Behind The Scenes of a 21-Time Bestselling Author's Writing Routine

[@VickiFourie1]

‘Speed is not the point; quality is.’ - Great advice!

[@taylorharbin3948]

Indeed! Everyone is different. Tolkien spent twelve years writing The Lord of the Rings, but some writers put out a book every year.

[@shinewithanu4836]

Nice

[@glucoseucardinal3195]

Then how did he write more than 190 books in just 40 years....really having a doubt

[@Greendalewitch]

@@taylorharbin3948 That makes me feel better. Been writing mine for 10 years and I often feel bad about it.

[@michaelcarter2454]

Sir I am writing my first novel and in just a few videos I love your clean approach to advice and guidance ... you are awesome and you keep it simple and clean

[@Xahvae]

I’ve put about 23 years of unnecessary pressure on myself. I haven’t completed a single project. On rare occasions I’d make it past 5 pages before I heavily scrutinized myself and quit. I’m starting to truly understand that my writing is a “work in progress” or “practice”. His videos have helped me learn to be more comfortable in/with my writing so that maybe this time maybe I’ll actually make it to the editing phase. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@penknight8532]

Instead of writing like that for 23 years you should of just lived life and garnered experiences. Charles Bukowski said to write one short story a week because it is very difficult to have 52 flops in a row. He wrote 8 to 10 stories a week and drank like a fish.

[@westerling8436]

This comment section is full of weaklings

[@Xahvae]

@@westerling8436 you’re here too

[@Xahvae]

@@penknight8532 yeah I started shortening my stories it worked like a charm.

[@consuelomarquez5173]

If I may, watch the Brandon Sanderson's classes here on YT. They are focussed on Fantasy and SF, but he has some very useful tips and specially lots of motivation for begginers. Happy writing my friend :)!

[@goatsurgeon]

Maybe i'll have this kind of life 40 years from now or so if I keep trying hard to write horror during my 12 hour oilfield shifts. It sucks. 7 days a week, 12 hours a night, for months on-- no schedule. I don't know when I'm off till the boss says. You must have went through a lot of work to accomplish all this. A lifetime of work. We start somewhere.

[@theShaunus]

Stay strong 💪. This pain is giving you the stuff you need to write your masterpiece and building the character that you need to teach the world through your written narrative

[@blusquipp355]

Honestly, those with the most obstacles and challenges in their path to their goals are the people I want to support the most... not folks who get it easy early on in life and set out to do the same.. So dude, you keep working toward that dream, because damn, I'd love to hear your success story.. 7 days a week, 12 hours... and still working on your writing??? That's an author that deserves recognition and reward. Keep doing your thing, persistence and deep focus will get you there.

[@idesofmars]

im right there with you pal. up at 530am, not home till 4pm. wife and 2 kids to take care of. leaves very little time to write. but we'll get there. just keep at it.

[@simoninglis7437]

I hear you. I suggest trusting in the effectiveness of the "cummulative". if you ponder your next step in your story, just thinking about it now and then during the day, and then just spend a 20 minute period writing it down after your shower, or before sleep, 20 minutes doesn't sound like much, but that will give you a page a day, which gives you over 300 in a year. Then when you do get time off or a break in the roster you can do little spurts that augment that. Best of luck, and go for it !

[@el4242]

I feel your pain. 😭 Keep writing no matter what! 👍💪👏

[@Ryan-the-Rocketeer]

I love his typewriter keyboard hybrid, that is great and im totally about to find me one of those.

[@taz_brown]

Qwerkywriter..I have one

[@renprice9313]

Same!!!

[@cassh1894]

I love how he has a totally separate writing space, as well as a nice large monitor and cool keyboard. I've never seen a keyboard like that. Always interested in the tools successful writers use.

[@deborahrenee]

They are nice and expensive.

[@JavierGonzalez-lp3ke]

I actually paused the video when I saw it and immediately started searching for a keyboard hybrid similar...then went back and finished Jenkins' clip.

[@J.B.1982]

" I make sure my deadlines are sacred". That hits on multiple levels.

[@Billy-Box]

I really liked the approach of starting the working day by editing yesterday's work, and then continuing to write forward in the script.

[@RFazor]

What a voice! Voice of a teacher!

