writing vlog | trying to write good characters + finding inspiration

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Hi guys! Here's another little writing vlog - this time with more talking ~about~ writing than actually writing anything lol. Hope you're all doing well!
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writing vlog | trying to write good characters + finding inspiration

[@cookiejar.mp3]

The way you get giddy or secretive when you decide to tell us about your writing is exactly the way I get when I talk about my writing to my friends lmao

[@caricanread]

🙈🙈🙈

[@remycanaan3168]

i know I'm pretty randomly asking but do anyone know of a good site to stream newly released movies online ?

[@kennethemmanuel216]

@Remy Canaan Flixportal =)

[@remycanaan3168]

@Kenneth Emmanuel Thank you, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I really appreciate it !

[@kennethemmanuel216]

@Remy Canaan Glad I could help =)

[@sarahtrad8775]

I think our perception of how we related to book characters as kids compared to how we relate to them as adults is so interesting. We become more complex and reflective as human beings. Its so surreal sometimes reading a book as an adult that you were obsessed with as a child just to learn that what you were drawn to no longer reflects the person you are now. But at the same time I do like it because it shows our growth. So while it is nice to have the sureness of a child, perhaps saying that you wouldn't open the door now is not a bad thing, it just means that we've become more reflective in our choices.

[@caricanread]

totally!!

[@writeitdown2013]

I need one of those tea pots--I quit coffee and drink way more tea now. Love the vibe of this video. It's a good time to write

[@caricanread]

It’s from Ikea 😍😍😍 and thank you!!

[@LovelyDray]

I feel so bad now... i‘m regularly reading fanfictions that are like 100-300k words and I always take too much for granted how much actual work that is ☹️ still, even for people who don‘t enjoy fanfiction, it amazes me so much when people spend like... a year of their life... writing just for the hell of it with no monetary gain. All my respect to fanfics authors and to you as well, writing just for the fun of it. I‘d love to write more as well (especially in English) but since English is not my mother tongue the words just dont come as naturally as in my mothertongue German. I don‘t like writing in German though 😩

[@sarahbagara]

One of my favorite books about writing is Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Highly recommend if you haven’t read it yet and are looking for inspiration!

[@caricanread]

ohhhh i will definitely look this up!!!

[@hongsumin57]

I completely agree about the “want” aspect when developing a character. Disney is one example that used the character's “wants” and created “I want” songs opening the Disney renaissance. It’s definitely a necessary process to go through, but probably painful to write about lol But I am so proud of your progress :)

[@octopusgold]

has anyone ever told you that you could totally do a podcast?? even a podcast between you and kurt? That would be so fun!!! id listen for hours !!

[@delfisueldo4108]

the last part made me remember of Radio silence, and Aled saying: ´but you, oh- I'd listen to you for hours´. AND SAME. i would totally listen to a podcast of her!!

[@bridgetrezny74]

I love writing vlogs and I don't see them as often as I want. Even if it's just a video of you writing and then pausing to talk aloud about what you're struggling with or enjoying about the writing I really enjoy 😊💕

[@WritingViolet]

I'm hear you about the naming struggle. It's so easy to get distracted and go down a name research rabbit hole. I need names for my core characters and locations before I start to write. Until I know their names I can't real know them.

[@samsamuels8328]

I really liked this video, very inspiring. I haven't written for almost two months because I got stuck with one of my characters. you reminded me to try again, hope to be more successful this time 🙏

[@caricanread]

i was stuck for about 3 months but im so happy to be back!!

[@josefinegr2119]

I have a really good writing habit at the moment but sometimes I feel like my story isn't worth writing anymore because it lags something and then I give up for a couple of days and then I read or watch KZbin videos about writing or read writing tips online and that inspires me so much that I can get back into it. I love to write really much but sometimes I like creating a story in my head better than writing it down which doesn't help to make progress. But I wrote a lot of stories in my short life and Im constantly working on improving my writing and the story I'm currently working on. Never give up, should be my motto.

[@BuBuzzlw]

This might have inspired me to pick my story back up...the technicalities were overwhelming me at the time but this story is not going to write itself! It might take a while but I truly enjoy the process of slowly getting to know my characters and their world ^^ thank you and have a great day!!

