I took a college level creative writing class, for English majors, focused in writing. The teacher wrote the definition of plot on the board and went on to cover what a plot is, along with several other words that we've known since 7th grade. This is how she taught the entire course. Your video series is the college course I expected when was paying thousands for the course, the college course is what should have been free.
@Trazynn
4 жыл бұрын
College professors are so unbelievably lazy and complacent. Waste of money and time.
@blackhawksfan2525
4 жыл бұрын
@@Trazynn Not sure if lazy is the right word. I think a lot of creative writing instructors come from a technical language background, like English majors. Anyone who has done any significant creative writing knows that technical mastery of the language is ONLY PART of writing good literature. There is a lot of "feel", intuition, and psychology involved in developing interesting plots and characters. A technical language background doesn't teach that.
@jchamilton4476
4 жыл бұрын
My university had a creative writing requirement, and it had a published local author as the professor. She made us read and analyze novels and begin writing a novel. It was incredible, and it motivated me to write despite having zero interest in it before the class. Maybe you just had a bad Professor :(
@jazzwell
4 жыл бұрын
@@blackhawksfan2525 "Only" probably should not have been capitalized there, only "part." I thought you meant that mastery of the language is the *only* part of writing, and I had to do a double take before I realized you meant mastery of language is only *a small part* of writing.
@kevinworrall5851
4 жыл бұрын
I feel the exact way
@matesafranka6110
7 жыл бұрын
This isn't about emotion but it is about melodrama: I just finished re-reading Agatha Christie's A Murder Is Announced, towards the end of which Miss Marple says, "It was the conversation at the cafe that sealed her fate -- if you'll forgive me using such a melodramatic expression." So, the next time you read that in a book or feel tempted to use it, just remember that an elderly woman in a book from 1950 was already apologizing for using such a cliche :D
@CardinalSpirit
7 жыл бұрын
The first thing I always do when I make new characters is run them through a list of scenarios, both intense and calm. From "How would they react to a gun being pulled on them?" all the way to "How do they usually greet their friends?" I like to plan out stuff like that from the get-go. If 2 characters have basically the same responses to everything then I know I need to work more on that. I just love trying to think through the minds of the people I create, it's a lot of fun.
@thesmileshow9651
6 жыл бұрын
that's a good idea! I'm gonna try that.
@SysterYster
5 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea. I think I'll do that too! :)
@keegster7167
5 жыл бұрын
I do that by accident. I can't help but think of the characters in different situations. In fact, I don't even want to write. I feel sort of like I need to, because I want my thoughts to be more consistent, and to get something productive out of it.
@rednecktash
5 жыл бұрын
thats a great strategy @forevergreencs
@anamariawil1
5 жыл бұрын
That's a good idea woah
@Shortwaveguy
7 жыл бұрын
I am writing a novella, and your advice was timely. In order to show not tell, I used body language or body signals. However, these become redundant and cliché. After watching your video, I went straight to my novella and put your advice into practice. I added introspection and emotional observation. It made the scene come alive, and it gave me a bit of exhilaration. It feels good when you see your characters come to life.
@cortnifernandez7382
7 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic advice. I've never thought about (or been told about) the power of introspection, as an alternative to telling vs showing emotion. I always have that problem of finding different ways to show the same thing. I think this could be an amazing way to improve my writing! Thank you so much for helping us writers out. Your videos are always absolute gems!
@cesarhernandez7108
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah, but can you use introspection when you are writing in third person narrative?
@ashtongaskill3980
7 жыл бұрын
It was awesome to get actual examples from books rather than movies or TV shows. Thank you for the hard work, the longer video was definitely worth it.
@EllenBrock
7 жыл бұрын
Hey Guys! I don't usually use examples to illustrate my points because it makes the videos run on a bit long. I hope you like the examples and find them useful! Sorry if the text isn't very clear. My current editing software doesn't give me many options so I did my best to make it readable. Thanks for watching!
@aleksandarivanov5860
7 жыл бұрын
Ellen Brock Actually, while your videos have been incredibly insightful, it's exactly the lack of examples that sometimes make it difficult to properly understand your advice, at least in my case. I'd always be more than willing to invest a few more minutes into the video for the sake of having examples to go with the advice.