[@imadudin1522]

"The more space l give between the time l finish writing and the time l do my editing, the better for the project." - Jerry B. Jenkins

[@trikebeatstrexnodiff]

4:00 "Commas safe lives" this is the quote our Turkish teacher always tells to us. She regularly gives the example of "Küçük ağacın arkasındaydı" if you dont put a comma after the word "küçük", the sentence would mean; "(he/she/it) was behind the little tree" and if you do put a comma after the word "küçük", the sentence now would have the meaning; "the little one was behind (the) tree" so it's nice to see you actually giving us tips even during these little sides when not mentioning the main stuff! thanks a lot!

[@blazemordly9746]

*save

[@tc0930]

Really good to see how professional writers go about their process. I finished my first novel 3 years ago (unpublished) and I'm currently working on my second. Absolutely having a routine and holding myself to a minimum number of words per day has been the way to advance projects. If you commit to a certain number of words per day, and writing at least a certain number of days per week, the words and pages will inevitably start to pile up. Good advice here. I enjoyed the video.

[@srf2112]

A keyboard with typewriter type keys? I love that. I'm preparing to write my first novel and after scouring KZbin I have decided you are the best tutor to get me started. Your speaking and delivery are pleasant and to the point . Thank you.

[@vernewheeler2052]

87 and counting Jerry, but I can't just sit and wait to die. I watched your use of tracking to help your morning editing efforts and I'm jealous!

[@philippkruger8140]

hope you are well

[@funwithaiman]

Mr. Jenkins can improvise and still give one life-changing advice.

[@raymondong2952]

I come back to this video once in a while to motivate myself to keep searching for my dream and passion.

[@doriswhite1348]

2,500 words a day? That's impressive. If I do 500 I think I'm doing well.

[@serena7371]

Doris White I did 300 a day. Now around 1000. Last week I wrote about 15 000 I am broken

[@adarateranroldan]

Serena - That’s awesome. Keep it up!

[@serena7371]

Adara Teran-Roldan well I’m rewriting those chapters. I’m such a perfectionist

[@zulalibaltaci5980]

I write 800 words a day, I am not a good writer tho ):

[@rottenbookreview6643]

Same! 500 of acceptable quality is good for me.

[@philipnannie1466]

I'm a member of your Guild and I must say this is the best video I've ever seen on the writing process. This is the kind of video that inspires those of us who want to make an impact with our writing and Jerry Jenkins shows the way. Thank you for making this video. God bless.

[@thejellyestbean]

I think I've watched this two dozen times in the past two weeks. Love the office and the routine!

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

You dear sir, are a steady source of immense inspiration. Thank you, kindly, Mr. Jenkins.

[@Gibsa97]

The part about the rough outline you use was REALLY genius and helpful!! I also write by the "seat of my pants" as you say, and sometimes I come back to my writing and spend too long reading back in order to understand where I need to go next. I will start implementing your method! Thank you for that!

[@KaiInMotion]

This is also sometimes called a "reverse outline" too! The author Yasmine Galenorn has a few advice and process videos where she's talked about her reverse outlines specifically for intuitive/discovery writers! Definitely a timesaver.

[@ahmedrezk82]

I watched this clip many times. Simply, it is inspiring. I am not a book author but write my research and the productivity was always a problem. Jerry is very productive and his tips on book writing was very useful for me.

[@karisamoore728]

Thank you, Jerry, for the encouragement. I was just praying and asking for a breakthrough in my writing and really struggling with deadlines when your message hit my inbox. Treat deadlines as if they are sacred, from this moment forward I am the 1 out of 100 writer.

[@writting389]

I did not notice a difference between "Let's eat Grandpa." and "Let's eat, Grandpa." until I saw "Commas save lives."

[@BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily]

This is why I love the Oxford comma :-)

[@shashemption]

What if I am a cannibal?

[@Pumpkin0_0]

@@shashemption Then you shouldn't eat Grandpa. lol

[@srlkngl]

mmmmm....Grandpa tastes a little cunchy...

[@Pumpkin0_0]

@@srlkngl ...and dry...

[@scarlet8078]

This is fascinating. I can't imagine writing without an outline.

[@ElizabethOlagunju-d1v]

The difference between failure and success is glaring via this video. Thank you Mr. Jerry

[@mikehillproject]

I am starting my writing journey at 54, with short stories. This will allow me to write without worrying about word count. It also gets my ideas down, and I may turn a few into a stand-alone novel. That's my approach, anyway.

[@writestuff4all]

For me, exactly the right inspiration at exactly the right time. Thank you, Jerry. I needed this.

