The Top 5 Mistakes Amateur Writers Make

[@0ion]

The comment section of this video seems more well written than most.

[@sandythemaster6898]

+0ion That comment made me laugh out loud.

[@flamingowen]

hehe. i'm scared to even write comments here for fear that they won't be grammatically correct.

[@thebenjamins9]

Papers, please .....Grammar Gestapo

[@goldboy830]

Welcome to pseudo-/lit/.

[@KillerBill1953]

The biggest mistake a lot of aspiring writers make, and I've met a lot of them, is spending all their time reading or watching "how to" when they should be sitting down and writing. It doesn't matter what you know or believe about writing if it stays in your head. The second biggest mistake is continually rewriting or editing what they've already written so they never complete anything. The best piece of advice I ever had, and it has seen me through four books over the past 3 years, is finish your novel before you start making any changes. Second to that was "don't write what you know, write what excites you". Finally, considering how poor royalties are nowadays, and how small advances are if you can even get one, I believe self-publishing is the way forward. I've had people from as far away as China (I live in the UK) chasing me up for the next novel in my series. I am selling to, and entertaining, people I don;t even know, so I must be doing something right.

[@potsyputti8098]

That's the best advice I've read as of lately.

[@KillerBill1953]

Thanks for the support.

[@ZingZapZong]

+Bill Fox "is spending all their time reading or watching "how to" when they should be sitting down and writing." A corollary to that is not actually applying skills/techniques they do learn to their writing. Another corollary is ignoring their top weaknesses (when they know them) and focus on other things, e.g. "my number one issue is characterization, so let me read another book on plotting..."

[@susannejohansson9896]

+Bill Fox A big amen to that!

[@KillerBill1953]

***** Well said Boyd, I've met my fair share of those as well.

[@sign543]

Writers read. A lot. If you aren't well read, you're probably not dedicated to writing, either. The best way to learn to write well is to study the craft by those who forged the road before you. And then write every day. Writers read...and they write. There's no short cut. Read a lot. Write every day.

[@nexttvmarketing]

Infinitely the best advice.

[@Joleenathomas]

You are correct. There's no way to skill in doing anything except by doing.

[@tinmvn]

Wonderful. I started attempting writing when I was only a kid. And I completely sucked! But I refused to give up my dream and I discovered that writing could be learned. . I read books everyday, and I wrote, and read what a wrote, and scrapped it and wrote some more. I spent literally years crafting plots. And eventually I learned.

[@flamingowen]

talent and intelligence helps a lot too. but I agree with what you are saying.

[@MorbidGuardian]

Writers don't need to read fiction to gain inspiration. Writers need to read fiction in order to help them learn how to write. Beethoven's deafness didn't interfere with his music because he understood the language of music. A fiction writer must understand the "language" of fiction, and reading bolsters and reinforces that learning process almost, if not just as much as writing does.

[@scotttibbs56]

To find your natural voice in writing, 1. Pretend you are trying to explain your subject matter to one of your good friends. This sounds much more natural, and that is what your voice is. 2. Read what you've written out loud (to yourself). Doing this always helps me to find errors and make edits. Try it, you'll be surprised. 3. Try speaking into a tape recorder then listen to what you've said. This will help you to omit over-explanations and keep your message clear. 4. Probably one of the best things you could do to improve your writing is to make every word earn it's place on your finished page. Don't be afraid to cut, in fact cut a lot. You should not be using too many adverbs so cut those away first. Many young writers get way to wordy. No one wants to read a lot of fancy worded gibberish, in fact I bet you don't like reading it either. Cut, cut, cut. Then when you're done, read it again and cut cut cut. 5. Probably one of the best things that you could ever do to improve your writing is to be honest, and believe it or not, many people struggle with this one. Be Honest in your writing. It will show through and your manuscript will sound much cleaner and much more crisp. If you are not completely honest, that will show through too. Write to express, not impress. Don't use words you're not comfortable using, especially words you wouldn't use in a normal conversation. 6. LASTLY, the very BEST THING you can do is Write. Write, write, write. Stay at it, don't be discouraged. Join an online writing group and you'll see great improvements. Also if you ever want to publish, you need to Read. Read, read, read. Likewise, if you're going to submit to a certain magazine you should look online and read at least 20 back issues, (articles only of course in your genre). Doing this will help your chances greatly because you will learn exactly what the magazine publishes. Naturally, doing this let's you know if your manuscript is even right for that magazine. It may sound like a lot of work, but consider just sending manuscripts out willy-nilly. Now wait for six months, get a rejection slip, and feel bad about it. It's simple, your manuscript must be what the magazine is looking for. That's how easy (or hard) it can all be! It doesn't matter if what you've wrote is the very best article that's ever been written. In fact, your article can save many lives, end world hunger, create peace among nations-- but it will never be seen if you send it to a Sports Illustrated. And if you write a captivating piece about Birds in Flight and Flowers in Bloom, it won't get published if you send it to an Automotive related magazine. Writing what the magazine wants is easy when you know what it is that they published. I know this sounds obvious, and in some ways it is. However, I bet you haven't done it!!! If you want to get into a vault it helps a lot if you know the combination. Locked doors open easily if you have the right keys. And stories get published if you know what their editors are looking for. I hope this helps. Best to all writers.

