my job and waiting for disability leaves me strapped, $ Copywriting, editing, pictures, publishing all cost. So, I'm waiting for disability. I'm 3/4th through, I'm new and slow. Planner 1st. Pantser 2nd. Just reaching out to seasoned writers. Thank You, Brandon for the education.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Awesome that you managed to fight through such an ugly situation. I wish you the best of luck with your writing. Keep at it, and good things will happen.

[@rylansato]

I’m not delusional enough to think people will like my Campfire Series. It’s just a slice of life with no real plot except just following the MC going through the trials and tribulations of life. He experiences big events in a similar way like Forrest Gump. I’m writing it not to sell and make money. I’m writing it because I have a story to tell.

[@TheEmeraldSword86]

Hey, Brandon, I've been writing my first novel since late November 2023. I'm almost done with it, but I've faced many trials along the way. As always, your advice has been extremely helpful, and I hope my novel will get published.

[@jhammond1978]

I've been writting since 2021, and hopefully to publish 2026! Good luck to you!

[@unicorntomboy9736]

​@@jhammond1978 I hope to publish my book next year in 2025

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Glad my videos have been a help! Best of luck finishing it!

[@Yatukih_001]

I begin my work by asking ´what if X was scary´? One day I asked ´what if Uber passengers were scary´? The end - result was a little vampire short story which was enough to make a friend happy. Over 20 years ago I wrote a long book about the pope being a praying mantis - it happened sometime in the Renaissance and focused on an alternate life of pope Urban VIII. Years later it was mostly complete in the form of a novella. The first time I attempted to write a novel was a handwritten project about a family member and friend finding themselves in an alternate reality, where their sanity began to slip. Thanks for your video man! Best wishes to you from Reykjavik, Iceland!

[@gorequillnachovidal]

one thing that I wish I had known is: You can write about is bothering you/occupying your thoughts/pain you are going through and explore that in a fictional story that may have nothing to do with reality...it is not that you are writing a biography or journal, but you are taking what you are trying to work through as a person and put that into a story...it can be a genre piece... a horror story...whatever. That worked for me.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Great point. All three of the novels I've released were written with the help of "emotional fuel"--working through issues that were bothering me at the time of writing.

[@TheDotYT3]

I thought about that too, when I was really young i actually wanted to watch horror, then in the end, i became so afraid i start throwing tantrums everytime i hear anything related to horror, all because for around 2 months straight, I've had the same nightmare over and over again. Sheesh even Disney's Zombies made me scream and as loud as i could because of the name, even having a crisis about why horror genres even exist. I've eventually improved overtime and slowly started to like the genre more and more, until all of a sudden, here I am, writing a sort of, biography with tons of changes, but still kept the main plots in it. If you read until here... why?

[@aprilc9877]

Okay - so if you had multiple ideas and were middle aged (click is ticking!), would you first write the novel about your most important idea, knowing it might be the only one you ever complete, or start with your easiest idea, for the practice?

[@DarkDefender1024]

Man, your last one really spoke to me. I have limited writing time, but I could certainly be more efficient. The idea of getting clarity from that first draft makes sense.

[@FabrinnyGarcia]

I finished my first one and already published. Kept fixing it for over a year and I'm still insecure, but I guess I have to accept my first work and move on, keep learning and improving. It is the best I had at the moment, I believe, and it is a good feeling to know you gave your best, even if it is imperfect.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

I think all (or at least most) writers are insecure. I definitely am, and I remember reading about how Alan Moore and George R. R. Martin both doubt themselves when they sit down to write

[@nadiareads6359]

OMG the two months to finish a first draft is actually true for me! My project is a work in progress, but my goodness I knew when I needed to stop for a while, so I can recover my creative energy, and it took me exactly two months to re look at the draft again, and to play with it a lot more. And when I compared my first draft, to what I reworked? The first draft was a complete mess but that was okay! It's okay to play around with things and have fun! And when it comes time to submit? Well? That's where editors can help us. Have faith in yourself as a writer.

[@nurabsal0x018c]

Worry more about writing something that 5 people you’ve never met might read on purpose before you worry about writing something for 5 million people

[@Jon-Rimmer]

I am currently writing a novel, this will help me

[@varanid9]

Good luck, I'm sure it will do well. But, that really doesn't matter; what matters is that you do what you were born to do.

