Writing into the Dark: Write a book without an outline!
Writing into the Dark: Write a book without an outline!
Do you need an outline to write a book? No.
Writing a novel without an outline is possible.
I personally hate outlining and love writing a story/book without an outline because it’s more fun for me. It’s also one of the keys I’ve learned to develop a unique writing style.
In this video, I analyze Writing into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith, the book that helped me learn how to write a book without an outline. This is an essential book for pantsers and will teach you how to build confidence as a writer.
If you’re a pantser (vs a plotter), the key here is for writers to overcome their self-doubt and manage fear. This is how to finish writing a book when you don’t have the safety of an outline.
This video is a must-watch.
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Пікірлер: 152
I don’t outline. I just go with the flow. I was writing and writing until some said I should write an outline. My writing stopped. Thanks for this
@Pric32Pay
3 жыл бұрын
I feel this so bad. I had been free-writing for a while and then someone told me I NEEDED to plot. I did and stopped writing for about 3 years. Now I'm back to free-writing and things are looking positive again!
@hooting-ton5215
Жыл бұрын
Same! Most of my progress in my old stories are made through pantsing, then I started outlining and it sucked
Stephen King uses this method. In responding to an interviewer on how he was able to write such great books, he said, "I write my stuff one word at a time."
@bon2198
3 жыл бұрын
And cocaine is a helluva drug
Reading the book now. What an awesome concept! Outlining has kept me from finishing literally all of my novels
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Wow! Hopefully writing into the dark will resonate with you, then!
This video showed up at the right time. I'm currently writing weekly fiction for a fiction blog that I use to build an audience for the release of two novels later this year. I started writing into the dark, not because I heard of this method, but mostly because of lack of time: with 20% you're a quick plotter -- it took me much longer than that... I have one remark though: before I finish writing I always jot down one or two lines about what will happen next. I believe that on some subconscious level it helps your brain to work on the story between writing sessions. When I continue I only read those two lines and continue jamming. Other than that: great video.
Hi Michael, I have followed Dean Wesley Smith and Kristine Kathryn Rusch for a few years now. When I started the first draft of my first novel, I didn't outline (guess I'm a pantser). But I have found revising an endless slog. So much so that I now have 3 first drafts and only one on the verge of being ready for my editor. I've read Writing into the Dark a couple of times but always felt it was beyond someone new to writing. I recently made the decision to use this method while writing a novelette and found using cycling really helped as part of my process. The end result was a much cleaner draft. The horror of facing so much revision feels like a figment of my imagination, and it means I can spend more time writing! Next step? Writing a novel into the dark. This is a great video. Many thanks.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Another success story! And yes, this method is probably too advanced for most beginners. But after a couple of novels, it will make a lot more sense. Thank you for watching and good luck writing into the dark!
Been using Smith’s method. What has helped me is writing what I want to read, writing simply to the next sentence, taking a break. But writing what I like makes the decision easier to choose what to do next .
You already know where I stand on DWS and, specifically, Writing Into the Dark. But for anyone who sees this comment: it's a MUST read book and his courses are great, too. I own this book in ebook and print edition.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Me too, Philip. I knew you’d like this one. :)
Love all your videos, even the older ones. Just read this book yesterday because of your suggestion in another video, and I'm very THANKFUL that I did. It's like a huge permission slip to have fun (who would have thought) while writing. As I launch into my second novel ever, this was a very helpful time for me to read it as well. Thanks Michael!
The part about faith in your writing and the process being a belief system hits home. The importance of trusting that the voice in your head knows what it’s doing. It’s like our subconscious has it all in store guaranteed if we can just allow the river to run. Great stuff mate, you always pull such good insights from the books you find.
I typed "write a novel without plot" (or something along those lines) into the KZread search bar in a moment of desperation... and this review came up! I'm so grateful! I've been looking for help on writing without an outline, but it seems like everything out there is about outlining. I loved the review and I picked up the book today. Thank you so much! You have a new subscriber!
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
+Erica Thank you!
Michael! When you first uploaded this, I truly didn't get it. I felt like a story would take the same amount of time to write regardless of whether you outlined (more time spent up-front, less time thinking during writing) or not (no time up-front, more time cycling). 4 years on, I finally got angry enough at my endless, useless outlining to go read the book. And now, I am enlightened. It's scary. I'm pushing myself unlearn a lot of what I took for truth. But holy moly, I'm ready to give it a shot with an open mind now. Thank you!
