I TRIED WRITING LIKE NORA ROBERTS FOR A DAY // a writing vlog 

UPCOMING "I TRIED WRITING LIKE": Neil Gaiman! Y'all requested it, IT'S GONNA HAPPEN! Let me know who else's routines you'd like me to try in the comments! :)

Nora Roberts writes 4 books in 1 year I take 4 years to write 1 book

*how many books has Nora Roberts written?* "At least 27" I mean, that's not wrong but LMAO

Wow. I mean I DO want to know Nora Roberts' secret, but I was hoping it would be something achievable like 'dance in a meadow with pixies at midnight', not hard work and discipline. Lovelovelove this series, and it's super inspiring because I'm thinking a lot about my routine right now and trying to create better habits. Really looking forward to the Neil Gaiman one!

The thing to remember is that she treats her writing as a job. She puts in a full work day as if she were going into the office. Also, remember, she has had years to build up to this routine. Rome wasn't build in a day and I"m betting her routine wasn't either. Can you imagine her daily word count for Nano? Creative Writerly Blessings!

The fact the she has published 200+ books is mindboggling.

Brandon Sanderson writes about 10 hours a day. The only reason he hasn't got 4 books a year, is because his books are so damn big.

I feel like part of how Nora Robert's writes with so few drafts is that a lot of her works is broadly formulaic. Her paranormal romance trilogies for example. First book, introduce all 6 main characters, introduce villian/ evil force, pair off main characters, set up trilogy plot, first couple gets together, and objective #1 is complete. Second book, learn more about couple #2, learn more about villain, set up couple #3 for 3rd book, have mid-level boss battle, and objective #2 is complete. Third book, all secrets are revealed, couple #3 gets together, villian is confronted and defeated, objective #3 is completed, and the day is saved.

How can 200 novels still be creatively satisfying? How does one not mix up the stories

I think Author Tube should hand out annual rewards for original content. You would win it quite often. :)

Me to my fiancé: I’m going to lay in the bed and read this book Fiancé: Okay, have fun Me: *checks my phone* Me: OHHHHHHHHHHHH KATE CAVANAUGH UPLOADED Fiancé: ...so no reading? Me: Exactly

I'm definitely more of a time person though I think it does depend on the project. You should try C. S. Lewis's or J. K. Rowling's routines if you can

I wanna make an "I tried writing like Kate Cavanaugh for a day" video :)

I think the answer to 'how does she do it' is... she's practiced this routine a LOT. When I've done retreats with zero internet and zero other stuff to do, I get an astounding amount done.

Once you've done a bunch of these, you should compile them into an ultimate writing routine.

I don't know if it's because I've seen a lot of your videos this past week but it feels like you're one of those persons who actually get that you have to work hard to be a writer. So in a sense I feel like you're on the same level as Nora, Haruki and Stephen. Maybe even more admirable because you grew up with social media and can still put it aside. It's not about remembering the experience how it was before Mobile phones. I don't know if that make sense but I think older people are a bit harse on the younger generation who work just as hard but have so much more distractions to overcome. I can't recommend an author because I actually don't know much about the routines of authors 😅. 💛 Great video!