[@OBAMUSIC-ONE]

Thank you, Jerry, inspiring video. I love your writing space. Thank you for what you said about getting our distractions out of the way. in the past few weeks, my bedroom has been my writing space, as I have to watch my little baby go to sleep before I start to do any writing, in the early hours or late at night.

[@nightlady2001]

Keep at it and you can do it. For you, and that little baby. 😎

[@seanlawler9933]

Hey! I just wanted to say thank you. I’m writing my first book and I had a bit of trouble getting back into it each day. The advise about going back and editing the last few pages really helped me jump right back into the story each day. It also helps with the nagging need to go back and edit all of my mistakes. So again thank you!

[@Trunkoid]

Did you finish the book?

[@petawilliams8099]

Nice desk beautiful inlays

[@potatoquesorito]

I really love these videos. Very inspiring for me. I want to start writing. I'm 27 and seeing that you can go at your own pace is really relaxing to know

[@giantonamission]

Greetings from Tobago! Thanks so much Jerry, this was very inspiring. I mainly write non-fiction but I've started a few fiction projects but they got overrun by the non-fiction which I thought were more urgent for helping others. You're inspiring me to get more serious about my writing routine in my very hectic life as a Single Mom. Thanks for the great work you do for others and the Lord

[@exhaustedowl2470]

Thanks for this unique perspective, Jerry.

[@SpeakWritePlayinEnglish]

I agree when you say that quality is the point.

[@dontdenygrwm]

I'm writing my new novel now "The Real Name Of Sebastian Great", and thanks for the advice! I'm writing my last novel for my teenage years as I will turn 20 next year

[@blazingswordsman5410]

Congratulations!!!!

[@freddyemmanuel6510]

Getting better than past. Really an inspiration.

[@joryiansmith]

Thank you, Mr. Jenkins, for sharing your morning process, especially the bit about adjusting my writing schedule to me. Although, the bit about re-reading the last 25 pages and ferociously editing it really hit home to me as a killer way to get deep into the story quickly and empowers me to add insights and inspirations to my story (aka words!) supercharging my ability to hit my word count goals for the day. I will incorporate this into my process. Thanks again for your video Jerry.

[@bradp7327]

More space between writing editing produces a better product. Never thought of that. Good advice. Thanks Jerry.

[@franceswilson5593]

Thank you for sharing the honesty about writing and discipline. I appreciate it more than I can say. This is the first time in a few months, since I found a temporary job, that I am home before 8:30 PM. I can do it. I just need to prioritize and discipline myself to do it.

[@johnw3922]

Very insightful. I'm 37 and have just started writing short stories and publishing them online. I'm often frustrated with the pace I go despite the fact I only write in my free time. Knowing that 800-1000 words in a writing session is actually fairly fast, makes me feel a lot better.

[@andiprescott1930]

I loved this! Thank you for sharing your daily writing routine. I absolutely LOVE that keyboard.. and your writing space.

[@bollywoodtalks3043]

THIS IS THE BEST KZbin CHANNEL I HAVE FOUND which INSPIREs ME IN WRITING a BOOK CONFIDENTIALLY ON MY OWN ...🙏🙏🙏

[@gaps2420]

Jerry, great tips and as an aspiring writer I'm really looking forward to more videos from you. I've been developing a story I really think has legs to stand on. I have no history in writing but it's a passion of mine to tell stories to people.

[@LoloBaker]

First of all, love your channel! Second of all, this video is amazing. The “speed is not the point, quality is” is great advice! I tried the ‘getting stuff out of the way’ strategy this morning and afternoon me commenting says that it’s an amazing method, especially to keep me writing for one hour. Also, thank you so much for reminding us about our health too, Jerry. I love your setup, and this channel! Can’t wait for more, and I’m 100% gonna check out some of your books

[@SamReevesWrites]

Mr. Jenkins, thank you for this video. It was wonderful to gain insight into your routine. I especially liked how you spoke about getting distractions out of the way before you write. I feel the same way but have often wondered whether this was a good thing or simply procrastination. It's nice to see a professional writer allowing himself this time with success. Also, I love your computer keyboard.

[@gwalaus]

Envy is a sin, Jerry, and you are leading me right into it.

[@idesofmars]

i wish you did more of these videos. you give us a wonderful insight into a writer's routine

[@saxonsteve]

God Bless You, Jerry! I only watched a minute of your video and I really like your routine so far! Continued success!

[@cowgirljane6976]

If you can do it, Jerry, so can we. Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge.

[@AletheiaTruthTV]

Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are one of my writing heroes. Love the keyboard!

