Hey guys! My publishing house (Lost Island Press) has a Discord now, hosted by our team member Nora Sun! Definitely check it out if you enjoy reading/writing, I'll be fairly active there as well: lostislandpress.com/discord
@lydevil4989
4 жыл бұрын
I bought your book (Leaving Wishville) to my grandma on her birthday, she said it was one of the best books she ever read so I decided to read it too. It was amazing, I felt like I was in a different world while I was reading.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m honored to hear that you and your grandma enjoyed my book :)
@MillieFlorenceAuthor
4 жыл бұрын
Writer's Block is a case by case problem and the solution is different every time. Maddeningly. XD
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Haha yepp it's a struggle
@hijabilesb3215
4 жыл бұрын
I have great ideas, but can't seem to use words properly. Can't finish anythin', BUT I do have a lot of AMAZING IDEAS.
@MintysSketchbook
3 жыл бұрын
@@hijabilesb3215 you could try animating, or a comic?
@Bergzore
3 жыл бұрын
This is actually the best writing advice I've ever heard. Good on you for having the courage to be straight about it. Writers imagine too many rules and then push them onto new writers. No other art form behaves that way, and that should tell people something.
@MelTorrefranca
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you that really does mean a lot!
@abtvdrjumme
4 жыл бұрын
The reading too much tip was sooooooo relatable! I write, but if it is too influenced by something else I just give up! :( which is sad so I recommend that if you’ve written something that you feel was too influenced by something else leave that narrative for a few days and then go back to it when you feel ok! Edit it to your own style! Also focus on WHY-power rather than WILL-power! :)
@somerandomalex4991
3 жыл бұрын
I actually had some doubts about if I should write or not because I don't read a lot, and that section really resonated with me and gave me some encouragement. I do want to get back into reading, but I don't think anyone should not write or write less because they don't like reading or don't have time. Thank you so much!
@Chiaki_Nanami
2 жыл бұрын
I'm eleven and writing my first book, called, Home Alone: Stuck In A New Reality. YOU are the reason I started writing. For the longest time, I believed almost all these "myths." I am trying to become a good author, as it's my dream. So thank you so much for telling us these aren't true.
@attensecallaway9752
Жыл бұрын
It's so true that the best way to improve writing is writing. Reading hits a point of diminishing return pretty quickly.
@naomikenyon02
4 жыл бұрын
Aw, poor Levi. 😂 Uh, yes! Write through writer's block! Beverly Lewis spoke at one of our libraries a couple years ago, and that was her advice. It stuck with me since, and has really helped!
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Oooo that's awesome!
@Writing4Jesus247
4 жыл бұрын
I did not get a professional editor but I did have beta readers! Finally, someone who isn't pushing to get an editor! Also, I listen to a ton of videos about writing and read but not a ton. It's hard to find time. I'd rather write than read. Thanks, girl! Great vid.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Glad I'm not alone ;)
@hannahreeves6300
4 жыл бұрын
*Door opens* Mel- "yes levi? I'm filming a youtube video" *door shuts* This was a great video! It's nice to know the misbeliefs and your thoughts on them! Trad publishing seems so scary the more I learn about the process of querying and the process.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I think traditional publishing works well for many people, but it really depends on how much you like to be involved in the process.
@user-xh6ju3pg8c
3 жыл бұрын
The name "Levi" remind me of a soldier fighting gian humanoids
@kassielocke4614
3 жыл бұрын
I think what you said about "having to plan the plot" was really good advise. I've been thinking I need to get all my plotting and characters together before I get started writing. But just writing and then editing sounds like a really good idea. I think I might have to try that cuz I've been having a hard time.
@totallynotsus9907
4 жыл бұрын
I have to say, you are probably the most enjoyable and informative writing youtuber I've ever watched. I always take hints and advice from your videos when I have trouble writing my own story.
