Writing habits every successful author has

These 7 habits will help you write better and be a more successful author! Link to the outlining video here: • How to outline a novel...
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[@jose11032]

I have ADHD. That means i hate routines, even though I REALLY need it. And it makes my life and career wishes quite difficult.

[@searchingforsamantha]

I have ADHD too!! Everyone is different, so what works for me might not work for you. But the way I make my daily writing habit work is through accountability. I host virtual sprints with my writing group at the same time every weekday. I’d be lost without that!

[@elonas9487]

I feel this comment so much. I have been falling off the writing wagon for 15 years. I keep getting back on. Eventually I will get where I want to go.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Be gentle with yourself 🫶

[@jose11032]

@@elonas9487 I sang in a band for 17 years, the only consistent thing in my life. Other wise I have slayed the job Industry with being a dentist assistent, a tattoo artist apprentice, a doctors secretary, a kindergarden employer, and in between that I have had periods og stress, depression and two kids. I had waist long blonde hair, undercut, pixie cut, i found out i had Curls, Black/blue/green, always looking for a certain style or look …. My desire to fit into a box is real, but i just cant. For the first time in my life, since I got my adhd diagnosis two years ago, i am feeling self acceptance and love, and dont need to look or feel a certain way. I have bright thought about the future! I wish you so well on your journey ♥️

[@leezapaints]

keep going. late diagnosis here. I wrote my book 10+ years ago and I'm diving back in. Sometimes timing is perfect.

[@IanHollis]

I became a self-published writer during the pandemic, and am currently working on my fourth book (third in a series, starting with my second book).

[@searchingforsamantha]

Congratulations!! How accurate do you find these recommendations to be?

[@saxbend]

I believe pantsers outline too. Their first draft serves the same purpose as an outline. The only real difference is that they put together a lot of the details and the dialogue as they figure out their story. The story will have been through so many drafts by the time other people are reading it though that a difference of one isn't very significant. Personally I like to do an outline first, but even then, specific ideas for lines of dialogue and other details will come to me and I definitely include them in full whenever they do.

[@searchingforsamantha]

True, though in the past I’ve pantsed a fully formed draft! It just wasn’t very efficient 😂

[@Prophecy-Foretold]

​@@searchingforsamanthaThis is the first time I've ever heard the term but I guess I would be considered a pantser, it really depends on the person I guess because I wrote my entire first draft with no plan in mind, only a couple little ideas that I developed along the way. For me it was the most efficient way to work because it means that I can change ideas and develop more ideas while I'm still writing. When I first started writing my book, I had no clue how it was going to end. I didn't figure it out until the middle of the book and still didn't fully develop the end until I was writing it. Like I said it depends on the person and I'm in no way a professional, I'm just saying what works better with me :)

[@searchingforsamantha]

You’re not alone! That’s how I would ideally work. It’s not very feasible when you’re writing and publishing books regularly, but it does feel a lot more freeing!

[@Prophecy-Foretold]

@@searchingforsamantha I might change my way of doing it if I ever managed to get to a point that I'm publishing but I'm still working on publishing my first book so idk, I have got an outline made for my second book tho to test out that style whenever I start book 2

[@searchingforsamantha]

Definitely enjoy the freedom of working on your debut!

[@catherinebrown8501]

Writer, here. Great tips. I always get my great ideas with movement.

[@searchingforsamantha]

It’s such an underrated writing tip!

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

I used to write all the time! And then....life happened....and I let things really derail my writing. I've been getting back into it over the last handful of years, so I'm still finding my sweet spot of habits and routines. It has been so fun and life-giving to figure this out again. I love that idea of having the creative ritual to enter into the writing zone.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Welcome back!! And yeah, even just small mental cues can make such a difference. I bought a monitor that rotates 90 degrees so it’s in portrait orientation which is great for drafting, and even just doing that is enough to trigger it for me!

