"How long does it ACTUALLY take you to write a book?" |

Рет қаралды 45,078

Күн бұрын

Want to ask me question? Hit the "JOIN" button!
Or visit: / abbieemmons
Welcome back to #AskAbbie, where I answer YOUR writing questions and help you make your story matter! In this episode I'm answering some really good questions:
- Can you have a theme in the first book of your series WITHOUT an "aha moment"?
- How do you decide whether you should scrap a book or rewrite it?
- How long it actually takes me to write a book (from the first idea to the finished product)
You don't want to miss my answers. :)
__________________________
✨T I M E S T A M P S✨
00:00 Writing Update
02:38 How AskAbbie Works
03:18 How do I write theme without an aha moment?
06:33 Should I scrap this book or rewrite it?
09:30 How long does it actually take you to write a book?
13:50 Submit your questions for AskAbbie!
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My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

Пікірлер: 241

@ashtraylol 3 жыл бұрын

Okay, so I'm writing a book currently, I'm only 14, but I think I can do this! The main plot is about 6 children who are tasked with saving their fantastical world, Iddenu, while being on the run from the country trying to destroy it all. I made the first book a few months ago, but then I switched computers and it didn't save, so I started over on it. Currently rewriting the first one and started writing the second. I really hope that someday it becomes a bestselling series like Harrry Potter and Percy Jackson, but probably not. It's fun anyways!

@princemystie5292 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck! I would have been devastated if my work vanished like that🥲

@jxzx4947 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck! Can’t wait to read it someday 😆

@saanvib895 2 жыл бұрын

Bro same ,Iam 13 even I have the same dream ,I wish one day I become like JK ROWLING

@KanekiKen-ps9yr 2 жыл бұрын

That's really cool. What's the book called?

@avivastudios2311 2 жыл бұрын

good luck. You know I decided to write a book when I was 12. That first draft wasn't good but I kept on trying. One day I'll publish it.

@rlima2024 3 жыл бұрын

"that i dont run away, screaming and crying... and eat waffles instead" is the most relatable thing I've heard this week.

@fellfair6305 3 жыл бұрын

Just finished the outline for my final draft 30 minutes ago!

@Maidaseu 3 жыл бұрын

How long does it take to write a book? GRRM: About 10 years Brandon Sanderson: 10 minutes give or take

@lorireiff9173 3 жыл бұрын

I am having such a hard time sticking to a writing routine, I haven’t written in a long time. But I feel as if I have so much to tell so much to create but I just don’t have the discipline to accomplish my dreams.

@emmalovesadventures8911 3 жыл бұрын

I have the same problem sometimes. My solution is just to allow myself the break and resume when I feel like I am ready.

@lorireiff9173 3 жыл бұрын

@@emmalovesadventures8911 thankyou that really helps I feel so so overwhelmed sometimes.

@emmalovesadventures8911 3 жыл бұрын

@@lorireiff9173 Of course!

@winterwoods6406 3 жыл бұрын

Are you an INFP? 😂

@lorireiff9173 3 жыл бұрын

@@winterwoods6406 if your asking me, then yes i may be.

@andrewbeeco967 3 жыл бұрын

From personal experience it depends on word count and how thorough a person edits, proofreads, and focus groups a novel. For me, it takes me 1 months to write a 15,000 words.

@greenwrightsauthor1076 3 жыл бұрын

It is making me insane not knowing what the plot of "The Lighthouse Book" is.

@bunothebrains 3 жыл бұрын

Abbie: It takes me 10 months to write a book. Me, someone who is working on the same book for 8 years and has barely achieved any progress: well...

@NataliaPantaley 3 жыл бұрын

Same here hahaha

@aftoncrain2042 3 жыл бұрын

Saaaame but 5 years so far

@BittenHand19 3 жыл бұрын

10 months to 20 years give or take lol

@Dragontalon486 3 жыл бұрын

I've been sitting on a story idea for 15 years and I'm only barely a third of the way through outlining the core aspects for my first story...

@lokierokka2041 3 жыл бұрын

Finally I found my kind of people

@shanthi4855 3 жыл бұрын

I've just started to outline act 2, I've be frustrated here and there but it's going fairly well!

@LittleKidLover. 3 жыл бұрын

What's outlining?