@13_akkriti_7thetiwari3
4 жыл бұрын
That was so damn helpful, honestly, I had the same mentality on all of these points before seeing this video. I was stressing over my editor’s decision, I didn’t like them. Mel, you really really do not know how much you’ve helped me. I have no words to say other than thank you!
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Aw you're welcome! Happy to help :)
@smeverhd9406
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for making videos. You really inspire me to get my shit together and work on my book. It's gonna be very political so I have to research so much boring stuff that keeps me from plotting, let alone writing. But seeing you, the teen author that made it, gives me some kind of hope I might make it too.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Yes you can definitely make it!! Rooting for ya :)
@sasmitasatapathy9645
4 жыл бұрын
I am in love with the content you have been posting thanks
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@samars3813
3 жыл бұрын
I found it funny how the break I took 4 years ago to collect my thoughts after a hard time with writer block was the end of my writing life.
@charyhernandez4086
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for sharing this. These writing myths were pressuring me when I plan to start writing. You explain your points so well and clear. (sorry for my horrible grammar)
@juliasun9068
4 жыл бұрын
Hi! I'm just curious if you ever tried to submit leaving wishville to an agent or a publisher...I'm currently looking towards traditional publishing so it'd be great to hear about your experience :)
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
I originally wanted to publish traditionally. Queried agents for several months and received a few full requests, but no luck. It can be a long waiting game.
@animephantom1419
Жыл бұрын
Wow! I was watching too many videos about writing/writing for beginners, metaphors, how to use metaphors, show-don't tell, NAME IT! But your video, your video is the only one I found helpful. I was kinda stuck with something, and every time I think about it, I feel unmotivated. I was stuck with "show - don't tell" and making my story more engaging, but your advice slapped me in the face! I wish you could also share how you use metaphors to show actions :)) Thank you for sharing. Wonderful video!
@MelTorrefranca
Жыл бұрын
Aw I'm so glad you found this video helpful :)
@hijabilesb3215
4 жыл бұрын
I love the description, I agree. I love the way you word things together, almost weaving things to create meanings. "Yeah, because that's what's known as *sentences*"
@Ramin_baharabi
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful, eye opening thoughts on the art and craft of writing. Thank you!
@sandhyavaidwan3807
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mel. Your channel really inspires me. I am 13 and I write a book and managed to get it published. It is a poetry book ( almost 100 big poems in it.)which I wrote at 12. I was in heavens when I touched my very first book. How did you feel after so many efforts your book get in your hand. BTW Name of book - Rhyme with 100 Available at- Amazon and notion press online store Fun fact- I started writing my 2nd book.
@MelTorrefranca
3 жыл бұрын
It is such an amazing feeling to hold your book for the first time! Congrats on your publication :)
@jimmypinero
3 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video, Mel. Thanks for the advice. I’m an Amazon best-selling author, yet was able to learn a lot from this video content. I agree with everything you said. Keep these videos coming. And much continued success.
@udayraghavendra6668
3 жыл бұрын
Great video! I disagree with not reading a lot of books, though. When you read a lot of books, you start to recognise the voices of the writers. For example, if I read a random page written by my two favourite writers Stephen King and Dan Brown, I can easily tell which was written by whom. You start by mimicking the voices of others, but as you practice, you get your own voice, and you can literally feel the transformation when you start to write in your own style. And when you read a lot of bestselling novels in the genre that you write, you will have a better idea about what works and what doesn't. And of course, how can you increase your knowledge about the trends if you don't read? I say, read as much as you can, and read five more books. Other than that one advice, I agree with everything else you've stated. And you'll be one of my idols for sure!
@anarghyagaroo
4 жыл бұрын
Your tips are so useful. I just started with a story couple of days ago, and needed some tips, you really changed my mindset. Thankyou!
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Happy to help!
@IvanBroes
4 жыл бұрын
7:26 You right -- I'm dyslexic, and basically I can't read, and developed my own very lean style of using key words inciting the imagination.
