An example for #2: This is actually from a movie, but in a way it still counts. The movie Tangled begins with the simple, shocking line "This is the story of how I died."
@nameerfolgreichgeandert2131
5 жыл бұрын
... and follows it up with: "But don't worry, it's actually pretty funny." (paraphrasing cause I don't know the English version)
@Alkemisti
5 жыл бұрын
I always wonder when I watch videos like this: Do people actually read the beginning of the book in a bookstore? I never do that. I read the back cover text and see how long the chapters are. I never read the first lines and become hooked by them. I rather become hooked by the general idea of the novel.
@wingardiumleviosa9830
4 жыл бұрын
True. If I see an interesting looking book, I always just read the blurb. It gives you a clearer idea of whether the book is actually any good.
@noob_improove
3 жыл бұрын
Feels good that I'm not alone. I'm also even a little saddened that half of writer-directed youtube sector is speaking about how first lines of the novel have to hook you right away. Sure, you don't want to be boring, but I personally like somewhat slow/contemplative development.
@fareedomar9393
3 жыл бұрын
I just look at the blurb as well. Not all popular books have first lines or first pages that hook a person. That’s another reason why I always give a book a few chapters before deciding whether it’s a good book or not
@victoriajohnson6331
3 жыл бұрын
I do!
@shanerooney7288
3 жыл бұрын
In a book store? I don't. Online? All the time. The blurb (brief description of the story, usually on the back of the book) will tell me if I want to START reading. The first chapter is a good indicator of if I want to KEEP reading. The first few lines... Well, first impressions and all that.
@thatcrazydaisey3437
5 жыл бұрын
My novels hook: "Do you know how much street credit you get in the Underworld for owning the deceased head of Olympus's Heir? Yeah, me neither. But it must be a lot, because the monster chasing me looks pretty determined."
@thatcrazydaisey3437
5 жыл бұрын
@Kira Lou it's not even close to finished, but, if youd like, you can be a beta reader.
@berenicethegirl
5 жыл бұрын
@@thatcrazydaisey3437 how does one become a beta reader? 😁
@thatcrazydaisey3437
5 жыл бұрын
@@berenicethegirl is there a way I could message you?
@kimseokjin6541
5 жыл бұрын
@@thatcrazydaisey3437 me too me too
@kimseokjin6541
5 жыл бұрын
I d like to apply as your "beta" reader too
@kimberlyswartz138
5 жыл бұрын
I've always wanted a video about cross genres and how to pick them
@johannageisel5390
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah. Lovecraftian Horror + Romance, please.
@theoneonyoutube4925
4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic Cross Genres and How To Pick Them
@garrettb.3960
5 жыл бұрын
I’m the one who suggested this! Thank you so much Vivian! I’m a very happy subscriber. I remember requesting this in your travel video. :)
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
I tried to find your comment to put in my video but KZitem was sabotaging my efforts! Thanks for the great suggestion 😊
@garrettb.3960
5 жыл бұрын
Oh! New video idea! What about the *last* five pages? Or the last chapter?
@KutWrite
5 жыл бұрын
You are more beautiful after having your baby. There, I said it. Fine video, too, as usual.
@mayboks
5 жыл бұрын
.... could you talk about do’s and don’ts for making character stereotypes......... it’s fine if you can’t I just wanted to ask. You can do it if you want to....
@peyton3364
5 жыл бұрын
Perfect timing! I just finished my manuscript and am about to begin editing so this helps a ton, thank you!!!
@Lilybelle-vr3ho
2 жыл бұрын
Ugh I began to edit my novel, but then me and my friends started working on the next one and I have lost complete interest. Story of my life. Hope your editing went better than mine lol!
@Valentina-ng4hh
5 жыл бұрын
I'm fairly new to your channel but I have a very important question. What if you know what you want to say but don't know how to say it?
@woden__
5 жыл бұрын
Look at how you want to set up the story, and then think of what would set up the story the best and as for just starting to write it, absolute nonsense and then edit it to your liking until you eventually get the 5 pages down
@nuvagown6209
5 жыл бұрын
oof ive been there too
@r.harlansmith7282
5 жыл бұрын
If you don't know how to say it, you "don't" know want you want to say.
@mikjanakiev4782
5 жыл бұрын
write 20 sentences about the same line...
