NaFaDoYBIMSCoM

[@Androidoom]

"Maybe it wasn't a sneeze, maybe it was a momentary lapse in judgement" is an amazing line

[@shanleee]

Got me so good

[@jamesn3122]

I never sneeze.

[@Shutupalready47]

+

[@knowthatgirlnextdoor]

Please please please put it on a shirt, maybe next year with a pizza John doctor???

[@brandonjustis]

@@knowthatgirlnextdoor "Pizza is normal. Sneezing is not." that would go so hard with a moustached Dr. John!

[@Data3rror]

Just wanted to pop in to say that even if I was an initial doubter about killing the 4 minute rule, you (and Hank) have done such a fantastic job of maintaining your concise delivery of complex empathy that I haven't even noticed the difference with the leeway to more fully express your thoughts. Relevantly, your editing skills are clearly as sharp as they've ever been; we all have every belief in you, John.

[@vlogbrothers]

Thanks! That's great to hear. I thought about trying to get this one to four minutes but I concluded it would've made the video worse. We'll keep trying to use your time well. -John

[@sams1982]

+

[@patrick-west]

​@@vlogbrothersI think that was always my view on the matter, you both seem to care about "our time", so I've always trusted that you would put in the effort to make it as concise as possible without loss of quality. And I do very much think that you're succeeding.

[@LouerTube]

I very much agree with this take, as someone who voted to keep the four minute rule.@@vlogbrothers

[@sabrinagibby4167]

+

[@mineola_]

As someone who is coming to terms with the fact that she might be a bit more than a smidge depressed and anxious at the moment I feel you, John. ❤

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I hope it gets better at some point. I go through fairly regular bouts of depression as well, so you have my sympathy.

[@andreafeelsfantastic]

I hope you are getting as much love and support as you need!

[@patrick-west]

I just realised today that I'm "Burned all-the-way out" right now, but being tangentially part of this community is genuinely one of the top 5 things about my year to-date. So I hope the rest of you are finding atleast a little time to take care of yourself, especially (but not limited to) those of you for whom it's also winter. It's a hard Season, in a hard year, in a hard decade for many of us... Even those of us who are fortunate enough to have external support, so for whatever it's worth my heart goes out to you all.

[@QuicklyLiquid]

I'm right there with you, stranger. What a strange time to be ourselves

[@DasGanon]

Oh man SAAAAAAAAAAAAME.

[@christianstraubhaar339]

That little part at the end... Thanks for being vulnerable and leaving it in, John.

[@taylor3950]

Agreed. I’m now considering if it’s okay to admit that you’re feeling a bit sad and scared before psyching yourself up.

[@kristiknight7586]

@@taylor3950 oh yeah, in my experience it's not just okay it helps a lot to look that in the face, name it, and then go for psyching myself up

[@ashleyjohnson3663]

It helps me so much to see people I respect have to do this too.

[@arillusine]

+

[@dorianr4770]

was just gonna say the same

[@abdullahenani9670]

SNEEZING IS NOT NORMAL JOHN.

[@ireallyhatemakingupnamesfo1758]

Sneezing is never normal, I never sneeze - Dr Neversneezer Scrooge

[@nickwilliams330]

++

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

I NEVER SNEEZE

[@AndrewBennettNZ]

I really hope that whoever sent that question is a nerdfighter / continues to be involved with the community, so that they get to see just how deeply their question has affected John (and I'm sure many others, myself included)

[@ate_a_radio]

i read this as the top comment whilst an ad was playing, with no context of what the video was about. very confused.

[@Robin0928]

"Sneezing is not normal, i never sneeze" has entered my lexicon to the point where i will say that every time i sneeze. It has worried multiple colleagues

[@buffienguyen]

it saddens me that no one around me understand that brilliant bit but i am comforted by the fact that there are thousands around the world saying it with me

[@farhavens]

+

[@brynpookc1127]

+

[@gerkwhit]

They should be worried. Sneezing is never normal.

