The Reason I Write

Recently I discovered what I really want from writing. What are you writing for?
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***
Writing is my passion, and I love to support other writers and help them develop their writing along with me. I want to help you tell your best stories.
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[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Bastion Pens: bit.ly/46S2F4d Use code ‘KWW20’ for 20% off

[@EduardoNerio-il3yz]

I'm 15 yo old and I've been writing for five years now. I really, really enjoy the writing process, creating new characters and playing with them, adding humor and just getting a smile on my face when I see my old work. I've improved over the course of the years, and I'm proud of that. I'm so grateful that I've found your channel and you are here to help all writers, just like me. Btw, I know I'm young and all, but I do plan to make a living out of my writing.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That's great! One major regret of mine is not discovering writing a lot sooner. Already having a few years of writing under your belt at your age is fantastic!

[@discoveringthei]

I've been writing short fiction and novels for 20 years, sold 70,000 copies of my work worldwide, but I write books that I want to read. Stories that interest me that I don't see or an idea of a story that's out there that I want to see. Largely, I write because it's the only thing I'm capable of doing that has any ability of raising me from the poverty that I currently inhabit. And it's the best way, outside of my youtube videos, to share my philosophy in engaging and entertaining ways that everyone can benefit from.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Writing stories that you want to read I think is a great approach. That's what I do as well. All the rest I just kind of hope falls into place.

[@discoveringthei]

@@dcle944 They're the stories that interest me, told in a way that I would like to read it. I've ghostwritten romance novels, written literary drug road trip novels, done a 500+ page novel with 20 different perspectives that travels through race relations, love, hate, mourning, and vengeance. Like, yeah, I read my work, and I love it, and readers seem to enjoy it too. To make it clear, until AI has come out, I never used an editor. All my self-published works are rife with spelling and grammar mistakes and reviews will point them out, but dammit if people don't like my stories.

[@sammiches6859]

​@@dcle944Most writers aren't patient and write stories within a timeframe short enough that they would change their mind later on. Many great authors (like J R R Tolkien) dedicated so much of their time and personalities into their works over time, they don't dislike it overall because they've come to peace with their decisions. This is why, for someone who hopes to achieve the same thing as the OP, I am writing my book longhand. I will want to be sure I truly like it or I won't write it. I'm sewing together ideas and dreams (actual dreams) I've had for the last 8 years, and I know I'll be at peace with the core of the work, even if it's written in a way I'm not 100% happy with. I've never written a complete work, and haven't read a full book in years. I'm only 27, and I have a baby girl on the way, but this economy will make providing for her difficult. To be honest, I don't have the luxury of being too self critical and moping about whether my work is good to my own eyes. I only care if others enjoy it.

[@discoveringthei]

@@dcle944 I studied story, in and out, from television and movies, to novels and short stories. I have break downs of everything: books, films, tv series, and more. I break down what they do right in telling stories and do wrong in their stories. Episode by episode break downs of television shows. Minute by minute analysis of movies. Chapter by chapter break down of novels. I wanted to understand story more than anything. And from the success I've had with my writing, I can say that I can probably tell a story right up there just as good as the greats. My writing, on the other hand, has never been strong. My prose for most of my life have been lackluster and this is largely because I've never really had any teachers. I tried throughout High School, but I couldn't get any of my english teachers to read my novels that I'd write or short stories and help me with them. In college they were mostly about interpreting literature and breaking down stories in workshops, so I got praise, and kept my prose simple and plain. Only the last three years have I been reading and reading and reading everything I can on Grammar, utilizing Garner's Modern English Usage and then writing strategically to better the areas I was weak at. So doing things like, write a story, where you don't tell any of the characters emotions. Everything must be done in their movement, their dialogue, and their actions. Next, write a war scene, with no characters, just describe the scene as it unfolds. Using AI has been a huge help. write a description of a character, think about what you want them to look like, and then put the description in an image generator and see if the AI makes the person that you want to describe. When I first started, they didn't come out as I wanted them to look (even given the lackluster early model difficulties), now, my descriptions have gotten stronger and stronger through that (going back and using the old models as reference, so I'm not using the new trained models and getting that advantage). Understanding punctuation and rhythm and tone are huge in really defining your style and how you tell stories. All of this only recently have I started to fully comprehend and my writing has definitely benefited greatly from it.

