5 steps to your best year yet as a writer in 2024

Рет қаралды 4,472

Bethany Atazadeh - YA Fantasy Author

Күн бұрын

These 5 things have helped me publish 15 books in 7 years, and I genuinely hope they'll inspire and encourage you too! Honestly both beginners and seasoned writers like myself need these reminders, even if we know some of them, so let's start the new year fresh together!
Check out my Fourth Wing thoughts as an author: • I read FOURTH WING AND...
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📖 T H E Q U E E N ' S R I S E S E R I E S :
◦ THE SECRET GIFT: books2read.com/thesecretgift
◦ THE SECRET SHADOW: books2read.com/thesecretshadow
◦ THE SECRET CURSE: books2read.com/thesecretcurse
📚 T H E S T O L E N K I N G D O M S E R I E S :
www.bethanyatazadeh.com/thest...
◦ COLLECTOR'S EDITION / BOX SET: amzn.to/34A9wFw
◦ THE SECRET GIFT: books2read.com/thesecretgift
◦ THE STOLEN KINGDOM: books2read.com/thestolenkingdom
◦ THE JINNI KEY: books2read.com/thejinnikey
◦ THE CURSED HUNTER: books2read.com/thecursedhunter
◦ THE ENCHANTED CROWN: books2read.com/theenchantedcrown
◦ The Stolen Kingdom Audiobook: www.audible.com/pd/B088FVQNJK...
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📖 B E C O M E A P A T R O N :
Where you can receive digital early reader copies of my books, writing & publishing advice, help with your author platform, meet writer friends, and more!
/ bethanyatazadeh
💻 M Y A U T H O R N E W S L E T T E R :
Sign up for FREE exclusives (the first HALF of The Stolen Kingdom + a step-by-step self-publishing guide): www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact
❤️ M Y M E R C H :
teespring.com/stores/bethanya...
📚 M Y S E L F P U B L I S H I N G C O U R S E :
www.udemy.com/course/novel-se...
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📒 M Y O T H E R W O R K :
◦ EVALENE'S NUMBER: amzn.to/3sZPlKi
◦ PEARL'S NUMBER: amzn.to/3Kyp63Q
◦ MARKETING FOR AUTHORS SERIES: amzn.to/3pTrbPG
◦ THE CONFIDENT CORGI: amzn.to/36aJd9m
◦ Novel Planner Notebook (mug cover): amzn.to/3hYnzYo
◦ Novel Planner Notebook (laptop cover): amzn.to/3KwvW9Z
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❤️ C O M P A N I E S I L O V E & A M A N A F F I L I A T E F O R :
◦ PUBLISH AND THRIVE: heartbreathings.teachable.com...
◦ WRITING STICKERS & the book launch planner (10% off discount code is BETHANY10): stoneridgestickers.com/?ref=Q...
◦ EPIDEMIC SOUND (where I get my music! If you'd like to try it for a month, using this link gives me a free month! Thank you in advance!): www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
◦ DRAFT2DIGITAL: www.draft2digital.com/bethany...
💬 L E T ' S C O N N E C T 💬
Website | www.bethanyatazadeh.com
Instagram | / authorbethanyatazadeh
KZfaq | / bethanyatazadeh
Patreon | / bethanyatazadeh
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Thanks for watching!
❤️ Bethany
Note: some of these links are affiliate links and will support me with a little extra income at no extra cost to you. :)
#Authortube #NovelWriting #SelfPublishing

Пікірлер: 91

@r.e.holding 7 ай бұрын

To be fair, watching movies also helps me grow as a writer- as long as I don't overdo it 😊

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Haha love it! Movies can be fantastic examples of good story (I love them too! :)

@Musikchic47 7 ай бұрын

Agreed! Movies are great for story telling and inspiration.@@BethanyAtazadeh

@jacksonconnell 7 ай бұрын

Same here. It’s why I got into writing in the first place, so I hold on to that and reading for my skills to develop 👍🏾

@r.e.holding 7 ай бұрын

@jacksonconnell yes! And in a way, it helps to learn how NOT to write a story :)

@miaramck6746 7 ай бұрын

"Feelings follow focus" is a game changer. It's so easy to feel led by your emotions, but consciously directing them when possible is a great idea!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Yes! So glad it was helpful!

