Writing/Storytelling: 10 Tips to Help You

[@Xylyte]

"It can't just happen, it has to happen in an interesting way." You know...that is probably the best advice I've ever heard.

[@corwin32]

Reminds me of Yahtzee Croshaw--he got some advice he talked about once, "Is this the most interesting part of your character's life? If not, why aren't you telling us about that?"

[@Dassatron]

Was doing rapid research but this comment made me stay and boy was I glad I did cos this was the best video I found. But for this comment, would have skipped, so thanks. To the author you're so awesome, thanks for these brilliant ideas, they're so helpful.

[@thephoenixkid4398]

Disney needs to hear that for the next Star Wars

[@MintEcho7]

Just to summarize, mainly for myself... 1. Show, Don't Tell. 2. Don't Always Go with the First Idea that Pops Inside Your Head. 3. Consider the Reader's Experience at All Times 4. - (Apparently he skipped 4, I didn't even notice the first time I went through this video.) - 5. Give Each Character a Specific Way of Speaking 6. It Can't Just Happen, It Has To Happen In an Interesting Way 7. Work Out Your Ending. (Try to Figure our What your Ending is Before You Write the Story) 8. Think About What the Reader Will Expect, and Do Something Different. 9. Be Aware of the Passive Protagonist. - ( By the way, he labeled this as 8 again. xD) - 10. Give the Readers Information, Just Before They Need It. - (Labeled as 9) - 11. If It's Not Working, Be Willing to Toss It Out. - (Labeled as 10) -

[@antar8691]

MintEcho7 thx

[@mumpygumboo8554]

Would also be good to consider theme (and how them is separate from topic but can be related to topic).

[@nullcase404]

The 7 one Is Yoko Taro's signature history telling

[@thepurplehawk4907]

@cricket Same!

[@BardofHelium]

I dunno about #10. I prefer to establish setups far in advance of payoffs. That way, the payoff seems more surprising (as the reader or viewer has largely forgotten about the setup), but still feels right.

[@andrei]

As an artist who would like to at some point throw my hat in the comics ring, I honestly find these type of videos super helpful. There are plenty of drawing tutorials out there, I've tried doing a couple myself, but writing is such hard thing to wrap one's head around and it's really inspiring to hear someone with experience in the field talk about it. Awesome video and I hope you'll do more on this topic!

[@markcrilley]

Andrei Terbea Thanks Andrei!

[@VampireWolfy2002]

Omg...Români? :D

[@ConorMG]

Ayyyy

[@Mugen_YG]

_Oh._

[@eliastta437]

I love your channel!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

I've learned so much from you. I feel like I've received a free college education just from your youtube channel. Thank you.

[@TuberculosisBeans]

you look like the guy of workaholics xD

[@goppo9230]

Micah Buzan i

[@roboticcrabanimates]

Congrats

[@sallyrogers8023]

Same

[@ghettonerd6007]

Micah Buzan lol

[@WanderingRurouni92]

That example with Brody in the pawnshop...Has convinced me to buy the series. Awesome writing!

[@markcrilley]

WanderingRurouni92 Thanks so much!

[@WanderingRurouni92]

markcrilley Hey again, Mr. Crilley, I just want to say that I have never been that emotional since Nina's death in Fullmetal Alchemist. Just...*clap* *clap* Bravo. I'm getting book 6 as soon as it comes out. Bravo.

[@goosegander1615]

Spoilers 😔✨

[@lilkittyanime]

Mark sounds like he could be a good voice actor, the way he's voices his characters as an example of speech, really makes you think he can ^w^ very helpful video

[@roundishwhale]

yeah some kind of audio book narrated by him would be nice :D

[@aratacobalt2265]

You know I'm a good voice actor

[@iinkstain]

@@aratacobalt2265 thats... the weirdest most shameless plug i've ever seen

[@robschneider8310]

One of the rare videos where all the writing tips are valuable and translatable to other storytelling forms (especially 6 and 7). This guy knows what he's talking about.