@AuthorLevelUp
2 жыл бұрын
I’m glad this video was here for you, and that is wonderful stuff!
That cave analogy reminds me of a movie called Sanctum. Cave exploring gone wrong for amateurs. But I highly agree with you. I'll give it a shot. And by the way, I have faith as well.
I do a kind of hybrid thing where I'll write without an outline but throw ideas I have along the way into a folder in Scrivner and use them if the situation comes up. World building + writing into the dark.
I'm writing a book without an outline. I always come back to this video for inspiration
Both methods are important, I'm an outliner myself, but after I feel comfortable with the bones of the story, it's creative voice time and all hell breaks loose. Not tapping into that playful mindset is a sure way to stop writing.
@AuthorLevelUp
3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree!
I just ordered this book because I am a new writer and I hate outlining. I'm a fly by the seat of your pants kinda girl. But just like you said... that critical voice always has me second guessing myself. I'm looking forward to embracing my instictual method of writing!
I'd never heard of this book before but I got the Kindle sample and... DAMN! Thanks for telling me about it! 💣💥
I have to say this is a game changer for me. I have read the book and discovered this is the type of writer I am. I am now in the middle of my first draft of my novel using this approach. Thanks for your video
Can’t ask for a greater testament that this method works than your writing a whole series into the dark. Seriously impressed!
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks! :)
This is such valuable information. You mention that Game of Thrones (ie., Ice and Fire) is complex and would probably need an outline. However, I believe Martin did not outline.
I've done that with short stories, but for a full lenght novel I do need a rough outline not to miss anything!!
"Hard to give up the safety of outlining" Me: ...I never did any outlining on my stories though.
I just started reading this book because of your video and it's everything I've been wanting and hoping to hear after struggling through never finishing anything that I've outlined. Plus the author is so funny! Thanks for pulling this to the top of the writing book recs. I've probably read twenty writing books (selecting them just about randomly at the library or in stores) and although there was some interesting advice in all of them, this one is really resonating with me as a visual artist learning to write.
This book is a life saver. I am so glad you recommended this author because in reading the writing process for me doing my book now is definitely so much smoother. The creative vs the critical is spot on for everything that you are doing. I have adapted this also to my creative design life as well now. This makes so much more sense to me now 🤗
Steven James' Story Trump Structure also outlines (no pun intended) how to write a novel without tedious plotting and outlining.
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
+SD Nice! I haven’t heard of that before!
I also view writing as sacred. I'm a man of faith in God, too. You'll appreciate this analogy as a law student: it's like the bundle of sticks metaphor in property law. I believe our creative writing is God granting us one of those sticks from his power as THE creator. We get a taste of that cosmic awe. Great stuff.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison there. Yes, it is kind of like the bundle of sticks. I like that. And writing is definitely sacred, but not “important” as Dean would call it. Super important to not let the idea of it all stop you from writing. Writing into the dark helps keep that relationship healthy in my opinion.
Thank you so much for this.
Thank you for this video, Michael. Your reflection on faith is exactly what I needed to hear. I've spent the past 3 years reading novel writing books, which has halted my novel time and time again. I've jumped on every new outlining method thinking that the more outlines I make, the more comprehensive my prep work, the clearer the book will be. But the opposite has happened. I've gotten bogged down by trying to answer all the questions of the various writing books as if I should know each and every detail before I start writing. I've become afraid to write sentences instead of enjoying the creative process. So I really appreciate your belief manifesto based on writing into the dark. Keep up the good videos and more power to you, Michael La Ronn!
@AuthorLevelUp
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much. :)
After listening to this video, I think I need to stop plotting (for NaNoWriMo) and just start pantsing again! As I've been watching other videos trying to learn how to plot, I've noticed that, when I do write, I feel like I'm forcing my characters to follow the plot I wrote out earlier... rather than letting them go where they want... thanks for the confirmation! Then I will try a looser plot outline and see if the characters will take me there.
Beautiful!!!
I ever tried writing without outline and writing with outline and god! Writing without outline is so much fun but the fun is short because I stuck and stuck so often. But when Writing with outline, I do have fun but less. But, yet, I don't stuck so often and because that, my fun is flow like a water.
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Same!!
I've always been a pantser. Though hard sometimes, it feels awesome to go with the flow! God has been so faithful through the years, through the writing, through it all. I'm excited to see where He takes me and my writing. :)
@kaylajames9334
2 жыл бұрын
How do you do it?