@authoralaskawalters 7 ай бұрын

I needed these reminders! As a mum and someone who’s had to go back to work recently, writing seemed like the last thing I wanted to do but I know deep down I do want to do it.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

You've got this!

@tammy2830 7 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to have come across your channel right as I am making the transition of retiring from teaching middle school English to pursuing my creative dreams! This video was great! Best wishes to you and your family as 2024 takes root.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, that means a lot! Happy New Year to you too!

@MadgazelleFilms 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, ONE HUNDREDDDD PERCENT agree re: reading… I honestly don’t believe you can write well without consuming other WRITTEN stories one page at a time! Pacing, plotting, grammar… what NOT to do? All from connecting those words on the page to your brain! 🙌 This was a good one, Bethany! ♥️

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Yesss it's so helpful! So glad you liked it!

@woodlandlady7011 7 ай бұрын

Hey Bethany! Every time I watch one of your video's it's like I'm seeing a friend again. 💯You not only have some experience to impart, you have some great new ideas from what you have learned or are learning. That said, I need to start making deadlines. So will re-watch this video a few times and take some notes. ✍Thanks for everything you do, Bethany, and Happy New Year🎉

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Aww yay thank you so much! So glad you appreciated the video and hope it'll be super helpful. Happy New year! :D

@teachermom2509 7 ай бұрын

I love these videos so much! I've learned so much from you. I'm about 2/3 through my first book. Full time working mom so hoping to get done by summer. Do you have a video that breaks down the steps that you take as far as publishing? For example 120 days out of book dropping these things should be done. 90 days out these should be.

@kayweda5929 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video! I have really been wasting my time over winter break (sleeping in late and watching KZfaq shorts) when I could be reading or writing. Your video really got me thinking (and feeling guilty) about all the places I could cut my time wasting. Thank you for another amazing video and I can't wait for book three to be released!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Happy to help, and glad you enjoyed the video! (And there’s a time for relaxing too, we need that sometimes!)

@user-ds1dt1eg2w 7 ай бұрын

One thing I do is go to the gym in the mornings after daycare drop off and I've turned that into my reading time! Instead of listening to music or watching videos while I'm running/biking, I'm slowly working my way through my TBR pile! I also do sprints with friends in Discord so it becomes a fun group activity! Thank you for the great tips!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Oooh LOVE that strategy and how you built in a really strong habit between other amazing habits! I will make note of that because I need a good workout / reading habit! :D

@ShifuP 7 ай бұрын

I would add prayer. God tends to lend clarity and vision to our stories so they transcend our limited ability and hopefully bring joy and bless others. 😊

@christhewritingjester3164 7 ай бұрын

Audio books are what helped me get back into reading. There is a lot that I have learned from what others have done.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Love that!

@jeanshelbybooks4154 7 ай бұрын

I’ve done time audits and…I’m literally busy 16-17 hours a day. 😂😂 I don’t watch TV, and while I could praise myself for always trying to do more and be better, it was a wake up call that I need to take some things off my plate. 😊

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Love that!

@jeanshelbybooks4154 7 ай бұрын

I originally wanted to publish 4 books this year, but getting sick right at the end of 2023 had me realizing I need to slow down. 3 books sounds so much better, especially since I was to do P&T again, try and build KZfaq, recover my books, WORK and be a MOM 😂😂 Thanks for these tips!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Yes absolutely, if we take care of ourselves, we'll enjoy it all so much more

@cassie_hart 7 ай бұрын

Some great tips in here, good reminders for me!! Much appreciated

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Cassie! So glad it was helpful!

@TheEbonyMystique 7 ай бұрын

Great suggestions! The deadlines have been a game changer for me.

@jacksonconnell 7 ай бұрын

I’m determined to self publish this year! This tips are very helpful. I’m pretty sure I’ve been doing some of them as an unconscious choice (just something in straight-on doing without thinking about it so much) and so far it’s been working well for me since last year 😁👍🏾

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

You've got this! Glad the video was helpful!

@torianjallen 7 ай бұрын

This was the best tips video on the topic I’ve watched on the platform. Thanks for posting this Bethany! You’re amazing.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it!

@andyzambrano2423 7 ай бұрын

Fantastic advice, especially about reading more. It sounds kind of vague; how can spending more time reading help you spend more time writing? But the wider range of books you’ve read, the more you realize your way of doing things is valid, and it’s one of the most encouraging things a writer can do.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thank you Andy! That's exactly right!