[@decompcore4780]

This was really helpful! Another habit I would add to this list is doing some sort of brain draining/dumping exercise before you start working. This could be Julia Cameron's "Morning Pages" or 15 minutes of stream of consciousness journaling. I find that this really helps me clear my head and get more alert (I typically start writing at 4:30 am 😅)

[@searchingforsamantha]

Omg 4:30 am 🙈 I can hardly imagine that 😂 but yes, I’ve heard morning pages are great!! Maybe my adhd brain should give it a try 😂

[@decompcore4780]

@searchingforsamantha I work the 7am-3pm shift of a very physically demanding job (10-15 miles of walking a day) so I need to get my writing done before work or I'm too tired to focus after. It does mean I get a lot of time for my hobbies though

[@searchingforsamantha]

That makes perfect sense! Glad you were able to come up with a routine that works for you, as unpalatable to the average person as it may be 😅

[@aimi-838]

I unintentionally have been doing all of that (aside from connecting with other writers- Introvert here) and honestly, I cannot stress enough how important an outline is. I was a pantser before and as soon as I started to actually plan things (I use the snowflake method, if anyone’s heard of it) the quality of my work skyrocketed so much that I facepalmed myself for why I did not do that earlier. 😂

[@searchingforsamantha]

The snowflake method is great! I find it works really well alongside other outline methods that are more specific about the story beats that need to be hit. And well done for hitting all of these - some are more intuitive than others, so you’re doing great!

[@DaCapybara]

I love that you brought up having other hobbies. A lot of times I feel like I should give up on my other ones to focus more on my writing but I like what you said about them filling me back up, cause they definitely do that. New subscriber!

[@searchingforsamantha]

So happy to have you!! And yeah, hobbies make people interesting, and interesting people write interesting books! What are your other hobbies?

[@buchiramagopal]

Thoroughly enjoyed your suggestions. As an author myself, I could not agree more. And some of your suggestions seem incredibly interesting. Thanks.

[@annek09]

Writer here! I 100 percent agree witg these tips

[@searchingforsamantha]

❤️❤️❤️

[@buchiramagopal]

Enjoyed the video. As a published author, working on his second project, I could agree more with your comments and in fact a few of your suggestions are things I am going to try.

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad you found it useful!!

[@afkoppauthor]

Very insightful! I want to start getting more habitual with my writing and this is a video that doesn't shame me into it, but it also gives reasons why it would work. :)

[@searchingforsamantha]

Thank you, that’s exactly what I was going for 🥹🙏

[@afkoppauthor]

@@searchingforsamantha :D

[@johnparnham5945]

I am waiting until December when I retire from the day job. Then I will start a daily writing routine. I also need time to read. So a few months and it will happen soon. There will be some setting up time at the beginning but my office is set up I will be planning my routine There will be no excuses just focused hard work.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Congrats in advance on your retirement!!

[@DesertThunderDownUnder]

Wow as a writer and multi award winning poet, I am so glad that I just found your channel and I agree wholeheartedly with content. In order for me to write well, I have to read well ie literature diet and watching my genre intake. In order for me to think well overall I walk up to 40 kilometres plus per week. Walking clears the mental cobwebs and for the most part solidifies some mind bending creative narrative. So much so I have to jot thoughts down as soon as I am back home in the front door. I live for walking, reading, writing. I don’t smoke or vape, detest the thought of gambling my hard earned dosh and found alcohol to be a total thief of creativity and bore. Work on what you believe in. Believe in your work.😊

[@searchingforsamantha]

Very interesting! Amazing how much you walk - gardening is doing something very similar for me at the moment. Hemingway is rolling in his grave over the alcohol comment 😂 but I personally don’t drink much either!