@shanthi4855 3 жыл бұрын

@@LittleKidLover. outlining is pretty much planning your book BEFORE you write the first draft. I'm sure Abbie has a few videos on this topic

@sarosen5731 2 жыл бұрын

love your pfp 🥰

@saracanela620 2 жыл бұрын

So happy to see this comment because I'm sort of jealous of it. Gah! I was like, love this outline! So exciting!(One day) Then the next: Okay I'm bored and impatient. I want to start the story. But hey great for you! Still happy for you! Goodluck!

@barter56 3 жыл бұрын

Just finished first draft of a spiritual road trip story. I thought it was ultra long until I word counted it 55,000 words 🤓. Longest thing I’ve written though. So such fun

@ritishabagchi6642 3 жыл бұрын

The timing couldn't have been more perfect! I was just having my pre-bedtime brainstorming session and wondering how long it would take me to finish my current project lol. Thanks, Abbie❤️

@supernaturalsillyness 2 жыл бұрын

25 years later I'm re-writing it, a fantasy/action/romance novel: Among the Damned with 3 main characters who need each other to realize their own internal conflicts and strike down their foolish fears to find their own individual truth and happiness. When it comes to how long to write it... hopefully it only takes 26 years to finish it, a new version, and self-publish it.

@spookybooscarystorytime 3 жыл бұрын

I keep seeing these traditionally published authors say "don't self publish, it doesn't work" but then I see so many successful authors on amazon who are loving what they do! I'm thinking these traditional guys are so pampered in their ways they aren't understanding that amazon kindle and trade paperbacks are what is happening these days. Am I right in saying this? Sure, everyone wants that million-dollar grocery store shelf book, but I don't even buy those anymore. If I really, really like something then I will buy a paperback of the book just to support the author and have it on my shelf, but ebooks are fun and easy.

@Lilitha11 3 жыл бұрын

Self publishing a book normally makes you significantly more per book sold, so even if you sell a lot less books you can actually make more money than with traditional publishing. The biggest hurdle with self publishing is that there is no support. So you need to get your own editor, hire someone to do the cover, and do all your own marketing and all that. Then again even with traditional publishing you might not get a lot of help with stuff like marketing, if you are not well known. Though they will usually help at least get your book onto the shelves at big book stores and what not.

@theclickening6668 3 жыл бұрын

@@Lilitha11 Speaking from experience?

@zenebornman7917 3 жыл бұрын

Any dislikes on this video are people that can't handle the power of Abbie's amazing advice. 😊❤

@KutWrite 3 жыл бұрын

...or the power of this battle station.

@Word-Smithy 2 жыл бұрын

Honestly... wholesome, educational, friendly *and* free advice. What more do people want?

@KutWrite 2 жыл бұрын

@@Word-Smithy: Don't forget "pretty!"

@Stephanie.101 2 жыл бұрын

She's so amazing, positive and informative what's there to dislike?

@Dragons4Dummies 2 жыл бұрын

They clicked the video from recommended, but weren't writers. Writers aren't disliking this and I refuse to believe otherwise.

@rozlundquist1106 3 жыл бұрын

Hey all! I've *officially* finished the FIRST DRAFT OF MY ROMANCE NOVEL (the first time I've ever finished a first draft - ever!) I've let it sit, and I have started the re-write! I have a few questions haha. #1. It's a romance, but I based it off another couple I love and their story. it follows the same structure, but I've changed some, but I want to change more to make it unique so are there any sub plots or little ideas you can suggest?? #2. How do I develop friendships between my characters, along with a relationship. #3. How do I make this to be the cutest, most innocent and LEAST TOXIC relationship like EVER? and a bonus - my novel takes place at camp. there are 20 CIT's, and in the first draft I mentioned like 5 of them (oop). How do i make all the characters seem more natural and not just kinda THROWN IN THERE ya know? If someone would respond, I would love that, I am extremely excited to continue my writing project! Rock on! (lol)

@user60223 3 жыл бұрын

May I know what the characters are like as it is hard to suggest ways to develop relationships without knowing the characters and their interests (eg: what they like and most importantly don't, their behaviour as a person, their aspirations, expectations etc.) ?