You should try to write like George RR Martin and just have a day off

All these writers and their early morning habits. I don't think I actually fully wake up until about 8pm. Everything done before then is on autopilot, or is me going on a walk in the forest with the dogs, which requires no thought, only photosynthesizing and happiness. My best, most active for being creative, studying, anything at all is easily in the 1am to 3am range. It's the only time I KNOW I'll be left alone, laughs. The distraction topic is interesting to me. I am ... ... by golly I am easily distracted. I have about eight tabs up on youtube where the video is partially watched, but I detoured to watch something else. (Three of them are your videos, since I am new to your channel and am still binging, laughs.) It's not that theres anything wrong with the videos, but you mentioned the page so I typed in to find the article to read it. A third of the way through, I stopped to text it to my sibling because this is actually how they work. Once I was done texting it to them, I clicked back to a youtube page, which was not this one, and is instead about a diy plein air easel. And so on, and so forth. I am very, very easily distracted. But I have to turn that off when I'm working, so my method is to do pomodoro sprints. I have a timer set on my phone. 25 minutes, and I am focused on the given task. (Be it drawing, writing, replying to emails, or doing the social media duty which i struggle with, or even cleaning, returning calls/scheduling things, etc) I am not capable of eight hours sustained attention. I'm not capable of an hour. Honestly, I'm not even capable of 26 minutes, which is why my timer is at 25. By giving myself free reign to put things down and be fully distracted for ten minutes after the 25 work minutes, by telling myself that ALL I have to do is these 25 minutes - it helps me focus and motivates me. And if I'm in the zone when my timer goes off... the ten minute break is actually mandatory. Even if I want to keep drawing, I stop and stretch my wrists, shoulders, back. I take a walk, refill the tea and water. If I'm chomping at the bit to come back to my project, then thats all the better to motivate me to start another 25 minute stretch, tbf It is amazing to me that anyone can just shut down their brain's ability to wander for that many hours a day. But I guess that is also why Nora Roberts touts her discipline, because by golly that is either a massive amount of discipline or an unfathomably neurotypical behaviour that I'm not sure I can even believe is real and not fiction, laughs.

Since you're a morning writer, have you though of taking up the daily routine of Ernest Hemmingway?

Dude “no one would want a signed book” I would lol!

Can't wait for the Neil Gaiman one!

I burned myself out by writing 5k words in a day, so I can't even imagine writing for 7 hours each day, 5 days a week. But I suppose I can't afford it now anyway since I'm still in school. Maybe someday I'll get to that level of dedication.

Yay! You picked Nora Roberts! I'm in the middle of watching the video - but I do remember that she said that sitting and staring at the screen is part of being a writer! So you're good when you do that! ;-)

I think I might try setting hours instead of words. It sounds easier than stressing about a certain word count to reach each day.

honestly tho YOUR work ethic blows me away with every writing vlog.

Can't wait for your book to be published!! I also aspired to become, not just a author, but a prolific author. I wish to publish my first 2 books this year, it seems a little far fetched but being a writer, there's nothing daydreaming can't help 😆😆😆 especially while juggling my new author tube. Btw, you're like the scientist of writer, LOVE your styles 💕💕💕

"3000 words written in the wrong tense" lmao literally me an hour ago. Spent the whole hour fixing the tense and pov issues. I automatically switched from third to first in between the pov. Idk why but it happened. Gonna fix it more after this video lol.

Nora Robers is also so productive because her books are very formula driven. Her characters voices tend to be very similar from one book to another along with her descriptions. This makes them a comforting enjoyable read, but means that after a while they become simpler to write and revise. She has had years of practice. It's like making anything the first 5 times it's difficult and slowly it evolves to easier. This does not discount her discipline, but it is going to be much more brain work as you find your personal stride.

I’m definitely a destination type writer like you (amount of words as the goal rather than time). I see it more as a goal to work towards, whereas telling me I have to write for 30 mins is just like another to-do.

Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark are the reason I started majoring(and teaching) in English Literature. Ive been reading their books since I was literally 7 years old, the first female writers I had ever known. Neil Gaiman was the first male(The Graveyard Book was my love until I was 15 & still is now)

I love her laugh.

I want a signed copy of your future book!!!! (any of your future books, nop, I shoud better say ALL of them) And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one! So this thought of yours *nobody wants a copy of my signed books* (even though you don't have any published yet) delete it asp!! it's not doing you good. Loving your work, keep up with it!

I knew Nora Roberts was a prolific author, but I really had no idea just how prolific. Definitely a newfound respect for her seeing how hard she works and the dedication and self-discipline she has implemented that has allowed her to work as a full time author. I really appreciate you making this videos because I'm going through them right now trying to get inspired for my own writing routine.

absolutely am becoming addicted to this channel! Thank you so much for posting this it is so inspirational!!

Yesssss! I love these “I tried writing like...” vids. Looking forward to checking this out!!!