@CkArtGirl7
7 жыл бұрын
Examples REALLY helped! I don't think this video would have helped me as much without them. Thank you!
@raijinwolf2248
7 жыл бұрын
Great video as usual, really great work expressing the lack of introspection.
@ULSWC
7 жыл бұрын
Agreed wholeheartedly on the use of examples, they were so important! I would definitely say you should include examples in all of your videos!! Btw, this one is one of my favorite videos of yours to date. Really helpful.
@TheKass
7 жыл бұрын
I understand your points better when you use examples :)
@pengraveth800
7 жыл бұрын
I've read everything I could find about conveying emotion, but it felt like melodrama, especially after repeating same devices. This is what I was searching for. Thanks again. You rock.
@IzraRonaldo
5 жыл бұрын
"What is your characters unique flavor of scared?"
@cheezemonkeyeater
7 жыл бұрын
I'm reminded of a line from Futurama: "You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! That makes me feel ANGRY!"
@chrstina
6 жыл бұрын
i wish there was a 'love' button because this has been the most helpful writing video i've ever encountered.
@pRahvi0
6 жыл бұрын
Introspection, I think, is the major advantage of literature over visual media. You can express what is going on in the characters' mind so much easier and with way more detail, which becomes handy when trying to add depth to the characters.
@scarlet8078
5 жыл бұрын
This is hilarious and so true. Many editors would like to ban all "sighing" and "heart pounding" and "eye rolling" and "glaring." Even "nodding" and adverbs in dialog tags. If a reader can't tell what your characters are experiencing without adverbs and histrionics, then you need to rework the dialog and try other methods of grounding besides nodding and signing and heart pounding.
@samzhuoling4467
7 жыл бұрын
This is a gift from God, this is so clear about showing and telling. It's just like the missing piece of a puzzle for my work. The whole thing look like a cliche because I was inept at showing and was reluctant to simply tell. Now I learned something, and it's called introspection. Thank you so much.
@cesarhernandez7108
4 жыл бұрын
It seems to me introspection works well in first person narrative, but how about third person? will it work?
@copeless1090
2 жыл бұрын
@@cesarhernandez7108 I'm guessing you found out already, but for anyone wondering, yes, it'll work, but it'll sound slightly different than in first person.
@Sapphtrash
7 жыл бұрын
I think one of my problems as a writer is understanding how to convey my characters' emotions. This really helped me understand how to go about describing and expressing emotions. Thank you!
@alexandriakaprelian6280
7 жыл бұрын
Your insight is better than anything else I've watched/read on the topic of writing. Thank you for the great tips!
@nancyandaharon
7 жыл бұрын
all of your videos have been helpful to me. You have a way of breaking down writer problems, weaknesses into plain English! But these videos you've done this August are better and better. The topic, issues and problems you presented have been important to me-I've heard plenty of youtubers on writing! and again, you've made the issue clear and the examples and solutions are real, accessible and practical. Besides all that I like your new tech stuff much more: microphone and camera and background. And your energy and love for the business of writing is contagious! THANK YOU
@EllenBrock
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I worked hard to improve my videos in all areas this year. So glad you've enjoyed them!
@narabyy_6508
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!! Everytime i tried to write an emotional scene it was bad, but I didn't know what was wrong with it exactly, or how to fix it. And now I know how to make it better. Introspection is the key! :))))) A BIG THANK YOU!! I love your videos
@SummersMovingBookshelf
7 жыл бұрын
I really appreciated the examples you used in this video, it helped put introspection in a clearer light.
@that1otherJake
7 жыл бұрын
I fall into this trap a lot. My character is in a very tense situation throughout the whole story, I think these tips might be very useful to avoid a lot of repetition. Thank you. :)
@MauiSunsetz
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for this video--I think you're spot on by saying this is the key and sadly it's missing from most writing advice about writing emotions that focuses on the physical only.
@clafount388
7 жыл бұрын
This really helped a light bulb go off for me! Wonderful advice.