[@DesertThunderDownUnder]

@@searchingforsamantha I’m trialling it for one whole year 30 August 2024. Hemingway, oh, one of the very best. Keep writing. Keep gardening. Yore awesome. ☺️

[@searchingforsamantha]

Back at ya 🫶

[@K.S.Roberson.Author]

Literally this is the first video I’ve seen from you and it’s amazing! Thank you for doing such a great job summarizing all these points. I’m also a writer so these were super helpful!

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad you found it helpful!! What do you write? ❤️

[@K.S.Roberson.Author]

@@searchingforsamantha I write kids chapter books based on my dog. I self publish them. I’m working on my first adult cozy mystery now! Finding the time is tough!

[@searchingforsamantha]

That’s so fun!! I bet they’re so delightful. And good luck on your cosy - I love that genre!

[@isabellajuanitalyn]

This is wonderful! Such a great and concise list!

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@booknosekai]

I love this video! I agree with finding an hobby outside of reading and writing. We tend to underestimate how refilling the creative well is important!

[@searchingforsamantha]

Yes!! It took me ages to figure out why I was getting so burnt out when I was spending all my spare time writing.

[@booknosekai]

@@searchingforsamantha oufff I can relate!!

[@miroslavakral]

This was a wonderful video. I am also an author and I have also stopped listening to audiobooks while I play solitaire on my phone to give me thinking time. It started because the game (which I get paid to play hence motive to play) wouldn’t play my audiobooks but I realized that I was able to passively be creative. Super cool what our brains can do.

[@searchingforsamantha]

It really makes such a difference! I find I enjoy the books a lot more too when I’m listening to them more intentionally. I’m still multitasking, but usually with like cleaning or something. Or even just lying on my hammock.

[@DefiniteEmilyHummer]

I needed this video! I have spent the last 9months losing 100lbs and I have completely neglected my writing. I published two books and then stalled out once starting my weight loss journey. I am opening my laptop now! #NewSubscriber 💛

[@searchingforsamantha]

That definitely sounds full-on! Glad you’re back at it, and I can’t wait to see what you put out next! Happy to have you here 🫶

[@tonimojo5859]

This video is so awesome, and I subbed so fast as soon as u said dungeons and...

[@searchingforsamantha]

Love it 😂😂😂 just finished DMing a session in fact! Happy to have you here ❤️

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Best wishes with what you choose to read and to your channel. Happy reading.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Thank you! 🙏

[@erdc97]

I am getting back into the flow of writing after going through a lot of self-doubt and other issues in college, which was only made worse during COVID 🥴 connecting with other writers is definitely something I want to work on and seems like an awesome idea to stay connected with your creativity

[@searchingforsamantha]

It absolutely is! Seeing other people pursue that passion makes it feel viable. It’s like representation, but for dreams rather than identity.

[@EmilyRitcheson]

Most of these I am already actively working on, which is very reassuring! Consistent outlines are a bit of a sticky spot for me, so I’ll definitely be checking out your talk video for that. Thank you! (Also your presentation style and general presence is so lovely. Instant sub from me! 😊)

[@searchingforsamantha]

Thank you so much 🥹 happy to have you! And yeah, outlining can be so difficult to do consistently. It can feel limiting, and when time is limited, sometimes you wanna just get straight into the writing.

[@katecahill5257]

😊I am a new writer. I love those tips,.

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad you found them useful!

[@BrendanByrne-xi2ej]

Subscribed! Great video, great breakdown of the habits. Have you considered some text overlays for videos? I find that if I'm not taking notes like 40% of the content just flies out my ears, so maybe some on-screen text and a wrap up might help viewers retain the info! Just an idea!

[@searchingforsamantha]

Hey! Happy to have you ❤️ and yes, I definitely wish I could do more! I was really pressed on time for this specific video so had to keep it minimal, but I’ll definitely prioritise text for future videos!

[@wordfullyyours]

I 100% agree with this. Having a ruteine and ritchual for my writing is so very helpful.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Definitely! What are you writing at the moment?

[@wordfullyyours]

@@searchingforsamantha Right now, vampires lol I'm wrriting a sequel to a book I've had out for a couple of years. The story needed to be finished.