[@trickyplays240]

What kind of books do you write? Also Gratz on the sales

[@Yugawugabuga]

I never comment but wanted to share some tips that help me with handwriting my initial drafts. Hope this helps some people who want to try this habit. -Try using a three-ring binder with loose leaf paper. This is by far the best option for your bank account. -Double space your writing (leave every other line blank). This will leave room for you to edit/leave notes. I use a red pen for this. -Number your pages. It makes referencing and finding certain parts of your story significantly easier. -Keep a separate journal for thoughts and ideas regarding your first draft. I keep my notes in this journal clear and concise. I reference the page it corresponds to in my journal as well as making a note in the edit line of my first draft.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you! Excellent tips, none of which I'm currently doing, so I need to change that.

[@mcrumph]

Yes to this. I do use loose, unlined sheets of linen paper just because it feels so nice as the pen floats across it. I would also say only write on one side of the paper. This way when editing you have plenty of room to notate changes & ideas on the back of the previous page. Also, I agree, carry a notebook everywhere you go. You might think that great idea will stay with you, but then the song changes & it's gone. Although I doubt that my notebooks look as neat & organized as yours. Also, try drawing. You may find this opens up different avenues of creativity. I have maps, layouts for rooms, character sketches (which rarely look like what I'm imagining).

[@ernestkyere279]

I write because I love words and the power that comes with it. I love how a sentence can sink deep into your mind, heart and cause you to see and feel the world from the eyes of others

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Absolutely! That's a great reason to write. The human connection. Without that, we'd have no stories.

[@elliotkessler7271]

I really enjoy writing short, pulp-style sci fi novels. I self-published my first novel and novella last year, and I’m really proud of them. I don’t think they’re great, but I had a good time writing them and I learned a lot. This year, I’m planning on writing faster, writing better, and working to replace my day job within the next few years

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Fantastic man. Sounds like you've got exactly the outlook for success (as far as I know anyway!). Being proud of what you've written, but knowing you've got more in you is a great place to be I think.

[@elliotkessler7271]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting Thanks! I appreciate that

[@trickyplays240]

Pulp fiction writing is rare to come by and definitely glad to see you doing it!

[@elliotkessler7271]

@@trickyplays240 Thanks! I love it. I think it’s a ton of fun

[@Drudenfusz]

The real writing is for the friends we made along the way!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

:D

[@scottmaclellan5688]

The single finest way to figure out if you're both capable and resilient enough to be a writer is to write for other people. If you can write something you are apathetic towards or hate outright and people still like it, you're a good writer.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That sounds like a good test for sure. That’s a demonstration of your command over the technical skills and your command over your own creativity too.

[@lewisharwood3870]

The question is; why aren't you writing?

[@SteveJubs]

bro I just woke up

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That is indeed often the question!

[@kaleidoscopingwe]

I need to tell my storry To myself. Im writing for the girl that never had Words to be heared. I allways wanted to tell and didn't know why or what.

[@nickross4307]

i LOVE TO WRITE.................STORIES - I dont care if people like them or not - lucky for me so far they do....

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Hell yeah. Write for yourself and for the love of it.

[@nickross4307]

I do.... screw the rest of them...@@KierenWestwoodWriting

[@scotttait8174]

I appreciate and respect the words you share and energy you exude through your videos. I have done many things in my life and have reinvented myself on numerous occasions. I have a story stuck in my head and am trying my best to get it out. I have written for a small newspaper, industry sites and flash story sites to keep the little grey cells active. At 63 I think that I’ve finally figured out what I want to do when I grow up I also do the handwriting thing to start the story or just get ideas down first. I find there is a better flow from head to hand as opposed to head to keyboard. Thank you for the support.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I'm still working on getting my handwriting legible enough to be able to speed up a bit!

[@BrittanyPutzer]

I agree, writing is an up and down process 🙌. I write to help with my past trauma. I publish to aid others going through the same thing ❤. I can’t explain the amount of happiness I feel when a reader seeks me out at a signing and says I've helped them with whatever it is they were going through. Our words matter. Our journey is important. Write on ✍️. Change someone's world

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I couldn't agree more! Fantastic way to look at it :) If there's a better reason to write than to help people deal with tough times, I'm not sure I've heard it!