@Writing4Jesus247
2 жыл бұрын
@@kaylajames9334 i just write the scene that i'm feeling and then go from there. Ask myself what would happen next. Then organize the scenes. It's hard sometimes, but I feel outlines kinda kill my creativity.
@kaylajames3098
2 жыл бұрын
@@Writing4Jesus247 Do you edit as you go? I love your user name. I am a Christian, too.
@Writing4Jesus247
2 жыл бұрын
@@kaylajames3098 thanks! I usually edit as I go. It's hard not to!
@kaylajames3098
2 жыл бұрын
@@Writing4Jesus247 Me, too. I feel guilty about it though because it isn't what new writers are supposed to do.
Great video as always. I'm going to get this book. I've never been one to outline - it drives my wife crazy the way I work my writing. I prefer pantsing. I have ideas for each story, and always know the end so I don't paint myself into a corner. I agree, outlines restrict whereas letting the story unfold organically has the best results.
I am a SUPER believing of this type of writing. I HIGHLY recommend it.
Michael, I've been binge-watching your videos. They're all very informative and thought-provoking. Keep up the great work!
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
The concept of Old Dark sounds really interesting. I just downloaded it on audible. Looking forward to it!
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome. Thank you very much and happy listening. The narrator did a fantastic job.
Thank you, Michael. I was sort of feeling lessened because I seem to be unable to outline my stories. Now I know what to do
The first book I ever wrote, I used this method, just because I was bored to outline. Then, other people said I needed to outline, so I started to and I still do to this day. Your video helped me consider writing into the dark again! Thanks!
I'm so happy I managed to find this video. I know it's like 2 years late of finding it however, this video alone has been very inspiring and motivating for me. What you said made complete sense to me recently as I was struggling to come up with a good story idea and i'm planning on writing a big series of books and got the first book idea thought out but, I was stuck on the second. I kept thinking of what the second story should be about but every time I kept thinking of a logical idea of a story that continues from the first, nothing was making me happy. But then, when I stopped trying to think of a logical idea, I thought of some random ideas. Thinking of certain words that were weird and unusual and eventually, I figured out a crazy but fun and super appealing idea. I personally think that it's okay to do at least a little bit of outlining but, i'm definitely gonna try and write a story in the dark as you phrased it. Outlining recently feels like a chore so, I'm hoping this will bring back my joy and happiness with writing
A gardener in its truest form.
I'd never heard of your novel before but it sounds awesome! I'm reading wheel of time at the the minute but once I finish my current read, I'll definitely pick it up!
Thank you. I really needed to hear this. I detest outlining but continued to slog along because I thought I needed to.
Added. "This is my last writing book." My husband doesn't believe me anymore. I read Story Trumps Structure a few years ago that changed me. The author refers it to using a tomato cage.
@kaylajames3098
2 жыл бұрын
I just came back to Story Trumps Structure and Dean Wesley Smith. Maybe I can finish a book this way.
I have read the book and must admit I loved his idea. To get to see you explaining his concept gives me even more hypes about trying and sticking to it. Although, I wish you or him could - if not already done - give tips and tricks about how to shut the critical voice when it kicks in.
A dark cave maze... sounds like a good story starter!
@AuthorLevelUp
3 жыл бұрын
Go for it!
@josephcrews6423
3 жыл бұрын
@@AuthorLevelUp Was joking, but I did start my first Writing Into the Dark novel today! Fingers crossed!
Yes!
I never use a formal outline, though usually I do have a bare-bones structure in mind (even if I don't always write it down). I find this works best for me because when I do outlines, the story inevitably takes off in a direction I didn't plan for, and the outline is out the window anyway. So I generally plan the beginning and the ending, plus the narrative hook, climax, and maybe the three-act structure if applicable, and then I pants it for the rest of the way. I guess that would qualify as a "hybrid" approach. I've also had characters "come alive" and force me to change everything. When I wrote "The Goddess of Strife", my first mystery/thriller, a supporting character named Emma Sandsmark went from being featured in one flirtatious scene in the first act to being the bona fide co-star of the book by the time I finished the last draft. She completely changed the story in ways I'd never planned on, and that makes her maybe my favorite character ever.