[@grambottle033]

Long live Neversneezer Scrooge

[@Tesserex]

You raised my hopes of a tuberculosis movie adaptation and then dashed them most expertly, sir.

[@SkyBlue-cv8qb]

"just a smidge depressed and anxious" is one of those moments when someone whose words you cherish says something that speaks directly to your soul

[@sscharli]

Just a smidge depressed and anxious but still doing the things. ⭐️ A gold star for you and one for me⭐️ Had to call in sick but got the kids to school.

[@alwaysyouramanda]

It’s the only way-! DO THE THINGS❤❤🥺💋

[@mariacargille1396]

Just dropping in to say that I celebrate your prioritization and communication wins, and offer a virtual hug, fluffy critter. cookie, colorful leaf, etc, for whatever little bit of day-brightening an internet stranger can feasibly provide. DFTBA! 🦭 🍪 🍁

[@abdullahenani9670]

whatever it is, do it at your own pace! I’m so excited to see what you’re working on, LET HIM COOK. We believe in you!

[@changbinhyung6788]

+

[@abdulelahenani9737]

++

[@ryandonnell3382]

++

[@nickwilliams330]

++

[@wanderingnorth4999]

the way you write reminds me of a stich in sewing called a back stitching. its the process and going a bit forward, then a bit behind, over and over to create a very strong stitch. sometimes, the work we take two steps forward, one step back, over and over on, is our strongest. because the care, time, and effort we put in, truly ties everything together

[@c.argelfraster1291]

That talk with yourself at the end was amazingly relatable, John. Thanks for helping me (and many other folks!) feel less alone in the chaos.

[@laurenredding1419]

The fact that it goes out of focus as he rubs his eyes is just toooo good

[@bethfont1545]

John, you have not failed to finish writing about tuberculosis and the related social injustice. It is simply a vast topic and you have an encyclopedic knowledge of those things and just transferring that info would take a tremendously long time, but you actually care about explaining to lay people why this is so vitally important to all of us. The care and passion you have for the subject can never be related to the word failure, IMO. We love you; thank you for being you and sharing so much of that with the world.

[@m.w.kaplan447]

++ not failed! not yet completed

[@oiitsoranglee]

"I'm just a smidge depressed and anxious at the moment" that wasn't a big thing, it was just mentioned in passing. I know what it's like when it becomes like that. I feel you, dude. keep on keepin' on.

[@toastzombie18]

I recently got back into writing and it's hilarious to me that I have the opposite problem to John's. I have ADHD and my hyper focus is intense. Last month I wrote 63,000 words in 12 days. Sounds great but I wake up at 3 am because my brain won't let me not think about the story. I haven't cleaned my house at all. I barely remember to eat. Oh the pit falls of having a weird brain.

[@-Teague-]

Maybe you need some time out of the house 😅

[@Emily-gx6dd]

I have ADHD but I never honed my writing so while I LOVE it, I’m much better at technical/business writing but I LOVE fiction and I hunger to have stories inside of me bursting to get out, but no such luck yet. You got this!

[@toastzombie18]

@@Emily-gx6dd Fiction is so much fun to write for me because there aren't any rules you have to follow. I write in a very casual voice that would probably be out of place in high fantasy, but it's perfect for urban fantasy settings. If you want to get into fiction writing, just go for it. That's what I've been doing for fifteen years now. I wrote a book about dragons when I was fourteen. It is terrible, but I love it. Best of luck to you!