[@empoweredchoice1893]

Anthony here. My PC broke so I stopped gaming. I grabbed the dusty old laptop and looked at the paragraphs I wrote in 2001. I expanded them and put them into a logical order. I embellished, removed, and worked out an arc. My draft was done in about 3 months. It needs a truck load of work, but I did it. I guess that shows what dedication can do.

[@bigdumb1]

Congratulations! What a happy accident, with you needing to go back to that computer and finding your old writing. I commend your ability to follow through on the spark of inspiration.

[@SouthoftheHill]

I began my journey several months ago with my first novel. It initially was just a brain building exercise by writing down short stories, but it turned into something beyond anything I anticipated. 80k words into it so far, and have so many moments of uncertainty in my ability to deliver. I just remember to keep pushing and walk away if needed to allow rest. Don't force it.

[@TimRG]

First attempt, 2003. My first novel I actually wrote and finished was in 2005. Ironically, with tons of signs, I didn't realize I was a planner until my second novel and first series.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Haha I think I attempted a 1-page short story back in 2003--and got overwhelmed

[@antedeguemon4664]

Omg the last tip was 🤯 thank you

[@schlumbl84]

The first thought of writing a novel dates back to when I was 10. Which is 30 years ago. I always wrote stories when I was a child and a teen. Somehow lost that urge when I was 16 and had to start a "regular" job. Life went by, I married, had two kids and had a boring life. Also a kind of small identity crisis. But I was always interesed in arts and followed my artsy creative nature. And on febuary 1st of this year I woke up with a dream and a thought that was so strong that it almost scared me: I will write a book about this. Not "I want to", not " maybe", not "this COULD BE an idea", no. I WILL WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THIS. It was only a small seed that got planted in my brain and soul, but boy, it got BIG. That morning I started to write rightaway. And Im still doing it every day. First draft of volume one got finished mid-april. I set it aside and immedeately started volume two. When Im done with that, I will revisit and edit the first one. Im already looking for a book cover and prepare my self publisher career. And do you know what? I dont even give a monkey's about sales or critics when its out. I just want to DO IT. Writing and publishing, publishing and writing. Never searched for big success or limelight. I just want to follow my passion.

[@agi9916]

Oooooo plss say the name when published

[@schlumbl84]

@@agi9916 I will. But Im not writing in english. Im german. 😁 Getting a professional translation costs about 10k. No joke. It will take a while before I can cross the pond with my books. Dont know if the title is already taken in english.

[@agi9916]

@@schlumbl84 your english id good nah... You could use gpt translate platforms and edit with the english you know. 10k for translation is a hefty amount of money.

[@schlumbl84]

@@agi9916 yep, it IS hefty. And not as easy when putting something out there in a different language. I used DeepL to translate some chapters for my english speaking relatives. I had to work through the whole thing, since it still was full of mistakes.

[@tattoodude8946]

The one that really struck home with me was obsessing about the opening - but I'd like to expand upon that. Don't obsess about any point in a book until you are putting the final coats of paint on it. I used to have a terrible habit of rewriting one section over and over: honing it, polishing it to perfection. Then when I started writing the next section, it sounded horrible and didn't mesh with the perfectly polished section before it. It can drag you down following up some epic, beautiful prose with basic first draft style and you start to think, "How will I ever get this to come together?" Very discouraging! Just go through it all evenly and then, once you get it where you want it, start cleaning up and polishing those sections that need it. JMO!

[@Ducksaregreat]

The first and ninth tip hit me hard. I’m not very confident in my writing, but I’m improving very slowly. I haven’t truly started writing because I’m so worried about making it THE novel I write. I’ve never written more than a few pages of an idea before I quit because I want it to be perfect. You’re an amazing KZbinr, and because of you, I’m going to write a novel. No matter the outcome.

[@thesolitarywitch4908]

I attempted to write a novel thirteen years ago about. I left it alone for five years. I had only gotten two chapters done. I was told I couldn't write because I had to take care of other things. I secretly still worked on it while being heavily depressed. It was they only thing keeping me happy. I had it professionally edited. I did look through the edits but I hadn't gone to fix anything because of how severely depressed I was back then. I have shown the story to some friends. They loved it. I try to look through it every once in a while and fix the tiny mistakes. I take out the things that aren't needed in the story. Majority of the time I'm overly tired lol. I constantly burn out from the ADHD so it's difficult to concentrate. I do set myself a schedule so that it's easier to work on writing or learning something useful on the internet for a couple of hours and then rest. Your videos are helpful, thank you.

