Behind The Scenes of a 21-Time Bestselling Author's Writing Routine

Want to know the writing routine of a New York Times bestselling author?
What do prolific authors do differently?
This video shows that even a writer like Jerry Jenkins (having written 195 books to date), follows a simple, structured schedule you can use to help create your own writing routine.
You’ll see his entire process, from the moment he leaves his bedroom in the morning to the second he finishes writing and closes the door to his office.
You’ll learn:
- The 3 things Jerry does first
- “Where the magic happens”
- How Jerry faces the dreaded blank page
- How many words he aims to write per day-and what’s more important than word count
- One surprisingly simple tactic to separate yourself from 99 of 100 writers
For more help, click the following link to download his FREE guide, How to Maximize your Writing Time and take control of your writing routine!
leveragecreative.lpages.co/wr...

Пікірлер: 488

  • @VickiFourie1
    @VickiFourie14 жыл бұрын

    ‘Speed is not the point; quality is.’ - Great advice!

  • @taylorharbin3948

    @taylorharbin3948

    4 жыл бұрын

    Indeed! Everyone is different. Tolkien spent twelve years writing The Lord of the Rings, but some writers put out a book every year.

  • @shinewithanu4836

    @shinewithanu4836

    3 жыл бұрын

    Nice

  • @glucoseucardinal3195

    @glucoseucardinal3195

    3 жыл бұрын

    Then how did he write more than 190 books in just 40 years....really having a doubt

  • @Greendalewitch

    @Greendalewitch

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@taylorharbin3948 That makes me feel better. Been writing mine for 10 years and I often feel bad about it.

  • @michaelcarter2454

    @michaelcarter2454

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sir I am writing my first novel and in just a few videos I love your clean approach to advice and guidance ... you are awesome and you keep it simple and clean

  • @Xahvae
    @Xahvae2 жыл бұрын

    I’ve put about 23 years of unnecessary pressure on myself. I haven’t completed a single project. On rare occasions I’d make it past 5 pages before I heavily scrutinized myself and quit. I’m starting to truly understand that my writing is a “work in progress” or “practice”. His videos have helped me learn to be more comfortable in/with my writing so that maybe this time maybe I’ll actually make it to the editing phase. Thank you 🙏🏾

  • @penknight8532

    @penknight8532

    Жыл бұрын

    Instead of writing like that for 23 years you should of just lived life and garnered experiences. Charles Bukowski said to write one short story a week because it is very difficult to have 52 flops in a row. He wrote 8 to 10 stories a week and drank like a fish.

  • @westerling8436

    @westerling8436

    Жыл бұрын

    This comment section is full of weaklings

  • @Xahvae

    @Xahvae

    Жыл бұрын

    @@westerling8436 you’re here too

  • @Xahvae

    @Xahvae

    Жыл бұрын

    @@penknight8532 yeah I started shortening my stories it worked like a charm.

  • @consuelomarquez5173

    @consuelomarquez5173

    Жыл бұрын

    If I may, watch the Brandon Sanderson's classes here on YT. They are focussed on Fantasy and SF, but he has some very useful tips and specially lots of motivation for begginers. Happy writing my friend :)!

  • @goatsurgeon
    @goatsurgeon5 жыл бұрын

    Maybe i'll have this kind of life 40 years from now or so if I keep trying hard to write horror during my 12 hour oilfield shifts. It sucks. 7 days a week, 12 hours a night, for months on-- no schedule. I don't know when I'm off till the boss says. You must have went through a lot of work to accomplish all this. A lifetime of work. We start somewhere.

  • @theShaunus

    @theShaunus

    4 жыл бұрын

    Stay strong 💪. This pain is giving you the stuff you need to write your masterpiece and building the character that you need to teach the world through your written narrative

  • @blusquipp355

    @blusquipp355

    4 жыл бұрын

    Honestly, those with the most obstacles and challenges in their path to their goals are the people I want to support the most... not folks who get it easy early on in life and set out to do the same.. So dude, you keep working toward that dream, because damn, I'd love to hear your success story.. 7 days a week, 12 hours... and still working on your writing??? That's an author that deserves recognition and reward. Keep doing your thing, persistence and deep focus will get you there.

