polishing my sci-fi novel 🕯️ lessons learned + honest chat about my channel // writing vlog

[@zeesummers]

I don’t typically watch writing vlogs to learn “how” to write. I enjoy seeing people talk about writing and going through their process. I think the set up of your vlogs are perfect.

[@lionnesslynx]

Same! I'm binge watching these videos now as I'm on my second draft with so much left to do before sharing with my mentor. I'm loving watching others in the trenches going for their dreams.

[@laurenct]

I think your vlogs are one of the highlights of your channel! the struggle is real and watching the journey of working through those frustrations in your drafts is such a resonant feeling in my own writing process - i really appreciate the down-to-earth quality of those vlogs. and hearing about lessons learned during those drafting stages in craft discussions on a draft is SUPER insightful, (to me at least lol); you approach them so thoughtfully. tldr i think your content is really valuable, including if not esp vlogs!

[@KrisMF]

that's good to hear 😭 i think i just got so derailed thinking about feeling stuck and not showing enough progress per vlog. i know i still enjoy filming them but definitely got worried about whether or not people find them "helpful"! thank you for watching as always!!!

[@alainaiswriting]

Saving this to watch later, but just wanted to say now: your content has consistently been so wonderful and so INSPIRING to watch, and we (your audience) appreciate how honest and authentic you are about your process, struggles and successes alike. I hope you took some time to celebrate finishing this round of revisions!

[@KrisMF]

that is so kind, thank you!!!

[@mikaelasaskia]

on the writing vlog issue, i don't think vlogs are meant to be focused on craft, and it's usually just to document the process of writing! and personally, even when you don't go into detail about what changes you're making to the manuscript, i find it motivating to watch the vlog, and that's what i'm here for personally, to see someone else's journey

[@KrisMF]

that's good to know!! thanks so much 🥹

[@bauble.basics]

I enjoy your varied content! But I like listening to your vlogs to keep up with your journey more than anything else.

[@malikamaybe]

Gonna agree with some of the comments here that I generally watch authortubers to follow your journeys. I want to keep up with the triumphs and trials of writers becoming career authors. Pursuing this can feel quite solitary at times and the “how-tos” and advice and solutions are great, but I’m mostly here because I’m rooting for you all and it reminds me that this trek to a stable publishing career doesn’t have to be lonesome.

[@chokingonmoss]

the dead stare listening back to your writing is so real

[@KrisMF]

hhgjjddjfh the words aren't even words anymore

[@bloop7863]

I like watching writing vlogs because they encourage me to write, I always end up writing when I’m watching one

[@TheGinnyhp]

Honestly, as a young writer myself, I find myself thinking about my own work when you're rambling (in the best way) about your writer struggles. Every time I watch one of your vlogs, I feel inspired and motivated to keep going with my own story. Even in vague explanations of your writing process is really helpful to me because I feel like I understand. I don't need to read your manuscript to relate to you. I definitely don't want to put pressure on you to continue your vlogs. I'm sure this is valuable time that comes out of space for your self-care, or errands or any million other things you could be doing. I just want to send you love and express that your videos are comforting. Thank you!

[@KrisMF]

thank you !!! 🥺

[@megalodon667]

Sharing the struggle is so refreshing. Writing is a struggle, and I love seeing your raw journey - the good and the bad.

[@kelleyiswriting]

I loved this video!! 💕 Omg I was shaking while watching your live reaction HEHE. Thanks for bringing me along on this journey. THERE IS LITERALLY NO FUTURE WHERE THIS BOOK IS NOT ACQUIRED BY A MAJOR PUBLISHER !!!! I have also spent an hour at least on one paragraph before 💀 writing really zaps all my brain power :')

[@KrisMF]

alsjdngjgjnk no i loved your feedback on draft 2, i almost CRIED

[@ceclar_b012]

Hmm, seeing post-draft-1 conversations/ how you revised later drafts would be great once you go on sub. To hazard a wild guess that’s been poking at me for a while, is Local Heavens a Gatsby-inspired novel/retelling? Also, your informal vlogs are wonderful. Sharing the level of detail to your publishing journey and revision processes as it is is something I don’t see often, and really admire you for.

[@KrisMF]

!!!!!!!! you should get a reward for being the first person to ask me that after over a year of vlogging this project lol ....

[@lynndjung]

On my second watch of this video because I love your writing vlogs so much!! I feel you on letting instincts take the reins during revisions. Your agent seems like an amazing fit and I'm so excited to see the direction you guys take LH!!

[@KrisMF]

THANKS LYNN

[@just_sami_]

I just recently found you and I LOVE all of your videos. I like to put your writing vlogs on in the background as I write (so if you see me in your stats as constantly rewatching your videos, oops hehe), so I don't mind at all that you can't always go into specifics of your current works! It makes it so that I can personally commiserate with your vaguer writing dilemmas and easily relate them to writing blocks and plot hiccups of my own! And the transparency you've provided over the querying process and your emotions throughout has been so truly helpful, and inspiring, and has given me new reasons to keep writing as I reach for the milestones you're reaching!

[@KrisMF]

thank you!! 🥺i hope your writing projects are going well

[@iokei7926]

Oo for TTS, might I recommend Microsoft Edge’s Read Aloud, it has some of the best voices in several accents I’ve found for free. Obviously u’d have to either have the work published or a pdf for it to work, but it seriously was a game changer

[@briellewrites]

“100,000 words of this MANNN” had me dying lmaooo. writing a male main character scares me 🥲 I enjoyed this vlog so much as I do all of your vlogs! So calming, the color schemes and color grading are always *chefs kiss* and I love seeing how passionate you are about the writing progress and this project!!!