@TomorrowWeLive
4 жыл бұрын
I mean, that's basically the process of becoming a writer, learning how to articulate your ideas. The best thing you can do is to read more, and to read intelligently, paying attention to what the author is doing on the page.
@gloomhavenmusic
5 жыл бұрын
Great tips here; especially about injecting a little conflict early on. I’ve read so many books where there’s no conflict until the inciting incident (and sometimes not even there), and that’s more than enough reason for me to DNF a book.
@Lilybelle-vr3ho
2 жыл бұрын
I know right?
@alext5182
5 жыл бұрын
Will you do a video on where to find the best budget friendly editors and how to edit your own book well enough to publish it
@REALmikegordan
5 жыл бұрын
Okay, this is the start of my book: Prologue Chapter 1: Flashback within flashback Chapter 2: Flashback Chapter 3: In medias Reis Chapter 4: Origin story on the complete history of the universe Chapter 5: Dream sequence within a dream sequence Chapter 6: Dream sequence Chapter 7: Main character waking up and getting ready for their day Chapter 8: Complete history of main character's family, hometown, and history Chapter 9: Exposition dump involving the plot Chapter 10: Coffee shop scene Just kidding. I began with a prelude establishing an all-encompassing narrator in conflict with the central protagonist. Then in Chapter 1, the nameless, faceless protagonist (as of yet) drives around on his motorcycle and kills three dragons in three unique ways (assassination via sniper rifle, mercy kill with sword to the head, and combat using swords, a grenade, and shotgun). No dialogue yet, but I'm going to experiment a bit.
@skullytaylor6095
10 ай бұрын
😂
@5Gburn
8 ай бұрын
Love the wordplay with Vivien's last name! 😂
@cjgrant5449
3 жыл бұрын
5:58 “Promising your reader there will be plenty of struggle from the first page is a great way to hook them” 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 easily one of the greatest words of literary advice I have ever heard!!!
@theBORGman
5 жыл бұрын
I have to say this - you have the most "interesting" face (that's a compliment). I have stopped the video a dozen times to take a note, and no matter what frame I stop it on you look fabulous or funny or interesting. *This from a guy with a face for radio - you can stop a video of me on any frame you like and I look odd.
@r.i.p.4485
4 жыл бұрын
RADIO FACE--- my friend this sounds like story title, perhaps you can use this as a rom-com or if your really diabolical like me lol it could be a horror.
@kitana5583
5 жыл бұрын
I’m really struggling with side plots. I would love to see a video on how to develop side plots in a novel.
@Darkri56789
4 жыл бұрын
AMJ55 she already has one
@Lilybelle-vr3ho
2 жыл бұрын
the thing about side plots is you have to start them without knowing what's going to happen. At first, it always seems unrelated, but in the end it plays a huge part. It's one of those "Go with the flow" things that I really hate, but it actually works. And if it doesn't, no sweat... unless it's a series.
@aceymichaelis9254
5 жыл бұрын
Yay, a new video! I've been binge-watching some of your older ones lol
@Hxarh
5 жыл бұрын
"Tips for the first five pages!" *Shows ten fingers* 😂
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
(whispers) Spirit fingers!
@ExpatCookcom-ni7pl
5 жыл бұрын
Can you talk about how to create loathsome yet likable characters?
@RacingSnails64
5 жыл бұрын
ExpatCook.com conviction. they have a job and they do it well. you kinda respect them even though they're doing a bad thing, and them enjoying themselves a little bit helps too.
@blueyyy5961
5 жыл бұрын
You also have to make the readers simpathetic to the char. even if they don't agree with them Do this with backstory: family, "ghosts", etc
@jc6086
5 жыл бұрын
Give them a painful backstory! Something we can relate to that made them who they are, even if it was a long time ago.
@renpawlowski942
4 жыл бұрын
make a snape
@daniellaj6235
5 жыл бұрын
How do you get in touch with your characters? like I’m always hearing “let your characters take control of the story “ but exactly how do I do that.
@Raycheetah
5 жыл бұрын
While this isn't likely to be immediately helpful (unless you wish to adopt a new hobby), having played, and especially having moderated, roleplaying games made writing self-actuating characters come naturally to me. A shortcut might be informal skull sessions with your writing group (if you have one), proposing simple scenarios and seeing how different characters respond to them and to other characters *in character*. It might feel silly, but it might also turn out to be a lot of fun, and can definitely strengthen those characters in your head before you actually write about them. =^[.]^=
@Redtecho
5 жыл бұрын
Just have really in-depth characters before you start writing.