[@markcrilley]

+Arnaud Drouin Thank you!

[@nomadben1356]

I agree, there's a reason Brody's Ghost has a 96% approval rating on Google...He knows how to tell stories.

[@michaeloffner8515]

I haven't even touched a copy of Brody's ghost, but from this, I can tell it has a well-crafted story.

[@dmanakell]

I prefer these kind of vids. I find them more helping than how to draw. Thanks a lot

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Just to add to this thread, here are the most important, critical tips I've ever heard regarding creative writing: 1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. 2. Give the reader at least one character he or she can root for. 3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water. 4. Every sentence must do one of two things-reveal character or advance the action. 5 Start as close to the end as possible. 6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them-in order that the reader may see what they are made of. 7. Write to please just one person. If you open a window and make love to the world, so to speak, your story will get pneumonia. 8. Give your readers as much information as possible as soon as possible. To heck with suspense. Readers should have such complete understanding of what is going on, where and why, that they could finish the story themselves, should cockroaches eat the last few pages. -Taken from Kurt Vonnegut's 8 Basics of Creative Writing

[@nickghaffarian5707]

Very useful, thank you

[@playernoway5806]

wow

[@SL2797]

Isn't 8 info-dumping? 8 really sounds like terrible advice. Readers love suspense and curiosity.

[@12ealDealOfficial]

@@SL2797 I agree with you. I think I see what Kurt Vonnegut's saying. He's telling authors to establish a credible world with rules, characters who behave consistently, etc. The twists and surprises still have to abide by the framework and foreshadowing established early on, otherwise it's like handing someone a puzzle with five slots and three pieces, then adding the final two at the conclusion. I think.

[@theunwantedcritic]

You are really a great teacher .

[@markcrilley]

Ernest Walker Thank you Ernest :)

[@ryanhillaryofficial]

You should go to schools elementary and middle schools maybe high schoolers

[@armandsbekis4019]

G7g g6g

[@theunwantedcritic]

gracie036 Mark a good teacher because he makes it look easy. But these are really advanced concepts he's delivering. none of this works if you haven't spent years learning how to draw

[@pzjay241]

Ernest Walker or story tell. Remember this video is not just about drawing

[@bananabear4990]

My birthday is coming up. You have inspired me so much, and Im getting your books for my birthday. ALL OF THEM. Thank you, Mark.

[@markcrilley]

Happy birthday! ^_^

[@bananabear4990]

Thank you! I love your videos.

[@devilsnevercry555]

I read Akiko back when I was in Elementary School. A wave of Nostalgia just hit me after that. You are awesome.

[@markcrilley]

GodfatherOsamu Thanks!

[@Ranchor489]

That pawn shop scene really hooked me

[@markcrilley]

Ranchor489 Thank you!!

[@sethholloway7797]

markcrilley mark can you send me a brodys ghost book I can't find one

[@lucywucyyy]

same that really made me want to buy it!

[@nujumkey]

I can get onions on amazon?

[@Yoman1289]

the illustrator is damn good too

[@sanneblue2410]

I have the rare habit of putting on videos like this while I'm drawing, just long videos of somebody talking about drawing, and I pick up something and try to use it in the drawing I'm making, and it really helps me in some sort of way to keep drawing and not to put away my pencils and do something else. So thank you for making these kind of videos :)

[@markcrilley]

Sanne Blue You're very welcome-- thanks for watching!

[@ZombieRager23]

Lol I eat when I watch these drawing videos cant draw on a empty stomach. :)

[@MarciMellowz]

I'm not a manga artist myself but i do write short stories,nothing to big since i'm only in high school and i found almost all of this advice extremely helpful. I am positive that it is going to help me as a writer.

[@jaimediaz512]

Yes, that's exactly my point of view into what my situation pans out into. I like reading comments because alot of people have a voice that conveys a different person.