@ilikewalruswallet
Жыл бұрын
I'm a tween (don't ask me to specify, because I won't) and writing my first book, its called "The Runaways' and its about 7 children age 9-15 running away after their village was attacked. You've inspired me to continue writing it!
@chrischbs
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent, my dear! 💯Thank you for thinking and being independent!!!! I have been published several times, and tried to read and plot more to improve my skills, but at the end of the day, after 7 years of writing, I must confess: it really stops me from having time to be creative and - much worse - let me stuck in a writers block and kind of terrible administrative mode ... Lots of good vibes to you! 💕🧘♀️👩🚀
@islah7x
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks! this was really helpful
@nearanfel
4 жыл бұрын
Hey Mel! I really liked this video. Many things were relatable and helpful. I have also read a lot of books and got influenced from that bad way. Writing has been perfect way to practice my writing. You are right! I am sorry for my bad English, my first language is Finnish and I am writing my first novel. I wonder if you're going to make more videos like this.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Your English is great! And thank you, I might make more videos like this in the future, we’ll see
@rolely1545
3 жыл бұрын
Finally, another sensible writing advice KZitem video
@peniella7197
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mel for doing this video,I had a sort of tough time while writing a novel so I just took a break,its all became an year,I felt the plot was not interesting and After these past years I'm confident about my writings.The things you said was completely true.Surely it stopped me from writing and worrying about how it ends.The only way is to motivate yourself and that leads you to get in progress,sometimes stepping back can stops you from writing ,I don't read much,only I read if I have free time, l think,don't be so selective towards your style of writing that only make you feel yourself that,you're not,Nanowrimo helped me to challenge my writing in 30 days, 5 myths are so right,We just write novels but how hard efforts we took the way long and how we came and we get experienced from that,it's always about time...........This video and facts are so interesting because I can connect with what l had been through in these years👍👏❤😢.Wishing you all the best for your novels and you too Mel...:)☺
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you could relate. It's great that you got back into writing again!
@selenetorres3242
4 жыл бұрын
Yay I'm excited
@dariakey5318
2 жыл бұрын
Clicking on this video i didn't wait much but I got one of the best reviews on writing advice! Thank you!
@kavyameghwani9559
4 жыл бұрын
I'm 15 in India i love writing i feel its more than a hobby for me i want to pursue it but the thing is tht right now as I'm in India i have to choose a subject next year and i am gonna take science maths which requires ur whole time i just dont know how i will give time to my writing even 20 min its like we write for 20 min but bfr that we need to think about wht r we going to write and how to describe the event it takes time
@udayraghavendra6668
3 жыл бұрын
Hey Kavya! If you ask me, writing is a whole different world when compared to academics. I had interests in both writing and in academics, so I chose science for my 11th grade. now, i am doing really good in my studies as well as my writing. I write as soon as my classes are finished, i exercise every day, go for a walk every day, read books AND watch TV shows. If you're worried about not having enough time for your extracurriculars, don't. You'll have a ton of time
@avymationz7024
3 жыл бұрын
I am in 10th grade and I am planning on taking PCM too next year and writing is my vocation...I am super confused too :/
@jadeofmanytraits5565
3 жыл бұрын
Hey while i don’t exactly know what it’s like dued to i am growing up in a totally different culture but i can maybe give a suggestion. So like set a 25 minute timer and do your schoolwork and for like a five minute break write or just try to ethier get up early or say you have five minutes to write during lunch or dinner or something take little time. It may seem not important but those five minutes really add up i hoped i could help
@@jadeofmanytraits5565 i think i can manage this much ...yeahhh ... Thanks dude ...😀
@isaiahtrevino7794
4 жыл бұрын
This was really helpful. I've stepped away from writing for a while but after watching this I may start up again
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Awesome!
@ragineehatnolkar
3 жыл бұрын
Mel has guided me till now ...Thank you Mel...
@kosmosvanhartland747
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for this, that part about not watching too many KZitem videos for examples for own style, and how it applies to writing, Has been insightful, because, i started noticing that when i have read too many books, or watched too many movies, Then try writing, my characters start looking like the characters from those books and movies, and i don't want them to.