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

Happy Na-Mo everyone! Stretch your hands! ❤

[@Anna-B]

As a wannabe writer, I love hearing about other writers processes. And what have I learned? We’re all different! If you want to write, write. Use whatever process works for you. And taking advice from other writers is totally fine, but remember that it’s only advice, not a rule

[@cameronschyuder9034]

Thanki for the helpful comment :D struggling w finding “my way” currently, hopefully will get a good feel for it soon

[@abdullahenani9670]

I relate so much to the smidge of anxiety and depression you’re facing john, so thank you for not making me feel alone in this ❤️

[@ryandonnell3382]

++

[@nickwilliams330]

++

[@abdulelahenani9737]

+

[@AgentMaayan]

That "I write and I write, and delete and delete, and I write and I write" etc, is actually the opening line of my favourite poem in Hebrew, called "The Ticking Crocodile", where the writer talks about how he can't bring himself to write the very poem you're reading. This video reminded me of that poem a lot.

[@Izzyprobably]

I’m trying (and failing) to find this poem- who is the author???

[@AgentMaayan]

@@Izzyprobably Ben Sgerski. I don't think it was translated into English, so that might be the challenge.

[@MarcosProjects]

The best part of this video was when you said "The best part of this video is when you said 'I'm just a smiiiiiidge depressed and anxious'..." and we got to see your uplifting self-talk before you were aware we could listen in, but then you let us. Love you :)

[@deanna_abby]

As some one who suffers from GAD and depression I just want to give you a big hug 🫂 You and Hank have brought me so much joy over the years in the darkest of times. I'm going to go vote in my Pizza John Eras shirt, my husband purchased for me. We have even gotten our daughter into watching vlog brothers. I know this won't make the anxiety and depression go away but I want you to know you've made such a positive impact in this world! ❤

[@saranshgautam6551]

Like Bob Ross once said, "we need both dark and bright days. Dark days are important so we can value the brighter ones." I'm a smidge depressed and anxious too John, hope we can get to brighter days soon!

[@Bookworm8793]

John, I just want to say how much I appreciate videos in which you talk about your own experiences with mental health and productivity (or lack thereof). My previously well-managed anxiety and depression have been wildly more volatile since the pandemic hit, and I cannot fully express how much comfort and reassurance I get from watching someone like you experience and deal with similar things. I see you, and you're doing great. Thanks for seeing me too.

[@fengjiang4920]

I’m trying to finish my dissertation this month. Well, I have a week until the deadline from my institute. This year was hard for me, two family members passed away, my health wasn’t the best… my mantra is still and mir than ever: “a finished dissertation is better than a perfect one.” This video and your statement from today, John, helped me. Thank you for being awesome, also whole depressed and anxious.

[@hopewilliard6781]

Good luck finishing your dissertation. Sorry it’s been such a rough month.

[@Narwalicornisrex]

I'm just coming back tot his video after NaNo to mention that it helped me a lot. I didn't get to 50,000 words for NaNo this year, but I did complete a first draft of a story that...didn't actually need to be 50,000 words long, Understanding that I had the freedom to direct the story where it needed to go without worrying about a number while still having the pressure that a 1 month time limit provides was helpful.

[@judedepew1291]

I always feel so seen when John is vulnerable with us about his mental health 💕 Thank you.

[@AndiNewtonian]

As a fellow (although much, much less successful) writer, I am so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who goes a few days of writing and then gets hit with the "oh, gawd, there are so many problems with everything I already wrote!" feeling. And thinking, "Two thousand words a day? Yeah, I can do that. I know how this whole story goes. I can knock this out in two months." And then, not. Because writing is brain-meltingly exhausting, and I don't know how anyone can keep up a 2000 word a day every day pace for more than a week.

[@jesseyshinn]

not gonna lie, there was a time when i could write 1500 words a day, and now i'm too chronically ill to write it over the course of 2 weeks.

[@edwinwylegaa1727]

I feel you man I can't even imagine writing 2000 words a day for like a week, we're not alone in feeling that writing is absolutely beautiful but also an absolute struggle

[@simplyepic3258]

I'm not a writer, but I've always written this way too. I honestly think it results in better quality writing. Problems get fixed as they're noticed rather than letting them compound and trying to fix it all later

[@MarkThePage]

Editing as I go is the way for me too. Otherwise those thousands of words might get deleted anyway because they went in the wrong direction.

