Hi guys! I'm excited to be back making videos again. It's been a hard couple of years, but things are (fingers crossed) looking up. My hope is that I will be able to shift my focus onto making videos for you guys as we move into 2022! I tried something a little different with this video and used notes on a tablet so that I could do the whole thing in one take with minimal cuts. I'm very rusty so I apologize for the loss of camera focus at a few points and any other technological failings. Let me know if you have any video ideas for the future. I appreciate you all so much!
@Thesilverninja
2 жыл бұрын
Whoa, surprise video! Great job, Ellen. I really like how you planned out your shot to have space for your graphics. I don't think you looking at your tablet is distracting because I'm mainly listening to the advice and will rewind as necessary.
@ivygenesis5743
2 жыл бұрын
glad to have you back, Ellen 😍 as a next video, can you tap into side characters? i was thinking about how to tell if a character should be in the story or not. the obvious way to ask yourself if the plot still works if you remove them, but i was thinking about characters that are kind of there, and you need them in certain scenes but they leave you kind of meh. i hope this makes sense :))
@aarondonley8546
2 жыл бұрын
Great new video Ellen! Thanks and excited to see what you’ve got next. 👍
@Mr.H-YT42
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back. I don’t know what you film with, but there are teleprompter apps that might fit the bill if you like notes or a script in eyeline of your camera
@brandig3649
2 жыл бұрын
This video came at the perfect time and is so helpful. So glad you're back! One thing I'm struggling with is the "fun and games" beat of the novel (Act 2 Part 1). There's so much that happens in the beginning and the end, but I'm unsure how to add conflict to this beat that feels significant and moves the plot forward, but that's not as earth shattering as the break into act 2 or the midpoint. Would love your take on this section as I feel like I hear so much more about the beats around it rather than attention on it (same with Act 2 Part 2, really, but "bad guys close in" feels easier on the conflict part).
@malintries
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so excited! I discovered your channel while it was "on a break" and thought sadly you were done making vids, so you have no idea how happy I was to see you back!! Your channel is one of the BEST resources I've found on novel writing, you always explain things sooo well and I always leave your videos feeling like I've truly learned valuable things xx
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@sweettea6309
2 жыл бұрын
Exactly alot of these novel writing channels are full of people who are wordy or try too hard to come off like literary geniuses and end up with a video that has a lot of words and zero meaning
@JohnBradford14
2 жыл бұрын
I just wanted to let you know that I and so many others are happy and thankful to have you back. Your videos helped inspire me to pursue a more serious approach to creative writing that I hope to turn into a full time career in the near future. Out of all of the authortube channels, yours has definitely proven to consistently be one of the most professional, useful and constructive. Again, thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication.
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
@racoon2623
2 жыл бұрын
your advice is genuinely some of the best on the platform, so glad to see you back!
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Timestamps 01:23 Does the scene move the plot forward? 02:37 Does the reader need to see the scene happen? 04:18 Is there a conflict? 05:44 Is it obvious to the reader that the scene pushes the plot forward? 06:56 Does the character experience an emotional shift? 08:16 Is the scene still not working? 10:57 Does the scene contain vital information? 11:35 Do you like and want to keep the scene? 12:23 Does the part you like require an entire scene? 13:53 Does the information require an entire scene? 15:27 Is it possible to move the information to another scene?
@stansb19ot5atinforte9
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, your vids are helpful. Just you talking is enough.
@lauramyers2276
2 жыл бұрын
So happy to see you are well and ok. I was concerned. Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough couple of years. Wishing you all the best! Everyone is right, your content is awesome!💜💜
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
@morgantraynor2444
2 жыл бұрын
You’re back!!! So glad to see you again. :)
@JoelAdamson
2 жыл бұрын
A lot of KZitemrs start with "sorry I haven't posted in a while," but in this case I have actually been waiting and looking forward to it. Great to see something new, Ellen! Thank you!
@escapeartist1258
8 ай бұрын
I really am going to have to start subbing in the word "obstacle" for "conflict" because I always get the wrong impression when I read that stories need conflict. Obstacle clicks in my brain way better - it implies the character moving forward or toward a goal but then something impedes them, gets in their way.
@MxZui
2 жыл бұрын
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY AND GRATEFUL I AM YOU'VE POSTED AGAIN! WELCOME BACK! YOU'RE ONE OF THE VERY BEST WRITING CHANNELS ON KZitem!!! 👑💛🤗
@kokorodokidoki6437
2 жыл бұрын
me too! 😆
@miaramck6746
2 жыл бұрын
This is why we're subbed to you, lol!