@anubhavsharma4970
4 жыл бұрын
You are simply amazing...
@samuelagyapong6889
2 жыл бұрын
I feel like taking a break from writing because of writer's block is useful due to the fact that not everyone gets the flow of writing and you write not because you want to finish but instead you write to enjoy your work and to make others enjoy it as well. The main reason for taking a break because of writer's block is to get inspiration and motivation from your daily life or what you watch or what you see and hear. I'm only 14 and I'm writing my second book (It's a series ) and so far this method has helped me. Great content by the way, you've really encouraged me and I also agreed with every point you made apart from the... You Know. (Sorry)
@austing.8517
Жыл бұрын
This is so good. Thank you!
@fercortes1d
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the advice! I want to start my own nonfiction book but I feel like a need to have it all figured out but now i see it's not necessary
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@kengause9259
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely agree with your point 2, at least when it comes to fiction. I'm a pantser and plot out some transitions, but for the most part, I just write and work my way through. Kind of a lily pad approach. Moving from plot point to plot point. After a while, the way forward becomes clearer. About halfway through, the ending should present itself (hopefully), As for point 3, I like having an editor as a second set of eyes on the novel to make sure it holds together and someone who can correct grammar and such. I have never used a developmental editor. Seems like it would conflict with my vision. I also agree with your Point 4. Reading while you are not writing is a good thing, but when you are writing, I find it can detract from the writing process. Can drag me down rabbit holes. Listening to music, however, can be inspirational.
@mercuryinretrograde
3 жыл бұрын
God, I can’t wait to buy your booksssss🥺
@Adriana_Garcia
4 жыл бұрын
I know this has nothing to do with your video, but I ordered your book off of amazon and i'm sooooo excited to read it :)
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Aw thanks for the support! I hope you enjoy it ;)
@user-uj7kd6mb5b
7 ай бұрын
" You have to read more" is a cliche. Screenwriting tutorials stress it. Its common sense if you don't read well. But one can replace that cliche by going to those very DVD's and VHS in the attic to compensate. Not to mention TV is right on our faces everyday. If one has to be told " You gotta read more" screenplays or Novels, that particular person has little passion in storytelling. Yes! I agree with you. But compensate another way. Nice of you to share about those 5 Myths because people do get stuck in them. ❤
@assassinlassen6943
4 жыл бұрын
im trying to write a book and your channel has helped
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Glad it’s helped!
@pixie-bo6wi
2 жыл бұрын
6:58 complete agree with this!!
@kseniak2896
3 жыл бұрын
You are soo beautiful , your tipps really help. Ty 💕
@MelTorrefranca
3 жыл бұрын
aw ty ty, glad it helped!
@gravesilk322
Жыл бұрын
I don’t know who Levi is but I wish I lived with understanding people like that!!
@starrstravels
2 жыл бұрын
M’y writing journey starting in KZitem comments and continuing in google docs
@richissac8916
3 жыл бұрын
Is this one of those bits where you have a controversial opinion to get activity? I think I need to disagree with you on that…the only good writing comes from a mind that reads. A mind that reads is able to filter those influences out and stay with their own style. But I do agree about the writer’s block point 100%! The writer’s block break often just belies laziness.
@abbeysaccount620
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks mel! You could turn this into a series? I really cannot plan at all, I just use the three act story structure. I also tend to plan by making loads of spider diagrams with different characters and things in the book Having a professional is good, but people spend thousands on it, but what you can do is learn to edit and do it yourself. The idea of beta readers is great! But since I'm so young I cant rlly get beta readers While im writing I just read as usual not extra When I get stuck in my story right now what i do is I do a spider diagram to just write what I want to happen Great video mel! ❤❤❤❤
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
I'll consider it :) I'm sure you could find beta readers even if you're young! It's better to have strangers beta read, but friends work too. When I first started out I asked kids reading at school to beta read.