My absolute favorite RU-vidr ! Definitely deserve more subscribers ❤️!

This is the first video of yours that I've watched. I clicked on it accidentally last summer and since then I think I've watched all your content. Your videos are a major reason for me staying in this hobby when times are hard and they remind me of how much I love writing. From the bottom of my heart; thank you!

for some reason I imagined Nora Roberts writing process include martinis and a chez lounge.

Omg great video I needed this, I had a long day at work but man I always see Nora Roberts books at work all day everyday and keep up the good work YOU CAN DO IT!!!

36 minutes?! I'm here for it!! I've been loving all these writing routine experiment videos Kate!

BLESS YOU FOR HAVING THE BREAD RECIPE!! NOT ONLY ARE YOUR VIDS AWESOME BUT YOU TAKE TIME TO ADD THAT TOO 🙌🙌🙌🙌💗💗💗

Dear Kate! You are such a comfort. And so inspiring and charismatic

I love your videos!!!! It's so nice to see another author who works on multiple projects at once. It makes me feel more normal :p I can't focus on one project long enough to finish it in one go. It's nice to know I'm not the only one!

My dear Kate, you have hit it on the nose! Writing, editing, anything requires stamina. The I WILL is so much stronger than the I CAN...but not today /in this way /without my coffee. I WILL gets so many people across that finish line and all the way to the burger joint and its delightful smoothies. Life is chock full of the need to do what you have never done before, perhaps in a way you've never done it. I mean... I'm not done life, haven't reached the finish line by any means, but you've reminded me of a lesson I've had to learn SO MANY TIMES! Good on ya! Keep stretching your brain! You're the budding genius we all wish we were at your age. ;) Keep learning.

Not only was this video so inspirational but also you are SO pretty

I've watched this two times now and realized I haven't left a comment here! What?! haha! I LOVE these writing videos where you mimic other authors' systems! This one was so hard and I can't imagine how complicated it'd be to stick to writing for that long of a time without distractions! I love how your voice is low when you go "Nora..." lol! Keep these up, Kate!

Hey Kate! If you are interested, I’d love to see you do these challenges over the course of a week and see what you learn from doing it longer. Anywho, great series!! I’m really enjoying watching all of them.

Where have you been all my RU-vid life?! Instantly subscribed.

I'm definitely a goal/distance writer, not an endurance writer. It harkens back to office work for me too much if I frame my thinking around "write for X amount of time"... Never mind the fact that my attention, when I finally get into the groove, often means I focus on the writing for about that long anyway. It's feeling like I'm being forced to do something for a set amount of time that makes my brain rebel!

Hey, Kate! Love the video !!! Love your energy, girl !!! And I'm astounded by Nora's writing routine. It's actually my writing routine ideal if I had her DISCIPLINE and DRIVE. BUT I think I know what Nora means by "NO DISTRACTIONS AT ALL" Writing is like a CALL and it's hard to get back on the line if you keep GETTING UP, even to make yourself another soothing coffee that may ease your anxiety that your muse won't pick up the phone today. I've lost count how many times you GOT UP and broke the line. But I got you, I do the same myself. Sitting down and calling our muse requires courage and tons of courage to STAY on the line coaxing her to give more and more...

Hi Kate! New subscriber and I’m already obsessed, only a few videos in. Nora Roberts is a BEAST so I totally commend you for giving her tips a try. Can’t wait to see what ends up working best for you

Really enjoying these "I tried writing like" videos. I'd also like to see videos about you trying to implement aspects you liked in to your regular writing routine. Maybe a 1 week later follow up or something to milk the concept for all its worth while also motivating you to make the changes you said you know you should make? As for time vs results based goals. I find time based ones much easier to stick. Mainly because working slowly through a difficult task or persevering on a day when I just can't concentrate is still valued. A results based approach makes starting hard tasks feel more daunting and makes the hardest days look like days I was slacking off. I totally get the other side though.

Love these videos. Can't wait for the next one.