@cravidana1182
2 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh, you're back. I missed you. ❤️
@AroundTheCampfire
2 жыл бұрын
The Return of the Queen! Welcome back :D
@pauligrossinoz
2 жыл бұрын
*That was **_awesome!_* I just polished my outline using these ideas. I moved several scenes slightly forward or backwards - to the previous or next chapter, and then deleted a bunch of useless scenes. I cut a total of 2 full chapters worth of unnecessary scenes, which improved the pacing a lot. I'm left now with a logical, but minimalist, outline that flows through my story quickly. I also decided to add one more constraint to my outline, which is: *All chapter endings need to feel tense to the reader.* That means if the current chapter answers or resolves something that the reader was worried about from the previous chapter, then it has to generate new tension to replace it. Or, alternatively, the chapter has to end with a strong reminder of a previous point of tension that is as-yet unresolved in the story. This principle of "end-each chapter-with-tension" is often achieved by me just moving a scene into the next chapter. Problems have to get disconnected from their resolutions to keep the reader turning those pages. My chapter endings are things like: leaps into the unknown, trying a desperate escape method, or, at least something like receiving an ominous warning note.
@extraHERO
2 жыл бұрын
It always feels like miracle when you come back
@cozyhomemakingvibes
2 жыл бұрын
This notification popped up while I was working on my phone and I was so happy to see it! I was thinking how much I’ve missed your videos just the other day.☀️📚❤️☕️
@wirdoline
Жыл бұрын
🤦♀I literally have a scene in a library that can be scrapped off. Thanks Ellen!
@kellimccalla
2 жыл бұрын
Ah! You found it! "Is it obvious to the reader?" That is going to revolutionize my writing thank you!! I love Easter egg scenes that will pay off later, but it will be incredibly beneficial for me to remember to add something to those scenes that the reader can latch on to more immediately. Not to mention it will hide those moments even better until I'm ready to reveal them. Thank you!!!
@sarahg9060
2 жыл бұрын
Great advice regarding what is actually a conflict and what isn't! Gave me a sort of a-ha moment with my novel in progress.
@nikkinewbie6014
Жыл бұрын
That made me sit up and take notice. That was clarification I didn’t even know that I needed.
@arsenicbug1537
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen! It's been so long! I'm happy to see that you're back. I'll be revisiting your videos as I am about half done with my first book and in the time that you've been gone it seems like I haven't found an editor's channel here that has been quite as good as you in both content and presentation. Welcome back to KZitem 🥰
@Ruylopez778
2 жыл бұрын
While it's not an editing channel per se, I highly recommend the channel Writing for Screens (Glenn Gers). He has a lot of practical and insightful wisdom (like Ellen) without unnecessary fluff or rambling you get on some of the other channels. It's coming from a more 'screenwriting' perspective, but his tools, process and essentials videos all broadly apply to any kind of dramatic or creative writing.
@arsenicbug1537
2 жыл бұрын
@@Ruylopez778 I actually used to listen to a lot of lessons from the screenplay and I’ve read save the cat (and Ellen has it linked in her video description here). Thank you for the suggestion since screenwriting is a very good way for people to learn good structure (and at times may be worth me revisiting since I think there’s a few sections where I need to answer “does the reader need to see this scene”)
@Ruylopez778
2 жыл бұрын
@@arsenicbug1537 No worries. I think Ellen is also a fan of Story Grid (although that is most useful in the revision phase, than writing phase). I also enjoy LFTS, but what I like about Glen's videos is he is approaching it more from the 'creating' side, where LFTS and so on, are more like an analysis of what already works. Both have their uses. Glen's "6 questions" are about focusing on individual scenes and what the purpose is of each one. If there's a specific aspect you're thinking about e.g. pacing, hooks etc 'Writing Excuses' has a massive archive of podcasts you can search also.
@FF-FAN9999
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back! Missed your videos
@VieneLea
2 жыл бұрын
Aaah! I love to see you back! The best booktuber!
@mr.kilroy6818
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen, we missed you so much !.. Whatever Ticket of Distress this Life Rollercoaster has shoved into your hand you have eloquently Desinbarked at the end of this Ride a little more ready for the next ticket to be handed to you..(there's always a next one) You rode it out Well, Why? "Because" your Ellen Brock Pro Editor Extraordinaire.'.LOVED, By all of us Wannabe Rehashers of Story, Lost Keyboard Bards Welcome Back Ellen!