[@allibutler3422]

@@jesseyshinn I hope that you get well enough to write again. From one spoonie to another, keep your head up. “The sun will come up tomorrow”, even if “tomorrow” is a month from now and the sun just peaks out from the clouds.

[@Caterfree10]

I follow some fanfiction writers who use NaNo as a means of working on their WIPs! Sometimes they’re multiple oneshots and sometimes they are ongoing fics that aren’t even complete by the end of NaNo even if they “win” the writing challenge. (This kinda just happens when fanfics regularly get into hundreds of thousands of words and I adore these labors of love.) it’s so neat seeing all these variations on NaNo imho! ^^-

[@milenaaa724]

You got this, John! On the subject of your books, I'm a HS English teacher, and I implemented independent reading this year. I recommended your books to my students and so many of them loved them and said that they read the first book they've enjoyed in years. Thank you for all that you do!

[@EmiDarlings]

Hi, John! I clicked quickly because I needed to hear some positivity. Thanks for being such a light in the / my world.

[@ConcertsAtHome]

We are John's acountabilibuddy and I am here for it. Close your eyes and imagine the perfect hug. Thanks for staying awesome, hope that thought made your day just a little better.

[@soupvillain]

hearing a bit of this process was incredibly comforting to hear from someone I’ve looked up to for more than a decade, as someone who struggles with being okay with their writing process

[@israellafreidline594]

My senior thesis is due Dec 6 but it is now due Nov 31 in my mind. We’ve got this!!

[@IDontLikeJamOrJelly]

Reminding yourself that you like the things you like when you're depressed is such a mood.

[@anna42623]

I used to teach math and in my first year as a teacher, I had a student who wanted to be a writer. I told her about Nanowrimo and she did it! She wrote a whole novel and sent it to me to read over summer break, which I did and I gave her some positive feedback and encouraged her to keep going. So now 8 years later, I'm finally attempting it myself. I figure, most writers would love to inspire the next generation and I already accomplished that (ironically while I was teaching math). So, any other success at writing would just be a bonus for me! Feeling like I can't fail has really helped me get going on my own project.

[@BeingLolaStar]

I have never heard someone discribe my writing "style" so well. The editing as you go along. The layers. Feeling pressure to let people know. The muttering to yourself at the end. Right now I'm washing dishes to avoid writing before work. 🤪🤪

[@AlarKemmotar]

It's funny how work can seem like a welcome break when it's helping you to avoid other work!

[@rev.rachel]

And the fact that the first written draft is itself a revision! Me too!

[@flowerheit4512]

i often feel the impulse to go back and revise and delete, but if i let myself get bogged down in the problems i have trouble moving the plot forward so what ive started doing just these past couple months is to just leave terrible the scene alone, try writing it again from scratch, it normally comes out bad again, so i just write a short note on what needs to go differently and why, then plow forward. it will still be there later, and when i have more words down on paper maybe I'll be more able to see that scene.

[@r.j.bedore9884]

I think a lot of us have been feeling a bit depressed and anxious, but that just means there's more empathy for our current situations to go around. You got this John, we believe in you. I look forward to an update on December 1st.

[@megangoodwin2544]

"Just finish something" is what I have felt trying to finish this last part of my masters. Only one month to go but it feels like the longest and most stressful one. You got this!! (Also, why did you have to remind me that sneezing isn't normal?? I can't stop sneezing this morning!)

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Good luck! You've got this too!

[@andrineslife]

Good luck! The last month definitely isn't easy but you can do it!

[@mina0653]

same! my thesis is due at the beginning of December, hope your November will be good and productive.

[@emalieth8220]

go go go! you can both do this! I'll be working on my own thesis by your side!

[@sexyscientist]

Why didn't you take megood18 as KZbin username?