@rozlundquist1106 3 жыл бұрын

@@user60223 sure! The first character is Joshua (ESTP) and the second Evie (ENFP). Joshua broke up with Evie when his Mom moved him to a new town, away from his dad. He's deathly afraid of change. He values humor, being truthful (as his parents still refuse to tell him what's going on ((divorce)) and tell him everything is "fine") and forgives easily. He likes Marvel and is an excellent drawer. He's also on the swim team and loves board or card games. He was best friends with Evie (their moms are super good friends), but has few male friends. He dislikes being lied to or not knowing exactly what's happening, and being alone (friendship and relationship wise) (LOL i am realizing I' horrible at writing male characters.) Evie is mostly outgoing and confident. She has two very close friends whom she is going to camp with. Her interests include Marvel, scrapbooking/hand lettering (but is a horrible artist) her friends, piano, and going to camp (lol). The day after Joshua broke up with her, she messed up a piano solo at her church and left the stage, which resulted in her not playing piano again (fear of embarrassment) and resenting/blaming Joshua for six months. They didn't talk AT ALL for six months, after Joshua moved away. Now, they're together at camp and have been thrown together as CIT partners, which is painfully awkward and uncomfortable. Joshua keeps trying to explain and talk to Evie, and to say the least, Evie is not having it.

@user60223 3 жыл бұрын

@@rozlundquist1106 @Roz Lundquist Why not put one of Evie's close friends to some problem? Joshua will offer to help Evie in rescuing her friend and although she doesn't want his help she is forced to take it for the sake of her friend (he's the only one who can help). In this process, they will be brought together and Evie will realise how good Joshua is at heart (in spite of her rudeness, he keeps trying) , how kind he is to HER friend and decide to give him a second chance. As their interests, as you've told him are somewhat similar, they'll not have difficulty in finding conversations (I believe they can talk about marvel to initiate the convo). I think you can declare a day as her birthday and he will gift her a painting of herself made by him(if drawing and painting are similar,lol). What say, if he registers her name for the same piano concert without her permission? (Is it possible in a camp but I'm sure they are not gonna live in camp forever) She will become mad at him for doing so but will have no way but to complete the task. He will encourage her in every way possible and everything goes well in the concert until she plays a single wrong tune in the middle and abruptly leaves the concert ,embarrassed.(her fear of embarrassment comes true) .And then someone from the concert is impressed by her performance and offers her to be a piano teacher in his school( Is it a horrible plot?)She realises that Joshua believed in her more than she herself did and make amends in their relationship.

@rozlundquist1106 3 жыл бұрын

@@user60223 I like the friend idea! I have something similar to the piano concert but much lower stakes in my novel - Joshua and one of Evie's friends sign Evie up for the talent show at camp, and instead of having Evie play alone, he plays a duet with her (heart and soul) then she asks him to leave BECUASE she kinda sees Joshua as her good luck charm and needs to prove to HERSLEF she can do it without him. (Also I'm thinking that maybe one of Evie's friends has a crush on Joshua?? Idk we'll see where that one goes)

@user60223 3 жыл бұрын

@@rozlundquist1106 Well, I like the idea of letting her prove herself capable without him. What you've mentioned seems a good plot, I assure you. Go on! I give you my best wishes😊.

@jae7536 2 жыл бұрын

The problem I have is that I have wayyy too many book ideas and I end up starting but moving to a different book without reaching the main point of the first one. After that I forget what I wanted the book to originally be about. I'm the type of person who keeps EVERYTHING. Bringing myself to delete or start over a book takes a lot out of me. So this video motivated me to write one book at a time before moving to a new one. Thank you for reading my rant, goodbye now.

@playlist_queen 3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently working on a Japanese-inspired fantasy trilogy that I've been brainstorming on for almost a year now. I nearly gave up, but then I discovered Abbie's channel and that inspired me to keep going! I've only been writing it for a few days now, but I'm already close to 10 000 words! Thanks, Abbie❤

@imogen9409 2 жыл бұрын

I'm writing something similar

@imogen9409 2 жыл бұрын

29K words in

@nikkinewbie6014 Жыл бұрын

Abbie is a great source of inspiration.

@multidinero 3 жыл бұрын

I’m in the second part of my novella trilogy. I had originally thought of it as a novel trilogy, until the first book ended at around 25k words. I outlined the second part, but not the third. I’m never been frustrated with my progress, nor have I ever experienced writer’s block. Yet, in this particular book I feel the need to reread more. I think the bigger the book becomes, the more possible you are to inadvertently take it off of the rails, so to speak. Outlining is all good, but things sometimes come to mind and without level setting periodically you lose track of where you are heading. Sometimes, you just need to slow down. That’s what I’ve learned on this most recent project. I’ve completed 6 book projects so far, and the ideas keep coming. I’ve got a good groove.