@SuperDPL
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen, I was genuinely worried, because of the radio silence. Take care, we love your videos.
@chrisgeorge3107
2 жыл бұрын
I am so glad you're back. Your advice is great, your intuition is clear, and you are articulate and intelligent. Inexpressibly good content.
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, thank you!
@chrisgeorge3107
2 жыл бұрын
@@EllenBrock I mean it! Glad you saw it, too. 👌🏼
@abbeyBominable123
2 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh! You're back! Yay!
@kristoffer2250
2 жыл бұрын
Been here since the start and imo you're still one of the best among all of the youtubers in the writing community
@ZemogNaes
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen, I never comment on KZitem. Just wanted to say I'm glad to see another of your videos. I don't want to say "welcome back" because you should go at your own pace. You don't have to be "back". Thanks for the new video!
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
@bethanycox6143
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen is baaaaaaaaack!!!! 🙌
@johnpauldagondong2720
2 жыл бұрын
OMG, ELLEN. I WAS JUST THINKING OF YOU!!! SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!
@dwihokaihoanjasmara6356
2 жыл бұрын
It's been a year!! Wellcome Back!!
@villainoir
2 жыл бұрын
Hello, I had your video recommended in my home and I, of course, had to click. Then I realised this is your first upload in a year. I just want to say thank you to all authortubes in this platform who make information as accessible as possible. As someone who doesn't have enough money to go to workshops and live in a country with poor literary culture, videos like yours could be the only one that we can count of. Welcome back!
@dubugman
2 жыл бұрын
So glad to see you back!
@LoveSaidNo
2 жыл бұрын
This comes at the perfect moment! I‘ve just read my worst chapter ever and I appreciate your help very, very much. Thanks a lot! Edit: I actually think of printing this diagram and using it for editing my chapters. This is awesome helpful
@rotsu6599
2 жыл бұрын
This has been incredibly helpful for me, just information wise. I tend to, in my first draft, write everything out, long form and then as I edit, I struggle to condense it down. This list of criteria should make it a lot easier for me to actually pick and choose what gets cut, or just condensed into a smaller scene or combined into a smaller section to save space. I really can't thank you enough! (Putting it in with the Brandon Sanderson Lectures for 'go-to writing advice, I am.)
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad you found it helpful! Thank you!
@linx8617
Жыл бұрын
I have just started writing short stories for kicks (maybe a novel in the medium future) and this is exactly what I needed. Ellen's blog is a gold mine of knowledge for writers.
@AlyssaMatesic
2 жыл бұрын
Wow, the flow chart graphic is beautiful! Glad to see you back on KZitem again!
@MsRezar
2 жыл бұрын
(: I'm so happy to see you posting again. :) You approach writing like a skill, a science, as it deserves. You give us deep dive into problems of writing and simple, clear examples. I couldn't find replacements for your videos. Besides, I can't wait for the next video. It's been a while since I watched your last, and most sources cover writer's types only briefly. A dedicated video for each type sounds perfect. Edit: If you would have any advice that would be even better. Organized pantser here! ;) Take care, and welcome back!
@kokorodokidoki6437
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I'd love practical advice for the 4 types. I just know that I'm one of the hybrid types. ❤️
@BlakeH666
2 жыл бұрын
Return of the Queen!
@fie2281
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back! I was just binge watching your older videos a couple days ago.
@celessehinton9081
2 жыл бұрын
Your tips and lessons are the reason my manuscript feels authentic and reads well. So glad to see you back online!
@Dado_cz
2 жыл бұрын
Yaaay, Ellen is back! We missed you🙂
@NadiaMyFavoriteWorld
2 жыл бұрын
I found you from my bookstagrammer friend! I am so happy because I am in a writers block! I started a novel months ago and for two (almost) months I haven't write anything! I am pantser and it's so difficult because I don't know how can I suppress some scenes. I think that is time to be a pantser as many writers. I have friends author's who always tell me to have a plot before begin. To methodology my draft. Maybe it's the right time! Thank you for all!! 🌻 Go on! ❣️✒️
@lostboi2271
2 жыл бұрын
What a pleasant coincidence, just last week I was looking up a few videos of yours and now you're back 😄
@Randomcorpse
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, I've missed these videos. Welcome back!!! It's a tough thing to monitor, because often scenes simply add seasoning to a story, and as a writer that makes it tough to omit. But this is a really great breakdown. As I stick to a single storyverse (per genre) I also feel obligated to additionally task even short stories with general worldbuilding, which is fine when it blends ambiently in, but I find it can sometimes snag a reader's interest, distorting their expectation of further focus on an almost flippant element.