[@KutWrite]

Strong advice. I'd written many articles and short stories before I attempted a novel. I had taken notes for it for about 15 years. I watched a bunch of videos and watched more from the authors whose writing style seemed analogous to mine. My process became to start with an outline (I use Scrivener) with the major chapters named after a version of "The Writer's Journey." I then rename one or another according to points I want to happen in the book. I then fill in "bones" for each scene involved, but again, in random order to my mood or ideas that occur. I also build a character list as I go along. Once all the "bones" are there, I fill in broad details, dialog, descriptions, etc. Eventually, I go back to the beginning and fill in more detail until done. The opening is usually one of the last steps. Often, I cut off part or all of what I thought was my first chapter, so the reader will pick up the story as things are already happening. THAT becomes the hook.

[@duncanralston5112]

Great video, as always. I tried writing my first novel at age 17, I think. 30 years ago. Now I'm writing my 18th soon-to-be-published book.

[@LittleWriterSquirrel]

I wish more first time writers could hear this! Thankfully I had the advantage of starting my first finished book when I was 13 (made a promise to myself that I would get past chapter one or die trying, cause this was after a LOT of abandoned ideas😅) but because I was so young, it helped take most of that pressure off that I see in people starting as adults… I also didn’t have near as grandiose of ideas about publishing🤪 I did daydream about it a lot and imagined acting in the movie version, but even then I didn’t take myself too seriously to the point of sucking fun out of it. The daydreaming was just part of the process, like everything else:) (I still picture it as movie scenes if only to give myself more detailed descriptions of the settings!) I wish more young adult, or even older adult, writers setting out on that same journey could do it through the eyes of a kid…. Cause at the end of the day, writing for money or even the promotion of your ideas however good they are is worthless if you hate the process. And readers will see that.

[@bigdumb1]

This is such good advice. I started as a young teen too, mostly just daydreaming about stories, and then writing fanfiction. I didn't take myself seriously, but I kept writing, all kinds of things. I'm 37 now and my writing has improved enough that I really think I have a novel in me. I hope I never lose that childlike wonder when approaching the world of imagination and storytelling.

[@WritingTalk]

You nailed it. Thinking of our failure holds us back

[@TracksOnSnow]

I really needed to hear tip #3

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

regarding the QOTD, it's actually kinda funny, I started writing my first book (a comic, to be specific), when I was around 15, 16, (so, 4-5 years ago.), but eventually, I was like "wait.. this is dangerous, this is my magnum opus, right? I should write a story that i'm fine with having bad first for the experience.", so, i did that, but, 4-5 years later.. i'm 20, and that 'bad book'..? it's now my main focus LOL. I've been planning it the past 5 years, and I'm finally in the middle of the process of making chapter 1 for it. currently I have 55/60 of the manuscripts thumbnailed, and once all 60 are thumbnailed, I'll be illustrating all 60 as a "triple length chapter 1" as a webcomic. I'm so excited to finally get started. I love drawing and I love writing, and that I'm still interested in this story after 5ish years of planning really excites me, because that means I KNOW I love the process, and that the result doesn't matter too much to me. would it be cool to get an adaptation someday? i guess, sure, whatever. but really, it's all about creating it, and bringing my characters to life.

[@eddied.3426]

I can't remember the last time I wrote anything let alone a novel. I should get back to that

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Start with a grocery list and build from there

[@eddied.3426]

@@WriterBrandonMcNulty well I write stuff like that (and comments...) all the time. I meant creative works like poems or short stories or anything like that

[@iceyflowergamer4474]

I’m not sure if this’ll answer the question of the day but… I first attempted to write novels all the way back in elementary school on sheets of paper, but they would never really go anywhere before I scrapped those ideas. Hell, I can’t even remember what most of them were about to save my life. One idea, however, really stuck out to me, that idea is gonna be my first official novel. I’m also writing fanfiction on the side to not only build an audience, but also get experience as a writer.