[@joecooper8527]

So what happened after 7 years ?

[@Quietfang]

This helped me! I may not be writing a comic, but I'm trying to write a book. My problem is to get my characters interesting and not get bored with it. I believe the tips helped me get ideas :) You're amazing!

[@markcrilley]

MusicLoverMusician94 Thank you!

[@apriljones1013]

I like the Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test! It's so helpful to create good characters.

[@Stribog1337]

I wish you wisdom, because I'm venturing in close lands

[@TamPriceHoyle]

I've been watching the playlist "How to Make Comics / Manga" and am really enjoying it. So many great tips. I just wanted to point out how helpful they are to me and am glad that you invested the time to make them.

[@markcrilley]

Thank you Tam!

[@danielpenalozacamacho459]

Mr. Crilley: I'm a Graphic Designer from Bolivia who really enjoys drawing manga and I've been collecting "How to Draw Manga" for a few years now, and I wanted to say that after watching lots of your videos I have to tell you that your work is absolutely remarcable and that both your method of drawing and your whole approach to the Manga Style are the best ones I have ever seen. I just got both of your Mastering Manga books and let me tell you that, after looking through it my passion for drawing has been rekindled. Let me congratulate you for the amazing job you are doing and to let you know that your art has reached places in the world that, perhaps, you didn't know it had. Keep up the good work!!!

[@markcrilley]

NightScream DP Thanks so much!! ^_^

[@Melodiio]

oh my god?? you helped me so much in my childhood 😭😭 i know this was posted 8 years ago but seeing your work again made me scream. i cant wait to check out the rest of your stuff and learn from you again 😭💗💗

[@Thesilverninja]

You're not going to do videos like this very often? How disappointing! This is actually valuable advice for anyone who wants to be a creator. You need to be able to tell a story and having an understanding of story telling will make you a better artist, video editor, writer, story teller in general. I actually hope you do at least one or two more videos because this is just great advice by far. Thanks for the video!

[@markcrilley]

The Silver Ninja Thanks! If the response to this video is good I may do another one like it sooner rather than later. :)

[@angelzerpa6756]

markcrilley yeah, he's right, he took the words out of my mouth, keep doing them Mr. Crilley

[@SaltedMallows]

markcrilley I agree as well. I would also like to see some art book recommendations.

[@darkscarlet1012]

I love the voice you did for Akiko, just perfect XD

[@elevensixty2434]

actually pausing video bc laughing "EXPLAINO" omg love it I'm so using this

[@markcrilley]

elevensixty ^_^

[@JerseyMcgee81]

Mark Im 33 and used to love drawing but due to circumstances in life had moved away from this creative side of me, having stumbled upon your videos I have found myself inspired and have started formulating ideals for my own manga, I just wanted to thank you for all your work and words of encouragement, I have picked up a copy of your Mastering Manga 2 and am now eagerly awaiting part 3, keep up the awesome work !

[@GoatPixelCartoons]

Even though I make animations (not comics), this video still applies to me as animation is a story telling medium. Besides, we essentially create comics with storyboards anyays. Thanks for making this video, I've started making an animated show and I'm almost to the point of writing episode scripts. This helped a ton. :)

[@appledough3843]

0:31 Show, don’t tell 4:08 Don’t always go with the first idea 5:55 Consider the readers experience at all times 7:51 Character Voices 9:11 It can’t just happen it has to happen in an interesting way 11:56 Have Ending Planned Out 13:53 Subvert Expectations 16:07 Proactive Protagonist 19:08 Give the readers information just before they need it 22:06 If it’s not working be willing to toss it out

[@DaBagelSquad]

Anytime I see a video from you, I stop everything I do, curl up in bed, and get ready to watch a masterpiece. :)

[@markcrilley]

DaBagelSquad Thanks! ^^

[@MrMoustache144]

markcrilley First of all I love Miki falls and i'm looking to buy brody's ghost sometime soon your so cool and your voic work is amazing when your doing your characters. but anyway... :) Hey Mark I am working on a manga and I wanted to send you the first few pages and get feedback. :3

[@brandonwoodard4337]

markcrilley I got your mastering manga 2 drawing book. Love it

[@FirstOffNo]

All these years later, and you’re helpful again. Full circle.