[@ThreadBomb]

That's good advice for getting a conversational writing style with a journalistic lack of fat. But that is not everyone's voice.

[@Lil-io7zb]

Thanks so much for your comment. It's really helpful.

[@greggeverman5578]

Had to take a pic of this comment it was so good! Thanks buddy! You’re a chum.

[@heimerblaster976]

Well said!!

[@KillerBill1953]

Number 6 is the most important, I am not a number, I am a free man, innit?

[@teril733]

"Not Enough Voice"! That's it. That's what has been vexing me with my writing. I just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Your description of "through a camera lens" was perfectly stated for me. I need to dig in deeper into my character's feelings and share them more. My writing has been too journalistic.

[@donvandamnjohnsonlongfella1239]

Yes she felt afraid when ... She couldn't hold back her desires for peter. She wanted him to ... With a swing of his mystical magical mighty legendary sword the demon was beheaded. Still there was fear inside her that more demons would flow forth from the cursed box of chocolate. She was over joyed when no more demons came forth and her and Peter lived happily ever after hopping down the bunny trail. :)

[@bloodmime]

Its been five years since you commented but this has been my issue!

[@johnfinck288]

This is a good list of common mistakes, along with some excellent advice on how to avoid them. Thanks, Ellen. I'll share my biggest mistake, it's one I still fall prey to, several years into my writing. It's a terrible mistake to give in to writers block, or to stop when you are struggling with a scene. DO NOT STOP WRITING! Push through, no mater how uninspired you feel, no mater how bad you think you're doing (which usually isn't as bad as you think). If you are absolutely stuck, set the story aside, but write something else. Don't get into the habit of giving in when it gets tough, because it will ALWAYS get tough. Keep that forward momentum going; nothing kills a story faster than stopping.

[@bearosesanchez2739]

This is amazing! I'm only 13 years old and was inspired to write a novel. That's I'll be starting to publish a book on WATTPAD!

[@s.k.zuidema2873]

You're now 18 ... how did the novel go?

[@TwiztedHumor]

dang you made me feel retarded. great for you!

[@varioususeless2080]

Ye it is finished already 6 years later?

[@Shmyrk]

Wow, are you 20 now?

[@butterscotchblond4222]

hey Ellen, the previous comment segues nicely into the suggestion I am making. I have noticed that your views often contradict the work of classic writers. From watching your videos as well as the feedback you gave me, on my short story, I assume the standards in the publishing world are very different today, than they were centuries, or even decades ago. I suggest you do a video in which you discuss this topic. Perhaps you could choose a classic novel, and then give examples of how you would edit it by modern publishing standards.

[@EllenBrock]

Yes, the publishing standards are very different today from what they were even ten years ago and unbelievably different from what they were a century ago. They are also very different between countries. I will consider making a video on this if I have time. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@ravyo8821]

6. They use themself as the protagonist 7. They write needlessly complicated because: Look how intelligent iam 8. Infodump

[@sidequest2230]

inherently it isnt bad to have a character like yourself; as long as they're still a character and not an ego stroker

[@jfalconredskins]

All characters are based on yourself. If you're writing in the first person, it's only natural that the character is similar to you.

