What I did wrong - waited until I was in my 60s to start taking classes and spending time writing. What I did right - I started taking classes and spending time writing. It's never too late! Thank you for your straightforward and relatable style. I've never subscribed to a KZfaq channel before. You, however, are worth it!

Vegetable SciFi/Fantasy is a hard genre to crack, lol.

Wrong: Procrastinating, not making an outline Right: Editing, writing down ideas that came to me

DID RIGHT: As per your list, I still have not given up. DID WRONG: Spent months (years) researching How To Write instead of writing. Big mistake. The best way to get better at writing is ... writing.

DID RIGHT: Studied professional authors, instead of thinking I knew it all. DID WRONG: Procrastinating. (Hence the stuff I did right). Excellent video. I really enjoy your honesty and humility.

It's wild how so much of this applies to not only writing but also music and visual media

WENT WELL. Never gave up. Believed in myself. Learned to forgive reviewers who accidentally ate gunpowder for breakfast. WENT LESS WELL. Took private, negative comments too seriously. Perfectionism. Thanks for the great vids.

i'm happy to see what experienced people have to say. appreciate the words.

Loved the video. But the wheezing laugh was so filled with the pain of past experiences that it made me sub on its own.

Did right: Work on my social engagement while writing my book. Did wrong: I have a tendency to give up when I don't believe in myself, but I'm trying!

I’m just starting my first novel. So glad I found your channel. Great advice and awesome attitude!

"Some authors can be dicks." Oh my goodness lol Thank you for your honesty. Subscribed!

1ST TIME WATCHING, LISTENING AND LEARNING. THIS WILL BE MY FIRST BOOK. THANKS VERY ENCOURAGING

I am wanting to get into this realm. i love to film, photograph, draw, paint a lot of things, but writing feels like a place i should go too. I have been thinking about a blog,

Thanks for the tips I think the biggest tip I need to keep in mind is when I do start publishing I shouldn't be discouraged when I'm not getting as much sales as I want or have a good amount of readers

The first thing I did right was to just start doing it and believe I can do it. Thank you for the videos

I am just trying to get started. I am thankful I stumbled onto your site. I will be part of the 1% that reads the Terms of Service.

You’re so likable. This was another good one. Thanks.

Just stumbled upon this when i was searching on how to start becoming a writer Your giggle at your book about the vegetables vs. processed foods is so adorable. That's me when I think of something totally funny/embarrassing in my head. Thank you for a very insightful video!

I just found your channel days ago and ordered “Writing in the dark” because of you. Thank you, mister. I appreciate you so much ♥️

As my first fantasy novel is about to hit shelves this Fall, I really want to say a huge THANK YOU for taking your time to give us some advice! Greetings from Greece!

You are unique. This was very helpful and honest. Did wrong: Stop Writing. Did Right: Started back.

I originally studied painting and a little psychology, and I worked as an artist almost my whole life (soon turning 40). In the past year, I've mostly stopped all of that and switched to writing full time, every day. Packed with years of diverse experiences, I was ready to write. The biggest (and funniest) surprise was how much of writing is *not* writing. By that, I'm talking about things like the classic tip to "show, don't tell" and all of the intentional omissions that help create suspense while allowing the reader to wonder, to figure out, and to enjoy her/his own imagination. It makes a lot of sense, but it still blew my mind and took some getting used to: a lot of writing is *not* writing.

I am in the first year of my writing “career” I was today years old when I found this page. I just want to say thank you for helping in this process and giving great advice along the way.

I just subscribed to your page . This video was very subliming. I'm interested in the medium, that's why I'm here. The way how you convey the process of writing, hopefully will enable me to finish my abstract ideas. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks just found your videos (this one and one on Scrivener) and am already learning things! I am just dipping my toe into fiction writing. I have been doing technical and medical writing within day/side jobs for a long time but I have never published nonfiction or fiction. I see good stories as gifts because that is how I see the books I read (total avid reader since childhood) and I crave the creativity of it. I also have a book or two of nonfiction in me - there is information I want to share. At the moment I feel overwhelmed with all of the things I know I need to learn before self-publishing. At the moment it is going to be Scrivener and short stories...... baby step 1. Thanks I will check out your other videos!