[@sab8019]

Totally agree that we have to live our lives outside of the content we make!! Inspiration and imagery comes from the sometimes most mundane things! Keep doing u Cari ❤️👁👄👁❤️

[@caricanread]

exactly!! and thank you!!!

[@sabinassketchbook]

"Having never written a book" ... Cari YOU ARE writing a book :D and from what you've told us in this video it's going to be fascinating ;) especially if you can put in words that beautiful little life moments like the flowers or the snow melting on your hand. It's poetry. That kind of moments are what inspire me the most when I draw and make me feel alive and strong :) A big hug Cari

[@michellealves5928]

Omg! I just wanted to share that I’ve been writing for 12 years now. My major was in languages and literature. I’m Brazilian so my English is not perfect and I mostly write in Portuguese, so. But is magical to me to be working on a project for 9 years. I took special classes to be able to fufill the needs of the plot I imagined. History classes, writing classes, literature classes... But is the most amazing experience ever. I love your content and love the way that you share your experiences! Thank you so much for that. Lots of love from the other side of the world 🇧🇷

[@rayssarodrigues170]

Hey girl! I'm Brazilian too, and must say your English is amazing! Don't underrated yourself about it. :))

[@00moon]

Oh.. the dead flower imagery reminded me of BTS's I need u music video... It's so beautiful. I'm also working through the same issues regarding my writing, "want" can be so difficult to write sometimes.

[@luci31030]

I'm still so glad I found your channels Cari 🥺💖, you have the most relaxing and calming energy ever. Beautiful in every way, hope you have an amazing weekend ❤️✨

[@johnnybgoode3174]

Film student cliche you'll see nine times out of ten: Opening scene is the main character waking up.

[@ornellarosucci9282]

I agree with you 100%! Keeping a notebook and writing small ideas has helped a lot with my writing! ✨Living is the best way to get inspired over and over! Thanks for this video Cari 😊

[@karla_artsy]

I love the atmosphere you have created in your videos, it feels so cozy and peaceful 🤍

[@kayleighhang3447]

This video made my day! Your book sounds so interesting. I’m currently outlining a fantasy retelling. 🥰

[@caricanread]

Ohhhh excited for you!!!

[@Linngonberry]

I love hearing you talk about books and your writing journey! I’m excited to read your book should you choose to share it with the world 🤩 Also, I started listening to Pale Waves after you mentioned Easy a few vlogs back and now I’m obsessed!! So thanks for mentioning it 🥰

[@kookiefly]

I loved everything about this vlog! Especially when you gave the little snippets of writing wisdom. I can't tell you enough how the things you talked about resonated. Like, just last night, I had to go to the bathroom at dead midnight when everyone else was asleep in my house, and something about the very mundane phenomena of light escaping from the bathroom door into the darkness of the hallway made something click in my head and I was immediately rushing to note it down. This little thing just connected an unexpected dot in my story. It's amazing how just living can contribute to your creative journey.

[@katekat4522]

just the small bit you told us sounds so awesome. like, I NEED TO READ THIS RIGHT NOW

[@jarjargreens]

The frustration you feel when it comes to naming places when writing is the same for me with titling essays - I would sit with a blank document for ages and couldn’t even start my work unless I could come up with a good title (which is the totally wrong way to write an essay lol) but that’s a pain I know too well

[@vronimacaroni4]

Loved this video.💛 Life is the the best story teller who just needs someone to write it down💛

[@terrificwriting6214]

I just discovered your channel and I love it, time to watch all of your back catalogue! I totally understand about trying to keep your story close to you, I’m the same way.

[@danni.phantom8184]

I love how watching both your channels is like getting previews and "to be continued" moments on one channel that the other one continues :)

[@neondreamscollide]

your videos truly make my days better!

[@caricanread]

🥺 thank you!!

[@storiesofblue]

Thank you Cari for the recommendation, I am currently watching Simon Van Booy's skill share class and it's quite helpful!

[@rae55628]

I totally relate to having character based weakpoints in my plot! I'm currently struggling with that right now so this vlog was super helpful!