@starwing2814 3 жыл бұрын

The last question and answer gives me hope. I've been outlining for months, I haven't started my first draft. It makes me feel like I'll never get done. It kind of depresses me little. It's my first book I'm dedicated to finish. It's a action fantasy. But overtime I tried to lessen the internal pressure I feel with the help of writing podcasts and videos.

@lemonblue6282 3 жыл бұрын

@Abbie Emmons Thank you so much for answering my question

@luis-angel730 3 жыл бұрын

"It does not take one person to change the world, but with the right amount of knowledge and power, anything is possible." -Walter Sethwell He's a character in my book

@cnj122000 3 жыл бұрын

such a validating video abbie!! i've felt like my outlining is taking longer than i initially wanted it to, so it was refreshing to hear that outlining isn't just something you normally crank out in a week or two

@zenebornman7917 3 жыл бұрын

You helped me get back on track with my writing by giving us that writing retreat. I was so stuck. Thank you Abbie! ❤

@margobarrett589 3 жыл бұрын

Your shirt!!😍😍 Thanks so much, Abbie!

@jacquiacomics819 2 жыл бұрын

I loved the 'write with me' videos I'll probably continue using them! I'm currently working on the 4th book of my series. They are all around 400 word dox pages. It's been a wip over the past 4 years, and I look forward to being finished! Your videos have truly helped!

@tinubaby5448 3 жыл бұрын

Yaay @askabbie is back!!

@solo-mons 3 жыл бұрын

AHHH A NEW UPLOAD ILYSM ABBIE

@AndreaA113 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! June writing retreat was amazing. I've realized hanging out with other writers actually makes me more productive.

@meghalidutta3515 3 жыл бұрын

Hiiiii. I recently found your videos and I gotta say thank you so much! They really helped me in figuring some things out ! Also, can you pleaseeee do a video on how to pick a genre? It's something I really struggle with 😭

@meghalidutta3515 3 жыл бұрын

@@leahnicole3062 Thank you so much for your advice! I'll definitely try that out!

@jessicarestrepo1588 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to start outlining my "Disaster" moment for my story next week and I'm SOOO excited!

@tantaloss8682 Жыл бұрын

My writing update is that I got distracted and started producing music for 5 years.... But your videos have re-lit the flame of that old novel I started writing some time ago and now I've been working on outlines and finalizing some worldbuilding stuff in my Notion database for it.

@emmalovesadventures8911 3 жыл бұрын

I've started writing the second draft of the first chapter of my new novel, "The Dream Province".

@JuniorChante 2 жыл бұрын

Nice

@karismaa760 3 жыл бұрын

Could you maybe do a video where you maybe show your outline for 100 days of Sunlight? I'm kind of confused by what an outline should look like.

@SheegogProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Heads up, she a has a series on how to outline and even has free templates for how to do it. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eNKpf5Zh0peqYJc.html Hope this helps!

@anastasiias7211 3 жыл бұрын

Heyyy! You've helped me so much with these videos, I just wanted to say thank you ☀️

@Hoooward 3 жыл бұрын

Hearing Abbie’s outlining process and how detailed she gets makes me imagine her building this house of cards and explode when somebody even dares get near it

@Hoooward 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjaminramsey498 good luck with that buddy :3

@christophereromosele5981 3 жыл бұрын

Oh my god.. I LOVEEE your book. (I had to come and make this comment) I just bought it and I can't believe I love it this much. I love Weston..😭.... you quickly jumped into my top five authors, I'm so happy I found you on KZfaq

@saniaqueen7343 3 жыл бұрын

Hey Abbie!! You are awesome!!!

@elinamor4638 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, love your videos! I finished novel 1 within 7 months having published it in Nov of 2020. It’s called “Passion and Propriety: Emilie’s Story” (a historical fiction romance:)). Am currently working on part 2! My writing process depends largely on that inner inspirer which downloads plot ideas at random throughout my day. I try to write these little plot seedlings down so as not to forget because I find that they drop in MOST randomly! I also need the right environment for my creative juices to flow. Abbie, thank you so much for the writing playlists you’ve put out! The music is perfect!

@Mariamox 3 жыл бұрын

It is so interesting hearing your own writing process.