[@whakabuti]

I’m just really sleepy at both ends of the day to write and I have work from 6AM - 8Pm I have no greater desire than to write however. I am just beholden to my schedule and energy.

[@melanieclarkauthor960]

To see your writing process and to give hope to us pantsers...this is such a blessing!!!! Such a clever process!!! Thank you so much for making these videos!!!!

[@simoninglis7437]

This is one of the most powerfully helpful, inspiring, and valuable videos of this genre I have ever seen. You are now my role model. Thank you for your time and generosity in doing this on youtube.

[@OneBlurryLens]

The writing cave is awesome. Ferocious self editing took me back to a blank page. LOL.

[@curiosityseesomethinginter9116]

I watch your videos not for your content. I just loves you voice and accent. Love from India

[@blazingswordsman5410]

I gotta say Jerry, I love your “writing cave”. I would like one of my own.

[@gastondeveaux3783]

This is wonderful. And his keyboard is the most amazing thing I've seen since the eclipse. ❤

[@sherrie85248]

I enjoyed this very much. Thank you for the insight! I feel better about my writing now that I know you don't outline. I prepare my work very similar to your procedures and do my editing very much the same way. I start between 5:00 and 5:30 in the morning and go until lunch. I dedicate the hours to writing and always hit my deadlines per page. You have been an inspiration!

[@mcd3379]

Great insights and advice Jerry. You work hard at your writing and your discipline has clearly paid off - there is much us aspiring writers can learn from you!

[@ashpal1484]

Your KZbin channel, sir, has been a blessing for me. I not only get guidance, but I get the motivation too. Thank you.

[@kashishsharmalikeoffical1529]

Do u use instagram

[@9neometa]

There's such a calm quality to you.

[@valentina7193]

Please keep this sort of videos coming Jerry. I managed to rescue so many tips and tactics i can wait to try them out & see if they work for me. Perhaps you could do one behind the scenes about your researching process? Thank you & the best of luck for your current project.

[@oudumbarrajput1858]

the last line of the video is the best line of the video.

[@lisamarreguin]

I return to this video over and over again as I refine my daily writing practice. I find myself saying "How did Jerry do his morning routine"?, "How do I divide down my word count to reach my goal"? "What should my writing space look like"? Thanks Jerry for the easy informative document of your process.

[@BrentGalloway]

Very inspiring to watch! It'd be great to see more of these types of behind-the-scenes and writer routine videos.

[@dariuszdachowski8941]

Thank you, Jerry. This video inspired me to improve my daily writing routine. As always, invaluable advice. Love it!

[@salomonboga5280]

This was very kind of you to share all of this with us. Thank you!

[@lisamullins1115]

I'd never really thought about that chapter writing like that. I think it will really help me, thank you. Unfortunately, I can't write every day, I'm a nurse who gets up at 3am for a 16-hour shift as well as the commute. Those days no writing can be done, but i can do that chapter idea can really work for me maybe even on those days.

[@deedeemcgovern8125]

Jerry B Jenkins i loved seeing this author video of your author WORLD. I must keep a day to rest relax as Thursday i was excited after a busy people scene wednesday so today on friday i wrote lunch i cooked then wrote till 2:40 pm went to mall and back home

[@shelster]

5:03 that really cool retro typewriter keyboard is a must for writers, right??? Kidding! I love it!

[@kyawhtet5973]

quality is the point!

[@inspirationandencouragemen9183]

You just helped me more than you know. I'd been trying to find a good pace and finally settled on 2500 words per day myself. We'll see if I can maintain that, LOL.

[@angelarenee9230]

I always say, I only finished my novel by giving myself a very defined word LIMIT (mine was only 1,000) and it worked. I'd love if you'd share how your 2,500 limit worked out for you, now that it's been 4 months!

[@SomePoorArtist]

I aspire to be a novelist, a horror one in particular. This has given me a new view, thank you.

[@crazylessons1076]

I am a beginner in my writing. I try to put all my ideas in one pack. I am watching your videos very carefully, thank you for your help and support

[@Ninja_Alien_2809]

I just started putting together a writing schedule so I can be more productive and learn what it takes to be a part of the industry. I am a hard worker in school (and I will be going to college very soon) and I wanted to be able to maximize my writing time. My daily word count varies but I try at least 1663 words per day (or more if possible). The morning seems the best time of day for me. I get up between 6:00 and 6:30 a.m. Saturdays I sleep in a little more. I know it is extremely hard to get published or even to write a decent book, but I am going to try my hardest. Over the years, I've felt a calling to write. I have always loved it, but it has grown into a passion. I want to use that passion to glorify my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You are one of my inspirations and I want to thank you so much for the godly influence you have given me through your books and videos. Left Behind was one of my favorite series I have ever read (and I want to read it again!). I have grown as a reader, writer, and--most of all--as a Christian. May God bless you, Jerry B. Jenkins!