[@AlaidsTrancy]

The problem with self-inserts is if you turn it into a perfect character, which you can fix if you realize this mistake. I think the characters you create need to have something that is a part of yourself that you can relate, so that you can create strong characters. That will help emphasize your voice.

[@grzegorzbozyk2023]

Point 6 isn't bad as long as it's not a Mary Sue / Gary Stu. Point 7 essentially can be summarized as Plot Induced Stupidity or Character Induced Stupidity. Or simply Ockham's Razor. Explanations may be complicated but they also must be believable and must not be stupid. And there's also plot convenience: "it's a coincidence" is NEVER a good explanation for characters or items being where they are. Point 8 is only bad if the information are irrelevant or go against previously established facts.

[@junkfood1637]

Oh god. I’m guilty of nearly all of them...

[@SunnyCookiebabe]

I think learning the basics is essential, whether we choose to incorporate or follow them. However, someone with too much voice to others may be Heaven sent to some. For proof let us look at all of the great classics written in the 18th and 19th century, many feel a lack of connection, others do. I think people should write for themselves and create their own writing style. If that happens to be the opposite of these top 5 mistakes and the basics of literature, I say so be it. Don't let anyone discourage you or make you belittle your writing abilities. I think these tips are great for maybe the modern day world. Just like singers who dared to be themselves, they had to change for success. However you shouldn't abandon what you've formed. Writing is Art, there are no limits.

[@Shmyrk]

Thanks for this

[@EllenBrock]

The Top 5 Mistakes Amateur Writers Makes - with links and advice on how to fix them!

[@animaljp3]

Is it ok to have a lot of description of something new and very bizarre?

[@iamcleaver6854]

animaljp3 It wouldn't be very interesting to the reader... particularly if they don't already know why they need the information.

[@animaljp3]

Iam Cleaver the information is to explain the thing, like explaining a monster that no one can think of normally.

[@julieswahn]

animaljp3 Maybe spread the information out a little bit.. describe a little; have some action; describe some more, and so on. Just an idea, not sure how good it is.

[@rpg-media6715]

The One Great Truth is that writing quality IS completely subjective. Know your technical rules and remember that such rules exist for one reason only. That is to create a framework of standards so that the majority of people will understand what you've written as YOU intended it to be understood. There is an audience for everyone out there. The hard part is finding yours.

[@timjansen7694]

I appreciate the video but it occurred to me very early in the video that a person has to know a fair amount about writing to understand what you are talking about. I am reminded of a how-to golf video I watched recently where the professional golfer was demonstrating technique that could not be done by a golfer who did not have significant know-how already.

[@karllark1478]

+Mike Jansen Amen brother, i am one of those people. I think i have some great ideas but cant get them to flow on paper and from the get go i had no idea what she was talking about

[@wordforger]

... I'd like to think that a lot of people who write would have gone to enough school to have learned basics like what point of view is. Voice might be a little trickier, but any middle to high school English class will go over the basics of poetic language. Heck, I work at an elementary school and I've seen them teaching figurative language and point of view in the fourth and fifth grade. Do people need refreshers? Definitely. But the basic knowledge is usually going to be there.

[@AlaidsTrancy]

If you can't understand this video at the moment, it may be more appropriate that you search other sources on the internet that will teach you more basic things. Like search up "what is point of view", and then go back to this video when you feel you're finally at the level to comprehend it.

[@Outrider74]

Well done, and very correct. As an author who's matured a bit more from my first horrendous attempts, I nodded with everything you said. And I still have to deliberately watch myself to avoid falling back into those errors.

[@teamp4c706]

"the problem is that the narrative distance is too far"....this blew my mind. Realised that when I visualised the story from a camera angle, I wasn't getting into the characters head. Very good tip!

[@ginadelong1652]

On mistake number 2: she was being kind in explaining, but in other words, don't write pretentiously! We all must be careful of this if writing in a certain "mood."