[@janelliefc]

Amazing videos. Im currently on a writing journey and this was very helpful and inspiring in a way. Please make more and if possible longer ones.

[@MagdalenaGajewski]

Hey Cari, thanks for the nudge in the right direction. I've been on Skillshare for a while, but couldn't really decide on a course. I really want to do something in the direction of creative writing, but the choice is quite big. But I listened directly to Simon Van Booy's course and that was exactly what I needed. Today I am sitting in my new writing corner and have discovered another course that gives a lot of inspiration to sort out the many ideas that are in my head. Thanks so much - not only for your vlogs, but today for the course recommendation! Have a great day and many greetings from freezing Germany!

[@cp-ts1eu]

i love seeing your writing vlogs!! they motivate me to start working on my own writing

[@caricanread]

that makes me so happy!

[@nenes24]

just found this video and randomly started watching it, i've been watching study hall's composition videos on youtube to get me more organized into writing (they're pretty quick and straight to the point so they're perfect for a busybody like me), but i think you might help somehow... really liked the feeling of these writing vlogs which i've never watched before actually.... i'll have to catch up very soon, good luck with your writing cari ^-^!!!

[@carolinetaylor3069]

I'm usually so bad at writing characters (plot is what I'm good at), but you can't really have plot without characters, so one of my main writing goals is definitely to get better at writing them

[@bluecandies]

I love the concept of needing to stretch our minds, brilliant 💖

[@emmabrink2112]

aaah i’ve been feeling stuck on my story recently and this gave me a lot of inspiration, thank you!!!!!

[@caricanread]

yay!!! hope you're having fun writing!

[@mileykey4832]

this video is soo relaxing and aesthetic🌿🖤

[@laura-mt9ge]

I haven’t done creative writing in ages, but I would love to get back into it. My friend is writing a story at the moment and she keeps me updated on the progress, so that has kinda inspired me to get back into it (she is also refusing to tell me what genre the book is because ‘it’s a spoiler!’ 😂☺️)

[@noos4425]

yeah !! this is the video i didn’t know i needed . I’ve been having so much struggle with writing because i know the beginning i know the end i know the main stuff but i just can’t led the characters to those points and this made me think that the reason maybe is that i dont know these characters so well so im not sure yet how will they react and what will they do🧐 thank you so much this was fun

[@sinonimouz]

i think you're my spirit youtuber UvU i love that you know so many creative formsssss

[@minabosch2517]

CozyCari time, always my favorite 💜🥰

[@nonexistence_]

yeeeeeess i was literally just checking if the video is up already

[@caricanread]

Yeee I’m here!!

[@ngtskynebula]

How sweet! Loved this vlog, too 💞

[@krispy777]

During the last portion of the video, all I could think about was how immersive the world/rainforest was in Fern Gully (movie). From glowing tree fungus to luminescent puddles to the way trees felt pain. Certain simplicities made that movie phenomenal. Good luck with your writing!

[@camilaalmeida3314]

you just made my day better. thank you

[@bernicefong964]

you literally have the most relaxing vlogs lol

[@teeyaygan]

i love that i came to youtube to watch some writing vlogs, hoping to find some inspiration to continue writing and the first video i click on has a whole section of the video dedicated to finding inspiration lmao. thank you for this

[@astridimann6355]

Love the music... can't wait for the book :)

[@arianajade]

found you from your spooky reading vlog, subscribed for your writing vlogs 😭😭😭 very inspiring, I gotta get on that

[@davidherd1855]

Oh I love your enthusiasm. 😄😄😄😄😄

[@joanahenriques8863]

Cozy goals ❤️ Also thank you for inspiring me to revisit a sort of short story I wrote a couple of years ago... I wanna work on it and turn it into something better and more developed :3

[@lizabulgakova7369]

Thanks for this inspiring video! I need a daily reminder to be present

[@arianemainville2849]

I always have to stop watching your book rec videos to go read something you recommend (but I always come back a few days later once I’m done with the book or books that sparked my interest) so I like vlogs because I can manage to actually watch the whole video in one go! 😂 Love from Montreal!