@RileyKohler
5 жыл бұрын
So it’s pretty normal and natural for your characters to develop as you’re writing. You can have a basic idea of who they are when you start, but not have them fully realized with unique speech patterns, quirks, etc. The more you write, the more you figure out these things out by trying stuff on and seeing what fits. You’ll get a feel for the more minor aspects of these characters, or even decide to completely change a major aspect of them because a different goal/motivation now fits better with their personality. (And then you fix the beginning where the character’s personality isn’t present yet during the second draft, so don’t worry about a mismatch.) Really, it comes down to trial and error and going with what makes you happiest and makes most sense. And then you build from there. You go with your intuition and let aspects of your story be malleable and flexible and change them when it’s suitable for how your characters develop. A personal example, I originally meant for my main character to be pretty charismatic and good at talking to people. But as I wrote, I realized I liked a more sensitive and emotional prose for him. That lead to him being shy and anxious, and then he had a full blown anxiety disorder, which made him less charismatic and less people-savvy. This actually fixed an issue I had with my outline, where an instance of miscommunication throws him into the Darkest Hour, but his miscommunication originally just made him look like an asshole and I feared he wouldn’t be redeemable. Now, he has a miscommunication issue because of his anxiety disorder holding him back from expressing his true thoughts and feelings, which is much more redeemable than just being an asshole to his boyfriend. So I basically let him “take the lead” with the story and adapted my plot ideas to fit him better, and that ended up making the plot a lot better. That’s how you do it. This might sound hard to do, and it might be at first, but the only way to get better at it is to keep doing it. And you’ll find that you can do it. You’ll see what I mean by all this when you get there. I really hope this was helpful, and I wish you all the luck on your writing endeavors!
@ickorling7328
5 жыл бұрын
Think about this, ever had a friend where you typically agree on everything and when you hang out you run out of things to do? Now contrast that to somebody youve got a conflict with and maybe a few confidantes, now theres a situation.
@scottstudios5430
5 жыл бұрын
Can you make a video about staying in your character's voice? It's something I struggle with constantly.
@heffthehecked
5 жыл бұрын
Benjamin Bush mood, situation, likes, dislikes, beliefs, values, dominant personality traits and other factors should help, but knowing your character is key.
@anabellawildern1328
4 жыл бұрын
I love when books give facts about the real world so that's how I started my novel but since their facts about the moon I'm worried people might think it's si-fi.
@khushibhatnagar9b607
5 жыл бұрын
I wanna self publish my book but I'm just 13. Does it need to be an adult for that?
@haileykeona1476
5 жыл бұрын
No I'm 11 maybe we can work together?
@kaia2749
5 жыл бұрын
Thirteen year old here, I just assumed that self publishing would be too complicated for my lifestyle once I write it
@KatSperlingBooks
5 жыл бұрын
It's great that you're writing a book at your young age :)! I love your enthusiasm! When it comes to publishing, consider waiting a bit longer. You're at an age where you're still learning a lot, not only about writing, but also about life itself. I think you'll be able to publish a better book a little later on.
@clarencejohnson8964
5 жыл бұрын
You might have to wait, but definitely don't give up and keep writing throughout the years! Coming from a 17 year old who started when he was 11ish! Good luck!
@psychologic__
5 жыл бұрын
I’m 15. I turn 16 This September. 👋
@blueyyy5961
5 жыл бұрын
I also feel like the little conflicts in the beginning should be the Internal Conflict (MC's Need)
@N94-z6s
3 жыл бұрын
My story doesn't start with my main character. Gonna rewrite again ☹️
@nuvagown6209
5 жыл бұрын
where should I write my novel? I've been using google docs to write but I don't know if its the right place
@gracechapman2605
5 жыл бұрын
Blurry Honedge try Scrivener
@davidcurren2587
5 жыл бұрын
Blurry Honedge I use Microsoft word. I like the 2012 version personally.
@artofphillipdallas
5 жыл бұрын
I use Google docs and love I can use it anywhere and on whatever device I choose.