  • @idesofmars

    @idesofmars

    4 жыл бұрын

    im right there with you pal. up at 530am, not home till 4pm. wife and 2 kids to take care of. leaves very little time to write. but we'll get there. just keep at it.

  • @simoninglis7437

    @simoninglis7437

    4 жыл бұрын

    I hear you. I suggest trusting in the effectiveness of the "cummulative". if you ponder your next step in your story, just thinking about it now and then during the day, and then just spend a 20 minute period writing it down after your shower, or before sleep, 20 minutes doesn't sound like much, but that will give you a page a day, which gives you over 300 in a year. Then when you do get time off or a break in the roster you can do little spurts that augment that. Best of luck, and go for it !

  • @el4242

    @el4242

    4 жыл бұрын

    I feel your pain. 😭 Keep writing no matter what! 👍💪👏

  • @imadudin2489
    @imadudin24893 жыл бұрын

    "The more space l give between the time l finish writing and the time l do my editing, the better for the project." - Jerry B. Jenkins

  • @Ryan-the-Rocketeer
    @Ryan-the-Rocketeer4 жыл бұрын

    I love his typewriter keyboard hybrid, that is great and im totally about to find me one of those.

  • @Coach_Taz

    @Coach_Taz

    3 жыл бұрын

    Qwerkywriter..I have one

  • @renprice9313

    @renprice9313

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same!!!

  • @cassh1894

    @cassh1894

    3 жыл бұрын

    I love how he has a totally separate writing space, as well as a nice large monitor and cool keyboard. I've never seen a keyboard like that. Always interested in the tools successful writers use.

  • @deborahrenee

    @deborahrenee

    3 жыл бұрын

    They are nice and expensive.

  • @JavierGonzalez-lp3ke

    @JavierGonzalez-lp3ke

    2 жыл бұрын

    I actually paused the video when I saw it and immediately started searching for a keyboard hybrid similar...then went back and finished Jenkins' clip.

  • @Billy-Box
    @Billy-Box3 жыл бұрын

    I really liked the approach of starting the working day by editing yesterday's work, and then continuing to write forward in the script.

  • @doriswhite1348
    @doriswhite13485 жыл бұрын

    2,500 words a day? That's impressive. If I do 500 I think I'm doing well.

  • @serena7371

    @serena7371

    4 жыл бұрын

    Doris White I did 300 a day. Now around 1000. Last week I wrote about 15 000 I am broken

  • @adarateranroldan

    @adarateranroldan

    4 жыл бұрын

    Serena - That’s awesome. Keep it up!

  • @serena7371

    @serena7371

    4 жыл бұрын

    Adara Teran-Roldan well I’m rewriting those chapters. I’m such a perfectionist

  • @zulalibaltaci5980

    @zulalibaltaci5980

    3 жыл бұрын

    I write 800 words a day, I am not a good writer tho ):

  • @rottenbookreview6643

    @rottenbookreview6643

    3 жыл бұрын

    Same! 500 of acceptable quality is good for me.

  • @writting389
    @writting3895 жыл бұрын

    I did not notice a difference between "Let's eat Grandpa." and "Let's eat, Grandpa." until I saw "Commas save lives."

  • @BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily

    @BestsellingAuthorLisaDaily

    4 жыл бұрын

    This is why I love the Oxford comma :-)

  • @shashemption

    @shashemption

    4 жыл бұрын

    What if I am a cannibal?

  • @Pumpkin0_0

    @Pumpkin0_0

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@shashemption Then you shouldn't eat Grandpa. lol

  • @srlkngl

    @srlkngl

    4 жыл бұрын

    mmmmm....Grandpa tastes a little cunchy...

  • @Pumpkin0_0

    @Pumpkin0_0

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@srlkngl ...and dry...