[@hankyman2]

That was really solid advice. I honestly wasn't expecting to like the video-after flicking through KZbin a lot recently, watching _a lot_ of bad videos-but this one was really interesting. Thanks.

[@mdaniels6311]

I get encouraged watching videos such as this as I do honestly believe I don't do any of the things mentioned here. I stick to one person's POV normally and rarely will go into the head of another. I do use some figuralitativel language and comparisons etc, but I don't think it's overboard. I'm wary of ensuring that what I'm writing is relevant to the overall plot and pushing the story forward. All my characters are all on "missions" of their own and each scene is a furtherance of it. My main concerns at the moment are that I have too much plot and that the writing itself is not clear and concise. I suppose I can fix the latter in editing, but on plot, I'm thinking about "speeding" the book up, but worry it will make the latter stages of the story feel "rushed." I just completed the WindUp Girl (which is brilliant by the way) and I got the sense the author was forcing an ending to come sooner than it naturally should have. After a slow period, suddenly major event after major event was taking place, and I felt I couldn't catch a breath and was losing the story a little bit.

[@patrickgallant2450]

The worst thing you can do is to try to write in the confines of literary rules, that most readers could care less about, if your story is told well. Just write it to the best of your ability, keeping in mind the beginning, middle and end and that the conflict is resolved at the end. Then don't try to edit it by reading it in order or you'll never want to part with a word of it. I discovered a way to edit that is almost foolproof, which is , read the story backwards. You more easily catch yourself doing things like repeating information, without realizing it, and can choose which segment says or shows it better, finding that your dialog is dull, and sometimes not needed at all to further the story, and sometimes, that the chapter is actually in the wrong place , which believe it or not is easier to see when read in reverse. I once wrote a 24 page short story and using this method , edited it down to 13 pages and I was amazed at all the stuff gone that just didn't matter. I wasn't as bonded to having to have every word, when reading the last page first and first page last. If it's a novel, do it chapter by chapter, then reread it again after the edit and see if it doesn't make a huge difference. Then if it needs some tweaks and polish it will be minimal.

[@kenmo6]

As someone who is just starting writing seriously, THANK YOU. I will be following your blog too. I appreciate the advice.

[@johannamiklos4352]

I need a daily dose of basics reminders! It is like stretching before a run or swim. Thank you for clarity.

[@devondevon2454]

I agree with everything you said aside from moving the plot forward. Because of the practice of always moving the plot forward I find myself reading very stilted work. the worst is when the writer trys to compensate by adding life and breath with unnecessary sentimentality. I'm not saying I want to read meandering stories but I want to experience the world and the characters not be rushed along to the conclusion. that's what movies are for. There must be a good compromise.

[@TheWildbill242]

I'm 69 and have been a technical writer as a profession for over 25 years. I find this interesting. Thanks for the informative video.

[@cerdwinmistrunner3032]

Thank you for the valuable information!!!! I'm looking forward to learning more! I appreciate you and your time and sending good vibes

[@chilarai1]

Thanks much for some of the clearest and most helpful videos for aspiring writers I've seen so far. Hope you can make a video on plotting and developing characters for a short story or novella versus a full length novel.

[@Muncheiy]

"Show don't tell" changed my life. I actually heard this first from agents at a conference in California where I decided I wanted to be a writer, for real, as a living. I'm a good storyteller, so I captivated a few agents with my manuscript pitch, even in sixty seconds. I had, however, SO much to learn about good writing. Being a good storyteller is NOT the same as being a great writer. Almost every agent that wanted a partial manuscript had the same advice for me. Stop TELLING us everything. SHOW it. That was six years ago. Now I'm a ghost writer full-time while I market my own ebooks. I failed that day, at the conference. But, through that failure, I learned skills that helped me craft countless books, for my company and myself. I've never been so grateful to fall. Justin

[@TU80609]

I write a lot for websites, forums, etc. but never have had the nerve to take a whack at some kind of fiction. If I ever decide to give it a try I intend to check out more of your videos. Your explanation here made perfect sense to me and gives me a taste of the kinds of issues I will need to understand. Kind of a low priority for me but you never know. I also enjoy understanding how things are done, and really good writing, great characterizations, things like that always intrigue me. The pros make it look easy, which I guess is the point. Thanks for the video! Subscribing.