@juliri4468 2 жыл бұрын

I love your videos and you in person so much! Just to watch your videos motivate me😍❤

@summoninganubis7508 3 жыл бұрын

I just read your book "100 days of sunlight" and I absolutely loved it!!🌼💛

@juliaherkel2181 3 жыл бұрын

I finished the 2nd draft of my book! :D I really enjoyed attending your livestreams for the writing retreat; I definitely got some work done during those. ;) I agree; the amount of time it takes to write a book can really just depend on the book. Some need more time to outline, some take way less time to write... *shrug*

@sarahkistler3420 3 жыл бұрын

You're such a life saver, Abbie! I really can't thank you enough for helping us with your amazing advices and gorgeous way of explanation💖 in the last months I was the epitome of quantity over quality.. I wrote every SINGLE small idea, I was upset when a story wasn't as good as I wanted it to be and I had this idea in my head.. Oh I need to write like two short stories in one Week otherwise I will unlearn my writing skills.. Strange, right?😅 But you helped me SO MUCH to clean the mess in my head.. To really focus on the things and themes that matter to me and to finally be satisfied with my writing because like you said.. It's a beautiful practice and that's the best we can do 💖📝 so thank you for everything you're doing here, for helping and giving us so much hope and kindness! Lots of love from Germany! ❤️💖💜♥️📝💕😍

@kennedypatton7874 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Abbie, I’m currently in the process of crafting my characters.

@HellsMirror 3 жыл бұрын

Currently drafting book 3 of my trilogy, and it's interesting how much better I already feel about everything during the first draft, while in book 1 it took me literal years to get to a point which I was happy with

@williamlouis9312 3 жыл бұрын

Feel like I'm in a master class. AWESOME

@Hamilwhovian 3 жыл бұрын

I'm in a "slow pace writing book" too! I started it on nanowrimo last year, I almost didn't write in it on december-january-february, I wrote on march and april, and now I'm writing again on it... it's getting long and sometimes I get bored because I'm like you, usually I finish the first draft in 4-5 weeks. Every project is sooo different!

@derp5451 3 жыл бұрын

OMG YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY DO ANOTHER WRITING RETREAT Obvi not now, cause you just finished one but like for a new book. But I’m almost done writing a fanfic and I’m writing a book with my bro and it’s so fun!!!

@Ruthie888 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@lavisnothere Жыл бұрын

Right now, I'm writing a book of my own. IDC that I'm 13, I'm going to publish this book. The book is about 3 magical teenagers who have escaped their human home towns to find happiness in the legendary - but lost - city of Prism. I've only written 2 chapters, but I have made it my goal to write 1 chapter every day. I missed yesterday for no reason so I'm going to do two today. I'm hoping that it becomes a bestselling book, and that I'll be able to turn it into a series. Very unlikely, but I refuse to believe that my hard work will go to waste. :)

@didyoujust7810 2 жыл бұрын

ABBIE, YES. I will credit you in my acknowledgements when I publish, your content HITS exactly the spot and you make everything so digestable and easy to understand. Thanks so much for your service here.

@riyadondapati2369 3 жыл бұрын

Yay!!! I’m early!!!

@elena0351 2 жыл бұрын

This thing with thinking your secondary character is more interesting than your main... Well I took that personally, laused my WIP for a while to write a prequel with an other character (The MCs love interest to be exact xD And him falling in and out of love with someone else). I love it a lot, even tho it's hard to write and keep your life together at the same time xS

@gavinwaterman5456 6 ай бұрын

195,000 words that' is nothing compared to the 300,000 mark I've done. I'm in the process of outlining and editing the equilivant of three books. Very useful wisdom Abbey

@daniel-author9208 3 жыл бұрын

Yo, I'm early. As for my writing, it's going fairly well. I finished the first draft of a high fantasy in June with 30K words, and then I am now working on a new fantasy story. This one is just starting and is only 766 words into the manuscript (I'm mostly a pantser, not a plotter, by the way, so I didn't plot it out at first). I hope to finish this new book by November.

@daniel-author9208 3 жыл бұрын

@@benjaminramsey498 I wish you best of luck with your story, Benjamin.

@keerthipavuluri2732 3 жыл бұрын

Abbie , can a character have multiple fears? Multiple themes to teach ? Would be really so grateful for ur answer❤️

@moderndayphilosopher4356 2 жыл бұрын

I’m currently doing a major overhaul rewrite for a mg or ya fantasy novel (not sure which yet 😂), because the first draft I had no idea what I was doing 😂 It’s a whole lot of work, but I adore the story and the characters and it’s going really well!!!