[@MARC-Winters-lo9nc]

I’ve been writing my first novel for a few months and it’s going well!

[@altheaarchives96]

I'm not gonna lie, I was so afraid to watch this video because I thought your advices would limit my "stupid" creativity, like "Don't do this Don't do that" But, fortunately, it's not! Thank you for your advices 🎉

[@talukdar_rupam]

This video came at a good time for me, just finished the first draft of a book I intend to publish for once.

[@maliahjoy2959]

Great tips. Thanks!

[@arjunakot3166]

I am writing my first ever novel that actually reach somewhere rather than rewritting every 10 chapters cause i dont feel happy with what I wrote. Wish I could actually finished this first novel.

[@fragr33f74]

Oof, it's like KZbin knows what I need to hear right now 😅 BTW, thanks a ton for this video, Brandon! I'm particularly going to apply your advice not to overplan, not focus on the opening pages too much, and get the first draft done. Thanks again!

[@itzfrosted5199]

#5 describes me. During summer, i only cared about hitting 5 page daily but i realized that its only giving me quantity not quality

[@RobertAlberti]

I first tried to write novels over 20 years ago but I did not know how to wrap up a plot. Since then I have written and produced a number of plays which, being shorter, forced me to move my plot along sometimes at a very brisk pace. Now I feel more confident that I can complete a proper novel.

[@paulwiedemann4546]

Do you think we could get a video about worldbuilding? It's a concept I feel I don't understand very well and it seems others feel the same. Thanks!

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Hoping to do one soon, actually. I just finished reading Wonderbook, which had a great chapter on worldbuilding

[@MAXIMThefirstandlast]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, your videos are always helpful ❤

[@koalabearkhan145]

I created a general timeline overview for the book I’m writing to help me guide myself on the rules I set so I don’t contradict myself and keep the continuity flowing well. It works best for me but the other tips you provided were also Most helpful ^^

[@jamesrabkin7571]

Absolutely great stuff here! Thank you. You have a new subscriber.

[@jennamiller5834]

Great advice. I've been working on my novel for 2 years and it will take another 2. But! It was only going to be a few months write but I stumbled on something sooooo insanely cool "in the process" and I *have* to chase that down or I'll always regret not going "all the way." I'm embracing the process for this unique story which due to its unique process will be a literal one of a kind and incomparable, which I don't care about except that it's interesting to *me*. Thank you this validates me going all the way! But for my next book it won't be this crazy unique thing (in process and content) and will be a more straight forward write.

[@katsandall3673]

It wasn't untill the first CV19 lockdown that I started writing again. Everything in life had come to a sudden halt and not many new video games were comming out so I had to find another way to occupy my creative brain. I've written so many failed plot idea's since then I had to get a new MircoSD just to fit all of the notes on my phone.

[@sarahsander785]

I started my first "novel" back when I was ten and worked on it throughout my life. It changed quite a lot, but I haven't given it up. Now, with twenty more years of experience, I feel confident to finally make it work. Funnily enough it's fantasy and I write crime fiction nowadays. But hey, everybody I told about my fantasy ideas was enthusiastic about them. Even more than me sometimes. So, for their sake, I have to make it work someday *lol* Also: Your advice about the villain is key. Most of the time that's a major problem, especially for my fantasy works. In crime fiction a passive villain can work to a degree, but in more action heavy stories the villain has to be moving all the time.

[@intergalactic92]

A variation of writing in circles is when you write yourself into a corner. This is where I’m writing a long conversation the words are flowing and then before I know it, they’ve gone off at a tangent completely at odds where the scene is supposed to go and I have no natural way of getting them back on track. You have to stop, sigh, and delete half of the scene to get back to a point where I can push the scene back where I need it to go.

[@calebperez6071]

this video helps me a lot, some of the things he spoke about i have been doing a lot like overplanning myself and honestly its kinda overwhelming me i'm not sure if thats the right word to use but...yeah this video has been a huge help to me..

[@williamgardiner6810]

I started writing my first novel probably 2-3 years ago. I only just finished the first draft earlier this year, and I'm 9 chapters in on my second draft

[@corvus9829]

I admit that my main problem is overplanning. Thanks for the advice.