[@alotofmagic]

I LOVE that you keep all your videos short and to the point!!!! They are so much easier to watch than other videos I've seen and I get a lot more useful info. Nice job!

[@holisticcollaboration]

I appreciate your point of view. Had a suggestion: Consider putting a plant over by the fireplace to warm up the space and give a more inviting stage.

[@ericthehighlander]

Thanks a bunch. I'm not going to school for creative writing or anything like that, so videos like these help me out with writing my story. Much appreciated.

[@nishtha1829]

I just started editing and wow, I completely second you!

[@jonathenbrown1796]

I am an aspiring author, and this video has really helped me, so please keep going

[@poppy6635]

It’s been six years.. did you achieve your dream?

[@GivettheGAS]

Thanks for the video. I've been writing my own little book, and these things are very helpful. I believe I may fall into the problem of head hopping. Just my second draft, so I can go through and make sure this isn't happening. I don't think it's super bad, but I know from time to time I've been guilty of it. Love to learn all of these things, where writing is just a hobby for me, it's something I enjoy learning about.

[@Thogstacker]

At first I thought, who's this kid to tell me about writing. Then she hit on my top three. Subscribed.

[@aferdix]

I stumbled upon a colleague! I am a writer too. Copywriting for AD was my job from 1989 to 1994. I love writing. It seems to me that you are a very sensitive and "delicate" woman.

[@sammiephilp2637]

Thank you so much! My biggest problem is telling too much and not showing. These mistakes really help me not do that! I am writing a book with my friend and this will really help us a lot! Thank you!

[@14u2ponder]

You are extremely smart and intelligent book editor. I've read many many books on the craft of writing, including: the rhetoric of fiction, constructing a play (Marian Gallaway), Style by Joseph Williams. I feel like I'm pretty vain when it comes to the craft of writing, but immediately I realized you could teach me something,

[@MrTomfooligans]

Holy god. I would pay to have a conversation with you. I mean, I'm just exaggerating to make a point, like if I bumped into you somewhere I'd consider it an incredible treat to talk to you for any length of time. I'm ecstatic to have found this channel. I spent about a decade wallowing in the shame of what some 24-year-old said to me of my writing when I was 13 or 14, and it has taken me the better part of another decade to start coming back out of my shell. Right now I work in a school, and I've got one gifted kid who I've been writing stories for, to keep her reading and as an excuse to force myself to write, and it's been great, but tinged with this awareness that I am only getting away with it because a child is reading it. But it's made me want to get back on the writing horse, at least more than I was when I only dreamed of writing again. This video was excellent and so thoughtful that I'm sort-of jumping for joy at the thumbnails in the sidebar of your other videos because I can't wait to hear and consider your advice. Thanks for putting these out.

[@briclow]

OH MY GOD. This is sooooooo accurate and aptly explained. So glad I found your videos as well as your blog. Thank you very much for your insight!

[@TomCook-jw6ur]

The criticisms I see below are trite, either ego driven or overlooking her intention in this video. The video does what it states it will do and it adds to my knowledge. I published To Cratisto in 2004 and wish I had then had the advantage of this kind of assistance. Thank you. Hopefully you will do more.

[@codename617]

Thank you. That is really some helpful advice. I'll try to keep those things in mind while I work on my current story. And I really hope to publish some of my finished work some day.

[@domyusneva6543]

codename617 If You Free Just Now Try Online Writing Job Available At Malaysia…Sign Up Now At tinyurl.com/pdarrlr

[@codename617]

Interesting, but I live in the US.

[@Michaelhendersonnovelist1]

Hi, Ellen. Hi agree with your list, and you clearly know what you're talking about, which tells me you're schooled in the subject. So, I think it would be good to put those credentials on your website in an "About Me" section.

[@GetOffTheLawn]

I have been thinking of writing as of late and happened upon your video by chance. It was very informative. You appear to be very intelligent and well spoken. Thank you for the tips.