@johannageisel5390
5 жыл бұрын
@@gracechapman2605 Campfire might also worth a look. www.campfiretechnology.com/
@user-xz4qt3bi5f
5 жыл бұрын
Personally, I use Microsoft word, which is just cause I already had it for school. I recommend you use it instead of google docs because it has many more options.
@kalyanbiswal7771
4 жыл бұрын
Can you make a video on: 1. How to bring emotions into each character 2. How to write fillers to make my novel longer and entertaining
@JJMcgechan
Жыл бұрын
Opening lines are a myth. Don’t be fooled, I’ve never read a first line and put any faith in the book as a whole.
@diondredubose
5 жыл бұрын
THank you so much for this😭
@mahamo92
5 жыл бұрын
My question is, How not to repeat your tone of voice in every new novel 🙏💡😀
@faithstanley2263
5 жыл бұрын
In Short: You need to dwelve deeper into the character and therefore voice of the leader of the story. Whether that be your protagonist, antagonist or some other narrator. Whoever tells the story has their own perspective on life and the situation and the people involved and that impacts how it comes off to the reader. Consider the tone you want to portray, along with the main theme. Then pick the character who's backstory would best portray that. Or if you choose a 3rd pov narrator, determine which type works best. (limited, deep, omniscient, etc.)
@Ahumanbeing22
5 жыл бұрын
You were like the very first person I ever subscribed to, I love your videos! Could you maybe do one on screenwriting? What are your thoughts on screenwriting? Or if you haven't tried it maybe you could do a trying it out video. Thanks 😁
@heffthehecked
5 жыл бұрын
i think the most important tip for writing the first five pages is to know where your story starts, and using some reference from reading past books’ first five pages for help.
@zubaerchaudhari8267
5 жыл бұрын
Vivien Reis hey
@WriterMarkusRegius
5 жыл бұрын
These are great tips! And number four actually gave me a revelation about my work in progress, and why my beginning is actually pretty good, even though I start after the inciting incident :)
@authortillypopp
5 жыл бұрын
I’m so glad I checked all these boxes when editing my first book! Also, are you still going to do a video on making an Author website with Wix?? Because that would be super helpful!! Love you!
@Leto85
5 жыл бұрын
6:06 Gods, you're so funny. :) It's always so nice to see your uploads with those practical tips. Keep em coming, please! I like your style.
@haleeisbell3226
5 жыл бұрын
What about a video about the things that you love to see in books? I adore it when writers gush about parts of books that get them excited!
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
Such a good idea! I feel like there's too many "negative" videos (things I hate, worst things, etc). Added to the list!
@tareyabansal2448
3 жыл бұрын
Please make a video to tell how do I fix plot holes of my story.
@toriality6602
5 жыл бұрын
I love this!
@shahjhanhaider26
Жыл бұрын
First impression is the last impression
@trashbandityt
5 жыл бұрын
If you haven’t already made a video on it, how about a video on world building or character introductions in fantasy novels.
@jcm9097
5 жыл бұрын
Do you have any advice on prologues? I’ve heard some people say that prologues are overdone and dilute the rest of the story, but I’m currently considering the use of one as a way to tell a backstory that will play a big part later in the book.
@thomasgs6961
5 жыл бұрын
i needed to hear that today. Its been a rough couple.of months and I had paused writting, but listening to this gave me the small push I needed. Thanks, will be watching your videos regularly
@Lilybelle-vr3ho
2 жыл бұрын
I really need to get back into the writing flow...
@Mikeztarp
5 жыл бұрын
Good tips. One bit of feedback though: it's not "in media ray" but "in medias res". It's Latin; it means "in the middle of the thing". :)
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
Woops! Watching it back I dropped the S's in my pronunciation 😦
@Mikeztarp
5 жыл бұрын
@@VivienReis No worries. Not everyone is forced to take seven years of Latin classes like I was. ^^
@Rey-bg7fk
4 жыл бұрын
I can't ignore the fact that she's looking at her right every 10 sec🤦🏻♀️
@Will-ek6ww
4 жыл бұрын
Same. She's probably reading off somthing.
@elenashkvar9656
5 жыл бұрын
Hi Vivien! Maybe you can give some tips on how to write scripts for graphic novels/films (I personally put them in one category). Is there a particular differences in approach to write scripts rather than novel? It might be not entirely related to your channel's theme but since it's about writing... I'd appreciate;) Cheers!