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

I notice that my first ever book's inspirations are mostly my favourite works, however, it's the parts of them I hated the most "that was dumb, it should have gone like this." it seems spite is a strong, natural motivator for a writer, probably.

[@VNightmoon]

It is. A lot of my ideas are, "that was garbage. Here's how to fix it" or "the author had a great idea they presented, but did zilch with, so I'm gonna take these abandoned toys to my corner of the sandbox and make my own sandcastle."

[@yoonahkang7384]

Thats how many fanfictions are born too. Lol

[@tajadaleen6245]

Well, the setting I write micro fiction in for a writing group started from "Twilight sucks, those are not really vampires and it makes zero sense they can make babies; but in what kinda world would vampires be able to have kids?", and grew from there. (A lot.) So... yea. Spite works really well. x'D

[@Osama_sabbah]

I know if i want to write a dialogue i have to separate each piece of text by starting a new line, but what should i do if it wasn't a full dialogue, but rather a character said something?

[@skulkingshadow]

Dude, you might not realize how helpful these videos are! Im not even writing a novel this is still very helpful!

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Haha maybe it's time to start

[@alcindorama]

I've never attempted to write a novel because I'm a screenwriter, but I still found your tips 100% helpful and applicable to scripts. Thanks!

[@QueenPrism]

I’ve written five first chapters at this point and after a week or so I always hate it and wind up changing everything about the story and start over 😅

[@heavymetalelf]

I first tried my hand at a novel at about 12. I kept coming up with ideas and staring books all through junior high and high school. I never knew anything about story structure or plotting, so I never really got anywhere

[@northoftoofar3772]

I've been working on a western/horror/pulp story, but I'm struggling with my ensemble cast and how to pace things while also providing the necessary amount of backstory for each character before the inciting incident. I want to ensure that the readers will actually care about them before it hits the fan. Any tips would be appreciated. On a side note, I finished _Entry Wounds_ recently, and I can honestly say it was one of the best books I've ever read. I had a hell of a time putting it down. I'm very much looking forward to _Half Murders_ as well. I did read _Bad Parts_ a while back, and I liked it, but I think I took too long in reading it and missed some things, so I'm going to read it again.

[@jesusromanpadro3853]

He has already several videos that may help you, like what scenes to keep, change, or remove, at least one about writing horror. Oh, even one about comedy in horror, too.

[@Night_Wolf-sq1dr]

Hey Brandon remember me Syed here thanks for these advice love from india

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@tomlewis4748]

How long ago? 8 1/2 years. I would have moved on to other stories, except that I knew in my heart that this one was a real winner, and most of my other ideas were not. So I'm still working on it, and it's very nearly done. So what I have to show for that is a long trilogy and a second novel which I wrote at the same time. But putting that much work into it is what taught me how to write. I agree with all of your advice. There is a tiny issue with number three: I do think it's a problem to try to force yourself to cater to a mass audience. But I also think it's extremely important to write the story for the reader. And I think the only effective way to do that is to put yourself in the readers' shoes. We have no way to really get inside the heads of the audience, so what I do is put myself in that position and act as the surrogate. If it works for me, it will likely work for the audience. That seems to be a process that works well. I just have to look at things from the readers' subjective view instead of the author's subjective view. And, of course, that's very difficult to do, and it can take years for you to teach yourself how to effectively do that. I also have a small problem with number five. Depending on the genre, not every single thing always needs to push toward some big climactic event in act three. Many stories are like that. Quite a few of them are not. A thriller is primarily about the destination, but a courtship love story is primarily about the journey (which also leads to an act three). I think it's OK to have moments that do not push toward some momentous climax in act three. There can be moments of just characterization. There can be moments of nothing more than characters bonding with each other or having fun. There can be moments that are simply comedic. There can be moments that are just 'interesting'. As long as something significant happens, that's still OK. The problem with 'interesting' is what you as the author might find interesting might not be what a reader finds interesting. There's no way to really know. But if you have something that you think is interesting, and you can make it happen in 15 to 20 seconds (~80 words or less), there's no real problem slipping that in, because it takes 15 to 20 seconds for a reader to realize that they might be getting annoyed or bored. IOW, get in, and get out-get off the stage before they can come to that realization, and they won't find it as something problematic with your story. Some readers will find value in that, some might not. But 20,000 words in a row about knot tying (Melville) or beekeeping (Laurie R. King) are what makes this reader put down a book, or hurl it off the balcony. Or if the first 3,000 words of your story are nothing but exposition and description, that's an instant trip to my slush pile.