[@carolseymour1105]

Hi Kieren, Thanks for your heartfelt message. I believe that you have a good start and you will in time be able to make a living with your writing craft. At 73 years of age, I have my living made and I'm at the stage in life where I can afford the time to write my stories. I've never published a novel, but plan to. I'm still learning and guess I will always keep learning how to write. Currently, I listen to you and Sol Stein, James Bell Scott and K.S Weiland. I've been doing this for 4 or 5 years or more. I never kept track. So, what I've not found is that person who can describe their daily writing routine and inspiration. I guess all that is based on individual preference. There is you tube advice, write everyday at the same time, whether you want to or not. It's easy for me to do, if I'm witing in my journal, but writing and thinkingin when maybe I'm exhausted or have some other emergency is not realistic. Yes, I believe the brain is a muscle and you need to find your way that works for your lifestyle. Could you create a short video of your process of writing? Maybe you could touch on something that gets you motivated. Maybe you want to discuss how you react to those days " when you may not give a damn". We all have peaks and valleys in life, but I think maybe we need to discover our fantasy world that feels comfortable to write in and look forward to getting there daily...somewhat of making yourself addicted. Thanks for all that you do and share!!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for watching! That's a really interesting topic for sure. I think a lot of writers feel similarly to you, that this craft needs a bit of order and structure. I'd agree, even though I can't find it myself! My writing routine is a bit non-existent to be honest. I very much work in fits and starts most of the time. If I'm writing a novel, I'll write every morning for an hour, until the first draft is done. When I'm not writing a novel, I tend to write stories in one setting whenever the mood takes me! Consistency is elusive! I don't write as much as I'd like to either. With having a full-time job, editing, KZbin and other things that steal my time, I often end up struggling. I'm thankful for whatever I can get lately!

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

I am a full-time author, even if it doesn't actually pay quite all my bills. But this is my job and I live to tell stories. I love your channel, and love that you've found a calling as an editor we always need them! 🎉

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank Joey, I really appreciate that. It is a calling really, that's a great way to describe it. Sometimes something just clicks doesn't it?

[@reghardtleroux7970]

Absolutely pure motivation

[@JasonFuhrman]

I'm glad to hear you aren't letting gatekeepers get in the way of putting your work out there. After reading Gold Fury, I was hoping you'd keep releasing stories. I get the allure of traditional publishing, but the reality is it's a business looking to sell as much as possible, not release good stories for the sake of it. Granted, that's a generalization, but knowing that they aren't choosing your work because it's not up to snuff is inaccurate. It's just that is not what they're looking for at this time. I realized that I write for me, who does not have mainstream tastes, so I just put my stuff out there without expectations. The way I see it is I'm probably not the only one out there, so there might be sliver of the population who will enjoy my work, and I'm ok with that. Looking forward to where you go next. Best of luck. Edit: I also write by hand when discovering a story. It's not prose, just stream of consciousness writing. It really helps keep my brain ahead of my hand so I don't stop. I use it to figure out the characters and plot roughly. I learned it from Tim Schaefer who runs the game studio Double Fine. He'd go buy a fat notebook, lock himself in his office for a couple of hours each day and freewrite, doodle, whatever. And by the time he got to the end of the notebook he knew what the game was about. I think there's a video on KZbin of him explaining it.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

There seems to be a lot of writers feeling this way, which is comforting I think. I feel the same as you, my writing just doesn't have wide appeal and it likely never will. I'm definitely going to keep putting stories out there, but I'll do it for me more than anything else, without any real expectation that they'll sell. That sounds like an interesting approach for sure. Perhaps I'm trying to be too ordered in how I'm approaching writing by hand. It occurs to me now that I'm trying to write clean drafts and that's perhaps unrealistic. I didn't realise how much the medium would change the process!