@yellowsubmersible
7 жыл бұрын
Love that you used a passage from Walk Two Moons. That was a favorite of mine too!!
@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh
7 жыл бұрын
Same. I recommend it to my students as well.
@Hazzabanana18
3 жыл бұрын
Great summary of a concept rarely put into words concisely or clearly
@sherrylalonde5719
2 жыл бұрын
I feel like this cracked something open for me that I've been missing up to now. I went back over the emotional scenes in my novel with this tip in mind and it has made all the difference. I was relying too heavily on 'showing', using bodily descriptions for fear and grief but omitting the introspection that has made the scene so much better. ThankYou!!
@PeterSotosEPT
4 жыл бұрын
This is the second time i have watched this video. It's been about 6 months. I think I will watch it again in another six months. If I had to point out a single video that could elevate your writing from that of hack to professional, I would choose this one. Thank you!
@izabellatucci
7 жыл бұрын
By far the best writing advice I've encountered as of yet
@burritochris46
4 жыл бұрын
I love that you actually just jump straight in to what you're talking about. It works so well!
@sadisticplaymate69
7 жыл бұрын
This is amazing advice, thank you! In my current writing I felt something was definitely missing and this I feel was right on the nose.
@katiel814
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video! I have been struggling with conveying emotions in an effective way that readers enjoy, and this video has helped me so much. Keep up the great work!
@sunnisukumar
6 жыл бұрын
Great distinction, Erin. The examples you gave (across various genres) helped understand how to write introspection vs. just showing more emotions.
@threshermaw6042
5 жыл бұрын
To use a meme on this that is true: "You can't just say how your characters feel! That makes me angry!"
@carolsikes5069
7 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for this video. I can't tell you how much this helped me. I have always felt trying to show emotional responses to be one of my weakest areas as a writer. I have never considered using introspection. I've been enjoying all the videos in August as well.
@silfervox2970
5 жыл бұрын
Super insightful. Thank you so much for this video. Over-showing emotions, ugh. Introspection and a subtle touch, YES.
@cybersandoval
Жыл бұрын
Your point about character introspection as a means to convey emotion in a non-trivial way, genius, with superb example, of course
@qwiickk
Жыл бұрын
Geezuz! This is one of thee best guides on writing expressions I've ever seen. Nice job, Ellen!
@starrynightfall00
7 жыл бұрын
Great advice and couldn't have come at a better time as I was just having this exact problem! You are a great teacher, by the way :)
@StephanieFink515
7 жыл бұрын
Aha! Thank you so much, Ellen, for making this video. I've been trying to put my finger on this for such a long time, and now it makes perfect sense to me. The examples really made it crystal clear. I can't wait to put this concept to use in my novel!!
@lessimons3825
7 жыл бұрын
Hi Ellen, I've been watching your videos for a couple years, learning much and enjoying the experience. I use what I've learned when I teach my sixth graders creative writing. Your clarity comes through in my teaching! Thank you so much. In your August 2017 series of videos I have discovered your voice sounds almost identical to Hobo Ahle's; I was watching your video, got distracted and looked away for a time, and said, "Is that Hobo Ahle?" She is a young van-dweller with a KZitem channel. I had been impressed with how well spoken she is, and now I know why--she sounds like you.
@redxgrey
6 жыл бұрын
This was such a helpful video, and one I already know I’m going to have to watch a few times. Thank you for giving examples, I wasn’t exactly sure what you meant by introspection until the examples. This seems like it really separates the great novels and characters.
@generallegath974
6 жыл бұрын
These videos are super inspiring. I don't actually know if I have these issues myself, but it's been hard to please myself as a writer and I feel that's relatively important. I'm gonna practice using the methods you've described in your videos. They're really insightful and helpful for anyone looking to improve.
@heba6746
Жыл бұрын
My favourite channel about writing. Never failed me once
@ThePhilterExperience
4 жыл бұрын
After watching you, I'm seeing my story owning his life! I feel it's getting engaging and unique. Getting that feeling after 2 years of writing without feeling it, made me believe on my own potential!