I definitely enjoyed the video! I write by the hours too (6-7hrs) a day hand-writing. I absolutely love spending the time in my own novel worlds!! It makes me feel so alive 😄

So, I have been kinda binge-watching your writing experiment vlogs and I gotta say, I really enjoy listening to you talk about the writing life. And watching you so the writing thing. It's such a solitary job and it's so consoling to listen to someone else tall about.. writing ish. Lol! Your experiments make me want to try a few and enjoy a different approach to writing. Thank you!

I really like this series!!! Im still trying to find some kind of routine that works for me and it's so interesting to know how other writers do it.

I wanted to ask for a "trying to write like R.L.Stine", but then I saw, that you already did it! I love R.L.Stine (Goosebumps) And your videos and especially this format!💗💗💗💗💗

“A shit ton of books, she has published.” And a shit ton of them I have read! Never clicked on a video so fast before.

GAH, Im LOVING your videos. How didnt I find you sooner! Ive been sucked into authortube and its motivating me to continuenmy story as much as I love to procrastinate lmao. Edit: Also I see you have HEB, howdy fellow Texan, yeehaw 🤠

I just picked up a Nora Roberts book today, at my library. It's called "Stars of Fortune." Thank you, Kate, for introducing me!

Kate, these videos have been so cool! I hope you're making good progress on your projects while experimenting :)

Love this series! I've binged nearly them all today. You should do a writing as you lol - whats your usual routine for writing :) thanks for posting!

I don't usually write stories, I am a poet. For me, poetry requires five things, time away from the house, a walk or drive through the woods/countryside, and atmosphere, then not being hungry, thus I tend to write in mexican restaurants, after I eat, they don't bother you while you are writing, and the fifth thing is entrancing myself, a kind of zen feeling, that has nothing to do with the occult or magic or supernatural channeling, instead its about my whole being becoming super sensitive and passionate, but not exaggeratedly so. I think it is more like taking yourself into a beautiful park, and then finding a rusty gate having fallen open, and you walk down that overgrown path where wild flowers and strange colored trees grow, and suddenly you find a walled garden full of weeds and flowers and lichen crusted statues of angels and fairies. You find a pool with clear rain water in it, sit down beside it, and instead of seeing your reflection, you see the intensity of the past, the present and hopes for the future. You, (me), see your painful moments of being beaten as a child and constantly belittled, then you see and feel that moment when you stood up to them and you felt like a giant and powerful. And then I remember the first poems I wrote, so cheesy, but nice, and then I recall the weird feelings I got when certain days were odd, where all the colors seemed like neon, and crisp, and the air smelled of a hundred different things, and movement and walking were effortless and my energy level was smooth and strong. I find a thought or scene that made me stare in awe, and I expand it, and write it down, and don't worry about rhyming too much, if at all. Then I go back over it, reading it softly to my ears, because when you do that, you can hear the places where the words trip over themselves, and you can smooth it out. Rhythms also pop out and alliterations, and thus you can add to them or subdue them to keep the poem true to its theme. There used to be a college café called The Edge, that was decorated like a Pier One store, and full of coffee and spiced tea smells, and the lighting was cozy and lantern like. Spices and lanterns, that is my favorite atmosphere to write in. I wanted to share this with you because maybe it will help you i your writing career, and if you ever wanna get serious about poetry. One thing to remember about poetry, there are two kinds, psuedo poetry, which is political and a mockery of true poetry, and the other is real poetry, where you come away after reading it feeling like the author has taken you somewhere, much like a good novel. Recently, I watched a Shaelin writes video on her editing of her holding a ghost story, and I left a comment on why she may have gotten a burned out feeling while editing. After explaining my theory, I ended it with the idea that clichés are not to be avoided, but I didn't expand on it enough. Everything is a cliché now, life is a cliché. Instead of dismissing them to write alien and unrelatable prose, we can elevate the cliché, like a chef can elevate a dish to something beautiful and exotic and with more flavor. We can take a burger and add mushrooms, uncommon sauces, a pickle relish, etc, and instead of boring fries, we can make skin on fries with a coating of Moroccan spices. I asked, why is game of thrones so popular, and that she already truly knew the answer. But I will say it here. It was fantasy food, raw, with surprising moments. In the first showing, what we thought was a main character, the king's young son, was unceremoniously thrown off a tower window ledge. It was a cliché, the king's son being killed, or so we thought, elevated, no pun intended, to new heights. The word cliché should be erased from the dictionary and replaced with the phrase going through the motions. Because that is what makes a book or poem boring, when all we do is go through the motions, routinely, same ol' same ol'. That's what makes mysteries boring, its not the gathering in one room to reveal the murderer that is boring, it is the motive that is boring, and the perfect spotting of clues, instead of sharing the journey with a partner. It is an arrogant detective instead of a humble detective, or one that appreciates others. It is a detective without flaws of their own, such as a handicap, or a bad memory, lol, or one that dresses like a Goodwill thrifter (me, lol), or one that is ugly or homely, (also me). Not everyone is beautiful, in fact, everyone has flaws, but it's their smiles and sense of humor that make them look beautiful. You can also get bad writing advice and it will mess you up. James Blish, a wonderful Star Trek writer once said, pick out the person who is being hurt the most, and write from their perspective. A song writer gave a lecture and said, make sure your song is about praising a lover, but if you do write a song about you, make sure you are super good looking, super smart, and living a rock star life in your song, because the general public want narcissistic lyrics or lyrics that feed their narcissism. Both of these guys, though very published, are wrong. Both made lots of money, but they are wrong. Both are talented, but they are wrong. The world is not generally narcissistic, nor is it always wanting to be someone hurt feeling better at the end, or more relatable. Those two characteristics are found instead, in artists themselves, and thus, more relatable to them. The real world wants Game of Thrones, XFiles, good Star Trek, good Star Wars, Harry Potter, they want excitement, funny, elevated life moments, tender moments, not preaching, not politics, not agendas, they want love, hope, villains to be vanquished, heroes that are flawed like them, and who are witty. They want to be like you and your friend Brooke. I hope this helps, and if so, let me know. Have a good weekend!