I’ve always had so much stories in mind to create a book about it, but i’m so dumb that I forget all the words to describe things that I just write it so undetailed and unexpected then I thought it’d turn out. I have no idea how to word my writing!! 😭

Great share! thank you. I only just finished my first book and exploring the online publishing world. Did right: finished my book, took me almost 1,5 year full time. Did wrong: perfectionism and postpone taking steps I am not sure of, especially now in this new unknown territory.

First time watching as an upcoming writer and this is so real and practical. Thanks for this

I looooove the sponsor spot! I have a continuing education in the School of Hard Knocks. 🤭 Tip #2: soooo true. We aren’t entitled to a darned thing. Tip #6: not enough authors take advantage of affiliate relationships. I’ve even seen some authors demonize it. That’s just silly. Tip #8: I’ll have to show you how GIMP is far better than you know. I’ve showed my wife who loves Photoshop some tricks and tips on GIMP that blew her away. 😀 Tip #11: Hahahah so true THIS is why I love your videos, Michael! I really dig your deep analysis and thorough coverage. Keep up the awesome work.

One thing I feel I did right was writing a book that is my personal story. That aspect has helped me sell more books! The one thing I did wrong... I have two things that stick out. First, I didn’t have all formats ready at release; paperback, ebook, audio. Second thing, I didn’t have a big enough advanced reading team. Now I know for the next one! 👍🏻

Hi Michael, I just discovered your channel when someone in my writer's group recommended your "Learn Scrivenor in 20 Min" video. I love the other couple of videos I watched so far and thought I'd drop a note to say nice work! Love your authenticity : ) Made me think, "Here's someone I'd love to chat about writing over a latte!" I look forward to going through your other material!

Thank you so much for the tips! Ironically I feel like one of the few people that reads the terms of service when I sign up for things like subscriptions, purchases, etc..

This is something really worth watching. I've been lucky to stumble here. Thanks big time!

I am just starting my writing career! Currently in college to study creative writing. Something I did right: Not giving up!! I've pushed myself to keep going and to be alive so I could be here today. I started college right out of high school and it's going well. I've been writing for 4 years now, but have been writing novels for 1-2 years. Something I did wrong: Procrastinate. All my books are WIP's and it frustrates me. But I have a duty of graduating college, therefore, I will have to keep sacrificing my time to not write all the time. My college has a publication course that will help me out a lot with going about getting literacy agents and publishers. Plus they have a writing center that's free that I can pop into any time and get more professional help with my writing. I will admit, I started writing on Wattpad with fan fictions (still do) and I have a fan base starting on there and it makes me happy to see that people do enjoy my original work put into the fanfics.

Great suggestions. Things I did wrong: Plan, plan, plan, plan, plan..... I have entire worlds designed on the pc these last twenty years. Not much in the writing department though. Things I did right: Committed to writing daily and having all planning done in two weeks max.

Great advice! I’ve been taking a stab at writing recently these past few months, it’s kind of like a mini screenplay/ short story project. It’s my first time taking myself seriously to write something creatively and at least meaningful to me.

You are a pleasure to watch and listen to, my friend. Props!

Thank you, good advice! And I appreciate that you get right into instead of five minutes of fluff in the beginning.

I gave you a thumbs up for that 'school of hard-knocks' joke which made me laugh out loud. I really like you. You are a great person. And I adore all your videos. Thank you for making them. Writing is so crazy and fun - I didn't know I've been a pantser for 40 years until you enlightened me the term even existed! I wish you the very best. You deserve it. Oh! - and tangent: I tried Scrivner, but found I liked Plottr better to plot, it's fun and pretty, and colorful, and helpful, visually showing me time lines and subplots and what I'm doing, then I just sit down and write my chapters in Word. But without you, I wouldn't have discovered either! Not to say at some point that I won't take what I've plotted in Plottr and drop it to write in Scrivner. God, writing has changed since I banged out my first novel in Grade 8 on a mint-green electric typewriter that was my grandfathers from the 1960s. Looked like Frank Underwood's "Underwood' typewriter in house of cards but green. When I started writing there was no internet and no books on writing. I'm glad we can all confer like this. I am glad you have taken up the cause to help others be better. You have truly helped me. Thank you, again, Sir.