[@catloverwaifu]

this video was like a therapy i loved it

[@thalitarodrigues579]

New here, loving this channel❤️ I love your writing vlogs , keep doing them

[@saskialorena5264]

Honestly, I'm also writing a book and I find it very helpful to keep a pack of note-pads and I carry one everywhere, (u never know when u might get inspiration) plus, ur right, I feel like the central plot of my book is good and believable but my characters are missing some elements, it helps to choose certain Zodiac. signs for the characters it doesn't have to be exact it just helps cement their personality.

[@moonlqght0713]

Hi good morning everyone:)❤️ have a great day 🌸 thanks cari for the video you really made my day:)

[@caricanread]

Good morning!! Hope your day is amazing!!

[@kat.b.9487]

We love you Cari 🧡 btw every time you show tea making, I'm picturing Kurt complaining about the amount of tea in that shelf😂

[@caricanread]

Bahahhah im working hard to drink it all 😂😂😂

[@jennywren6232]

“There is a sneeze sitting in my left nostril” is just itching to become a line in a book 😂

[@jennywren6232]

I promise I took more away from this video than that, but

[@marvolosdiary5736]

I totally relate to the character flaw part. I used to do the minimum for my characters when I was in high school and then I found a story and a character that I loved and prioritized and now the story comes to me so much easier. I just find it so much easier to get into the story when you’re into your characters you know? She’s always in my mind and it just gives me so much more motivation and passion to write. This sounds so cheesy 😂

[@PaulinaReadsss]

Oh myGod! I love your videos!!!

[@jonathontucker]

great thoughts and reflections

[@vronimacaroni4]

See you tomorrow after i get my dose of sleep and i'll have something to watch in the morning 💛

[@cgb1369]

I really like your book tube Chanel! Great video btw

[@caricanread]

Thank you 😍😍😍

[@pixelated4046]

Im watching this vid now for the first time but i have followed that skillshare class of simon van booy that you talk about and it was what i needed to get back into a writing habit after not writing for 5 years

[@angelinadamiano8924]

One of the things that have truly gotten in the way of me writing more is probably the self doubt. I love writing and have done it my whole life but I never let things finish because in my head, if I finish there’s nothing I’ll be able to do with it. :) idk maybe im the only one who feels that :)

[@PositiveWriterr]

God Bless you for this amazingly inspiring video!!!

[@gertrudetan7208]

Love thiss

[@sixofbooks3909]

I feel you on the name thing lol I can't move on with a story until I have all the character's names either!

[@hazelsinlove]

so relate to the name and placeholder thing!! so frustrating trying to find the perfect name for a character or place...

[@kaaliezz]

I'm going to do the trial to support you :) thanks for the video!

[@bobbop6674]

OMG I love writing!!! I sadly can only develop an idea but not the rest of the plot.... I have no clue how to fix it.... I get 5,000 words in and realize that I have no clue where I’m going and just leave it at that😂

[@bobbop6674]

@comme des garçons this is so helpful!! I never considered this!!! THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE! :)

[@selinaa19]

that tea pot is so cute, it’d fit great with the two books I ordered! (As per your recommendations, I bought ‘Six of Crows’ and ‘Clockwork Angel’) a perfect valentines gift for myself lol :)

[@caricanread]

omg yay enjooooooooy!!!

[@selinaa19]

@@caricanread thank you~ !!

[@Gomunomissa]

I'm the same as you with names. I use a Fantasy Name Generator online and scroll through the endless lists until one speaks to me. It really helps. And they have lists of every kinds.

[@ReiyukaE]

Hey Cari, regarding the name thing: spend a day/a moment to make a list of location names and background characters names you like. Just a bunch of names that you've found online that resonated with you, at first. That way you can add unto that list when you hear something that sparks joy, AND you can just refer to that list and pick a name depending on when you need it. Even if at that time nothing on your list seems to suit, chances are you'll immediatly get a sense for what you're looking for and won't waste as much creative time.

[@mollymarie4354]

I would go through the door ( or portal) because I would spend the rest of my life wondering if things could have gone differently. I don't think I could live knowing I missed out on such an amazing astronomical chance for adventure, but who knows, that is a really good question. love your channel 🤍🤍🤍

[@aanchalmohanty3621]

52nd time asking Cari to do a book shelf tour: Carriiii please do a book stack tourrr!!!