@jefferykitchen736
7 жыл бұрын
Really enjoyed the examples. They really put in perspective what you were saying and gave me more ideas of what I could do to convey an emotional scene.
@gregoryhancock6057
7 жыл бұрын
Just had my WIP professionally reviewed and got exceptionally high marks (yay!) but it got tagged with being too melodramatic in the final scenes. This video really gave me some tools to rework what should have been the MOST impactful scenes of the story. Thank you very much!
@jdkanuch2790
Жыл бұрын
This video may be the most helpful writing advice I have ever heard. My heart pounds when I think about how many hours I've wasted, wandering through bogs of frustration, how many times I'd given up on the hope of being a writer, because of the delusion that I needed to show, not tell, and this showing needed to be conveyed though variations of "emotion tags" like "my heart pounds." My brow furrows regretfully, because I didn't see this five years ago when you created this video. You are the best, thanks!
@twstdelf
7 жыл бұрын
Excellent, as always. Great choice of passages.
@zyxwut321
4 ай бұрын
Best writing (and life) advice I just about have ever received is "show, don't tell". Showing emotion througj build up, actions and effects is so much more effective than DESCRIBING some emotion in abstract ways. You need to get into the guts if the character, how their experience has directing impacted them, not just fall back on easy cliches about general emotions.
@lewis3853
5 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure if you still see these comments or if you still make videos as I can see that they're dated a couple years back or so. But I get so much from them. I came across one one day in connection to another video I was watching when I looked up something or other about writing. There is something about the way you convey what you know, it's very well explained and down to earth. Also, your demeanor makes me enjoy taking the advice from you. And you're easy to watch :). Thank you for sharing your expertise.
@gewgulkansuhckitt9086
6 жыл бұрын
I use an emotion bar in all my writings, much like a HP bar in a video game. Asterisks represent affection. Hash tags represent hate or anger. Ampersands ( @ ) represent angst. Carets ( ^ ) represent fear. Ten in a row is the maximum. So for example, if my protagonist says something like, "I don't like that guy." # (You know the protagonist finds the guy mildly annoying.) But if he says something completely different, like, "I don't like that guy." ########## (You know the protagonist hates the guy with every fiber of his being.) Or, I could be really inspired and full of creative mojo and write a masterpiece like this, "I don't like that guy." #####***** (The protagonist has mixed feelings toward the guy. Maybe the guy was once a good friend, but not anymore. It's an emotional roller coaster that pulls in the readers and keeps them glued to the page. I put an easy reference ten page emotion symbol index at the back of each book.
@anavhr
2 жыл бұрын
this sounds like a great idea! i'm totally gonna try it out, thanks for sharing!
@slappyabromowitz
4 жыл бұрын
You are a godsend, I had an agent went pretty but not far enough far about ten years ago but my career took off and took precedence---now, through your video's I have dramatically improved the work....thanks so much!
@BobbyCalloway
6 жыл бұрын
You're fantastic. I literally discovered your videos this morning and already watched three. So helpful :)
@BushaBandulu
Жыл бұрын
Damn. U are a gift, and an incredible teacher. This is your purpose, your WHY Thank you 🙏🏾💯 I attended a hi-end college and was NEVER taught what you teach. Thank you for teaching, Emily.
@OlivierRovelli
6 жыл бұрын
Since I've discovered your channel I can't believe the amount of things you've taught me. Thank you for posting all these great videos !
@petrij7660
Жыл бұрын
This channel is a gold mine.
@CkArtGirl7
7 жыл бұрын
Massively helpful! I've felt like I was repeating, and this just opened up a whole new world! Thank you!
@gustinlawis2997
7 жыл бұрын
Ellen, the examples are so helpful!! Thank You!!
@Bock.auf.Prints
Жыл бұрын
This must be the most useful writing advice, I ever had. Thank you so much :)
@johnhansen1501
10 ай бұрын
Probably the best writing advice ever given. Thanks!
@hannamelba375
5 жыл бұрын
Walk two moons sounds so beautiful I had to order it right away! Thank you for your amazing videos. They are true gems!