The vegetable series sounds like it would be a great graphic novel for middle grade

What did I do well? Good writing starts with a strong hit, not a beaten phrase or cliché. What have I done wrong? I forgot that not only the authors are bastards, but also some publishers. As we can see, life is the best teacher. ;) I really liked this episode and that's why you have a new subscriber from now!

I've always fell, in my writing trail.. trying to be good, I was about to give up but.. Your face and smile gives me hope (:

Loved this Video!

Glad you're back

A good, informative, and clear speaker offering information that writers can appreciate. The presentation is direct and engaging. Wondrium (The Great Courses) should contract with this author to record a course on writing.

Love the honesty!

Excellent format

Keep up the amazing work

This was so helpful! Thanks for sharing!

Hi, Michael! Thank you for all your videos. As for the answers to your inquiry: Did right: Wrote my first draft in 3 weeks. Did wrong: Spent too much time accumulating free books and resources on writing, and then getting overwhelmed at the sheer amount that I had to study, rather than writing/editing.

Great video 👍 Well done!

Loved this! Some unique tips here.

Big love dude. Really useful and down to earth

Thank you so much for all of your hard work! These videos are very helpful!

Outstanding! Thank you!

This was very helpful content. Thanks for putting it out.

I wish the world had more helpful people like this guy. Kindness goes a long way I appreciate the honesty in this video.

This was very kind of you to share. Thank you so much!

Just finished your book “Food City”. Call me crazy but I loved it. Thanks for your insightful videos.

Thank you for posting this video!! very informative.....

I gave up my dream as an artist today, I feel like writing is something that's achievable for me and it will become my only creative outlet from now on. Thank you for this video, your advice is a blessing

So so helpful thank you so much !

Thanks for the excellent video, Michael.

I’m on my first novel. My first two books are non-fiction works. Though I haven’t sold a lot of copies, the first book has directed my life in many positive ways. For example, a pastor read it and invited me to his church which changed my life dramatically for the better. Writing for me is just for becoming a better writer over time. I’m halfway through this current book and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made over the years. I’m much better at sentence structuring, fluidity, and have greatly developed my voice. I forgot to mention I ended up marrying a pastor because of my first book. Heh!. 🌺

Great work. Love your videos and appreciate the honest and well-designed insights.

Very informative, thank you

Excellent video Michael! Absolutely love your positivity!

Truly informative content. Thanks a lot.

Wow that's alot of good advice. I never thought I'd be an author but about half way done with my first book.

Well spoken. Thank you.

Well spoken!

loves this, been procrastinating for over a decade about writing, this year thank for your video.

You are very good at presenting your point. I just subbed.

Wow very informative, clear and to the point. I will be subscribing.

Thanks for being transparent about your journey❤ great tips!

I love these videos! Thank you for these tips. :)

Love your channel. Great videos all around it was an instant subscribe.

Great tips much appreciated.

This is very helpful thanks for this

Thank you for sharing your experience. I always appreciate hearing your input.

Great video and THANK you for the "truth" and related explanations.

I love your channel. You come off as super nice and approachable. Thank you for all the tips! I'll start binge-watching your other videos.

Succint and to the point. Thank you.

Thank you for the video learned a lot and I'm anxious to start writing.

Great advice. Thank you!

I enjoy your videos. You seem truly authentic.

The algorithm, with its eternal wisdom, brought me here for the first time today, and I'm so glad it did. What an engaging video with heartfelt advice. While I enjoy writing for pleasure, I'm not an aspiring author (at the moment, anyway), and yet I subscribed just to hear more of what you have to say. Thanks for making youtube a little more pleasant with your content. 👍

Very practical and concise advice. Thank you

Thank God I came across this...I love every point you made. 😁

Love your enthusiasm. Your channel has been really helpful, keep it up!

Great advice, Michael. I'm definitely a subscriber!

Great advice as always, thank you so much.

I really appreciate all the great advice. Thanks for taking the time to shoot these videos, they are extremely helpful. Best of luck to you!

Really appreciate your blunt advice. My husband and I both enjoy your videos.

This was very helpful, thank you.

you earned my time man! thank you ( I love the sincerity, I feel from you! )

Really cool. Thanks for sharing this :)

I'm so happy I found this channel, your voice is so soothing and you give awesome advice. Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope we can all become good writers like you

Liked your presentation. Continued success.