[@liliasheart]

This was amazingly helpful, unlike most generic storytelling tips I've stumbled upon. Thank you so much!

[@markcrilley]

Thank you, very glad you found it useful :)

[@Novalplants]

Brody's Ghost was my absolute favourite comic as a kid, i was shocks that i came across your channel by chance

[@w.m.aslam-author]

To a new author this is gold!

[@Waldo557]

I like that you used your past mistakes as positives to help your audience with their writing 💙

[@metalelf2000]

4:00 I would say due to the fact that there Isn't text, it kind of expresses how much he is in shock of the situation - kind of like to show that the scene is speechless (though I'm sure you've talked about this before)

[@markcrilley]

Brandon Betzner Yes, pulling out the narration forces the reader fully see what's happening and feel it from his point of view.

[@metalelf2000]

(omg, mark crilley replied to my comment o////o *melt*)

[@thequeenundisputed]

Brandon Betzner Senpai noticed you!!

[@saram7843]

Hi Mark! Okay, so I can imagine you get stuff like this a lot, but you're amazing. Every video you make about drawing, every book about drawing, every Manga, they all shock me. It's incredible how somebody can draw like that, imagine plots like that, imagine characters, make dialogue, character design. I mean, you have mastered every style and every angle. I have all of your books, I watch your videos every day and i always try to learn from you. You're an amazing teacher, too! I've learned a lot from you, and everything you do leaves me breathless. I can't even imagine you'll read this, but I just wanted to tell you how important you are to me, to everybody. You're my role model and influence. Thank you so much!

[@seanlolx2]

Love these ideas. I can understand all this and have applied these things before but hearing it from someone else helps. Hearing these thoughts gives me direction plus listening to others seems to be helpful to me more than listening to myself.

[@lfwp]

This is my first introduction to you as an artist. Even though you weren't trying to sell me, I'm going to go check out Brodie's Ghost now. Even though you were teaching me about writing, I was hypnotized by the beautiful artwork in front of it! I only figured out just as the video ended that you were also the illustrator. I love very much your use of straight lines, depth and simple shapes. That view of police headquarters sold me. I was like "Wow! His illustrator is dope!" And for a minute stopped listening to your voice and started studying the pictures. Then i rewound it to hear the narration. Thank you very much for the insight.

[@TuskyBaby]

I've been watching a ton of your tip videos and I must say they are fantastic. I really enjoy your examples even though some may see it as just self promotion. Very professional and informative.

[@korigodon2988]

Thank you. You're video has helped me devised a plan for my story. I've read some of your books and I'm a bit of a fan of your work like Planet Smoo. I'm currently making a manga and just happened to stumble upon your video. Once again, many thanks!!

[@audreychu4117]

Please make writing videos like this more often! It's extremely helpful!

[@markcrilley]

Audrey Chu Thanks Audrey!

[@laurennelson1990]

I think this is one of my favorite videos by Crilley.

[@markcrilley]

Lauren Nelson Thanks Lauren!

[@thetattooedyoshi]

Awesome video. I think I learned something today :D Random tangent: Named a female ghost-type Pokemon I caught after Talia :)

[@markcrilley]

thetattooedyoshi ^_^

[@The_Horse-leafs_Cabbage]

I keep hearing about your books, Brody's Ghost and such through your videos, and my curiosity about them and their story keeps increasing. Just looking at the few pages you've shown in this video, I already like the art style and am interested in what it might be about. Also, I love the way you break down each idea in regards to actually writing stories. It's simple and easy to understand, but also extremely enlightening. w00t

[@markcrilley]

Thank you!