[@archerelms]

I love that the removal of the four minute rule allows for the addition of that little semi-accidental behind the scenes moment at the end of the video without needing to edit the video for time *even more* Also I do want to say that I appreciate that y'all keep it near 4 minutes anyway, just less strictly. You're still respecting and appreciating our time, as you mentioned in another reply, but you're not stuck with being punished for not having an EXACT time

[@Lizzi3_thelizard]

You got this, John! You’ve inspired me to finish many song and short stories that no one will ever read.

[@wildflower1397]

With that one sentence, you have made me suddenly fascinated to read what you wrote. Just knowing it's something that is never meant to be seen makes me want to see it, lol. The funny thing is that I am not generally all that curious about the things people keep to themselves, so respecting their privacy is easy. Somehow you tickled my curiosity. 😂

[@Sientir]

I resonate with that whole "gotta turn ideas into language" thing. It's such a challenging process! Also, as I've often said, "Language is an imprecise way of communicating ideas."

[@majorfrostbyte7022]

I feel you John. The University campus where I work is using the lawnmowers to grind up the dead, dry, leaves and it is causing the air to be filled with dust like leaf particles whenever I walk outside. Multiple times per day I have momentary lapses in judgement.

[@Kat-sl6xr]

Wow, this is a very metaphorical way of describing autumn phenomenons!

[@BlaysDoesYoutube130]

Sir, I've been working on an autobiography since March and I'm at 18,000 words and haven't even reached the good meat of the story. I will be doing NaFaDoYBIMSCoM now. Thank you for this kick in the ass. I needed it. This is my first attempt at writing and I'm finding it incredibly difficult to spend so much time reflecting on a traumatic past.

[@brandiwilliams201]

I want to say I can’t wait to read whatever “the thing” is, but I can. You’ll finish it when you do and I’ll be glad whenever that is. Thank you so much for being vulnerable and honest, it was very needed for me in this moment.

[@srobinson6592]

The best part of this video was the empathy and understanding you extended to other writers who are learning that their writing process is valid! Happy novel writing/revising!

[@mikekeenan8706]

John, although I never intend to publish, book form, I wrote my longest short story, while my mother was bedridden, before her death. I knocked out 27,000 words in a month starting with the idea of a Tom cat, named Sophia, as a vital character to the fruition of the plot, and it felt like it wrote itself. At that time, I found I was writing 3 or 4 stories at the same time. I would only get a couple of hours away from being mom's caretaker, but I think the writing was more a therapeutic thing for me. I am amazed at your writing though, In no way could I ever create the types of characters and plots that you have.

[@hsm4983]

Heartbroken to discover john -a person with legendary empathy for the immunocompromised and famously steeped in healthcare lore- sneezes directly onto his hands

[@alwaysyouramanda]

Who washes their inner-elbows regularly..?

[@mxwitcher]

​@@alwaysyouramandadon't make me think about it 😰

[@user-uy8xf9tm5h]

That’s how I write too! It totally makes sense to me! And who says its not efficient??? Those other folks have to edit, delete, re-write, reorganize the whole dang thing. You sir are creating, crafting, shaping and polishing a beautiful masterpiece as you go! I can’t imagine not doing it this way.💜🧡💚

[@coldfire1]

Those last two seconds hit me hard. Thanks for keeping it in. You're not alone in that feeling are I'm glad you have good friends/family to support you and a large community to cheer you on.

[@rae_lh]

As someone who is a little bit stressed and anxious right now, the last few seconds of this video made me feel seen. Now, more than ever, watch Harvey.

[@kirstenroos6781]

As someone who is just now recovering from a big anxiety peak, I am sending well wishes and good luck. Amazing that you have been writing!