[@mcrumph]

WELL SAID! 1st--I write all my fiction in longhand script. The movement of the hand & arm has a more 'lyrical' feel as opposed to the staccato of the computer. This action transmits itself to the brain for a completely different writing experience. Plus at the end you have an actual manuscript. 2d--I use the Zebra F-402 for all my daily writing needs & Pelikan Fountain Pens for my fiction (though I understand not everyone would want to use fountain pens). 3d--I just left a (quite long) comment on your C.S. Lewis & Adjectives video part of which addresses this very topic. I am now a subscriber. 4th--Wow! It's one of those rare time when one gets to say. "I didn't know anybody else felt as I do." Excellent. Just, yes, wow. Keep up the great work. I wish you well.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for coming back for another video, much appreciated. I was just gifted my first fountain pen by a friend, and I'm looking forward to using it and seeing how the experience feels. Everyone who has mentioned writing by hand has been all for it, so I must be missing out!

[@feebo4558]

My goal is to write a story that someone loves enough to make fan art of. To create that might just help someone see the world slightly differently or escape reality for a while. something that can be as shallow as a good time or as deep an hour long video essay. I just want it to mean something to someone.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I love this goal, what a great thing to shoot for. Art that inspires art and a story that can be a friend.

[@bossalina4941]

I’ve always enjoyed writing growing up, which subsequently makes me an avid reader. A few years ago I was searching different reading platforms for something good to read. Some of which were by amateur authors, admittedly a few of them were very good. That kept me wanting to find more, but sadly the more I read, I couldn’t find what I was interested in. It felt like I was reading the same thing over and over. Until one day I decided to write something I wanted to read. So I ended up writing a Romance/Action novel. I finished it, but now I’m going through the editing process. As of now I’m not sure what my goal for the novel is as far as publishing. At this point I’m just happy I wrote a book and looking forward to writing another installment because my characters story isn’t finished. As always another wonderful video Kieren. Keep up the amazing videos because they inspire me to continue writing and give me the push I need when I’m in doubt.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

'Write the story that you want to read' is something I really believe in too. There's no better way to stay motivated and interested as you write I think. If you've reached the end of your first book and are excited to write more, that's a really good sign I think. Lean into it and keep that momentum going if you can. I'm so glad my videos could help in any way at all! :D Appreciate you stopping in to ket me know!

[@m.f.8752]

Well done, for finishing. I would be over the moon if I could just finish a draft.

[@Melleanah]

I’m not sure 100% why I do like to write. Maybe it’s something I should think about. But recently I’ve been dabbing in reading books from other countries and cultures, genres. I’ve been missing out on phenomenal fiction by amazing authors.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

There doesn't always have to be one big reason. There's likely a lot of small ones. It's the doing it that counts!

[@ADSmallAuthor]

Good look with the plan Kieren. Finding an editor is a task and a half.

[@aanchaljangir9890]

Even I feel like that - only if I had started writing a little sooner.... But I feel like I'm a good spot now. Honestly this is something I used to think even before you offered any help on editing that it would be so amazing to have your perspective on my work and what can be done better and what's holding the story back. I've started to a job recently and so I'll soon be in a position to have that disposable income that I can help to support my learning. I've always loved your advice even when it's addressed t masses but I really look forward to when I can get to that point where I can can get curated amazing advice.😊

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you so much, that's really kind of you to say. I feel like I certainly wish I'd started sooner, but what matters is that we started eventually and we're doing it now. I'd love to work with you when things line up!

[@tedgross9958]

You are a good man.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you, I really hope so. I appreciate you being here.

[@reghardtleroux7970]

I find all your videos so practical, simple and inspiring. The way and topics you explain is such relevant and important aspects to writing and it really grants so much direction in what can feel like a labyrinth at times. Your content is extremely encouraging and the way you present it is delicious 👌

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Well thank you so much! I really appreciate the support! I’m never sure how videos are going to go down, but if I get even one comment like this it makes me feel like I did a good job!

[@reghardtleroux7970]

Really really awesome message 🎉🎉

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you :) Thanks for watching!

[@philipdouglas842]

I write by hand and it’s my zero draft. I put it in my computer when I can’t quite think of anything new to write. In this way I’m always working on my novel.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That's a good idea, that way you always have a little momentum and can feel productive.

[@StormofBytes]

I started writing to find the beauty of my mother-tongue. Too get rid of the specters who pestered me for decades. And even tough my 15 year old self would have never believed it... I write because I like writing!

