⚔️ revising my FAILED ya fantasy novel // the book that died on sub

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

As a teen librarian, actual teens are tired of YA books having romance in them. The publishers keep pushing them because more adults are reading YA and it's an issue because now teens don't want to read the books that were intended for them in the first place. So this is for anyone who thinks YA needs to have romance. It doesn't! Please. I need more options 😂😂

[@Grace-td5dd]

I would argue that a lot of teens do like YA books having romance in so long as it’s actually good, however they don’t need it in them. I think a lot don’t really mind either way so long as the story is good

[@mimicoolll0]

when i was a teen I didn't really like having YA with romance in it. i would really struggle if i was a teen now.

[@kookoo9800]

As a teen and now adult i was and still am sick of everything having romance as the main plot or become the main plot inevitably… make the romance minimal in the background and have little effect on the plot or just do away with it entirely and bring back pure found family and emphasis on friendships PLEASE

[@Man-ej6uv]

i hated romance in books when i was younger. part of it was being queer- i could never find queer fantasy with romance elements.

[@Grace-td5dd]

@@Man-ej6uv oh yeah I totally get that being queer myself but I think it’s becoming a bit better as far as rep, slowly but surely, with books like six of crows.

[@myself6360]

the fact that u wrote a whole book is incredible to me (for real), because ive been trying to since 2022 i think, and i still dont have a STORY or CHARACTERS decided (congrats again)

[@lynndjung]

it can be slow, most of my books have taken multiple years to finish, but i have faith in you!

[@fatoumatagassama4767]

Could u hear about your idea? I could help :D

[@nierzh620]

Same for me, I mean I have all my characters and the world I have for it is like very well made, but the story itself? I can't even get past chapter 1 ....

[@suhaimaimdad8627]

@@nierzh620 omg samee, ive been working on this idea since 2021 and you cant imagine the number of times i had to change the storyline because as i got older and read new stuff i got more inspiration and ideas and even now i need to get my 3 act structure together and everything has its lose ends...but trust me the essence of ur story will stay the same and dont give up...(i had written several chapter 1s for each change in the storyline and non eof them were good and i couldnt get past them so trust me it happens)

[@trentonbuchert7342]

Don’t feel bad. I’ve been working on the same book idea since 2016.

[@gretarosevans]

I love the idea of revisiting past projects and looking at it with new eyes! Just a reminder to writers everywhere that timing is so important!

[@gjori4704]

Also, your prose is so pretty. I just write simple "He walks to the tree. It is big," Honestly, compared to your prose I feel like I write like a caveman ahaha

[@lynndjung]

ahh this is so sweet-for what it's worth i write with efficient prose like that all the time too!

[@BlueBelle277]

The hook at the beginning of the prologue is everything 🥰🥰 I hope you keep it I’m almost done with my third draft of my book and am definitely rethinking my own hook

[@lynndjung]

Thank you so much!! I probably will-good luck with your third draft and your hook!

[@cleowithmayo9359]

honestly this an ironically fantastic promo because. I need to get my hands on this book now. PREORDER WHEN LYNN.

[@briellewrites]

This was sooo interesting! Loved hearing you read and dissect your chapters, and I would love to see the line editing video! Such a fun format

[@lynndjung]

tysm Brielle, I'll definitely do one of the line editing videos at some point too!

[@redb9937]

I never actually finished any of my old book ideas but now I’ve been rereading the little bit that I actually did plan out and seeing what I want to change or scrap. Right now I’m completely redoing a YA romance but there’s so many I have in the vault that I’m actually surprised how creative my younger self was even if there was no discipline in seeing anything through

[@abby_x_art]

I watched this video quite a few times bc I’m in love with this project! the way you describe the characters are so my type of characters and I love how you’re weaving mythology and such vivid worldbuilding in this project too! i would be so excited if you do end up adapting/revising the story and perhaps publishing one day, i have a soft spot for sonyeo and jeongmin in particular based on how you spoke about them! the prose is also so so enticing to me, i know i sound like such a fan girl but as someone who’s been undergoing such a long block, coming across your writing + creativity is a breath of fresh air

[@lynndjung]

oh my gosh. this is probably one of the best comments i've received to date. i am so, so glad you resonated with the bits of the project i showed-i think about these characters and this world often, and i was so sure it would succeed on sub at the time, so it was a particularly heartbreaking failure. i very much want to publish this book in another form! tysm for your kindness

[@abby_x_art]

⁠​⁠@@lynndjungeagerly waiting for the publication, but l there is no rush at all, prioritize the projects that speak most to you at the moment! And of course, i will always support my favorite writertuber!!