Thanks for the very interesting video! I never outlined in my creative writing (2 novels published up to now) and I found myself outlining for the first time for a fantastic tale I'm co-writing and man it was killing me! It's so nice to see that my approach was correct and I'll read the book thanks to your infos in order to see if I can mediate a little bit of outlining in my I-love-the-dark-cave approach :)
interesting approach
I don't know if I'll ever totally give up outlining but you sold this really well - I'm definitely gonna give it a go - thanks!
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Do what works best for you. Find your own balance and rhythm.
@murphydaveelte
4 жыл бұрын
@@AuthorLevelUp thanks - I guess I'm just trying to find what works. I really like the idea of connecting with something greater than the conscious mind though - I guess it's just finding the trust and confidence to let it out and play.
i enjoy your videos! you have a refreshing voice and I LOVE Dean Wesley Smith as well and dictate like you!
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you. :)
I generally have only a loose outline because I've discovered that my characters tend to start imposing their will on me midway through, forcing changes anyway. Therefore, I keep my outline skeletal to allow maximum flexibility. But having it is still important to keep things moving. It's still the roadmap.
That looks great! I'm trying to write something for the first time, and I find this is sort of naturally how I want to write. Following a lot of the advice I'm finding online feels so stifling and rigid, and has got my wheels spinning so fast I had almost given up on getting advice at all! Getting tips in line with this way of doing things would be great. I'll have to check it out.
I have only ever outlined my very first book when I was fifteen. It was a good learning experience, but I soon found writing without one works better for me. The most I ever do where outlining is concerned is write a vague idea of what the book is going to be about, and on rare occasions I do character sketches.
What a great bunch of advice. So glad I found your channel and I feel like it's setting me free. Cheers!
I like your energy. You've got a great voice. Thanks for the info!
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I'm pretty sure my brain is opposite. I feel way more creative when I'm outlining. "Ooh! I could have THIS happen. NO WAIT. I could have *THIS* happen!" And I'm way more critical when I'm writing. "Okay, what is the best way to convey this specific thought that I've had? Hm, no no, something else. How about... *squints at my half-formed sentence* That's not the word I want." I think it's because when I'm outlining, I'm not putting any effort into making it sound good or mean anything. If I hit a dead end, it cost me, what? 30 seconds? All of the paths and possibilities are open, and I flirt with all of them. Still, this method sounds REALLY interesting. Thanks for introducing it to me!
I always thought there was something wrong with me cause I like to write by hand my first draft and not outline at all. But then I saw an interview with Neil Gaiman and he said he does the same, so really each author has to find his/her own style. Writing into the dark is like u are reading ur own book, and by instinct u know what is needed to keep ur attention and joy in living ur story together with the characters =)
*_Great video_* _Thanks Michael_
Super interesting! wooow... going through the dark cave - I can't wait for that experience
Great video. I was interested in hearing your view of this book as I’ve recently finished reading it. Writing Into The Dark was a great encouragement to me and so was hearing you were able to use this method to write a series. It gives me hope.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Awesome! :) Best of luck!
Great video, Michael! I also write without an outline, and Deans book is definitely the best resource I know on this subject.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Definitely. I read it any time I get stuck sometimes for inspiration too. Nice to meet another pantser! :)
@TheBorgfelder
6 жыл бұрын
I used to write short pulp style novels for almost 20 years here in Germany, and I mostly had to offer an outline to the editor - just for "selling" the manuscript upfront. Now I am into selfpublishing for some years, and I realize that I don' t need an outline at all.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Ha! :)
Even though I think a hybrid method (10% writing down ideas so I don't forget them, 90% expanding on them 'into the dark') is best, I REALLY love Writing into the Dark because it teaches a few lessons every writer needs to hear. One of the best e-book purchases I will ever have made in my life.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Amen!
This video convinced me to read the book and try the method. As you said, the first time was a bitch, but it real easier after that.
Please please read Story Trumps Structure by Steven James!
Good video
Wonderful advice. I never stick to my outlines either, but the fear of messing up makes me do it. Worse, I often find myself adjusting my outline to the draft in hopes of divining the end of the story, in hopes of being able to see if things work out. It's odd.
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
It’s not odd at all. In fact, Dean talks about outlining as you go as a critical part of writing into the dark. Since you’re already doing this, maybe writing into the dark for you is the next natural step.
Hey can you do an update on writing into the dark, not the book, but jumping off in to the unknown with another book of yours and the process you went through, and the discovery you experienced along the way? Just a suggestion.