Your videos popped up in my recommended on a late night binge for some writing inspiration. Hopped back on to finish watching your videos today because I’ve been enjoying your “I write like ... for a day” series so much. I’ve only JUST realised your name is Kate Cavanaugh. I’m commonly known as Kate so I now I’m pretty sure we’re all living in a simulation. Thanks for the videos and the crisis of identity!!

Loved this video, first video of yours that I have watched. Found this video by searching for ‘writing vlogs‘ and I would have to say that this has been very motivating. Thanks for making this video 😊👍

I hope Nora Roberts sees this video someday because this is such a great tribute to her! And thanks for the recipe!!!

Really enjoying your videos! You have such a lovely personality. Also, good luck with writing :)

I admire the fact that you took this challenge on! I personally want to be as prolific as Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb also.

First off: Nora is like one of my all time favorite writers!! Also, does she really not have a ghost writer?? I’m soo impressed!

i love this!! thanks girl!

I love when Nora Roberts goes off on the internet. She totally deserves her fame. I never knew her writing routine, but she's writer goals!! I don't think I could do 9-3, but to each their own. She's definitely earning her millions. Can't wait for more writing routines!!

I've loved every video in this series and am excited for Neil Gaiman! I'm definitely more of a goal word count or chapter person rather than a number of hours because I work differently everyday and like to cross off a to-do list. I would be super interested (and perhaps this something you've talked about previously - I'm quite new to your channel) in hearing about how you make money as a writer or how you got started writing full-time. I currently have a full time job on top of writing but I'm hoping to be a writer full time. I always have this expectation that I will make 0 money and really struggle. Your process and your struggle through getting your work out there would be helpful and interesting. Plus how much you make etc if that isn't a sensitive topic.