[@rosemarybanks7149]

Your sharing what you’re experiencing is very, very, very helpful! Thank you

[@TheHoneyPott]

I LOOVE your writing vlogs !! They're the only I consistently view and I don't think you should feel pressured or required to give details on the specifics of any project (especially this early on?) if you're not comfortable. Personally I find your videos equally as valuable with or without, and watch because I'm invested in your journey 👀✊😔. Anyhow I totally understand and respect if choose to upload fewer vlogs. Congrats on completing draft 3 and happy holidays !!! 😄🎊

[@KrisMF]

thank you so much !!

[@megalodon667]

Nooo to whoever commented that it isn't helpful! Your revision process and seeing your journey with Local Heavens has been SO HELPFUL. I love your vlogs, please keep sharing! And congrats on all your success :)

[@Lara_Ameen]

I LOVE your writing vlogs! I feel like documenting the struggle is just part of the process of being a writer. I love that you give us insight into your agent edit letters and beta reader feedback. I’m traditionally published (short story in a trad published anthology), but not agented (yet). I feel like I watch AuthorTube because I want to see the journey of my fellow authors and cheer them on! I think your writing vlogs are very satisfying. Please keep doing them! Best of luck going on submission with LOCAL HEAVENS! I love that your agent sent you chocolate! That’s so sweet. 🥹💜

[@PsychOnlineAldrian]

"I've been in this man's head too long." I feel that. My MC is a traumatized jerk. That's a hard write. So I enjoy the vlog stuff and learning about your journey. It inspires me to keep going. Rooting for you! 🎉❤🎉

[@astoldbydiamond]

Echoing other comments when I say that I love your vlogs! As an aspiring author, it's helpful (and therapeutic) to see your journey of trying to be traditionally published. Writing can be so lonely, and having vlogs that show the raw, unedited journey is needed, even if we don't get specific details. I feel like I know the story even with the little information you've shared. I hope you keep doing these 🖤

[@TheEccentricRaven]

I wish you well on your writing journey ❤

[@j-ymoney5112]

@0:41 not ignoring the fact you have mad talent or brains but you ARE LITERALLY SO PRETTY I had to comment it!

[@KrisMF]

omg 😭😭😭 thank you 🫶!

[@caesuracrossing5473]

I feel like once ur book is published u should do a video like Alexa Dunn does after her books get published she goes on a timeline of how her books changed from idea to publication. She vlogs like you do and keeps it secretive. I hope my comment makes sense I'm not the best at grammar.

[@KrisMF]

that's such a good idea!!

[@briellewrites]

“100,000 words of this MANNN” had me dying lmaooo. writing a male main character scares me 🥲 I enjoyed this vlog so much as I do all of your vlogs! So calming, the color schemes and color grading are always *chefs kiss* and I love seeing how passionate you are about the writing progress and this project!!! Also I don’t think your writing vlogs are “unsatisfying” because they’re showing your real struggles- I think they’re way more relatable and always make me feel encouraged and inspired ❤

[@mhjmakes3631]

Personally, that "raw unfiltered struggle" _is_ the draw for these vlogs. For one, it's super relatable. But also, I think that it's important to show just how much goes into making an enjoyable story. For many, all we ever see is the finished product, and if you're a new writer who doesn't have much of a frame of reference, that's what you'll be comparing your first draft to (which is very unfair to yourself). I'm sure you've inspired so many budding authors with your videos. It's a pity that these writing style vlogs are kind of...antithetical (?) to the modern KZbin content creation machine, but what can you do? Just produce whatever makes you feel happy. It'll be a treat either way.

[@kingdomkeeper17]

I just found your channel, and I just wrote my very first draft. I find your content super helpful and also knowing what I’m feeling someone else is feeling!

[@ruthmorgan2098]

I love your writing vlogs, even when they dont go into detail. I just enjoy watching for the journey and inspiration! Honestly, though, I'd watch whatever you wanted share❤😊

[@punkrockghostie]

as someone going through the wringer of finishing my debut novel and soon working towards querying near the end of the year if things go as scheduled, i find these very comforting to watch, (though i just recently found your channel)

[@TheQndi]

To me those videos are really helpful! I watch it as a motivation for myself and to get into a "writing mood", especially if i had a bit of a longer break from working on my manuscript.

[@tijondembo6687]

i love just watching your experience it’s so inspiring keep doing these!!!

[@76kilosofshade81]

I love this syte and learning how it works/doesn't work for others.

[@TheCosmicInitiative]

ummm i love the writing vlogs.

[@AdamFishkin]

It's the same reason romance is complicated in real life: there are tons of other complicated things going on AT THE SAME TIME. Speaking as a guy, I encourage you to seize moments of well-deserved space from being in your MC's head, because the inside of guys' brains is just sad. Your agent sent you Hedgehogs??! Clearly your agent loves you! If you're still surprising yourself in a good way, let's hope it stays that way for 2 or 3 more drafts and then you can settle on a high note before publishers get hold of it. Meantime, I'll savor these vlogs while you still have the time and space to do them. You inspire me as I finally get back into actual writing.

[@DreamingTruth.author]

I absolutely appreciate hearing your process ❤