[@rin6256]

I am sooo glad you went with Anra instead of an amulet! She is my favorite character in the series! I know that she doesn't even speak throughout, but I love how she has her own thoughts and feelings, she's not just a cutesy pet (even if she is adorable), and she has real influence on the plot. I love her design, how her expressions work, the way she moves, I have sketched her so many times, just OMG I want a hold spirit! Thank you!

[@markcrilley]

Thank you Katherine!

[@Sladepheonix]

I don't know how you did it. Here I was, stuck on part of a chapter I'm writing in my novel that has been pretty bland so far, and just watching this video somehow made me realize how to bring out each of my characters in each scene and make it interesting and fun. I don't even know which tip could've possibly helped me with that. In any case, though, thanks for the help, Mark! Loved the video!

[@WeLikeAGAndMH101]

This is SO helpful! Thank you!

[@roselorraine8165]

I love to draw, and write, but I've never been able to conceive of a way to join them together effectively. Thanks for sharing your tips with us, Mark! You're one of the best.

[@thequeenundisputed]

Very interesting video! I'm not even a writer - nor do I plan to be, but I found this video very entertaining and enlightening. I read a lot of manga, and from the points you illustrated I could think back to specific manga accounts that used your advice well, or that utilized it poorly and I think after watching this video I understand a bit more why I like the manga I like and why certain scenes work or don't work. I love your regular videos, but I hope to see more like this in the future! It's a breath of fresh air.

[@markcrilley]

thequeenundisputed Thanks for your kind words. :)

[@jeffsvilleusa]

You've got a very logical approach to storytelling, exposition etc. I always appreciate hearing your insights and methods

[@jermjerm610]

I really admire you mr crilley Kinda feel as if I'm back in school and I'm a student and your a teacher.

[@taylorfowler1402]

I found A Collection Edition of Brody’s Ghost today at my local library and the narrative, characters, setting- all of it, is freaking amazing. 20/10 would love going through it over and over again.

[@dmcupitty]

Mark this is very helpfull!! i've recently started to write my own comic and some of this tips i knew but some of them are fresh new to me and i have to say, gonna have to toss away some stuff i had coming. You're very inspiring master to me, keep it up as always!

[@markcrilley]

+diego muñoz Thank you Diego :)

[@m.x.p955]

what's your comic called?

[@dmcupitty]

doesnt quite have a name yet, but im developing chapter 1 atm, ill upload here when it is ready facebook.com/DMCupitty/ its in spanish tho

[@Sketch_XR]

If I may add some of the lessons I learned in Storytelling Strategies call at NYU last year as a supplement to Mark's tips, some of the best ways to make your stories more interesting are to 1. Have your character(s) do the wrong or risky thing instead of the right thing. 2. Have something happen that raises the stakes for your character(s). 3. Each character should have a strong desire/ goal that he/she wants to reach at all costs.

[@peachgirl31chan]

can you do a video on ideas for clothing your characters can wear and how it can fit their personaliteis.

[@biscuimagalie7452]

I'm not in the comic book business (I write screenplays) but this is probably the best advice on storytelling I've seen so far, you're really a great guy/artist/teacher, thank you a lot

[@MizukiAkemi]

Thanks for this vid. It helped me so much since I'm working on writing my manga now. ^u^ Ur amazing Mark-Sempai!!!!

[@Malik_Hoff]

Thank you Mark. You've been really helpful to my Craft 😄😄

[@historyenjoyer3384]

I'm in 5th grade so no one thinks I can make comics but I want to start should I??

[@mangaboss1411]

I love number 8. I never thought about it before! This video helps so much with my story. MARK STRIKES AGAIN!

[@cokeMONSTERps3]

It can't just happen. It has to happen interestingly... I'm going to remember that.

[@roostarstuios]

I like how you used your own work to show weaknesses and how you improved them over time. Very inspiring indeed.