@jamesalaniz5148 7 ай бұрын

Best youtuber when it comes to this writing ish; hope she comes out with some kind autobiography or something,

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Aww thank you so much!!

@rentedthriftedreal 7 ай бұрын

Happy New Year!!! 🎆🎆

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Happy New Year to you too! :D

@authorhaleynwright 7 ай бұрын

Love your perspective on setting writing deadlines and making it work for you. Definitely adopting that perspective this year. And instead of setting yearly goals, I am setting a six to eight month goal. I know where I want to be by the end of summer of this year. If I don't meet it then I will just adjust my goal. But like you said, the point of setting a deadline is to get moving on your goal. Thanks for your insight, Bethany! Happy New Year to you! 🎉 P.S. Loved the Bible Verse you used! 💙

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Haley! I'm so glad it was helpful, and love the idea of setting shorter goals so you can adjust around the halfway point!

@speakingfromtheheart-f1h 7 ай бұрын

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Happy New Year to you too! :D

@Avionne_Parris 7 ай бұрын

Happy New Year, Bethany! Gosh, you're always my bookish guardian angel, posting just what I need to see when I need to see it :) That golden number "2" in the background for the first tip totally distracted me because my nephew had a golden number "5" for his birthday last year :P Thanks for the tips, I just recently discovered that I'm actually not an enneagram type 4 (like I thought) but I'm a type 7 which basically means that I have TONS of ideas but very little to no follow-through. And if I may add to the Atomic Habits tip, for me to incorporate routine in my life, I need to make it FUN (it's the only thing that works for me whether it's working from home, exercising, or co-parenting a rambunctious 5 year old). If I sense that my freedom is being restricted or I'm being deprived / limited in any way, I will try to escape (whether literally by taking a walk or driving somewhere or mentally in my mind by watching TV or listening to music). With that being said, now I know how to apply these tips for my type and FINALLY publish my first novel in 2024! That tip about reading, gosh so true! I have so many books cued up on my Kindle that I could be reading instead of watching Netflix. I have been good about reading when I'm waiting in line or deep conditioning my hair under the dryer. I just need to read a bit more during the day :)

@AndrewWileyauthor 7 ай бұрын

Great video! Couldn't agree with the five points more!! Happy New Year!🎉

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Yay, thank you! Happy New Year!

@FirstOfHisName392 7 ай бұрын

Your videos help me.. I just started writing my first book of my 3 book novel. I got some stuff the world need to hear 👑

@raveled8953 7 ай бұрын

These are awesome ❤ Deadlines are especially helpful for me as an ADHDer. I should set more of those

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

So glad it was helpful, you’ve got this!

@HeatherSalterPurvesauthor 7 ай бұрын

Well, these were really valuable tips on how to approach improving my author career this year, as as my main focus, and I always love your content

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

So glad it was helpful! Thanks Heather!

@mlbullbooks 7 ай бұрын

Great tips! This year I intend to improve my time management.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! You’ve got this!

@admin1179 7 ай бұрын

Thank you

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

You're welcome

@aidanlucid9619 7 ай бұрын

Great video. There were some great tips here. I do find myself comparing myself to other authors and wishing I was as successful as them. That's something I have to work on. Reading is very important for me too. I actually ourchased one of your books. Book one of the Stolen Kingdom series. Looking forward to reading it. Happy New year and hopefully it will be a great one for us all.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it and wishing you the best in the new year! I'm so excited to hear you got TSK, and hope you love reading it! :D

@abbiepeytonwyatt 7 ай бұрын

This is a well made video with excellent tips!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@authorbrendilynnma 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! So many moments I was like, "Yeah, that sounds like me." Especially with watching shows and wasting time on other things similarly! Thanks for being so genuine! I'm working on NO MORE EXCUSES. I teach full-time and write too, but it's so true. There is time if I look at how I use my time! Love this video ❤ All the best with your writing journey! Happy New Year, Bethany! Have a blessed and big 2024!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Aww yay love that! So glad you enjoyed it, and happy New Year to you too!

@butterfly101vids 7 ай бұрын

Hi Bethany. Love that you admitted about bedtime reading. I had to literally stop for a while reading because docs told me I needed to get more sleep.😅 Finally starting back up due to audiobooks. I fall into books too easily.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t put books down! I have to stop myself from starting a book after about 4pm for the same reason haha!