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Cool idea!
Thank you bro... awesome video, valuable and inspiring too. Hope to find the book here in Lebanon. I believe that writing is more of an adventure then a planned process. I don't think writing can be enjoyable and exciting with outlining and plots. Being an author is my dream. I love writing in English although its not my native language. Hope to learn from your experience. Just subscribed! Have a great day man! :) Bless u
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you my friend, and best of luck with your writing!
Thank you so much for this video! It got me interested in this technique. Would you advise somebody who has never written fiction to give it a try? Thanks a lot, once again!
Great topic! Thank you!
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching!
I think I’m not a very imaginative person, meaning I don’t fully grasp ideas and images in my mind unless I can see them with my own eyes. That’s why I use excessive sketching in art and outlining in writing, i might not follow them exactly and sometimes I discard them completely, but it helps me structure and solidify ideas in my mind. Tho I’m not sure if by “outlining” we mean the same thing because I saw some people describing my outlining as basically writing, lol.
I read the book earlier this year. I would have been more impressed if it hadn't been for at least two typeos or errors that popped out at me. I don't disagree with what he was saying for the most part, but that he insisted that he didn't need to go through the book once he had used his method shouldn't mean it didn't need checking for errors.
@AuthorLevelUp
3 жыл бұрын
I think Dean wouldn’t argue with the fact that any book you write needs to be edited. The message I took away from it was to avoid spending time in revision hell, which is why he takes the approach he does (that’s my impression at least).
@katpaints
3 жыл бұрын
@@AuthorLevelUp I agree with that. My thinking while reading it was that a one-shot through was enough. He said that went through several times as he was writing, but once he was done, he was finished. I agree with most of his ideas but not reading it through once he was done was evident. I had a much different opinion until I realized that he missed things. Too bad. I find that picking through how others work is fascinating!
Thank you!
Sir please information about how to make social media kit for book cover
I don't even know how to outline. Books or anything, just can't do it. I watch videos about it and they tell me to put my main points on one level and I just think, "how do I know what my main points are?" They show tiers of A. a. I. II. IV. ad nauseum and my eyes just glaze over. Of course, I have 8,500 words spread across several scenes around in idea... and nothing really going anywhere. Some of the scenes are on their 37th iteration as I go back and fix things. But I still have no idea where I'm going.
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Check out my outlining video. It might help you: kzread.info/dash/bejne/dJyetLxqaK3doLw.html
I feel like I'm somewhere in between. I don't know what will happen in my story, but I use master plots as a way to give me direction. For example, in one of my own master plots, I wrote: "clue turns out to be red herring followed by a choice to go in a new direction". Which clue? I don't know. Where will story go next? No idea. This forces my creative voice to go to work, by telling it things like: Come up with a new clue, come up with a physical conflict etc...
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
And if that works for you, fine. There’s no right or wrong way. The only thing I would worry about is the story being predictable. As Dean mentions in the book, if readers suspect the ending of the story (they’re smart), they’ll get bored and stop reading.
@absw6129
6 жыл бұрын
Author Level Up I agree, which is why I don't follow any of the super strict plot structures like "save the cat". I like the idea of having certain "rules" though, such as Michael Moorcocks idea that there should be an interesting event every two pages. I have to say though, I really like DWS and his advice, especially the business advice of never selling full rights and thinking of each license as a piece of the pie.
i seem to like to allow my fingers to type with the flow with whatever pops out of my mind
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
Nothing wrong with that.
Self-censorship is a big problem for a lot of people. Can you imagine an advanced civilization that existed before the last ice age came to a catastrophic end? I have an outline covering that idea.
0:14 Wait, wouldn't that just be a slightly less outliney outline?
I love writing into the dark, and have completed 5 novellas so far. My question is: do you think this method will tend to give novels a more "surreal" feel to them? After all, trying to write from the unconscious is very much like trying to write from a sort of dream-state, and dreams are full of strange symbols we may not even understand fully. My books certainly have a more dreamy feel to them these days, almost like a David Lynch film.
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
Not necessarily. Everyone is different. If the dreamy, surreal feel is your thing, then do what works for you. I find that my stories tend to be dramatic with a slight edge of humor to them. Just depends on the person.
What about more complex things like pacing, story arcs, or keeping note of plot points? I'm afraid I could cause something to contradict itself or grow convoluted. How do I prevent such I think from happening?