[@TimothyMoon]

Thanks for sharing this. One thing I have to keep working on is showing.

[@tlove5751]

Thank you. I find all your videos immensely helpful. I fall face first into the second mistake writers make. My English teacher always marked my work down consistently saying my writing was to flowery :(

[@michelle4611]

This video helped me a lot! The point about switching between third person omniscient and limited hadn't even occurred to me. I do it so often! The article was very helpful as well. Thanks!

[@benohanlon]

I came here by accident and subscribed because you're straight forward with the value. I like that.

[@DaDunge]

1:45 When you said to much voice I thought you meant over reliance on dialogue. I know I do that a lot, it goes back to the fact that early in my career I wrote some theatre and well that works almost exclusively with dialogue so I have far to much talk and banter in the stuff I do and not nearly enough exposition, things happening, and descriptions of people and things. I can do that when I think about it but the more I write in one consecutive sitting the more it starts looking like a script.

[@caseybyrom1]

I think the "too much voice" applies mainly to people writing things like news articles that require a more straightforward approach. Writers like Lovecraft and Nabokov wrote in that convoluted style where sometimes you have to read things two or three times, but it really worked for their type of stories.

[@adaezenjoku7527]

Thanks for the advice, I can find all the mistakes that you say aspiring writers make in my writing. So now I know what to edit. Thanks . I don't know why but I love your videos, they help so much.

[@vamenn]

I just stumbled across your youtube channel and have been watching your videos back to back. Another great one here. Now I get why I've often heard people say how perfect King's opening line in "The Dark Tower" is. "The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed." I never really understood why that line stood out before watching this video.

[@writers-sanctuary9015]

Browsing FB and listening/absorbing all sorts of tips/guidance about writing. I am pleased i came across this

[@NaturalGallantBodybuilding]

I agree with all of the tips. Great job. I've written quite a few books and have put down the writing hobby for the last few years, but yeah, it is a great hobby to pursue. So great for sharpening the mind.

[@dion789]

I would love to be a writer. The one thing holding me back is a complete lack of creativity and imagination.:(

[@alexdeitrich7989]

the only thing that's really holding you back is the fact you THINK you have a lack of creativity and imagination

[@DaDunge]

Start with a fan fic, find something you love to read or watch and such and then watch it read it until you one day look up and say "This is not how they should have done it, they should have done this instead" then you write that and from there you keep going, don't bother writing anything before that moment, unless you really feel like of course. Since it's a fan fic you cna totally rely on the reader being familiar with the source material, since you won't really be selling your fan fic to anyone anyway. Another great thing is the character/story transportation. It's kind of like a crossover, take a character or story arc and stick it in an entirely different setting. Not it's only a crossover if it really is that character, moving Buffy to supernatural is a crossover, having a character who is like Buffy but is written and modified for the universe in question is not. The latter is probably a better exercise in writing.

[@mmic6056]

Fredrik gives good advice. What you could also try is writing the dullest, most 'color by numbers' story ever. Take one of the standard ways a story can be organized ('Hero's Journey' is a good one) and just fill in the steps. Steal as much as you need from existing sources to complete the story. Doing this will not only help you get a good grip on how stories work (something you need to know to create one, even one that DOESN'T fit that mold), but also simply writing tends to give inspiration - even if you are writting something that has been done a thousand times before and bores even YOU. If you do this exercise a few times, you'll notice yourself itching to change things and make the story better, ideas will flow from that itch. Inspiration can spring from frustration. Or, alternatively, the exercise will knock loose creativity you didn't know you had. Ideas that you had years ago, crazy dreams you'd forgotten, epic heros you made up as a child, all wanting to be part of the color-by-numbers story you're currently creating. Writing is a CRAFT and any craft you can improve, provided you work at it. I also want to mention: don't pressure yourself to write NOW and to be inspired NOW. You can just let the thought that you want to be a writer percolate in the back of your mind. It's not going anywhere and when inspiration does finally find you, you'll be ready to let it in and set it down on paper.

[@DaDunge]

M Mic It's not stealing it's being inspired by, ask Shakespeare.