[@jerrymungarayjr7799]

Thanks for the in-depth make behind the scenes video.

[@michellecornish]

Love this, Jerry! Especially your system of editing at first then outlining and writing. That is really helpful, thank you! I'm curious about your hardware set up. That keyboard looks fabulous!!

[@Draion1989]

This is so pure. Thank you.

[@PenelopeSilvers]

I seriously would love a writing cave like that to write in! As recommended by Brian Tracy, I have started "eating the frog" in the morning, because those pesky things also nag at me. I find my mind is more free and open to just writing. Thanks for sharing!

[@apope06]

Im LOVING the size of his computer screen!

[@nightlady2001]

Me, too!

[@okto1811]

its from LG ❤️

[@soniaarmendariz1526]

Jerry i really needed this video, thank you for giving of yourself this way. You are a great inspiration! the more i read your advice the more i get on fire to write.. thank you! God Bless you!

[@theesperanzacompromisebyja9044]

Good pointers.

[@emaricelli]

Thank you for letting us peek inside your world! Very helpful and informative.

[@writeit_right]

Great tips Mr. Jenkins. I also have a habit to begin writing early in the morning and continue until noon.

[@MitchellaneousYT]

"The ultimate inspiration is the deadline." 🙂

[@selmaburnake9481]

I like reading your novels it is great and Jerry B. Jenkins is the best writer in the world and I hope he has got new books out xxxc

[@selmaburnake9481]

Good Selma

[@alphonseelric7361]

You are always an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙏

[@KeithWheelerBooks]

Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. I’m more of a plotser, myself. I love how you reiterate that everyone’s process may differ but in the end the key is to get the words(quality words) down and stick to your deadline. I am a bit curious why you go back and edit as you go instead of waiting until the entire first draft is done. Have you found you make better edits that way?

[@bobtheballoon8947]

*plotter

[@Andybear471]

HI Jerry, well I enjoyed your clip about choosing the best place to write. I am working on my 3rd book, and during December/ January I take a break that works to my advantage since we have moved to a new home. It's a lot of unpacking and figuring out what space to use etc. I like the kitchen area with a view of the woods and a grassy hill in the back yard. Thank you so much for your input & insight.

[@laurakilner7124]

What keyboard are you using please, I love it! I am an old-school typist who learned on a manual in school. I love the look and sound of your keyboard. I also love the formula you use to produce. For me having a span between the first draft and the first rewrite is crucial. 24 hrs is perfect. You still have the rhythm. A sentence into the next day's start of writing is excellent. Sleeping on it is also what works for me. Do you write 5 days a week or every day?

[@learningchannel21]

Hey, Jerry. Excellent video. At one point, you said that one of your principles is to cut the dialogues down to the bone. I think that is a good tip. Can you make a video on all of your wtiting principles? That would be awesome 👍 Also this one is a nice ASMR video 🤭

[@electricdreamer]

This channel is gold.

[@idesofmars]

wow, that 'left behind' series has been good to him

[@cosquellemind]

I enjoyed this as it put some perspective on the process. (time management).

[@davidholmgren659]

Excellent video. Very interesting routine and I love the keyboard.

[@MrGnarlybirdman]

Brilliant. Thank you for sharing. I hope to reach your level one day - my own writing space and a legacy of success and taking care of your family.

[@BabyandLittleGuy]

I loved the "Commas save lives." LOL!!

[@HaydenJWeal]

Charming and insightful. It's inspiring to see someone with such a rigorous and dedicated schedule.

[@melissabailey566]

Jerry- THAT keyboard! is awesome. Where did you get it? Thanks. Melissa Bailey

[@charlespatterson6387]

Look up Qwertywriter keyboard

[@aneeb6269]

Just a reminder mam you don’t have to put your name at the end of the comment your name appears at top

[@chrissis111]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. I love that keyboard. It reminds me of the old IBM Selectrics!

[@majinanshuman]

what a beautiful neat and clean setup! loved the ambiance,,,Thankyou for great tips sir!