[@RedAngelSophia]

I first wrote a novel back in 2015. When I started writing, I was thinking it would be a long short-story, or maybe a novella -- but it ended up having enough words in it to qualify as a novel. I released that novel one episode at a time (with four episodes per chapter) on a WordPress site of mine that, unfortunately, due to a technical problem, went down a few years ago. A few times, since then, I kinda false-started my attempts to write a sequel - before eventually realizing that I had moved on from that universe that that story took place in. At around 2010, I attempted to write a fan-fiction novel. This was long before I learned that the TERF who shall not be named is a TERF - and yes, it would have been a Harry Potter fan-fiction. It involved Dudley Dursley (Harry’s cousin that he grew up with) growing up and having a child of his own - who turned out to be a transgender witch. For better or for worse, though, I never got past the first chapter -- and I even lost the manuscript for even that long before I learned what a problematic person the author of the Harry Potter novels is.

[@wilthomas]

you can still enjoy and write about harry potter even though jkr is an idiot. it's all good.

[@LordBaktor]

I wrote an introductory chapter for a book sometime around 2003 that I then abandoned because I had no idea what I was doing. Since then I've written mostly RPG adventures for my friends. I have a fantasy setting that I would like to explore more deeply so I probably should try to write at least some short stories again.

[@angelicanavarro5311]

I wrote my first novel in 8th grade😅 it is absolutely horrendous. I lost that spark along the way. I really wish I could find that wind of inspiration without caring about what it sounds or looks like.

[@LeAlzanatorLe937th]

Little under 11 years ago, been working on it one tiny step at a time. Problem is, a large chunk of the earlier stuff is unusable.

[@jordoom9091]

I definitely spent too much time working on the first 3 chapters of my first book (which I'm still working on lol) Literally revised/edited them about 50 times and now I'm near the end of the book and feel like my quality of writing has gone down because I spent way more time on the beginning of my book than the end.. I'm still going over the ending, but I also don't want to go over it as many times as I did the beginning.. It's tough finding a balance.

[@asquirrelplays]

I ain't tryin to creep on ya, but I am curious as to what that Zelda book is behind you.

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

It's the manga version of OoT. Fleshes out some of the characters, especially Volvagia

[@asquirrelplays]

@@WriterBrandonMcNulty Innnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnteresting. Thank you!

[@vice7538]

2 months seems crazy to me. I bet its doable if you are committed have the time etc. Me Ive got a lot of projects that just doesn't seem feasible. Been working at turning this idea of mine into a book coming up on 3 years now. Its the best of my works and also its stinks. I gotta get outta my own head and quit measuring how it stands. That doesn't matter. Its better than what I had written before and as long as I strive to improve my work will.

[@SN_Sims]

Wrote my first book about 4 years ago. Of course it was trash lol. But it made me work harder to learn how to write. I’m better now but also continuing to educate myself while I work on my new manuscript.

[@MrTuelShed]

I started writing my first novel 17 years ago when I was 17 but life got in the way and I have been reworking on it for the last couple of years now in my free time. The story has changed so much and for the better but I still overthink myself to death every so often. I have dear friends who have been pushing me through those hard days. Bugging me about my characters they are excited about. Which has become a great motivation.

[@Lookatthisdude04_]

Ive been a fan of your content for a long time and its helped me push through the struggles of my writing Journey. Though, i have a question and i ve been struggling with it for a long time. How do you PRESENT a story to somone rather then just telling them the entire outline?, because i feel like im saying too much.

[@stevensandersauthor]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@fernando749845]

There's probably no snowball's chance in hell, but I would LOVE to see a team up between you (Brandon) and the Critical Drinker! 😍😍🔥🔥

[@cosmicprison9819]

The Drinker, Brandon McNulty, and Abbie Emmons. Three writers who don’t dilute their tips with ideological virtue signalling.

[@die_dunkelheit]

Started my first feature length screenplay 2 weeks ago.