@chelseadanico877 3 жыл бұрын

Hi , I’m actually kind of new to your videos, I really liked and enjoyed it. Great job and well done. I’m also writing a book that is actually a series and I’m writing book 2 that I titled tales of the old West: haunting legends of the superstition ancient mountains. I’m currently writing chapter 1. Book 1 that I titled the great battle for amarykhanta is already published on Wattpad

@taz4685 3 жыл бұрын

I loved the retreat but I missed all except the last one due to school

@bethf1580 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! I'm writing a novel this month for Camp NaNoWriMo. I've set the goal at 50k words because I've never written 50k words in a month, and November is too busy every year to accomplish that. I've been learning so much about writing in the last year that I feel like I can do this now (most of the time. Thanks for the podcast earlier this week, that really helped.). I just want to give my two cents on the first two questions. On keeping theme through three books, each book could have the protagonist learning anything that will get them closer to the overarching theme that they will learn at the end. They could also learn something that will be significant in the final book. As for one character being better than another, it depends on the book and what you think is right. The character may be easily fixable with a few words here and there, adding something to the character that you want to make better. Maybe the better character should have bigger rolls. Maybe the person that you thought was the protagonist should appear that way to the reader, and low and behold, surprise! The secondary character was really the protagonist all along! That would be interesting. Of course to pull that off you'd probably need to shift the focus from one person to the other slowly, so that the reader isn't completely lost and annoyed. Just some thoughts. Thanks, Abbie, for all the lovely videos!

@tejaswinisureshkrishnan4228 3 жыл бұрын

Please do more writing retreats Abbie!!!!

@anishadutta8878 3 жыл бұрын

Love you so much Abby.... Lots of love from India 🇮🇳

@JTZombiE 3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently working on the outline and character profiles for my Action-Adventure/Thriller/High Fantasy series! It has elemental magic, dark magic, mythical beasts, horrifying creatures, and it's all blended together with war, science fiction, and political tension in the fictional galaxy that the story takes place :)

@tinubaby5448 3 жыл бұрын

That is a interesting!!

@rosalynraelyn 3 жыл бұрын

unrelated but wondering where Abbie gets her clothes from? I love this top!

@BruceWayne15325 4 ай бұрын

195,000 words! OMG! My current novel is just over 110,000 words, and I'm feeling overwhelmed by the revisions. I can't imagine what you must have felt. As for the Ask Abbie question, I'd say that If your secondary character is more interesting than your primary character, that's probably an indication that your main characters misbeliefs and fears don't align with the main storyline, and your secondary character's do. The MC should always align with the main storyline, and their character arc should be driving the main story. If that's not the case, then you need to adjust your plan.

@Anna-B 3 жыл бұрын

I’m planning a romance series, and my MC and love interest get together at the end of the first book. I don’t want future conflicts to be silly misunderstandings or catching feelings for someone else. Does anyone have any ideas on conflict between couples, or any YA romances that did this well?

@user60223 3 жыл бұрын

The conflicts will depend on your characters, their tendencies and their beliefs. Just think of the thing you want your characters to learn (the theme). Flip the theme and make it the conflict.

@elisetecco147 3 жыл бұрын

I feel like some of the best romance conflicts are when characters separate because they need time, on their own, to grow. Maybe the conflict is that both characters need to solve their inner conflicts apart from each other, so that when they come back together, they are stronger and their reason for separating doesn't feel forced!

@nahomededeya7286 3 жыл бұрын

The conflict could be the MC finding something (an idea, opportunity, or something that doesn't have to be physical) that leads him to think new ways. But his/her love interest has an exact opposite thing the MC just found.

@jhouserwrites 3 жыл бұрын

I loathe miscommunication because it's so rarely done well.

@Akigirl2004 3 жыл бұрын

- learning to navigate their differences and compromise/understand. - So many stupid fights (especially early on) happen because words mean different things to different people. Your definition of something that appears obvious might not be my definition and for all we know, we could be in total agreement, but based off of our individual understandings, we’re at odds. - friends or family that oppose the relationship. - new job/school opportunity far away - being at odds on an important subject (religion, politics, children, marriage, money, etc) - one going through trauma and pushing everyone away

@thatsummersedits 3 жыл бұрын

I'm currently writing a thriller suspense story and i was struggling with why person A killed person B but i finally know why! So that's awesome!

@traceyking7299 3 жыл бұрын

I'm working on my first book on narcissim and self-recovery. It's a big subject so I am trying to break it down and cover as much as I can.

@mrmidas1398 3 жыл бұрын

Co-write with Abbie!! That could be the next project.