  • @vernewheeler2052
    @vernewheeler20524 жыл бұрын

    87 and counting Jerry, but I can't just sit and wait to die. I watched your use of tracking to help your morning editing efforts and I'm jealous!

  • @philippkruger8140

    @philippkruger8140

    3 жыл бұрын

    hope you are well

  • @RFazor
    @RFazor4 жыл бұрын

    What a voice! Voice of a teacher!

  • @tc0930
    @tc09304 ай бұрын

    Really good to see how professional writers go about their process. I finished my first novel 3 years ago (unpublished) and I'm currently working on my second. Absolutely having a routine and holding myself to a minimum number of words per day has been the way to advance projects. If you commit to a certain number of words per day, and writing at least a certain number of days per week, the words and pages will inevitably start to pile up. Good advice here. I enjoyed the video.

  • @trikebeatstrexnodiff
    @trikebeatstrexnodiff2 жыл бұрын

    4:00 "Commas safe lives" this is the quote our Turkish teacher always tells to us. She regularly gives the example of "Küçük ağacın arkasındaydı" if you dont put a comma after the word "küçük", the sentence would mean; "(he/she/it) was behind the little tree" and if you do put a comma after the word "küçük", the sentence now would have the meaning; "the little one was behind (the) tree" so it's nice to see you actually giving us tips even during these little sides when not mentioning the main stuff! thanks a lot!

  • @blazemordly9746

    @blazemordly9746

    2 жыл бұрын

    *save

  • @BabyandLittleGuy
    @BabyandLittleGuy5 жыл бұрын

    I loved the "Commas save lives." LOL!!

  • @funwithaiman
    @funwithaiman3 жыл бұрын

    Mr. Jenkins can improvise and still give one life-changing advice.

  • @philipnannie1466
    @philipnannie14665 жыл бұрын

    I'm a member of your Guild and I must say this is the best video I've ever seen on the writing process. This is the kind of video that inspires those of us who want to make an impact with our writing and Jerry Jenkins shows the way. Thank you for making this video. God bless.

  • @scarlet8078
    @scarlet80785 жыл бұрын

    This is fascinating. I can't imagine writing without an outline.

  • @thejellyestbean
    @thejellyestbean4 жыл бұрын

    I think I've watched this two dozen times in the past two weeks. Love the office and the routine!

  • @TheAngelOfDeath01
    @TheAngelOfDeath014 жыл бұрын

    You dear sir, are a steady source of immense inspiration. Thank you, kindly, Mr. Jenkins.

  • @ahmedrezk82
    @ahmedrezk823 жыл бұрын

    I watched this clip many times. Simply, it is inspiring. I am not a book author but write my research and the productivity was always a problem. Jerry is very productive and his tips on book writing was very useful for me.

  • @karisamoore728
    @karisamoore7285 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jerry, for the encouragement. I was just praying and asking for a breakthrough in my writing and really struggling with deadlines when your message hit my inbox. Treat deadlines as if they are sacred, from this moment forward I am the 1 out of 100 writer.

  • @Ifrequentlyenjoytodraw
    @Ifrequentlyenjoytodraw Жыл бұрын

    I aspire to be a novelist, a horror one in particular. This has given me a new view, thank you.

  • @gwynalison
    @gwynalison Жыл бұрын

    I'm writing my new novel now "The Real Name Of Sebastian Great", and thanks for the advice! I'm writing my last novel for my teenage years as I will turn 20 next year

  • @blazingswordsman5410

    @blazingswordsman5410

    Ай бұрын

    Congratulations!!!!

  • @claudinebernadettejimdar1681
    @claudinebernadettejimdar16815 ай бұрын

    He and Tim were the BEST! I sit here and stare at the computer. It seems to disrupt the household for some reason.

  • @J.B.1982
    @J.B.19827 ай бұрын

    " I make sure my deadlines are sacred". That hits on multiple levels.

  • @0019808
    @00198085 жыл бұрын

    Just discovered your videos, and I love them! Thank you for taking the time to post these invaluable insights.

  • @francineh.7825
    @francineh.78255 жыл бұрын

    Your videos keep me motivated. Thank you!!