[@LyGamezz]

I write my first draft by hand too, yes its longer but it flows better than on a computer. For me fountain pens are a must.. they glide over the paper. My goal is to publish my book [ I am aiming for this year] I will indie publish though

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Fountain pens are so luxurious feeling I think! I used one in school and always made a mess but I enjoyed the process. I hope the process goes well for you! That's a great goal to have. Get your words out there.

[@ClefairyFairySnowflake]

Thank you for helping us writers! We really appreciate it! Thank you very much!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thanks for watching! ☺️

[@ADSmallAuthor]

Indie/Self publishing is the route I want to do. I just hope my stories entertain and in some way potentially inspire others to create.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Great goal to have! I'm going self-publishing too, but really just as something to do with my stuff once it's finished!

[@JeanetHenning]

Would love to hear your thoughts on how writting by hand changed or didn't change your perspective on writing.

[@TWM71]

I've been writing since I could hold a Crayon. It's all I've ever wanted to be good at. This video felt like a love letter to the craft and to those who practice at it. Thank you for saying it, and for saying it so well.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you, it absolutely is a love letter, you’re right. Appreciate the support ☺️

[@LiteraryStoner]

I'm just beginning to take my writing seriously. I already plan to self publish but nothing is anywhere near ready yet. I'm working on the rough draft of a novel! I'm 35. My goal is to simply find some readers that enjoy my stories. I don't need millions either. I just want at least a few readers to enjoy my stories in some way. To write the stories I wish I had had when I was younger. To write the stories that call to my heart. I write because something inside of me goes insane when I don't. Creativity fuels my soul.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Absolutely with you on that. The numbers don't matter to me. I think I'd still be writing if it was guaranteed that no one would ever read it. It's for me, really.

[@ubacat1617]

It's strange but I haven't been writing much and in order to get back into it, I've been reading books on writing. Just today, it was asked why I want to write and I handwrote it all down. I write to answer the questions in my head there are no answers to, like what would immortality be like? Ideas on reincarnation and many what ifs make their way into my writing. I also write to see deeper into an issue. One month I wrote a short story every day about an event that happened the day before. It provided much insight and lots of laughter about funny aha moments. Silly stuff like, My trip to the Post Office, Caught in a traffic jam. LOL Everyday moments when I felt frustration but when I wrote the stories, they were so funny.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That sounds like a great exercise. There's a lot of what makes us human in those every day moments, and writing about them regularly sounds like it would give you a kind of 'stop and think' context that we don't normally get, as we get swept up in the next busy day.

[@cuedotfilms4427]

I write because I'm dyslexic, and I was the lowest in the entire school. I want to prove them all wrong.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

That's a great goal. So many people make the mistake of thinking that learning ends after school. It doesn't if you don't want it to.

[@bobpage6597]

I've decided to self publish - I've got my own plan on the burner ready to go, my own strategy checked out - and self publishing can give the best royalty margins for writers, especially through a platform like Amazon. I'm looking forward to doing the work!! *Editing and cover design I'm contracting out haha! And finally - I don't like the way the 'traditional' industry acts like a gatekeeper, deciding who's work is 'good enough' to take a punt essentially. The only one that matters in the equation, besides the writer, is the readers! They're the only ones who's opinion has any weight, for they spend the money on your product. The rest can go swing 😂😂

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

You're speaking my language there. Having gatekeepers is unfortunate enough, without them seeming to be mostly be motivated by money (when it all boils down). Good luck with self-pub! That's the route I'm going down too, just to get my book out there.

[@ADSmallAuthor]

Hopefully have three projects out this year. But this year I am also trying to finish first drafts of unfinished projects.

[@ianlovell6709]

I've self-published 3 books, 2 poetry, and one short novel. But am looking to traditional publish on my current manuscript. I know it's going to be hard, but I am prepared to do what I can to get there . And so fingers crossed 🤞

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I wish you all the luck in the world with it! Hopefully someone out there will be smart enough to know what's landed in their inbox!

[@ianlovell6709]

@KierenWestwoodWriting Thanks mate 👍

[@werecynicalwhywolf8700]

I stopped writing because of trauma, mobbing during school and I am overly sensitive to share what I write. At the moment, I don't want to get published or anything like that, I would just like some feedback to see if it's worth pursuing it. Then, with it, I would decide whether I continue writing or not.