[@KrisMF]

omg this is my fav kind of videos everrrr !!! what amazing insights into your writing/revision process and what it's like to mature as a writer :) i see so many similarities between our journeys LOL... as someone who also wrote a failed YA fantasy with teenagers that were lowkey adults and a slowburn romance that was basically non-existent... i feel you 😭 i just know an adult epic fantasy would slap coming from you!!!

[@lynndjung]

i love these videos so much too!! it was definitely interesting to speak my thought process aloud. LOL i feel like writing a slightly-too-grown YA fantasy is a critical part of the ya fantasy -> adult fantasy writer pipeline. i hope it does slap & ty for watching!!

[@hasanwallah7015]

16k people here love you Lynn. I'm sure we all believe in you. You're becoming a brand. With that being said; If you released this book 16k X 20 usd = a successful LYNN D. BOOK vs Ya Fantasy

[@lynndjung]

this is so kind and encouraging, thank you Hasan!

[@hasanwallah7015]

@@lynndjung most welcome as always

[@giveandtake8428]

You finishing a book is a feat in itself. I'm still not done writing any of mine. So your are a badass!

[@blxopium]

youre one of my favorite author/writer-tubers ! always glad to see your uploads and this one was great as always !!!

[@lynndjung]

This is so kind, thank you so much!!

[@Lara_Ameen]

I’m sorry it took me so long to comment on this! I know you’re turning this into an Adult epic fantasy, but your YA prose is absolutely GORGEOUS! I kept pausing the video to read your luscious prose. AHHH! I look forward to learning more about Korean mythology and history as you revise this into an Adult epic fantasy! I love this insight into your process! More, please! 🥰🎉🫶

[@lynndjung]

You are too kind, thank you!! This was definitely my first 'prose-focused' book and it really awakened something in me lol

[@Adailyy_]

I just finished reading Save the cat (the book on novel writing) and it helped me piece everything together and rework my whole book. I took out A LOT so i feel this video on an astronomical level but it's definitely worth it as the story just feels more solid now. I recommend the book if you haven't read it yet. Also I can't wait to read this. As someone obsessed with historical fantasy & mythologies, I haven't read one with a korean setting but i have watched a ton of historical kdramas so i can't wait to read this!

[@오늘도사랑스럽개]

My day immediately gets better after I watch your videos 😭

[@lynndjung]

this is the highest compliment! thank you

[@gjori4704]

This is honestly SO helpful. Thank you so much for doing this. All the points you're making are so valid and true, and I feel like I will be able to write my own intro better because you're actively showing me what is working, and what is not.

[@symoneb6008]

Very helpful video! You inspired me to go back to my old drafts and maybe breathe some life into them. And omg yes! I’d love a line edit video !

[@CheyenneSedai]

Loved this video. I know you're working on Crypts, but I do hope you continue with this. Because I really like the revisions. Also, I love the full title you gave it beyond just Project Tiger.

[@chloejane3414]

i really enjoyed this video! and i would kill for more line editing videos ❤❤

[@lynndjung]

tysm!! a line edit video is on its way soonish!!

[@voidlingduck]

Watching this video is super interesting and inspiring! It makes me want to dip into my own fantasy writing again... I love hearing about people's processes and how they develop their work. :D

[@maximilianlopez196]

The fact that you're able to analyze your project and pinpoint what works/doesn't work and *the important part* WHY it does/doesn't work from a storytelling perspective is impressive. 1st time on the channel. Like and sub from me 👏

[@mhjmakes3631]

This was very interesting. We only got such small snippets of things, but I can already see just how expansive this world has the potential of becoming, and it's making me want to read more. You really created the perfect setting for an adult fantasy, and I'm definitely looking forward to whenever you decide to really go through with this book. You've got me very curious. On a (very random) side note, it's interesting hearing you say that you've never experienced winter before. As someone who's never been to California, that state just feels like such a fake place to me. I know someone who had never seen lightning until they reached their 20s, which like...how is that even possible? I suppose that now that you're in the Midwest, you're going to experience your first real one. (Perhaps too much of a real one. That's going to be a pretty hardcore first winter for you, probably. Haha). Also, I'd be interested in a line-edit video.

[@lynndjung]

Thank you, I'm glad that the worldbuilding has promise even now! Haha to be honest, I was being a bit facetious because I experienced mild winter in France! But definitely nothing on the level of the winter I'm going to experience here lol, my partner and I like to joke about how I've been spoiled by my home state (which is a very weird place, you're right)

[@PsychOnlineAldrian]

I did the same thing with my near future sci-fi adult novel written in 2021. I closed it after 4 chapters in shame! Best of luck to you bringing this to a point of resubmission! 🎉🎉🎉

[@ScarlettMusiic]

This is such a great video! It’s so helpful as a beginning writer. Thank you for sharing your thinking and writing ❤

[@jamicassidy7955]

Very helpful to see so much detail in the self-review and editing process. I’m learning writing for the 2D RPG I’m creating, so a bit of a different focus, yet still a fantasy setting with similar characters. Thank you.