[@mmic6056]

+ Fredrik Dunge Well, I'd say it's atleast a little bit stealing if you claim a story as your own, original creation when it is about a short munchkin named Lodo, who is tasked with destroying an evil necklace by throwing it into a lava lake, who lives in a world filled with fairies and short miners, and who's enemy is a one-eyed fire demon with an army of vile dorks. ;) I think Shakespeare might agree with me on that. True, everything has been done before, but there is still a notable difference between 'inspiration' and 'theft'. That's not to say stealing is bad. If you write only for yourself or you acknowledge that the story isn't entirely your own creation, steal away. You might create something that's even better than what the original author put into the world.

[@emilywu2905]

Thank you for putting up this video. I've been writing a novel and someone told me I was missing character development. You've noted two of my biggest mistakes. #3 and #4. I focus on events more than the characters or their thoughts. The writing style is too distant and there's nothing interesting about the people in it. I appreaciate you pointing this out. It's a great help.

[@TJLSUDAD]

You are a gift you my life - thank you for investing in me.

[@JoryStultz1234]

Thanks for the tips! Another big one for me is worrying about writing gold instead of getting their idea out first. Craft the idea first then worry about crafting the sentence. Perfectionism is a leading cause in writers block, at least for me.

[@rubberhammer13]

Thanks for the time and effort you have invested in this and all your videos...Rose.

[@KaylaDanielleA]

Great topic that promotes depthy discussion in the comment section. Keep them coming Ellen!

[@Richard-dg7bf]

Your earlier videos, both their content and presentation,I prefer.

[@speakingtowind]

Thank you, I am very serious with my writing recently and this helped me to see where I am struggling. That of course seems to be to much voice.

[@markwoldin162]

This is very generous of you to warn us. Thank you.

[@lisacarter-evans4313]

I am so glad that I'd seen your video on this subject before I'd attempted to find someone to edit. Phew!

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

Interesting perspective. I agree with you on these points. I do think sometimes 'Telling' can be a good way of speeding up the pace and moving the narrative forward. Of course it can be overdone!

[@mimispeike793]

I will check out your links. This sounds like stuff I need to know. I'll get back to you after I've read all.

[@KaMilaKOOnikosikokosvn]

Wow thanks so much for sharing, ive been stuck and I look forward to looking at the rest of your video's. Thanks again for sharing your insight Mrs.Brock

[@melodyrobinette8549]

And, for anyone who struggles with Conflict (#5) I highly recommend researching the 3 Act Plot Structure, especially by Alexandra Sokoloff's.

[@KateMitchell65]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@matrix5062]

Thank you for all the help to improve or aspire,, a worthy cause and is much appreciated, even though not being at the level of an armature writer, I personally find your advise clear, concise and practical to improve my English and my knowledge of all these matters. For those with criticism... One who does not listen even to a child, does not advance in wisdom or humility, narrow of view and small in vision, especial;y if it was offered freely to you!

[@SethHendrixsonPro]

Thanks for the video, Ellen! Big help as always. Love the continuous updates, by the way. Keep it up!

[@Boxxxxxxxxx]

Thank you for this video. Although I am not into novel or creative writing, this is of great assistance in my personal goal to becoming a more efficient and wholistic writer.

[@aaaduhline5466]

I see that most of these mistakes have to do with character development. What would be an intriguing character to captivate and interest the reader the most? Like, being relatable, having a special trait that makes them the protagonist of the story, or...? (Also, I really like your hair~)

[@flipflops24]

I've been binge watching your videos. I've written some novels, one being a 67,000 word fantasy novel. Just getting as much advice as possible. Thanks

[@EALake]

Thank you Ellen. Another great post.

[@SueSandersGloryRock]

In one of her videos she mentioned the use of a thesaurus to find bigger and more highly literate words to scatter through one's writing. I have a tad of disagreement with that issue; I use a thesaurus and many of the helpful "tentacles" that come with it (on thesaurus.com), and not so I can sound smarter, but so I can find that certain word that's stuck in my head, one that's usually hiding in a list of synonyms, grouped by shades of different meanings, and with links to even more ideas. That can be the ah-ha moment in putting together just the right sound in a sentence, a paragraph, a character's dialogue. I keep the thesaurus open all the time; love it.