  • @apope06
    @apope064 жыл бұрын

    Im LOVING the size of his computer screen!

  • @nightlady2001

    @nightlady2001

    4 жыл бұрын

    Me, too!

  • @okto1811

    @okto1811

    4 жыл бұрын

    its from LG ❤️

  • @Draion1989
    @Draion19895 жыл бұрын

    This is so pure. Thank you.

  • @salomonboga5280
    @salomonboga52803 жыл бұрын

    This was very kind of you to share all of this with us. Thank you!

  • @michellecornish
    @michellecornish5 жыл бұрын

    Love this, Jerry! Especially your system of editing at first then outlining and writing. That is really helpful, thank you! I'm curious about your hardware set up. That keyboard looks fabulous!!

  • @jayhicks24
    @jayhicks245 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jerry. Inspirational, as always.

  • @stefanhansen5882
    @stefanhansen58823 жыл бұрын

    This is absolutely wonderful. Thanks a lot for this!

  • @andiprescott1930
    @andiprescott19305 жыл бұрын

    I loved this! Thank you for sharing your daily writing routine. I absolutely LOVE that keyboard.. and your writing space.

  • @jamesgraham5411
    @jamesgraham54113 жыл бұрын

    Love this guy!

  • @idesofmars
    @idesofmars4 жыл бұрын

    i wish you did more of these videos. you give us a wonderful insight into a writer's routine

  • @danarajadas
    @danarajadas Жыл бұрын

    Loved watching this!

  • @wolfman7284
    @wolfman72844 жыл бұрын

    This was a very instructive and to the point video. Everything made sense. Thanks for sharing it.

  • @AletheiaTruthTV
    @AletheiaTruthTV5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are one of my writing heroes. Love the keyboard!

  • @artseycan
    @artseycan5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jerry.

  • @seanlawler9933
    @seanlawler99332 жыл бұрын

    Hey! I just wanted to say thank you. I’m writing my first book and I had a bit of trouble getting back into it each day. The advise about going back and editing the last few pages really helped me jump right back into the story each day. It also helps with the nagging need to go back and edit all of my mistakes. So again thank you!

  • @emaricelli
    @emaricelli5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for letting us peek inside your world! Very helpful and informative.

  • @idesofmars
    @idesofmars4 жыл бұрын

    wow, that 'left behind' series has been good to him

  • @jacquelinedanielle12
    @jacquelinedanielle124 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing! You’ve been so helpful and are such an inspiration!! Thank you and congratulations!

  • @isaacruddell7940
    @isaacruddell79403 жыл бұрын

    I love this guy!!!

  • @writestuff4all
    @writestuff4all4 жыл бұрын

    For me, exactly the right inspiration at exactly the right time. Thank you, Jerry. I needed this.

  • @JonLee123
    @JonLee1235 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Jerry for this wonderful video, it is insightful, helpful and a blessing to me.

  • @dioscuridigital
    @dioscuridigital4 жыл бұрын

    I'm so glad I ran across your videos. Wonderfull informative content. I thank you for it.

  • @donnalinn568
    @donnalinn5685 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video. It's very helpful to watch the routine of a successful writer!

  • @exhaustedowl2470
    @exhaustedowl24703 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this unique perspective, Jerry.

  • @alphonseelric7361
    @alphonseelric73613 жыл бұрын

    You are always an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙏

  • @miriammarino641
    @miriammarino6415 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so very much for sharing your experience and wisdom. I truly appreciate your guidance and advice.

  • @cosquellemind
    @cosquellemind5 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed this as it put some perspective on the process. (time management).

  • @pato6612
    @pato66122 жыл бұрын

    Once again, thank you for sharing your experience and expertise. Much appreciated!

  • @VincentSteenstraToussaint
    @VincentSteenstraToussaint2 жыл бұрын

    Great stuff! Thanks for this

  • @ramolitaflores9661
    @ramolitaflores96615 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much I have been following you for a little bit. I'm retiring from the military & have always wanted to write. I have to get started! Also I live your desk.