[@searchingforsamantha]

I love a good vampire book. Is it horror? Fantasy? Romance?

[@wordfullyyours]

@@searchingforsamantha It's a bit of a mix. It's simular to True Blood. The first book takes place on a fictional island where the population is mostly vampires. The rest of it is hard to explain lol The title is Blood Night. I write as J.S. Johnston.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Ooooh very interesting! My husband tried to get me to watch True Blood but I never got around to it 😅 I’ll have to let him know about your book!

[@TheEccentricRaven]

Many of my favorite authors follow these habits. I do what I can to follow their example and it helps. It really does.🙂

[@searchingforsamantha]

That’s amazing! Any others you’ve picked up from them?

[@TheEccentricRaven]

​@searchingforsamantha From what I've observed, the successful have the attitude of constantly trying to get better. They work to make their first publication as good as possible. Then they work to keep it up and improve their craft. They develop their own philosophies around their process.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Absolutely! It’s such a personal thing.

[@Bougie_Nerd]

Writing-related videos get me in the mood. But they also distract me. It's a tough balance.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Same! It’s a fine balance between using it as a way of procrastinating and using it for inspiration.

[@AlbaPoulzen]

I'm glad I came across this video. I love writing but have no one to share it with. My most significant support is my son, who always tries to cheer me up when I'm self-doubting-which I do often. I would love to meet and talk to others with the same interest to writing. ☺️

[@searchingforsamantha]

That’s so lovely that your son is so supportive 🥹 my online group has been a lifesaver for me!

[@AlbaPoulzen]

@@searchingforsamantha I was in an online group, but they only supported the “favorite” writers and not new people in the group. After I left that group, I chatted with two other writers who, in the end, stole my ideas to create their books. I guess it's called bad luck.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Oh no!! That’s horrible. Personally my writing group revolves around writing sprints rather than sharing/critiquing each other’s work, which sounds like it could be a good sort of group for you to find.

[@malayka2175]

I actually agreed with all of these! New subscriber here - Great points! ♡

[@searchingforsamantha]

Glad to have you!! 🫶

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I can’t believe I’ve just found your channel! How do you have less than 1k subs??? These are great videos! 😊

[@searchingforsamantha]

It may be a small following, but it’s a really great bunch 🥹 happy to have you!! 🫶

[@karinampohlmann]

such a good summary what the writer's life is about^^ feel so heard rn :)

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad it resonated 🫶

[@spitbleach]

Thank you for this!

[@searchingforsamantha]

Of course!! Happy to have you 🫶

[@searchingforsamantha]

Of course!! Happy to have you 🫶

[@marisuggs]

Hi there! Fellow writer here, just subscribed 😊. I think the hardest part for me is connecting with other writers. I haven’t been to one writer or book event-even though I’ve written 7 books. I’m trying to change that 😊

[@searchingforsamantha]

Events are so hard! You need time, money, energy… I honestly don’t go to that many events. That’s why I love my online writing group!

[@searchingforsamantha]

Also WELL DONE on writing 7 books!!! I’ll get there one day ❤️

[@jeanshelbybooks4154]

I went through a long phase when I wouldn’t allow myself to do any other hobbies. When I was doing anything (cleaning, cooking, working my regular job) I had an insatiable pull to write. I’ve mostly broken that and am happier. 😊

[@searchingforsamantha]

Sometimes the hyperfixation works! But not in a sustained way usually.

[@nikkik777]

Thank you 😊 These are great habits to think about utilizing in a writing routine.

[@searchingforsamantha]

🫶🫶🫶

[@Pusteblume7021]

This was so helpful and I enjoyed listening to you immensely! 😊 I write New Adult Fantasy but yet need to find my writing routine ritual.

[@searchingforsamantha]

So glad you enjoyed it! And honestly it takes time - and life changes can throw it all up in the air again.