[@PamelaSethRoazul]

Oh gosh i only saw this vlog on my recommendations today but it was most ardently, life-changing. I have been enjoying your vlogs in intervals Ms. Lynn and i really enjoyed your tips/advices on writing fantasy books! (Mostly because i had a poppy war phase that got me into fantasy lol, and as an aspiring writer, you fueled my love for fantasy :>) I only want to express my appreciation for your writing because it's of the highest quality, and even though you're writing in third pov in this novel, i don't find the writing stiff at all. (I'm sorry i don't want to seem like a commentator at all T_T, i just genuinely loved the bits and pieces you've shown here

[@lynndjung]

This is too kind, thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoy my writing and thank you so much for giving Esther Park a read. I do hope that the book in this video sees the light of day at some point in the future, it's one that I keep going back to!

[@AdamFishkin]

Late to the party on this video, but oh well. LOVE that your novel starts with a creation myth. One of my favorite films is "Watership Down" (despite rabbits, in my experience, being so goddam scary) and in particular the 5-minute prologue where Frith (the sun) makes all animals go from being exactly the same to totally different as a way to both punish and bless el-Ahrairah (the prince of rabbits). It sets the film's savage tone, and in less than 5 min. it gives you all the insight you need into how rabbits see themselves as "humbled" by destiny. Ever since I read "The Fall of Esther Park", its primordial quality has stuck with me and I think you'll have no issue joining the major leagues of working authors if you can translate that from short format to full-length. While I agree your 1st chapter should have the inciting incident make a swift entrance, a more helpful adjustment (disclaimer: this is personal taste) is to double down on practical worldbuilding in how your characters behave toward each other. One paragraph to establish the snow, then go straight to your MC either facing off with the other nuns or doing something she considers important which then triggers the wrath of the other nuns. Contrasting a literal nun with a spicy dickhead prince in back-to-back intro chapters will be a massive strength. You'll be able to build different facets of your novel's tone through the contrast, and it'll serve as a promise to your reader that the story won't plateau on a single tone and become boring. If that makes sense. How the quest to the island plays into your novel's structure has me curious. How many chapters can you afford to spend on the quest part, in ratio to the chapters where the MC and her companions are at the island? And how much do you need to accomplish at the island before taking the characters back in the Fury Road manner you described? It sounds like you're asking yourself those same questions except from a different angle.

[@kelleyiswriting]

This is such a great crash course on writing!! I love watching your editorial process and your writing is beautiful, even if it's an older draft!

[@lynndjung]

tysm kelley!! haha omg that's such a coincidence, it's a great name!

[@sarabreugelmans4859]

As a fellow writer, this was such a good video!! I totally get the mix of admiration and embarrassment you feel for stories you wrote when you were younger 😅

[@thebookbelle]

Currently on sub 🙋‍♀ it's not a fun experience but I really loved this video and I'm so pleased I've stumbled onto your channel. Your book sounds AMAZING and I hope I get to read it one day!

[@lynndjung]

Ahh sub is SO tough, I hope it's going well or at least turns out well! I hope to share it someday

[@countryChloe-i7i]

I liked this vid because i am currently planning out my book and so doing research at the same time (being a beginner) these vids will give me an idea why my book might fail in market

[@janoahshaina8288]

This was a very different video and I must say I enjoyed this type of content

[@maliahjoy2959]

Sounds cool. Good luck. Have fun!!

[@stellas.studio]

i know i'm late to the party (by like 4 months help me) but i'm honestly flabbergasted that you wrote such a good draft and have to revise this literal perfection. as an aspiring writer myself you're such a big inspiration to me! if you ever send out arcs or need a beta reader i would gladly take up the position 🫡

[@SecretlyADino]

Okay I have a question for fantasy writers out there, Is it possible to imply disabilities such as asthma and or say diabetes in a fantasy world? I want to give one of my characters something like that but i’m not sure how i’d implement it since it is a very contemporary genre concept in my opinion, if anyone has any thoughts or ideas on this please let me know!

[@mittag983]

Asmtha yes, Diabetes sounds hard to do tbh as a fantasy writer.

[@theem3379]

I’d say to consider your world’s culture and understanding of the human body. Would they think of asthma as a curse from the gods? Pure laziness and weakness? Or maybe they’d even consider it a mark of the upper class, as they don’t have to perform physical labour and so can survive either asthma? It rly depends on how your world perceive illness without scientific explanation.

[@Adailyy_]

I think you could pull it off if you described the symptoms and focused on how the character deals with it

[@Lara_Ameen]

Describe the symptoms and how the character deals with it in their day to day lives. A good example of this is the YA historical fantasy ONE FOR ALL by Lillie Lainoff. The MC has Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), but the disability itself is never mentioned in the text.