@SteventheShoehanger
5 жыл бұрын
I believe introspection works best in slower moving scenes. If your antagonistic runs into the room with a chainsaw, please don't use introspection.
@KatTheBooknerd
7 жыл бұрын
This has completely changed my way of thinking when writing. I'm so glad I found your videos because man, did I need them. Thanks! :)
@JenniferWilliamsAuthorGP
6 жыл бұрын
Now I know I’m at least doing something right ☺️ thank you for this video
@paulaiello2071
6 жыл бұрын
This is one of Ellen’s best videos because she gives examples from books supporting her points. Well done Ellen!
@timothymclean
7 жыл бұрын
"One reason emotions can come across as melodramatic is if the author is trying to rely on showing the characters' emotions." Huh. Never thought I'd hear someone say "tell, don't show". "Another reason is the author relying on telling the emotions." ...Never mind, then!
@zakai-kaz
4 жыл бұрын
Here’s my advice don’t bother writing emotion whether telling or showing apparently it’ll always end up being melodramatic🙄
@iferawhite7661
3 жыл бұрын
@@zakai-kaz Don't be a bitter ass
@ThePrettyTomboy
5 жыл бұрын
You really put into words what I've observed between my own writing and that of authors I admire! I mistakenly pulled back on introspection because of unclear Show vs. Tell advice, so thank you for this more thoughtful explanation. (P.S. the examples were also helpful!)
@darknightofthesoul7628
2 жыл бұрын
A phenomenal insight, Ellen. You've solved the problem paramount on my mind. Thank you.
@ericachan2849
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen, just dropping by to say this was absolutely fantastic and SO helpful. I consume a lot of writing advice but you floor me every time by how practical your solutions are and your insights - I've been struggling with variations of 'her heart pounded' for quite a while now and your explanation of why introspection is so important blew me away. Thank you, thank you!
@racoon2623
4 жыл бұрын
this is probably the best advice i’ve ever heard, thank you so much!
@mightypensword
Жыл бұрын
I'm just discovering your channel, and I'm loving every bit of it.
@adipocytes3073
5 жыл бұрын
I watched many videos about how to avoid or lessen melodrama but this, by far, gave me the most information about what melodrama is, thus allowing for a deeper understanding on how I could control my prose. So, thank you v much!
@saltandlight44777
Жыл бұрын
I have been binging your vids this weekend. So happy you showed up in my feed. Clear, concise...i have listened to so many other writers share thier knowledge here on yt and was left confused or sidetracked by thier 'methods'. Thank you for just teaching what writers need to just write!
@simonsaysthink218
3 жыл бұрын
This video just solved my writer's block. Thank you so much!
@GabrielleMSter1998
7 жыл бұрын
The reason I watch your videos, is because you use examples. So keep them coming! Thanks for everything!
@vidhanmatolia4734
Жыл бұрын
This is exactly what I was searching for. Extremely helpful. Thanks a lot!
@ddubois6751
4 жыл бұрын
This was more helpful than almost all the information I've devoured about writing. I love your perspective and no-nonsense, authentic way of sharing it. Subscribed.
@Missy04
Жыл бұрын
a bit late, but: thank you a lot, Ellen! This helped me. I was really frustrated cause I always wrote the same things in the scenes but had no idea how to fix it. Now I do. Great advice, much appreciated!
@stephenhitchings9513
6 жыл бұрын
Hi Ellen. I know I'm a year late getting to watch this program, but it was definitely worth the wait. I don't understand how someone as young-looking as you can be so brilliant, but I am so glad that you are. Thank you so much, this was excellent.
@francescaknapp
3 жыл бұрын
Thankyou for this very sound advice, I have found that as a writer I tend to do nothing but go on about what the character is thinking when their emotions are involved so I am happy I have this part right.
@ukfan0711
5 жыл бұрын
Apparently I'm pretty late to the party on this video, but I just watched it yesterday and tonight I had a chance to go back through the beginning of my novel with this in mind. I have to say the advice about introspection is hands down the best writing advice I have EVER gotten. Just in my editing from a few hours tonight it has turned some cringe moments that I just couldn't seem to correct into something I might actually find in a published novel (this is my first attempt at writing a novel so obviously I've never been published). Many thanks Ellen! This would have taken eons for me to learn on my own and for some reason this topic has not been mentioned in any other videos on writing I've seen on KZitem so far.