@Seiferboi 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't written in awhile. My current focus is my Etsy shop, since I lost my main job. I don't have transportation and I live in the middle of nowhere, so I'm trying to create a passive income stream so I can eventually go back to writing.

@Cece9090 Жыл бұрын

I would love to have more time to write, 10 months for a book is a reach for me. I work full time (plus on call but that's very sporadic), I commute 40 minutes one way and I own a horse and have a boyfriend with a very social hobby that I try to support. I end up writing more at work then I do at home. I have a bunch of things happening though in a very short time period so hopefully once those are done I'll have the time to sit and write for actual stretches. I also just downloaded the free trial of Scrivener and I'm so excited to use it.

@stronggirlsyndrome 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah. I'm 4 months pregnant and finally made the decision that I have to have a draft before I give birth. There was no time to waste anymore. So I took what Stephen King said (that it shouldn't take more than 3 months to write a draft) and I took a day by day diary and cut the big goal up into the smallest goals I could put down - it turned into 1 chapter a week. I write every day, I make myself sit down with a scene in my head and I write it. I've tried your method of outlining and there is a brief one to know where things go but I realised when I know what happens, I never want to write it so I had to take a new approach. But also...this story is very simple. In fact, I used a version of my own house and town as a setting. Places I go I can take photos of and see my characters there. It really helps to write what you know! For the first time ever, I'm confident I won't only finish a draft but will in 3 months. I'm a few days in and on chapter 2. I always felt aimless and like I took so long to do anything, now I'm suddenly speeding! So here's what I think: You have to discover the method right for you. You have to have clear goals and deadlines and the discipline to stick to them. You have to actually prioritise writing over everything else and not make excuses. I've become that person who tells my fiancee I have to write before I do anything else. Luckily she's a sweetie and supports that with no arguments. Once I get to my scrivener daily word goal of 539 words I can know the rest of the day that I did what I needed to. I'll even go over at times 🤣 yesterday it was over 2000

@stronggirlsyndrome 2 жыл бұрын

Update for anyone who it helps: I did stop for a while, I got stuck and had to regroup. It took me so long in my head to figure out things I needed to do. I worked out my characters desires vs their fears, misbeliefs and changed a couple details to shove them together despite their differences (romance) and I'm back on a roll again. I have reached 10,000 words - aim is 50,000 x

@gregorymartin3997 3 жыл бұрын

I've been at my book for three years now. I'm in the third revision now, and hopefully the last one before I send it off to a literary agent.

@lydiagreenfield4132 3 жыл бұрын

ABBIE where is your dress/shirt from I LOVE IT

@elysiaday144 11 ай бұрын

currently writing a ya fiction about a broken family moving to a central town and the struggles they have as they assimilate into a higher class society, and how a bright friend they encountered allowed them to reflect on their values. i tried to make this story discuss about materialism, authenticity, family and forgiveness but its just an idea and i don't know if i can finish it :( its so difficult

@dawnpoint 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I've been at mine for 15 years... First draft is done, but still TONS of revisions to do...

@williss1192 Жыл бұрын

Writing a book in 27 days is already pretty great

@MrWarrenjc 3 жыл бұрын

It takes about a year and a half to write a book. If course I usually have 20-21K outline. Yes, you read that right. 21K outline. I'm working on my fiction piece at present. Thanks for your paying it forward for us out here.

@JuniorChante 2 жыл бұрын

Nice good luck

@heimerblaster976 3 жыл бұрын

I am about to publish my first book in September 1 2021. "Nicholas270: Saint and Santa" and I have found this site VERY valuable. Thank you Abbie Emmons !!!

@jeaneeelms405 3 жыл бұрын

❤️❤️❤️❤️

@KutWrite 3 жыл бұрын

I belong to a critique group. We meet once a week, so that limits me to 1 chapter /month, but it also keeps me writing. Thus, it takes a year or so to get the 1st draft reviewed and annotated with comments for the next revision. I rewrite it myself, submitting for critique only chapters I'm hazy about. I'm not yet published, as I don't know which route I'll take... probably self. I'm negotiating with an editor right now on my first novel, as I'm seven chapters into the second.

@readbooks28 3 жыл бұрын

was here

@karissa2196 3 жыл бұрын

Heyyyyy, I'm writing a book, and it's where the enemy's first mate is trying to help the prisoner and slowly falls in love. In the end, the first mate is seriously injured and the prisoner realizes that she loves him too. Should he die? Should he live?