@justluc8556
4 жыл бұрын
I really want to comment something stupid, but I'm afraid I cannot do that to you today, so I'll just leave you with this meaningless sentence lol.
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
hmmmm I guess you succeeded
@plushieproductions9954
2 жыл бұрын
I’m planning on participating nanowrimo (idk how to spell it) next November because I don’t have a computer to write on, and I’m getting a computer on my birthday and that is at the end of November
@UdyKumra
4 жыл бұрын
I only take a break from writing if I've been writing everyday for at least a week. I rarely get writer's block, and when I do, it's usually more because I've been writing everyday or a while. If I'm in the midst of a project, I often don't need a break for over a month at a time. Although, sometimes I'll take a couple of weeks off in between projects, but what I'm really doing here is outlining the next project.
@mrsary7868
8 ай бұрын
Thanks, as an avid writer who reads about 5 books a year I am tired of pushing myself to read more when all I want to do is write.
@abigailjoanna6139
4 жыл бұрын
Editors are crucial for self-publishing. Your betas are likely as naive to the language as you are to your grammar mistakes that keep on slipping by when you re-read, and because of that, betas are not any substitute for editors. Every single traditional publisher will use one, and the transformation from unedited to edited is the difference between a cringe book and a bestseller. You need to read, because without doing it, you will know nothing about what a book is. You will not even know a book has three parts without reading.
@FuuMayChaN
3 жыл бұрын
This helped me a lot, thanks :)
@carpediem7192
4 жыл бұрын
you're just GREAT. greetings from Algeria
@eliotdelcray8642
4 жыл бұрын
Hi I'm Algerian too! That's cool!
@banettenighmare8645
Жыл бұрын
Here’s a tip on this topic from me: #6 You can add “filler” or scenes that don’t follow the plot and it WONT RUIN YOUR BOOK. Authortube is so strict on cutting on every piece of filler or every moment where the characters aren’t actively talking about the plot and guess what happens? Their characters read as one dimensional robots. Filler is good for really fleshing out your characters. Because think about it, we as readers want characters to feel human or real and realistically no matter how intense a scenario is in our lives no one ONLY stays focused on that one incident. Like if your with a friend and your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you called for a tow truck and now have to wait for 2 hours you aren’t just gonna keep focused on the fact that your car broke and that people are coming. You’re gonna branch off and start talking about random shit like fun memories or even wander around the area. And for even more intense situations like the death of someone you loved, yes you may be focused on it for much longer but people still do other things. This concept that a character should be thinking about their plot 24/7 is stupid and makes a lot of these authortube books awful to slug through.
@MelTorrefranca
Жыл бұрын
This has been a huge realization for me recently. I’ve found that beta readers generally enjoy the slow scenes where nothing really happens, just for the breather. No harm in some filler here or there :)
@7gacha428
4 жыл бұрын
You uploaded this video yesterday - on my birthday. Thank you for this gift of a video! (And you're welcome for this cringe-worthy comment.)
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Happy belated birthday!
@elicspirit4121
3 жыл бұрын
I agree
@taramcareavey6723
4 жыл бұрын
When I finish writing my book, hopefully my best friend will edit for me...
@dtanimates4080
4 жыл бұрын
Cool
@ysltfx
4 жыл бұрын
awww thank you :)
@ginasmith590
2 жыл бұрын
I don't think any author thinks they can write and edit a book in a month. I think they mean just the first draft can be written in a month.
@charyhernandez4086
2 жыл бұрын
7:15 this is so true
@kschmidt6647
2 жыл бұрын
With the plotting thing: For me it's like, what if my first vision of the story is totally different from what I actually aimed it to be?
@lakeshagadson357
Жыл бұрын
maybe i should use my writing skills editor that writes
@writer.Ashlesha
Жыл бұрын
Commenting before watching: 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.