@nadasenchetty4460
3 жыл бұрын
Howbdo u write a play
@jennimorgan394
Жыл бұрын
In my first 4,000 words, which began with mom (#1) in the delivery room current time, first person. From there it falls into a back story that is being told (#1) 10-15 years in the future. Still in first person. But the actor is talking about the past between the opening to the current moment. I’m wanting to take this life story that is about the protagonist in chunks of time. Sometimes in the mom’s voice, sometimes in the protagonist’s, but always first person. Amateurs overdo stuff,… Am i getting Into a Slaughterhouse Five, time and place confusion? Or is it okay that the first person role can switch between protagonists, and maybe even into a third person portion? Is this foolish, looking for trouble, or if properly done and clear in movement between voices, is it within boundaries (i have no idea what boundaries means😂🏳️⚧️) I’m glad I tuned into your channel, you’ve already answered several unasked queries.
@danieladollentas2365
2 жыл бұрын
Can you please compare or tell us the difference between the PROLOGUE and CHAPTER 1
@rowan404
Жыл бұрын
What if my book begins with a prologue taking place before the protagonist’s birth that follows the protagonist’s mom instead? In that case, is it okay to not start with the main character?
@hollowknight290
Жыл бұрын
Hi, Miss Vivian! I really appreciate your content and because of you, I'm really looking forward and motivated to once and for all, embark on my own journey in making my first Wattpad novel (or story, I don't know the term 😅). I have a suggestion for a video, but I will respect the decision if you decide not to do so because I know this will be arduous for you. As a 14 year-old non-English native speaker/writer, can you make a video saying: 1. commonly-used phrases or words that writers put in the start, between, and in the end of the story, 2. words that are kind of easy to spell out but hard to use it in a sentence, especially for me, again, as non-native English speaker (our English teacher calls those types of words, highfalutin words, so yeah 😅). Anyways, that is all I can suggest for video content and I'm looking forward for more great videos aboyt writing like this one. Take care ❤ Love from Philippines 😊💛
@Vishleshan1999
3 жыл бұрын
"Me and my mom were happy with our life. But then I came to know a truth. Truth that changed everything. But one thing was that I will not have to give exams for my twelfth standard. In my view it was the biggest danger But the future was even more dangerous." First paragraph of my novel...is it good or i make it more good?
@TheDuncanStudios2000
Жыл бұрын
I was actually wondering if you could do a video about character development... Like a protagonists journey from a form of revenge to a hero of righteousness... That kind of thing... If you dont mind... Ive tried Googling it but it all came out as a jumble of words... And yes, i know this is an old video...
@ihavelemonade5640
4 жыл бұрын
My book's first lines. Idk if it's any good, but I like it. ,,Life is beautiful (Until it isn't, but no one cares about that). We're doing just great (No, we're starving). Well, at least we have a house to live in. Oh yeah... about that. It's burning down." And then the scene starts and their house is burning down.
@haroldcarverbooks
2 жыл бұрын
My view on writing a book or novel is to first have a story to tell. A hook is okay, but I feel that if I show my biggest fireworks first then the demand on me is to have even greater fireworks throughout the book. I've noticed that in all great works of written material and film the story starts at the bottom and works it's way up to the climax and resolution. I'm a aci-fi fan and in good sci-fi novels and movies the plot start off in some no importance town where the people are going about their daily lives where there's nothing to stand out and say HOLY-COW! Then along the way the villain begins to appear and grow on prominence. Then there is a conflict, a climax, and a resolution. There are at least nine elements to writing and movies. They don't have to be in particular order. 1. The plot (the canvass or the painting background where the story is told) 2. The protagonist (the innocent victim, the object of being the prey, the oppressed, etc.) 3. The antagonist (villain, evil force, malevolent being or creature) 4. The comedy incident 5. The love scene 6. The hero scene 7. The ethical issues scene 8. The us verses them scene 9. Then there is the story within the story (this is a work of art) where sub plots are told. You can have more than one. Stephen King is an expert of telling the story within the story 10. The slow build to the climax brings us to the resolution. The resolution is where we look back at what happened and consider the future ahead. We count the bodies, look at the victories, and contemplate the present. I have two written books that have all of this. I won't mention them here unless Vivien gives permission to do so. She's a very good writer and I've followed her page for years along with Mandy Lynn, another good writer. I enjoy their videos.