[@5BBassist4Christ]

Tip #1, Don't think this novel defines you: Yeah, the novel I'm working on definitely is something that has come to define me in many ways. It started out as me creating characters in a video game as a teenager, and has over the years taken on life of its own, leading me to create a whole world around it. I have spent over a decade working on the characters, world-building, plot, and themes of the book, taking inspiration from various events in my own life. And in turn, the story has impacted my life in many profound (and perhaps spiritual) ways. However, although this book is my big passion project that has taken me over a decade to write, it is not the book I'm going to make my first release. I'm planning on benching the book once I'm done with the rough draft to work on smaller projects. I've got plenty of smaller story ideas that could be compelling and help me gain more experience. Once I'm feeling confident, I will rewrite my main book that has shaped my life, with more life lessons that I've learned along the way. Obviously, this also goes against tip #7 and 10. I'm totally over-planning and not getting the rough draft done ASAP, but it is a fantasy novel, and those tips really apply more to thriller than fantasy epics. Furthermore, it is more of a passion project than a "get my name out there with the novel that will kick-start my career as the next J.R.R. Tolkien". In fact, I don't even think I want to be known as "a fantasy writer", and I don't even care if this book flops. It's for me more than anybody else.

[@robertsmiley2207]

It's definitely trail and era I hate getting writers ✍️ block 😒

[@awe_ebenezer]

That's never a good experience for authors.

[@ludovico6890]

I first tried to write a novel at 16, heavily influenced by A Clockwork Orange (film and novel), which I was obsessing over at the time. It was catastrophically bad.

[@harveysmith3738]

I've watched your subscriber list grow by over a hundred thousand, and each video I am still amazed there aren't ten times the subscribers. This type of overview advice video is one of my favorites, as a rookie novelist, and I appreciate all your excellent advice, Brandon. Drive careful -- keep it up!

[@FCSchaefer]

Getting that outline done in as quickly as possible is essential to getting any book done.

[@ghg8701]

I started my first draft 4 months ago, now I have just t4 or five pages left. (First rough draft, still needs rewrite and edits)

[@roscojenkins7451]

I'll write this great dialogue between two friends at a bar. Then upon rereading I'll edit the dialogue. Then ill reread it and edit it again. Then again and I'd change the location to a graveyard. Then id decide there is too much dialogue so cut most of it. Ultimately id end up with a horror story.

[@hunterenglehart5116]

Great insight!

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

Brandon, I’ve been listening to your writing channel a lot and it is really put the spark back into my heart for writing. A few years back I was working on a novel series and stopped after I started college. This story has always been, dear to my heart, but when I started to re-read them, I realized how atrocious a lot of dialogue was. I still think the overall plot is really good, but there’s a lot that needs to be polished. Do you have any advice in terms of rewriting or revising old works?

[@WriterBrandonMcNulty]

Hey, first of all, congrats on getting the spark back. Second, never force a story. There have been novels I’ve tried to resurrect multiple times, but I simply couldn’t bring them to life in the way I envisioned. Sometimes you gotta write brand new stuff to develop your skills, and then later you figure out how to write that story always wanted to write. Hope this makes sense. Best of luck!

[@iamvoicelessmusic]

@@WriterBrandonMcNulty sounds great! I’ve done that as well. I’ve tackled on a few other story ideas before coming back to rewrite this one. Thanks so much!

[@lindavernon8051]

Wonderful advice. I love that you wrote 9 crappy books first until all your words finally fell into place. You’ve got the fortitude it takes!

[@cjr-en4wr]

disagree with the over-planning bit and something you said at the end about needing to finish the draft so you know the ending. i'd say avoid under-planning, make sure the story/structure itself is totally fleshed out. characters/world/feel develops along the way. For sure be open to change but dont start writing unless you know the ending - and make sure its a worthwhile payoff. My tips; dont try to please others - follow your instinct - if you're a naturally talented writer it will be easy. If you're not naturally talented there's nothing you can do about that, so keep it simple and rely on the story itself. If you're a genius and you feel you have a genius novel in you that will change the world - it doesn't matter if takes you 2 decades to write. lastly, emotion is key to everything - look up plutchik's wheel of emotion, there are only 8 innate emotions - make sure you build up to hitting them emotions hard at key parts of the structure - dont force it - if its a good story it will naturally set it up. Conversely the anti-climax ending, devoid of emotion can stay with readers forever.