@tamarleahh.2150
2 жыл бұрын
I've watched a few videos on this topic but the way you're explaining it is still really helpful!
@johnthompson5335
Жыл бұрын
I have screen-captured the flow chart because it is so helpful. Thank you!
@freshlybrewedtruth5600
9 күн бұрын
really enjoyed this video. Your explanation about how to move the plot forward without just throwing random conflict in the story..really brought some clarity to problems I'm having in writing my story.
@GreenBlueWalkthrough
2 жыл бұрын
Yay your back! And great video although the chart needs to have a pacing and world building braches to cover sences with out conflict, Vital information or plot. Like in my first book I had a rule if I spent to chapters on non stop action I would need 1 chapter of pacing and or Filler to build out the world, let the characters conect and give the reader a breather.
@wolfsign9168
2 жыл бұрын
Im not writing a novel but i love ur old videos :D hope ur ok and able to upload!
@authorliswrenn
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I've the halfway on writing my story but I always feel something goes wrong in my novel. But I just don't have any ideas how to find out what is wrong. Your insight was incredible, and I am really grateful that I came across your video.
@gabgonzales4570
2 жыл бұрын
Eyyyy, welcome back queen! Looking forward to seeing more of you in the future!
@qine6559
2 жыл бұрын
Super happy to see you back!!! So happy to see you!!!
@lonegunman0616
2 жыл бұрын
Omg. You're back. So happy. Need you to finish the series you left on.
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
My next video will be in that series! Thanks!
@DTHRocket
2 жыл бұрын
YOU"RE BACK! Woo
@stefanomaggio5109
2 жыл бұрын
The return of the OG
@hedgehogsonic11
2 жыл бұрын
THE QUEEN HAS RETURNED
@OdeezyBaby18
2 жыл бұрын
You're back! Today is such a good day!
@MrMJrules
2 жыл бұрын
Yay!!! So glad to see you’re back! As always, your videos couldn’t come at a better time! 😊
@TheToneBender
2 жыл бұрын
Oo she's back. I literally just saw another video of you pop up in my recommended and wondered when you'd make another one :-)
@joesjoeys
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen Brock, novel editor, is back BABY!!!! I've missed your absence and look forward to new content!
@gayatri555
2 жыл бұрын
There are times when you care abour a creator beyond what they create. You fall in that category Glad you are ok
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! That means a lot to me.
@MeeraNair
2 жыл бұрын
Hey, Ellen! I recently discovered your channel, and have been binge-watching your videos for the past month. They've been so helpful, especially for planning my NaNoWriMo project. And it makes me so happy to see a new video on your channel! 😁 Thanks for all your help 🙌🏼
@cece_is_me6268
2 жыл бұрын
You're back!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeeeaaaaahhh! Your advice is game changing and love your concise delivery with examples. I prayed this day would come! 😊
@SuperTrainStationH
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you're back and I like the way you say "draama".
@zachindes
4 ай бұрын
Great specific info. In the moment it’s difficult to ask these questions so to have a chart is awesome
@CsnvLsRnst
2 жыл бұрын
You really have no idea how happy I am to see you back :)
@kellimccalla
2 жыл бұрын
Yaaaaayyyy I've missed you! Can't wait to learn when I have some alone time!
@WriterBrandonMcNulty
2 жыл бұрын
The legend is back! Loved this video for its simplicity and depth. I'll be saving that flowchart for my next round of revisions. Keep the videos coming!
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Brandon!
@milestrombley1466
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. I only focus on plot-driven stories when I outline my work. That way I know my scenes keep the story moving.
@KatieWillems
2 жыл бұрын
Your videos on structure were golden for me. Got me through a story beginning to end (and all the in between!) for the first time ever. I'd be so interested in what a revamped structure video would be like! Thanks for all your help :D
@clairerendulic2465
2 жыл бұрын
Happy you are back. One on the best writing channels available. This is good news during a hard week.
@gedankenpilze2810
2 жыл бұрын
A lot of information - thank you! I'll need to rewatch this several times
@emma-leefortune8331
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back Ellen!!!!!!