@mattmallecoccio8378 7 ай бұрын

Zion probably straight up will play NFL football. Zion Atazadeh sounds like such a football name

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Haha that's so fun that you think that, I hadn't thought about it, but that'd be really cool!

@najeeamurray323 7 ай бұрын

I love Romans 12: 1-2! I think I've heard it being used to speak against comparison before. The tip that I struggled with, but am now more excited about, is making deadlines. Instead of looking at the whole picture, breaking them down into smaller goals takes the pressure off. I also hope to do a lot more reading this year. This video feels like a fresh start, and I pray that you and all of your viewers continue to level up on your writing journey! God Bless!

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Woohoo glad the video was helpful, you've got this!

@talesofmichele 7 ай бұрын

Ok I’ll get back to editing when I’m fully awake…let’s give myself the deadline of 8am to start (currently 7:10) Oh look! A new video from Bethany! “Pay attention where you use your time!” 👀 I feel scolded and think I should open my laptop right now… After I finish the video! 😅

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Hahaha oh no! At least it was a short video right? ;) So glad you enjoyed it!

@ElsaLouiseSinger 7 ай бұрын

The opposite is me, I used to say I didn't have much time to read, then I kept reading, found out I have more time than I thought and can knock out a book of my tbr way faster lol I read 29 books in 2023 (27 on Goodreads, it didn't have two of them) and my goal is one book a week now, but if I read one under 300 pages, I feel like I can knock out two a week with that :D And I plan to publish the sequel in my duology at the end of the year, along with a childrens book, book 3 in my middle grade series and possibly a short story/novella about a janitor named john lol

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

That's so cool to hear, love that! And those are awesome publishing goals! :D

@jstrobel3620 7 ай бұрын

Step one, get coffee. Got it.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Bahaha YES!

@SahiraJPoetry 7 ай бұрын

Is it too late to do ads for books if they've been published for a long time? I've seen people say to start ads as soon as you do the preorders. I really want my books seen, but I'm not sure if I should do ads or just stick to trying social media like tiktok to get sales and connect with readers. I love all your tips and can't wait to see what else you do through your author journey.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

Why would it be too late? I see ads for older books all the time. Glad you like the videos!

@josieann4390 6 ай бұрын

💜💜

@timaustin2000 7 ай бұрын

Seriously, I WANT to write but I've a full family with mouths to feed and it's almost impossible to make money on a single book. Sadly, its a time vs. income thing for me and ive not found a way to square that circle 😥

@judgmentday1210 7 ай бұрын

44+ words could have written in the span of your comment.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

I totally understand the time crunch, believe me! I think when you already have a career and kids, pursuing a career in writing is probably not the best fit like you said, BUT you could absolutely write at a different pace and fit in what you enjoy creatively in little pockets - that's what I do and I have been shocked how much I can get done on my books in a very small amount of time!

@timaustin2000 7 ай бұрын

@@judgmentday1210 and nobody would have paid me for them. Self publishing is a single, younger person's game. I have dependents. It matters that my income is guaranteed. Trust me, I wish it wasn't so.

@saritaschaffter9276 7 ай бұрын

I decided that 2024 was when I decided to work on my debut novel for may 2025

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

That's awesome!

@miaramck6746 7 ай бұрын

Word is way more intuitive than Scrivener! And it's easier to customize.

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

I personally like it better too! (Although the cork board on scrivener does tempt me haha)

@amjan8803 7 ай бұрын

Is it absolutely necessary to write a synopsis for a series, if asked of it from an Agent or Publisher? (Or can you refuse to do this?) Doesn't this defeat the element of surprise which is what the summary and first 50-pages (for e.g.) should compel the Agent to want to read more? Thanks in advance.🙏

@BethanyAtazadeh 7 ай бұрын

(1) I’m self published, but (2) if you don’t follow their required guidelines I’d be willing to bet big money they never read any pages, so yeah I think it’s necessary. They don’t need surprise, they need to know if it’s a book that will sell.

@amjan8803 7 ай бұрын

@@BethanyAtazadeh @BethanyAtazadeh Awesome!! That is great advice. I can't thank you enough!! 🙏

@rachaelbirch9303 7 ай бұрын

There is science to back up that you can retrain your brain. You can actually physically change how your brain looks on a scan, by your thought process.