[@elliotkessler7271]

That can definitely be hard. But if writing is something you love, then do it for yourself. But if you want others to read your work, maybe try a pen name if you’re still insecure. If you’d like, I could give you some feedback. I love reading other people’s works :) But if you’d rather wait for Westwood to see this comment and offer the same thing, I completely understand :D

[@nickross4307]

Trauma is why you should continue to write...

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I can give you that feedback right now - It's worth pursuing it and you should keep going. Write for yourself, as an act of self-care. What anyone else thinks or says is out of your control. I'm not going to say it shouldn't matter to you, or you shouldn't care about it, because we're all human and we all fear judgement, but what I'd really encourage you to do is not let it STOP you. Get those words out, for you. You are worth doing it for. The genuine passion and expression of writing has so many benefits (whether you're 'good at it' or not) don't miss out on those because of people who are likely so insecure and terrified themselves that they'd never even consider trying something like writing. You're braver than them, you're strong than them.

[@jeannegonzalez6714]

I just found your channel a few weeks ago and your instructions, particularly for flash fiction, have been great. I've rewatched several and taken notes. I was afraid you were going to announce the cancellation of your editing services. I'm so glad that wasn't the case. Thank you!

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Thank you! Definitely not stopping the editing, I really love it. It's helped me as much as it has anyone else I think!

[@roblmurphy4135]

I just want to complete a substantial work of art; publishing would be gravy.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Absolutely! Seems like a great aim to me.

[@alanclaytonrighteousviolen1715]

Man, your honesty and transparency are so refreshing. I don’t know about anyone else but to me, unless I can share what I’ve created-and with as many people as possible-there’s no reason to create it. I’m super curious now what the process is to get something traditionally published. If someone at your caliber is having difficulty what hope do we have? Ha ha I think a great idea would be to still pursue it and share your experience with us. If a traditional publisher did decide to publish one your books you wouldn’t say no? Would you? I’m not being facetious with that question. I’m inquiring honestly. As you already know I’ve been very inspired by your videos and your edit. Still working and expanding on your notes ☺️

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Firstly, thank you so much for the kind words! You raised some great points here. I think creating something in order to share it is great, that’s what stories are for after all, though I’m sure you do get some kind of personal satisfaction from writing and doing a good job too? The problem with my writing and traditional publishing has become very clear to me over the years. I think my writing is of an acceptable standard or at least could get there with professional editing, but it’s a case of appeal. My writing just doesn’t have commercial appeal at all, people aren’t looking for it subsequently agents don’t think they can sell it. I’ve been told this directly by several of them. I’ve also grown deeply sick of being ignored or ghosted (even after full manuscript requests) by agents. I just think it’s elitist and rude. But I'm getting negative now! If a trad publisher approached me directly without me having to chase them I honestly don’t know. It would greatly depend on the terms. Whatever the case, I think at this point I’d need to be really talked into it. After so many years of agents telling me ‘it’s good but it won’t sell’ I’m just inclined to believe them. I’m also a bit wilful and stubborn 😂 But like I briefly said here, that’s just MY problem, other writers will feel different and more power to them. The last thing I want to do is stomp on people’s fire.

[@alanclaytonrighteousviolen1715]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting Man, ghosting and flakiness is my worst pet peeve. I have to read one of your books now for sure-should have already-which one would you suggest? At any rate there has to be a market for your writing. This might be the time for you to consider creating your own publishing company to put to shame all the snobs and flakes out there and stand up for us small folks😌

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Oof that's a heck of a lofty goal! I can barely run a youtube channel never mind a publishing house! :D Thanks so much for the interest in my work, there's a short novella in flash of mine called Gold Fury on Amazon, HOWEVER, I'm gonna be releasing a full novel probably next month so might be worth just hanging on for that :) Paperback and ebook.

[@alanclaytonrighteousviolen1715]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting Ha ha I know right? 🤦🏻‍♂️Awesome can’t wait.