@mjmpictures69
5 жыл бұрын
Whatever you do, never make a deal with a Werewolf. You might get yourself hurt or worse DEAD! I was running away from a burning skull thrown by a cannibalistic witch, to a demonic werewolf who will possibly kill me and my family. And i didn’t mention the worst part: I am trying to fly a horse and hold on to the Lightning SpearTM. You may be asking yourself: Dear Nikolai, how did you get to this point. It is because I am a fool. You see, I am a storyteller by nature, by ancestry and hopefully by trade. I didn’t want to be the Hero. I wanted to be the narrator of the story. Entertaining folks, making folks laugh, cry and inspired. Eh but fate told me otherwise, I am the Hero. It is not as glamorous as guslari will sing of.
@madigacha9921
3 жыл бұрын
I’m writing a book about my friends,it’s going to be merch,but for my future fans,there is only 1 copy,it’s called Notebook
@Ed-lz4jv
2 жыл бұрын
Good video! Yeah I need to Axe the old wake up to alarm clock beginning LOL ...Working on a coming of age type contemporary novel, got some good ideas to keep it interesting, need to work on emotional dialog, Show don't tell. doing the chapter with scene arcs formula.
@rawanali2140
5 жыл бұрын
Loved your tips..ur actually helping me one my road of becoming a better writer..thnx allot💙💙💙
@titanosaurusltd632
4 жыл бұрын
Mines about giant monsters, and an allegory for global warming. It starts with two monsters breaking free, and destroying Jakarta
@psychologic__
5 жыл бұрын
I’m a 15 year old writer working on a novel right now with 27,000 words. My novel begins with a short, but intriguing prologue. Is this okay?
@gloomhavenmusic
5 жыл бұрын
Jaythan Grant You might think it’s intriguing, but the truth is that a lot of readers will skip the prologue and go straight to the first chapter. If you’re going to have a prologue, make sure it is a valuable and crucial part of the story-with information the reader won’t get elsewhere. If a reader can skip your prologue and feel as though they haven’t missed anything, then you should cut the prologue; of course, you’re not going to know for your particular project until you get some beta readers. For now, just write the story the way you want to write it. 🙂
@KutWrite
5 жыл бұрын
Editors I've talked to don't like prologues, introductions or prefaces. In non-fiction, I think they're more common.
@psychologic__
5 жыл бұрын
KutWrite My novel is more of a fantasy.
@psychologic__
5 жыл бұрын
Tye Green With my prologue, if they read it, then they will have a better understanding of everything. By skipping it, they’ll feel slight confusion, but can catch on.
@psychologic__
5 жыл бұрын
It also foreshadows special information about an important character early on. This information can’t really be found elsewhere.
@artofphillipdallas
5 жыл бұрын
This was a helpful video. I was watching and realized something I need to change in my first chapter. I just finished the first draft over the holiday weekend and this helps with my editing I'm doing now.
@Lilybelle-vr3ho
2 жыл бұрын
can you do a video on getting back on an abandoned but really good book that you were writing but then got distracted with other ideas? Or have you already done that...
@antiHUMANDesigns
4 жыл бұрын
I have an issue with this. I'm currently writing my first novel, high fantasy. It appears important that I introduce the main character in the beginning, and her starting point for her character development, but this has to go on for about 8 pages before things really start taking off. I make sure to hint at an upcoming event, but I'm wondering if this is enough to keep someone reading past those first 8 pages, until the true character/plot of the story is revealed. The beginning is basically intentionally different than what cames after those 8 pages. Any thoughts on this? If I try to add too many hooks or teases, it will extend those 8 pages even further. :/ Oh, and the first line of the book (first draft, at least) is "It started with a strange smell." and then it says nothing more about that until a few pages later, where it reaffirms this tease about a smell, and then goes back to focusing on character introduction/establishment until page 8, where the plot actually begins.
@haroldcarverbooks
2 жыл бұрын
All successful written works, and movies all have the slow beginning that builds into the climax. Look for my post and I give some details on this. If you use all the fireworks at the beginning and the book doesn't deliver even greater hooks and pizazz through, it will lose luster and probably won't be completely read through. The ides is to keep the reader interested in the main character at the beginning with something interesting about him or her. Opening: Main character with subplot built in. Tommy wasn't really as bright as he might have thought as he pushed his way through the tall grass looking for the entrance to the temple of Dwong-wi of the ancient tribal nation of the Dwong. He could've been back home in Cincinnati working for his Dad at the Total Care Insurance Company. It was good pay for the work but not for him; he was an explorer at heart. Up ahead he could see the pinnacle of the temple above the grass and hurried until he entered a small clearing. The sound of thumping drums came from within. Smoke began to flow out of the tip of the pinnacle and be carried with the wind. Suddenly a dark figure appeared in the doorway. Fear gripped him. Panic set in. He wanted to run. He wanted to scream. He just wanted to leave.