@TheFunGun5
5 жыл бұрын
"You can't just have your characters announce how they feel! That makes me feel angry!" -Robot Devil.
@The_Woof_Pack
6 жыл бұрын
As I watch your video I feel as though you have lead me to doors of rooms I didn't even know existed! With your help the doors are opened and what awaits me inside is undescribable! Thank you!
@corinneyoung6916
4 жыл бұрын
I needed this so badly, this is the best piece of specified writing advice I’ve ever heard in my life.
@HadrianQueen
5 жыл бұрын
I can’t tell you how much this has helped me! Especially with emotions and having to describe the same ones all the time. This is the first time I’ve heard of it and I cannot wait to use it more!
@AnnaMaledonPictureBookAuthor
4 жыл бұрын
I loved this so much that I decided to log in to youtube on my husband's laptop just to leave a comment and like the video and subscribe. Brilliant advice. I don't read much of adult fiction as I write picture books but I like biographies, memoirs, diaries. I think the power of diaries lies in the fact that they are mostly devoid of descriptions of bodily functions, pretty much all you get is introspection. When you read a diary you live like that person, you think like them, you feel like them, you interpret the events like them, understand the world like them. It's all about the unique perception. The world is one and the same, but we are all individuals so we interpret it in our own unique way. Showing is ok. Telling is ok. Just spice it up with introspection because we all need a bit of spice in life, don't we?
@richardglady3009
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. That is the first time I have heard about the use of introspection to effectively convey emotions. I have started using the technique in my novel.
@shawnmichaelentertainment
2 жыл бұрын
Best description I’ve seen about improving emotion in writing! 🙌🏽👏🏽🙏🏽
@Mac_an_Mheiriceanaigh
7 жыл бұрын
I have no interest in writing at all but still found this fascinating. And I am amazed at how many people have commented about what a breakthrough this has been for them! Congratulations!!
@pattyb6003
Жыл бұрын
"Im feeling this emotion!" loudly screamed the very emotional Steve with chainsaws for vocal chords. "I'm feeling this other emotion", softly whimpered a very emotional Bob with a voice like a used sock falling on the floor. - There. Perfect.
@radianceray3034
Жыл бұрын
I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you ,your channel, this content exists .....thank you so so much 🙏🏻💕💕💕
@arlan4813
5 жыл бұрын
This is exactly where I'm at in my editing process right now and the timing, for me, is perfect. I'm so glad I've discovered this, even if it is in mid-2019. All things in due time. Thank you.
@bytheBrooke
7 жыл бұрын
Those examples were very helpful! I'll definitely be revisiting this video for inspiration when I'm in need of some introspection in my writing :)
@alanperks6029
4 жыл бұрын
I understood your point about introspection and I intend to review my righting from that point of view. I was also interested in the examples you gave from your phone. It proves the fact that one person's great book is anothers worst. I could never enjoy that style of writing. Thanks for your well produced talks. I find them most informative.
@NovelNanny
6 жыл бұрын
I love this, but all your examples are in first person. How do you do the same things in Third Person? @Ellen Brock
@cesarhernandez7108
4 жыл бұрын
I have the same question, did you get the answer?
@sapien01010
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. In less than 12 minutes you neutralized my greatest hangup with writing.
@ethanmulvihill7177
Жыл бұрын
Subtext in introspection is also a key. Wheel of Time's Mat Cauthon is INSANE at achieving this.
@FaultyProgeny
7 жыл бұрын
Recently discovered your channel, I've watched at least 20 of your video's in the last week. It has become part of my morning routine, very good information, thanks!
@eleoni2703
7 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your explanation! I've used introspection many times before, but now I understand it enough to improve my technique.
@AuthorGuy1
4 жыл бұрын
I should bring my books to you. This is exactly how I write. Introspection rules.
@MrWarrenjc
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Ellen. Great job. This is the best explanation i have ever seen on writing web emotions. Thank you.
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