[@AwkwardPain]

Any suggestions for making believable antagonists? I usually come up with a plot first, but I find that I don't really know why they are even doing the things that they are doing... Other than to fuel the plot!

[@markcrilley]

Ryan Romaio Good idea for a future video-- thanks! :)

[@Shadow07Warrior1989]

For me, the mark of a good antagonist is making them similar to the main character in some way. A connection going beyond the "good vs. evil" always makes for an interesting relationship between the protagonist and antagonist. Another good antagonist feature, to the best I can find, is to make them frightening. Making them evil is one thing, but making an antagonist truly frightening is a much more difficult challenge. Making yourself worry every time they're on the page and when they're speaking about the safety of your main character is definitely the mark of a gifted writer, because if you can make yourself nervous about what they're capable of when they appear how are your readers going to feel? They'll be crapping their pants.

[@AwkwardPain]

Thanks for the reply, I will try that next time I am making an antagonist. If I get that down, then I will try to make their actions and what they say truly terrifying!

[@yadymolina7255]

1) This was very helpful 2) You should make a video on how to make a reader care about your characters. What I mean by that is how to make someone care about what happens to a character.(if they die, if they do a stupid thing, ect.) Sorry if I'm hard to understand.

[@yokapppa3292]

did anyone notice that mark skipped 4

[@thirteenfury]

+aaron lloyd I think I know why. Tip No. 4 is a meta-tip: "Writing a story is like performing a magic trick. Don't give away all your secrets to the audience." :)

[@Oddyellano]

+aaron lloyd I noticed. Just a minor technical error; I could see all the tips were there regardless of the number in front of them.

[@NububuChan]

Pawnshop-guy is definitely a favorite of mine too :D Love that scene about his mom!

[@netherqueenx983]

I can't wait for Brody's ghost book 6! I bet its gonna be EPIC!!!! Is it true that its coming out in April?

[@markcrilley]

Nether Queen X That's right; April 21: amzn.com/1616554614

[@netherqueenx983]

markcrilley oh my god!!!! its so soon!!!!

[@IchirukiCloti101]

Mark Crilly I just have to say that you are such an inspiration! You have been such a great teacher and you've made me a better artist even more than anyone else has!

[@miniespeon158]

Thanks Mr.Crilley! I am trying to make a comic and I watched some of your videos on how to make a comic and I think I am all set, thanks to you! But... how did you get an editor?

[@CutieVideoWorldIRL]

+GabiTehOtaku (MangaManiac) I think he just looked up a few in his location that accepts his work and then it started.

[@alejandroazua8530]

I'm preparing myself to start a comic, and I find these really useful, so thanks a lot

[@niyaguynn4375]

I have an example for the second tip: I am writing the story for a comic. Guess how many times I changed the story. 17 times and counting. I'm super excited about my work. I'm only 11. How did I decide to make a comic? This guy named Mark Crilley😃

[@charlie2181]

What's your comic called?

[@kateivey786]

Beautiful art! This is EXTREMELY inspiring!

[@Nougatocity6]

What's the font used when Talia yells at Brody?

[@PyroOfZen]

It's likely it was done by Mark's own hand.

[@markcrilley]

PyroOfZen Quite right-- that part was all hand lettered.

[@Nougatocity6]

That's pretty cool, making your own font sounds awesome.

[@Nougatocity6]

***** I mean no, not exactly, but by drawing the letters yourself and keeping the style consistent, it's kind of like that.

[@Nougatocity6]

***** Right, and some people do that to make their own custom font. Places like dafont.com have loads of fonts made by artists that you can download. I initially thought the letters he was using was something like that.