@deborahbabadele3981
2 жыл бұрын
My name is Deborah I am from Atlanta Georgia! how to write my first novel my suggestion is an unkindness of ravens
@okamisensei7270
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, write the best first five pages and then make the rest of the book a cliche or pastiche of something else. The grinding wheel of recapitulation keeps turning. Write something new for a change, please
@s.k.1603
3 жыл бұрын
Opening lines don't always do it for me. Sometimes I'll read the first couple pages and if it still doesn't catch my attention then I put it down generally
@davidcurren2587
5 жыл бұрын
Have you made a video about having a prologue or skipping to chapter 1?
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
This might have some info for you ☺️ How to Write a Prologue (and if you should!) kzitem.info/news/bejne/rWityKuub6pypKg
@RacingSnails64
5 жыл бұрын
David Curren personally i was going to open with a prologue, but things were much more realistic and grabbing to open with the initial meeting of two characters, then sneaking in the prologue in flashbacks or exposition.
@antiHUMANDesigns
4 жыл бұрын
The high fantasy novel I'm writing is in strict PoV Limited. I write nothing that the main protagonist doesn't know or experience, and I never switch PoV. The problem with this is that seems harder to build tension compared to an omniscient perspective if you can't hint at things coming the character's way befcause the character woulnd't know that.
@abookintime1961
5 жыл бұрын
always love your videos! def need to watch them more often thank u for the tips :))
@abrahampower1211
3 жыл бұрын
I have a idea about this to write a book with a leadership how to have a leadership on mothership family ship so have a good idea about that I have the feeling to to write a book but I don't know how to go about so can you help me out of the ride my book my personal book and the story leadership book so I hope you can help me out how to get out to be publish my book thank you for your inconvenience time.
@Venttex
5 жыл бұрын
Tips on building suspense! Pretty broad, but would be fun narrowing it down by genre with perhaps multiple videos.
@omega_kai25
2 жыл бұрын
Amazing tips!! Really helpful
@enekonekko7451
5 жыл бұрын
Helpful video, I'll soon be making use of it(I hope)! Though before that, on the opposite side of the video's topic, I have a question about the ending. I've written almost all of my rough draft, all that's left is the climax, which I have been struggling with. I know what I should write but somehow I just can't get into it. I thought it was burn out so took some time away but that didn't help. So my question is should I read through my whole draft and then try to write the climax or do I just need to push through? Thanks for reading through my long comment =) and I hope you have fun and good luck!
@CruxRiajuu
4 жыл бұрын
How long do you consider a chapter to be?
@taronegertonobsesseduk6762
Жыл бұрын
Any chance you could do a video about how to create erotica?
@passionispower4741
5 жыл бұрын
I would love for you to do a video about PROPHECIES! To do or not to do? Different styles for writing them. Just a general "how to".
@amonicareads6392
5 жыл бұрын
I might have never agreed more to another comment on a video.
@paramedicchrisbookseries
7 ай бұрын
Really helpful, thank you.
@LawlessPlay
5 жыл бұрын
How about 'How to get over the middle marathon? '
@diannebdee
5 жыл бұрын
Vivien, I have three main characters I'm introducing at the beginning of a dynastic style story. There is no fault at the beginning, rather a mystery to solve. Is this something a writer can use to draw in the reader? Thanks for all you do as a new mom. All my best to you, Steven, Rocky, Kiera, and mostly that little darling girl Isla. ❤💝❤💟💟
@lailamuhammad6889
6 ай бұрын
very helpful thanks
@kittykatFL23
3 жыл бұрын
Oh my gosh! So helpful! And I’m happy to report that I have a lot of there already 😉😉
@spinnerchic5772
5 жыл бұрын
Great video, thank you! I need help regarding a character dump in chapter 5 of my book. It’s an action scene involving two previously mentioned characters collision with 7 more people. All the beta readers love the book but this character dump confuses them all, because it’s gone from few characters to several. Each new character is vital to the entire story. Any tips? Also the action scene is so intense and every character plays a part in it or immediately after it. I’ve tried to eliminate characters and introduce them later but that really hurts the original action scene that is not a hook but extremely pivotal in how the rest of the novel goes. Thank you in advance for any tips!