  • @melissabilleaud7410
    @melissabilleaud74103 жыл бұрын

    You are so helpful and inspiring! Thank you for these videos!!

  • @dariuszdachowski8941
    @dariuszdachowski89412 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jerry. This video inspired me to improve my daily writing routine. As always, invaluable advice. Love it!

  • @simoninglis7437
    @simoninglis74374 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the most powerfully helpful, inspiring, and valuable videos of this genre I have ever seen. You are now my role model. Thank you for your time and generosity in doing this on youtube.

  • @drummerschild6487
    @drummerschild64873 жыл бұрын

    This was beautiful thank you!

  • @HaydenJWeal
    @HaydenJWeal Жыл бұрын

    Charming and insightful. It's inspiring to see someone with such a rigorous and dedicated schedule.

  • @shelster
    @shelster5 жыл бұрын

    5:03 that really cool retro typewriter keyboard is a must for writers, right??? Kidding! I love it!

  • @nancymaggio8043
    @nancymaggio80435 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. Enjoyed the video and the helpful tips.

  • @soniaarmendariz1526
    @soniaarmendariz15265 жыл бұрын

    Jerry i really needed this video, thank you for giving of yourself this way. You are a great inspiration! the more i read your advice the more i get on fire to write.. thank you! God Bless you!

  • @rajatjain4016
    @rajatjain40164 жыл бұрын

    Great insights. Good to know writer's routine..

  • @DominikMusiol
    @DominikMusiol Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this information. Much appreciated.

  • @gaps2420
    @gaps24205 жыл бұрын

    Jerry, great tips and as an aspiring writer I'm really looking forward to more videos from you. I've been developing a story I really think has legs to stand on. I have no history in writing but it's a passion of mine to tell stories to people.

  • @thups9552
    @thups95525 жыл бұрын

    Great video Jerry! Keep it up!

  • @LoloBaker
    @LoloBaker2 жыл бұрын

    First of all, love your channel! Second of all, this video is amazing. The “speed is not the point, quality is” is great advice! I tried the ‘getting stuff out of the way’ strategy this morning and afternoon me commenting says that it’s an amazing method, especially to keep me writing for one hour. Also, thank you so much for reminding us about our health too, Jerry. I love your setup, and this channel! Can’t wait for more, and I’m 100% gonna check out some of your books

  • @majinanshuman
    @majinanshuman2 жыл бұрын

    what a beautiful neat and clean setup! loved the ambiance,,,Thankyou for great tips sir!

  • @saxonsteve
    @saxonsteve2 жыл бұрын

    God Bless You, Jerry! I only watched a minute of your video and I really like your routine so far! Continued success!

  • @johnnyduncan6486
    @johnnyduncan64863 жыл бұрын

    To see your writing process and to give hope to us pantsers...this is such a blessing!!!! Such a clever process!!! Thank you so much for making these videos!!!!

  • @Nbrolfiwriting
    @Nbrolfiwriting Жыл бұрын

    I hope to reach this level someday by Gods grace. Its all for his glory and never the money.

  • @OBAMUSIC-ONE
    @OBAMUSIC-ONE5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jerry, inspiring video. I love your writing space. Thank you for what you said about getting our distractions out of the way. in the past few weeks, my bedroom has been my writing space, as I have to watch my little baby go to sleep before I start to do any writing, in the early hours or late at night.

  • @nightlady2001

    @nightlady2001

    4 жыл бұрын

    Keep at it and you can do it. For you, and that little baby. 😎

  • @keebknight
    @keebknight5 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

  • @davidholmgren659
    @davidholmgren659 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. Very interesting routine and I love the keyboard.

  • @backtoemocovers
    @backtoemocovers5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video, It really help me writing my dissertation

  • @GillyDavis
    @GillyDavis5 жыл бұрын

    Great ideas!! Thank you!!

  • @mcd3379
    @mcd3379 Жыл бұрын

    Great insights and advice Jerry. You work hard at your writing and your discipline has clearly paid off - there is much us aspiring writers can learn from you!