@Whassup_slingers 3 жыл бұрын

Should I start making poetry in English as well

@saracanela620 2 жыл бұрын

I'm working on a story I've been working on for 6 years. I don't write every day and I don't even write every month. I am usually binge-write. I don't find most of the lines of the characters memorable. I'm considering writing the outline first now because my pacing is terrible and I want to write more engaging interactions. I post my story on wattpad. Am still making a lot of changes though I published it;;; :)))

@emmacoldwellweber 3 жыл бұрын

It took me about a year. I self published it a week ago and a few days ago the printed version came. ☺️

@gdtownshende 2 жыл бұрын

550 pages! LOL! Your reaction is hilarious! Then again, I've never written anything that long, so what do I know? I think the longest book I've written so far has been about 80k (approx. 320 manuscript pages). I haven't made any progress on my current WIP, but at the moment I'm more enmeshed in a job search, unfortunately. Not an excuse. Just sayin’. My current WIP, though, is planned to be the first book in a trilogy, and I'm hoping - planning? LOL - each book to be about 90k. We’ll see how that goes!

@savannahlowery1161 2 жыл бұрын

I was just wondering how many words creates a page in a book, and how you can choose publishers and designers because I have zero expertise in all of those lol

@katsumi3018 Жыл бұрын

I'm currently writing a high fantasy novel, it is a book I've been trying to write for nearly six years. I'm currently at 12K and I'm so excited to finish it. My goal is 70K - 150K Words. But I'm not sure how long it will be. I'm enjoying the process immensely and I hope I can one day publish it.

@doctorkimcruises 3 жыл бұрын

Early!

@user-gu2ds5un8t 4 ай бұрын

I'm writing my first novel. Just started.

@rachelledellavecchia4951 9 күн бұрын

Good luck on your debut. I started my 5th attempt at my first novel in March this year. I forced myself to stick with this story now and about 30,000 words in my zero draft. Its all about discovering the way I like to write and how my brain works. I love Abbie's video as my main focus is Romance.

@rachelledellavecchia4951 9 күн бұрын

@allisonortiz6334 11 ай бұрын

I honestly plan to write as much as I can because I find that I finish it quicker that way. I then either edit it myself or find someone (or beta readers!) to point out the mistakes so I can fix them.

@authorhazmarazak7602 3 жыл бұрын

Abbie can you do a video on what is important on writing a romance. Does detailed intimacy important in a romance. Will readers pick a book without sex?. And so on pls

@elisetecco147 3 жыл бұрын

I have a question regarding creating characters: I know that a character needs to have a fear that stops them from getting what they desire. However, I always get confused on whether or not their fear is stopping them from getting the thing they THINK is going to make them happy? Or is it stopping them from getting their true need, the thing that is ACTUALLY going to make them happy?

@erynchen2829 2 жыл бұрын

I know this is late but I think she means that your characters is striving to get something they THINK they need but when they actually get what they thought they needed they realize that they’ve been deluding themselves and they start chasing after what they ACTUALLY need before it may be to late. So their fear is probably stopping them from what they ACTUALLY need and driving them to chase false happiness. I hope this helps if you still had the question!

@elisetecco147 2 жыл бұрын

@@erynchen2829 thank you so much for explaining this!! this really helps :)))

@tanneregli6436 3 жыл бұрын

First!!

@thesamuraiman 3 жыл бұрын

💜

@aaronjohnson3726 3 жыл бұрын

The books in my trilogy are 500 pages, 600 pages and 900 pages (the last one needs to be cut down) so what tips do you have to keep motivated to edit them and revise them as they are so long. I keep pushing myself each day to edit and it is going well, but sometimes I feel so uninspired...I love this trilogy and it definitely matters to me:)

@juparula 3 жыл бұрын

Wow that's amazing!!! How long have you been working on it? I am working on planning the first book in what I want to be a series (trilogy or four books maybe, not sure). Did you plan out what would happen throughout the whole trilogy before writing your first book, or did you figure them out one at a time? You should be super proud of yourself, this is a huge accomplishment!

@unicorntomboy9736 3 жыл бұрын

I am working on a new short story that is about street racing in Los Angeles in the year 2007, with the main protagonist called Jack who drives a Mitsubishi Eclipse. I am trying to work out how to begin the story, bit I have felt unmotivated as of late. Does this story idea sound like it would be a compelling story? I want to make a sequel story for my recently completed Monster Hunter fanfiction story by December.