@lakeshagadson357
Жыл бұрын
I like to read as. well and write but I am into doing social media and data entry
@kosmosvanhartland747
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, reading over your favourite scene is a thing, and having a personal favourite character in your own story, is a thing too....
@ekaurkahani8258
3 жыл бұрын
So helpful.............
@zeroone9997
2 жыл бұрын
Im soo agree with the 4th myth. I just cant see myself reading a wonderful book for the sake of honing my writing skills. When i read, the story will sink me into that world. I dont give a crap about voice, writing techniques or whatever. In fact, i dont think reading helps me writing skill-wise. I just love reading. And im not gonna turn my hobbies into chores. No way
@cjpreach
Жыл бұрын
Most writing advice needs to be taken in "small doses." "All-or-nothing" and "Always/never" are usually clues that you are hearing bad advice. Also, taking advice out of context.
@zstv2043
3 жыл бұрын
how can i get your book in pdf form because i m living in such type of city where is no shop of books or order book brought here so plz tell me any way to get your book
@jigneshchotaliya8133
3 жыл бұрын
Finally.. someone in the world who thinks like me😋 That was cool stuff dear..
@imagica2652
3 жыл бұрын
After writing the book what are all the process and how many months does it take to publish it after I write the book?? Please say cuz I'm too writing a novel
@savannabanna6099
4 жыл бұрын
How old do you have to be to write a book please make a video on it
@natixgamingroblox3370
3 жыл бұрын
Any age
@CookiedoughProductions
4 жыл бұрын
So I have a question how do you come up with ideas for books I want to write a book but think all my ideas are bad and don’t know what to write about
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
You can make any idea a good story. I stick with my gut and write about whatever idea excites me the most.
@CookiedoughProductions
4 жыл бұрын
Mel Torrefranca ok
@tylibrary5849
2 жыл бұрын
You need to read, and study. You are harming yourself as a writer if you do not study. Get the hell away from me with that posh stuff about being too busy with writing the novel of the century that there isn't time to study. Has anybody ever died from vegetable toxicity? No Has any author ever said that the more they read, the more their writing abilities decline? No In terms of managing writers block, and managing how much time should be spent writing it is important to use common sense. Less is more. Going to bed early instead of staying up late can help productivity. Everybody has a window of time they can utilize to dump max writing potential, and there is still fog around how that is understood.
@bohemianrayofsunshine4807
3 жыл бұрын
Hey, where i can read your blogs?
@selenetorres3242
4 жыл бұрын
Early
@MavisSongbirdERA
11 ай бұрын
Skill issue. I'm a use my flippers to write the greatest pirate adventures to roam the seas. Excluding (One Piece.)
@holly4554
2 жыл бұрын
I wrote 21,000 words in one week. It was a terrible first draft.
@aimeevollmer5668
3 жыл бұрын
Can we just appreciate how pretty she is???
@akebu6
4 жыл бұрын
How did you get your book published?
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
Self publishing! I also started Lost Island Press lostislandpress.com/
@akebu6
4 жыл бұрын
@@MelTorrefranca that's great, i didn't know where to start. Self publishing seems like the easier route but professional publishing also has its perks. How did you know which one you wanted?
@MelTorrefranca
4 жыл бұрын
I actually started with traditional publishing...but the process was taking forever and I personally thought self-publishing sounfed fun. I eventually switched over.
@danyswift9814
3 жыл бұрын
I want to be your friend,
@Bergzore
3 жыл бұрын
Did you check your plot outline through a beta reader at all, or make them all wait?
@trevorcarterva
Жыл бұрын
Writer's block is nonsense. I've been writing nonstop, every day, for a year and two months. Why take a break? Maybe some people need it. Not everyone.
@MelTorrefranca
10 ай бұрын
You’re just OP like that
@eyafeki8670
3 жыл бұрын
What does "plot" mean? English isn't my mother tongue..😅
@s.cvrlett4685
3 жыл бұрын
it is basically everything that happens in the book. the storyline or what drama occurs.
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