[@CrescentMond]

Reeeally useful video, and good timing, I'm seriously working on a story of mine and I needed this! About the second to last point (I believe), the one where you say "don't tell the plan first", I agree wholeheartedly, but I find that sometimes it is a good thing to do so anyways- especially with, well, plans. That way the spectator knows what to expect, and thus making things to go suddenly wrong, making the "plan" useless while already in action, does make a nice counterpoint and adds to the drama. You know, your character says: "we get in, we separe and do each our thing which will have to be extremely cohordinated to work and the we get out, nice and easy". And then you make one of those involved unable to fulfill its part, nice and easy gets thrown out of the window, suddenly all hell breaks loose and the protagonist(s) find themselves in waaaaaay deeper trouble that they, and the readers too, ever imagined. Just thought I'd share, It's a nice "trick" to apply sometimes - not always though or it becomes too much of an author-signature-scene.

[@JamesLapenna]

So are the words in the speech bubles typed or written?

[@markcrilley]

James LaPenna I think most people are using computer fonts these days (including me). A fews re still hand lettering, though.

[@jgdraws5262]

+markcrilley i don't get how to draw a character again and again when i try it goes wrong

[@crazyanimators5473]

+JG DRAWS I do too. Practice, I suppose. Sketch them and sketch them, draw them until you get it. Mark has a video on this, though, so maybe check that out?

[@wetwetrot]

I just recently bought your 2nd Mastering Manga book and I can't even put into words how great and helpful it is. It made me get back into drawing again. Thanks so much! :D

[@markcrilley]

wetwetrot Thank you for getting the book!

[@EnergyOM]

DOMO....and DO MO'

[@cweshen1]

I really appreciate your tutorial here. I am an experienced writer and most of your instructions about writing I have learned for my own fiction novels. I am not a comic writer, but I am a picturebook author and illustrator. While listening to your video, I realized that I can and should use your comments in as much a visual way as in a writing way. (I'd like that sentence to be better.)This is an epiphany for me. Exciting!

[@AnimatorMXOfficial]

*VAWEE USEFALL IN DEED! =D* ⁽ᵒᶠ ᶜᵒᵘʳˢᵉ ᵇᵃᵈ ᵍʳᵃᵐᵐᵃʳ ᵃᶰᵈ ˢᵖᵉᶫᶫᶦᶰᵍ ʷᵃˢ ᶦᶰᵗᵉᶰᵗᶦᵒᶰᵃᶫ⁾

[@nienkeh301]

You could kinda call it my dream to write a book, these tips did really help me! I must say i never expected mark crilley to make a video that would actually be useful for writing a book, thanks mark!

[@eliascorder8389]

I wonder if one could read all of the Brody's Ghost books just by going through each video and finding the right pages.

[@markcrilley]

+redroc 13 The completed story is more than 500 pages long; I doubt I've shown even a third of them in these videos.

[@bumbomedia-animereactionma1571]

+markcrilley He'll find a way lol.

[@eliascorder8389]

lol :P

[@JasonThomas-bv2yw]

+redroc 13 I don't see why anyone would want to do that. If you like an author's work pay the few bucks to support them. I'm not saying you would do that, but I know there are people that would. They would spend all of that time trying to piece things together instead of just buying the books. In my mind, all the time they waste would cost them more.

[@omarhawat294]

Mr Crilley this video is just great, especially that first tip! i already have created my storyline and drawn the characters but heres what i struggle with: 1- i dont know how to begin or end "episodes" 2- i find it hard to demonstrate what i have in mind 3- i cant decide how to organise my panels :

[@chrisjalbert976]

Does anyone else notice it goes from 3 to 5? lol

[@markcrilley]

***** Yeah, and there are two 8's; sorry! ^_^'

[@chrisjalbert976]

markcrilley no it's cool it happens

[@soniaolguin3321]

markcrilley, thank you so much! I want to make my own manga, and your video opened my eyes to solve the problems I been having with my manga story and it's characters. A big one for me was how to give readers a break for dialog, less tell more show, and only giving readers info one bit at a time, or leaving some out because "it's more fun for them to fill in the blanks." :) Thank you so much markcrilley!!! Funny thing I was drawing while listening to this :)

[@JoshPowlison]

Great tips! Your first tip is one of the main reasons I enjoyed your Akiko books as a kid and the Miki Falls books recently; you don't add in unnecessary details (or maybe I should thank your editor, I guess ;)). Distraction is reduced and the whole story flows better as a result. I plan on getting your Brody's Ghost series at some point, I really respect how you use the strengths of the media you work in!