[@CaseFace981]

I had an eye opening experience with #6 when telling him about a handful of projects I was working on. First I pitched the premise for a novel I had just completed and his response was "That sounds cool." Then I pitched him another idea and he just lit up, was super excited and said, "You should write that. And if you write it, I'll read it." Moral of the story: Don't get too attached to your ideas, they aren't all winners.

[@LamplighterMinis]

Hey friend I came here specifically because I noticed you write *books* but often reference screen plays and visual media to give good examples of whatever your subject of the day is. Just wanted to see if you could give some more *written* examples of "good vs. bad" or "5 ways to....". They might take longer, but that's something I would be really interested in. In addition, it'd be awesome if you could give Dungeon Master advice XD. Just sayin. Keep up the great work; you're really an inspiration.

[@ThePetergate]

Loved #3

[@LaserLady]

How am I supposed to grab my FIVE favorite books when you've only published THREE!? ✨️

[@TheGreatLeslieBand]

About four to five years ago, I started writing again, sitting down and typing and pantsing my first ever novel. It took me 3 years. It was 300k words. Now i have started a new book. I have spent about 3-4 months plotting, and 1 month writing. I am at 32k words, and my target word count is 190k.

[@kilianalexander2736]

Yeah, my issue is Definitely #7... kind of? Because I only have very little energy in a day, I tend to plan things little bits at a time, so it's really hard to tell if I'm overplanning or not. Got the spark of my idea in May of last year, and have been very gradually working on this WIP (and like 12 other story ideas). Basically, any time I get an idea for any of my stories I write it down, and this one just happens to be the one that seems closest to ready.

[@plasmamuffin1320]

Honestly I feel like expecting people to finish an entire novel in two months is kinda unrealistic, it often takes years for people to finish their books. Mine took like 5 years. there's a reason nanowrimo is such a big challenge. I like most of your other points though!

[@baepsaerino]

I started drafting during pandemic, im still drafting to this day 😂

[@dr.goober9177]

Ever since I was pretty young I've wanted to do something involving storytelling, and it eventually led me to writing. For a few years now I've studied and wrote, but to no avail and everything ended up pretty bad, and I stopped for a good while. Watching your videos helped me realize I had the right ideas, just with no careful execution. I've done a heaping amount of work on some projects, and I'm on track to starting my very first full work.

[@rafaelj8725]

I have a trilogy written in my head, and I REALLY love it, but I never actually managed to (sucessfully) write it all down, this video has a lot helped, thanks!

[@toubdeboub]

What if I don't want to wrote a novel, but, say, a short story, or a small piece of fanfiction. How do the rules for writing it or structure etc change?

[@john94949]

I'd imagine you go with a heavy dose of Proactive over Reactive scenes to drive the plot faster. And every scene is a mini-story in and of itself. Status Quo (don't dawdle), Inciting Incident (ASAP), and so forth

[@SirJoelsuf1]

When it comes to fanfiction, you NEED to make sure that your writing would be able to stand on its own. A lot of fanfiction is at the mercy of the original work and that is incredibly problematic. For example, I've written fanfiction for the series 13 Reasons Why (a redemption arc for Bryce I called "The Wicked Eightfold Path") and am currently writing fanfiction for the series Manifest (an attempt to unify both timelines that I called Pi11ars). In BOTH cases, you'd be able to eliminate elements and the story would be able to stand on its own with a few modifications.

[@The_Novu]

Write the thing and you'll know what to do with it.

[@Catratio]

Great point on marketability. I just finished my story, 42k words, and am hesitating if I should publish it because the subject is niche and I think the target audience is too small to make it worth it. I like what you said that a good story will find an audience no matter what.

[@lewiscrow]

My first novel (and its sequel) were written more than 40 years ago. No one except the friend who read it back then will ever see it. It was not very good.

[@rowan404]

I’m currently doing developmental edits for my manuscript. I’m trying to add more conflict because there are currently several chapters of the story going in circles. I believe I brought up this issue almost a year ago under another one of your videos. I _still_ haven’t resolved it. 😅

[@GenosKirigaya]

what if it's a story that you actually want it to succeed because it's so thought out that you spend so much time and effort building it?