@escalofriada
2 жыл бұрын
Ellen! You're back! I was really worry because you didn't post something on your social media since the lookdown, I even sent an email asking you if you were okay 😂 I'm glad you're back and looking fine! THANK YOU FOR YOUR AMAZING VIDEOS
@SMACKtheSoupGoblin
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back!!! I think I can speak for everyone when I say we were worried and we’re glad you are safe and healthy 🥰
@A.H._
2 жыл бұрын
i'm so glad you're back! looking forward to your new videos!
@malastrom884
2 жыл бұрын
oooh i'm so happy to see you back! I already feel this new video will be super helpful!
@chrish1645
2 жыл бұрын
I was just watching some of your older videos yesterday. Super glad to see you posting again. Super helpful video as well. At first I thought "Oh yeah I got this, make sure the scene moves the plot. I knew that", but then you went five layers deeper. I also have to say I'm surprised you're not writing yourself (or maybe you are) given your obviously excellent grasp of novel structure, and editing techniques. Regardless, thank you for sharing so many good tips and techniques. I Hope 2022 is better for you, and everyone here.
@letskillbunny
2 жыл бұрын
so glad you’re back!!
@AeliosArt
2 жыл бұрын
Good to see you back. Been struggling with this exact thing, and too many channels give too vague of advice lol. Love how practical and easy-to-use your advice if. Hope your life makes room for more content like this
@fffan147
2 жыл бұрын
welcome back again I enjoy quality content that isnt pumped out constantly.
@Francisluther-p3x
10 ай бұрын
Its really awesome to hear from an editor directly. Thanks for all the amazing content.
@enchantlit8442
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back Ellen!! 💕
@orangenblue6981
2 жыл бұрын
Happy you’re back. Your channel Has helped my writing so much!
@mischarowe
2 жыл бұрын
Welcome back. Always a treat to watch your videos. :)
@Pumpkinshaker
2 жыл бұрын
You’re back! 🌟😃
@JCbeMe
2 жыл бұрын
THIS IS NOT A DRILL, SHE'S BACK!
@huyluonggia6403
2 жыл бұрын
Clicked as soon as I see new video uploaded. I discovered your channel a while ago and found all your advice work really well for me, but I was so sad to see your last video was a year ago. I assume you've quitted KZitem. So glad you're back. Love your contents as always. Can't wait for more videos from you!
@AlessandraWoodward
2 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh you're baaaaccckkk!!!! Best writing videos on KZitem . Can't wait to watch.
@TheArnaa
2 жыл бұрын
Great to see you again. 😀. The chart is very helpful. I have a what I call a “Little Darlings File” for each story I write. This is where I put the scenes I don’t want to delete because I really like them, but they have to be removed from the story because they don’t work in that context.
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
That's a great idea!
@luckytrevelyan115
2 жыл бұрын
It's so good to have you back! I've been writing for a couple of years now and started looking for resources on KZitem since the beginning, and I can say that your channel is one of the best; you give such fresh information and/or look at problems in ways I just don't see anywhere else. You've been a huge part of my creative journey and my writing wouldn't be the same without your help. Thank you and, once again, welcome back!
@EllenBrock
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so glad I was able to help. Thank you!
@Raelunil
2 жыл бұрын
I am so happy you're back and doing well! ☺️ I look forward to the in-depth dive into the different writer types!
@elijahm.7179
2 жыл бұрын
ELLEN LIVES!!!! THE WORLD IS RIGHT AGAIN
@Pystoria
2 жыл бұрын
Waking up to the notification for this video was surreal
@robrumble3991
2 жыл бұрын
So glad to see you back, Ellen! This video couldn't have come at a better time! 😁
@owyheemountains6766
2 жыл бұрын
okay, I haven't even watched the video yet but had to write this first. I am soooooo excited to see you back!!! And, I see you put out another one on writing types a couple weeks ago. Again so glad you're back. Without a doubt you give the best possible advice for a wannabe writer like myself. Alright then, now to watch these two videos. Yea!!!
@drjqool
2 жыл бұрын
By the way, I'm very glad you are back to making videos. You provide very insightful content that is helpful to all aspiring writers or for readers who want to be more astute. Keep it up. You are doing the world a service (unlike most youtubers and "influencers").
@moodby
2 жыл бұрын
You're back! I've found your videos very helpful as an aspiring writer, thank you so much!
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