[@ToriPederson]

I absolutely admire how you, Mr. Crilley, not only bring hope and pride to the American anime/manga-loving community, but also prove to be a role model to those of us who wish to seek out a professional art career. I have to say, watching each of your videos has become, without question, a highlight of my week.

[@Olafemi96]

Ahh, I needed this. In most cases the story is what's more important than the artwork, but the artwork still needs to look perfect.

[@emmas5841]

YES! This is brilliant. It's true that the art is important but the writing is a big part of creating comics too, please do more! Thank you!

[@RageTheDragoon]

9.10 the "it can't just happen" thing is something that a friend of mine alway's points out when I come up with an idea for a certain scene or story. it gets to a point where it gets nitpicky sometimes but I understand his view because we're both very harsh on "dues ex machina" scenario's. convenience can only go so far, and like you explained it doesn't make things very interesting if there aren't any hurdles along the way and it also prevents you from writing yourself into a corner.

[@tomholder183]

Never thought someone would need that advice.. I guess you are bad writer.. but you can practice.. :)

[@realar]

Thanks for these tips, I'll consider them when I edit my books.

[@guardian16]

So I just ordered the first 3 books of Brody's Ghost! I'm excited. It'll be here on the 22nd! Yayyyy Thank you so much for your videos

[@markcrilley]

guardian16 Thanks for getting the books! :)

[@guardian16]

welcome. i cant wait to read them

[@naughtyproductions14]

guardian16 You could've just downloaded them via PDF for free thats what I done.

[@mangaluver2010]

No Mark, please do more video's like these. Teaching people to draw comics, is going to be all in vein if they don't know how to tell a story. I personally find these kinds of video's with tips more interesting than the 'How to draw this character.' or 'How to draw this pose, or facial expression.' stuff because it makes me think about my approaches in a different way. :)

[@jonathanmcculley3728]

I read all of miki falls when I was in middle school not even know that you wrote the story. I finally noticed after I was reading the 4th book while watching one of your videos.

[@stanfordmatthews5886]

Wow! Thanks Mark! I feel as though these days comic creators and manga creators focus so much on the drawings that they begin to lose sight on the story. This video has a lot of useful tips for everybody! Thanks again Mark!

[@markcrilley]

Stanford Matthews You're very welcome :)

[@MayoPuncher24]

These are really good reminders for my comic writting as well. Working on my 3rd chapter now, so the timing is perfect.

[@cara6786]

I really enjoyed this particular video, and it's likely because I love to write. This not only helps with comics, it helps with any sort of writing, and I think that's really cool.

[@markcrilley]

+Kit kat Thank you!

[@CH-po6kl]

I love how Mark is so animated with his voices when describing his work.

[@Parallax200]

Please do more videos like this mark. This has opened my eyes to some many things I can improve on! It's was extremely helpful!!

[@TrashDoveBard]

I think you should *absolutely* do more writing/story boarding videos! This was wonderful!

[@gregorblack5557]

For sure appreciate the modesty & honesty when it comes to your own work. That's good & makes for an entertaining view, as well as good promotion. I also agree particularly with showing, not telling & feel the anecdote from your story of the char losing his mother was a nice addition. Thanks have a good day

[@DistractedFirefly]

As a writer, I appreciate this video immensely. Please do more in the future like this!

[@mochimo22]

These tips are really useful! I've almost finished writing a book that I've been working on for two years so this really helps to assure me that whatever I've been doing has been working. Admittedly I should probably have looked for writing tips earlier, but this is a great help. Thanks Mark!