[@mionysus5374]

Unless you're Cormac McCarthy, who can get away with very poetic and very abstract syntax. I think it's just how well crafted and balanced and genuine you come across. It's not so much that a writer will sound too 'poetic/abstract," it's that he'll sound pretentious....but from reading The Fault In Our Stars, it seems there is now even a young market for that.

[@heatheryyy]

These videos are invaluable, thank you so much for sharing! It can be hard to keep everything in mind when you're writing and editing, but these videos are a great help when it comes to staying on track!

[@SD_honeybees]

You are a gold mine! So happy to have found you!

[@robbabcock_]

Great stuff, Ellen! If YT had existed 25 years ago this channel had been on it maybe I'd have become a writer instead of a chef. ;-)

[@Miss_Maggie]

Thanks so much for your replies! I really appreciate the feedback!! I am definitely going to look into Scrivener. Sounds great! Like you, Ellen, usually I'd be cautious time-wise with free a trial period; until I knew I had the consecutive time to make the most of it; to learn more about using it prior to buying. Thanks for that extra info, Matt! It's such a great help! I'm trying to begin an auto- biography (with depth and a lot of life lessons included - and that, on it's own is a headache so far! I'm finding that ANY assistance is so greatly appreciated; beginning with which program to begin in.... Thanks again so much for your input! :)

[@Uberfreelancer]

Too much voice, not enough voice, best to get that balance, loved this tip Thanks for the great advice!

[@ericbartosh9960]

I really appreciate that you took the time to post this. Thank you!

[@pearlywhites101]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@Gazzaduchump]

This is an amazing insight. Thank you so much for creating content like this!

[@eryberrie]

Thank you for this, it is really helpful.

[@VinoMardi]

Thank you very much, I'm checking your channel and I see a lot of good material.

[@wiseauserious8750]

Invaluable video, thank you. You're a natural instructor/teacher/speaker

[@keithnesbitt704]

Thank you Ellen your page really helped me on my journey. Plus I need some insight on editing my trilogy

[@josephknightcom]

Wow. Thank you for sharing your professional viewpoint, especially since your tips are so helpful.

[@marketingdigest6884]

I agree with your list. You really know what you’re saying.

[@lisab779]

Thank you I am a younger writer and I am not an expert so this really helped me Thank you again

[@Miss_Maggie]

Hmm, that "learning curve" may actually be what's behind the peculiar 30 (non-consecutive) day trial. I recall Matt strongly suggesting that we begin with the tutorial. I think I'm going to finally have some time tomorrow to check it out myself. So far, I've only found their site and saved it. Oh, the chaos of my life this week... 😬

[@stevengalindo7932]

good, practical advice covered quickly and efficiently. thank you so much!

[@epicchase6859]

This is quite helpful, you really put things in perspective when it comes to point of view and description. So thanks :)

[@r.brooks5287]

Wow lots of criticism in the comments. All rules in creative writing are up for breaking, obviously, it's an art form, but it's helpful to know which rules those on the editing side of things are being told matter. 2 and 3 I think it's best to stick with your instincts and 4 can be taken too far, 5 was a useful reminder but 1 I hadn't known was a problem. I don't think I make it, but I'm off to check my work. Knowing what's a big issue for literary agents is important not least because they don't tell writers themselves, so thank you.

[@dagnole]

Very useful video indeed. Thank you, Ellen!

[@Kiwiberrylicious]

I'm SO glad I came across this video. It was VERY helpful!

[@august_birch]

This is a great list. I just found your channel and I can't wait to dig into your content.

[@dannyvee8116]

Thanks for your advice Ellen..I just writing in my spare time and am really enjoying it. #subbed

[@MarieGarrett.]

this was really helpful thanks I hope I meet an editor like you!

[@WanJae42]

Your link in the notes to "Developing a solid third person point of view" has gone 404. I did find it in the Internet "Wayback Machine" however. Great article, and awesome video. Thanks!