[@MrsSukre07]

I love the idea of handwriting the initial draft. But I am sooooo terrible at writing by hand. I have carpal tunnel syndrome which is not going away and got worse whenever I write continuously for more than 5 minutes. (yes, I hold my pen a bit weird too. Hahahaha)

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Weird pen holders unite! :)

[@Shivanivision]

Hey im a new writer and i write to inspire people im writing my autobiography and im writing fiction as well for the writing battle! I hope to become a published author as i am a person with a physical disability. I thought of becoming an author

[@AlexDuggan68]

I am a self published writer of true crime and fiction. The first thing I would say is that its about progress, not perfection. At some point you've got the say your book is finished. The second thing is find a beta reader before you publish, someone who can look at the work and ask questions or find mistakes. It also gives you time to make changes. Finally, publish without fear. You may only sell one copy, so what. Van Gogh only sold one painting. What you will find is that you have become a far better writer publishing your fifth book than what you were on your first.

[@Elslein]

Hello! I would be very interested to see how your writing by hand goes. I am always writing by hand and loving it, and there aren’t a lot of writing videos from writers who write that way. If your hand hurts after a while or you don’t like the physical side of writing longhand that much, may I suggest using a fountain pen? I know that it may sound a bit snobbish, but hear me out - in my country it was a normal thing to have kids start writing with a fountain pen after they learned to write with a pencil, so I grew up writing almost exclusively with a fountain pen. (Ballpoint pens were frowned upon and at some point forbidden.) Fountain pens write really smooth and there is almost no strain on the hand, they write sort of with their own weight.

[@trickyplays240]

Off topic I guess but have you used Freewrite writing device? Or have you heard of it. Are you able to make a video on it ?

[@ekurisona663]

can you do one called why are you not writing

[@evelynmyree5153]

A question: is the lighting in the video deliberate for the video processing itself or do you have migraines and its a way to control them...I ask because I am prone to them myself.

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Good question - The answer is actually both! I find it really hard to control natural lighting because the sun is directly on my window. If the sun goes behind a cloud it causes fluctuations that the camera then overcompensates. If I control all the lighting, it's consistent. But also, yes, I get frequent, awful migraines! So I'm more inclined to be in the dark most of the time anyway!

[@MiaowMcDonald]

hello. how do you find a balance between show and tell? i know there’s no hard and fast rule, and it’s contextual, but just curious as to your take on the matter :)

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

Hi! Did you catch this video recently? Hopefully it might be helpful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXSsgWmnnrSogpY

[@ekurisona663]

hey sorry this is off topic but I'm just wondering if anybody here has ever self-published and then given their book away for free by dropping it off at library's or putting it in books for sending it to different publishers or reviewers but like a really low print run just to get it out in the world

[@watchmakersp9935]

Another helpful video - thanks; Have you had any of your publishers stop/alter things due to so-called "woke" reasons (it is said there are publishers that are a bit woke in their outlook) a i'm setting mine on 1970s when times were certainly different?

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I haven't worked with publishers in that way, so personally no. However, my view on the word 'woke' is that it's been negatively twisted to mean 'overly politcally correct' when in reality, being woke I think just means trying to respect other people that might be different from you, and caring about other people. The right-leaning interpretation of 'we can't say anything nowadays' I don't buy into whatsoever. If accepting people for who they are, and trying to let people be happy makes a person woke, I'm woke as they come. I've marched in pride parades and I've spoken out when I've heard people bully others. I think if you're writing a period piece from a less enlightened time though, then it's right to reflect that time accurately. This is just my opinion, but I'd just want to make sure that if there are things in the story that you think might offend or that wouldn't be acceptable in today's society, that those things earn their place in the storiy and aren't done gratuitously. If you're making a commentary and making a point about the society of the time, then I'd hope you wouldn't be penalised for that by a publisher. Long winded response, but hopefully it makes sense.

[@watchmakersp9935]

Thanks..that's a helpful response.@@KierenWestwoodWriting

[@squizzums]

So wait...what's the reason that you write?

[@KierenWestwoodWriting]

I used to think it was to get a publishing deal and see my name in bookshops, but now I'm realising that while I write for myself and the love of it, I also do it so that I can help other writers with their work too. I get a lot back from hearing about their successes. Maybe not the clearest goal, I'll admit, but it's how I feel.

[@squizzums]

@@KierenWestwoodWriting Ah, ok. Thanks!