@gregorydefeo7369
5 жыл бұрын
If you've read Noah Lukeman's, "The First Five Pages," who doesn't rationalize that he's doing it all right? Who'd not balk seeing otherwise?
@EviEhvee
5 жыл бұрын
Well ideally you would have a professional editor(s) reading over your entire book, so I would hope there are no grammatical errors lol. Thanks for the vid!
@gregorydefeo7369
5 жыл бұрын
"My name is Ishmael...". Who would care if one never reads the Bible?
@696190
5 жыл бұрын
*Call me Ishmael
@FrankThorntonReviews
3 жыл бұрын
Hi, I’m a bit late but nevertheless I have a question: can a book start with an event I think the past that in its entirety leads to the inciting incident. In my book it starts with this sort of thing. It introduces a secondary conflict, the main character and tone, but doesn’t establish any fantasy elements or much of the current state of life. All of those things occur from page eleven onwards. Is that okay?
@mariacuadrado5449
5 жыл бұрын
Could you make a video about how to introduce more descriptions in your novel?
@VivienReis
5 жыл бұрын
Certainly! I'll add it to my list!
@mariacuadrado5449
5 жыл бұрын
Vivien Reis thanks ❤️❤️❤️
@Friendship1nmillion
3 жыл бұрын
@@VivienReis Thinking of trying to write a novel. Got what feels like an idea for a story that'll be the next best-seller. I already have the title which immediately inspired my mental synopsis, I've already watched a couple of videos like this from Jenna Moreci , { you may have different views than her } . I've pretty much got writer's block not sure where { or how } to start the 1st chapter only in the sense that there's potentially several different ways I could start with location and character(s) ~ it MAY have more than one main character or concluding hero. #Please_Help 🙋
@TheSchnitzelable
Жыл бұрын
You are amazing thank you
@nycolascortezcolman7535
5 жыл бұрын
I like your video very much. Congratulations for your baby, I should say. I watch you since some months and they are very useful for my writtter's life. I am Brazilian and I'm not fluent in your language but I know it enough to understand you. And, of course, I did always find you pretty, mainly after your pragnancy💛
@izzyg.1933
5 жыл бұрын
Video suggestion/question: How to gather an audience who will read your book. You can’t release a book out into a cold, unresponsive void as a normal person with no following, no audience, with 100 followers made of friends, family members, and people you went to high school with. You have to have people to announce your book release to, who will care about your work, even if it’s your debut novel. If KZitem and other social media platforms are not your thing, how do you establish an audience who will know about your release, or care enough to read your work and spread your name?
@paulmoore7064
5 жыл бұрын
Richard Stark (A.K.A. Donald Westlake) is the model for beginning an action story. He always drops the reader directly into a scene of violence, leaving the exposition for a bit later.
@christopherpaul7588
3 жыл бұрын
Great video! Thanks! One suggestion: Maybe how to incorporate your real experiences into your novel.
@titanosaurusltd632
4 жыл бұрын
My story begins with two monsters that are the antagonists breaking free from where they are held prisoner. Also, could you do a video on how to make your book long
@Robinem
5 жыл бұрын
Man it was a shame I saw The Book Thief movie first. I was probably the only one who thought the narrator was anyone other than the grim reaper. I thought it was God (or something else biblical) based on some of the dialogue but yeah actually death made more sense in retrospect.
@amonicareads6392
5 жыл бұрын
That is also something I regret every Time I hear about that book.
@Robinem
5 жыл бұрын
Life Literally Still not read it yet
@kapilanisilva5457
3 жыл бұрын
How to start a magical story‼️
@gege8145
3 жыл бұрын
im going to write a sad love story
@prathameshgaikwad7550
4 жыл бұрын
You are cute! I wish!
@MartaWeeks
5 жыл бұрын
martacweeks,com
@gedankenpilze2810
5 жыл бұрын
another tip could be to avoid too many explanations? (no infodump) I'd really like a video about how to make characters likeable!
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