[@peaceserafino6015]

This is so nice because I'm a writer and part of my process is finding inspiration. Unpopular way to write, I kind of improvise. Sure, there are things I plan. But if I do too much planning it usually demotivates me. So I'm kinda more into improv. I really like not putting rules and restraints on making. People usually have all these rules on how to write. But my advice is do whatever the fuck you want! Creativity is creative because it's coming from your brain. So if you're brain wants you to write a story that goes against these writing rules, so be it! I like to think of art as freeing, not constraining. So, just some thoughts. I hope I encouraged someone 😊

[@hannahshlesinger1155]

not me tearing up listening to you talk about dead orchids

[@tia6269]

It’s official, you’re one of my favorite humans 🙃

[@luluamu]

Talking about inspirations: This video is also inspiring! Have had this idea for a story for yeeears (also containing a type of "portal" to a different world), and this reminded me of it. Should probably use the skillshare sponsor to help get started, eh?;) Should probably start reading again first... Anyway, my point is, this video was inspiring! And reminded me to watch Soul again.

[@hot_chocolate_03]

Really hope you'll release a book someday 😍

[@user-cl1ss3cc4x]

Wow from that little snippet u kind of told us ur story sounds amazing. And would i go through the portal 🤔... that is such a hard q but honestly being stuck in my house all day because of lockdown would make me impulsively go through it 😭🏃‍♀️

[@jessicabelle8302]

I’m currently writing my first draft of my first book (I’ve never studied writing, I’m just an avid reader, so this has been a major learning process lol) and 100% reworking scenes is SO HARD. Sometimes I think it would be easier for me to just scrap a scene and start over than try to fit a piece of dialogue or a situation that I liked into the revamped plot/subplot lol.

[@MrVlandus]

Very cool. vlogs are fun.

[@Dre_Wolf]

Enter the portal! I just want to go somewhere right now. But I hope the other side is magical!

[@charlieri6338]

Your advice on writing little moments down reminds me of how Hemingway (or maybe Fitzgerald) would have a notebook full of snippets of dialogue he overheard in real life. I’ve written whole poems just from tuning in to the people around me in a cafe (god I miss cafes.) Also: is that henna on your nails?

[@raph.cherry]

Omg naming places is the WORST. I feel you 🧡

[@caricanread]

truly!! people are like are like just call it 'kitchen' until you can think of a good place and im just like -_____- hahha i cant!!!

[@electraandbooks5925]

Bonjour ! I wrote so many stories when I was a teenager, I never thought about doing it again now that I write book reviews all the time ! But anyway, I immediately thought about Samwise Gamgee - the friend who comes along the main character, Frodo LOL but now, I'm kidding Samwise had also a want. Not sure if it's obvious for the ones who only saw the movies, I've read the book and it's one of my all time favorite story. When I want to write a story, a poem (I still do a little bit), I use Ommwriter - have you heard about it ? take care and have fun !

[@nataliasantamaria9537]

Haha i loved how u said ‘etcetera’’ 3:59

[@SonyaBone]

What do you write in the two notebooks? For example: Is the smaller one to jot down quick notes and the larger one to flesh them out?

[@mamiebarrett8943]

You need a tea sponsor!!

[@sunnysideup33]

Loved it. Oh one question. Can I find you on soundcloud?

[@JadeWatches773]

I have a book outline in mind and just don't know how to start. Any ideas?

[@writer.Ashlesha]

I'm thinking of writing novel, but i don't know how to. I do poetry and stuff but writing novel feels overwhelming. I don't know if I have it in me to keep going with a novel. Writing long consistent stuff with a storyline doesn't come as naturally as writing poems to me. I seriously do not know how to write 😭. Do you have any tips for me? Any tutorial / courses that teaches how to write? Thank you.

[@celli5456]

Hey just curious, have any of you guys read the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi?? idk if its a YA fantasy but its really good

[@Catherine-uu4lz]

I did a creative writing degree and it is still so hard to create a whole novel, so I stick with scripts ha

[@margauxdemeester6616]

we can never hear your washing machine or your AC in your videos hahaha x