@AuthorLevelUp
2 жыл бұрын
I am going to do a pantsing Q&A video soon.
Thanks for the video, Michael. Does this concept of not outlining also apply to non-fiction?
@AuthorLevelUp
3 жыл бұрын
It absolutely can. Though nonfiction is well suited to making sure you organize your thoughts which requires some level of outlining.
"Teacher: talk How to Write offcial Report writing and proposal writing. Please and talk this Topic it's very important".
I'm thinking about giving this a try Michael, after reading your first novel book. I fall into that bracket of people I think who've had a few 'false starts' and thrown the baby out with the bath water so to speak and abandoned projects having become very bogged down with outlining. Do you 'warn people off' pantsing if it's their first novel as such?
@AuthorLevelUp
2 жыл бұрын
No, I just tell people to be clear eyed about the difficulty. Pantsing well requires you to have a lot of self confidence. If you do, try it. If you don’t, maybe outline your first couple of novels and graduate into it. It’s not for the faint of heart.
@stevegreen6391
2 жыл бұрын
@@AuthorLevelUp That makes sense. Thanks. It was this sentence which described me with eerie accuracy :D "The first negative consequence of outlining is that it’s a graveyard for aspiring writers. Many people never make it past this phase. The act paralyzes them, intimidates them, or both."
I've written 9 books so far(still unpublished, It's a problem) I have been trying his method for a while now but I still wouldn't say I'm fully trusting the process. I'm still trying to hold myself to a few rules like 1. Every scene either is a Yes But or a No And 2. Except for exposition keep dialogue at 5 words or less. I'm wondering if you think this is a mistake on my part. Should i fully let go and let my creative voice run free?
i would love to hear about your experience that changed your belief in the higher powers- -that is very interesting to me! I am going to read writing into the dark, thank you!
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
You might be interested in this video: My Near-Death Experience: kzread.info/dash/bejne/e2h5zpKCmtC3YrA.html
Michael, I love your videos! I actually bought the book over a year ago because of your recommendation. I have to ask... How do you keep the characters and multiple plots straight with the "in the dark" approach?
@AuthorLevelUp
6 жыл бұрын
Outline as you go. It helps you keep details straight because you’re capturing them in real time as you finish each chapter. That’s one of the great tricks to writing in the dark-you actually DO outline, just in a different way. :) And thanks so much for being a subscriber!
@jimwoodswrites
6 жыл бұрын
Author Level Up love it. I'm going to go reread that book again. Thanks, Michael!
Do you do character sketches when you write into the dark, or do you just jump into it and see what happens, not knowing anything about the characters of the story when you do?
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
I just jump into it.
@patrickriley674
4 жыл бұрын
Author Level Up In that case, I am going to try that. I have already written two books, and while I had used an outline, I find the process of outlining too tiresome and time consuming. Thank you for your response and the great video. Liked and subscribed.
Does writing character profiles affect "writing into the dark"?
@AuthorLevelUp
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, typically. In its purest form, you know as little about the character as possible when starting.
I am a Pantser by nature, to my bonds. It usually takes me 18 to 30 days to write a 60,000 words novel, then I naturally stop. I am a begginer, I have never published one of my novels, I started writting last year, and so far I have 3 novels. I want to be more efficient, write a longer novel, and faster, so I was trying to outline, I even got scrivener to try it out, but I just don´t like doing the outlines, It is a bit of torture, but I will really like to try the other side of the writer´s style. Any advice on how to enjoy more outlining? Or should I just keep going with what it works for me and makes me happy? Ps. Sorry, If my english isn´t the best, I am not a native english speaker. Thanks in advance. Saludos!!
@AuthorLevelUp
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Ericka, if you don’t like outlining, don’t do it. You’ll enjoy writing more if you do it the way that feels most natural to you. Thanks for watching my videos!
@elmg829
5 жыл бұрын
@@AuthorLevelUp Muchas gracias!!! Thanks so much for your advice!! I will follow it and thanks to you for your videos, I found you on youtube because the Scrivener tutorial video you have, all your videos are just great!!
Wow, he spends 60% writing and he considers it a failure. I spend like 90% editing.
6:41 And he is also a black person... triple layer joke.
Am i the only one who finds it somewhat ironic to have a book teaching how to write without outlines?
Lmao writing isn't "sacred". That's like those writers who say their books are their babies. Get over yourself.