[@NathaliaCroft]

Love it!! Very insightful thoughts ❤️

[@searchingforsamantha]

Thank you 🙏🙏

[@johnjackson374]

Hi there. I loved this video. I’m just getting started and the idea of joining a group sounds awesome. Thank you

[@searchingforsamantha]

It’s so motivating when you’re just getting started! And throughout as well, but it’s especially helpful when you’re taking those first steps.

[@laurlovesliterature]

loved this vid samantha!!! so many of these really resonated with me!!!

[@searchingforsamantha]

I’m so glad!! ❤️

[@JuliaJoyTheHealstorian]

Great video! I love your energy and wisdom ❤

[@searchingforsamantha]

Thank you 🥹🫶

[@ryghpedersenwrites]

Hello! I am an author and have also just started my KZbin channel, which is exciting and kinda scary😅. Great video!

[@searchingforsamantha]

Ahhhh how exciting!! Welcome to the club 😁 what do you write?

[@ryghpedersenwrites]

@@searchingforsamanthaThank you! I write epic fantasy and romantasy ( I should clarify 2 different series... because why would I make my life easier 😅).

[@searchingforsamantha]

Of course, we really do it to ourselves, don’t we 😂

[@casec892]

Hi! I just finished my first draft of a contemporary romance novel and would love to connect with you to see if our work is compatible to critique each other! (My name is also Sam so I thought hey maybe it’s meant to be haha)

[@searchingforsamantha]

Omg I love that!! I have the same username - feel free to message me there. I don’t use critique partners but would love to connect! 🫶

[@zipitooverkill4262]

You write. I do too (Fanfictions and short stories so far). You like Dnd? Me too (I play a warlock). You have ADHD? Me too. I think so. I have some symptoms and all online tests say: Yes, you have it but no doctor has certified that for me yet. Therefore: Subscribed :) So not because of the ADHD stuff, more because of writing and DnD and such. ;)

[@searchingforsamantha]

Hahahaha love it when it all comes together 😂 happy to have you! 🫶

[@nataliejaneshields]

Creative foreplay 😂😂😂😂 I'M DEAD!!!

[@searchingforsamantha]

lol I enjoyed that one too much 😂

[@scottjackson163]

Kazan awoke to find his limbs splayed in the manner of a posed corpse. His arms, normally snug against his frame, fell at odd angles to his torso and a radiance of vomit spoke to the remnants of a pinwheel effect. He was on his back, squinting at the sun, and by the position of the sun, he surmised the time to be mid-morning.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Is this the opening of your story?

[@scottjackson163]

@@searchingforsamantha Thank you for asking, wonderful person! I currently have this paragraph as the lead for chapter 10 of my novel, but the more I read the words the more I think they belong at the beginning of the story.

[@searchingforsamantha]

Good chapter opening too!

[@AutumnAprodithe]

I write crime and mystery and fantasy romance. But I feel so intimidated. I have no editor so it feels like without that I'll never publish a novel readers would love.

[@searchingforsamantha]

You’ve got this!! You can always pay a freelance editor, but in terms of finding a publisher, an agent will help with that. So finding an agent will unlock a lot for you!

[@Hello-hello-hello456]

How do you actually find writing groups and friends online??

[@searchingforsamantha]

I’ve actually got a whole video about finding writing groups! ❤️

[@wholeheartedhomemaking]

Really just don't make the time to start. Fear of being redundant or white noise I think plays in to this a lot.

[@searchingforsamantha]

I totally get that. I had an instructor who used to say that if you’re afraid of telling a story that’s been told before, you’ll always be proven right. There are only a few types of stories. But no one will tell it like you will, from the perspective you have.

[@mikachuthunderboltz1298]

I’m a writer and would LOVE to connect with you. I have Discord, Instagram, TikTok, etc…

[@searchingforsamantha]

Omg yes! I’m @searchingforsamantha on IG