[@sparker_87]

Love this. Your honesty and dedication are so amazing. "A smidge depressed and anxious" is definitely going around right now . I don't know how you do as much as you do

[@framkoosjelecq8244]

The end bit just made me wanna hug you ❤

[@akiramiyashi]

2:18 For those who struggled to catch what the full term was like me: National Finish your draft of Your Book I Mean Seriously Come on Month. it's assignment crunch time for me. I really needed this. I write in similar ways with you too John.

[@kaileysetter7691]

We can do hard things, John. I’m right there with you this month, trying to persevere and see a project through. Sometimes things become too much, but you are resilient and you can do hard things. 💪 Break things down, be kind to yourself and be confident in your own capability. You’ve got this.

[@dennisni5600]

That was 4:28 full of wisdom and a good reminder of why I really enjoy following this channel. "Maybe it wasn't a sneeze, maybe it was a momentary lapse in judgment" perfection Chef's Kiss "sneeze is never normal" I just love that line since the first time Creating artificial deadlines and believing they are real? Possibly the best tip ever? I'm extremely lazy when I don't have a deadline. I'll try this out. thank you John!

[@Frostwriter111]

Thank you for bringing back "Sneezing is never normal." It brings me new joy every time I forget it and am reminded of it.

[@AlarKemmotar]

Trying to finish my dissertation and, for me, it's astonishing how much longer it's taking than I initially thought it would!

[@HelenRosemarySmith]

Good luck with your dissertation!

[@Dyundu]

I started my current dissertation topic in April of 2020 (I’ve been in dissertation-writing mode since 2017; the first two topics died on the vine, as it were). I just got the final approval of post-defense edits last Friday. Hang in there-you can do it!

[@AlarKemmotar]

@@Dyundu thanks for the encouragement! It really does help. My proposal was accepted in December 2019, and I was set to start collecting data in spring of 2020 when covid hit and shut down all human subjects research here. Took over two years before I was able to finish data collection. Now everyone is impatient for me to finish, and I'm doing my best, but this just takes time to do right! Congratulations on your successful defense!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Good luck!

[@gillianellis5897]

Dear John, you are such a model for me on how to vent well. You treat yourself with such kindness and I really want to encourage more of that. You’re such an inspiration dear human bean!

[@DrewLytle]

Doing NaNo for this first time this year and grateful to this community for introducing it to me 15 years ago 🙌

[@AJGoff110]

4:10 I'm about to move across country and live with lots of new roommates that I've never met and I'm missing all of my imaginary deadlines and now I have the very real deadline of starting my new job and I'm feeling a bit depressed and anxious, so that sigh felt very relatable.

[@kayleemcelroy3115]

As someone who began watching in 2012 (and reading John's books after), I'm happy to hear we're able to keep moving past more of the very understandable TFiOS-era restrictions.

[@butterflysnow]

Hi, John! I actually think that it is very, very normal to write, then revise, then write again, and revise again. Good writing takes a lot of time and effort! And I think the more one revises and rewrites, the more thought is put into the product, and that is a good thing! Also, we are rooting for you, and are already so very proud of you for doing SO, SO MUCH this November, despite being a smidge depressed and anxious ❤

[@bretthake7713]

I went to college for art and our professors used to say that "sharing your idea" gives your brain the same feel-good chemicals as working on the idea and making it no longer necessary to finish the work to get those feelings, therefore stopping you from completing it. Obviously everyone is different! Just something to consider, it helped me to frame it as "dont talk about it, do it then show it"

[@wildflower1397]

Oh wow, that is profound. So there's my problem, lol. I have been trying to figure that out for 50 years, and you just tossed it out there in a casual comment. I am extremely verbal, excitedly sharing every idea, and the need to get it all out is so intense. My creative process is the same way. The question is, could I hold my mental breath long enough to finish a project? Also, is that why I get a rush of energy every time I decide to do something that surprises someone I love? So much to unpack! 😂

[@bretthake7713]

@@wildflower1397 I am far from a psychologist but it was my minor hehehehe - it's definitely true for me. This can be considered validation-seeking, the idea is basically that someone saying "great idea" is giving your brain rewards. You want to shift the approval-seeking to the actual finished product, not "the idea of" the finished product. I have to treat my ideas like the most top secret classified material or I will talk talk talk about how great my ideas are and never make anything 🙃... May not work for everybody but may be worth a try for you! Good luck!