  • @SoulaimanMershed
    @SoulaimanMershed5 жыл бұрын

    So informative, it is nothing less than a great job!

  • @potatoquesorito
    @potatoquesorito5 жыл бұрын

    I really love these videos. Very inspiring for me. I want to start writing. I'm 27 and seeing that you can go at your own pace is really relaxing to know

  • @SamReevesWrites
    @SamReevesWrites5 жыл бұрын

    Mr. Jenkins, thank you for this video. It was wonderful to gain insight into your routine. I especially liked how you spoke about getting distractions out of the way before you write. I feel the same way but have often wondered whether this was a good thing or simply procrastination. It's nice to see a professional writer allowing himself this time with success. Also, I love your computer keyboard.

  • @joryiansmith
    @joryiansmith4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Mr. Jenkins, for sharing your morning process, especially the bit about adjusting my writing schedule to me. Although, the bit about re-reading the last 25 pages and ferociously editing it really hit home to me as a killer way to get deep into the story quickly and empowers me to add insights and inspirations to my story (aka words!) supercharging my ability to hit my word count goals for the day. I will incorporate this into my process. Thanks again for your video Jerry.

  • @robinsmithsc
    @robinsmithsc3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Jerry. I am learning many useful tips from your videos.

  • @sherrie85248
    @sherrie852485 жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed this very much. Thank you for the insight! I feel better about my writing now that I know you don't outline. I prepare my work very similar to your procedures and do my editing very much the same way. I start between 5:00 and 5:30 in the morning and go until lunch. I dedicate the hours to writing and always hit my deadlines per page. You have been an inspiration!

  • @johnw3922
    @johnw392210 ай бұрын

    Very insightful. I'm 37 and have just started writing short stories and publishing them online. I'm often frustrated with the pace I go despite the fact I only write in my free time. Knowing that 800-1000 words in a writing session is actually fairly fast, makes me feel a lot better.

  • @robertcooper1952
    @robertcooper19523 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the excellent video, Mr. Jenkins. As an aspiring author, I really appreciate your input.

  • @timennis3456
    @timennis34564 жыл бұрын

    Very enjoyable, very informative, thank you for sharing this.

  • @chrissis111
    @chrissis1112 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Thanks for sharing. I love that keyboard. It reminds me of the old IBM Selectrics!

  • @valentina7193
    @valentina71935 жыл бұрын

    Please keep this sort of videos coming Jerry. I managed to rescue so many tips and tactics i can wait to try them out & see if they work for me. Perhaps you could do one behind the scenes about your researching process? Thank you & the best of luck for your current project.

  • @Oneforhappy
    @Oneforhappy2 жыл бұрын

    Great video Sir. Wait more content form you.

  • @franceswilson5593
    @franceswilson55935 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing the honesty about writing and discipline. I appreciate it more than I can say. This is the first time in a few months, since I found a temporary job, that I am home before 8:30 PM. I can do it. I just need to prioritize and discipline myself to do it.

  • @TrueGritProductions
    @TrueGritProductions2 жыл бұрын

    Very insightful, thank you

  • @gballmaier
    @gballmaier2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, sir, for sharing your time and valuable knowledge.

  • @cowgirljane6976
    @cowgirljane69762 жыл бұрын

    If you can do it, Jerry, so can we. Thanks for the inspiration and knowledge.

  • @UntilItIsFinished
    @UntilItIsFinished Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the invaluable advice. I wish you the very best!

  • @JayKay0245
    @JayKay02455 жыл бұрын

    Another excellent, inspiring video

  • @donnalinn568
    @donnalinn5685 жыл бұрын

    Love your advice and hard earned wisdom!

  • @ghg1976
    @ghg19762 жыл бұрын

    I love your keyboard. Seriously cool.

  • @fabricofdreams.
    @fabricofdreams.3 жыл бұрын

    This is very interesting and helpful. Thank you so much!

  • @wac74
    @wac744 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jerry, enjoyed this :)