[@fairyfathom]

I would loveeee more editing videos!

[@just_seleste]

"We had the Sonyeo's chapter, her life is not so good... I'm gonna make it Worse, I'm gonna make it Worse" the way that i cackled kjsksj ls don't make Sonyeo's life worse, i've only had her for like 30min and I already love also this book sounds so interesting, can't wait to read its final version

[@lynndjung]

LOLL I remember a lot of my beta readers feeling similarly protective of her!! tysm for the love

[@KewlImp]

I don't like sapphire walls because I think it might be literal sapphire. I know you're going for a specific color, but my brain just straight to a gemstone wall which is a cool idea.

[@LindsayPuckett]

COMPED TO STRANGE THE DREAMER?! **dies**

[@lynndjung]

omg another strange appreciator!! it's seriously one of my faves of all time and SUCH a major comfort read haha

[@LeilaWilliams-ng3kd]

Honestly really helpful because I feel so stuck in my opening.

[@kokoro_flow]

Wow, this is really interesting! Writing is rewriting, after all. It's easier to notice areas that could be improved if we take some time away from a manuscript / script. 🌟 Just so you know, your keyboard is thocky. It's really satisfying! Like ASMR! 💞 With all due respect, Clicky switches would be more tactile & loud. (Especially Blue switches, which I had years ago.) Your switches are probably linear, not quite tactile. Tactile switches have a harder 'bounce' of feedback, which can be tiring / painful for some users. (Being comfortable and able to type with little force is important to me, as I have Fibromyalgia.) And, well, your keyboard actually is not ergonomic. Ergonomic keyboards have the keys lined up as straight columns and/or has the left hand and right hand sections separated so that the user can be comfortable. (If the company told you to say that, it's an inaccurate statement.) After much research, I had bought the Moonlander from ZSA and have been using it for over a year. It's as ergonomic as mechanical keyboards can get. It was expensive, but I saw it as an investment & a self-care tool. To make it sound creamy, I did the painter's tape mod but with washi tape; I used a small amount of lube on my silver switches. (It doesn't sound and feel satisfying if switches are over-lubed.) And I removed the two stabilizers. It sounds very creamy when I fold a yoga mat towel and use my keeb on top of that. I arrange the two halves so that my shoulder are relaxed, and I am having good posture. Just wanted you to know a bit more, as you started getting into the hobby! Have a nice day! 💖

[@ZachScottB]

Very impressed. 👏 👏 I enjoyed the content. Thank you. *subscribed*

[@william.the.writer]

A book based a historical Korea???? Shit I would read that!!!

[@JazzMaster01]

I've been writing and scrapping ideas since 2012. I cannot stick to one setting or story or cast of characters. I never make it past chapter 1

[@zeesummers]

enjoyed the video

[@girlie7502]

i am like a minute in and maybe you spoke about this before but how are you not discouraged two books dying on sub? two projects you loved so much…

[@lynndjung]

Undortunately it's a reality of the industry, and ya fantasy is quite oversaturated so it's tough out there haha. Many authors have several books die on sub before they sell! I'm also quite stubborn

[@crazysmall.artist]

Your audio isn't available on this video 😅

[@briellewrites]

? yes it is lol

[@lynndjung]

It might have been an early processing issue, but it should have resolved!

[@crazysmall.artist]

​​@@lynndjung it works now, thank you!! And keep up the good work!

[@lynndjung]

@@crazysmall.artist any time, and thank you!

[@AM-is1jh]

"I have never experienced Winter." Do you hibernate then?

[@StanleytheCat-v8z]

Wrote my own romance (well, romantic tragedy) novel thing. Why? I hold spite for Colleen Hoover's works. Lol. The result is... Eh? It's plenty alright. I'm probably being hard on myself, but it is sort of on-par with Colleen Hoover's stuff. (Just with less SA). I think I did dialog fairly well though. In many fanfictions and even some published works character dialog has this "everyone blurts what's on their mind out" vibe to it. I think I did character-character interaction fairly well too. Everyone reacts mostly how they would irl! But emotional authenticity? It's lacking in places, especially the breakup scene.

[@futurestoryteller]

I'd probably be willing to beta read. But maybe it's too early, if you're even looking for that.

[@suvilienee]

This is very interesting, thank you for letting us in. Have you considered using only one pov? :)

[@lynndjung]

thank you for watching! i have, but single pov wouldn't work for the scope of this particular story :)

[@bobdhshshxhzvs2314]

How much do you charge to listen to story ideas and give feedback?

[@lynndjung]

I don't currently offer that service, but I do offer a monthly first-come first-serve editorial service on my Patreon for select tiers!