[@olgabecci6685]

I have to finish writing my master thesis, this was the motivation I needed

[@jamiedye6005]

Thanks for leaving your self talk at the end in the video. The gentle little reminder “you like editing video” is something I’ve been learning to give myself and it was really helpful to hear yours. Today mine was “calling to make an appointment is scary but you feel better when you get a haircut and you like getting your haircut.”

[@connierobinson1090]

Depression isn’t forever, it just is the feeling of forever

[@IirisSk]

I first heard about NaNoWriMo years ago as a teenager watching Vlogbrother videos, and now after years of promising that I'd do it, I'm finally doing it. And I'm finding that writing 1,667 words every day is very not my writing process, but so far I've been able to power through just because I feel like if I don't do it now I will never actually finish my first draft. Anyway, as a struggling writer who's also just a smidge depressed and anxious, your video was weirdly motivational and helped me feel less alone. Thank you, John! ❤

[@jkwatcher47]

The combination of depression and anxiety just KILLS my productivity. WHY IS THAT!?

[@kipupstudio]

The fact that you kept the last part in, about having to talk yourself through continuing a task. Was so comforting and hugely helpful. #johnishuman

[@pandacircle]

You got this John! We’ll be here to support you, always

[@HypernovaBolts11]

1:13 "Sneezing is not normal. I never sneeze."

[@DanielledeVreede]

I've got my first ever real bout of "a smidge depressed and anxious" and I'm super proud of you for ever getting anything done in this state. Go you!

[@dododoentertainment]

Every time I write something, the process is so different. For my first book I just had a very general idea of what I wanted and there was a lot of writers block. With the book I’m writing now, I know how it ends but it’s just the actual writing part that seems to take forever. I usually just tell the story and add the details later. There’s no one right way to write but having my advisor asking how much further I got in my book each week is good motivation for me.

[@MarkThePage]

If you're in the flow to write just action today, then fill in the rest later! [describe comment section] [check what day it is] [should this go above or below the other comment]

[@ellieban]

I love you John. Sometimes it hits me that underneath these two phenomenal beings that trade funny and insightful and thought provoking and beautiful videos back and forth every week, there are two men that love each other and sometimes give us a peek into their relationship. I know this is a parasocial (and sarapocial) relationship, and thanks for allowing me a glimpse of your lives, I love you both.

[@louismyers8845]

I don't remember these lyrics in all star

[@jasmincairns6163]

Appreciate you being open about the frame of mind and keeping that in the recording. Doing stuff outside of curling into a ball in a warm corner can be hard at times. Sometimes all times. Sometimes sometimes.

[@AlarKemmotar]

The end of the video was very relatable, and somehow a little comforting. I've been feeling a smidge depressed myself, but if you're still moving forward, I can too.

[@carneliancorax]

I cannot write every day, no matter how hard I try; I am slow to come up with ideas and slow to write them and it often takes me several rounds of editing to get a draft that I even somewhat like. It can be discouraging when a lot of the most successful authors give writing advice that clashes with the way my brain does writing, and yours is the most relatable process I've heard described by a published author. It's very encouraging to hear.

[@elijahb1209]

I’m also doing this! I NEED to finish a draft of my thesis by the end of this month…. which is a vast and terrifying goal. (I am also a smidge depressed and anxious.) Glad to hear I’m in good company!