I am totally a "distance" writer. Sitting down to write 1,667 words for the day is so much easier and more productive for me than needing to work for a set amount of time... maybe I'm just very easily distracted, lol! I absolutely love this series, by the way! It's so fascinating! Like the authors you've done so far, I work well on a schedule as well... but unfortunately I have a schedule that varies day to day. Maybe one day I can have a set writing routine! Looking forward to your next video!

Nora Roberts she's amazing. I can't believe she wrote so many books. Btw love your videos😍. Especially these ones: write like an author for a day. Thank you for your content😘

I'm deeeefinitely more on the distance side of things, reaching a goal for words and then calling it a day. I'm also a huge procrastinator though, which is why I'm here watching this video when I told myself I'd write before going to bed! Going to write 100 new words right now.

My old DOS computer has word perfect on it. Been years since I saw it mentioned. I very much considering trying some of the writing like other people you’ve been doing. Looks fun.

5:44-who does that?! I love how goofy you are! It's so refreshing!

Omg I love these videos so much, Kate! I love the idea of trying well known authors' writing habits/routines, haha! I've read articles about people doing it, but seeing you vlog about it makes it seem actually fun/doable. Especially when I'm trying to build a routine for myself and figure out what works and what doesn't for me, it would be interesting to see if any of these established writing routines could help me. Do you mind if I follow along with your series and do my own versions, maybe twist it up a bit or something? I just love your vids and they really motivate me to do more and experiment more with my writing. Great job as always! And thank you so much for sharing! :D

I started watching authortube when I did my first NaNo in 2017, but somehow just found your channel! I've been binge-watching it all week :)

Loving this series!

I love these videos so much :D

Hiya!! I'm just discovering this channel, and I must say, your struggles to learn from iconic successful authors is fun to watch. It seems to fall somewhere between the many "Paint with Me" and "Study with Me" videos I've enjoyed over the years. The only thing I wish could be part of it is somehow actually seeing the work as it evolves, although I'm not sure how that could work. It seems like you've learned in this video, that you're more of a goal-based achiever than a time-block-based achiever. There's something to be said for knowing that, rather than trying to fight it. By the way, I'm not a writer, and every one of your speed-typing sequences seemed almost as magical to me as your magically-appearing omelette, but it's still relate-able in that we all have to push ourselves to do things at one point or other, even things which float our respective boats.

OMG. This is so funny. The thumping on the table, drinking coffee, and looking at the phone.. that is so me..

I don't understand morning people... I've had to get up early for most of my life. When I can work at night, I'm much happier. Good job with this video! I'd love to read your work. You are so cute and peppy! Give me some of your energy.

I love this Im going to watch the rest of these videos! :)

Dude, I need to find the discipline factor when it comes to writing! And I agree with Nora on routine. I think if I discovered a routine THAT I'D ACTUALLY STICK TO, then I'd actually finish my book lol

This was fascinating! If I had to guess I would say I’m more time oriented than distance oriented. I think bc I never know how long it might take me to finish a task and so I like the idea of setting a time goal and being able to stop versus working on something for hours and hours and still not being finished.

I love this vlog series so much. 😄

I found you this morning and I adore your personality and the way you vlog is easy to follow. New subber here!

I love these “I tried writing like” videos.

This is a very very interesting style of video. I love it and now I'm gonna watch the rest lol 💖🤙🏿

Saving the document over and over without change had me dying!! I literally did that today 😂

This has already been 3 years since you posted this? OMG! Just popped into my feed and I thought I would help the algorithm along a little.

I absolutely love watching your videos. I actually started waking up at 4 to start a routine to finish my story.

Good luck on your books! Excited to read project death... all good things in their time though! 8-)

Also, wow, I just noticed how pretty your eyes are. Im actually jealous of your colors hahah

I feel you on those afternoon naps!

What an inspiring and entertaining video! 😊 Thanks for sharing!

New sub! This is fun to watch! I totally get you on the writing sprint. Some scenes just suck all of your energy away. Btw.. I gotta say, the main distraction you had in the video was talking to the camera. LOL

I agree Nora Roberts is an inspiration for me as a writer because she just keeps pumping them out - also Christine feehan and Janet evanovich