[@Nulify-jc4fs]

Hello! I am happy to say that I have to decided to take on this challenge and actually completed it today! I was originally planning to finish the first draft early December but when I saw this video I was like: “Dude, I’m writing a goddamn novella, I need to stop procrastinating”. And I’m insanely happy to finish it today. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@vacciniummacrocarpum]

Who else is like I will finish my master thesis, and if I die trying... been at it for a year, at this point I dont even care, I just wanna get out of this hostage situation😂

[@mina0653]

literally me 😭 good luck buddy, we can do this

[@PiedmontPerkYT]

you’ve got this!!!!

[@vroomfondel42]

You've got this!! I'm defending my PhD within the next month (hopefully) and oooh boy the burnout is real. But we can do it!

[@Meadowmeadowmoo]

I, too, am depressed and anxious. At the start of this video, I thought oh no, it’s NaNoWriMo and I forgot! Then I remembered that while I am not participating this year, I have already been writing more this November than previously. My anxiety almost tricked me, once again. I’m with NaFaDOYBimsahdkdclm or whatever else as long as I’m working on MY goals🥳

[@FaultAndDakranon]

Sneezing is never normal. Best wishes.

[@steggopotamus]

I like that videos can go a little long now. The candid bit at the end was relatable and sweet.

[@Izzy-Maurer]

I'm going for the full 50k for the first time this month, and I'm on track so far! Best of luck to everyone attempting any kind of writing or revising this month!

[@sexyscientist]

Go Izzy go!!!👯👯👯

[@Sue-pn7mq]

Good luck!

[@thebeecubed]

Thank you for being so real and honest. I am on my 3rd NaNoWriMo and have still not written a single word this time(last time I made it to 1000 words haha also I too am a smidge depressed and anxious, So its nice to see others admit it, it helps us all feel and realize we are not failing and alone.

[@melinapatjimenez]

The most real is the last 18 seconds. It's me, out of focus, both literally and emotional, trying to finish a thing

[@quackandcat]

+ saaaaame

[@jadedcatlady]

Also a smidge depressed and anxious at the moment. Thank you for the honesty, John.

[@CalypsoTheJellyfish]

As an author with a large following and multiple literary awards, even if you consider your writing style inefficient- it obviously worked for you

[@ruthboeder6265]

Did anyone else see in the NYT this morning that TB has retaken the honor of being the #1 cause of death away from COVID? When I saw it, I wondered when you would next discuss it, John. Also, we writing teachers like to say that good writing is in the rewriting. Best wishes for your drafting process!

[@kajurapraise5429]

Continuing with normal posting in a world where kids are being blown to bits is as dystopian as it gets

[@ceballard1215]

As we come into the (actual) darker days of winter, I so appreciate John’s and Hank’s insights; they make it easier to see those little rays of light

[@joeldeslo854]

Love and appreciation for You! You are not the only one experiencing 'a smidge' this year, this season. I think you are great and you are doing great things, even when you're not doing any-things.

[@jenniferhashemian4366]

It's very helpful to me to know that I'm not alone in my own feelings of anxiety and depression, even when it looks like my life is going well. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@fugithegreat]

Thank you for including that last bit, it gave me such a big smile! And it was good.

[@thestormwar]

When looking for this video again I to remember what exactly this was about, I found your first NaNoWriMo video from 2009 and you ending that video with "Hank, I'll see you Tuesday" to this video's "Hey Hank, its Tuesday." while jumping 15 years in age was some of the funniest KZbin whiplash I've had in awhile. Keep on writing Nerds! 🧡

[@heatherconnors6568]

Thanks for including the piece at the end, John. So relatable. -A teacher with a very real deadline looming

[@aaronmcdaniel7768]

Don't forget that this means a lot to you because it is an important and impactful topic. When I read your book I know it will be important and impactful to me, and im sure others will feel the same. You are doing good things that touch other people's lives in profound ways. You got this. ... But also the November deadline is definitely real you have to have a finished book before December

[@lynknower]

I will be 31 next month and in 21 days I’m handing in my last research paper to finish my bachelors degree. I never thought I would be here. I am so proud of myself.